Mornings can be so hectic. You're in a race to get yourself ready for work or school and it's one you can't afford to lose.
Yet if you aren't careful you can easily get sidetracked by problems with your hair. Problems that can slow you down as you head for the finish line - as in out the door and on the road. Ideally leaving yourself with enough time so that you won't have to use those NASCAR-like driving skills you may or may not possess to make up for lost time as you try to touch up your eye liner in the rear view mirror. Been there. Done that.
Facing that kind of pressure in the bathroom each morning during your beauty routine leaves little room for error. Sure a routine helps. Having first rate products that do the job as intended helps even more. Understanding what you need helps most of all. Since it makes all the rest fall into place better than a first rate make up organizer that's cute besides.
Otherwise what can I say? In the midst of the chaos you'll have to learn that the screaming you hear is you. But let's not go there. To help you avoid that, here's a short list of hair care stuff you should ALWAYS find in a well-stocked bathroom. Stuff that can help you avoid a morning hair meltdown.
For starters, moisturizing shampoo should be more common than Ramen noodles are in a college dorm. I mean given how prevalent dry hair is, and that should be no surprise given the ongoing love affair we have with hot styling tools, you need something to combat dry tresses. The right moisturizing shampoo does just what the label claims. It adds badly needs moisture, most likely in the form of conditioners and oils, so you have better manageability of your locks. Good for any hair type, it's essential for those coping with damaged, colored or otherwise processed hair.
Another bit of advice crossing the lips of a decent hair styling pro would be conditioner. Be it your run of the mill product, something for deep conditioning or a member of the leave in family. Some would hasten to point out the right one of these can save you precious time too. Since it can do double duty, as in help you detangle, soften, or shine up your mane.
I think I mentioned hot styling tools or what some consider to be a Godsend, didn't I? Yet anyone who uses them regularly (and who doesn't?) should become very familiar with thermal protectants and/or serums. If not all hope is lost since what these do is shield your strands from the heat. This protects your hair from breakage, split ends and other unwanted shine stealers. Ideally you want something that is both heat activated and alcohol free. Because given how often you should be using products like these, you'll risk drying out your hair if they aren't.
Now finishing products help hold the look you achieved together. In other words volumizing mousse, hair spray, gel and the like. Just don't get carried away here. Like some heat protectors, many of these are alcohol laden and can undo in a heartbeat all the moisture adding you've been doing so faithfully.
But you know what? After a while all the finishing product application can catch up with you. This is why a good clarifying shampoo is also a must have. It strips all the built up gunk that your hair is hiding under. Scrubbing your stands clean as a whistle making them ready for another go. Again some of the these can be drying. So it's always smart to condition afterwards.
All right. then. I feel better. I've done my bit for women everywhere rushing around in the morning like their hair is on fire. Although if it really was, none of this is going to help to be honest. In that case dial 911.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Hair Care Lessons Learned the Hard Way
We've all seen the headlines while waiting in the checkout line. "Hair Advice You'd Be Crazy to Ignore" jumps out at you. Or the "7 Best Hair Tricks of All Time" or "Big Bang Theory: The Magic of Bangs" grace another magazine cover. Perhaps "How to Get Sexy Hair On Lazy Mornings" might have caught your eye.
And there's no disgrace to admit that on a particularly bad hair day you might have even thumbed through the glossy pages to get to the "11 Simple Ways To Beat Frizz, Plump up Limp Locks Or Tame Unruly Curls". Because it's only natural to want to look our best. And if there's a trick, tip or tool we can buy to easily get there so much the better. Even if you do discover it because of an article in a magazine.
Problem is when we over react to those bad hair days, now that's when we get into trouble.
Like the time you went for the second perm too soon to fix the damage inflicted by the first one. That smooth hair care move left you with hair that would make a hedgehog in heat proud. Your tresses were so dry and frizzy you just didn't know where to turn to tame them. And yet those magazine cover headlines like "The Ultimate Guide To Ravishing Hair" beckoned. Like there was some clue to be found on the inside pages that would solve THIS problem.
At panicked moments like this "What Celebrities Know About Hair Care That You Don't" matters not. I mean who can be seen out in public with hair a porcupine would be embarrassed by? It's at moments like that that we may make an ill-advised mayday call to our stylist. Tearfully begging for an appointment - like yesterday, to see if she can't cure what ails your locks.
