Tips n'Tricks for Hair style

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2011-12-02T19:54:00.001-08:00

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Natural hair styles

2011-11-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

HOW TO HAIR CUT?

2011-11-24T17:07:00.000-08:00

Fed up with the price of "professional" haircuts? Tired of losing layers of skin off your scalp after using the RoboCut Vacuum Haircut machine? None of your friends want to do it because "they don't know how"? Then it's time to grab some scissors and get hacking!

Step 1Materials

Here's a list of what you'll need:

Sharp Object -
While scissors are my weapon of choice, I imagine a steak knife, exacto, hedge trimmers or any other cutting tool would do the trick.

Electric Buzzer, Beard Trimmer and/or Razor (not pictured) -
No sense in mowing just half the lawn, is there? I will only be trimming my beard. Mainly because it has been so long since I actually shaved, I think I've forgotten how. If you wish to go for the clean look, then all the power to you!

Hair Disposal Unit -
I usually just use the bathroom trash bin. Putting it in the sink helps by not only acting as a second hair-catcher, but also puts the bin at a more practical height.

Numerous Fine, Usually Cylindrical, Keratinous Filaments Growing From The Skin of a Human -
Uh...that would be your hair, or if you want a practice go, try a mop.

Documentation Device (optional) -
To record my haircut I used a simple digital camera. Having learned from my mistake, I strongly advice the use of a tripod, since, as you will later see, I do not have three hands.

Step 2The first cut

Now that you have your workplace set up, it's time to begin.

What's that? You're having second thoughts?

You are not alone my friend. But you must persevere!

With your scissors in your dominant hand, grab a large hunk of hair with your second hand. I suggest going for a patch right at the front. Once you've cut that off, there's really no going back.

Now simply squeeze the scissors with your thumb and index finger. Depending on the thickness of your hair, the amount of hair you are attacking and the quality of your blade you may need to get into a rhythm of squeezing and releasing over and over until you are through.

Step 3Disposing of your hair

At this point you should have a clump of hair in your hand. Unless you plan on using it for something, it's time to toss it in the trash bin.

Simply hold the hair over the bin and release your grip.

Step 4Keep on truckin'

Just repeat the previous steps, working your way from the top of your head to your dominant side.

Congratulations! You now have a skater cut. You'd be the coolest kid on the playground if it were 1995!

If for some reason you don't want a skater cut, I guess you'd better continue cutting on the other side.

Step 5And you thought you were finished

At this point the front of your head should be looking very professional, while the back is more casual. Hence the term 'business in front, party in the back,' which commonly refers to a mullet (or perhaps some sort of office place that is having a fiesta in the back room, but the losers are too 'professional' for margaritas and sombreros, so they're still working away in their cubicles).

It can get a bit tricky in the back, but by now you should be comfortable with your tool and can probably estimate how much hair you're cutting off. I guess you could get a second mirror to put behind you, but then your visual-motor skills would be all screwed up. Besides, when's the last time you saw the back of your head to see how even it is?

Step 6The beard

If you really want to win the heart of that (insert gender of preference) that sits beside you in biology class, you're going to have to clean up that mess of hair you call a beard. That's right, I'm talking to you Sarah Fernbeck! *

Take out your electric buzzer, lubricate it and turn it on. Don't be scared though. It's more afraid of you than you are of it. Hold it with confidence, and trim a strip under your chin. Enjoy this moment, for it is your first and last chance to ever be taken seriously at a Motorhead show, at least until they notice your skinny, 10-year old boy arms.

Now that you have determined without a doubt that you are in fact softcore, continue trimming the rest of your facial hair.

I made up the name Sarah Fernbeck, so if that happens to be your name and you have a beard, take no offence. But seriously, you might want to at least give it a trim every once and a while.
Step 7Cleaning up
i
You're brand new!

