Archive for April, 2006

Breaking Short Hair Rules

Author: Karen Marie Shelton

Introduction
Alyssa Milano

DailyCeleb.com - All rights reserved.

Alyssa Milano is a short hair rebel. While riding a wave of popularity as her role as sister witch, Phoebe Halliwell on WB’s Charmed, the brunette beauty shocked legions of fans by suddenly appearing onscreen with a Twiggy inspired short pixie hairstyle.

Even though Phoebe has access to the very best celebrity hairdressers that LA has to offer, she broke all established short hair style selection rules and went with a short style that she loved.

She ignored the generally accepted rule that a super short hair cut is not ideal for someone with a prominent chin or wide cheekbones.  Alyssa has a fairly well defined heart shaped face with a prominent chin.  Her cheeks are full and her forehead is much wider than her lower face.

Regardless, Alyssa went with a pixie style.  In reality she was like many other celebrities that frequently defy the established hair and beauty world rules about short hair selection.  Making a radical shift from medium or long hair to short hair is a visible way of establishing a rebel or rogue personality. 
Continued below ↓
 
One of the most famous hair choppings involved Mia Farrow when she agreed to have famous hairdresser Vidal Sasson take her from super long to super pixie while new husband Frank Sinatra watched in horror.  Celebrity hairdresser Peter Lamas told me during a phone interview some years ago, that he “was assisting Vidal during that famous Mia Farrow short hair cut”.

Add comment April 28th, 2006

Hair Loss In Women: More Than Meets The Eye

By: AAD 

Female Hair Loss

At least half of women in the U.S. will experience some form of hair loss by the time they are 50 years old.  The most common types often occur with greatest frequency at a time in life when women are experiencing other life stressors such as menopause, empty nest syndrome and the aging of their parents.

Hair loss can be frightening for women since it is often unclear how much hair will be lost when it begins.  Hair may cease being a “crowning glory” for the affected woman and may require an adjustment in how she perceives herself and how she presents herself. 

Fortunately, help is available through an appointment with a dermatologist, a physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss.

Speaking at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologist Elise A. Olsen, M.D., professor of medicine/dermatology at Duke University in Durham, N.C., discussed the three most common types of hair loss in women.

“Women are generally unclear as to why they are experiencing hair loss and often go to the Internet searching for remedies, most of which are ineffective and unnecessarily expensive,” stated Dr. Olsen.  “Women need to see a dermatologist when they develop hair loss to make sure that it is not coming from an undiagnosed medical problem and a dermatologist can educate them on ways to minimize or reverse hair loss.”

Hair Loss in Caucasian Women

Different ethnic groups experience different types of hair loss.  One of the most common types of hair loss in Caucasian women is telogen effluvium, which is characterized by increased shedding of hair over the entire scalp. Hair is lost when combing, brushing and washing the hair.  This type of hair loss may be caused by thyroid, hormonal, nutritional or age-related factors, as well as medications being taken or underlying disease.  This also is the type of hair loss that pregnant women experience following the birth of their baby.  “The treatment and cure for telogen effluvium is to find the underlying problem which initiated the hair loss,” said Dr. Olsen.

Another common type of hair loss experienced by Caucasian women is female pattern hair loss.  This condition can begin early (teenage years to the early 20s) or late (early 40s to 50s) and is characterized by the loss of hair on the top of the scalp, but not the back of the scalp.  The hair becomes finer because the individual hairs are smaller or “miniaturized.”  The overall density may decrease so dramatically that women may notice that their ponytail is smaller or that they can now easily see their scalp when they style their hair.  Some women with female pattern hair loss also have hirsutism, which is the growth of hair in the beard or moustache area, or persistent acne or irregular menstrual cycles.

Some women with female pattern hair loss, particularly those with other medical conditions, may have androgen - a male hormone such as testosterone-sensitivity causing these problems.  Women with this pattern of hair loss should be evaluated with special blood tests to determine their androgen levels.  In some cases, female pattern hair loss may be the first sign of an underlying type of diabetes that is more frequent in women with elevated androgens in the blood.  “Women with female pattern hair loss should see a dermatologist to determine if their hair loss is associated with underlying hormonal or endocrine problems,” said Dr. Olsen.  “If these are present, then the hair loss will require addressing these problems first.”

