Archive for June 8th, 2006
Most hair stylists will tell you that a good starting point to a face slimming hair style is to give your hair a svelte look.
How do you do that? Here are some hair tips that can work for minimizing fuller face shapes:
Don’ts
• Just as clothes with horizontal strips add the elusion of weight, hairstyles with blunt edges can make your face look much wider than it really is. Avoid styles or cuts that have any type of strong lines that will make your face look larger than it really is.
• Avoid hair that is either too long or too short.
• Avoid big hair, lots of curls, wedge styles or super short cuts.
• The Square and Pear shapes are also not suited for super short cuts that will highlight the jaw or the chin.
Do’s
• Add slenderizing vertical lines to your hair through well placed highlights or lowlights. A talented colorist can also add wonderful depth to your overall face with multi dimensional color.
• Adding height at the roots automatically minimizes the fullness of any face by adding instant length. Ask your stylist to add texturizing or layers around your crown area to add height. If your hair is naturally thin or fine use a great volume enhancing shampoo to add fullness. Add a root lift solution or volumizing gel to the roots and use a brush to lift as your blow dry. Remember to direct the airflow from the ends to the roots for even more volume. If you prefer you can use a small barrel curling iron right at the roots for added texture.
• Up dos add instant height. Consider pulling your hair into a high ponytail or braid anchored at your crown. Pull out a few tendrils on either side of your face to add a subtle slenderizing.
• A shoulder skimming shag style with texturized bangs is excellent for reducing facial width. Blow dry hair forward with a large round brush to smooth and curl hair under. Set with a good hair spray. The best length for faces that need slenderizing is between the jawline and the shoulders. This length elongates your face and neck creating a much slimmer appearance. Bangs can be flattering if worn to enhance the eyes. Select bangs that have an uneven edge. Try angled bangs or bangs that have wispy lengths.
• Round faces benefit from long straight lines added around the face. A chin-length bob with minimum layering is a great option. Angled bobs with sides that taper softly below the cheeks is also a wonderful selection. This look can create the illusion of higher, more angular cheekbones. By introducing a horizontal line, side-parted bangs that sweep across the forehead also help break up a face’s roundness.
• A key to slenderizing round faces is to minimize the volume of hair that is at the sides and ear area. If a hairstyle is selected that falls above the jaw it is best to wear an off-center part to interrupt roundness. A longer jaw length or longer style can benefit from a center part.
June 8th, 2006
Interested in trying out sculpting mud for your hair? Make sure you use a minimal amount of product to prevent weighing hair down.
A good rule of thumb is to put a little bit on your fingertips and apply to the hair from the back of the head forward.
Hair clean-up
An all-natural way to eliminate shampoo build-up and toxins in your hair is with apple cider vinegar. Rinse your hair once a week with one cup of apple-cider vinegar, found in grocery stores or health stores.
Hair styling fact
Hair sets best as it is cooling, not when it is heated up from blow-drying. Whether using hot rollers or a blow dryer, apply hair spray after hair has cooled to maximize the style.
Salon style hair
Want to achieve that salon style blowout at home? Separate your damp hair into several sections and blow-dry one at a time using a round or paddle brush. Taking the time to focus on each section will give you that overall salon look.
June 8th, 2006
Many women suffer from unwanted facial hair. Often facial hair in women appears first during puberty and then becomes more prolific from the age of 35 +.
The main areas it seems to appear are on the lip and chin but many women experience unwanted hair growth on their jaw cheeks and neck area.
Worse still is that for some reason, as you get older, so the facial hair seems to get darker and coarser.
Here we list and rate the different solutions for unwanted facial hair in women:
Shaving - Fast cheap and easy method of hair removal, but the hairs grow back very quickly and appear thicker. Not recommended for female facial hair
Bleaching - Bleaching can make dark facial hair less apparent but it can also make it look like you have fur on your face, especially in the sun.
Depilatory creams - Depilatory creams are a kinder method of hair removal, but can be a bit messy to use and some people react to the chemicals and get pimples
Plucking - provides a very clean look to the hair removal site, but it can be painful and time consuming and is often needed daily. Prolonged plucking can damage the skin.
Waxing - provides a very clean look to the hair removal site. It’s results are longer lasting than the aforementioned methods, but some skins can be very sensitive to it’s harsh action
Electrolysis - You have to be very patient with this one, but if it is done regularly for 1 or 2 years it can result in permanent hair removal
Laser Hair Removal - By far the best method, producing relatively fast permanent results with 6 - 8 sessions, the only downside is the price
Vaniqa - A great cream to use with any of the above hair removal methods because it actually inhibits the growth of new hairs and ensures the results last longer. Vaniqa is expensive but worth it.
