Archive for July 3rd, 2006
Hair News Magazine
As I am sure you have heard, if you cut your hair frequently, your hair will grow in faster, longer, and healthier.
Gobbledygook! This myth came from the observation of men’s facial hair. As they shaved, the facial hair would indeed grow in thicker. Its called, ‘puberty.’
This is because certain male hormones affect facial hair in that manner. They do not affect the hair on your head in the same way.
To the contrary. Male hormonal activity is what leads to hair thinning and loss on certain parts of the head, but not all. Hence the familiar balding pattern known as ‘male pattern baldness.’ This same hormonal activity also affects women, but not until much later in life, and in a different pattern.
Cutting your hair only makes it shorter, does not affect the growth rate one iota, and cannot determine the length that your hair will grow to. Maximum hair length is determined by the shape and width of the hair shaft, and that is determined genetically and is not alterable with current technology.
Lastly, hair is neither healthy or unhealthy. It is in fact, dead. Else, it would really hurt to cut it. It is the health of the hair follicle below the outer skin that requires nutrients for good health, and no adverse hormonal activity.
So, unless you have split ends or chemically damaged hair, the only need to cut the hair is for the look that you want.
A few things that you can do to ensure that your hair follicles remain healthy and your hair is undamaged, are:
1. Take an inexpensive daily multi vitamin such as ‘One-A-Day’ or even ‘Flintstones.’ Your hair likes zinc and biotin and both of the above mentioned vitmins contain ample amounts of these. Don’t waste your hard earned money on ’super vitamins.’ Your body only requires so many vitamins per day and simply discharges the excess. You can’t put twenty gallons in a ten gallon tank. In some instances, over dosing on supplements can actually be fatal.
2. Do not over brush your hair. With every stroke you damage your hair more. Brush only as much as you need to style the hair, then stop.
3. Buy a good quality brush or comb without sharp plastic or metal ridges. This is one of the common factors leading to split ends, as is over brushing.
4. Don’t be penny foolish. Buy good quality salon products. The chemicals used in many if not most of the over the counter shampoos and conditioners, contain very harsh ingredients such as ‘ammonium laurel sulfate’ which can actually dry your hair out and cause breakage and split ends. Even worse, many contain a ‘bad’ form of silicon, and that can be very nasty on your hair. ‘Pantene’ is the worst of these in our opinion.
5. Don’t constrict your hair with tight bands, hats, braids and the like. These also lead to split ends and hair breakage.
July 3rd, 2006
As any woman who regularly removes hair from unexpected or unwanted places can attest, permanent hair removal is a necessary luxury. Thanks to technological advances, permanently smooth skin is within reach.
About Permanent Hair Removal
Although many companies claim their hair remover is permanent, definitions of the word can vary. Some may mean that customers can go several weeks between shavings or waxings; others may mean months or years. Very few define the word to mean that hair will never return. Make sure you read the fine print to determine exactly what permanent means. In many cases, “long-term hair removal” is a better description.
Laser Hair Removal
For most clients, laser treatment drastically reduces hair growth. The FDA has recently approved several machines for permanent hair removal, but there are no guarantees. On the plus side, any regrowth is typically lighter and sparser than the original hair.
While hair removal by laser can be quick, gentle, and effective, the technology is not right for every client. Use of a laser on inappropriate candidates can cause permanent skin problems. These issues make it even more important that the practioner is fully trained.
In proper candidates, most areas can be treated, including:
▪ Upper lip
▪ Neck
▪ Chest
▪ Breast
▪ Underarms
▪ Bikini line
▪ Legs
▪ Abdomen
▪ Back
Please note that areas near the eyes should not be treated by laser.
Candidates
Not everyone qualifies for laser hair removal. Improper use on poor candidates can cause problems. Candidates must be screened by a properly trained practioner, but general guidelines include:
▪ Hair must be darker than the skin. Clients with pale blonde hair are not ideal candidates.
▪ Excessively tanned individuals are not good clients.
▪ Extremely dark-complected clients are probably not candidates.
▪ In general, the best candidates will have dark hair and light skin.
▪ Laser typically is not a good option for gray hair.
Possible Side Effects
When laser removal is performed by a qualified practioner and on a good candidate, there are no serious side effects. Trouble arises when untrained or unskilled individuals perform laser treatments. Other problems come from inadequate patient screening. In these cases, the following side effects are possible:
▪ Burns
▪ Skin discoloration
▪ Lesions
Please note that eye protection must be worn during treatment.
Finding a Practioner
It is important to check the credentials of any practioner you consider. At a minimum, the practioner should meet or exceed your state’s requirements. Also ask for verification that he or she has attended an accredited school or training program. If possible, speak to past clients for feedback.
