Color

Test

Dry Hair Treatment

Dry hair has got to be one of the most common complaints for both men and women. There’re a number of reasons for this common occurrence.

• Climate
• Chemicals
• Diet
• Genetics

The normal content of moisture in an average persons hair is approximately 10%.

Once the content of your hair’s moisture drops below 10%, it is suggested to start applying a daily moisturizer. Now, I know what your thinking, how will I ever know if my hair’s moisture content drops below 10%? When you start to notice that your hair is overly dry, it’s a good indication that your hair has dropped below the desired level of moisture.

The leading product manufacturers produce moisturizers that include an ingredient called "humectants". This ingredient replaces moisture that has been lost as well as attracts moisture and helps hold it in the core of the hair follicle.

A home remedy that works wonders on dry hair is Safflower Oil. It contains essential fatty aids or EFA’s, which is a great natural moisturizer. The procedure is very easy to follow...

• Wash and dry your hair as you normally would
• Apply a few drops of Safflower Oil to your dry hai
• Start with the tips and work your way up
• Leave the oil in your hair to be absorbed as the day goes on

Of course our body produces natural EFA’s, which is called sebum. The only problem is with longer hair, the oil isn’t able to make it’s way down to the tips and therefore all of the hair isn’t able to get naturally moisturized, as GOD intended.

Whether you rely on the major product manufacturers to supply you with your moisturizing solutions or you go the old home remedy route, dry hair isn’t the end of the world, although it may seem so at the time. A proper hair care regimen will conquer any problem that may arise, even dry hair.

Washing Your Hair

When you think of washing your hair, you wouldn’t consider it to be a very difficult thing to do. You might even think it’s quite easy. Some of us approach washing our hair as a mundane task that we have to do a couple times a week. We’ve done it a million times, how hard can it be, right?

It’s not that it’s hard, it’s that if not done properly, we could mistakenly be doing more harm than good. We have to remember how delicate our hair is. It doesn’t matter if you have the thickest and strongest or thinnest and weakest hair one strand of any hair-type is extremely fragile. So handling our hair, especially when it’s wet, should always be done with the utmost care.

So you ask yourself, ok what is the right way to wash my hair?
Here are a few rules to live by when it comes to washing your hair...

• De-tangle your hair before you wet it.
• For best results, use warm water to thoroughly wet your hair. By doing this you will open up the hair cuticles and in turn be able to wash all the oil and dirt away.
• Gently rinse your hair with your fingertips to remove any products you may have in your hair.
• Pour a generous amount of shampoo in your palm, rub your hands together and apply the shampoo to your scalp.
• Gently massage the scalp with your fingertips and make your way down the hair, but not down to the tips. As shampoo will dry your hair’s ends.
• After you finish washing your hair, thoroughly rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles, which will also add an extra layer of shine.

Don’t be surprised if you need to wash your hair twice. If your hair is dirtier than normal, the first wash will be just to wash off the dirt and oils. The second shampoo is when you actually get to treat your hair to all the shampoo has to offer. Don’t be afraid of letting the shampoo sit in your hair for a couple of minutes. Give it time to do what it’s designed to do.

After shampooing and thoroughly rinsing your hair, gently squeeze out any excess water off your hair. Remember your hair is at its weakest point when it is soaking wet, so be gentle.

Now it’s time for the conditioner. Apply a generous amount, depending on your length, to the hairline, middle and ends of your hair.
Depending on how much time you have, let the conditioner set for up to ten minutes. After, thoroughly rinse your hair until it is completely free from any excess conditioner, unless it is a leave-in.

This procedure is pretty straightforward but yet very effective if done properly. Maintaining beautiful hair takes time and patience. With an effective routine, you’re bound to have that luscious, sexy hair you’ve always dreamed of.

Tools of the Hair Trade

Using the right tools in any trade makes a world of difference. In the hair industry, using the right tools will ultimately give the most desirable end result. It can make a huge difference between a hair disaster and a flawless haute-couture hair show.

Don’t worry having the right tools aren’t reserved just for those in the hair industry. These tools of the hair trade are easily found in your local beauty supply stores.

Brushes and Combs...

• Paddle Brush – Best used with long hair and straightening curly hair. To protect your hair from unnecessary damage, look for a Paddle Brush that have a rubber base and bristles that are made from nylon or a natural material.
• Round Brush – Very universal brush. Use it to flip out your hair, role it under, or while blow-drying, you can use a Round Brush to help create volume. Round Brushes that are made with natural bristles are gentler on your beautiful hair and will help keep your locks as healthy and strong as possible.
• Vent Brush – The specific design of the Vent Brush adds volume to any hair type while blow-drying by allowing air to pass through the brush.
• Wide-Tooth Comb – The good old’ fashioned Wide-Tooth Comb. This brush is your best friend when you need to de-tangle your hair. If your hair is weak, this comb is great because the wide teeth minimize damage while having to necessarily comb your hair.