And we silently rejoice inside when we hear the words we were hoping to hear, "Sure come in and let's see what we can do to help." Ah, blessed salvation from savaged hair is but hours away. Forgetting that she hasn't yet seen what's passing for hair on your head. Focusing instead on the hope of relief from your mane misery.
Sadly at this point you should have been asked if you wanted a blindfold or last cigarette. Since facing a firing squad might be a more appealing proposition to what was in store for you beauty wise. But in the heat of the moment, you grant permission for whatever it takes, even if whatever it takes means removing huge swaths of damaged strands.
And when you see the final product, you immediately think you've seen victims of a Texas Chainsaw Massacre that looked better. As apparently any dream of walking out of the salon sporting a sexy if shortish cut would have to wait for three inches of hair to grow to flesh out the look. Yes, it's that bad.
So while a random magazine cover may tout the "5 Hairstyles That Will Never Go Out Of Style", you are certain what you've got didn't make that list. As you'd hope the hair you're saddled with couldn't possibly have ever been in style. Unless it was in vogue by those sturdy pioneer women crossing the Oregon Trail or something. Who had more to worry about besides their hair. And had to survive without access to any sort of hotline for tormented tresses.
So the next time you see a magazine cover that teases with "How to Effortlessly Color Your Hair at Home", nod knowingly but secure in the knowledge you don't have the luxury of effortless color. Otherwise you might open yourself up to all knowing questions like...
"Is that your camping haircut?"
"Did you get that styled at the beauty college?"
"What happened? Was that haircut on sale?"
"Did you jump start your hair in the dark with jumper cables?"
"Don't worry, Dear. It will grow out. Eventually."
Certainly not words any woman longs to hear. And for sure you can bet they'll never grace the cover of the latest fashion magazine.
And there's no disgrace to admit that on a particularly bad hair day you might have even thumbed through the glossy pages to get to the "11 Simple Ways To Beat Frizz, Plump up Limp Locks Or Tame Unruly Curls". Because it's only natural to want to look our best. And if there's a trick, tip or tool we can buy to easily get there so much the better. Even if you do discover it because of an article in a magazine.
Problem is when we over react to those bad hair days, now that's when we get into trouble.
Like the time you went for the second perm too soon to fix the damage inflicted by the first one. That smooth hair care move left you with hair that would make a hedgehog in heat proud. Your tresses were so dry and frizzy you just didn't know where to turn to tame them. And yet those magazine cover headlines like "The Ultimate Guide To Ravishing Hair" beckoned. Like there was some clue to be found on the inside pages that would solve THIS problem.
At panicked moments like this "What Celebrities Know About Hair Care That You Don't" matters not. I mean who can be seen out in public with hair a porcupine would be embarrassed by? It's at moments like that that we may make an ill-advised mayday call to our stylist. Tearfully begging for an appointment - like yesterday, to see if she can't cure what ails your locks.
And we silently rejoice inside when we hear the words we were hoping to hear, "Sure come in and let's see what we can do to help." Ah, blessed salvation from savaged hair is but hours away. Forgetting that she hasn't yet seen what's passing for hair on your head. Focusing instead on the hope of relief from your mane misery.
Sadly at this point you should have been asked if you wanted a blindfold or last cigarette. Since facing a firing squad might be a more appealing proposition to what was in store for you beauty wise. But in the heat of the moment, you grant permission for whatever it takes, even if whatever it takes means removing huge swaths of damaged strands.
And when you see the final product, you immediately think you've seen victims of a Texas Chainsaw Massacre that looked better. As apparently any dream of walking out of the salon sporting a sexy if shortish cut would have to wait for three inches of hair to grow to flesh out the look. Yes, it's that bad.
So while a random magazine cover may tout the "5 Hairstyles That Will Never Go Out Of Style", you are certain what you've got didn't make that list. As you'd hope the hair you're saddled with couldn't possibly have ever been in style. Unless it was in vogue by those sturdy pioneer women crossing the Oregon Trail or something. Who had more to worry about besides their hair. And had to survive without access to any sort of hotline for tormented tresses.
So the next time you see a magazine cover that teases with "How to Effortlessly Color Your Hair at Home", nod knowingly but secure in the knowledge you don't have the luxury of effortless color. Otherwise you might open yourself up to all knowing questions like...
"Is that your camping haircut?"
"Did you get that styled at the beauty college?"
"What happened? Was that haircut on sale?"