June 8th, 2006
By: Bilal Babic
Moustaches and beards have seen an increase in popularity in the last several years.
While there are lots of goatees these days, you will see a great number of soul spots, small patches of hair in the center of the chin. Oh, and the ZZ Top beard is definitely out - though you have to wonder why it was ever “in” in the first place.
Men’s facial hair styles come in a wide variety. Choosing the best facial hair style is actually more than just letting the hair on your upper lip grow out. And there are several things to consider before deciding on a facial hair style. Some things to consider are:
• Length of your mouth
• Size of your nose
• Fullness and size of your upper lip area
• Thickness of facial hair
• Texture of facial hair
• Color of facial hair
• Shape of jaw and chin lines
These things are important because, for example, you can grow a moustache to help balance a large, round face. You can disguise a soft jawline with a beard. You can also round out a square face or pointy chin with a beard. Facial hair is a great way to camouflage a wide variety of flaws, including acne scars. To help you decide what facial hair style is best for you, consult your hair stylist or barber. They are great resources and can be a big help.
Having facial hair does take time and effort. First you have to grow out the hair and endure the scruffy look for a while. Then you will have to shape and maintain your facial hair style with regular trimming. How often you have to trim depends on how fast your hair grows. Hair tends to grow a little faster in the winter, so be prepared to do your trimming more often. Invest in a good, high-quality trimmer for your moustache, beard, goatee or soul spot. You can also use a comb and scissors, but trimmers are generally a little faster.
Be prepared for your facial hair to grow in different directions. This means, especially if you have a beard, that you will most likely need to use a combination of trimmer and scissors techniques for facial hair maintenance. You may want to plan for quick trims with the trimmers during the week, with a longer session on a weekend morning for full trimming.
If you find you have bare patches in your moustache or beard, you can blend the hair using the trimmers blending attachment. You can also use colored eyebrow pencils that match the color of your facial hair to fill in any blank spots. Just be sure to use a waterproof pencil so that it doesn’t run if you get sweaty during a work out. You can find eyebrow or facial hair colored pencils at beauty supply stores or online hair supply websites.
To make facial hair style work It is also very important to take care of every other grooming aspect as well. Your skin care, hair styling and your entire picture.
With so many celebrities sporting moustaches, beards, goatees and soul spots, facial hair has never been more popular. Don’t grow your moustache or beard thinking you will not have to care for it. Facial hair does take time and care. Shampoo and condition it to keep it looking its best, but it is well worth the admiring looks you get.
Bilal Babic is co-founder of http://www.MensFlair.com
June 8th, 2006
By: Michelle Schill
Looking to experiment with new hair style trends in 2006? Your choices are aboundant.
There is an absolute feast of looks and hairstyles to choose from. Update your hair style with one of these hot trends that dominate the hair scene this year.
Bobs With Bang
Precision cut bobs are huge in 2006, coupled with smooth, sleek styling, a blunt fringe and heaps of shine. Your bob should be carefully crafted to accentuate your unique facial structure, or highlight a long, beautiful neck. Bob hair styles range from ear level to shoulder skimming and are best for straight or slightly wavy hair. If your hair is too curly, a bob can take on the look of a triangle, widening at the bottom in an unflattering way. Only opt for the bangs with this hair style if it works with your facial structure. And if you’re feeling a little more groovy baby… incorporate a mod feel into your bob.
Mad For Mod
Heavy, side-swept bangs and blunt lines characterize this cut. A mod hair style is similar to a bob, it’s texture and direction that add a mod feel. This cut has a generous amount of slicing or texturizing to lighten up the bluntness. Your hip, mod hair do should be styled with a swooping motion, directing the hair around the head from the crown or a deep side part. Using hair products like waxes, clays, or muds add texture and a bit of grungy-funk to a mod hair style.
Asymmetry in Action
This edgy look just keeps getting more extreme. Bold exploration is the name of the game. Unexpected texture and length differences. The asymmetrical look can be done on a range of hair styles from a short cut, a bob or a longer, layered style. And the angles can range from soft and gently sloping to an extreme plunge. This year, asymmetrical bangs are hot, and whether they’re cut blunt or heavily textured, a sloping bang adds interest and can highlight your features nicely.
Strategic Layers in Hair
Carved throughout the interior of the hair, strategic layers bring out the authentic movement of each individual head of hair. Cutting techniques are advancing, and hair styling is becoming more bold and unique to each person rather than a universal one-size-fits-all hair trend like back in the “Rachel” days. Strategic layering allows you to capitalize on what YOU have, not just mimic “The look of the day.” Find a good hair stylist and listen to their ideas about styles and techniques that’ll work best on your hair, while complimenting your features.