Hop in the shower and give that scalp a good wash. Remember to have a second shirt lying around somewhere for when you get out of the shower. Putting on a shirt coated in tiny hair clippings doesn't really sound like fun.

Nothing left to do but admire the weight of hair in the bag as you tie it up and walk it to the curb. You may feel the urge to store the hair under your bed, but chances are you'll find it a year later and there will be a colony of maggots living in it. Trust me.
Step 8Conclusion
i
Over the next few days you will undoubtedly find stray hairs that weren't properly cut, so keep those scissors handy.

Now when people comment "You cut your hair," you can answer with pride "Yes I did!"

Conditions affecting hair color

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Aging

A gray-haired man

Children born with some hair colors may find it gradually darkens as they grow. Many blond, strawberry blond, light brown, or red haired infants experience this. This is caused by genes being turned off and on during early childhood and puberty.^[9]

Changes in hair color typically occur naturally as people age, eventually turning the hair gray and then white. This is called achromotrichia. More than 40 percent of Americans have some gray hair by age 40, but white hair can appear as early as childhood^{[citation needed]}. The age at which graying begins seems almost entirely due to genetics. Sometimes people are born with gray hair because they inherit the trait.

Two genes appear to be responsible for the process of graying, Bcl2 and Bcl-w^[10] The change in hair color occurs when melanin ceases to be produced in the hair root and new hairs grow in without pigment. Thestem cells at the base of hair follicles produce melanocytes, the cells that produce and store pigment in hair and skin. The death of the melanocyte stem cells causes the onset of graying.^[11] It remains unclear why the stem cells of one hair follicle may die well over a decade before those in adjacent follicles less than a millimeter apart.

The anti-cancer drug Imatinib has recently been shown to reverse the graying process. However, it is much too expensive with potentially severe and deadly side effects to be used to alter a person's hair color. Nevertheless, if the mechanism of action of Imatinib on melanocyte stem cells can be discovered, it is possible that a safer and less expensive substitute drug might someday be developed.^[12]

Sex

Generally, black hair is more common in men than in women. A recent study found that blond and red hair are more common in women than in men.^[13]^[14]

Medical conditions

Albinism is a genetic abnormality in which little or no pigment is found in human hair, eyes or skin. The hair is often white or pale blond. However, it can be red, darker blond, light brown, or rarely, even dark brown.

Vitiligo is a patchy loss of hair and skin color that may occur as the result of an auto-immune disease.

Malnutrition is also known to cause hair to become lighter, thinner, and more brittle. Dark hair may turn reddish or blondish due to the decreased production of melanin. The condition is reversible with proper nutrition.

Werner syndrome and pernicious anemia can also cause premature graying.

A recent study demonstrated that people 50–70 years of age with dark eyebrows but gray hair are significantly more likely to have type II diabetes than those with both gray eyebrows and hair.^[15]

Artificial factors

A 1996 British Medical Journal study conducted by J.G. Mosley, MD found that tobacco smoking may cause premature graying. Smokers were found to be four times more likely to begin graying prematurely, compared to nonsmokers.^[16]

Gray hair may temporarily darken after inflammatory processes, after electron-beam-induced alopecia, and after some chemotherapy regimens. Much remains to be learned about the physiology of human graying.^[17]

There are no special diets, nutritional supplements, vitamins, nor proteins that have been proven to slow, stop, or in any way affect the graying process, although many have been marketed over the years. However, French scientists treating leukemia patients with a new cancer drug noted an unexpected side effect: some of the patients' hair color was restored to their pre-gray color.^[18]

Changes after death

The hair color of mummies or buried bodies can change. Hair contains a mixture of black-brown-yellow eumelanin and red pheomelanin. Eumelanin is less chemically stable than pheomelanin and breaks down faster when oxidized. It is for this reason that Egyptian mummies have reddish hair. The color of hair changes faster under extreme conditions. It changes more slowly under dry oxidizing conditions (such as in burials in sand or in ice) than under wet reducing conditions (such as burials in wood or plaster coffins).^[19]

Hair coloring

A hairdresser colors a client's hair.