"Did you jump start your hair in the dark with jumper cables?"
"Don't worry, Dear. It will grow out. Eventually."
Certainly not words any woman longs to hear. And for sure you can bet they'll never grace the cover of the latest fashion magazine.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Hair Q&A: Smart Answers To Hard Hair Questions
Imagine you had 30 minutes of uninterrupted face time with your stylist where you could get any and all of your tough hair care questions answered. Even better imagine it was time spent with Paula Abdul's ace Hollywood stylist. If either scenario were possible what questions would you ask about having a perkier, sexier, or more manageable mane? Here are three suggestions that can help you maintain the look you have when you get home from the salon.
Making Color Last
Who hasn't yearned to do this? That is make your color last longer. Because it's so disheartening to see the color circling the drain in the shower, isn't it? Knowing that means you've got color pigment leaching out of your strands. Which only shortens the length of time before you have to color again. That is if you want to keep your color looking vibrant and all.
Okay so the first line of defense suggested during your one-on-one stylist consult would obviously be to give your color time to set before washing. Any stylist worth their salt will suggest that.
Next to cut down on the dye going down the drain, you might combine shampooing and conditioning into one step. Wet your hair and then apply your color safe conditioner from the ears on down. After giving that four or five minutes to work, shampoo your scalp and only your scalp. Rinse and call it good. This smart approach to hair care might extend your color another week to 10 days if you're lucky.
Another idea would be to wear a hat of some sorts whenever your hair is at risk of sun exposure. As you know UV rays can be hard on the color. In fact this is the most preventable source of color fade. Which is to say shielding your hair from the sun just makes color sense.
Finally after the color starts to fade you might use a color depositing shampoo to add some oomph back to the color.
Finding the Best Style or Cut
Knowing that you're talking with a stylist don't be surprised if it's suggested you consult with them when it comes time to change your look. And this may not be bad advice. They can serve as a sounding board to help you sort out your needs and wants in light of your hair type.
Again they should know your hair. So should be able to offer good ideas that work with your hair's natural tendencies rather than against them.
You also want to remember to take into consideration your face shape, your lifestyle which also dictates how much bathroom time you'll have to devote to maintain a specific look, as well as your hair type. That last one keep popping up but it will most influence the style you can easily keep up with the least amount of work.
Split-end Therapy
Another common problem many of us face is split ends. You've always heard they have to be snipped off since repair isn't possible. But is that for real? Nothing else can be done for them? Or is there some magic potion that will repair the ends?
Sadly, your stylist would likely tell you that what you've heard is correct. That sealing of the splits and restoring them to their former health isn't likely. Besides when you snip them you are keeping the damage from running up the shaft. All this is why a regular trim is smart. Such an act will cut the splits off at the pass so to speak. Leaving you with shinier healthier hair all the way around.
In any case, you don't need to be a stylist to the stars to maintain that stunning, just stepped out of the salon look at home. Sure it's not always simple. But as these tips suggest it can be done. Even by you.
Making Color Last
Who hasn't yearned to do this? That is make your color last longer. Because it's so disheartening to see the color circling the drain in the shower, isn't it? Knowing that means you've got color pigment leaching out of your strands. Which only shortens the length of time before you have to color again. That is if you want to keep your color looking vibrant and all.
Okay so the first line of defense suggested during your one-on-one stylist consult would obviously be to give your color time to set before washing. Any stylist worth their salt will suggest that.
Next to cut down on the dye going down the drain, you might combine shampooing and conditioning into one step. Wet your hair and then apply your color safe conditioner from the ears on down. After giving that four or five minutes to work, shampoo your scalp and only your scalp. Rinse and call it good. This smart approach to hair care might extend your color another week to 10 days if you're lucky.
Another idea would be to wear a hat of some sorts whenever your hair is at risk of sun exposure. As you know UV rays can be hard on the color. In fact this is the most preventable source of color fade. Which is to say shielding your hair from the sun just makes color sense.
Finally after the color starts to fade you might use a color depositing shampoo to add some oomph back to the color.
Finding the Best Style or Cut
Knowing that you're talking with a stylist don't be surprised if it's suggested you consult with them when it comes time to change your look. And this may not be bad advice. They can serve as a sounding board to help you sort out your needs and wants in light of your hair type.
Again they should know your hair. So should be able to offer good ideas that work with your hair's natural tendencies rather than against them.
