It is believed that 85% of women in America have some color on their hair. Coloring can rack up a good price tag, so there are a few ways to elongate the time between treatments:
1. Color enhancing shampoo and conditioner--I like Bumble and Bumble, Aveda, John Frieda, DevaColor, and L'Oreal for this. They deposit and enhance color without leaving your towel brown, red, or yellow.
2. Glaze. A few years back, John Frieda released at home glaze treatments in the standard colors of red, blond, and brunette, as well as clear. Once a week, for ten minutes before a shampoo, saturate your hair with the glaze. It will boost color and shine (which reflects light and helps grow out to blend) but, be aware, it also can get messy.
3. Colored dry shampoo/hair powder. Yes, it does exist. I am still on the lookout for one I like so stay tuned...
4. Utilize your stylist's knowledge. Get a color closer to your own and, for those of you with a lot of gray hair, have highlights blended in to soften the grow out between treatments.
Find a "recipe" that works for you and you can preserve your color more and spread out the time (and budget) between coloring.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Feed Your Hair
Deep conditioning is a great way to jam-pack a bunch of nutrients and feed them to your hair. But, do not forget that healthy hair comes from within. Eat a balanced diet with protein (but, naturally splurge on occasion!), take multi-vitamins with a good dose of vitamin D, and let your hair have some sunlight. There is a new theory out that your scalp feeds on vitamins D and A and 10-15 minutes of quality sun exposure is believed to reduce dry scalp and dandruff.
Eat hearty for you and your hair!
Eat hearty for you and your hair!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Let's Be Deep
Ah, deep conditioning, how I love thee!
For me there is only one way to deep condition: patiently. I shampoo and put some "normal" condition from mid-hair to ends. Then, I slather on the deep stuff. I have a lot of hair and you want thorough saturation so I need quite a bit. Then, I put my hair in a shower cap, wrap it in a towel, and watch a movie. The elongation of time and the heat (between your head, the shower cap, and the towel) will help the conditioner to work. Then, I rinse it out using my plastic mug and style as usual. (Leaving the deep conditioner on overnight is very nice, too!)
Morrocan Oil makes a great hair masque and my new favorite is MyHoneyChild's Olive You Deep. But, Neutrogena's Triple Moisture and Garnier Fructis's masque are also really good options.
For best results, deep condition at least once a month, semi-monthly in the winter, and weekly if your hair is damaged or stressed.
For me there is only one way to deep condition: patiently. I shampoo and put some "normal" condition from mid-hair to ends. Then, I slather on the deep stuff. I have a lot of hair and you want thorough saturation so I need quite a bit. Then, I put my hair in a shower cap, wrap it in a towel, and watch a movie. The elongation of time and the heat (between your head, the shower cap, and the towel) will help the conditioner to work. Then, I rinse it out using my plastic mug and style as usual. (Leaving the deep conditioner on overnight is very nice, too!)
Morrocan Oil makes a great hair masque and my new favorite is MyHoneyChild's Olive You Deep. But, Neutrogena's Triple Moisture and Garnier Fructis's masque are also really good options.
For best results, deep condition at least once a month, semi-monthly in the winter, and weekly if your hair is damaged or stressed.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Shampoos I Love
I sometimes go crazy when people stand in the aisle and just smell shampoos. Seeing straight haired girls buy curling shampoo or oily haired people buying moisturizing is silly because of the olfactory buying technique. Buy shampoo based on your hair's needs and use smell as the second factor, not the first.
That being said...
I only shampoo my hair every third day, though I condition daily, but I do have my favorites:
-anything by Davines--LOVE for curls especially
-Bumble and Bumble--Gentle and Curl Conscious
-Garnier Fructis--Long & Strong, Smoothing, Fortifying...
-Bed Head--Control Freak and Self-Absorbed
-John Frieda--Red
-L'Oreal--Vive Pro Nutri Gloss
-and, I have to say it, Herbal Essences
I recommend avoiding Pantene Pro-V, due to the fact that it has been known to cause build up and not cleanse; Paul Mitchell, because it left my hair limp and dry; and Abba, because it tore my hair apart.
Helpful hint for shampooing: Get your hair as wet as possible; stand with your head back in the shower for several minutes (I even use a plastic mug to dispense a good dose of water). More water means more lather with less shampoo, thus saving you money.
You need the following dollops of shampoo for a good cleanse: a dime size for short, nickel for shoulder length, and quarter size for long hair. Emulsify in your hands before application and use your fingerTIPS, not nails, when you lather up!
Let me add, please feel free to ask me about any shampoos out there. As many know, I have done my research!
That being said...
