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Expert Hair Care Beauty Tips & Advice Newsletter!
Compliments of the Maximum Beauty Supply Stores Cosmetology Staff - located at:
http://maximum-beauty.com
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####EXPERT HAIR CARE BEAUTY TIPS & ADVICE####
****Fringe Benefits
Bangs are shielding the choicest foreheads from coast to coast: everyone from model Carolyn Murphy to actress Cate Blanchett seems to be sporting them. But this is not your mother's kitchen shears-and-wooden ruler fringe; the new bangs are "shaggier, messier, and very rock 'n roll," says Max Black of Las Vegas's Maximum Beauty salon.
Talk about easy: shaggy bangs are a dramatic yet not drastic way to modernize hair of any length, and they work on most textures (except ultra-curly, which Max says can respond "unpredictably"). According to Max, bangs that are long, layered, and heavy don't need to be blow-dried, but can go natural with a bit of glossing cream or serum. "Texture is not important, but hair this close to the eyes must be shiny," he says.
One fringe does not fit all. To determine the best bangs for your face, take its shape into account. If you have a round or diamond-shaped face, ask for a fringe that's longer on the sides, shorter in the center. Triangle-shaped bangs--ones that are longer in the middle and shorter on the sides--flatter square faces, Max says.
So get out there and make the cut--rocking a fringe this season is even cooler than carrying a Boogie bag. "Bangs are a great accessory, that's how I see it," Max Black says. And don't worry if you tire of them; with this many fashionistas taking the plunge, headbands will probably be back in vogue next year.
****LIMP HAIR
Fine, thin or limp hair needs extra help in order to turn up the volume. Start in the shower by using a light, easy-rinsing conditioner only on the ends; putting conditioner on the roots will weigh hair down and make it look greasy. After drying hair with a towel, apply a volumizing spray or mousse to the roots and work through to the ends.
To add extra body while blow drying, Las Vegas stylist Max Black of the Maximum Beauty Salon suggests the following: Flip head upside down and point the dryer directly at the roots until hair is just barely damp. Flip hair back and put in a couple of large Velcro rollers at the crown; finish drying hair and remove. Lock in the lift with a spritz of light holding spray.
And yes, teasing is another way to add a little height to limp locks, but it’s also hard on hair and can result in breakage and split ends.
****FRIZZY HAIR
Out-of-control frizz is usually caused by damaged hair cuticles. A healthy strand of hair is one solid piece, but when the cuticle (the outer covering of the strand) is damaged, the result is split ends and frizz. To prevent the damage in the first place, wash with a gentle shampoo (like one formulated for chemically-treated hair) and handle hair with care—use a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair and don’t hold the hair dryer too close to strands.
For hair that’s already damaged, Las Vegas stylist Max Black of the Maximum Beauty Salon suggests using a product that will smooth the cuticle. Leave-in conditioners and silicone gels are great solutions because they seal moisture into hair cuticles while creating a barrier against moisture in the air that makes hair frizzy. But use a light touch, says Max. After hair is dry, rub a tiny amount of silicone gel between your palms and just barely run hands over hair down to the ends.
A weekly deep conditioning or hot-oil treatment can help revitalize dried-out hair, but nothing can actually repair it—except chopping off the bad ends. A trim every six to eight weeks is recommended by most hairstylists,including Max Black.
****OILY HAIR
The scalp contains oil glands, so the key to cleaning up oily hair is keeping the scalp squeaky clean. “When you wash your hair, you really need to concentrate on getting the shampoo down to the scalp,” says Las Vegas stylist Max Black of the Maximum Beauty Salon.
Don’t add insult to injury by using the wrong products. Choose a mild shampoo and lightweight conditioner that are made specifically to combat oily hair. “What you don’t want to do is overdry the scalp, because that will only cause the glands to release more oil,” explains Max Black.
Oily hair also has a tendency to look flat, so look for styling products that will add volume. But steer clear of anything designed to smooth hair or products that contain silicone—both will weigh hair down even more.
****DRY HAIR
If hair is dry, it means that the hair cuticles are open and the natural moisture has evaporated. This is a common and chronic problem for anyone with curly hair and for hair that is chemically processed (colored, permed, straightened) or damaged by the sun, blow-dryer or other heat appliances. “When hair is stressed,” explains Las Vegas stylist Max Black of the Maximum Beauty Salon, “the best way to combat the problem is by replacing lost moisture.”
