Beauty Ideas

Interview: Alain Divert

Rino Jasper — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:29:46 +0000

What brought you into the world of hairdressing?
Passion, perseverance and people. My first real connection was with Claude Maxime, who was a famous hairdresser and styled Brigitte Bardot’s hair—she invented the “Bardot bun”. I worked with her for five years. The second person was Norwegian fashion designer Per Spook. I styled the models for all of his collections and when he moved to Louis Féraud, I styled those collections as well.

What inspires your work?
I’m inspired by what goes on in the street and through my travels. My favorite regions are the Middle East and Asia.

What is your definition of beauty?
Beauty can be ugliness; beauty doesn’t really exist. What is beautiful to you might not be to me, and vice versa. I believe beauty comes from the guts and the heart. Real beauty is someone that expresses all the love that exists on this earth.

What makes a great hairstylist?
In my opinion there are three kinds of stylists: the first is a good sales person, he does what his clients ask him to do and closes up shop in the evening like clockwork; the second is a businessman who will open a chain of salons but doesn’t give a thought to the beauty or quality of the work that goes on there and the third kind of hairdresser is passionate about beautiful hair, making the woman beautiful and determining what cut and style will suit her best.

What is the golden rule for maintaining beautiful hair?
You must take good care of your hair on a regular basis. Using low-quality products really takes its toll—in addition to pollution, over time these items will make your hair dull and breakable. Another important rule is to have a balanced diet. And last but not least, find a good hairstylist!
At my salon I use natural treatments on my clients’ hair. I call them Les Smoothies by Alain Divert –a home-made combination of ingredients including fresh ginger, shea butter, essential oils, black olives, bananas, nasturtium seeds, corn and avocado. I then do an Ayurvedic scalp massage. I’d like to launch a line of treatments so that my clients could take home a jar of a Smoothie that suits her hair type.
I’m also going to sell a new line of French nutritional supplements, Grow Up, which are very efficient in boosting hair growth, and will be available at my salons.

What makes the perfect bun?
A bun doesn’t look great on everyone, as it can age the person who wears it. So the perfect bun depends on the client’s face—it can be the banana-style Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Brigitte Bardot’s messy-look or a more high-tech look.

You have a salon in Paris; are there other projects in the works?
I have a project that will see the light of day in three months—I’m opening a beauty space, Alain Divert Paris, on the avenue Franklin Roosevelt. It will be around 200m2, and will feature skincare and bodycare treatments, teeth whitening and of course hairdressing. On the ground floor there will be the hairstyling space, reception and boutique, and the treatment rooms will be in the cellar.

Can you tell us a few celebrities you’ve styled?
Celebrities are notoriously fickle, and have been styled by many different hairdressers, but I’ve styled Pierce Brosnan, Leonardo Di Caprio, Judith Godreche and Charlotte Gainsbourg to name a few.
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Hair colorants 101

Rino Jasper — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:14:49 +0000

In the early days of hair coloring, women used dyes found in nature to enhance their natural color or cover up the gray, but today most of us color our hair in a far from natural way. The home hair-coloring kits widely available in drugstores and supermarkets have a high chemical content, so those with fragile locks beware!
But what exactly is in those products that can potentially wreak havoc on your hair? The majority of permanent colorants or dyes contain hydrogen peroxide, which “oxidizes” your hair—it lays the groundwork for a color that will last. If you are a brunette and want to go blonde, for example, the first step of changing your hair color involves stripping your hair of its original shade and this is where hydrogen peroxide comes in. The other main ingredient is ammonia, which then allows the newly applied color to penetrate the hair shaft.
Given the mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, it’s not hard to imagine why permanent coloring can be harmful to your hair, especially if you color it regularly. Having your hair professionally colored can help make the process a bit less stressful for your locks. (Home hair-coloring may save you a bundle, but it can take its toll.) A good hairstylist will be able to judge what shade will work best for you—permanent dyes are not always the answer, there are semi-permanent and vegetal dyes and even permanent dyes that are ammonia-free (L’Oréal Professional’s newly launched Inoa, for example. More on that in an upcoming post).
Your stylist can also give you tips on how to care for your colored hair, and suggest products that can soften the impact of the chemical process.

Interview: Alexandre Zouari

Rino Jasper — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:54 +0000

Where did you get your start in hairdressing?
The Alexandre Zouari ‘brand’ got its start with a company called Lorca, which was the firm that launched the concept of “brushing” (French term for styling hair with a brush and blow-dryer). I started there in 1969, and later took a few years off to do some modelling and acting. I then was an associate in a salon on the Avenue Marceau [in Paris’ chic 8th arrondissement]. When I started there were 10 employees and I grew the business so that after just three months there were about 40 of us, and we had a very glamorous international clientele.
In 1984 I returned to the world of couture where I stayed for five years working with an Italian designer, and I was then contacted by Shiseido to work with them as a stylist.
In 1987 I opened my salon on the avenue du President Wilson, with a famous decorator who did the interior design—the first time a stylist imposed his own personal style on a salon. Since 2003 I have been 100% owner of my business.

