Archive for November, 2007
Hair Styling Tips I: Texturizing Hair
Apply a small amount of mousse (or styling balm or gel) evenly through partially dried hair to create volume and texture. Working from the underneath of the hair use your fingers to lift, tease and tousle the hair as you blow dry.
Select small sections of hair, use your fingers to scrunch and apply heat. Direct the airflow of the dryer from the ends of your hair towards the roots to maximize fullness.
If you prefer, you can use a dryer with a finger diffuser to give even more tousle.
You can also use a small curling iron to touch up the ends if you wish. Then work molding or styling paste through with your fingers to create texture.
Avoid using combs or brushes on the finished style to maintain absolute tousle.
Hair Styling Tips II: Blowdrying Tricks for Smooth Hair
Towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture as your hair begins to take on its final shape when almost dry. By removing the worst of the moisture you will save yourself not only time, but also stress to your hair.
Apply your styling product evenly throughout your hair once you have removed the excess moisture. Section your hair with clips. Pin the top layers out of the way and begin with the underneath sections. As your hair dries release more hair from the clips.
Ensure that you have fully dried the section you are working on before moving onto the next section. Failure to do this will result in your hair reverting to its natural state.
Direct the airflow from your dryer along the hair from the root to the end in order to achieve a smooth finish.
Make sure your hair has cooled before you remove your brush from a blowdried section of hair. If you do this, your blowdry will last longer as it is like using tongs or rollers.
Leave the hair as it falls from the brush, only running your fingers or brush through it when all the hair is finished and cooled off.
To achieve that smooth silky look brush your hair with a large paddle brush.
Spray with an oil or a gloss to prevent frizz and add extra shine.
Hair Styling Tips III: Using Heated Rollers and Hot Sticks
Heated rollers and hot sticks need to be used on hair that is perfectly dry.
It is also useful to remember that most hair types take heated curls better if the hair has not been washed recently.
Hair should go around the roller one-and-a-half times to give lift and volume as well as to stop the roller from falling out. For every turn around the roller after that, you will get more and more curl and a tighter result.
Spray the entire head with hairspray.
Wait until the red light comes on, indicating that the set is ready (hot enough).
Start at the crown and use the right size for your style.
Use a fine-tooth comb to divide hair into even sections.
Take the first section, comb it smooth and spraying it again before putting the first roller or stick into the hair.
When rolling your hair, there is a basic rule that each section of hair should be narrower than the instrument - this will ensure the correct tension of hair and give you a better curl.
If you are curling short hair, it is a good idea to use a paper between the roller or stick and the hair — this will help keep them in place.
Roll the hair around the roller or stick and pull the ends until they disappear. This will avoid the ‘fish hook’ look. Don’t roll them too tight.
Work you way down the back and then the sides.
Finish with the ones at the front.
The direction of the roller will determine the direction of the hair.
For a spiral look to your curls, twist the section of hair before wrapping it around the roller.
Once all of the rollers are set in place, sit still. It is often the movement that allows the rollers or sticks to slip and pull, splitting the hair.
As soon as they are cool start removing the rollers or sticks in the same order that you put them in.
Use the large ones to give body to a straight style.
Use the medium for a bend or change of direction.
Use the small one to give curl.
November 29th, 2007
Hairstyles for women have achieved wide variations during the course of the time.
Women’s hairstyles have always been elaborate and are not rigid, but flexible with the changing phases of time and generation. Depending upon the nature of occasion, women’s hairstyles differ from one another and vary in style.
Hairstyle is a very important aspect of female beauty, which measures the fashion of the latest trends. Women’s hairstyles can be verified depending upon the length of the dresses. Everyone desires for long and lustrous hair and hairstyle. Women’s hairstyles have at time turned out to be almost a ritual. Hair saloons and hair dressers works really wonders to give a new look to a woman with a specific hairstyle depending upon the nature of occasion. A real hair makeover is very important in changing the entire outlook of the women.
Types of women’s hairstyles:
Women’s hair styles are usually categorized into three styles:
1. Short hair styles: Short hair style have been tried by every woman at some point of their life. This style makes hair quite manageable and this style rarely goes out of fashion. Short hair styles can either be straight or curly and accentuated with highlights and etc. Short hair can be made very much trendy with expert hair dressers touch of hand.