I only shampoo my hair every third day, though I condition daily, but I do have my favorites:
-anything by Davines--LOVE for curls especially
-Bumble and Bumble--Gentle and Curl Conscious
-Garnier Fructis--Long & Strong, Smoothing, Fortifying...
-Bed Head--Control Freak and Self-Absorbed
-John Frieda--Red
-L'Oreal--Vive Pro Nutri Gloss
-and, I have to say it, Herbal Essences
I recommend avoiding Pantene Pro-V, due to the fact that it has been known to cause build up and not cleanse; Paul Mitchell, because it left my hair limp and dry; and Abba, because it tore my hair apart.
Helpful hint for shampooing: Get your hair as wet as possible; stand with your head back in the shower for several minutes (I even use a plastic mug to dispense a good dose of water). More water means more lather with less shampoo, thus saving you money.
You need the following dollops of shampoo for a good cleanse: a dime size for short, nickel for shoulder length, and quarter size for long hair. Emulsify in your hands before application and use your fingerTIPS, not nails, when you lather up!
Let me add, please feel free to ask me about any shampoos out there. As many know, I have done my research!
Cardinal Rule for Hair #3
Rule #3: Combs are better than brushes!
Once you have embraced your hair, taking care of her is a lot easier.
Your hair is delicate so combs are ideal. Have a wide toothed comb and a narrow-tooth comb on hand. It is a good idea to wash your combs in warm water and shampoo or anti-bacterial soap after purchase and about once a month. I also keep a wide toothed comb in the shower so I can comb my conditioner through (a really good idea to reduce knots). Do not freak out when your hair breaks off or comes off in your comb. Hair is fickle and some strands are weaker than others and it is normal to lose some hair every day.
Wet hair is extremely delicate so comb it gently with a wide toothed comb and use a narrow toothed comb when it is dry for shaping and styling purposes. And, please please please! DO NOT pull back wet hair. You are just asking for frizz and breakage.
I will admit that I do occasionally use a brush, but only before a shower so I can loosen any knots, dry skin, and oils. Those with straight hair should use a boar's hair brush. Curly hair should have a paddle brush with "pin" bristles that are set far apart. Wavy hair should use a combination brush. And, again, wash after purchase and about once a month. Be sure to let it dry completely before use. :-)
Once you have embraced your hair, taking care of her is a lot easier.
Your hair is delicate so combs are ideal. Have a wide toothed comb and a narrow-tooth comb on hand. It is a good idea to wash your combs in warm water and shampoo or anti-bacterial soap after purchase and about once a month. I also keep a wide toothed comb in the shower so I can comb my conditioner through (a really good idea to reduce knots). Do not freak out when your hair breaks off or comes off in your comb. Hair is fickle and some strands are weaker than others and it is normal to lose some hair every day.
Wet hair is extremely delicate so comb it gently with a wide toothed comb and use a narrow toothed comb when it is dry for shaping and styling purposes. And, please please please! DO NOT pull back wet hair. You are just asking for frizz and breakage.
I will admit that I do occasionally use a brush, but only before a shower so I can loosen any knots, dry skin, and oils. Those with straight hair should use a boar's hair brush. Curly hair should have a paddle brush with "pin" bristles that are set far apart. Wavy hair should use a combination brush. And, again, wash after purchase and about once a month. Be sure to let it dry completely before use. :-)
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Frizz Fighting Superheroes
We all get it and we all loathe it. The dreaded frizz. Frizz is a combination of lack of moisture and fractured hair cuticles. Two great serums to use are Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper and Pure Shine Frizz Remedy. Curl Keeper is an aqueous solution that can be re-manipulated with a little water added, long after the first application. It runs a little pricey (about $15 for 8 oz.) but I highly recommend it. Frizz Remedy is available at the drugstore for half the price of Curl Keeper. It is thicker and one pump works for my super long, thick hair. (When I use either one, I also like to add in a little creamy leave-in conditioner, such as K-Pak's Split End Mender, for a boost of moisture.)
When using frizz fighters, apply it to damp, towel-dried hair and comb through either with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. A little can go a long way so be wise with application or you will get flat hair.
Frizz can be controlled, but you have to (occasionally) kick its butt.
When using frizz fighters, apply it to damp, towel-dried hair and comb through either with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. A little can go a long way so be wise with application or you will get flat hair.
Frizz can be controlled, but you have to (occasionally) kick its butt.
Cardinal Rule for Hair #2
Rule #2: Embrace your hair's natural texture!
I admit it: I fought my hair for years. When I hit adolescence and puberty, my straight hair got very curly-wavy naturally (as a child of the '80s, I had a perm). I fought the change and would straighten it with chemicals and irons until it was a frizzy mess and, at one point, literally burned off. After a decade of war, I surrendered and my hair is at her healthiest.
