Archive for March, 2006
hairsearch.org
1. Eat adequate amounts of protein.
Protein is composed of the amino acids essential for the building of new cells, including hair. Five amino acids are of particular relevance to hair growth - cystine, cysteine, methionine, arginine and lysine.
Inadequate protein intake over a lengthy period can force hair into the resting phase with shedding a few months later. It is obvious then that sufficient portions of protein rich foods should form part of your daily diet. The best sources of dietary protein are lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, grains and seeds. At least 15% of your daily calories should come from protein-rich foods.
2. Eat adequate amounts of useful carbohydrates.
Carbs are an essential source of energy and help in the growth of body tissues, including hair. They are an important source of the B vitamins that are vital to healthy hair.
It is important that you concentrate on consuming non-refined carbs rather than the sugars and white flour that are so prevalent in many over-refined carb products. You should place an emphasis on consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice and potatoes. It is recommended that you obtain 55-60% of your daily calories from the carbohydrates found in these foods.
3. Achieve a healthy balance of dietary fats.
Fat is used in energy production and can be found in both animal and plant foods. Your body needs sufficient levels of fat to maintain good health. That fat should be obtained from a mixture of lean animal and plant sources. Roughly 25-30% of your daily calories should come from these sources.
4. The right nutritional balance is one that suits your personal circumstances.
How much of each food group you eat depends on a host of factors including age, sex, health and level of physical activity. When choosing meals and snacks, take account of the following key principles of sound nutrition:
- Eat a variety of foods.
- Apply moderation to your consumption of junk foods.
- Choose natural and lightly processed foods as often as possible.
- Do not over cook.
5. Support a nutritious diet with a few carefully chosen supplements.
Following a nutritious diet is essential for good hair health, but on its own this may not be sufficient for a number of reasons:
- Modern farming methods may deplete the nutrient quality of food.
- High stress levels may diminish nutrients in your body.
- Dieting may affect nutrient levels.
- Aging reduces the ability of our bodies to utilize certain nutrients.
- Exercise can deplete some nutrients.
It may be sufficient to supplement with a well-balanced multi-vitamin / mineral product but a number of products are available that specifically cater for the requirements of healthy hair.
You can learn more about these products by visiting the site listed below.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Hair Loss Nutrition to find out more about the issues covered in this article.
March 31st, 2006
hairsearch.org
Many people experiencing premature hair loss simply resign themselves to a process that is as inevitable as growing old. This is a positive and healthy reaction to what is a natural process for many.
But for others the onset of premature balding or excessive hair loss represents a traumatic development that causes untold worry and suffering. This too is a legitimate reaction regardless of whether the hair loss is caused by hereditary factors or some other more complex cause.
Should these sufferers just grin and bear it? No, they should not because there are a number of potentially effective treatments they could utilize, depending on the nature of their hair loss.
In this article I will outline some of the most popular hair loss treatments currently available in order to reinforce the fact that hair loss can be treated. The next article in the series will look closely at the treatment regimes best suited to specific ailments such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.
At present only two medications have been approved as hair loss treatments by the FDA. These are minoxidil, better known as Rogaine, and finasteride, better known as Propecia. Several other drugs have proven to be effective in combating hair loss, dutasteride for example, but have not yet been approved for this particular use.
Finasteride was originally developed to treat enlarged prostate conditions but a low dose version was subsequently approved for the treatment of hair loss in men. It tackles the causes of male pattern baldness by preventing the conversion of 5-alpha-reductase into DHT. Given that DHT is the main male hormone linked to hair loss, reducing its production by two thirds has a major impact on controlling this type of baldness.
Research has shown that 83% of men studied were able to maintain their hair count and 64% experienced regrowth by the end of a two year period. It should be noted that finasteride is approved for use by men only as the drug can have serious effects on unborn male fetuses. Women should therefore only consider using this drug under the strict supervision of a physician.
