EARTH ENERGY, like the expression, "he's down to earth," suggests easy nature, relaxed, uncomplicated. To be earthy is to bear a certain aura of comfort with one's self. Earth energy has to do with curves and roundness. It operates with a certain centeredness, like a deeply rooted tree that grows in and out of the earth, it emanates an energy of order and harmony. An earthy person is someone who is at home with themselves, who displays self-confidence with being in their own skin. Earth energy is associated with the home of the Self, and in the body, that's the stomach and the spleen, the distribution center of our bodies that transports the fuel and nourishment, and assimilates our food. The Chinese say the emotions associated with the Earth element are sympathy and compassion. When we're able to receive emotional nourishment and circulate it in our life, we're in a healthy state of operation. When you say, "I can't stomach that," you're saying I can't take that in. You can't digest it. That's when you're not getting your emotional needs fulfilled. Eliminating toxic foods and emotions in your life will bring balance to your body, mind and soul. Getting in touch with your Earth element can be a time of reassessing your place in life, the roles you play, even a path that no longer suits you.

EARTH STYLE has a raw beauty and sensuality. People who express an earth style like to wear warm browns, tans, rich golden tones, forest greens, and burgundy wines. They like things a bit messy and loose in nature, but they're always warm and receptive. Brad Pitt is a perfect earthy guy. His earthy nature is reflected in his relaxed smile, clothes, and hair, a real Mid-Western "home-boy" from the country. Earth hairstyles reflect an undone texture, colors kissed by the sun, or rich of the earth, and shapes that express shakable freedom. People who enjoy earth style look for products that are simple, healthy, organic, and a style that isn't too stiff, or controlled. Their motto is; Easy and natural!

FIRE ENERGY is like the burning energy from the Sun. Fire energy represents action and outward movement. Remember the Chinese metaphor of the young tree? It continues to reach out, to become stronger, reaching for the Sun's nourishment. Its energy is associated with circulation, and is governed by the heart, the very center of passion and the emotions of love. Fire energy in a healthy state, means following your hearts desire, being able to give and receive love, and how you move out into the world. This is why it relates to our teenage years, the generation that marks new style, and has new thoughts and attitudes. When our Fire energy is out of balance, we become angry, frustrated and resentful. Fire energy teaches us to break away and express our own individuality, whether it's bobby socks, greased back hair, afros, rock and roll with bellbottom jeans, or purple hair and belly rings. Every generation has its fire. Getting in touch with your Fire element means asking, "who do you desire to be?" Then get fired-up with enthusiasm to make it happen. The Fire element is about creating a new direction in life, expressing a passionate feeling, or an idea.

FIRE STYLE loves new trends, new ideas and the road less traveled. It's outrageous, wild and untamable, like a wild horse that needs to be free. People who express their Fire element love bright colors, with an eclectic mix of shapes and textures. They are always comfortable at being the center of attention at a party, and inspire others to change with new ideas, as they are the trendsetters of fashion. Madonna is the perfect example of fire style, always reinventing herself with a new hairstyle and image to go with her new music. She constantly seeks to express herself in a new form - it's usually outrageous, and we love her for it. Fire style people are more than comfortable with unusual hair shapes, and won't blink at a combination of bold fun colors in their hair. When it comes to buying products, they will want one of everything, as they love to experiment with their hair, constantly seeking change and moving down the road less traveled. Their motto is; Freedom, individuality, and variety for the spice in life!

WATER ENERGY, a force expressed through the millenniums, as the "thirst for life," It refers to the fountain of youth, the beauty that brings life itself. When we spend time by a lake, ocean, stream, or even a pond, we feel tranquil, reflective, and intuitive. Water refreshes and invigorates us. It represents all fluid movements in the body, the flow of blood, lymphatic system, even tears, saliva and sexual secretion all represent the Water element. The Bladder and Kidneys govern the Water element. When The Water element is in balance, its energy is supple and flowing through the body - out of balance, it's dehydrated, dry and brittle. The emotion of fear and worry are associated with the Water element. Feeling overwhelmed are signals from our Spirit to calm down, and not let the picture in life get so big that you can't manage it. It's also about conserving your energy with rest, an essential beauty tip, and getting to sleep early helps this process. The element of Water bathes the entire cellular structure of the body. That's why it's so important to replenish the body with pure water. Cleansing the body make our eyes bright and our skin glow.

