One of today’s hottest celebrities is pop sensation Britney Spears, and in early 2007, one of the hottest topics about the singer was speculation about the latest Britney Spears hair style.
Britney’s Popularity
Britney Jean Spears was born December 2, 1981 in Mississippi, but the country girl moved to Louisiana as a child. From an early age, her musical talent and flirtatious good looks were apparent, and she launched her career in the public eye when she was just 11 by appearing on the Mickey Mouse Club. At age 17 the pop star emerged as a talented singer and debuted her first album, which instantly catapulted her onto the pop charts and into the position of a fashion and style trendsetter.
As Britney grew up under the public’s scrutiny on stage, she began generating regular controversies by shifting from the girl-next-door look to sexy pop diva. Her clothing, dance routines, and songs gradually became more suggestive, and in 2004 – after marrying Kevin Federline – she took a break from her singing career to indulge her desire to become a young mother. After having two children in two years, she filed for divorce from Federline in November 2006, citing irreconcilable differences for the split.
Pledging to return to pop stardom, Britney reveled in her newly single status, rapidly regaining both notoriety as a stylish single and resentment as an inappropriate role model for the young girls who idolized her. In February 2007, Britney appeared to break under the pressure and eventually checked into a rehabilitation center to seek help.
Britney’s Popularity
Britney Jean Spears was born December 2, 1981 in Mississippi, but the country girl moved to Louisiana as a child. From an early age, her musical talent and flirtatious good looks were apparent, and she launched her career in the public eye when she was just 11 by appearing on the Mickey Mouse Club. At age 17 the pop star emerged as a talented singer and debuted her first album, which instantly catapulted her onto the pop charts and into the position of a fashion and style trendsetter.
As Britney grew up under the public’s scrutiny on stage, she began generating regular controversies by shifting from the girl-next-door look to sexy pop diva. Her clothing, dance routines, and songs gradually became more suggestive, and in 2004 – after marrying Kevin Federline – she took a break from her singing career to indulge her desire to become a young mother. After having two children in two years, she filed for divorce from Federline in November 2006, citing irreconcilable differences for the split.
Pledging to return to pop stardom, Britney reveled in her newly single status, rapidly regaining both notoriety as a stylish single and resentment as an inappropriate role model for the young girls who idolized her. In February 2007, Britney appeared to break under the pressure and eventually checked into a rehabilitation center to seek help.
From Loose to Luscious
Just as her life has been through many stages, so too has Britney Spears’ hair style undergone many transformations to match her widely varied roles and appearances. Britney is a natural brunette, but her characteristic sunny blonde locks are the result of careful coloring and blonde hair highlights. The different stages of Britney’s hair include:
* Short to medium length straight, simple locks while she was younger.
* Longer, wavy styles with multiple layers tapered to her face shape as she cultivated a sexier image.
* Long bangs brushed over her eye or off to the side for a sultry frame to her eyes and oval-shaped face.
* Practical loose ponytails and basic hair accessories as a young mom.
Not only has Britney changed her hair color, but Britney Spears’ hair style is the result of frequent hair extensions that give her more flexibility with her style and guarantee she can sport the long, luscious locks she has integrated into her style. Unfortunately, the harsh chemical treatments to maintain her blonde hair and the stress of the extensions have taken their toll, and many people speculate that her hair is severely damaged by such rough treatment.
Getting a Britney Spears Hair Style
Many girls – preteens and teenagers in particular – adore Britney Spears’ hair style and work to create their own Britney-esque look. While the harsh styling techniques that give Britney her characteristic hair styles are not the best option for most individuals, there are certain things anyone can do to emulate this pop princess’s hair.
* Britney Spears’ hair styles are almost always worn loose and long. The process to grow your hair long can take years, but it is a better alternative than costly extensions. Girls with short hair can still emulate much of Britney’s style, however.
* Layers are essential to Britney’s look. The layers should be carefully tapered toward the chin, framing the face without adding excessive volume, and the outer layer of hair should be the longest.
* Highlights add texture and dimension to Britney’s style. Multiple highlight colors should be used, but they should coordinate with the overall sunny shade of blonde she favors (or with whatever hair base color you have for a blended look).
* Add waves to straight hair by using a large-barreled curling iron to create loose ringlets, and do not brush them out completely – styling with fingers will be more effective.
* When styling, use hair spray or hair gel to tame frizz and keep hair sleek but falling in assorted locks.
* The hair should be worn loose and tossed about the shoulders for care-free Britney appeal.
Sporting sun-kissed locks this season, she continues to have hair I think a lot of women wish they had. I'd love to know how she styles it- it has just the right amount of volume, toussle and bounce to it. The curls are defined, but not fussy. I also wonder if she has extensions, since her hair seems too good to be true (especially after going lighter, which typically causes damage). Someone told me the other day that my makeup reminds them of the way Olivia wears hers. While I certainly don't think I look even close to as polished as she does, I realized that we do wear makeup in a similar way. Perhaps that is why I am so drawn to her "look." 
She seems to line her eyes with dark brown liner (like I do- I use MAC fluidline gel liner in "Dipdown") and she always has bronzed skin with pink blush on her cheeks and soft, pink lips. I love certain celebritiy makeup looks because they remind me of the colors I like to use and the looks I try to achieve. I even used a gorgeous photo of Hayden Panitierre that I ripped out of a celebrity weekly to show my wedding makeup artist, and she replicated the look for me (the one below is smilar to, but not the exact photo I used). 
Then then of course, there is my beloved Cheryl Cole, who's makeup (and hair) I covet so much that I am determined to somehow find out which products she uses. I may have to hit up some British tabloids at the bookstore...after all, there must be a UK equivilant of "US Weekly." 
Rachel Bilson's makeup always looks perfect- and I read somewhere that she usually does it herself! I notice she tends to stick to a more classic look- black or brown lined eyes, soft cheek color and pink lips. 
Which celebrity's makeup do you always find yourself admiring? I can think of so many more examples, including Rachel McAdams- always stunning no matter how her makeup is done. Leave me a comment and let me know who's makeup style you covet most- and who's reminds you the most of how you do your own makeup. 
Rachel Bilson