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a new medication for use in treating prostate conditions and, although not yet approved for the treatment of hair loss, it does offer exciting possibilities. It works in a similar way to finasteride but reputedly reduces overall DHT production by over 93%. As is the case with finasteride, women should consult their physician before using dutasteride.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the other hair loss treatment approved by the FDA and it is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Applied topically, its main benefit is its ability to stimulate regrowth thus reversing the effects of pattern baldness. Many users combine the application of minoxidil with other hair loss treatments like Propecia to achieve maximal results, but others experience satisfactory outcomes using minoxidil on its own.
Several studies have shown that certain non-drug products promote hair regrowth but none have yet been approved by the FDA. This is partly due to the prohibitive costs involved in conducting trials to prove that the products are effective for the purpose of marketing them as hair loss treatments. Many individuals and dermatologists nonetheless recommend use of certain non-drug treatments as an alternative or complement to drug therapy.
In many instances the treatments are based on natural ingredients that stimulate similar responses to those of the prescribed drugs but without the side effects. The information provided here presents a sample of products that have been subjected to testing or at least have had their effectiveness supported by independent feedback.
One such product is Arcon Tisane which has become Europe’s top selling natural supplement for hair loss. It comes as a capsule and sub-lingual spray containing saw palmetto and fenugreek stimulating a response similar to that of finasteride by inhibiting the production of DHT. Arcon Tisane has been clinically tested and has received widespread media coverage of its success in combating hair loss.
Calosol is a relatively new product aimed at helping alopecia areata sufferers. It consists of a shampoo and an accelerator applied daily in order to stimulate hair roots, reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair. Early indications suggest that Calosol can contribute significantly to easing this distressing and difficult to treat condition.
Fabao 101 is a treatment that comes in varying formats, each designed to tackle a particular form of hair loss. The common factor to each product is their derivation from natural plant sources. It was developed by a dermatologist and has received many international awards.
Folligen copper peptide products are designed to help create an environment that improves scalp health, reduces hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth. It can be used by both men and women. Studies at over 30 leading universities and medical research institutes have established the effectiveness of the technology utilized in Folligen products.
Tricomin is another treatment that targets the delivery of copper to the base of the hair follicle and it too has been clinically proven as an effective treatment for stopping hair loss and stimulating regrowth. It can be used safely with other hair loss treatments and can be especially useful in complementing the effects of finasteride and minoxidil.
Revivogen is an all-natural hair loss treatment that reduces DHT production, blocks the androgen receptors and stimulates hair growth. It is used topically and has no known side effects.
Shen Min is another natural hair loss treatment designed to restore and regrow all types and stages of hair loss. It is safe for both men and women. Shen Min contains a blend of Chinese herbs and comes in various forms to suit most people.
ThymuSkin was developed by German scientists to fight hair loss in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Due to the high success rates the product was developed for use by the general public to combat all types of hair loss. Clinical studies conducted in Europe show that ThymuSkin hair loss treatments could help to stop baldness and regrow hair for 67% of men and 95% of women.
Hopefully this article has demonstrated that many treatment options are available to hair loss sufferers. The next article in this series will develop the theme further by examining the treatment regimes that have proven effective in tackling specific forms of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.
March 31st, 2006
NEW YORK,
David Evangelista demonstrates how to choose hair color (CBS/The Early Show)
Fast Fact
One way to figure out if you have a warm or cool skin tone is to look at the veins in your arm. If they look blue, chances are you are a cool; if they have more of a greenish tint, you’re probably a warm.
(CBS) When choosing a hair color, the trick is to complement your skin tone in order to minimize flaws and bring out the best in your complexion. Picking the wrong shade can be a disaster for your overall appearance. It can make you look tired, sickly or unnaturally ruddy.
Visiting The Early Show on Monday, stylist to the stars David Evangelista brought tips on hair coloring, which he demonstrated on three models.
