Archive for September 12th, 2006
By Anna Lynn C. Sibal
Is your face round? Are you having trouble picking out the perfect hairstyle that would complement your face?
Don’t worry, because you are not alone. Many women also share this dilemma of finding the best hairstyle that would suit their round visage.
A round face is generally as wide as it is long in the dimensional sense. The hairline in a round face is often wide, and the cheeks are usually full. This facial shape also sometimes makes the neck seem shorter.
There is no hard and fast rule to creating the perfect hairstyle suitable for round faces. Most hairstyles designed for the round face, however, aim to make the face appear thinner and longer. They are also meant to direct the eyes away from the fullness of the cheeks. A woman with a round face may want to consider these two things whenever she is trying to fix her hair in a more flattering manner.
There are a few things that you may want to try out whenever you are styling your hair or getting your hair done in a salon. You could opt for short hairstyles that add length to your face, or those with the sides cut short or close to the face. Layered bangs also give the illusion of length to the face and should be chosen rather than the straight or heavy bangs; heavy or straight bangs seem to squash the face rather than lengthen it. Curls are also good, although they should be kept away from the cheeks. A bob cut above the chin will look nice for women with double chins rounding off their already round faces, while cropped hair may seem best to make a short neck appear longer.
A woman with a round face can also wear her hair long if she wants to. Long hair done in layers or in a shag looks good on a round face because it makes the face more slender. Long hair piled up on the head also makes the face look thinner. The same slenderizing effect can be achieved with the use of cleverly placed highlights, especially highlights near the face. Long curls with dangling tendrils also suit the round face quite nicely, as long as the tendrils do not fall near the cheeks or close to the face.
There are a lot of styles that a woman with a rounded face can choose for herself. It is a matter of being versatile. But the one true key to finding the perfect hairstyle for a woman with the round face not lies in following the rules or the guidelines, but in following whatever she feels comfortable with. She may follow all the rules and all the trends, but if she is not comfortable wearing it, or if the hairstyle doesn’t suit her lifestyle, then the effort is lost.
What she could do to get the best hairstyle for herself is to browse through some magazines, pick out the ones she likes best, and to consult her hairstylist about it. In the end, the perfect hairstyle, whether your face is round or square or oval or whatever shape, is someone that a woman can wear confidently and have fun with.
September 12th, 2006
By Anna Lynn C. Sibal
Summer is almost over, but the effects of the summer heat on our hair are probably far from gone.
The heat may have caused our hair to flatten limply, to get all frizzled up, or simply feel dry. It is because the heat has dried up the moisture from our hair.
But there are ways of solving summer-dried hair. It generally takes creativity and ample application of moisturizing products. Here is how:
1. Flat-looking hair. If your hair looks flat and wilting, you can pull it back and arrange it in a loose bun at the back of your neck. If your hair is not long enough for a bun, you can try fixing it in a ponytail.
You can add more body to your limp hair by applying moisturizer then adding some scrunch into your hair. Dry shampoo also works, or in case of blonde hair, baby powder, at the roots of your hair to soak up moisture. If you want, you can also try lightening the hair or putting highlights, since hair color plumps up hair strands. Keeping the highlights close to your face makes for a heightened effect.
2. Frizzled hair. Frizzled hair needs a lot of moisturizing and conditioning. Treat your frizzled hair to some deep conditioning once a week. You do not have to go to a salon to do this. All you need is to apply your favorite conditioner to your hair after a shampoo, cover your hair with a plastic cap and let your hair stay that way for 30 minutes. An alternative to this is applying olive oil and letting it stay on for 30 minutes, then rinsing it off. Do not blow-dry your hair; instead, just let it dry in the air.
For added moisture to the hair, you can apply gel, a shine serum and other moisturizing products. Also, you can mask the frizzles of your hair by doing it up in a stylish bun.
3. Sun-damaged hair. If your hair has been damaged by the sun, prevent further damage by washing your hair with sunscreen shampoos and by using hats or bandannas when going out.