What are your current projects?
I just signed a license with a Chinese company, Shiamas Ltd, to sell my own line of hair jewellery and accessories in more than 65 boutiques in Asia. I’m also working on a new line of hair-care products and I would like to launch my own fragrance.

What inspires you?
I get my inspirations from the street—I’m lucky enough to travel a lot around the world and I have a pretty exceptional clientele. I’m also very interested in culture and art.
I draw on my past ideas as nothing I’ve ever done has gone out of style. Women have evolved in the sense that they don’t spend as much time on their hair and they have simpler hairstyles, which is a shame. When I travel to the Emirates, for example, women of a certain class still wear couture and have elegant hairstyles and make-up. But times change and you have to stay modern.

What should women never do to their hair?
Never let it get oily! You should always have clean hair, a good cut, color and light make-up. You mustn’t get lazy about your appearance!

What are your basic hair-care tips?
Find a high-quality shampoo that is suited to your hair type. It’s also important to get regular treatments, such as hair masks. The most essential thing is to take care of your hair on a regular basis.

What is the ideal method for getting perfect curls?
The old-fashioned way is best—just wrap a bit of Kleenex around each strand of hair and roll it up and tie—the result will be beautiful bouncy curls.

What is your vision of beauty?
Beauty comes from the heart! Apart from that, I think beauty is found in flowers and vegetation.

What do you believe makes a good stylist?
A good hairstylist knows how to do everything—from the shampoo to the total look. He needs to be creative and have a vivid imagination, and not go for a stereotypical look. All the hairdressers in my salon are trained here, from the bottom up.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Paris?
I love to go to galleries every so often and see the latest shows in museums. I also have my favorite bistros, such as L’Ami Louis and Tang, a Chinese restaurant.

Who are some of your celebrity clients?
To name a few: French president Nicolas Sarkozy, model Karen Mulder, actress Marisa Berenson and Queen Noor of Jordan.

Should I change my shampoo on a regular basis?

Rino Jasper — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:46:04 +0000

Most of us have heard, at one time or another, that the best way to have healthy, shiny and vibrant hair is to change shampoos on a regular basis. But what if you’ve finally found your dream shampoo and really don’t feel like changing? Dream shampoo or not, when you wash your hair everyday, or at least on a regular basis (most of us do!) your shampoo will build up on your hair shaft, as will conditioner and styling products.
This isn’t to say that your products are lacking in quality—even the best products applied on a regular basis will create build-up on your hair. Changing shampoos doesn’t actually get rid of this build-up, but as each shampoo’s ingredients differ, changing products will give it a “new” wash.
If you really don’t want to part with your beloved shampoo, try a natural alternative. A few times a month, apply a vinegar rinse to your hair. This is a gentle and natural way to strip your hair of product build-up and reset your hair’s PH balance, which will result in shinier locks. Cider vinegar is the best variety to use: add one teaspoon to a cup of lukewarm water and rinse your hair with the concoction after shampooing. You can then either rinse out the vinegar rinse with warm (not hot) water, or leave it in. Although vinegar smells strong when applied, fear not, the smell disappears as your hair dries.
For those of you who like tinkering in the kitchen to create your own hair-care products, certain herbs can be added to the vinegar rinse to enhance a particular color. More on that in an upcoming post!

Caring for baby’s hair

Claudie Jasper — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:28:54 +0000

There’s really no way to predict what kind of hair your baby will have before it is born, or, to be honest, whether baby will have any hair at birth at all. Many children come into the world with little or no hair, while others have a nice little mop on top.
If your baby has hair, even very fine hair, it should be washed regularly. But regularly, for a newborn, does not mean daily. Baby’s skin, and therefore scalp, is sensitive, and as he or she isn’t particularly active in the first few months, there’s no need to wash their hair more than a few times a week. Don’t panic if you baby has “cradle cap”, or dry and flaky scalp, as this is common and not harmful.

Here are a few tips to follow when washing baby’s hair:

Always use a product formulated for babies. We love Klorane’s Gentle Protective shampoo. It’s easy to rinse and won’t sting baby’s eyes.
If baby has quite a bit of hair, use a soft boar bristle brush to take out any tiny tangles before wetting the hair.
Wet the hair with lukewarm water and lather the shampoo in gently. Rinse well with warm water. A good baby shampoo will rinse out quickly.
Don’t go overboard on the products. Baby’s hair doesn’t need anything more than a quality shampoo; conditioners are unnecessary. Keep those for when your child has long hair.
Always check the water temperature first and never leave baby alone in the bath, even for a few seconds; accidents happen.