He says the first step is to determine if your skin tone is cool or warm. In general, you will have a cool skin tone if your hair is naturally bluish-black, dark brown, medium ash or golden blonde. Your skin will be pale, with pink or no undertones; medium, with pink, golden or no cheek color; very dark brown (some Latinas or African Americans); or true olive (Asian). Evangelista says “cool blues” do well with blue-red hair shades, such as burgundy, ruby, garnet, cherry or bordeaux.
You will mostly likely have a warm skin tone if your natural hair color is red, reddish or golden brown, deep brown, strawberry blonde or natural golden blonde. Your skin will be pale, with peach or gold undertones; brown, with pink, butterscotch, copper, caramel or golden undertones (some Latinas or African Americans); or freckled. “Warm yellows” do best with copper, cinnamon, ginger, russet and strawberry shades of red hair color, according to Evangelista.
Quick tip: Another way to figure out if you have a warm or a cool skin tone is to look at the veins in your arm. If they look blue, chances are you are a cool; if they have more of a greenish tint, you’re probably a warm.
Warm/yellow/golden skin tone
The first model, Jackie, appeared with hair in a pretty shade of deep brown. Evangelista and Parvin Klein, head colorist at the John Barrett salon, thought the color looked flat and that it gave her skin a yellow tint. They decided to even out Jackie’s skin with a flattering chestnut shade, and to add a few cinnamon highlights to bring a little red into her coloring, neutralize her yellow/sallow skin tone, and add some rich depth.
The result: Jackie’s skin looks rosier and her hair looks rich and healthy.
General tips for warm/yellow/golden skin tones
Try deep, rich base colors like dark golden brown, chestnut, mahogany or auburn
Highlight with red, cinnamon or copper streaks
Cool/blue-red skin tone
The second model, Paige, looked fantastic when she came into the salon, but there was a definite blue/red tint to her cool-tone skin, especially under her eyes, and her hair color was a little drab. To counter the blue and red tones in her skin and to make her blue eyes stand out even more, the stylists decided to go with a deep, minky base color, which would cool off the pink in her skin. They also opted to add a slew of golden highlights to warm up the blue tint to her skin.
The result: Paige’s skin looks more ivory or peaches-and-cream than red/blue, and her blue eyes stand out.
General tips for cool/blue-red skin tones
Try intense shades of brown, red or blonde for base color
Highlight with wheat, honey, taupe or ash shades that contrast base
March 29th, 2006
NEW YORK,
Karen Male with a flower in her hair (CBS/The Early Show)
(CBS) Accessories are all the rage this spring, but the hottest are the ones that go in your hair. David Evangelista, The Early Show’s stylist to the stars, drops by the show the trendiest accessories that will keep your hair looking hip all season long.
Headbands give your face an instant lift. Bands are available thick, thin, with patterns, crystals, and come in every imaginable color. What makes this season’s headbands different from those from the past is that many can be worn to formal occasions. Many companies are making their headbands out of satin or putting beautiful more formal patterns on the band.
Placement of the headband is very important. If you have a smaller forehead, place the band farther back on your head to add length to your face. If your forehead is longer, put the headband forward more so it will shorten your face.
If you have bangs, you can either put your bangs completely back or leave them in front of the band.
Do you have problems keeping your headband in place because you have very thick hair or very thin hair? Buy headbands with teeth inside the part of the band that goes on your hair.
Another option that adds a more casual look is using a headband that is soft (not on a base) and has an elastic around it to hold hair in tighter.
There are so many solid colors and patterns to choose from. Keep in mind when wearing an all-white outfit that it’s best to choose a headband that contrasts the outfit.
Modeling “the headband look” for The Early Show is Charity Elder. She wears a headband made by L. Erickson that may be found at franceluxe.com, priced at $45. But headbands can be bought for prices as low as $5.
Flowers in the hair are perfect with this spring’s tropical, airy, lacy clothes. To go with the clothes, hair designers have introduced major flower power in hair accessories. The most popular form is in barrettes, clips, and hair pins.
These are available in many different sizes, and David suggests trying on different clips to see which size goes best with your face. Be careful not to choose a flower that is too big for your face. Wearing the flower on one side, close to your ear, is the most popular look, but you can wear two on one side or one on each side if the flowers are smaller.