Main article: Hair coloring

Hair color can be changed by a chemical process. Hair coloring is classed as "permanent" or "semi-permanent".

Permanent color, as the name suggests, permanently colors the hair - however because hair is constantly growing, the color will eventually grow out as new, uncolored hair grows in.

Permanent hair color gives the most flexibility because it can make hair lighter or darker as well as changing tone and color, but there are negatives. Constant (monthly or six-weekly) maintenance is essential to match new hair growing in to the rest of the hair, and remedy fading. A one-color permanent dye creates a flat, uniform color across the whole head, which can look unnatural and harsh, especially in a dark shade. To combat this, the modern trend is to use multiple colors - usually one color as a base with added highlights or lowlights in other shades.

Semi-permanent color washes out over a period of time – typically four to six weeks, so root regrowth is less noticeable. The final color of each strand is affected by its original color and porosity, so there will be subtle variations in color across the head - more natural and less harsh than a permanent dye. However, this means that gray and white hair will not dye to the same color as the rest of the head (in fact, some white hair will not absorb the color at all). A few gray and white hairs will blend in sufficiently not to be noticeable, but as they become more widespread, there will come a point where a semi-permanent alone will not be enough. The move to 100% permanent color can be delayed by using a semi-permanent as a base color, with permanent highlights.

Semi-permanent hair color cannot lighten hair. Hair can only be lightened using chemical lighteners, such as bleach. Bleaching is always permanent because it removes the natural pigment.

"Rinses" are a form of temporary hair color, usually applied to hair during a shampoo and washed out again the next time the hair is washed

2011-11-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

Natural hair colors

Natural hair color can be black, brown, blond, or red. Hair color is typically genetically associated with certain skin tones and eye colors.

Black Hair
Brown hair
Auburn hair
Chestnut hair
Red hair
Blond hair
Gray hair
White hair

Brown hair

Main article: Brown hair

Brown hair is characterized by higher levels of eumelanin and lower levels of pheomelanin. Of the two types of eumelanin (black and brown), brown-haired people have brown eumelanin; they also usually have medium-thick strands of hair. Brown-haired people are often known asbrunettes/brunets.

Black hair

Main article: Black hair

Black-like hair is the darkest and most common hair color. It has large amounts of eumelanin and is less dense than other hair colors. It can range from soft black to blue-black or jet-black.^[2]

Blond hair

Auburn hair ranges along a spectrum of light to dark red-brown shades. The chemicals which cause auburn hair are eumelanin (brown) andpheomelanin (red), with a higher proportion of red-causing pheomelanin than what is found in average brown hair. It is most commonly found in individuals of Northern and Western European descent.Auburn hair

Chestnut Hair

Chestnut hair is a hair color which is a reddish shade of brown hair. In contrast to auburn hair, the reddish shade of chestnut is darker. Chestnut hair is common among the native peoples of Northern, Central, Western, and Eastern Europe.

Red hair

Red hair ranges from light strawberry blonde shades to titian, vivid oranges, copper, and less commonly "true" red. It is caused by a variation in the Mc1r gene and is recessive.^[3] Red hair has the highest amounts of pheomelanin, around 67%, and usually low levels of eumelanin. At 1-2% of the population, it is the least common hair color in the world. It is most prominently found in Scotland and Ireland. Scotland has the highest proportion of redheads; 13 percent of the population has red hair and approximately 40 percent carries the recessive redhead gene.^[4]^[5]^[6]

Grey and white hair

Grey or white hair — sometimes colloquially called "salt and pepper" — is not actually a true grey or white pigment. In fact, it is clear due to lack of pigmentation and melanin. The clear hairs appear as grey or white because of the way light reflects from the hairs. Grey hair color typically occurs naturally as people age (see "Effects of aging on hair color", below). For some people this can happen at a very young age (for example, at the age of 10). The same is true for white hair. In some cases, grey hair may be caused by thyroid deficiencies,Waardenburg syndrome or a deficiency of B₁₂.^[7]

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology published a study in 2005 which found that Caucasian people will begin to grey in their mid-30s while Asian people begin greying in their late thirties, but most African-American people can retain their original hair color until their mid-forties.^[8] People with albinism may have white hair due to low amounts of melanin.