Peaks, Swirls, and Waves
Directional styling, if you want to sound technical. This look is funky and daring, and offers alot of room for individuality. Since every head of hair is different, your unique character can shine within the peaks of this hot new hair style. Use a wax, clay, or mud hair product, something with a little grit, and a little hold. Emulsify the product in your hands so there’s a thin veil of product all over your palms and between your fingers. Then plunge right in there and move the hair around with an eye out for an appealing shape. Swoop it, swirl it around, change directions suddenly. Coiffe with reckless abandon. When you have achieved the start of a good look. Grab you blowdryer (on a low setting) and maximize the peaks and waves using your most important hair styling tool… your hands. Do not strive for perfection, but do aim for an “artful” feel, and some sort of discernible shape. Then set about your day and go forth with confidence knowing you’re the baddest hipster on the block.
Color for Character
Hair color can have a dramatic effect on an otherwise plain hair style. Rich dark colors are ultra-hot this year, sprinkled with a few equally rich highlights peeking out from underneath. Deep tones of eggplant, burgundy, and mahogany are a great compliment to a dark brown or black hair color. Strategically placed highlights, lowlights, or panels can accentuate texture and add tons of character to your style. Compliment your features and skin tone, and add an edge to your haircut with some artful hair coloring.
Michelle Schill is the founder and webmaster of Style Hair Magazine, which offers hair style and hair color techniques and advice. Plus hair trends, hair style photos and new hair style ideas.
June 8th, 2006
By: PR Newswire
Research scientists at the University of San Francisco Wound Center may have stumbled onto the answer to hair loss:
something that has frustrated mankind for centuries. Their discovery was made while applying a synthetically formulated compound, Copper Peptide, to severe wound areas on several patients.
During this process something unusual happened. Not only did the wounds heal about 30 percent faster, but a significant stimulation of the follicular cells occurred. As a side effect, these tripeptide complexes actually grew hair around the wound area.
The discovery was so startling that they then applied the same Copper Peptide complex to a female patient who had suffered roughly 90 percent alopecia (hair loss) for years. After about six months of use, she had recovered almost 100 percent of her hair. Dr. Loren Pickart, the leading authority in Copper Peptide technology, describes it as being like a protein injection to the scalp.
Tests were then conducted with chemotherapy patients and recent hair transplant recipients, all with great success in stimulating newer and stronger hair follicles. The implications of such a startling discovery have gotten the attention of several large companies. Neutrogena, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Dow Chemical are just a few of the big companies that Dr. Pickart has turned down as potential partners.
The discovery could have major implications in the somewhat shady area of the hair growth industry. There are many products that promise amazing results for hair loss, but they usually fail to deliver. Most have some sort of DHT inhibitor with traces of Minoxidil so they can claim Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The only licensed company that has been authorized by Dr. Pickart to manufacture for the public is Everest R & D Labs, located in California’s Simi Valley.
Incredible advancements in the manufacturing process of Copper Peptide technology are bringing even better results in hair re-growth than the original tests. Some people providing the company with feedback are offering amazing stories, with positive side effects that include the reduction of acne and psoriasis. There have been many reports from both men and women. Reports from women include statements that their graying hair is regaining some of its original pigmentation.
This product has been integrated into a therapeutic shampoo and conditioner called Follipro. As more and more corroborating evidence from research universities around the country become available, the possibilities for this new technology could be far-reaching.
June 8th, 2006
Alopecia: A Look at Abnormal Hair Loss
Our hair grows in cycles, and at any given time, a small percentage of our hair
follicles are at a point in the growth cycle where the hair is shed in preparation for newhair to begin growing. Normal individuals lose some hair every single day.
Whileprevious estimates on what constitutes ‘normal’ hair loss have been quoted as high as 100 to 150 hairs a day, recent studies show that number to actually be closer to 35 to 40 hairs a day.
This means that you will see evidence of someshedding of hairs aspart of your normal grooming routine.
Yet what concerns us here isn’t the normal shedding of the hair, but rather
abnormal hair loss, also known as alopecia [al-oh-PEE-shah]. Alopecia is commonly
found in three forms: androgenic alopecia [an-druh-JEN-ik al-oh-PEE-shah], alopecia
areata [al-oh-PEE-shah air-ee-AH-tah], and postpartum alopecia. Each of these types
of alopecia is characterized as follows:
Androgenic Alopecia:
Androgenic alopecia, also called Androgenetic [an-druh-je-NET-ik] alopecia, is
the most common form of alopecia and is the result of genetics, aging, and hormonal
changes that combine to cause changes in the hair follicle. These changes result in
the miniaturization of the terminal hair into vellus hair. The condition can found in
individuals from their teens and upward in age. It is frequently seen by the age of
forty.