This look works for all kinds of hair, long and short styles as well.
Karen Male is the model for this look. She wears a flower clip made by Goody and sold at Target.
Ponytail accessories were seen all over the Golden Globes and the Oscars this year, because ponytails are definitely in. David says anyone can do a ponytail, no matter what type of hair you have and no matter what its length.
Many brands are making elastics with a charm on them. They come in all shapes and sizes and vary in price. David suggests that, when wearing a fancy elastic, to first put on a regular rubber band when making your ponytail. Then put on the elastic accessory over the rubber band.
If you don’t want to use one of the elastic accessories for the ponytail, you can buy hair ribbon and wrap it around your ponytail and either tie a knot and let the ends flow or tie a ribbon around your harnessed ponytail.
Be sure to wear an accessory that stands out against the color of your hair. Don’t wear a dark accessory if you have dark hair. The same goes with light hair and light accessories.
March 29th, 2006
Author: Carlos Navarrett
Introduction
Research psychologists Carlos Navarrete (Harvard University) and Cleopatra Abdou (UCLA) are actively studying African American men and women, their culture and how their self-identity is affected by their hair and other physical characteristics.
During the process of their extensive research, these researchers have posed some compelling questions about African Americans and their self-concepts and social identities. In their past research, they have found that the way that women identifying as African American or Black wear their hair can reflect their self-esteem and their views about their own racial or ethnic group.
Navarrete and Abdou believe that “particular physical features and feelings about self-attractiveness might ultimately result in how African Americans define themselves as individuals”.
They now seek to expand their research to include men and women of all ethnic backgrounds to get a better sense of how these processes work similarly and/ or differently among different groups of people.
They have designed a new online survey with these goals in mind in order to scientifically test their initial findings on a broader sample of people.
Among the scientific and social questions that they wish to answer are:
1
How integral are hair and beauty to the self-esteem and social identities of women of color?
2
How do people of all ethnic backgrounds learn to define and value themselves through their appearance?
3
How do people learn to estimate their relative levels of attractiveness?
4
How are overall well-being and social behavior affected by these self-concepts that we come to develop over time?
March 28th, 2006
Author: Karen Marie Shelton
Lisa Rinna is a shorted hair goddess. This Cancerian star (July 11, 1963) is a classic example of a strand savvy woman knowing what style looks great on her and sticking with it to her very best advantage.
Rather than being a slave to fickle hair trends and constantly changing her tresses from long to short, dark to light, this beautiful actress proves that she understands that true beauty comes from self-knowledge, confidence and class. Lisa has become famous for her short shag style which she has been wearing for the past six years.
This former Soap Opera Diva and hostess of the Emmy nominated Soap Talk recently burst back into the limelight with her fabulous performances on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and her new Access Hollywood Oscars Fashion reporting duties.
Even though Lisa didn’t win the dance contest, her lush tousled short shag captured the attention of the fans as she strutted her moves for the cameras. And yes, her appearance on the show garnered her lots of attention. She recently reported “the beauty of this show is it’s put us (the contestants) all back on the map,” Rinna said.
Proving that short hair can looks spectacularly chic when paired with sequined costumes and evening gowns, Lisa captured a whole new fan base with her flirty flicked end, tousled side-swept fringe and perfectly feathered crown. When Lisa, who has luscious chocolate brown tresses, appears on various Red Carpets, all eyes immediately turn to her crowning glory of perfectly tousled strands. Her locks are always so spectacularly styled that you can’t help but focus in on them.
Lisa was so popular with Dancing fans that rumors have popped up that she’ll be moving behind the cameras for next seasons contest. According to media buzz, Lisa will replace Samantha Harris as the female commentator on the ratings giant.
Besides snagging a possible commentator gig, Lisa caught the ballroom bug. She has announced that she is “opening a dance studio in Los Angeles with her pro partner Louis van Amstel”. Lisa is no slouch when it comes to opening a business. She already is the successful owner of two Hollywood fashion boutiques, Belle Gray.