Topical minoxidil is one treatment for women with female pattern hair loss, but it must be applied to the scalp twice a day for at least four months before the patient will see results.  “Minoxidil actually works by stimulating hairs that are not functioning well or actively growing to have more robust active growth,” described Dr. Olsen.  Topical minoxidil is currently the only hair regrowth treatment for women approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“In general, female pattern hair loss is a potentially reversible problem, but in a small population of women, it can proceed to irreversible hair loss, or cicatricial pattern hair loss,” said Dr. Olsen.  “Early diagnosis by a dermatologist and treatment are the keys to successful results when dealing with female pattern hair loss.”

Hair Loss in African-American Women

Women of African descent have a different, but just as common, type of hair loss called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).  This type of hair loss also results in loss on the top of the scalp, while sparing the back of the scalp.  It is different than female pattern hair loss as the hair follicles have a tendency to be destroyed, not just miniaturized.  Once a hair follicle is destroyed, regrowth is not possible.  Thus, women with this type of hair loss are at risk for, and frequently develop, cicatricial or permanent hair loss and should seek evaluation by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Patients with CCCA will usually need a biopsy of their scalp, a simple office procedure done in a dermatologist’s office, to make the diagnosis.

Treatment for CCCA usually begins with treating any infection and using anti-inflammatory medications to decrease or eliminate the inflammatory cells that are attacking and destroying the hair follicle.  Topical minoxidil also may be used to stimulate the growth in any unscarred hair follicles.

It is currently unknown what causes this type of hair loss, but there is current research being conducted to determine if hair care practices may be involved.  African-American women use relaxers, hot combs, heat and ointments on their scalps and frequently wear tight braids or use heavy extensions that Caucasian women do not.  Whether these hair care practices cause or merely contribute to the process is uncertain.  Other causes that are being researched are different types of infection or hereditary factors that may be more common in African-American women.

“A dermatologist is the expert to best diagnose the underlying cause when hair loss occurs and will perform a thorough history, examine the scalp and may in some cases do blood work or a scalp biopsy in order to determine the treatment options that will maximize results for the patient,” said Dr. Olsen.

“I encourage anyone with concerns about hair loss to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.”

For more information, contact the American Academy of Dermatology at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org

Add comment April 27th, 2006

Researchers Give Hair Dye Green Light Over Cancer Concerns

By: MUNC 

Hair Dye

A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) tomorrow, finally ends the long-running debate over use of permanent hair dyes and cancer. The meta-analysis research, which combines data from 79 scientific studies, found no marked increase in cancer risk with personal use of hair dyes.

“Scientific research over the past 30 years linking hair dyes with cancer has been inconclusive,” says the study’s co-author, Dr. Mahyar Etminan, a researcher at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal, and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI).

“Some studies have claimed that hair dye increases the risk of bladder, breast and hematopoietic cancer, whereas others have shown no risk.”

Primary concern has surrounded permanent dyes, rather than so-called temporary or semi-permanent dyes, that contain bleaching chemicals shown to cause cancer in animals. The new research, made possible through CIHR funding to Dr. Etminan, involved an exhaustive review and meta-analysis of existing literature in order to establish the relative cancer risk for those who use these products. The study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Bahi Takkouche, a professor of preventive medicine at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Overall, the study revealed no harmful association between hair dyes and any of the cancers previously associated with their use. “Our discovery will no doubt reassure both users of hair dyes and medical associations, which have been caught between the need to protect the public and avoid widespread panic,” notes Dr. Etminan.

“By comparing studies, Drs. Etminan and Takkouche synthesized the results to help us better understand the risks of cancer associated with the use of permanent hair dyes. This synthesis is increasing knowledge, which is needed to improve Canadian and global health,” said Dr. Phil Branton, scientific director of the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research. “The results announced today are a perfect example of knowledge translation in action, an important component of CIHR’s mandate.”

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. The MUHC is a merger of five teaching hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University - the Montreal Children’s, Montreal General, Royal Victoria, and Montreal Neurological Hospitals, as well as the Montreal Chest Institute. Building on the tradition of medical leadership of the founding hospitals, the goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is the research body of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, which includes BC’s largest academic and teaching health sciences centres: VGH, UBC Hospital, and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre. In academic partnership with the University of British Columbia, VCHRI brings innovation and discovery to patient care, advancing healthier lives in healthy communities across British Columbia, Canada and beyond.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is the government of Canada’s agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to close to 10,000 researchers and research teams in every province of Canada.