By the age of thirty-five, some forty percent of both men and women show some
degree of hair loss. With men, androgenic alopecia is often evidenced by the thinning
of the hair in the front and at the crown of the head, progressing to the traditional
horseshoe shaped fringe of hair around the sides of the head. When it occurs in men,
androgenic alopecia is referred to as ‘male-pattern baldness’ and the condition affects
approximately forty million men in America alone.
In women, androgenic alopecia progresses as a generalized thinning of the hair
all over the crown and top areas of the head. Among American women, some twenty
million cases of androgenic alopecia are reported.
Alopecia Areata:
Alopecia areata is a skin disorder wherein the body’s autoimmune system
suddenly begins to attack the hair follicles. The hair loss from alopecia areata is
typically seen in patches on the head and or body, and can progress to the complete
loss of hair from the head (called alopecia totalis) and can even spread to result in
loss of all hair on the head and body (called alopecia universalis). Alopecia areata can
occur in both men and women of any race, and any age, although it usually begins in
childhood. In men, about ten percent of the cases of alopecia areata result in loss of
facial hair (called alopecia barbae).
Alopecia areata is a fairly common disease affecting about 1.7 percent of the
world’s population, with over 4.7 million cases reported in the United States. Its
progression is often sporadic and can seem capricious. Patches of hair can be lost in
one location, and then re-grow normally, and be lost again. It might also seem as
though the patches “move” over time, as an area of lost hair can re-grow while new
patches of loss form on other places. Other people may find that their alopecia areata
begins as a small spot of hair loss, and suddenly spreads, with or without re-growth
in previously affected areas. Still others find that their alopecia only ever affects a
single, small area.
Although alopecia is a common disease, it is not widely known, and even though
it is not life-threatening, its sporadic nature and tendency toward recurrence often has
profound psychological effects on the sufferer. It can impact the person’s life and ability
to function at school, work, and in social settings.
June 8th, 2006
While some people look forward to visiting their hair salon for a cut, treatment, or style, other people look upon these visits with a sense of dread.
For some, a trip to the hair salon is an event that can provoke profound anxiety and fear, so much so that some individuals avoid haircuts altogether.
The fear of haircuts, known to experts as tonsurephobia, can have a serious impact on confidence, self-esteem, and appearance.
Why are some people afraid of getting a simple haircut? We’ve all seen small children cry as they get their first haircut. Is a haircut phobia simply a grown-up version of this experience? The answer, it seems, is not quite so simple.
What is a Haircut Phobia?
Haircut phobias are actually a form of specific phobias. Other specific phobias include things such as a fear of needles, dentists, and flying. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 6.3 million American adults suffer from some type of specific phobia. Women are twice as likely to suffer from this type of anxiety disorder as men.
While many people may report experiencing such worries, a phobia involves more than just fear. A fear may be called a phobia if the fear of an object or situation is excessive and becomes so great that it causes severe distress, avoidance, and has a negative impact on the individual’s life.
When diagnosing phobias, doctors and psychologists refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which outlines the symptoms and diagnostic criteria of all mental illness recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. To be diagnosed with a specific phobia, an individual must:
1. Have an intense and persistent fear of an object or situation.
2. Experience significant interruption in normal functioning, such as at home,
work, school, or in relationships as a result of the anxiety or avoidance of
the fear object.
3. Experience immediate anxiety when faced with the fear object. This anxiety
may at times escalate into a panic attack.
What Causes Haircut Phobias?
But why do such fears persist, even in the face of negative consequences. One male haircut phobia sufferer reported experiencing shame and ridicule by strangers who often mistook him for a girl because of his long hair. He eventually learned to feel good about his long hair, but was unable to conquer his fear of haircuts.
In some cases, a haircut phobia may be related to a previous bad experience. For example, someone with a haircut phobia may have experienced intense fear while receiving their first haircut as a small child. Because of this possibility, parents should do everything they can to ensure that haircuts are a pleasant experience for children.
“For me it has a lot to do with sharp blades going so close to my head. And there’s the bit where people stare at new haircuts and even taunt,” wrote a commenter at one website. This statement alludes to two different potential roots of a haircut phobia. A fear of sharp blades is another form of specific phobia and could very well be why some individuals fear haircuts. A fear that other people will laugh at or mock a new haircut may be related to social phobias, which involve fear or anxiety in social situations where the individual might be evaluated by others.
