Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Curly Curls

Whether you are one of the lucky ones to be born with natural curls or just want that bouncy curl feeling, you will be able to utilize a variety of techniques to achieve the curly hairstyle you are looking for. For those of you that were blessed with natural curls, the right products and styling tools can effortlessly transform your frizz hair to sleek ringlets.

Those of us without natural curls don't have to resort to harsh chemical perms or treatments to achieve the essence of rich beautiful curls.

Curls and waves can be created naturally without chemicals, on any type, texture or condition of hair. Most stylists suggest that if your hair has been colored or chemically treated, you should avoid the use of hair perms, as they may cause potential damage to your hair.

An affective way to convert tight natural ringlets into soft wavy curls is to complete the following steps:

  • Use a moisturizing shampoo considered for your hair's current type and condition.

  • Apply a rinse out conditioner suggested for your hair's type, and condition. Remember that if the hair is too soft, curls may not hold their shape as long as desired. One solution would be to only spot condition your hair.

  • A suggestion, which no one enjoys, is to rinse with cold water to close cuticles and add natural shine.

  • Use a leading de-frizzer, leave-in conditioner and styling mousse to protect hair against frizz. These products will contribute extra conditioning and help create those beautiful curls.

  • If applicable, separate long bangs from rest of hair. Apply a straightening gel to the bang and top of the hairline.

  • Use a brush and a blow dryer with a concentrator. Dry the hair in a downward motion, from roots to ends, to get the hair straight with extra shine.

  • Attach a long finger diffuser to your blow dryer and isolate remaining hair into 2" sections. Set the dryer to a medium heat, use the fingers of the diffuser to lift and amplify the natural curls.

  • Dry completely. Use a curling iron to define the curls as desired. Finish with a combination of a shine spray and hairspray to add shine and hold.

Fine Thin Hair

The Facts…

The hair on your body is similar to your skin, meaning there are layers sitting on one another. The top layer is made up of dead cells lying on top of each other. Think of this layer as a shield for the rest of your hair. This protects the middle layer, which makes up the bulk of the hair. It’s also where the color is held and where it determines whether you have straight, curly or wavy hair. The innermost layer, is where the answer lies. What determines the hairs thickness is a small indentation on the scalp from which hair grows. In turn, the thicker the groove is the thicker your hair is and vice versa. People with thin hair have about 90,000 strands on their heads.

The Solution…

The most common complaint with thin hair is, of course, limpness. To help avoid this problem without weighing the hair down, try styling products that build volume. Believe it or not, adding color will give your hair a fuller look.

Another starting point would be your shampoo and conditioner. It’s advised to begin with a volumizing shampoo. Followed by a conditioner that promotes thicker looking hair. By using a leave-In conditioning treatment, you will add body, strength & thickness to your locks. Using a blow dryer to dry your hair will add volume, but can damage it if used excessively. Once dry, another trick would be to use hot rollers in your hair for a couple of minutes for additional volume. To put your finishing touches, apply a volumizing hair spray to set your, now, thicker looking hair.

Long Hair Care

Long hair is undoubtedly an amazing feature when well cared for. It is also undeniably an eye sore when neglected. There is a big misconception when it comes to growing your hair long. Some think the way to gain length is to not cut your hair. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The longer hair goes without a trim, the higher chance you will have in developing split ends and worn strands. To support further growth, get the ends trimmed every 6-8 weeks to remove the damaged hair.

With many hair accessories available in today’s market, try and stay clear of the ones with rough or sharp edges, as they may cause your hair to break. Also, wet hair is quite fragile and may break if brushed or styled. So, if possible, dry hair before putting your finishing touches on it.

What is one of the most common complaints when it comes to long hair? Tangles! What a painful reality of long hair. By using a detangling conditioner and a brush with coated tips, you may be able to prevent this unfortunate occurrence.

As we have no control over the harsh weather we may face, a smart solution would be to use a simple braid or pony tail to avoid further tangles.

In the unlucky event you are faced with tangled hair, start from the bottom and work your way up. A wide-bristled brush or comb usually works best. Be gentle and take your time, making sure not to break or cause the ends to split. For those impossible knots, apply a conditioner to the area and let set for a few minutes. That should do the trick.

Choosing the right products is a critical factor in healthy hair growth. The proper shampoos, conditioners, and treatments are what you should pay close attention to. Many of the leading hair companies offer high end products that are very dependable. Keep in mind, the quality found in hair care products sold in your local convenience store opposed to those sold in a professional salon, are greatly different.

It’s apparent that longer hair is more susceptible to breaking and splitting; due to its length and distance from healthy natural oils coming from the scalp. In turn, creating a frizzy, unpleasant appearance. To strengthen hair and help prevent damage, look for a smoothing product or an anti-breakage treatment.

The sun has harmful rays that can damage your hair. So try and stick with products that include SPF protection in its ingredients.

Try and run a brush through your hair daily to help distribute natural oils and preserve the hair’s soft, silky texture.

Maintaining long beautiful hair isn’t as complicated as it may seem. It just takes consistent dedication to keep your tresses looking it’s best. The appropriate hair care products, together with a steady routine of maintenance, will certainly keep your long hair happy and healthy.

What Hair Color Is Right For You

Finding the right hair color for you is easier than you think.
A smart rule to follow is to use colors that are flattering to your skin tone. Determine whether you're better off with a full color or just highlights. The last decision you’ll need to make would be to go at it alone or have one of the pro’s do it.
Below you’ll find some tips only the pros know.

• Choosing What Color Will Work

Your skin tone will help determine which color to use. Light color skin usually works with most hair colors. Skin with a pinkish tone, should stay clear from reds or golden blonde. A suggestion would be to use light brown tones. For those with olive skin, consider utilizing dark colors. You may also think about using shades of red or brown lowlights to give it that certain something.

• Color or Highlight

Color would be the way to go if you have short hair.
For longer hair, using highlights will brighten up your skin tone. Don’t forget about root growth. About every 4-6 weeks you’ll need to touch up the coloring. As for highlights, you have a bit longer, usually 2-3 months.

• The 4 Types of Highlights.

1. Basic foil highlights,
2. Bialiage or “Hair Painting”
3. Chunking or “Piecing”
4. Low lighting

• Be Brave, Do it Yourself

Lately, the leading hair care companies are manufacturing some high quality over the counter coloring kits. These are ideal for the women on the go, as well as those of us who are on a tight budget but still want that professional quality coloring.

• Home Coloring Tips

Applying Vaseline is a smart way to avoid staining your skin
Make sure to always wear gloves.
Wrap an old dark-colored towel around your neck.
If any color happens to get into your eyes, immediately rinse with water.
Accidents happen, so if you do stain your skin with color, don’t panic, an alcohol-based toner will save the day.

• Bad Decision With the Color?

If you colored your own hair, you can use a body building shampoo. This will speed up the fading process.
If you got it done by one of the pros, they will have many options to alter the color for you.

• Life After Coloring

Freshen up your color with a color-enhancing shampoo & conditioner, at least once a week.