We all know that a lot of curly girls want to be straightened and straight-haired ones want wave. Embrace your hair's personality. The more you fight her, the more she will make your life a nightmare!
There will be many more tips to come on this topic but I just want to remind you to love your hair for who she is... because she is not going to change without a fight.
I admit it: I fought my hair for years. When I hit adolescence and puberty, my straight hair got very curly-wavy naturally (as a child of the '80s, I had a perm). I fought the change and would straighten it with chemicals and irons until it was a frizzy mess and, at one point, literally burned off. After a decade of war, I surrendered and my hair is at her healthiest.
We all know that a lot of curly girls want to be straightened and straight-haired ones want wave. Embrace your hair's personality. The more you fight her, the more she will make your life a nightmare!
There will be many more tips to come on this topic but I just want to remind you to love your hair for who she is... because she is not going to change without a fight.
Cardinal Rule for Hair #1
Rule #1: Avoid heat styling!
This rule is probably the hardest for women, in particular, to follow. Many guffaw and buckle at the prospect of this. But, it is something to consider for your hair's health.
Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons all damage the hair follicle, which is made up of cells that look like fish scales. When healthy, the cells ("scales") lay flat; when damaged, we say hello to frizz. Moisture can seal the hair follicle but extreme heat, like the kind often found in styling tools, causes major damage over time and it becomes an issue of trying to fix it. Sorry, only way to do that is to unplug the dryer, curler, and straightener and condition, condition, condition.
I know that some of you are going, "But, my dryer is ionic and fights frizz." No, it doesn't. Frizz is caused by sucking moisture away as opposed to letting it evaporate naturally. Plus, if your hair isn't healthy to start, no amount of ions will help.
I am sorry for this harsh truth but your hair is healthier and happier when the electrics are put down.
Best of luck!
P.S. If you HAVE to straighten or curl your hair, please deep condition before, deep condition after, and use a spray on conditioner. I recommend Bumble and Bumble's Tonic.
This rule is probably the hardest for women, in particular, to follow. Many guffaw and buckle at the prospect of this. But, it is something to consider for your hair's health.
Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons all damage the hair follicle, which is made up of cells that look like fish scales. When healthy, the cells ("scales") lay flat; when damaged, we say hello to frizz. Moisture can seal the hair follicle but extreme heat, like the kind often found in styling tools, causes major damage over time and it becomes an issue of trying to fix it. Sorry, only way to do that is to unplug the dryer, curler, and straightener and condition, condition, condition.
I know that some of you are going, "But, my dryer is ionic and fights frizz." No, it doesn't. Frizz is caused by sucking moisture away as opposed to letting it evaporate naturally. Plus, if your hair isn't healthy to start, no amount of ions will help.
I am sorry for this harsh truth but your hair is healthier and happier when the electrics are put down.
Best of luck!
P.S. If you HAVE to straighten or curl your hair, please deep condition before, deep condition after, and use a spray on conditioner. I recommend Bumble and Bumble's Tonic.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Save Your Skin in Winter
I am warning you now, the tips I am about to give are rather unconventional...
Living in a dry climate during the winter can create havoc on your skin. The basics you read in all of the magazines hold true: limit your showers and use warm (not hot) water. I want to add some extras.
First, invest in a humidifier. I have noticed that cool mist ones work best and I turn mine on when I am home and shut it off when I sleep. Second, it is okay to exfoliate. In fact, please do! Use a moisturizing body wash of your choice and a gentle pouf. A moisturizing body scrub works too and I want to recommend True Blue Spa's I'm In the Mood for Scrub; it is available at Bath and Body Works and has shea butter beads. Exfoliate 3 or 4 times a week, depending on your skin.
Here is where it gets "weird." In college, a friend of mine taught me this trick and I still live by it. After your shower, pat yourself off with a towel and then apply baby oil. I like to pour it down my back and then hit the legs, arms, and torso. Rub into your skin and curl up into some old sweatpants and long sleeve shirt. It will leave your skin sealed with moisture as oil tends to not evaporate like water-based lotions and it won't interfere with your perfume. Baby oil is great for those of us on a budget. But, if you want to be fancy, Neutrogena makes a great sesame-based body oil and I have also gone to a local perfumery in my town (I highly recommend it: Aroma Sanctum) for almond oil that can be blended with scents.
For touch-ups and an extra boost of moisture, use a lotion for extra-dry skin. And, please, keep hand lotion nearby.
Now is a good time to also mention the scalp. Your scalp suffers in the winter--dry scalp, dandruff, hair breakage, hat head. Once a week, rub in a scalp oil. (I have curly hair so I use Curl Junkie's oil. Argan oil is a nice and organic oil to use for this.) Put a few drops directly on your scalp and massage, massage, massage. Leave it on for 15 minutes or so and then shampoo and condition it out. Remember the scalp is very delicate so be gentle...