Hair accessories are time savers. Whether you’re in a rush and don’t have time to style your hair, hair accessories can save the day. Such as...

• Hair Clips
• Barrettes
• Hair Pins
• Hair Bands

A spray bottle is a very handy tool that you want on hand at all times. It will help with those problematic areas. When just a spritz of water will do, there’s nothing better than a spray bottle. The bottle doesn’t have to be fancy any bottle will do the trick just fine.

Heating Tools...

• Blow dryer – You can call it a magic wand! A blow dryer can help transform you hair from bleak to chic. Use it to dry and style, style and make magic appear.
• Curling iron – To get those curly, bouncy curls, a solid stainless steel curling iron is exactly what you need.
• Flatiron – Whenever you see that hair that’s silky smooth and pin straight, 9 times out of 10 a flatiron was used to achieve such a flawless look. The flatiron is the perfect tool to finish off your style. Giving your hair that sexy runway look.

Whatever tool you decide to use, remember there’re no rules just suggestions. Get creative and go for it. Unleash that inner diva that’s burning inside.

Benefits of Short Hair

Whenever we see women with short hair, a since of confidence usually surrounds them.
Short hair reflects self-assurance and makes a statement wherever you go. Just for the
simple fact that there isn’t long flowing hair to hide behind. Short hair lets the world
know you’re in control.
There are many benefits with rockin’ a short haircut. Such as...
• Short hair is usually healthier than longer hair that is more susceptible to damaged
ends.
• Short hair brings out the younger side of us all.
• Short hair is bold and sexy.
• Short hair is easy to manage for the women on the go.
• Women with fine hair will benefit from a short haircut because you can have
chunky layers throughout to give a sense of full, thick hair.
If you’re considering taking the leap into the sassy world of short hair, go for it!
Change is good for all of us from time to time. Our hair is our focal point so making a
drastic change from long to short hair will bring you that change you are looking for.
Short hair will leave you feeling fresh, new and best of all give you the confidence to
conquer the world. Be bold, be beautiful, be you.

Blonde Hair Protection

Do blondes really have more fun?
The argument is quite convincing from both sides, however for the sake of this article let’s say yes, blondes do have more fun. Let’s not forget, there’s a price to pay for the star-studded treatment that blondes attract.
It’s fair to say most blondes enjoy the sun. Majority of the blondes are usually rockin’ a nice tan. However with that nice suntan unfortunately comes the harsh treatment from the sun that will damage a blondes’ hair.
The natural sun and heat damages the hair. It does this by extracting all the moisture that our hair needs to stay healthy and shiny.
The pigment that makes the hair blonde is more susceptible to damage from the sun than other natural hair colors. It really doesn’t matter what texture or shade of blonde you are, without protecting your hair, there’s no escaping the damage that the harsh sunrays can do to your beautiful blonde hair. It is also very common for frizz to occur when the sunrays are hitting your blonde hair. Not to worry, there’re precautions we could take to help prevent any damage from the sun to our blonde tresses.

Most of the leading product manufacturers on the market today are producing an anti-frizzing serum you could apply before you blow-dry your hair. These serums will help to control frizz before and after you blow-dry your hair.
It is suggested that before you expose your hair to any heat, you should apply a sealer to add another layer of protection. If you know you’re going to be out in the sun, look for products that contain a UV protection. You can find these ingredients in anything from conditioners to hair sprays.

We’ve all heard the horror stories about how a blondes’ hair will turn green after swimming in the pool for too long. This is because of the high levels of chlorine that is a pools best friend, but is definitely a blonde’s worst nightmare.
Again, most of the leading product manufacturers produce a chemical that will help strip the chlorine that’s built-up on your hair and ultimately give your tresses a chance to breathe. Don’t worry, the damage isn’t permanent, you’ll be a beautiful blonde bombshell once again.

There’re some great conditioners on the market today that are designed exclusively for blondes. These daily conditioners are created to enhance the color and shine that we all desire. When applying these daily conditioners, run a wide toothed comb or pick through your hair to remove any of those annoying tangles that inevitably occur.