You also want to remember to take into consideration your face shape, your lifestyle which also dictates how much bathroom time you'll have to devote to maintain a specific look, as well as your hair type. That last one keep popping up but it will most influence the style you can easily keep up with the least amount of work.
Split-end Therapy
Another common problem many of us face is split ends. You've always heard they have to be snipped off since repair isn't possible. But is that for real? Nothing else can be done for them? Or is there some magic potion that will repair the ends?
Sadly, your stylist would likely tell you that what you've heard is correct. That sealing of the splits and restoring them to their former health isn't likely. Besides when you snip them you are keeping the damage from running up the shaft. All this is why a regular trim is smart. Such an act will cut the splits off at the pass so to speak. Leaving you with shinier healthier hair all the way around.
In any case, you don't need to be a stylist to the stars to maintain that stunning, just stepped out of the salon look at home. Sure it's not always simple. But as these tips suggest it can be done. Even by you.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Hair Hotline For Those Tired of Tormented Tresses
No doubt about it, summer sun is fun and all, but it's also hard on our hair. And while we'd like to think all that nonstop exposure to the sun, sweltering humidity, sweat, chlorinated water at the pool or wind is the primary cause of our hair woes, that ain't necessarily so. Sometimes the person most responsible is the one you see looking back at you in the mirror.
So when in doubt you might want to call the Tormented Tresses Hotline. There you will likely get an idea of how to avoid doing any more damage to your locks than you have to. Dialing 1-888-TORMENT will get you there. Just for fun let's dial it now.
Rrrrrrriiing…ring-ring….
"Hello. You've reached the Tormented Tresses Hotline. Our various hair care options have changed so please listen carefully. But if you know your party's four digit extension you may dial it at any time."
"If you're one of those who gets out of the pool and ties your hair up and then wonders why it doesn't look so great later that night please press '1' now. You'll hear a list of better things to do beforehand, like wet your hair with tap water before diving in. Or applying leave in conditioner to help keep the chlorine out. Plus get some tips as to what you can do when you're done playing beach volleyball for the day."
"If your hair is dictating your outdoor lifestyle, you know whether you go to the beach or hide out in the local art museum to stay out of the sun, then please press '2' now. At that option you'll learn more about products that contain SPF to help shield your strands from the harmful UV rays. There you'll also find a list of local retailers selling a cheap summer hair care solution - hats."
"If you've colored your hair and are worried about sun fade, press '3' now. This is truly a real and present danger alright. At this option the benefits of color specific shampoos and conditioners will be briefly explored."
"For those with parched, straw like strands, please press '4' now. That option will reveal not to mention revel in the wonders of repairing shampoo and moisturizing conditioners that work. Or worst case scenario you can arrange an appointment to have one of our trained stylists cut off the damage, even if it means a pixie cut so you can start over again. This time taking better care of your mane."
"Curly girls will want to press '5' now. You'll hear how heat protectants can keep your hair supple, shiny and strong despite how often you try to blow the curl out of your hair on those super humid days."
"Press '6' if you're thinking of doing an a DIY at home perm in the middle of the summer but are scared about the side effects. You should be very afraid because most likely your tresses are. Natural looking curls and waves may be the objective. But the outcome may be a dried out mess if you don't follow the advice this option shares. Which basically ends up with leaving such tasks to the pros when it is hot and humid out. Or better still wait until the summer has passed altogether."
"Press 0 at any time for the operator. That person will likely recommend sites like FullerHeadofHair.com. I won't say you'll find hair raising tips there because such a play on words would be kind of silly not to mention harebrained. But the info that site shares is anything but."
Hopefully YOU don't have to turn to such extreme solutions as the Tormented Tresses Hotline. But at least you can get an idea of what those who do have to can discover about living with their mane when the main activity of the day is fun in the sun.
So when in doubt you might want to call the Tormented Tresses Hotline. There you will likely get an idea of how to avoid doing any more damage to your locks than you have to. Dialing 1-888-TORMENT will get you there. Just for fun let's dial it now.
Rrrrrrriiing…ring-ring….
"Hello. You've reached the Tormented Tresses Hotline. Our various hair care options have changed so please listen carefully. But if you know your party's four digit extension you may dial it at any time."
"If you're one of those who gets out of the pool and ties your hair up and then wonders why it doesn't look so great later that night please press '1' now. You'll hear a list of better things to do beforehand, like wet your hair with tap water before diving in. Or applying leave in conditioner to help keep the chlorine out. Plus get some tips as to what you can do when you're done playing beach volleyball for the day."