2. Medium hair styles: Medium hair styles are in fact, the safest and most flexible hair lengths. Women at large find the mid-length haircut as a great option for various types of hair texture, whether it be thin or brittle, thick or just right. Medium hairstyles are very versatile and quite adaptable in the different updos, bobs, and various other styles that can be combined with the hair to create gorgeous looks.
3. Long hairstyles: Women having long hair have better prospects of beautiful hair styling. If the hair is lustrous it helps in giving a better effect to the type of hairstyle the woman is wearing. The structure of the hair is very important in deciding the right type of hairstyle one needs to wear. Long hair can be more stylish with different looks for different occasions: party or work. It can be tied in a bun, strands, braids, etc. The bun for instance can be made more stylish with flowers pinned to it.
In conclusion depending on the type of the hairstyle that a woman may choose, much is also dependent on the Hair color, which is another important aspect of how your hairsylte may look.
November 28th, 2007
Who gets hair extensions? What are hair extensions, methods, etc.? When can you get hair extensions? Where do you get hair extensions? Why would you get hair extensions?
And perhaps the biggest question…How are they attached?
A good place to start is explaining what hair extensions are all about. In a society where immediate results are very popular, the beauty industry has developed and improved the ancient technique of adding human or synthetic hair to your own hair and making it look like it grew out of your own head.
We say ‘ancient’ because people have been doing this since forever, with wigs, hairpieces, weaves and such. Many of today’s methods have been adapted from African-American stylists that weave human or synthetic hair into corn rows for a long, flowing and natural look.
So who gets hair extensions? Many celebrities get hair extensions for various movie roles. The celebrity factor is what has catapulted the popularity of hair extensions over the last 5 years. When you see magazine covers with famous actors having long, flowing natural looking long hair, you begin to think that maybe you could get the same look. Once thought as a rich person’s service, hair extensions have become much more affordable and even practical for everyday consumers.
The main reason for getting hair extensions is to add length to your hair style, although they can be used to thicken your hair or even add highlights. Hair extension expert Rod Sickler, Owner of Images by Rod & Company in Rantoul Illinois says, “Don’t limit yourself to just adding length to your hair. Hair extensions offer a simple solution to fine hair and can add a little pizzazz to thick, curly or wavy hair in any color or style.”
“Any hair type can support hair extensions”, says Sickler. Sickler makes hair extensions easy by creating cutting-edge hair styles for his clients. Some examples include sleek and straight hair, vivacious ringlets and striking color enhancements with the use of different highlighted and lowlighted hair extensions. He describes the hair extension process as very painstaking and challenging as it requires many hours and various techniques to complete. The rewards are many as he is able to re-invent hair, tweak techniques and fulfill his clients’ needs.
When can you get hair extensions? Whenever you have a few hours available! Most hair extension stylists will offer a consultation prior to your actual appointment to get the hair extensions attached. The human or synthetic hair typically needs to be pre-ordered so that it matches your own hair or the intended color you are interested in.
In the consultation, the stylists will discuss your current hair health, how the extensions will be attached, possible side effects and what you will need to take care of them. If you are experiencing significant hair loss, hair thinning or have extremely damaged hair, the stylist should recommend that you do NOT get hair extensions until your condition improves.
Where can you get hair extensions? As the hair extension service becomes more and more popular, you will find many more stylists that go to training and education classes to become certified in hair extension services. The stylist does not necessarily need to be certified, but it is very important that they have been trained and educated properly in hair extensions.
Hair extensions are a big investment, financially and emotionally. If the stylist you select does not have proper training, many things can go wrong, including some of your natural hair falling out or even being ruined. Make sure you do your homework in selecting a stylist. Ask to see before/after photos, get references, check if any complaints have been filed against a stylist, etc. All hair extensions have the potential to cause damage to your hair. The experience of the hair stylist is the biggest factor in positive results.
Finally, the biggest question, How are the hair extensions attached? There are a variety of methods to attach hair extensions. The type and style of hair selected can be a determining factor in how they are attached. Human and synthetic hair can be attached strand by strand or in wefts. A strand of hair would be considered to be 30 or so pieces of hair. A weft is a section of hair that is attached together at the top. The weft is typical sewn or bonded in to the natural hair. Other innovative methods include fusion, bonding, locs, clamps, using string and more.