Like any hair color, if you want to keep your locks looking silky smooth, you have to take care of them. Going to the hair salon and sitting in your hair stylists chair every two weeks doesn’t quite cut it, especially for the beautiful blondes out there. Maintenance may be a bit more time consuming, but in the long run, your sexy blonde hair will thank you for it.

Managing Your Hair

Different hair types require a different treatment to get a successful result. Each hair type entails it’s own unique approach. Hair stylists are experts at their craft because they know how to deal with each hair type. Everyone is different and so is the hair on his or her head. There are a few basic rules to live by whether your hair is curly, straight or wavy. Below you find some tips on how to work with what you have.

Curly Hair:

For those out there that have natural, beautiful curly hair, there are a few things that may help manage your sexy tresses.
Dryness could be an issue, so it’s recommended to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair. This will give your hair the needed moisture that it needs. Depending on the length of your hair and dryness, applying a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner 3-4 times a week may reduce the dreaded dryness that curly hair tends to get.
The dryness treatment doesn’t stop there, after washing your curly hair, it’s important to just gently blot your hair dry with a soft and very absorbent towel. The trick is to leave enough moisture on your hair so that when you apply a silicone-based shine serum to your curls, the serum will be able to penetrate into the strands of your hair. Depending on the thickness of your hair, apply 4 to 6 drops (the thicker your hair, the more you can use).
After you’ve applied the serum, gently run your fingers through your hair to detangle any knots you may have and then you can allow it to air dry.

Wavy Hair:

Now, your hair isn’t quite curly and it’s definitely not straight, so you must be one of the lucky few that’d be considered to have wavy hair.
It’s suggested to use a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner when washing your wavy tresses. These aren’t leave in shampoos and conditioners, so remember to thoroughly rinse your hair out after washing.
While your hair is sill wet, use a wide-tooth comb to smooth and separate your hair. After your hair is as smooth as can be, apply a silicone-based shine-enhancing spray. It’s best to spritz from the ends of your hair to the root.
To dry and seal in the silicon-based shine-enhancer, use a blow dryer with a tapered nozzle. This will direct the airflow to the hair down the shaft, leaving you with naturally beautiful wavy hair.

Straight Hair:

Last but not least, we have the straight haired people out there. You are the envy of many.
The kind of hair that allows you to just get up and go. As convenient as that may sound, there’re a few drawbacks to having pin straight hair that need to be addressed.
With having straight hair, your tresses tend to be flat against your head. This ultimately leads to excessive natural grease that can take away from the pizzazz of your hair.
One of the ways to defeat this natural occurrence is to use a deep-cleaning shampoo as often as necessary. They say we shouldn’t wash our hair everyday, but it all depends on the condition of our strands. Using a deep-cleansing shampoo on your oily days is highly suggested.
To prevent any oil build-up, you should also get in the habit of applying a clarifying gel treatment to the roots of your hair on a weekly basis.
Now depending on the amount of time you have, you could either let your hair air dry, which I know a lot of us do or you could blow your hair dry.
If you have the time to blow-dry then you could take a few more minutes and use a flatiron to give your hair that extra sexy sleekness.

Those of us with straight hair wish we had some curls and those with curls wish we had straight hair. Be grateful you even have hair! Some of us could care less, any hair will do! We all know that are hair plays a major role in our individual style, so get creative and just be you.

Hair Curlers

Remember your moms’ hair curlers?
We’ll things have changed a bit since then. Hair curlers used to basically be one size fits all, however that’s not really the case anymore.
Today, you’ll find both heated and non-heated hair curlers. You’ll find those that are magnetic based, Velcro or foam. They also vary in length and width as well.
There’re a few tips and tricks on which hair curlers or rollers to use and how to use them, so let’s get down to business.

• The wider the hair curler or roller the more full and smooth the end result will be.
• A thinner curler or roller will give a bit of a tight, spiral-type result.
• For a longer lasting result, when using non-heated hair curlers or rollers, try setting them in before you take a shower. The steam from the shower will help the curls last twice as long.
• Avoid rolling your hair too tight. Doing so may cause future hair loss and I don’t know about you but that’s not something I want to mess with.
• Magnetic hair curlers or rollers are used on wet hair. They will add a nice and smooth curl with the volume that you are looking for.
• Velcro hair curlers or rollers are designed to give soft, full curls. The beauty about Velcro curls is they could be used on both wet and dry hair.
• Short, fine or brittle hair should consider Velcro hair curlers or rollers, since they don't need to be clipped in place. Clips are needed for longer, thicker hair.
• Foam hair curlers or rollers are designed to be used when your hair is dry. There are created for fragile hair since they are made of foam and sleeping on them is not an issue.
• To ensure that your hair is at its thickest use a bodybuilding mousse the morning-or day-before you plan to apply hair curlers or rollers.
• For naturally curly hair, it’s best to apply a smoothing serum to brush through the curls; which will make rolling your hair much easier.
• Give yourself plenty of time and let the hair curlers set. Twenty to thirty minutes is about normal.
• Carefully unwind the hair curlers or rollers. Be patient and don’t rush or you could end up with a tangled mess of hair.
• After removing all the curlers, gently run a brush through the curls to create a nice and big, soft, full wave.