"If your hair is dictating your outdoor lifestyle, you know whether you go to the beach or hide out in the local art museum to stay out of the sun, then please press '2' now. At that option you'll learn more about products that contain SPF to help shield your strands from the harmful UV rays. There you'll also find a list of local retailers selling a cheap summer hair care solution - hats."
"If you've colored your hair and are worried about sun fade, press '3' now. This is truly a real and present danger alright. At this option the benefits of color specific shampoos and conditioners will be briefly explored."
"For those with parched, straw like strands, please press '4' now. That option will reveal not to mention revel in the wonders of repairing shampoo and moisturizing conditioners that work. Or worst case scenario you can arrange an appointment to have one of our trained stylists cut off the damage, even if it means a pixie cut so you can start over again. This time taking better care of your mane."
"Curly girls will want to press '5' now. You'll hear how heat protectants can keep your hair supple, shiny and strong despite how often you try to blow the curl out of your hair on those super humid days."
"Press '6' if you're thinking of doing an a DIY at home perm in the middle of the summer but are scared about the side effects. You should be very afraid because most likely your tresses are. Natural looking curls and waves may be the objective. But the outcome may be a dried out mess if you don't follow the advice this option shares. Which basically ends up with leaving such tasks to the pros when it is hot and humid out. Or better still wait until the summer has passed altogether."
"Press 0 at any time for the operator. That person will likely recommend sites like FullerHeadofHair.com. I won't say you'll find hair raising tips there because such a play on words would be kind of silly not to mention harebrained. But the info that site shares is anything but."
Hopefully YOU don't have to turn to such extreme solutions as the Tormented Tresses Hotline. But at least you can get an idea of what those who do have to can discover about living with their mane when the main activity of the day is fun in the sun.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
How to Nip Frizzy Hair In the Bud
This has likely happened to you more times than you can count. A good hair day turns crazy and frizzy. This tends to happen to the best of us especially often during the hot and sticky months we know as summer. Maddening isn't it? What's going on anyway?
Here's what's going on. Your hair will frizz when the cuticles that cover the shaft are disrupted. In other words sometimes things happen to them that cause them not to lay flat. And when that happens it's like a snowball effect. Or what you might describe as bad things happening to good hair.
Cuticles defined: The extreme outer layer of your hair is made up of the cuticle. Most often described as shingles on a roof, when they lay flat the strand shines. When they don't you'll lose the shine. Or worse end up with a terminal case of the frizz. Yet, as explained on FullerHeadofHair.com, curiously too many unwittingly do too many bad things that cause them to get all riled up. Which just makes no sense, really.
You see, frizz comes into play when your dry, porous hair strands suck in moisture (read humidity) from the air. Reaction? Much like anything that absorbs moisture your strands swell up. So that before you know it you're sporting a fine case of frizz. Or what you might say is summer hair at its worst. And who wants that?
To avoid setting off that reaction you need to take some precautions. Well, actually you just need to know some simple tricks. So here you go.
First and foremost treat your hair like a hand washable blouse. Doing so starts by using a sulfate free shampoo. I mean you wouldn't think of using some industrial strength detergent on your favorite silk blouse now would you? Same for your hair. The idea is to preserve the oils on those strands of yours. And one surefire way to remove the oil is with a harsh cleansing agent. Or to slather on shampoos that are alcohol laden. Since doing so all but guarantees you'll set off a bout of frizzies should the moisture strike.
Second whenever possible, clamp those cuticles tightly shut by using a cold water rinse at the end of your shower time. Doing so makes your hair squeaky. It also closes those sometimes flighty hair cuticles and keeps them flat. Giving you a better chance to avoid the frizzies.
If you must blow dry do so in a way that doesn't ruffle those all-important cuticles. Blasts of hot air will do that you know. Then too depending on your hair type you may want to do some prep work depending on your hair type. You'd want to use a leave in conditioner for fine hair, a bit of serum if you're dealing with normal hair or some thicker gel if you're got tresses that tend to the coarse side of things.
Finally no exploration of ideas for frizz prevention would be complete without at least a mention of the importance of deep conditioning. In other words the more moisture the better in most cases. Because the tried and true solution for avoiding frizzy hair is to ladle on the moisture to counteract any dryness that's developing in your mane. Remember to leave the product on your hair as long as you possibly can in the shower. Knowing it does you no good as it circles the drain.