Easy Steps to Promoting Healthy Hair

Rino Jasper — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:18:22 +0000

How your hair looks and feels is a pretty good indicator of your general state of health.
If you have periodic hair loss, don’t run for cover—the average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day. If you experience a sudden bout of hair loss, or are losing significantly more than usual over an extended period of time, consult your doctor or hair specialist, a trichologist.
A number of factors come into play when it comes to hair loss or thinning hair—diet, certain kinds of medication, mineral and hormonal imbalances or deficiencies, auto-immune diseases, genetics and, last but certainly not least, stress.
Your hair also changes along with your body’s hormonal fluctuations—ever notice how your locks are fuller at certain times of the month and thinner at others?
If you want to boost hair growth and encourage a healthy head of hair, there are a few simple things you can do, starting with improving your diet and boosting your exercise regimen.

Favor foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—fish contains a lot of these, and salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel are good sources. Flax seeds and walnuts are also chock-full of omega-3s.
Exercise regularly—your blood flow improves as cells receive more oxygen, which in turn helps build healthy hair follicles. Exercise also helps alleviate stress, which has a knock-on effect on your hair.
Avoid wearing a tight bun, braid or ponytail on a regular basis. This can pull out your hair and cause breakage; over the long term it can develop into full-blown hair loss.
Apply a minimal amount of styling products and don’t have your hair colored more than once every six weeks.

The essential fall/winter hair trends

Claudie Jasper — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:49:27 +0000

Hairstyles for the fall/winter season are all about glamour. And what better way to ring in the cooler days and nights than with elegant curls, buns and twists?

The shoulder-length square cut is back. A part down the middle with mid-length layers and thinned tips give a natural, lightweight look.

To get this look: Dry your hair upside down then style with your fingertips. Finish up with a large rounded brush to give a smooth and natural look.

Chic and smooth styles for evening. An extra-long straight cut with a low part on the side and long supple curls to give volume and a voluptuous feel.

To get this look: Dry your hair upside down, and use a large rounded brush as you blow-dry for a smooth look, then curl the tips with a large-barrel curling iron. Finish styling with your fingertips for a natural effect and apply a bit of hair wax near the part for a sleek effect.

Tease before styling. A simple French twist high up on the head and wisps of hair framing the face make for a simple and glamorous bun.

To get this look: Dry your hair upside down to give volume to the roots. Blow-dry with a large brush to give extra smoothness. Separate a few strands from around the face. Start by teasing the hair on the top of the head using a brush made for that purpose. Smooth and apply hair spray, gather all the hair (except the loose strands), twist it once and secure with a few large bun pins. Apply hair wax that you’ve warmed on your fingertips and apply lightly to the loose strands.
Release a few strands near the nape of the neck for a little more glamour!

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October 2009 Contest Winners

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:17:14 +0000

This month, we are giving away Beauty-id's Daily Conditioner and a scented notebook from France.

Congratulations to this month’s winners:

Monica Boekhout, The Netherlands

Valerie Ducaine, Paris, France

Mary Giddings, Los Angeles

Can I Get My Hair to Grow Faster?

Rino Jasper — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:24:27 +0000

If you hear about a miracle method to get your hair to grow twice as fast as it does naturally, chances are you’re being hoodwinked. How fast your hair grows cannot be controlled externally, and there is little you can do to alter it.

There are numerous claims that supplements, including Vitamins A and D and biotin can speed up hair growth. Feel free to experiment with these kinds of supplements, natural or otherwise, but be sure to choose those formulated to boost growth, and not to combat hair loss.

No matter how slowly or fast your hair grows, keep these pointers in mind:

Eat a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish and if you so choose, lean meat. Banish all processed foods.
Don’t smoke.
Use quality, salon-recommended shampoo and conditioner.
Apply a moisturizing hair mask at least once a week.
Get a trim every four to six weeks.
Don’t layer on too many styling products, the more is not the merrier!
Choose alcohol-free styling products and use your blow dryer on the lowest heat setting possible.
Brush your hair daily with a natural bristle brush.
Drink plenty of water.

Caring for Children’s Hair

Claudie Jasper — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:03:08 +0000

What parent hasn’t wanted to scream in frustration when trying to wash, de-tangle or merely convince their child to wash his or her hair? While some children love having their hair washed, no one like getting knots combed out or having lice medication applied.

Here are a few golden rules when it comes to caring for your little one’s hair:

Set a good example when they are still young and impressionable. Hygiene habits are most easily communicated through imitation, so if your child sees that you wash and brush your hair regularly, it’ll make a difference.
Wash your child’s hair every few days if you live in an urban area, and a bit less if you live in the country. Use conditioner only on curly or dry hair.
Wash with a gentle shampoo formulated for babies if your child is under six, and use a frequent-use shampoo as they get older.
Brush, brush, brush. The only way to avoid tangles and knots is to brush their hair every day (this applies mostly to girls, of course) using a natural bristle brush. Give one to your child as a present and encourage her to brush on her own.
Stay on the lookout for dandruff and lice. See our lice post for the most effective way to combat these nasty creatures.
If your child is seriously averse to having his or her hair washed, involve them in the process—let them squeeze out the shampoo, or do a little role reversal: let them wash your hair after you’ve done theirs.
Keep the styling products to a minimum. Children don’t need a whole battery of products; they’ll catch up when they are older!