Living in a dry climate during the winter can create havoc on your skin. The basics you read in all of the magazines hold true: limit your showers and use warm (not hot) water. I want to add some extras.
First, invest in a humidifier. I have noticed that cool mist ones work best and I turn mine on when I am home and shut it off when I sleep. Second, it is okay to exfoliate. In fact, please do! Use a moisturizing body wash of your choice and a gentle pouf. A moisturizing body scrub works too and I want to recommend True Blue Spa's I'm In the Mood for Scrub; it is available at Bath and Body Works and has shea butter beads. Exfoliate 3 or 4 times a week, depending on your skin.
Here is where it gets "weird." In college, a friend of mine taught me this trick and I still live by it. After your shower, pat yourself off with a towel and then apply baby oil. I like to pour it down my back and then hit the legs, arms, and torso. Rub into your skin and curl up into some old sweatpants and long sleeve shirt. It will leave your skin sealed with moisture as oil tends to not evaporate like water-based lotions and it won't interfere with your perfume. Baby oil is great for those of us on a budget. But, if you want to be fancy, Neutrogena makes a great sesame-based body oil and I have also gone to a local perfumery in my town (I highly recommend it: Aroma Sanctum) for almond oil that can be blended with scents.
For touch-ups and an extra boost of moisture, use a lotion for extra-dry skin. And, please, keep hand lotion nearby.
Now is a good time to also mention the scalp. Your scalp suffers in the winter--dry scalp, dandruff, hair breakage, hat head. Once a week, rub in a scalp oil. (I have curly hair so I use Curl Junkie's oil. Argan oil is a nice and organic oil to use for this.) Put a few drops directly on your scalp and massage, massage, massage. Leave it on for 15 minutes or so and then shampoo and condition it out. Remember the scalp is very delicate so be gentle...
Snow Bunny Alert!
I live in Massachusetts and I snowboard. Tonight's helpful hint for the long haired beauties: before hitting the slopes, dampen your hair with a good hair oil (I like Carol's Daughter) and braid it up. Apres ski, hit the showers and rinse with shampoo and conditioner. Your hair will appreciate the extra TLC.
Cardinal Rules
I have a few cardinal rules that I abide by. Please use the ones you like and add to make your own, personalized list.
Rules for Hair:
1. Avoid heat styling as much as possible; your hair will love you more.
2. Embrace your hair's natural texture.
3. Combs are better than brushes.
4. Condition daily; deep condition (at least) monthly.
5. Trust your stylist but trust yourself more.
6. Hair will grow back. Don't panic.
Rules for Skin:
1. See an aesthetic specialist for a skin analysis. If you are worried about the money factor, visit the cosmetics counter at the mall for free tips :-)
2. Wash your face with the appropriate cleanser, twice a day preferably.
3. Organic products are ideal but make sure it works best for you!
4. Get a facial twice a year, if possible, such as in the summer and winter.
5. A moisturized face is a happy face.
Rules for Makeup:
There is only one: fear nothing and try whatever you fancy! You will figure out what is best for you and, if you don't, your friends and family will tell you so.
Rules for Hair:
1. Avoid heat styling as much as possible; your hair will love you more.
2. Embrace your hair's natural texture.
3. Combs are better than brushes.
4. Condition daily; deep condition (at least) monthly.
5. Trust your stylist but trust yourself more.
6. Hair will grow back. Don't panic.
Rules for Skin:
1. See an aesthetic specialist for a skin analysis. If you are worried about the money factor, visit the cosmetics counter at the mall for free tips :-)
2. Wash your face with the appropriate cleanser, twice a day preferably.
3. Organic products are ideal but make sure it works best for you!
4. Get a facial twice a year, if possible, such as in the summer and winter.
5. A moisturized face is a happy face.
Rules for Makeup:
There is only one: fear nothing and try whatever you fancy! You will figure out what is best for you and, if you don't, your friends and family will tell you so.
Inspiration Comes from All Sides
My sister proposed creating my own beauty blog because, as she often reminds me, I have a "product obsession." I am totally fine with that. So, here we begin....
I have been doing hair and makeup creations for over eighteen years now and I have been honing my skills in recent years. This forum will give me, and you, the opportunity to explore tricks, tips, and methods of honing the product love, or obsession, we share.
P.S. Thanks, Allison.
I have been doing hair and makeup creations for over eighteen years now and I have been honing my skills in recent years. This forum will give me, and you, the opportunity to explore tricks, tips, and methods of honing the product love, or obsession, we share.
P.S. Thanks, Allison.
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