Whether you have pin straight hair or the curliest of curls, applying hair curlers or rollers is a sure way to spice things up. It’s a fairly easy procedure, one that we all can do at home, with a little patience that is. Remember to always get creative. There is no rule- book on how to roll your hair. How you wear your hair is a reflection of who you are.
If you’re looking to be bold and make a statement, hair curlers just might do the trick.

Black Hair Dye Removal

Of all the colors we could apply to our hair, black hair dye has got to be the most difficult to remove.
The ingredients that produce a black hair dye are extremely potent. The color gets deep into the core of the hair strands.
There’re a few steps to removing black hair dye. It’s not just a matter of slapping on a different color, there’s a bit more to it if you want to do it right that is.
Unfortunately, there’s always a risk that your hair will weaken from the process of removing black hair dye from your hair.
The process usually starts with bleaching out the black dye.
• It’s critical that the black hair dye is removed evenly otherwise you’ll get different shades as the bleach works on your hair.
• To reduce the discoloring of your hair, use a toner after bleaching your hair.
Your hair will eventually reach a light shade after the bleaching process. After this happens, you can then add a color that is closer to your natural color, if that’s what you are going for.

Now, the above tips are for the daring ones that will tackle such a task at home. However, it is probably wise to visit your hair stylist to remove the black dye from your hair.
Most likely, they’ve done this process once or twice and they have the right tools for the job. They’re probably using professional strength bleaches and color removers, as well as conditioners that will most likely be needed throughout the process.

There are a number of leading product manufacturers that are producing excellent hair color removers. So if you are considering the at home method, consider using one of professional hair color remover products, but make sure to thoroughly follow the instructions.

Whether you are one of the brave souls who tackle such a task at home or rely on a professional hair stylist to do the trick, coloring your hair is never a walk in the park. Be patient and I’m sure you’ll end up with a beautiful new sexy color.

Hair Brush Secrets

The key to any successful result is starting out with the proper tools, no matter what the task at hand is. The hair industry definitely has its fair share of tools and the hairbrush is at the top of the list. There’s a reason why all the pro stylists have a variety of hairbrushes at their disposal. Whether you have long hair or short hair, there’s a hairbrush made just for you.
Now there’re a number of different types of hairbrushes to choose from. Each one serves it’s own purpose. Getting the right hairstyle has a lot to do with choosing the right hairbrush. Even though you may be using the proper hairbrush, you may still be damaging your hair if you’re not careful. Always remember, your hair is fragile and can break easily. So when using any hairbrush, take your time and be gentle, your hair will thank you for it.
Below you’ll find a few tips when it comes to your hairbrushes...

• Size does matter; when it comes to brushes that is. The length of your hair will determine which brush will work best.
• Usually wooden brushes that have a bit of weight to them tend to be easier to straighten your hair with.
• Hairbrushes and combs should always have rounded bristles for the most protection.
• If you are lucky enough to have thick frizzy hair, try and avoid brushing your hair to style it. Using a pick comb to get those finishing touches should give you the results you want.
• Smaller brushes should be used if you have fine hair. Smaller brushes will give you the ability to lift the hair at the root for more fullness.
• Avoid using any kind of brush on your wet hair. It’s a sure way to damage your and break your hair. Instead, going from the ends to just before the root with a wide-toothed comb will get the job done.
• Paddington brushes are best suitable for short hair. Make sure the brush has soft bristles so you won’t damage the hair.
• Those of us with hair that is of medium length should use a paddle brush with soft protective bristles.
• An extra large round brush should be used to blow out the curls of medium length hair that has a bit of a wave to it
• For that smooth-silky look use a larger paddle brush.
• A paddle brush is also good to straighten long thick hair.
• Mason Pearson hairbrushes are renowned for use on long hair. They are nice and thick, with loose-toothed bristles.
Any professional hair stylist will tell you, that having the right tools to create their masterpieces is half the battle. Whatever you do in life, proper preparation prevents poor performance. With the right tools, you could do anything you set your mind to.