Her first students, according to Lisa will be her actor husband Harry Hamlin and their two darling daughters, Delilah and Amelia.
A Classic Shag Style
Shag styles like Lisa’s are very flattering. They have cycled through as popular hairstyles since actress Jane Fonda wore a shag in her memorable Klute role. Like the little black dress or a good pearl necklace, a shag hairstyle is a classic look that offers so many different advantages.
Depending on how it is cut, it can look great on lots of different face shapes. Worn with lots of volume at the crown, the style can actually flatter a round face since it adds instant height.
When created with long cheek hugging strands, a shag hair style can minimize square face shapes or create instant cheekbones.
The style can be modified to include bangs or not, long layers or short layers and can be worn longer around the jaw line to soften prominent chins.
The style actually can be changed up with proper styling products. A volume enhancing spray or gel combined with backcombing or finger tousling can dress up the look for evening wear. For casual or daytime wear, the style can be slicked back into a wet look. When applied appropriately, baby barrettes, thin headbands and jeweled bobbies can instantly dress up a short shag. Tiny accent flowers also look spectacular when carefully positioned over one ear.
Steal Lisa’s Look
If you look closely at Lisa’s cut, the top layers were carefully crafted to create sassy volume that gives the style a flirtatious appeal.
Highlighting and low lighting create instant definition and focus along the perimeter of the style. Lisa’s shag is carefully cut around her eyes to bring them to prominence. The sides are feathered back and off her face to showcase her beautiful cheekbones.
Depending on your face shape and hair texture and type, work with your stylist to select a shag style that is custom designed to maximize your best features.
Follow these styles to steal Lisa’s iconic short shaggy hairstyle:
1. To duplicate Lisa’s tempting tousle, shampoo hair with a product designed to address your hair’s special needs. If you color, highlight or chemically treat your hair, select a shampoo that supports those treatments. If you prefer, use a dilution formula or a conditioning only (CO) treatment.
Note: For extra volume, try PhytoVolume Shampoo or PhytoVolume Mousse Shampoo.
2. Apply the appropriate rinse-out conditioners. (Avoid if hair is super thin or fine).
3. Finish with a cool/cold water rinse to close cuticles and encourage natural shine.
4. Towel blot and apply cocktail of desired leave-in detangler, conditioner or styling products (mousse, gel, glaze).
5. For extra volume along the crown, apply a volumizing product such as PhytoVolume Actif or similar.
6. Using a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle, blow dry tresses with a medium barrel boar’s bristle brush. Use fingers to lift targeted strands and direct air flow up the hair shaft from the ends to the roots to build in movement and lift.
7. When hair is completely dry, apply a little wax or pomade and pinch ends to piece them out.
8. Finish with a light styling spray like Phytolaque Soie and a light touch of shine product to add shimmer.
Summary
Lisa Rinna is a short hair style icon whose career has recently skyrocketed with her wild fan popularity in ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. Expect to see a lot more of Lisa in the future as she steps up to some sizzling new roles both in front and behind the cameras.
March 28th, 2006
DENPASAR (indo.com): Many foreign travellers to Bali are having their hair plaited or made into dread lock rasta style, prompting the hair-plaiting business in the area to flourish.
Ketut Sukartini from Jimbaran, who offers hair-plaiting services, said that when her business was first opened in 1999, most of her customers were from Australia and Latin America.
“However, our customers now also include Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese,” she told indo.com.
The hair-plaiting and manicure businesses have been in full swing in the Kuta and Sanur areas since 1998.
Ketut Sukartini said that she started her business in 1998 when a traveller from Melbourne, Australia asked her to develop the business by first convincing her that many foreigners like dread lock rasta styles.
At first she was somewhat doubtful about the feasibility of the business and dropped the idea. However, with many Australians visiting Bali at the end of 1999 using this style, she decided to open the business. Now, she employs 26 staff.