Of course, these tips to restoring summer-damaged hair will not work if the basics of hair care are not applied. The basics of hair care include:
• Shampooing and conditioning regularly. However, don’t overshampoo your hair because it will only cause your hair to become drier.
• Protecting the hair against exposure to the sun, to chlorine and to salt water. Protection comes, as mentioned above, from wearing hats or bandannas, using umbrellas to shield your hair from the sun when going out, using conditioners with sunscreen, and rinsing the hair immediately after swimming.
• Avoiding styling the hair excessively with hot curlers, hair dryers and hair irons. The same goes with too much perming, bleaching and coloring, which damages the hair.
• Keeping your body hydrated and properly nourished with a balanced diet. Whatever goes into your body also goes to your hair. The right amount of rest and exercise also goes to preventing dry hair.
• Summer comes and goes every year, but your hair is part of you. Beautiful hair, as they say, is a woman’s crowning glory. Take care of it well.
September 12th, 2006
By Anna Lynn C. Sibal
For the sake of having lustrous, beautiful hair, women search far and wide, trying out new products, following
trends, doing their hair in different styles according to fashion. It is always said that a woman’s hair is her crowning glory, and many women do take it seriously. Unfortunately, sometimes we women get to listen to well-meaning advice from our girl-friends, advice which is at times completely baseless or unproven. These hair myths, so to speak, sometimes only lead to the eventual damage of the hair.
There are many hair myths floating out there, some of which are followed religiously by women totally unaware of the validity or invalidity of these myths. Sad to say, if curiosity can kill a cat, so can ignorance. Hair myths are like that; if they are followed blindly, they can lead to hair damage.
There are a number of hair myths out there and you may already know some of them. Here are some common hair myths:
Myth #1: Shampooing Daily Dries the Hair
Some women believe that shampooing every day dries the hair out. This is not true. What could dry the hair out would be the shampoo that is being used, so it is important to choose a shampoo that is suitable for the hair type – either for oily hair, dry hair or normal/combination hair. Oily hair needs to be washed everyday to get the excess oil out. However, dry hair need not be given the same treatment. Washing the hair with lukewarm water and then applying a moisturizing conditioner is enough. If daily washing of dry hair is necessary, it is important to use a mild shampoo that is made specifically for dry hair.
Myth #2: Trimming Leads to Faster Hair Growth
The purpose of trimming is to get the dry and scraggly parts and the split ends out of the hair, therefore making it look healthier and thicker. But trimming regularly does not make the hair grow longer faster; rather it is our genes and our diet that determine the rate of the growth of our hair. Some types of hair just grow slower than others. However, to encourage faster hair growth, a diet rich in protein is recommended.
Myth #3: Hair Develops “Product Immunity” With Regular Use
Some women regularly change their hair care products and rotate brands because they believe that their hair develops product immunity or product exhaustion after prolonged use – the product stops becoming as effective as it was before. This is obviously a myth. Instead of the so-called product immunity, what is happening is that the product builds up on the hair and needs to be washed off. The solution to this, rather than rotating hair care products, is to occasionally wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the product build up.
Myth #4: Brushing Causes Hair Loss
Brushing the hair stimulates the hair follicles to produce more oil. It does cause friction against the hair and scalp so it is important to do it gently and to use a brush of good quality. Just yanking away at the hair causes hair breakage and split ends, rather than actual hair loss.
As in anything, not everything about hair care should be believed. Sometimes, what seems like good advice is only a hair care myth. Be informed and use your best judgment.
September 12th, 2006
By Anna Lynn C. Sibal
Women who desire to be beautiful almost always start with their hair. There is nothing like a head of soft, fluffy hair that looks thick and full of body. Hair like that
always catches the eye. Thin and lanky hair that lies flat against the scalp rarely if ever looks flattering.
To achieve this full-bodied look, women resort to using various products – shampoo, conditioners and styling aids. Subjecting the hair to chemical treatments like coloring, bleaching and perming also results to this. Blow-drying the hair also fluffs it out. Unfortunately, too much of these products and processes can lead to hair damage as well.