Flat Iron Tips

Who doesn’t love that sleek, smooth look that only a flat iron can achieve?
Don’t be fooled, there are some drawbacks to that silky-smooth straight look.
One of the most important drawbacks is damaging the hair follicles. Over-use and inappropriate use is a sure way to keep your hair from looking its best.
Whether you’re using a ceramic, thermal, metal or ionic flat iron, excessive or miss-use will result in damaging your beautiful locks. The heat that flat irons produce keeps your hair dry and brittle and may damage the ends of your hair over time.

There are ways you can still use these essential hair tools and keep your hair healthy.
Below, you’ll find a few tips that may assist you in your journey in the flat iron world.

• Cleanliness is next to Godliness. If you keep your flat iron as clean as possible, it will not only last longer, but will do less damage as well. After all, the last thing we want is straight damaged hair.
• Before you dry and touch a flat iron to your hair, apply a small amount of product. All of the leading product manufacturers offer hair care products just for this purpose. Utilizing these styling products will help reduce the look of frizzy hair.
• When it comes to sectioning out your hair, use small sections. The smaller the section the flatter and more weightless your hair will be.
• Always thoroughly comb each section just before you flat iron it. This will give you an even result.
• A smooth even stroke from the root to the tips of your hair is suggested when using any flat iron.
• Even pressure is recommended throughout the entire process in order to produce optimal results.
• After flat ironing your hair apply a small amount of lightweight serum to smooth away any frizz that remains.
• If preferred, a wide bristle brush is recommended to finish off your desired results.
• Remember to clean your flat iron after each use. When cooled, just wipe it down with a clean cloth.

Last but not least, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if your results aren’t what you’re looking for the first time. The more you practice the better the end result. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to that sexy, smooth, sleek hair we all desire.

Trimming Your Own Bangs

Definitely not for the faint at heart.
Those who can’t take the heat, step away from the shears.
Trimming bangs should be left to the professional hair stylists that created them in the first place, however, there are some of us out there who like to take things into our own hands whenever possible.
It’s been two weeks since you’ve seen your hairstylist and it’s already time to trim up those sexy bangs they gave you. What do you do?
Make another appointment just to have them clean up your bangs, or do you have the guts to give it a go? Trimming your own bangs will definitely give your haircut a fresh look in between visits to the hair salon.
So for those who have a certain je ne sais quoi, below you’ll find some steps that might aid in your quest for getting your bangs just the way you like them, at home that is.

Take a deep breath...

• Shears, obviously if you have professional hair shears, they’d probably be your best choice. But for those who don’t you’ll want to use a pair of straightedge cuticle or mustache scissors.
• Completely dry your bangs.
• Go ahead and style your bangs as you normally would and pin back the rest of your hair.
• You’ll want to start at the center of your bangs and work your way out.
• Using your index and middle fingers, take a very small section of hair and bring it straight down against your forehead. * Remember not to pull the hair too tight; you’ll end up cutting too much.
• Take the shears and slowly cut the hairs below your fingers. * To be safe, trim less so there’s room for correction just in case you made a mistake.
• When you are done trimming each section of one side, run a comb through it and into the rest of your bangs to check length and for any mistakes. Make any corrections before moving onto the other side.
• When you’re satisfied, repeat the same steps for the opposite side of your bangs.

Now, symmetry may be crucial for some but not others. If it is for you, then after trimming both sides of your bangs, comb together and make any correction that may be needed. Otherwise, don’t be afraid to get creative with how your bangs will lay. After all, they’re yours.

Managing Your Bangs

Lets face it bangs are hot right now.
Everywhere you turn, you’re seeing another hairstyle with some sort of bang. Either straight-layered, side-angled, short or long, everyone is rockin’ the bangs.
For those of us that are new to the bang world, managing your freshly cut bangs are another story all in it’s own.
Our hairstylists know exactly how to cut and style bangs. However, when we try and recreate their creations at home, we sometimes have, what I like to call, issues.

Here are a few tips that may help you get your bangs looking their best...

• Always blow-dry your bangs down towards your face.
• With a round brush, start at the root of your hair and work your way down to the tips of the bangs.
• To eliminate the bump that you may have created from the round brush, try using a flatiron to get those bangs pin straight.
• Perhaps you want a bit of roundness to your bangs. After blow-drying, set two Velcro rollers in your bangs, one behind the other.
• Spray your bangs with a light hold hairspray and let the rollers set for a few minutes.
• Remove the rollers, brush and style your bangs to your desired look.