Problem is frizz doesn't require a huge window of opportunity to settle in. Sometimes only a keyhole will do. So you must remain diligent if you want to maintain a sleek look and feel to your locks during the sultry summer months.
Here's what's going on. Your hair will frizz when the cuticles that cover the shaft are disrupted. In other words sometimes things happen to them that cause them not to lay flat. And when that happens it's like a snowball effect. Or what you might describe as bad things happening to good hair.
Cuticles defined: The extreme outer layer of your hair is made up of the cuticle. Most often described as shingles on a roof, when they lay flat the strand shines. When they don't you'll lose the shine. Or worse end up with a terminal case of the frizz. Yet, as explained on FullerHeadofHair.com, curiously too many unwittingly do too many bad things that cause them to get all riled up. Which just makes no sense, really.
You see, frizz comes into play when your dry, porous hair strands suck in moisture (read humidity) from the air. Reaction? Much like anything that absorbs moisture your strands swell up. So that before you know it you're sporting a fine case of frizz. Or what you might say is summer hair at its worst. And who wants that?
To avoid setting off that reaction you need to take some precautions. Well, actually you just need to know some simple tricks. So here you go.
First and foremost treat your hair like a hand washable blouse. Doing so starts by using a sulfate free shampoo. I mean you wouldn't think of using some industrial strength detergent on your favorite silk blouse now would you? Same for your hair. The idea is to preserve the oils on those strands of yours. And one surefire way to remove the oil is with a harsh cleansing agent. Or to slather on shampoos that are alcohol laden. Since doing so all but guarantees you'll set off a bout of frizzies should the moisture strike.
Second whenever possible, clamp those cuticles tightly shut by using a cold water rinse at the end of your shower time. Doing so makes your hair squeaky. It also closes those sometimes flighty hair cuticles and keeps them flat. Giving you a better chance to avoid the frizzies.
If you must blow dry do so in a way that doesn't ruffle those all-important cuticles. Blasts of hot air will do that you know. Then too depending on your hair type you may want to do some prep work depending on your hair type. You'd want to use a leave in conditioner for fine hair, a bit of serum if you're dealing with normal hair or some thicker gel if you're got tresses that tend to the coarse side of things.
Finally no exploration of ideas for frizz prevention would be complete without at least a mention of the importance of deep conditioning. In other words the more moisture the better in most cases. Because the tried and true solution for avoiding frizzy hair is to ladle on the moisture to counteract any dryness that's developing in your mane. Remember to leave the product on your hair as long as you possibly can in the shower. Knowing it does you no good as it circles the drain.
Problem is frizz doesn't require a huge window of opportunity to settle in. Sometimes only a keyhole will do. So you must remain diligent if you want to maintain a sleek look and feel to your locks during the sultry summer months.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Conditioner: Yes, Virginia, You Really Do Need It
Two friends, Tiffany and Virginia were standing in the hair care aisle behind a shopping cart debating the finer points of conditioner. Because it seems Virginia had bought into some of the myths commonly heard on the street. That suggested hair conditioner was optional. Especially during summer months. When there was enough moisture in the air to float a cruise liner.
Yet Tiffany was adamant. "Yes, Virginia, you really do need conditioner. It's essential if you want healthy hair."
While Tiffany may be certain about the benefits of conditioning her hair, perhaps you are not. Perhaps you could use a brief refresher course.
For starters think of it this way. As one stylist to the stars put it, conditioning products finish what your shampoo starts. It goes a long way to making your hair more manageable. It helps fend off dryness. Healthy hair holds a style better. In other words is simply looks better.
4 Conditioning Rules to Live By
Don't Skimp on the Conditioner. You need enough to do the job. That and a quality product will actually fill the holes in the shaft itself. It helps to settle down and smooth rough cuticles or the outer layer of the strands. And it offers a degree of protection from heat or even pool chemicals.
Don't Apply Aggressively. By that I mean, you want to stay far away from the roots. That's where the oil naturally is found anyway. Which is to say the area near the scalp is the part of your hair shaft that really doesn't need conditioning. It's the older hair, generally anything past your ears, that you want to focus your conditioner on. Especially the ends. Especially during the summer.