Each strand of our hair is made up of cuticles covered with scales. These scales are responsible for protecting the hair from damage. Ideally, these scales are supposed to lie flat against the cuticle, but when the hair is permed, bleached or colored, the chemicals involved in the process open up these scales to treat the hair inside as well. The open scales cause the hair to fluff out, making the hair look thicker and fuller. This is also what happens when the hair is exposed to heat from blow-drying or using hair irons and curlers. The danger to having the scales of the hair open, though, is added vulnerability of the hair to chemical build-up, as well as to probable damage of the cuticle from ultraviolet rays, leading to dryness, frizzing and split ends.
Perming and coloring may seem like a quick fix for thicker hair, but it will prove harmful in the end. Thick and fluffed-out hair is not beautiful hair if it is not healthy.
So how does one get thick and full-bodied hair that is also glowing with health? The first step to this is using a good volumizer shampoo. Like the chemicals used in perming and coloring, volumizer shampoos also enter the scales and cause them to open up and pad the hair with substance. But unlike perming chemicals and dyes, shampoos also have ingredients that are formulated to protect the hair’s cuticle.
Volumizer sprays and lotions applied to the hair while styling also do the trick. Another method involves hair gel rubbed onto the hair while being blow-dried, lifting the hair strands and creating the illusion of thickness and body.
But again, too much is bad. Shampoos and other hair styling products leave residue to the hair that will make it look limp. The product build-up must be washed out of the hair at least once a month with clarifying shampoo or castile soap. These products will rid the hair of build-up but let the hair keep its fullness.
Another thing you can try to increase the volume of your hair is tipping your head down and brushing your hair from the back. You can also do your hair up in curlers for those volume-adding curls.
Having thick hair is not just a dream, and neither is it an expensive and difficult reality. Be creative and keep your hair healthy!
September 12th, 2006
By Kathryn M. D’Imperio
Creating the perfect pre-game hairdo can become a very enjoyable, cherished tradition. Friends and teammates
can bond before each game as they help each other toss their hair back into fun, athletic hairstyles.
Bangs and long hair can be a liability if you are an athlete. Even short and medium length hair can get in the way while you play your heart out on the field or on the court. The constant tickle of your hair brushing against your face or getting in your eyes can be more than distracting; it can be downright aggravating. And quite honestly, how your hair looks is probably the last thing on your mind as you bolt toward that goal.
Not to worry, though. Several sporty hairstyles come to the rescue so you can focus on your game instead of your mane. Try micro-braids, double French braids, or pre-wrap - a stretchy, foamy material that trainers use for wrapping injuries and athletes use in their hair. You’ll get a no-fail style that keeps the hair out of your eyes and looks great!
Braids both big and small
The twisting motion involved with braiding pulls the hair out of the face and tucks it down along the scalp. For a great athletic hairstyle using double braids, create an even part from your forehead to the nape of your neck with a comb. Tie one pigtail off to the side and work with the other, braiding it as tightly as you can. Fasten the braid with an elastic band. Now repeat for the other side. You may also wish to try this style with French braids.
French braids begin by using hair in smaller sections up at the scalp. Follow these steps to French braid your hair in two pigtails:
• Using the double braid method of parting your hair, start with the first pigtail.
• Up at the top of your head, take three individual, equal sections of hair and cross them one at a time into the center, first from one side and then the other. Pull evenly and tightly for best results.
• Now add a little bit of hair into the side you crossed first and pull that into the center.
• Do the same with the other side. Continue this process, gradually adding more and more hair to each section as you braid your hair to the ends.
• Fasten the completed braid with an elastic band.
• Now repeat this process for the second pigtail.
Another athletic hairstyle variation is the micro-braid approach. Simply braid a few tight mini-braids in the front of your head to pull all the wispies and bangs and loose strands together and away from your eyes and face. Create a row of tight micro-braids, fastening each with a tiny hair band or miniature rubber band. Continue this process for as long as you like. If you have a friend who is willing to help you, consider donning a whole head of micro-braids for a fun and funky look.