Get creative with your new look. Feel free to apply a light wax to give your hair a bit of texture. If you do end up using a flatiron, remember to use a deep conditioning treatment, as the heat applied to your hair may damage it. When you have your new bangs hairstyle just the way you want it, give your hair a light spritz of hairspray to keep your beautiful new tresses in place.

Personalized Haircut

All haircuts are definitely not created equal. Think of a haircut as a picture frame to your face. However, you must keep in mind that not all haircuts are designed to fit your face. You want a haircut to accentuate your features, not over power them.

There are some basic rules one can follow when leaning towards a desired haircut and style that will flatter ones face.
Those of us with more of a round face may find a haircut and style that has a bit less width around her face to be beneficial. Hairstyles that add length will balance out a round face as well.
On the flipside, those that have a longer face may be more suitable with haircuts and styles that are a bit shorter, as to not accentuate the long face. Also, going with hairstyles that add a bit of width around the face, usually counteracts the length of the face.

Regardless of whether you have a round face or a long face, there are some universal hairstyles and haircuts that will flatter any shape of the face.
Below you’ll find a few tips and tricks that will work for any occasion.

Layers...
• Layering will add a unique style to just about any haircut.
• Keep the layers toward the front of your hair
• You always want the direction of the layers to accentuate and direct attention to your best features of your face.
• Avoid layers that are short, that fall above the eyes and ears.

Length...
• Length with layers down the back and around the face will give any women that sexy look she desires.
• Shaping up the ends, will give your hair a sophisticated bounce.

We are all individuals looking to personalize our looks. It doesn’t matter what God’s blessed you with, there is always an answer when it comes to what will look good on you. Get creative, have fun and let yourself shine through.

Haircut Nightmares

Believe it or not, there’re hairstylists out there that probably shouldn’t come close to any ones head with a pair of shears. You know the ones; we’ve all experienced them one time in our life. I have nothing against hairstylists that are trying to perfect their craft; however I just don’t want them practicing on me. I’ve experienced my share of haircut nightmares, one to many times.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve explained your haircut vision to your hairstylists with the utmost detail; it’s quite possible you will end up with something that’s quite honestly, an unmanageable mop on top of your head. You might not mind it as much if you were just going in for a regular appointment; imagine if it was for an unforgettable evening, what a haircut nightmare that’d be.
It’s not the end of the world. The sun is still going to rise in the east and set in the west, if you know what I mean. After all, your hair will grow out again, just not as quick as you’d like it to though. There’re some steps you could take to get you through your haircut nightmare.

• Most hair salons are in the business in keeping their customers happy, at all costs. If you find yourself a victim of a haircut nightmare, then go back to the hair salon and speak your mind. Nine times out of ten, they’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. However, I’d suggest having a different hairstylist fix your hair though. If the last stylist couldn’t get it right the first time, chances are they might not be able to fix it.
• A ponytail could be a haircut nightmares best friend, if it’s long enough, that is. Since your fresh, new bad haircut won’t grow out for a while, a ponytail is a perfect way to disguise your embarrassing hair-do. Get creative with it; you could still wear it in a sexy fashion even though the haircut isn’t.
• Just because your dream haircut turned out to be a haircut nightmare, doesn’t mean you should neglect your daily hair regimen. Work with what you have, continue with your conditioning treatments so your hair will grow out healthier and sexier than before.
• I know your tempted, but whatever you do, don’t do anything drastic; like chopping off what’s left of your hair. You just might end up with a haircut that can’t be fixed no matter what you do. Unless you like wearing hats, then by all means, chop away.

Visuals are a great way to clearly communicate how you’d like your hair to look. So when you sit in your hairstylists’ chair, don’t be afraid to pull out the pictures of your favorite hairstyle.
Don’t worry; the sun will shine on you again. Your beautiful hair, which has been on top of your head for all those years, will be back before you know it. In the meantime, get creative with your hair, chance are you’ll be able to find a hairstyle that just might work in the time being. Hey, you never know, you might find a new you and forget all about your haircut nightmare.

Shine It Up

Getting ones hair to shine is a matter of putting the finishing touches on it. A shiny head of hair represents a healthy vibrant individual. We all know when our hair looks great, we feel great.
Below you’ll find a few tips on achieving that shiny hair we all desire.

Normal Hair:
• Focus on shampoos that contain silk amino acids and lecithin. These to ingredients will provide softness, repair hair structure and restore its texture.
• It’s important not to use product that may weigh your hair down. Applying small amounts of gels and creams will add shine without the unnecessary burden of heaviness throughout your hair. Remember to first rub the instructed amount in your hands, and then gently run your fingers through your hair. Spreading the product evenly throughout your hair.