There are advantages and disadvantages to every method of hair extension available today. There can be a big cost difference between one method and another. There is a direct relationship between time and cost. Most hair extensions are time-intensive, resulting in the major portion of the costs involved. Another major factor is the quality of the human or synthetic hair that is used. Quality hair is expensive. The hair industry is not regulated so determining what or who supplied quality hair can be difficult. Research and education is a primary factor in a successful hair extension service.
After you have hair extensions, it is very important that you take care of them properly. Some methods will require the use of special shampoos and styling appliances. There may be recommendations from your stylist in reference to sleeping, brushing, swimming, shampooing and styling your hair extensions. Regular maintenance is also an important step to keep the hair healthy and looking good. Long hair requires work. So make plans to put your time in… as well as your money!
November 27th, 2007
With today’s advanced technology, there are perms for almost every type of hair. Hairstylists can now offer gentle-on-the-hair perms that deliver texture, volume, and natural-looking waves.
But sometimes even professional stylists get caught up with the newest fads and forget the basics, like how to do a great perm. Here are 10 tips for successful permanent waving from award-winning colorist Dee Levin.
By Dee Levin
1 Evaluate the integrity of the hair
The porosity, length, texture, color(s), and general health of the hair should be considered before determining if the hair is in condition for perming. Have a comprehensive consultation to find out if you can deliver what the client expects. Don’t overpromise. It is better to have a client pleasantly surprised than sadly disappointed.
2.Select the proper product
Manufacturers are on our side. They make custom-formulated perms for just about every type of hair. It’s up to our discretion and knowledge to make the proper selection.
3. Read the directions carefully
And then read them again. Visualize each step. But do NOT read the directions in the presence of the client. This is highly unprofessional.
4.Treat colored hair with care
Always remember that color-treated hair is delicate and must be given extra care.
5.Condition chemically-treated hair
Color treated or previously permed hair should be conditioned a week before the new perm. Your choice of conditioner should be one that will help equalize the porosity of the hair. Most manufacturers suggest conditioning the hair both before and after the perm.
6.Reduce the stress on hair
The use of wooden or plastic picks to separate the band from the hair causes less stress on the hair.
7.Protect the hair
Plastic coated end papers can be used to protect hair that has been previously permed and/or colored.
8.Wrapping the hair
Do NOT wrap the hair too tightly on the rod. To create a nice curl or wave, the hair must have room to expand and contract on the rod. Applying too much tension right from the first turn on the rod will produce a frizzy perm and possibly breakage.
9.Soft perms
To produce a very soft perm with very slight body and texture, you can use small plastic rollers with plastic clips.
10.Check for allergies
Should a client show any signs of redness around the face or neck, remove wet towels or cotton and gently pat irritated areas with ice water. Do not cover the irritated area until the redness subsides. Be careful using any medicated creams on a client – you never know what they may be allergic to.
November 26th, 2007
The root to a man’s appearance is purely based on clothes and shoes. Men seem to dismiss their hair, thinking it isn’t a vital prospect to their everyday life. Well guess what guys we are here to tell you that you couldn’t be more wrong. Nevertheless we are here to help you with the general rights and wrongs of men’s hair style.
By Natasha Tsimonos
Now men’s hairstyles differ to each individual’s personality, but of course as with every fashion segment there are certain dos and don’ts.
So here is what you shouldn’t do:
If your hair is falling out, let it, don’t be afraid. There is absolutely no need to cover it with a hairpiece.
Going grey? Heard of George Clooney?
The wet look is definitely a no no, we’re only trying to help you guys. So beware of men with the John Travolta look from Grease.
Now if you think we have covered all the disasters a man could possibly execute then you would be wrong. If you feel your hair is too much to deal with then go for the short sides and top, do not opt for the shaved look. It’s not the solution guys, honestly.
Now for the bit you have been waiting for, the path to stardom. Please absorb the following content:
Long Hair on a man is now the essence to successfully looking HOT. It wouldn’t hurt if you invested in a pair of GHD* either. (*GHD = the saviour for all women, hair straighteners).
Now another look that’s bound to get you noticed is the 70’s look. This is for hair that is quite wavy, no volume at all and split down the middle, formerly known as the “rock disco hair”.