Add comment April 27th, 2006

Eiji: A Spa Experience for Your Hair

By Stefanie Schwalb

I’ve lived in New York for over ten years, and I’ve had my share of salon experiences. And as a hair care editor with BN for almost three years now (yeah team!), I know the score.

But even I was breathless after my experience at the Eiji Salon (pronounced A-Gee). What made this so different from your average Midtown salon? First of all, how often does a stylist take an hour and half to meticulously create your cut?

Second, how many salons offer a relaxing, spa-like environment, complete with calming music in a low-key atmosphere that frees you from the get-in/get-out syndrome we seem to suffer when what we seek is indulgence?

Last but not least, how often do you get a new ’do that you can actually style yourself days and weeks later (and it still looks just as good as the day you got it done)? If this is the kind of service you’re seeking, head over to Eiji.

In the days before my appointment, I had been reading a book on Feng Shui to try to minimize my over-extended life and de-clutter the small space I call home. I figured if home is where the heart is, I had some serious blockages to work out in the hopes of making myself a “healthier” person. So when I walked into Eiji, the salon brought me immediate comfort (and a little bit of space envy!) through its sleek, clean design and refined décor, which includes contemporary furnishings alongside ancient Japanese artifacts and modern works by the San Francisco interior designer and artist, Koichi Hara. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the warm surroundings and specially designed lighting system (created to help perfect the styling of color treatments) make it feel like an Eastern spa for your strands, complete with herbal teas to enjoy during your shampoo and conditioning session, which includes a heavenly scalp massage, followed by your “treatment”—the ultimate haircut.

The salon’s owner, Eiji Yamane, was born in the small community of Fukuoka, Japan, and had aspirations of becoming a motorcycle racer. Fate had other ideas in mind for him—after a terrifying accident at the age of 17, his doctors advised against continuing down that career path. But luckily for us, that life-changing experience led him to his present calling. After training with the renowned Geisha/updo stylist Michiko Masue in Japan, Eiji had ten years of tutelage with the late industry-icon John Sahag here in New York. With Sahag, Eiji learned to perfect the innovative dry-cut technique and make it his own. He opened his namesake salon in 1995, and in 2000, relocated the operations to an even bigger space on Madison Avenue right near the posh shopping district and art gallery area on 57th.

Add comment April 26th, 2006

Hair Loss Advice

In order to stop hair loss in any way you must be able to alter continuing degradation process of the hair follicle or stimulate growth despite increased levels of DHT production.

Treatments to clean dirt, sebum or increase circulation are bunk. The best treatments are those with FDA approval such as Propecia and Rogaine. Propecia is best at maintaining what you’ve got, and growing back a small amount more.

Rogaine is best at re-growing hair that has been lost. Propecia is great for younger guys who want to stop their hair loss for good. It can completely stop hair loss in over 83% of men and re-grow hair in 62% after 2 years of use.

Rogaine is great for guys who’ve already had some hair loss and are in need of growing more hair. Rogaine comes in 2% and 5% and must be applied twice a day. It is mainly for stimulating new growth. While it works well alone, it is even better for men who use it with Propecia or Women who use it with Tricomin.

Propecia and Rogaine together are a great combination for guys who have lost a significant amount of hair and need to re-grow a significant amount of hair.

Tricomin is a topical spray also used as a growth stimulant and great addition to any Propecia/Rogaine regimen for men, or Rogaine regimen for Women. There is good science backing Tricomin. It shortens the resting phase of follicles and is a great alternative to Rogaine for Propecia/Rogaine users, or addition to any regimen.

Nizoral is a must for every regimen. Get it at your grocery store shampoo aisle. It maintains scalp health, eliminates inflammation, itching, etc which can destroy effectiveness of Propecia and other treatments. Use once every 3 days in rotation with normal shampoo.

You may also consider concealers that can hide the little bit of thinning for a night out on the town or an important business meeting. A great one for men and women is Folligen, which comes in Cream, Spray, and Lotion for various applications.

It is used mainly to stimulate growth and is another great addition to a proven regimen. Cream for hairline application, Spray for overall use, Lotion for bald spots.

Shampoo’s for Men or Women: Aside from Nizoral there are a couple shampoo’s that are strongly recommended. Revivogen Shampoo has been the most highly praised for customer satisfaction with Tricomin Shampoo coming in a close second.