WATER STYLE is soft, romantic, and expresses a quiet nature. People who express a Water style enjoy soft music, candlelight, and intimate conversation. They're not very wild, but they are very passionate when it comes to love. Taking herbal steamy baths and curling up with a good book, or snuggling with your mate, is expressing your Water element. Water style people love long hair, curls, or waves that quietly express their beauty. They like soft colors and poetic dialog. Julia Roberts expresses perfect Water style with her gentle smile, romantic curls and soft eyes. Water style people look for tousled curls, whimsical style, and feathery shapes that display their alluring femininity, or masculine sensuality. Because their style is one of simple beauty, they want products and services that will last, and give their hair shine and manageability. Their motto is; Life must be sensual, reflective and loving!

AIR ENERGY is symbolic with the phrases, "she has an air about her", or "she's a gem, a precious beauty and lasting treasure." The energy of Air has beauty and strength to it. People who express a strong sense of self, and have a strong body are expressing Air energy. Clear communication and sharp metal energy has to do with Air energy, like electricity, it conducts the communication network that flows through the body. Emotional strength signifies good balance in the Air energy, as does clear communication, heard in the voice's clarity and tone. When the Air energy is out of balance, a raspy throat or incoherent speech can occur. Without having the proper minerals, our body and mind loses structure and endurance, causing an imbalance, with problems such as muscle spasms, rigidity, or a lack of emotional strength. The phrase, "he leaves me breathless," also signifies the element of Air, like taking in a breathtaking view that leaves a certain "ah" in our body. Our breath is essential to life, and it's no wonder the Lungs and Large Intestines govern the Air element. Both allow this vital life force to flow and replenish our energy. Far too often, we forget to pay attention to the quality of our breathing. Yoga is wonderful for balancing the rhythm of the breath. When we're out of balance, we hold our breath, cutting off the very thing we need to live. In balance, our breath is smooth and full. The emotion of grief is associated with the Air element, so when you hear yourself sigh, take note that your Air element is calling for attention. Make each day a cleansing day for your body and emotions, and with each inhale bring in new life, and with each exhale eliminate unwanted emotions, and all the other stuff that builds up in your mind and body. Let it go and renew, right down to a cellular level.

AIR STYLE enjoys a sophisticated expression, with classic lines, solid colors, a quick wit and a sharp tongue. People who are smart, straightforward, to the point, and command attention, are expressing a strong Air style. Audrey Hepburn, in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" demonstrated the perfect expression of Air style. She was bright, beautiful and elegant. She had an "air" about her, her own timeless beauty that few could match. Air style people know what they want, and expect perfection. They want hair shapes that are well balanced with clean lines and pristine hair color that gets a salon tune-up on a regular basis. When they make a change, it's for a long time! They are very loyal people, and immaculate about their personal style. They want to be told exactly how to recreate and maintain their style, with specific products and tools to do the job at home. Their motto is; Give me order, control and perfection, please!

After years of consulting with people all over the world, I've realized, to be a successful stylist, my work had to be more than a pretty hair do - and it didn't work unless it captured the inner essence of a person. Each element has its own unique quality, and style of expression. THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE(tm) offer us an inner guidance to our beauty and well being, encouraging us to explore our mind, body and Spirit.. I've learned, a person's style is usually multi-dimensional. They can reflect one, two, maybe all the elements at different times. I found that matching the different elements together during the consultation helped me, and my clients to find the perfect style that could transform from work into play. Whether its in the boardroom, or off to the ball - style is a personal expression and needs to be considered and created individually. Hairdressers have a unique opportunity to touch a person's emotional, physical and spiritual being. This is a Sacred place, and it should be treated with reverence. So explore, capture your personal style, with THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE - and change the way you look and feel forever!

-Teri Donnelly

To learn more about each element click to The Elements of Style Chart, or take the Elements of Style Indicator Test(tm).