Both of these styles look great with pre-wrap headbands. You can add a pre-wrap headband to almost any hairstyle, and the greatest thing is that it keeps the hair out of your face without slipping and sliding around like normal headbands. Pre-wrap is stretchy and composed of a soft, foamy material that doesn’t hurt hair or the scalp.
Pre-wrap for hairstyles
Pre-wrap, also known as underwrap, traditionally serves as a soft and comfortable barrier between athletic tape and the athlete’s skin when a trainer tapes up his or her injuries. It is designed to keep the tape from chafing and sticking to the athlete’s skin. For years if not decades, athletes have been swiping strips of pre-wrap and using them as headbands to keep their hair out of their eyes and off their faces while playing sports. College athletes, teenage athletes, soccer players, softball players, field hockey players, runners and just about any female athletes around enjoy the look and feel of pre-wrap in their hair before, during and after an athletic event.
Pre-wrap is colorful, easy to use, affordable, and best of all, it works. Foamy and stretchy, the pre-wrap material sticks to itself, which means it doesn’t slip like normal headbands. This makes it ideal for use as an inexpensive, versatile headband. You can purchase pre-wrap at most sporting goods stores and online. Pre-wrap is sold in rolls for about $2 or $3, where just one roll can equate to 50 or more headbands!
Most athletic leagues prohibit the use of hair accessories with the exception of elastic ponytail holders. Many leagues, however, permit the use of pre-wrap.
How to use pre-wrap as a headband:
Using pre-wrap as a headband is quick and easy, and takes only seconds. Follow these steps to get your hair ready for the game:
• Grab your favorite color of pre-wrap, or your team colors.
• Quickly wrap the pre-wrap around your head to measure.
• Tear off a strip at the appropriate length.
• Grab one end of the pre-wrap in each hand.
• Roll a bit between your fingers on each end.
• Tie a simple knot with both ends.
• Put your pre-wrap headband on just like a regular headband.
• Go out there, look great and WIN!
How to use pre-wrap without a knot:
As soft as velvet, pre-wrap can stick to itself without sticking to other materials. While most leagues allow the use of pre-wrap, some may specify that the pre-wrap cannot be knotted. You can easily create a pre-wrap headband without ever tying a knot…just follow these simple directions!
• Grab your favorite color of pre-wrap.
• In a lunge position, wrap it around your thigh.
• Wrap it around two or three times.
• Tear off at the appropriate length.
• Start rolling the pre-wrap until it forms a tighter loop.
• Roll your new headband down and off of your leg.
• Put it on your head just like a normal headband. No knot!
Ideas for special and creative pre-wrap hairstyles:
• Twist or braid two or more colors together for a fun and different look. Choose your favorite colors, your team colors or colors at random for a new style you and your friends will love.
• French braid the pre-wrap into your hair – especially if you use the double braids hairstyle above. Tear off a strip of pre-wrap and carefully twist the end around one of the three hair sections in your braid. Keep twisting and crossing the pre-wrap with that same hair section through the whole braid until you get to the end. Fasten the braid as usual. It may be easier if a friend or your mom can help you with this style.
• Instead of twisting and rolling the pre-wrap, wear it flat and wide like a decorative headband. You’ll be amazed at how it still keeps the hair off your face and neck!
• Make tiny bows with your favorite colors of pre-wrap or use teeny pieces to fasten the ends of your micro-braids.
• Get creative; the possibilities are endless!
Besides the basic natural tone, pre-wrap is available in black, blue, green, red, orange, purple, hot pink, light pink, maroon, and yellow/gold. Get psyched up with your team colors, choose your favorite hue or pick a shade based on your mood. Put on your game face, prepare to take on the competition and look great for your photos during the game!
September 12th, 2006
Winterproofing Your Hair ,Susan M. Keenan ©2006
Chilly weather is on its way. Along with this blast of cool invigorating air on the outside of our living and working
quarters comes dry indoor heat. Both of these happen to be two of the top enemies of luscious looking hair, right after the chemical damage hair coloring and perming can reek. Don’t hide your hair under a wooly hat this winter, even if it is a designer brand with a chic price tag.