Add comment April 26th, 2006

The Latest Trends In Men’s Hairstyles

By: Michael Barrows 

Man’s Hair Stile

Today’s man’s hair style can be either long and textured or super short and tight and still be considered trendy and at the height of fashion. 

There are men whose hair styles require gel, mousse or pomade while others don’t even need to be combed. The truth is that now more than ever there are numerous ways to achieve a stylish and trendy man hair cut. That means that there are a lot of different styles for men who are looking for the perfect man hair style to choose from.

While the man’s hair style is less rigid than it was in the 80s and requires a lot less goo to accomplish, the modern man hair cut is still best served by a little styling. No, you do not need to spend hours in front of the mirror coaxing every strand into place, but a little gel never hurt any man’s hair style that I know of.

Here are just a few of the latest trends in men’s hair styles and how to style them:

Super short man’s hair style. High and Tight, Fade, Spike, Clipper Cut and Crew Cut are just a few of the names given to the short man’s hair cut. By far the most popular man’s hair style is the High and Tight or Fade. Characterized by a closely cropped clipper cut around the sides and back of the head with just enough hair on top of the head to comb, this man’s hair style with its many variations accounts for about 75 percent of all popular styles today. With just a little bit of gel to spike up the top, mess it up a little or finger into place, this man’s hair style will only take you seconds to achieve. While you may have to get it cut more often, about every three weeks or so, the ease of styling this man hair cut is what makes it a favorite among busy men today.

Medium length, textured men’s hair style. Today’s styles for men have a lot of texture and the same is true for medium-length styles (about 3 to 4 inches). These styles resemble the classic man hair cut of the past, but step it up a notch by using extreme texture and color to bring it all together. Most styles use a great deal of razoring and texturizing with notching scissors. To style this man’s hair style pomade usually works best. Work product through dry hair and finger into place.

Long man’s hair style. While most men do not wear their hair down their back anymore, the long man’s hair style has made a somewhat shorter comeback. Perhaps the most recognizable example that I can give of this men’s hair style is Ashton Kutcher. Long, textured and disheveled, this man hair cut is gaining widespread popularity. Again, this man’s hair cut requires a lot of texture and works best with pomade.

As you can see from these few examples, the man’s hair style is far from boring. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter barber shop man hair cut. Here to stay is the trendy and styled cuts of today.

For further information on different types of men’s hairstyles and how to find the right hairstyle for your face shape visit http://www.great-hairstyles.com

Add comment April 25th, 2006

Celebrity Hairstyles and Wedding Hairstyle Trends

By: Natalie Aranda 

Celebrity hair style and beauty

Every year, celebrities set the trends of fashions and hair styles. Everywhere you looked, you could see celebrities with many different and fashionable hairstyles from short and sweet to long and elegant, from curly or wavy to up-styles.

No matter what the style these celebrities were wearing, they made a fashion statement that everyone else followed after. If a next-door girl will not wear celebrity hairstyle to work or to school, the weddings is a perfect time for her to try celebrity hairstyles, and feel like a true celebrity.
Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lopez were two of the most popular celebrities that people were talking about when it comes to hair styles. Each of these celebrities had a hairstyle that no one else could touch and until recently, many of us only dreamed we could have a Jennifer Aniston Sedu hairstyle or a Jennifer Lopez Sedu hairstyle.

Creating beautiful wedding hairstyles is easy after browsing through the numerous bridal printed magazines or available on the Internet. Searching “hairstyles 2006″ in popular search engines, you will have plenty of ideas.

Long hairstyles are still the favorites of most brides, because they add sophistication and elegance to a wedding ceremony and reception accordingly. Go for casual, romantic long hairstyles or practical, modern short styles if you feel that any of them match your own style. If you are wearing short hair but you want a fashionable long hairstyle or up-do, you can let you hair grow in plenty of time or opt using hair extensions.

If you decide to wear a Jennifer Aniston sedu hairstyle or a Jennifer Lopez sedu hairstyle for your wedding or your friends’ wedding, I‘ll reveal the secrets here. The secret behind their gorgeous hairstyle is of course partly due to the sedu flat iron, not to mention what they do prior to using this wonderful sedu flat iron. They both must use a conditioning shampoo and then dry well and again add more conditioning to assist in straightening their hair and making it very soft and flexible. The next step in the Jennifer Aniston sedu hairstyle is to add equal parts of shaping gel and calming serum massaged into the hair. Using a big round hairbrush and your blow dryer, you will be simulating how Jennifer Lopez sedu hairstyle is created. The next thing these two Celebrities have done is the flattening with the sedu flat iron.