In these cases, a haircut phobia may actually be a sign of a greater problem. If the disorder is related to a fear of social evaluation, the individual may actually be suffering from social anxiety disorder. In order to avoid serious negative detriments to relationships and other aspects of daily life, these individuals should seek treatment from a qualified mental health professional.
How Are Haircut Phobias Treated?
There are several different treatment options that can be effectively used to treat haircut phobias. One of the most common treatments involves the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The cognitive part of this therapy technique involves changing the way a person thinks about the fear object. In this case, a therapist would help the individual change how they think about haircuts, to help the person view them in a more positive light.
The behavioral component of this therapeutic treatment involves changing how people react when confronted by the fear object, often through a process of exposure. In this case, the therapist may begin with having the individual read a magazine about haircuts. Next, the individual might be asked to handle tools used by hairstylists, such as scissors, razors, brushes, and combs. Then, the individual might spend some time at a hair salon watching other people get haircuts. The final step in this treatment would be for the individual to get their own hair cut without experiencing excessive or irrational fear.
While most of us feel excited about getting a new haircut, other people find the experience nothing short of unbearable. Those suffering from a haircut phobia can access resources or develop their own techniques for dealing with this type of phobia. Learning to overcome a haircut phobia can help a person’s confidence, self-esteem, and appearance.
Kendra Van Wagner - Psychosocial Therapist ©Hairfinder.com
June 8th, 2006
Anita Grant introduces her latest non fattening Cocoa creation to the “Delish Condish” Collection. It’s called the Rhassoul Deep Condish Block.
This 100 percent natural & wholesome hair mud contains Rhassoul clay, Fairtrade Unrefined Cocoa Butter, Fairtrade Organic Criollo Cocoa Powder, natural Soya based Vitamin E (to guard scalp & hair from free radical damage) & other hair loving ingredients.
“Our Rhassoul Deep Condish fits brilliantly with the anitagrant.com philosophy of offering fresh handmade, naturally nourishing Goodies to quench thirsty parched tresses,” says Anita.
When hot liquid is added to the Rhassoul Deep Condishes, the scent of chocolate fills the air as it starts to swell & increase its surface area like a highly porous sponge. Once mixed and applied to freshly washed hair the Rhassoul Deep Condish gets to work, attracting & trapping toxins into the open porous spaces so that when it comes time to rinse the Rhassoul Deep Condish from your hair the toxins are eliminated and you’re left with detoxified fluffy soft tresses.
So for those who want to give themselves an Organic Cocoa treat without the calories - the Rhassoul Deep Condishes are just the thing.
Each Rhassoul Deep Condish is individually wrapped in white tissue paper, placed in a white box then tied with a Black Organdie ribbon & bow. 2006/04/17
June 8th, 2006
TOP HAIR Benelux has awarded John Beerens with the title “Hairdresser of the year 2006”. Top Hair is the biggest independent hairdressers´ magazine in Europe.
Every year Top Hair awards three active people who have deserved well of the entire hairdressers´ branche and have promoted it internally as well as externally.
These people are known for their creativity, integrity and high input in their own categories as well as in other fields. They are role models within the branch. The awards will be presented on April 23rd 2006 at Hair Style 2006 in Ahoy in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
John Beerens is awarded with the Top Hair Award for Hairdresser of the Year 2006 of the Benelux for his creative ability, his high input and his stimulating performance as a role model for the entire hairdressing branche.
At the age of 15 John Beerens began with hairdressing and he opened the doors of his very own studio on August 1, 1993 on the Professor Grimbrèrelaan 45 in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Recently John re-styled his studio, making it one of the most modern salons to be found in The Netherlands. John Beerens Haarstudio stands for quality, which means nothing else than, even though his salon has a high reputation, there is always room for improvement. The main goals are exploiting the knowledge and the experience. It is of the utmost importance that his co-workers and, of course, John himself stay up-to-date because the developments in hairfashion are constantly on the move. Therefore John and his team regularly visit seminars, trades and shows.
The team of John Beerens Haarstudio is not only well known in The Netherlands, but also beyond these borders. John also sees to the hairdressing needs of many Dutch celebrities.
Besides orchestrating his studio, John Beerens is also active in teaching at courses and is requested regularly to demonstrate his arts on location and to provide the attendants with the required information, for example at the Special Ladies Days of the Holland Casino and at football club Willem II where John Beerens can be found to provide the guests on a regular basis with the latest tips and trends in hairfashion.
Photos: Paul Bekkers
June 8th, 2006