The havoc that combination can bring to your hair is avoidable with a few careful purchases and a basic daily plan. If your hair is your crowning glory, then why not give it the royal treatment? Follow these quick and easy tips to a mane of hair that will have even the king of the jungle turning his head for a second glance.
Flyaway hair can be tamed with a simple touch of leave in conditioner. No more tucking that sweater back into the closet simply because it adds a bit of electricity to your locks. Certain types of fabric create static charges when rubbed against our tresses. Leave in conditioners neutralize static charges and zaps them before they even have time to make an appearance.
Since a variety of leave in conditioners are on the market today, you have a lot of choices. Consider selecting one with a fragrance that appeals to you and have the added bonus of an aromatic pick me up. Simply spray the product on clean hair and comb through with even strokes. Remember to towel dry your hair for the best results.
Limp locks are a definite no-no. Once the dry hair has taken the moisture from your hair, it will hang like so much wet spaghetti. Use a bodybuilding styling aid with extra moisturizers to whip that mane of hair back into full flow.
Proteins are the building blocks of the human cells and this type of product is chock full of them. Along with glycerin for moisture, the protein and amino acids in this product work wonders to recreate a beautiful and full bodied head of hair.
The market is a veritable treasure chest full of styling aids. Shop around and locate the one that works the best for you. Simply spray a bit of the bodybuilding styling aid into the palm of your hand. Apply it directly to your hair near the roots for the best effect.
Taking care of your hair is just as important as putting on your face in the morning. After all, it is at eye level and one of the first things that people notice about you. If you want to feel good about yourself, then you need to feel good about the way you look. Cater to your hair and it will reward you with a noticeable bounce, a beautiful shine, and a look that even a mother would be proud to see.
September 12th, 2006
Author: Natalie Aranda
The state of our hair very often reflects the state of our health. Long, silky, healthy hair can radiate beauty, fitness and youth!
Hair extensions are becoming an increasingly popular way of instantly getting that long beautiful hair some of us can only dream of! Growing your hair long takes 5-6 years at an average of 1 cm per month! Hair extensions can give you around 21 inches of thick hair in just a few hours!
There are two main types of hair extensions. Hair extensions can be made out of synthetic fibers and are referred to as synthetic hair extensions or out of human hair and referred to as human hair extensions. Human hair extensions tend to be the preferred kind of hair extensions because they look and feel a lot more natural then the synthetic kind. Also, heat cannot be applied to most synthetic fibers causing some inconvenience if a person needs to use some hair appliances. The downside of human hair extensions is that are usually much more expensive then the synthetic ones! Notwithstanding, there is no fixed price for human hair extensions because this differs according to the quality, style and length of extensions required. Hair extensions that are untreated and uncolored usually cost more because they are more durable!
A change of hairstyle is often enough to make you look more sophisticated, younger or simply different. Hair weaves are a good idea for those who fancy some braids, dreadlocks or simply a fuller head of hair and a different look!
Hair weaves are another form of hair extensions and can also be made out of synthetic or natural hair. There are three types of hair weaves:
(1)Bonded Hair Weave - This is the least durable kind of hair weave and only lasts 1 month until it would need to be replaced. This kind of hair weave gets glued to the scalp
(2)Braided Hair Weave - This is a 2 step procedure. The natural hair is braided along the center of the scalp (under the hair) and then the hair weave gets sown into the braids. This type of hair weave normally lasts around 2 months.
(3)Fusion Hair Weave - This is the most lasting kind of hair weave, since it needs be changed every 3 months. This procedure involves waxing the hair weave to the natural hair.
Both hair extensions and hair weaves require considerable maintenance. The hair need to be treated with gentle respect and cleaned and moisturized daily with a good conditioner. Remember, that while natural hair gets the necessary oils and moisture from your scalp, hair extensions and hair weaves don’t! Also, depending on the style and procedure for your hair extensions/hair weaves, you might also have to visit the hairdresser every 6 weeks to fix your hair extensions due to your natural hair re growth.
Whichever kind of hair extension you choose, always consult your hair specialist for advice, and pick the safest procedure. Finally, enjoy your beautiful hair!
September 12th, 2006