Another look that might surprise you is the “disconnected” look. This is a very simple and flexible style used to suit any type. It consists of a longer top layer and a shorter layer underneath. Suitable for all men.
Now that we have accommodated you in every means possible I suggest you get down to the hairdresser’s before it’s too late, unless of course you like being referred to as the man with the mushroom head.
November 23rd, 2007
Fair tresses man’s imperial race insnare,
And beauty draws us by a single hair.
(Alexander Pope)
The beauty of a face is set against the background of the locks of your hair. And the beauty of your mane is dependent on your daily hair care regime. The basic principle to looking after your hair is about the same as it is to the rest of the body- cleansing, toning and conditioning. The most important aspect about caring for your hair is your choice of hair products and this is dependent on your hair type. So if your hair strands seem to stand apart and stick to your head then you have oily hair, dry hair is identified by its brittle nature and its tendency to tangle easily and break and finally combination hair is characterized by oily roots and dry ends. Choose your hair products carefully and according to the needs of your hair:
Dry hair: Requires a gentle natural shampoo for this type of hair preferably enriched with green tea extract that adds a sheen and strength to the hair.
Oily Hair: Needs regular washing with a shampoo with natural ingredients such as Rosemary and pansy extract which are known to be excellent for this kind of hair. Select a shampoo that is also rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, known to help maintain healthy hair.
Combination hair: Use a pH balance formula that is gentle enough to be used as often as required and adds a healthy body and shine to your hair.
Once the hair is clean it requires to be toned. The toning of scalp and hair is achieved by gently massaging the head. This helps in stimulating and invigorating the blood circulation required for the healthy growth of hair. The final part of your hair care routine is conditioning. This process is restorative in nature as it returns to the hair all that it has lost to excessive cleaning, the sun and use of harsh chemicals such as perm lotions. For long hair in particular, conditioners are vital as the overlapping scales which cover the outer layer of hair get roughed up as it grows. While dry hair should be conditioned once a week preferably with a conditioner rich in shea butter and Green tea extract, oily hair should be conditioned not more than once a month. Combination hair may be conditioned once in a fortnight.
An important point to be kept in mind while you care for your tresses is to include daily brushing or combing to remove dust, dead skin cells, tangles and to stimulate the scalp. It is best to use a brush that has bristles with rounded tips as they are less likely to scratch the scalp or tear and split the hair. Use a brush with boar and nylon bristles as the former promotes distribution of hair proteins and oils giving the hair an over all sheen, the nylon bristles are great for untangling your locks and also gently exfoliate the scalp. Select a brush which has a metallic body liner that reflects heat back to the hair thereby quickening the drying process. The secret to good brushing is to start at the nape of the neck and move towards the crown of the head.
November 22nd, 2007
Sydney, Australia – The 32nd Annual Hair Expo Australia is announcing the Call for Entries for the Australian Hairdresser of the Year. This will be the 23rd Annual hairdressing competition held at the annual Hair Expo. The awards ceremony for the competition will be held as part of the Expo’s Events on Monday 9th June, 2008.
Deadline for entrants to submit their CV and Photographic Collections is Monday 10th March, 2008. Preliminary judging will take place in April of 2008 and final judging will occur on June 6th and 7th 2008.
Categories include: New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, Hairdressing Technician of the Year, Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, Best New Salon Design, Australian Hairdresser of the Year and many others.
Full information on the competition, guidelines and regulations can be downloaded as a .pdf file from the Hair Expo website at www.hairexpo.com.au.
November 21st, 2007
ScienceDaily
Smoking may be associated with age-related hair loss among Asian men, according to a report in the Archives of Dermatology.
See also:
“Androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary androgen-dependent disorder, is characterized by progressive thinning of the scalp hair defined by various patterns,” the authors write as background information in the article. “It is the most common type of hair loss in men.” Although risk for the condition is largely genetic, some environmental factors also may play a role.
Lin-Hui Su, M.D., M.Sc., of the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, and Tony Hsiu-Hsi Chen, D.D.S., Ph.D., of National Taiwan University, Taipei, surveyed 740 Taiwanese men age 40 to 91 (average age 65) in 2005.
At an in-person interview, the men reported information about smoking, other risk factors for hair loss and if they had alopecia, the age at which they began losing their hair. Clinical classifications were used to assess their degree of hair loss, their height and weight were measured and blood samples were provided for analysis.