Don't Be In A Hurry. Too many of us don't leave the conditioner on long enough for it to do its job. This isn't a 30 second process. Three, four five minutes is more like the duration you are looking for. There is no need to rush the rinsing of the conditioner down the drain. It does your naturally colored locks no good down there.
Don't Forget Deep Conditioning. If you want to put the brakes on breakage then you'll want to deep condition like once a month. Here's one way to go about it. Simply apply the conditioner, cover your head with a plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. A great way to add needed moisture to parched locks. All the more if those locks have been colored or highlighted.
Stylist Tip: During the hot summer months see if you can't give your blow dryer a rest. But if you insist on firing it up, note the word fire, then set it to the lowest temp to do the job. Remember the higher the setting the hotter the air your appliance blows. The hotter the air the dryer your ends will get. And fried ends split super easily.
Truth be told, everyone's hair is damaged. It simply a matter of how badly damaged it is. A way to improve the health of your hair is to properly condition it. And the key to conditioners is finding a product that works with your hair. And as the saying goes you may have to kiss a lot of frogs but once you find one that works with your locks you'll notice the difference. And so will your friends.
One more thing. Those who want more helpful info like this should check out FullerHeadofHair.com. Whether you are a hair care novice, or the one your friends turn to, like Tiffany here, you're bound to find new ideas and tips you can use at that website.
Yet Tiffany was adamant. "Yes, Virginia, you really do need conditioner. It's essential if you want healthy hair."
While Tiffany may be certain about the benefits of conditioning her hair, perhaps you are not. Perhaps you could use a brief refresher course.
For starters think of it this way. As one stylist to the stars put it, conditioning products finish what your shampoo starts. It goes a long way to making your hair more manageable. It helps fend off dryness. Healthy hair holds a style better. In other words is simply looks better.
4 Conditioning Rules to Live By
Don't Skimp on the Conditioner. You need enough to do the job. That and a quality product will actually fill the holes in the shaft itself. It helps to settle down and smooth rough cuticles or the outer layer of the strands. And it offers a degree of protection from heat or even pool chemicals.
Don't Apply Aggressively. By that I mean, you want to stay far away from the roots. That's where the oil naturally is found anyway. Which is to say the area near the scalp is the part of your hair shaft that really doesn't need conditioning. It's the older hair, generally anything past your ears, that you want to focus your conditioner on. Especially the ends. Especially during the summer.
Don't Be In A Hurry. Too many of us don't leave the conditioner on long enough for it to do its job. This isn't a 30 second process. Three, four five minutes is more like the duration you are looking for. There is no need to rush the rinsing of the conditioner down the drain. It does your naturally colored locks no good down there.
Don't Forget Deep Conditioning. If you want to put the brakes on breakage then you'll want to deep condition like once a month. Here's one way to go about it. Simply apply the conditioner, cover your head with a plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. A great way to add needed moisture to parched locks. All the more if those locks have been colored or highlighted.
Stylist Tip: During the hot summer months see if you can't give your blow dryer a rest. But if you insist on firing it up, note the word fire, then set it to the lowest temp to do the job. Remember the higher the setting the hotter the air your appliance blows. The hotter the air the dryer your ends will get. And fried ends split super easily.
Truth be told, everyone's hair is damaged. It simply a matter of how badly damaged it is. A way to improve the health of your hair is to properly condition it. And the key to conditioners is finding a product that works with your hair. And as the saying goes you may have to kiss a lot of frogs but once you find one that works with your locks you'll notice the difference. And so will your friends.
One more thing. Those who want more helpful info like this should check out FullerHeadofHair.com. Whether you are a hair care novice, or the one your friends turn to, like Tiffany here, you're bound to find new ideas and tips you can use at that website.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Don’t Ignore the Basics of Hair Care
Every now and again it's good to revisit the basics of hair care. Busy lives oftentimes dictate developing a morning routine we can follow mindlessly even if our brain isn't fully engaged yet. Or your hectic schedule in the evening with homework, or the kids and their homework and what naught may require an end of day routine you can run through despite being dead tired as you prep your hair and face for a rejuvenating and restful night's slumber.
Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with routines. They can help us get thru the daily drudge without having to think too hard. But for some, routines can turn into ruts. And a rut by its very definition means we may be ignoring or excluding some useful things we should be doing but aren't because we've forgotten or feel we don't have time or whatever. Know what I mean?
So maybe it's time to think outside the hair care box you find yourself in. The one you've grown accustomed to. Let's start that process by looking at seven elements of hair care you ignore at the peril of your tresses.