July 3rd, 2006
Basic Techniques
When cutting hair, several basic techniques apply no matter what type of style you are cutting. Wet hair is generally easier to cut because fly-away strands are more manageable – if the hair is not thoroughly wet (from shampooing), the stylist will use a spray bottle of water to dampen it.
Hair should be clean and free of products before any cutting. If the style is layered, the hair should be trimmed one layer at a time to protect the integrity of the do. If your hair will be colored during the same appointment, the dyeing is usually done first. This lets the color set and any uneven spots near the ends will be trimmed away during the cut without needing additional chemicals.
When Cutting Hair is Necessary
All types of hair should be regularly trimmed to keep it looking its best. Short styles should be trimmed more frequently because growth is more noticeable; generally, short hair should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. Longer styles can be trimmed every 8-10 weeks, though long locks may develop split ends or other damage that could require more frequent trimming.
If you are planning a totally new style, it is best to avoid getting the new do just before a significant event such as prom, a wedding, or other photogenic event in case it doesn’t turn out as anticipated. It is also advisable to change to a new style gradually – someone with very long hair may want to try a medium style before progressing to a very short do in order to get used to the new look before it is completely irreversible.
At Home or at the Salon
Most people choose to have their hair cut at a salon because professional stylists can easily adapt different styles for a variety of face shapes, hair lengths, and individual preferences. Simple hair cuts often cost less than $15, with budget salons and beauty schools even offering basic trims for $10 or less. More elaborate hair cutting that involves assorted styling considerations, such as perms, waves, coloring, or other services, may cost from $20 to $50 or more, depending on the types of treatments and the hair length.
For very simple cuts, including children’s hair cuts and minor trims (removing split ends or evening bangs, for example), you may choose to have your hair cut at home. It is not wise to attempt to cut your own hair – how you angle your head to reach different strands will affect the curve of the cut with potentially disastrous results. Enlist an assistant and explain carefully the type of simple cut you would like; draw a picture or show them a photograph if possible. Take all the same steps a stylist would: wash your hair thoroughly first, and cut it when wet. After each snip, use a comb or brush to even out the remaining strands and line them up with the new ends for a flawless finish.
Cutting Hair in an Emergency
There may be emergencies when unusual hair cuts need to be performed, particularly for children. Bubble gum, brambles, and other foreign objects may need to be removed, but try to cut as little hair as possible. The child will naturally be upset, and explaining each step to them can help ease their anxiety during the process. As soon as possible, see a professional stylist to repair any damage and fashion a new style.
From general cuts to completely new styles to emergency hair trims, cutting hair takes care and precision to be sure the resulting do is as fashionable and fabulous as possible. Whether it is a baby’s first haircut or a new style for the prom, the cut is the first step toward a great personal style.
July 3rd, 2006
Shampoo is one of the most important products you can purchase to care for your hair. For the best results, however, you must choose the appropriate type as well as use it properly.
Types of Shampoo
Depending on your type of hair and any specific treatments you have done to it, you can purchase many different types of shampoo to effectively and safely clean your hair. Choosing the wrong variety, on the other hand, could result in poor cleaning, chemical damage, or color changes.
Regular Hair
If you do not treat your hair roughly (frequent heat styling, saltwater or chlorine swimming, or constant sun exposure) or use many chemicals ( hair spray, dye, gel, etc.), a standard formula should work fine. Different manufacturers offer a range of cleansers in different scents, from a basic odor to complex fruit blends, which are only a matter of personal preference. There are also shampoo-plus-conditioner blends to provide extra care in the convenience of a single bottle.
Specialty Hair
Many people’s hair has special needs and they may not even realize it. If your hair is very fine, prone to breakage, especially oily or especially dry, or you have a sensitive scalp or easily develop dandruff, you may want to use a specialty formula. Over-the-counter varieties are available to treat different types of hair, and they are formulated to work specifically with different conditions. If your hair only has mild problems, you may want to alternate using a specialty product with a regular variety to save on the specialty expense. For medical conditions such as dandruff or sensitive skin, stronger medicated versions can be obtained with the proper prescription.
Treated Hair
Hair that has been colored, permed, or otherwise aggressively styled qualifies as treated. Shampoos designed to work with those specific treatments will help your hair keep its treatment longer with less fading, damage, or alteration.
Using Shampoo Effectively
There is far more to effective hair cleaning than the cliché “lather, rinse, and repeat” instructions. First, always use an amount of the cleaner commensurate with the amount of hair to be cleaned – very long or thick hair will require more shampoo than short, fine hair. Wet hair thoroughly to insure that the suds will adhere to every strand, and if deep cleaning is necessary, it may be desirable to let the lathered suds sit on the hair for a few minutes – particularly for medicated varieties or those containing conditioners. Always rinse thoroughly, since leftover soap can easily attract additional dirt. In certain circumstances (just after swimming in a heavily chlorinated pool or when hair is especially dirty), repeating the process may be required for the cleanest hair possible.