Fine Hair:
• Ingredients such as wheat proteins and polymers can be found in certain shampoos, which is beneficial for fine hair types. The benefits of these ingredients are that they coat the hair shaft, which in turn makes the hair to appear thicker.
• Spray volumizers can play an important role in the shininess of your hair. They’re usually not heavy products, which won’t weigh the hair down. They deliver a light mist of shine on the hair.

Thick Coarse Hair:
Pomades and thick coarse hair go hand in hand. Pomades serve a number of purposes for thick coarse hair.
• Keeps the hair moist
• Delivers the shine we all are looking for.

More Shine Tips:
• A heat-activated shampoo will bring out the shine you desire.
• Use a deep conditioner at least once a week.
• Over excessive use of hair products may dull the hair by coating it with harmful ingredients.

It’s very important to identify your hair type and look for hair products that are specifically designed for you. Follow the suggested usage on the product and you’ll be on your way to having healthy shiny hair.

Active Hairstyles

Just because you’re an active, athletic women doesn’t mean you still can’t rock a convenient, no non-sense hairstyle. Whether your running marathons, playing softball, kicking a soccer ball or any other sport, the last thing you want to worry about is your hair. Those that don’t have short haircuts know what it’s like to keep your hair off your back, neck and face. So finding an active hairstyle will keep you focused on what’s really important, you.

Braids...
For medium to long hair, a double braid works perfectly as an active hairstyle.
Just like when you were a little girl and your mom used to braid your hair.
You’ll need a comb and a few elastic bands to secure the braids.
• With your comb, create a straight part down the middle of your head from the front to the back.
• Take one of the sections and secure it with an elastic band.
• Separate the other section into three equal parts. Take the section and start braiding the hair by interweaving each part toward the center, over the middle section.
• Continue interweaving the hair until you have about one inch left at the bottom.
• Secure the end with an elastic hair band.
• Repeat, by separating the other side into three equal parts and continue interweaving the hair until about one inch from the end and securing with an elastic band.

Mini-Braids...
You have the option of braiding your hair into many skinnier braids. This will add a personal touch and a bit of sassiness to your look.
• Following the same steps as above, but this time instead of just two sections, divide your hair into multiple sections. The amount is completely up to you.
• Secure each braid with tiny hair bands specifically designed for this use.
• After braiding all the sections, you have the option to secure all the loose braids at the back of the head, with one elastic band. This will keep all the loose braids in one place and out of the way.
• You may consider using a hairspray to strengthen the hold.

Tip...
The ideal braiding conditions would be to start with the hair a bit damp. The hair will be easier to handle. Of course, if your activity is during the winter months, dry your hair first, otherwise you might run the risk of catching a head cold.

Headbands...
Elastic headbands are a quick and easy fix for keeping your hair out of the way.
• Simply create a high ponytail to keep the hair off the neck.
• Position the headband around your forehead, wherever it feels comfortable.
If your not braiding your hair, the use of a headband will keep the hair from falling in your face. Even if you still use a ponytail to secure your hair, strands may eventually fall into your face, which is where the headband comes into save the day.

Don’t be afraid of improvising. Get creative. Whatever you can get your hands on to keep your hair from bothering you during your activity, by all means go for it.
Originality is the backbone of any fashion statement.
So for all you active women that need those active hairstyles don’t hold back!
Stay active, stay healthy and keep rockin’ the hair.

Healthy Hair Solutions

Bottom line, good nutrition is the most natural way of getting hair looking it’s best!

There are classic signs that prove how healthy our bodies truly are. Shiny, silky hair is a direct reflection of a healthy body. The same way our bodies need a balanced diet to stay in shape, our hair needs balanced nutrients to stay looking it’s best. When we follow an exercise routine we see results. The same results will benefit our hair as well. So follow these basic healthy hair tips and get your beautiful hair as healthy as it can be.

Vitamins...
We all know how important are vitamins are. Vitamin A is great for the skin and will help promote a health scalp. Vegetables are a good natural source of Vitamin A.
To promote proper hair growth and hair color, a balanced intake of Vitamins B and C will due the trick. These vitamins will also promote a strong strand of hair that will keep your split ends down to a minimum. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, eggs, milk and bread will give you all the natural vitamins you need to keep your hair looking as good as can be.