For starters let me ask you, could your pillow be damaging your hair? Well your pillow case more specifically. It's a little known fact that if you want to avoid roughing up your cuticles as you sleep you want to sleep with either a satin scarf firmly in place or on a satin pillow case. In other words cotton pillow cases are out.
Tangles an issue? They aren't pleasant are they? Whatever you do don't use a brush to remove them. A wide tooth comb is best. Better still is to make use of the comb when your hair is slick with conditioner.
If your hair tends to the dry side maybe a little shea butter, or products containing shea butter, would be just what the shine doctor ordered. It can add badly needed moisture your locks are lacking naturally. Making it a worthy addition to your hair care routine, don't you think?
Mind if I ask when was your last scalp massage? If you don't know or it was long ago, well that's not good. Since a few minutes invested regularly in doing that can encourage better circulation to those all-important hair follicles and to stimulate natural oil production.
Exercise regularly? Good for you. Problem is exercise and sweaty hair often go hand in hand. The idea would be to rinse the salt out of your hair even if you aren't able to shampoo it. Then just apply a leave in conditioner and you're more or less set.
Speaking of conditioner if your routine doesn't include deep conditioning at least once a month, it should. Others find that using a leave in conditioner helps with their hair. Naturally you'll want to experiment to see if you get equally good results by doing so. But it's something to consider.
Finally you're better off working with your hair type rather than constantly fighting to get a look your hair doesn't naturally sustain. While it just makes sense too few do this. Yet the less you fight your hair to get the look you want, the less stressed both you and your hair will be. In other words calling a hair truce and going with the flow is just smart hair management.
It goes without saying but I'll say it anyway. The better you treat your hair the better it will look. This is little more than the basics of haircuts and styles for some. Yet too often we get caught up in the rush of everyday life that we take shortcuts with our hair care routine to save time and effort. Yet as these seven points show, any hair care routine can benefit from hitting the reset switch and taking a look at what you are or are not doing and why.
Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with routines. They can help us get thru the daily drudge without having to think too hard. But for some, routines can turn into ruts. And a rut by its very definition means we may be ignoring or excluding some useful things we should be doing but aren't because we've forgotten or feel we don't have time or whatever. Know what I mean?
So maybe it's time to think outside the hair care box you find yourself in. The one you've grown accustomed to. Let's start that process by looking at seven elements of hair care you ignore at the peril of your tresses.
For starters let me ask you, could your pillow be damaging your hair? Well your pillow case more specifically. It's a little known fact that if you want to avoid roughing up your cuticles as you sleep you want to sleep with either a satin scarf firmly in place or on a satin pillow case. In other words cotton pillow cases are out.
Tangles an issue? They aren't pleasant are they? Whatever you do don't use a brush to remove them. A wide tooth comb is best. Better still is to make use of the comb when your hair is slick with conditioner.
If your hair tends to the dry side maybe a little shea butter, or products containing shea butter, would be just what the shine doctor ordered. It can add badly needed moisture your locks are lacking naturally. Making it a worthy addition to your hair care routine, don't you think?
Mind if I ask when was your last scalp massage? If you don't know or it was long ago, well that's not good. Since a few minutes invested regularly in doing that can encourage better circulation to those all-important hair follicles and to stimulate natural oil production.
Exercise regularly? Good for you. Problem is exercise and sweaty hair often go hand in hand. The idea would be to rinse the salt out of your hair even if you aren't able to shampoo it. Then just apply a leave in conditioner and you're more or less set.
Speaking of conditioner if your routine doesn't include deep conditioning at least once a month, it should. Others find that using a leave in conditioner helps with their hair. Naturally you'll want to experiment to see if you get equally good results by doing so. But it's something to consider.
Finally you're better off working with your hair type rather than constantly fighting to get a look your hair doesn't naturally sustain. While it just makes sense too few do this. Yet the less you fight your hair to get the look you want, the less stressed both you and your hair will be. In other words calling a hair truce and going with the flow is just smart hair management.
It goes without saying but I'll say it anyway. The better you treat your hair the better it will look. This is little more than the basics of haircuts and styles for some. Yet too often we get caught up in the rush of everyday life that we take shortcuts with our hair care routine to save time and effort. Yet as these seven points show, any hair care routine can benefit from hitting the reset switch and taking a look at what you are or are not doing and why.
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