Not everyone needs to wash their hair on a daily basis. In fact, over-washing can strip hair of natural moisture and oils, leaving it dull, limp, and lifeless. To overcome that condition, more extensive conditioning treatments may be required. How frequently you wash your hair depends on the type of hair (how oily it is, for example), your climate (humidity and pollution levels can affect your hair), and your daily activities (swimming, vigorous exercise, etc.).
Over time, using the same shampoo may result in a buildup of chemicals on the hair or scalp, which may dull hair, weigh it down, or otherwise give it an unclean feel. To prevent this buildup, wash hair with a different brand occasionally (once or twice per month, depending on how frequently you normally wash your hair).
By choosing the appropriate brand and using it properly, shampoo is the best tool you have for fabulous, healthy hair.
July 3rd, 2006
Beauty salons are where to go to look and feel your best. From haircuts to body wraps, today’s salons offer more than ever before.
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Finding Good Beauty Salons
If you’re looking for a good beauty salon, you have a few options. Some people suggest asking friends, colleagues, and acquaintances for references. Others suggest asking strangers if you see someone whose hair or nails you like.
Whether or not you are referred to a salon, however, there is usually some trial and error. The salon your second-cousin raves about might not be the right fit for you. When checking out potential places, you may want to consider the services offered, location, hours, pricing, the atmosphere, and qualifications and training of the staff.
Services Offered
The services a salon offers vary. It may be primarily a hair shop, offering few other services, or it may be a full-service salon offering everything from waxing to body wraps. It’s important to determine exactly what you’re looking for. The following are services beauty salons may offer:
▪ Hair: Cuts, styling, formal hair styles, coloring, highlights, perms, relaxers, deep conditioning treatments, hair extensions.
▪ Hands and Feet: Manicures, pedicures, polishing, artificial nails (acrylic, gel, and more), paraffin wax treatments, massage.
▪ Cosmetics: Formal or bridal make-up, make-up lessons, airbrush make-up, false eyelash application.
▪ Body: Tanning, spray tanning, massage, waxing, hair removal, body wraps, body scrubs, aromatherapy.
▪ Face: Facials, peels, masks, microderm abrasion, paraffin wraps.
Increasingly, beauty salons are offering more services as standard options. Some even offer minor cosmetic enhancements or surgeries at their facilities by medical professionals.
Location
Even if all you are looking for us a place to get a good haircut, it’s important to find a location that’s easily available to you. Since professional stylists recommend getting your hair cut at least every four to six weeks to keep hair healthy, you probably want to find a place convenient to your home or work.
Hours
In the same vein, you want to choose shops that are open hours to reasonably accommodate your schedule. Even a raved-about salon won’t fit the bill if it’s only open obscure hours and you can never get an appointment.
Pricing
Beauty salons range from low-key, highly affordable stores to upscale salons with higher price ranges. There are many great salons available that you don’t have to break the bank to visit. Alternately, you may want to avoid going to a place that is too cheap, particularly if you require more involved services. You want to be sure the staff is skilled and the products of professional quality.
Atmosphere
While a high price tag may in turn mean a more luxurious atmosphere, a good beauty salon should at the minimum be clean, brightly lit, have plenty of mirrors, and have courteous, professional staff. Look for the atmosphere that’s right for you. It may be a family-friendly team of stylists in a contemporary beauty shop, or it may be an upscale salon complete with wine and canapes. As long as the atmosphere is comfortable and right for you, that’s what matters.
Qualification and Training
For top beauty salons, you may want to ask whether the stylists and employees have attended any international beauty shows and whether they have been trained at acclaimed beauty schools. After all, if you’re paying the price tag, you want to be sure you are getting top-quality service.
Even for lower priced beauty salons, you should still consider the training and qualifications of those who will be cutting your hair or manicuring your nails. At a minimum, stylists, cosmetologists, manicurists, and estheticians, should: have been trained through an accredited beauty school or program; be knowledgeable in and practice proper health, safety, and sanitation standards; and preferably have passed appropriate state board examinations.
Your Relationship with Beauty Salons
Many people develop excellent relationships with their stylists. When or if your stylist or other beauty salon service provider leaves, you can inquire as to the location they are transferring to, or you can stay with the same salon with a new stylist. While this is a personal option, if you have received good care and service at a particular place, chances are high you will get the same quality even with a new stylist.
July 3rd, 2006