The men’s risk for hair loss increased with advancing age, but remained lower than the average risk among white men. “After controlling for age and family history, statistically significant positive associations were noted between moderate or severe androgenetic alopecia and smoking status, current cigarette smoking of 20 cigarettes or more per day and smoking intensity,” the authors write.
This association could be caused by several mechanisms, they note. Smoking may destroy hair follicles, damage the papilla that circulate blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth or increase production of the hormone estrogen, which may counter the effects of androgen.
“Patients with early-onset androgenetic alopecia should receive advice early to prevent more advanced progression,” the authors conclude.
Journal reference: Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(11):1401-1406.
November 20th, 2007
Meet Deborah Epstein, 32, a law student from Forest Hills, Queens. Her hair was so fragile a ponytail holder could snap it off. Then she tried the Brazilian Keratin Treatment. She cried after seeing the amazing transformation of her hair.
Mark Garrison, a New York stylist who offers the treatment, remarked in the article: “For a woman who had a thorn bush for hair and now it’s like silk, well, we’re talking revolution.”
This treatment is known as a progressive blow-dry, or “escova progressive” in Brazil where it originates. In the US, it has been available for less than a year.
The treatment lasts anywhere from six weeks to several months, and can cost from $150 to $600. The solution is made of keratin, which is a protein similar to that found in human hair. Finally, the formula is sealed onto the hair shaft using a hot iron, where it traps in moisture and adds a glossy finish.
Aside from the hot iron (450 degrees!), another potential risk is that the formula contains formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that can irritate eyes and lungs. However, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration reported that there are no restrictions on the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics.
Salons can be located online; go to www.braziliankeratin.com or www.brazilianhairstraightening.com.
November 19th, 2007
Jenny Peters
Los Angeles - Looking at the normally swooningly handsome Spanish actor Javier Bardem on the red carpet at the “No Country for Old Men” film premiere Sunday night in Hollywood, it is hard to believe he is the same person that wreaks violent havoc throughout that modern western drama. With his short-cropped hair and scruffy beard, the Oscar-nominated actor was all smiles both at the premiere held at El Capitan Theater and later at the post-party at the Roosevelt Hotel down the street. It was a complete contrast to his grim, weird-looking character in the Coen brothers’ latest film gem; there, Bardem wears his hair in a long, straight bob, a look that apparently harkens back to Texas style circa 1980.
That’s when “No Country for Old Men” takes place, and as Bardem tells it, that strange hairstyle was thanks to Tommy Lee Jones, his co-star in the film.
“Apparently, Tommy Lee Jones brought a book to the Coens about dark places like bars and whorehouses in Texas and New Mexico, from back in the Sixties. And there were some amazing photographs that I haven’t seen. Some of the customers in those places were wearing that hair and the Coens said, ‘Wouldn’t that be great?’ So thanks to Tommy Lee, I had to spend three months with their hair.”
But Bardem admits that the style was a key to his chilling performance, which was already generating Oscar-nomination buzz at the after party, where Bardem joined Tess Harper, John Malkovich, and Olivier Martinez to celebrate.
“The very first day, Paul, the hairdresser, and I went to the trailer and [he cut] my hair because I had long hair,’ he recalled. “And he did, like, tuck, tuck, tuck and I saw the Coens laughing. I said, ‘what happened? I need a mirror, man.’ I saw it and I said, ‘wow, we got a character now. We have a character.’ I mean it was their idea, but I thought the hair really helped me to be [messed] up for three months, because that was my hair and I had to wear that hair for three months in my life. What a relief when I finally got rid of it!”
A large crowd formed at the premiere, including Bardem’s co-stars Jones, Josh Brolin, a very pregnant Kelly Macdonald, Garrett Dillahunt, Steven Root, and Beth Grant, as well as the Coens and their glittering fan club – Casey Affleck, Gina Gershon, Bruce Davison, Hugh Laurie, Julie Delpy, Judge Reinhold, and Thandie Newton – and based on the roar of applause that followed the closing scene, everyone agrees with Bardem’s appraisal of the talented brothers whose previous film credits include “Fargo,” “Blood Simple,” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
“There’s the Coens, and then the rest of the world for me,” he gushed.
November 16th, 2007
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