For the hair plaiting service, she charges Rp25,000 (approx. US$ 2.50) for children and Rp 30,000 (approx. US$ 3.00) for adults. “This is not a fixed rate. It actually depends on the request and the level of difficulty,” she added. This enables her to earn between Rp500,000 (approx.US$ 50) and Rp1.5 million (approx.US$ 150) per day, though business is far from stable and depends heavily on the number of customers.
March 27th, 2006
ivillage
Does anyone know more about hair extensions? Do hair extensions damage your hair when you take them out? I’m thinking about getting them because of a disastrous haircut, but would appreciate some advice first, as I don’t want to end up in an even worse situation.
shuchingson
A good idea
After a horrendous haircut I got hair extensions and they look great! It took me a few hours to get used to them, but now I’m really warming to them. My husband said spontaneously on Sunday, ‘You look so pretty!’ I’m due back in the salon in two weeks for a ‘check up’, and then, when my shortest hairs grow longer, my stylist will attach more extensions.
Right now I have ‘half a head’ of hair, as the sides and back are too short to attach anything to. My hair still looks great, but will look even better soon. I’m so happy, and get happier every minute. Even though it wasn’t a ‘planned for’ expense, I’m so glad I took the money out of savings and took the plunge.
weddingdance
A bad idea
I had hair extensions once, but mine were not a good experience! The stylist used some sort of weaving needle and it hurt when she braided the extensions in so close to my scalp. For three nights, I could barely touch my head to the pillow because it felt like someone had beaten my head with a bit of two-by-four! It felt bruised and I cried the first two days because the pain was so bad. My extensions cost £100 and I went back after 6 days and had them removed, but it felt so good to have my natural hair again.
sky7474
A great deal of the hair used for extensions comes from Indian women who donate their hair as part of a pilgrimage ritual - they believe that they have been blessed in their lives, so they shave off their hair as their contribution. Indian traders sell the hair for 15 rupees per gram, which once cleaned and sorted by size and colour is sold onto buyers in Europe, who then make a huge profit. However, it is the salons themselves that make the most money, charging customers between £200 and £600 to put the hair on your head.
Hair extensions are individually glued to your own hair, causing damage to your hair and head. My colleague had hair extensions braided in and she suffered such pain - caused by the extra weight of her hair - that she had them removed after one week.
leslie2353
March 27th, 2006
by Linda Buttle
Make tress distress a thing of the past with our quick-fix solutions from top celebrity stylists
You’ve got an important meeting or you’re running late for work, when out of the blue a bad hair day strikes.
Suddenly your hair products have lost their magic and your usual styling routine fails to tame your lively locks. Fear not – help is at hand with the following tips.
1. Get a smart cut. The best strategy for coping with bad hair days is to prevent them in the first place. London stylist, Nicky Clarke, explains, ‘it’s the cut that counts, so get one that suits your hair type, face shape and lifestyle.
’ For example, a sleek Jennifer Aniston look, for example, will be a nightmare to achieve if your hair’s naturally curly – especially if battling against wet weather or high humidity is a common occurrence. Likewise, there’s no point in getting a high-maintenance style if you only allow yourself 10 minutes to do your hair each morning. Combine a suitable style with regular trims and you’ll be amazed at how much easier your hair is to manage.
2. Find the right shampoo and conditioner. This sounds like a simple solution, but products can make or break a bad hair day. Stylist Andrew Collinge points out that ‘…hair products today are a lot more advanced to cope with the specific needs of different hair types’. So, while his Andrew Collinge Moisturising Shampoo (£3.50 for 200ml) is perfect for dry hair, you’ll need a shampoo with oil control, such as Nicky Clarke Hairomatherapy Supershine Shampoo (£3.99 for 300ml), if your hair is greasy. When washing your hair, remember to rinse away traces of conditioner, as any residue can leave hair matted, dull and unmanageable.
