Soft-wave hair inspiration from Kelly Lin: color, partings and everyday upkeep

If you want to change the look of long hair, you don’t have to cut it short first. Kelly Lin's recent style uses soft ripples along the middle and ends of her hair to make her long dark hair layered under the light. It also provides a hairstyle idea suitable for autumn and winter clothing: retain the length, adjust the parting line, curl position and hair color.

Here her style is used as inspiration, and then extended to the changes in cool tea brown, sunset orange, caramel brown and bangs in other designers' works. Not all of the pictures are of Kelly Lin herself, nor does it mean that just taking the same photo will have the same result; the hair quality, volume and usual arrangement method are the starting point for discussion with the stylist.

Key facts

• Key points of styling: soft waves, moderate fluffiness, and retaining the extended lines of long hair.
• Hair color inspiration includes cool tea brown, sunset orange and caramel brown, which is not a complete list of the artist's own dyes.
• Thin and soft, coarse, natural curls and dyeing and perming histories are different, and the layers and curls should be evaluated separately.

First decide where to start the curling

Also called soft waves, starting from the roots, sides of the face or in the middle of the hair will bring different contours. If you want to keep the neatness on the top of your head, you can first discuss the curvature from the middle to the end of your hair; if you want to have a softer line on the side of your face, you can adjust the parting lines and layers around your face instead of just increasing the curl of your entire head.

Center parting, side parting and thin bangs will also change the visual focus. When communicating with the stylist, you can provide photos that you like and dislike at the same time, and point out that what you care about is fluffiness, curl size, or thickness of bangs. It will be easier to formulate an executable plan than just saying "I want to make my face smaller."

How do cool tea brown, sunset orange and caramel brown compare?

Cool tea brown has a low-key foggy feel, which can make the light and dark changes of long hair more detailed; sunset orange is expressed in a warmer and brighter direction. If you want to reduce the sense of presence, you can discuss adding brown; caramel brown provides another warm layer, suitable for contrasting with ordinary clothes and makeup.

Hair color photos will be affected by the light source, post-processing and original hair base. It is not advisable to decide the dye based on the color on the screen. Especially when you want to deal with new hair, old dyed hair, and hair color differences at the same time, you should first confirm the achievable color range and whether it needs to be done in stages. It is not expected that the dyeing and perming can be completed in one time.

Daily tidying time should also be factored into hairstyle selection

Before choosing a hairstyle, consider how much time you are willing to spend on blow-drying in the morning, whether you usually use a diffuser or curling iron, and whether you can maintain a suitable washing and care routine. If the curl you like requires extensive styling and is inconsistent with your own life rhythm, it is often difficult to maintain it for a long time.

When blow-drying, you can keep the curl direction according to the stylist's recommendations. Start adjusting the styling products from a small amount to avoid adding too much to thin hair at once. If the ends of your hair are dry or have been dyed and permed multiple times, evaluate the hair condition before planning the next step; styling is a personal choice, and there is no need to use "age reduction" as the only criterion for success.

Questions and answers

Are the pictures all featuring Kelly Lin?

No. Her style is the starting point, and the hairstylist's work is used as a reference for hair color and curl. Each picture retains the signature of the individual source.

Can fine hair be made into long wavy hair?

You can discuss with the stylist about the more appropriate layers, curl positions and finishing methods. You cannot judge by the name of the hairstyle alone.

Can I take photos and have the dyeing and perming done in one go?

You should first check the hair quality and dyeing and perming history, and then decide the order and achievable range. It is not advisable to ensure that it is completed at one time.

Related reading

• MEOVV-inspired makeup: subtle under-eye definition, blush and better tools
• KATE Lip Monster Q arrives October 24: three shades and a creamier finish