Minerals...
• Iron plays a crucial role in a healthy head of hair. It’s used as a vehicle to carry oxygen to the hair. The absence of iron will cause the hair and its follicles to starve from the lack of needed oxygen. Which is essential from the scalp to the tips of your hair. Red meats and dark green vegetables are good sources of iron.
• Hair protein is built from zinc. It can help prevent hair loss. You will find zinc in meats and seafood.
• The copper in your body directly affects pigmentation of the hair. Plenty of copper in your system will bring out your natural hair color. Many of the foods we eat are high in copper. Shellfish, liver, vegetables, nuts, seeds and meat will supply your hair with the minerals it needs to stay healthy.

Water...
Believe it or not, water makes up 25% of the weight of a strand of hair. One of the reasons for dry hair is the lack of fluids in ones body. Moisture is essential for flexible hair, so make sure you get plenty of fluids. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get in the habit of staying hydrated; your hair will thank you for it. Staying hydrated will benefit your entire body, not just your beautiful silky locks. Eight to ten glasses a day, will keep the doctor away.

Protein...
Protein is the foundation for a healthy head of hair. Just you’re your body, protein will give your hair strength and will keep the strands from braking and splitting. Fish, meat, milk, cheese and cereals are all good sources of protein.

Living a healthier lifestyle with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise will not only keep you looking and feeling your best, but will give you a beautiful, shiny and silky head of hair we all desire.

Hair Highlights

Highlights are a great way to get that subtle change we all need from time to time. Instead of undergoing a drastic complete color transformation, adding highlights throughout your hair will satisfy that craving you’ve been contemplating.
When deciding to add hair highlights, you generally have (2) choices,
1. Beauty Salon Highlighting
2. Home Hair Highlighting
Lets first talk about getting your hair highlights done at a beauty salon.

Going to a hair salon for hair highlights will give you more possibilities, especially when dealing with a hair stylist that does hair highlights every day. Picking the right shade for your skin tone, in particular if your looking to go more than 2 to 3 shades lighter than your natural hair color could be tricky task. So leaving it up to your professional hair stylist would definitely be a smart move.
Hair stylists also use several techniques when it comes to hair highlights.
• Foil Highlighting, is a precision-based procedure, which involves painting color onto the hair, and folding the hair into a foil. Its time consuming and hard to touch up, however the results are second to none.
• Another technique is Bialiage, which is commonly used because of its simple painting technique.
• Chunking and Piecing will give you a unique look with thicker strands of color throughout your hair.
• Low Lighting is a technique, which is used to minimize harsh tones by adding darker pieces or just to darken the overall appearance of your hair.
Hair highlights from a professional hair salon that know all the techniques, will most likely result in a smooth transition to your new look.
Don’t be shy to ask your hair stylist for a consultation to discuss color options. It’s better that both of you are clear about what the end result should be. Communication is key.

Now highlighting your hair at home is becoming more and more popular with so many fantastic choices available from all the leading hair product manufacturers. Getting your hair highlights done at a beauty salon can be quite costly, so with patience and some careful decision making those do-it-yourselfers can also achieve amazing results at home.
Many leading product manufactures offer how-to videos online so if this is your first time highlighting your hair at home make sure and do some research before you begin.
Here are a few general guidelines you may follow in choosing the perfect color…
• Those with a skin tone more on the pink side should stay away from shades of red.
• Those with a skin tone more on the yellow side stay away from colors that are orange or yellow based.
• Those with an olive-toned complexion may want to stay with darker base colors and use low lights

Sticking with the hair manufacturers directions that are on the box is usually a safe bet that the end result will be as expected. It is suggested that you do an allergy test before using a specific product.

Maintaining Your Hair Highlights

Whenever color is applied to your hair, special maintenance should always be taken. There is sometimes a few pit-falls with the chemicals used to highlight your hair. Such as, leaving your hair dull and frizzy.
Here are a couple of hair care tips to help keep that new color shinning oh so bright…
• Use a shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair. There are a few product manufacturers that have fantastic lines on the market that specialize in color treated hair.
• Use a deep conditioning treatment on your hair once a week.
• Chlorine is NOT your friend when you have color treated hair. It’s true your hair can turn a shade of green. If you must swim in a pool, try a leave-in conditioner on your hair before getting into the water.
• Chemicals that are used to color your hair can be damaging. So it’s advised NOT to do another chemical treatment for at least a few weeks. After all, you don’t want your hair to fall out, do you?
• Touch up every 6-8 weeks, for long hair, depending on how drastic of a change from your original hair color.
• Shorter hair will show roots more obviously, and may have to be done every 4-6 weeks.
Hair highlights are very beautiful when done tastefully.
Whether you like to be pampered at the beauty salon or are one of the brave souls that like to do-it-yourself, subtle hair highlights can certainly add that touch that’ll put your hair over the top.