3. Banish build-up. Hairdresser Errol Douglas pinpoints product residue as one of the major culprits of bad hair days. ‘It weighs hair down making it difficult to style,’ he says. Douglas recommends using a detoxifying product like Modern Organic Products Basil Mint Shampoo, £7.95 for 300ml, (01282 613 413), every few washes to solve the problem.
4. Don’t take the heat. There are numerous ways of styling your hair, from the good old blow-dryer to heated rollers, tongs or straightening irons. The trouble is they all use heat that can cause hair to become dry and brittle, so choose styling products that reduce heat damage, such as Charles Worthington Results Stay Cool Heat Protector Spray (£3.95 for 200ml) or Andrew Collinge Straight & Smooth (£5 for 125ml). Make sure you take time to style your hair properly, as this is crucial to prevent bad hair days. You’ll want to make sure your hair is totally dry before leaving the house, or else you risk it kinking or frizzing. If you’re likely to be pushed for time in the morning, wash your hair the night before – you’ll find it far more manageable than freshly washed hair – and you can wet it just before styling.
5. Give your hair some life. If dull, limp hair is your problem, treat yourself to a deep conditioning treatment and try a final rinse in mineral or cold tap water to flatten the cuticles and boost shine. It’s also worth considering livening up your natural colour with an all-over, semi-permanent tint that will coat and smooth the hair shaft and give a really glossy sheen.
6. Combat the dreaded frizz. To humble unwieldy curls, expert stylist Charles Worthington recommends that you don’t ‘handle the hair too much and avoid using a hairbrush.’ He suggests investing in a wide-toothed comb or using your fingers to separate curls for a more defined style. If you don’t have time to wash your hair in the morning, try spritzing it with water then scrunching it with your hands to revive the curls and tame frizz.’
7. Avoid bed head. According to Charles Worthington, you can avoid waking up with ‘bed head’ hair by sleeping on a satin pillowcase. ‘Satin fabric allows your hair to gently slide across it as opposed to cotton that causes more friction and disrupts the hair cuticles,’ he explains.8. Apply some finishing touches. Once you’ve styled your hair, you’ll need something to keep it in place. Nicky Clarke explains that hair wax like his Nicky Clarke Colour Therapy Touch Me Texturiser (£4.99 for 75ml) is the perfect grooming product for permed, naturally curly or coarse hair. He adds that, ‘fine, flyaway hair will benefit from a little serum such as Nicky Clarke Supershine Liteweight Spray On Serum (£6.49 for 75ml) to add hold and keep static at bay’. Finally, a touch of fixing spray such as Nicky Clarke Hairomatherapy Supershine Perfect Finish (£6.49 for 200ml) helps to hold that just-styled look.
9. Experiment with different looks. Trying out various hairstyles will give you a selection of alternatives to fall back on when things don’t go quite to plan. For longer hair, Errol Douglas suggests wearing a ponytail. ‘It’s the best way to disguise a bad hair day that’s gone too far. If your hair is long enough, simply secure your hair in a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, adding a little hairspray to control any loose ends,’ he says. If you have shorter hair, he recommends using a high shine wax and sweeping your hair back off your face for a sleek effect.
10. Stock up. Last but not least, prepare yourself for the worst – a bad hair day that’s beyond help. If you have some fashionable hair accessories on hand they’ll add instant glamour, yet provide a diversion from your unmanageable mane. Accessories are also a great way of inexpensively updating your hairstyle.
March 24th, 2006
By Donna Chapman
Today’s toxic lifestyle can play havoc with scalp sensitivity
The discomfort of a sensitive scalp can have sufferers scratching their heads as to the cause. Often self-diagnosed incorrectly as dandruff, it’s usually a case of reaching for a medicated shampoo, when the real cause – side effects of modern day living - goes undiagnosed.
Stress, pollution, chemical allergies, hormonal imbalances, poor diet and even changes in weather conditions can all be contributing factors, and up to 46% of us can be affected by this irritating condition.
What causes it?
For most, sensitivity issues are temporary – the results of physically harsh treatment or an emotionally tough time. Philip Kingsley is a leader in the field of trichology.