Will the 2006 hairstyles give us the same great looks with celebrity hairstyles or is there a change coming? The new in fashion for celebrity hairstyles (or what designers are saying) is that short hair is coming back in style. The bob is one of the hairstyles that is making its way to the big screen and all around Hollywood. This celebrity hairstyle is easy to manage, looks great, and may become the top 2006 hairstyle. We will have to wait and see if the Jennifer Aniston sedu hairstyle or the Jennifer Lopez sedu hairstyle will be one of the prominent celebrity hairstyles in 2006 or if someone else with a bob style or a curly style makes the headlines. Whatever wedding hairstyles you choose, they shouldn’t lose your personal identity.

Natalie Aranda writes about beauty, makeup tips, health, and skin care tips. Creating beautiful wedding hairstyles is easy after browsing through the numerous bridal printed magazines or available on the Internet. Searching hairstyles 2006 in popular search engines, you will have a plenty of ideas.

Add comment April 25th, 2006

Celebrity Hairstyles and Prom Hairstyle Trends

By: Natalie Aranda 

Prom hairsite

Prom dresses and prom hairstyles are the first grown-up statement young girls make. When a girl feels her prom night is around the corner, a number of ideas come across her mind planning the best look on her big night.

It will not look as great as it could be, if you forget the importance of prom hairstyles to accentuate your dress. A balanced combination between your dress, shoes, accessories, hair, makeup, and the magic of a perfume, are a just a few points of attention for a gorgeous look.

Sexy looking up-dos, short hairstyles, long hairstyles, and even funky styles, prom hairstyles are a world apart to choose from right one for a stunning looking appearance on your special night.

Whether you are aware of or not, you may have browse through your memory for all the celerity hairstyles you can remember. Everywhere you looked, you could see celebrities with many different and fashionable hairstyles - short, and sweet, or long yet elegant. No matter what the style these celebrities were wearing, they made a fashion statement that everyone else followed after. You may decide to try a Jennifer Aniston sedu hairstyle or a Jennifer Lopez sedu hairstyle. The secret behind their gorgeous hairstyle is of course partly due to the sedu flat iron, not to mention what they do prior to using this wonderful sedu flat iron.

Many great prom hairstyles are created in the salon, but you can get astonishing results with a hairdo made at home by yourself or with the help of your close friends. You can find a good source of hairstyles through online photo galleries, and also browsing beauty magazines and catalogs.

Decide on the style that best fits your personality or the special look you want on your prom night. Sophisticated, classic up-dos are always great to wear on one the most important events of every woman’s life. Prom hairstyles come also in long hairstyles and short hairstyles. You can always visit a salon if you are unsure of your choice, and make an appointment. You should call the salon at least one to 2 months prior to the prom to set your appointment.

The most important thing is be yourself. Consider also that short styles are more often associated with casual or sporty lifestyles, while long hairstyles are more likely associated with a sexy looking image. Think of your personality, or the self-image you want to offer on prom night. Explain to your friends or your stylist what the exact look is that you want, and consider having a trial. Most salons gladly will guide you through many prom hairstyles until you find the right one, whether with hair extensions, up-dos, long hairstyles or short hairstyles.

Natalie Aranda writes about beauty, skin care tips, makeup tips and health. No matter what the style these celebrities were wearing, they made a fashion statement that everyone else followed after.

Add comment April 25th, 2006

Wave machine

By Donna Chapman
Curls continue to be key but with a grown-up gloss that’s beyond boho

Curls and waves are a key trend for the months ahead, but with a groomed grown-up feel to them missing from last year’s extended boho moment.

Charlize Theron’s dropped curl bob, Mischa Barton’s newly longer, blonder, looser waves, and Rachel Weisz’s romantic dark curls perfectly demonstrate how versatile the look is - and achievable.

Morphy Richards Headgear rollers £29.99 (www.morhpyrichards.co.uk), come in three sizes so you can create either ringlets, soft curls or waves dependent on your mood and heat up to 120°C in just two minutes. Each set consists of 6 tiny, 6 midi and 6 maxi rollers. Brushes, heated rollers and curling tongs are essential tools for creating the super-feminine deluxe blow-outs beloved of Scarlett Johansson and Dita Von Teese.