Specifically, look for moisture-based formulas—shampoos, conditioners, styling products—that will be gentle on your stressed-out strands. In the shower, allow conditioner to stay on hair for a few minutes; the steam helps the conditioner penetrate more deeply. And once a week, try a deep-conditioning treatment to give hair a super-hydrating boost.
The most important thing you can do to prevent dry hair is to protect from heat. “Heat makes the cuticle open up, so you want to add extra moisture to hair before blow-drying or using a flat iron,” says Max Black. “That way, the moisture that’s released will be from the product, not the hair itself.”
****FACIAL HAIR
Facial hair in excess can present an annoying and, in severe cases, embarrassing problem. “Most of the time, facial hair is just genetic,” says Las Vegas stylist Max Black of the Maximum Beauty Salon. “But if you develop significant facial hair all of a sudden, go to your doctor and have your hormone levels checked out,” as it could signify an imbalance.
Methods of facial hair removal vary in cost, effectiveness and level of irritation; it’s important to consult a dermatologist prior to beginning any treatment. Waxing is still common for removing hair from the upper lip; apply soothing aloe vera gel afterward to minimize irritation.
Electrolysis—a process in which the hair follicle is destroyed by an electric current administered by a needle—also remains a common option.
Vaniqa, a prescription cream launched by Bristol-Myers and Gillette in spring 2001, is shown to slow the growth of facial hair if used regularly. Laser hair removal is growing in popularity, and is especially effective for dark hair. However, “it’s a repetitive process and not yet a perfected process,” says Max Black. Hair may grow back, although probably less of it.
Facial hair requires special attention where makeup is concerned. “Heavy foundation accentuates that fine peach fuzz many women have on their cheeks and jawline,” says Max Black. “The same goes for powder, which clings to hairs.” Max recommends a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation, and translucent powder, if needed, to absorb excess oil.
****Thinning Hair
Although thinning hair is often thought of as only a male problem, it plagues women as well.
Thinning hair in women can be caused by a number of different conditions -- it could be the side effect of certain medications you are on, related to stress and hormonal fluctuations or caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency, particularly iron. Or if you've recently had a baby, it could be the natural thinning that occurs after the pregnancy growth spurt. If you suspect that any of these is the cause of your problem, Max Black suggests consulting a physician.
Overprocessing the hair, such as with frequent chemical processes, is also a possible cause. If you color, highlight, straighten or perm your hair and have noticed thinning, try giving your hair a rest for a few months and see whether it regains its thickness. Finally, pulling your hair back too tightly every day can result in excessive hair loss. After you pull your hair back, be sure to loosen it around your scalp. Even if you're not sure exactly what is causing your hair to thin, you can do many things to camouflage it. Most importantly, opt for a short cut rather than long hair. Length will only flatten your hair and emphasize the thinning. Wearing your hair short and adding strategic layers will make it appear thicker and create fullness.
When you get your hair cut, talk to your stylist about the best styling tips to make it appear as thick as possible. There are different ways that you can brush and dry your hair to hide thinning. Blow-drying on a low speed, for example, will give you more control over the heat and allow you to build body slowly as you dry. Avoid a high heat setting, which can flatten your hair.
As for styling products, Max Black advises using them sparingly. Using too much will weigh your hair down. Also avoid products that contain alcohol, which will irritate your scalp and dry out your hair, possibly leading to more hair loss. Be wary of mousses -- they often have a high alcohol content. And in terms of specific treatments for thinning hair, Max recommends the all-natural approach. Scalp massages used in conjunction with plant-based products can stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourage hair growth.
****Coloring Mistake
Since repairing most coloring problems can be tricky, Max Black would strongly suggest that you go to your favorite salon to have the color corrected. If you can, try to go soon, before the hair cuticle has had a chance to seal in the color. Depending on the combination and types of colors used, you may be able to correct some color goof-ups at home by calling the company's toll-free help line, usually found on the side of the home haircolor box. However, for serious mistakes it usually takes a professional to help correct the problem.
****Disaster Perm
First, don't wash it again, if you can. Instead rinse it thoroughly with water. Use a light gel to control the curls and try a style that will camouflage the ends for the time being, like wearing your hair up with the ends tucked under. Second, Max can think of two reasons why you might have straight spots. Perhaps your hair may be too damaged on the ends for the curl to take and will need to be trimmed off. Or it could be that too much hair was wrapped on each rod, which didn't allow the solution to soak all the way through and your stylist will need to reperm that area for you. Call your stylist and set up and appointment so he/she can look at your hair.
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Maximum Beauty Supply Stores Cosmetology Staff at:
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