Human hair color

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Hair color is the pigmentation of hair follicles due to two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Generally, if more melanin is present, the color of the hair is darker; if less melanin is present, the hair is lighter. Levels of melanin can vary over time causing a person's hair color to change, and it is possible to have hair follicles of more than one color.

Particular hair colors are associated with ethnic groups. The shades of human hair color are assessed by Fischer–Saller scale. The Fischer–Saller scale, named after Eugen Fischer and Karl Saller, is used in physical anthropology and medicine to determine the shades ofhair color. The scale uses the following designations: A (light blond), B to E (blond), F to L (blond), M to O (dark blond), P to T (brown), U to Y (dark brown/black) and Roman numerals I to IV (red) and V to VI (red blond).^[1] See also Martin–Schultz scale.

Premature graying can make you look and feel older

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Each and every hair follicle of ours contains pigment cells that produce a chemical called melanin that gives hair its natural color. The lighter or darker color varies depending upon the amount of melanin that each hair contains. As we get older, the pigment cells in the hair follicles die gradually; due to this, the production of melanin reduces, causing the hair color to fade away.

Premature graying of hair in teenagers is a disease condition. The main causes for this condition are heredity, underlying diseases, carelessness in maintenance of hair, drying hair with electric dryers, and vitamin deficiencies.

Mental stress, failures, jealousy, fear, and anxiety interfere with the supply of vital nutrients necessary for healthy hair. Very often, premature graying can be a sign of disease wherein the graying is not only hereditary but is also caused by an underlying disease.

Graying of the hair can occur prematurely in a number of conditions such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, pernicious anemia (graying of hair along with symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, and possibly chest pain), genetic disorders, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Werner's syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome are two such conditions, which can cause the hair to gray. Prematurely gray hair is often one of the earliest signs of Werner's syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which usually presents in persons at about 20 years of age, but sometimes appears as early as eight years.

On the basis of the patient's age and the cause, the treatment and the prognosis of the condition is determined. Everyone's hair does turn gray eventually with advancing age, but there is nothing wrong with trying to delay the process naturally through dietary and lifestyle modifications. In order to ensure the continuous production of melanin for the hair, a steady supply of Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA) is essential.

It is one of the many B-complex vitamins. Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is another vitamin, the deficiency of which is known to cause gray hair. It stimulates vitamin utilization and releases energy from food to assure great hair and good skin. Along with folic acid, pantothenic acid helps to restore the hair's natural color and fights premature graying of hair.

Heredity is the most likely cause of premature graying of hair. In such cases, the graying cannot be reversed but can be effectively controlled. Food rich in iodine such as bananas, carrots, and fish are recommended. Almond oil application can control graying. Any mild shampoo with a balanced pH can avoid the acceleration of the condition.

Although surveys conducted in various parts of the world have found that stress can hasten the graying process, there is no scientific evidence to prove the cause-and-effect relationship between the two. In fact, even inadequate sleep and faulty dietary habits can indirectly lead to premature graying

Hair growth cycle

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Every human being, be it a man or a woman, wants to look good and always seeks approbation. It is obviously for this reason that most of them concentrate on improving their skin texture and complexion, appearance, and body shape. Some people feel that inner beauty is more important; so, they try to enhance that. Actually, every person has a different opinion about “beauty,” as it is rightly said that, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” Hair forms an important part of an individual’s physical beauty. Hence, knowing about the physiology of hair is of great value.

