By Rebecca Hill
Fashion trends are constantly evolving; every generation has its approach to flair and finesse. Women of the 1950s were iconic with light eyeliner and full, below-the-knee, A-line skirts worn with a pixie cut or big curls; women of the ‘60s were a bit more progressive, boasting thicker eyeliner and fitted, short miniskirts with beehive up-dos, long straight tresses, and cute bobbed haircuts. Ladies of the ‘70s introduced themselves with heavy make-up, bright eye shadows, bell-bottom jeans, and A-line miniskirts paired with Farrah Fawcett’s voluptuous waves. Those trends were pushed to the edge with the even bolder, non-traditional patterns and towering hairstyles of the ‘80s, leading to the popular phrase: “The higher the hair, the closer to God.”
While apparel, cosmetics, accessories, and viral hair trends vary in duration and impact, generally most fads return in one form or another; younger generations take pride in utilizing vintage designs and integrating them into their eclectic wardrobe. Some trends are molded by the state of the economy of a period, an intriguing concept to consider. Take skirts, for example; shorter skirts are reflective of a thriving economy when spirit and motivation are high. However, when the general population is struggling to make ends meet, longer, more conservative, and modest skirts are preferred.
Even though each year unfolds with fresh new hairstyles and color themes, some people prefer to keep the same appearance due to functionality or comfort; this is where practicality meets aesthetics. Often this mindset can be related to an individual attempting to maintain a nostalgic time of peace or joy in their life. In that case, a mild update, adaptation, or subtle “tweak” to your existing style can be exactly what is desired. Diane Graham, owner of Without Limits Boutique, Gifts and Tanning in Irmo, is passionate about providing superior services and trending materials for her clients while remaining within the boundaries of their budget and personal preferences. “We offer the more mature customer personalized attention and expert guidance in creating or updating their wardrobe,” she explains. Those looking for fashion inspiration will be amazed by the wide variety of purses, clothing, shoes, delicate jewelry, and signature items offered at the prestigious boutique.
An increase in hair accessories will continue throughout 2024, according to Catherine Santino, contributing writer for People Magazine, and there are multiple fun and sassy solutions for hair loss or thinning hair.
Over the last few decades, we have witnessed stark, contrasting foundational shades transform into a more neutral, natural, flowing color pallet with three-dimensional contouring concepts. Susan Mills, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics and Hair Studio in Chapin, is ready to give you a complete makeover, update your hairstyle, or provide options such as extensions, wigs, bangs, or ponytails that will leave you feeling fresh, youthful, and revived.
Staying “ahead of the curve” is critical in the ever-evolving world of beauty aesthetics; the best approaches take into consideration your desired look, budget, and stage of life and supplement those features with artistic, innovative techniques and expert skills. Today’s aesthetic spas provide luxury services including manicures, pedicures, hair salon services, massages, and even medical spa treatments—all that is needed to make one feel pampered and relaxed. “Every woman has something beautiful about her,” says Marie Keeton, owner of Aquarius Spa and Salon in Chapin. “We focus on enhancing a person’s natural beauty from the latest hair trends to treating the skin on a deeper level with the latest technologies and no downtime for our clients. We want them to feel special.”
Each season beauty enthusiasts eagerly anticipate cutting-edge materials, colors, patterns, and innovative techniques that can be integrated into their own individuality. The way you present yourself tells a story that leaves a lasting impression on those around you, so let your imagination soar! Here’s to a glorious spring season of creativity, growth, and boundless possibilities.