Session stylist Selena Middleton is a regular on the London Fashion Week circuit and well versed in creating the sort of immaculate and polished looks seen on the runways. She recommends dividing shoulder length and longer hair into large sections before setting it on BaByliss Thermo-Ceramic Rollers, £30 (08705 133191) and finger combing the hair after it has set to create a slightly ruffled effect. You can also create undulating wavy curls with a large barrelled curling tong. Unwind carefully and then concertina up each curl clipping it flat to the head using those silver clamp clips to create a head covered in pincurls and allow to cool thoroughly. Brush though a couple of times with a pure bristle brush to create a soft wave. Redken Fresh Curls Curl Boost, £11.50 (0800 444880) is a scrunching spray gel with coconut oil, honey and calcium that gives each curl shape and separation with light hold and an extra dose of frizz-free definition and shine. The centre parting and curls combo dominated the runways inspired by the trend for ’70s influenced looks. Slightly off-centre and random is more forgiving. Curl formation should extend from mid-lengths to ends. To achieve the impeccable finish that underlines this season’s interpretation blow-dry hair straight first using a Denman Thermoceramic Bristle Radial Brush, from £7.25.

Heavy straight fringes and sleek crown sections contrast beautifully with wavy texture. Introduce curls around level with the jaw line. The ponytail also gets in on the act with tumbling twists fit for a goddess. It’s a look that the gorgeous Thandie Newton chose for the BAFTAS. Take generous sections of ponytail and create S-bend curls. Brush through a couple of times for a deconstructed wave. For a dazzling alpha-female look finish with Goldwell Diamond Gloss, £6.95 (01323 432100) “This is a cracking product for finishing luscious curls,” says Andrew Heasman, Artistic Director of Rush.

If you are lucky enough to have naturally curly hair, but are short on taming time Paul Mitchell Express Style Round Trip Curl Definer, £9.95 (01296 390590) is a fast drying curl enhancer specially formulated with panthenol and a cornstarch complex helping reduce frizz, create body and reduce drying time. On out of control curls create sleeker shapes using straighteners on random sections from roots to mid-lengths. Long natural curls look wonderful pinned up in a slightly wild Edwardian style – popular at shows including Ghost - use straighteners to remove some of the volume. Dress with Charles Worthington Q&A Frizz Moisture Replenishing Finishing Cream, (www.charlesworthington.co.uk) £4.99.

Add comment April 25th, 2006

Natural selection

By Donna Chapman
Let the best that nature has to offer go to your head

Nature trail
Fruit and flowers, plants and produce have been considered hair friendly ingredients for centuries and inspired-by-nature ranges abound.

One of the new buzz ingredients is hemp seed oil, the plant kingdom’s richest source of essential fatty acids. Salon Professional brand Alterna boasts a quartet of ranges featuring hemp as the hero ingredient as part of Straight, Shine, Hydrating and Chemically Treated Haircare regimes.

Similarly the Hempz product line is enriched with pure hemp seed oil and extract to help moisturize and repair hair (from £11, www.hempz-europe.net or 0800 781 6727).

Tea tree has also gained a reputation for stimulating and trouble-shooting properties, wrapped up in a clean, unisex scent. Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, £4.60, is gentle and effective (www.beautynaturals.com), and the extensive Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Experience range soothes and stimulates even the most sluggish morning head. From £8.85, call 01296 390590.

Taking away the additives
Sodium lauryl sulphate (manufactured chemical) and sodium laureth sulphate (scientifically modified coconut oil) are foaming cleansing agents which feature in most shampoos as they create a luxurious lather. However, more brands are shying away from these as consumers become more additive aware. Living Nature do premium quality haircare products contain no sodium lauryl sulphate, relying instead on extracts of palm oil, honeys, sea extracts and cold pressed nut oils. This means they don’t foam as much as their mass market competitors, but look beyond the bubble quota and you won’t be disappointed by such offerings as Nourishing and Revitalising Shampoo for dry, damaged hair, and Balancing and Revitalising Shampoo for oily hair (£15 each).

Modern Organic Products’ C-System salon professional range of pH balanced, sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate free cleansing, conditioning and styling products boast a synthesis of the finest organic plants, herbs and whole food derivatives. Vitamin C, from papaya, grapefruit, mango and lime, is a key component in combination with vitamins A+E. Prices from £9.50, call 01282 613413.

Add comment April 21st, 2006

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