He says, ‘Scalp sensitivity is complicated. Most people are not scalp sensitive, but there are times when a series of circumstances cause a reaction when usually there would be none. The main instigators are stress factors and they can trigger a change in scalp secretions - sebum and sweat - leading to a hitherto unknown reaction to innocuous substances. The sensitivity can vary between a mild itch to an intense irritation, tenderness or inflammation, which can be comparable to an allergy. Some medication can cause a slight change in skin secretions, which can react with products used on scalp or hair. Asthma and eczema sufferers - conditions which are usually genetic - can be more prone to scalp sensitivities.’
What makes it worse?
For too long, too many of us have been speed shampooing and taking shortcuts, and yet not putting two and two together when it comes to irritation issues. ‘Lack of proper care can lead to a dry, itchy, flaky scalp. This could be as a result of water that’s too hot, not rinsing thoroughly and a lack of scalp massage,’ says Melissa Christenson, Marketing Director for Shampoos and Conditioners for Aveda. The launch of Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo, £11.50 (250ml) and Balancing Conditioner, £13.00 (200ml) coincides with a new Aveda Salon Shampoo Massage. For salon and home, using slow and vigorous finger movements, it promotes a healthy, clean scalp by removing excess sebum, increasing circulation, releasing congested energy and facilitating relaxation.
Over-use of harsh products can sometimes cause irritation – surface-active substances and synthetic fragrances are amongst the more obvious bad guys. Chemical treatments such as colouring and perming can cause adverse reactions too. Philip Kingsley says, ‘The incidences of scalp sensitivity to shampoos, conditioners and styling aids are less than may be commonly thought. It’s hair colouring that has the potential to be a problem and there are instances of severe allergic reactions to para phenylene diamine (PPD), an ingredient in permanent and some semi-permanent colours. This can be avoided though, by skin testing 24 hours prior to application. Another strange thing about sensitivities is that a person can use the same products for months or even years, then suddenly, inexplicably, the scalp can become sensitive - usually temporarily.’ Tints of Nature Permanent Hair Colour £7.95, (www.herbuk.com) contains less than 1% of PPDs and uses the mildest grade peroxide to fix the colour. Available in 24 shades they contain organically grown ingredients.
‘The sensitivity can vary from a mild itch to an intense irritation, a tenderness or even an inflammation comparable to an allergy’ Philip Kingsley
c There are an increasing number of haircare ranges being created with scalp care in mind. Neutrogena Healthy Scalp Shampoo, from £2.59 and 2 in 1 Shampoo, £3.49 are non-irritating and balancing. Kuan Stimulating Scalp Rub, £4.99 is designed to help remove dead skin cells and re-hydrate scalp and hair. Simple’s new Sensitive Scalp Formula products from £2.59 (www.keep-life-simple.com) provide 100% perfume- and colour-free haircare in Normal, Dry/Damaged and Coloured hair categories. In the salon you’ll find the latest trends in skincare systems for the scalp. Schwarzkopf BC Hair and Scalp Therapy, from £7, (www.schwarzkopf-professional.com) is a tailor-made range to treat conditions including sensitive scalps, flaky scalp conditions and over-burdened hair. The customised treatments contain one of the smallest amino acids: ‘Glycine’ which slips through the hair’s outer structure and deeply penetrates the inner cortex, replenishing lost acids and regenerating hair with time-released care agents. Alterna’s Life Scalp Solution System includes a sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner and a concentrated pre-treatment, which combine to soothe and relieve a dry, itchy, irritated scalp. Prices from £22.50. Call 0845 4582825. Clynol i-D Relax Scalp Tonic, £7.65 (www.clynol.com) calms and cares for the scalp and helps reduce dandruff conditions.
What else helps?
Switching to a more sympathetic haircare regime will help alleviate scalp problems, but if a toxic lifestyle is at the root of the matter, relaxation techniques, regular fresh air and exercise and a diet rich in hair-friendly ingredients are just as important.
Copyright © 2006 handbag.com
March 24th, 2006
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