It takes about two to six years for every strand of hair to complete its cycle. Our hair is subjected to washing and conditioning or exposed to pollution, various chemicals, and heat very often. These factors damage the hair shaft but they do not affect the follicles. There are three phases in the hair growth cycle. The duration of a particular phase depends on the person’s age, nutrition, hormonal levels, and physiological or pathological factors.

The first phase, or anagen phase, is the growing stage that determines the actual length of the hair. The hair strand grows by about 1 cm in every 28 days. This phase lasts for 2 to 6 years. There is complete regrowth or regeneration of the lower part of the follicle during this phase. New cells push the older ones upward due to constant cell division and multiplication, resulting in hair growth.

The end of the anagen phase is marked by stoppage of hair growth and cellular destruction at the lower end of the follicle. This is the beginning of the second phase, which is also known as the catagen phase. During this phase that lasts for about 2 to 4 weeks, the hair follicle shrinks to one-sixth of its original size due to loss of the extracellular matrix. The melanocytes present in the hair bulb undergo cellular death and hence stop producing melanin, the substance that imparts color to hair.

The telogen phase is a kind of a “pause” in the hair growth cycle and is therefore also known as the resting stage. This phase is known to last for about 3 months before the hair fall off naturally during simple activities like washing and combing. The part of this phase in which the hair is shed is referred to as the exogen phase. In this phase, 50 to 150 strands of hair are lost from the scalp daily. Near about 10 to 15% of the hair are in this phase at a given point of time.

Taking care of your oily hair

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Every morning, after a good hair wash, your hair looks very nice and clean; but as evening sets in, it starts looking greasy, lame, and lank. This is because you are suffering from a common hair problem that many people suffer from, the ‘oily hair’ problem. Most people think that oily hair is the result of an oily scalp, but that is not true. In fact, a dry scalp causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which later gets transferred to the hair strands. Straight hair moves the oil quickly away from the scalp, whereas kinked hair moves the sebum very slowly away from the scalp.

Therefore, first and foremost, dryness of the scalp has to be treated to overcome the problem of oily hair. The excess sebum produced by the dry scalp has also got to be controlled. Hair should be washed on a regular basis using a good shampoo, but without hair conditioners. Sebum itself is a conditioner and any more conditioning will make the hair more oily and sticky. While washing your hair, you must bear in mind that shampoos are not only meant for the hair. They are also specifically designed to clean the scalp.

Women must thoroughly apply the shampoo on their scalp and massage it vigorously with their fingers. Even the choice of the shampoo makes a big difference. Hence, shampoos that have been formulated for oily skin should be used as they have strong detergents to remove the extra grease. If needed, one must apply the shampoo more than once, in order to get rid of all the excess oil from the scalp and hair. No foaming is observed when the shampoo is in the process of removing large amounts of sebum. Once foaming starts, you can stop the shampooing.

Always rinse your hair thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water, because soap residue can increase the oiliness of your hair. It is better to avoid conditioners, gels, and hair care products as these may aggravate the problem. A vinegar rinse may be useful in combating extremely oily hair. Diluted lemon juice too can help you to have oil-free hair and a pleasant-smelling scalp. Although diet is not directly connected to this problem, eating nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water will definitely promote the good health of your scalp, hair, and skin.

Ways to manage frizzy hair

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Are you unable to manage your frizzy hair? Do you get annoyed and frustrated with the way your hair looks? Don’t worry! There are a number of remedies available for controlling hair frizz. The first rule for getting frizz-free hair is to use hair shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers according to your hair type. Opt for an anti-frizz shampoo, which is not too hard. Use a clarifying shampoo if you use styling products. However, do not shampoo your hair more often than twice a week.

Washing your hair on a daily basis can deprive your hair of its essential natural oils. Moreover, using too much shampoo can reduce the moisture content of your hair, making it frizzy. Use a good conditioner to moisturize your curls. Always choose a cream conditioner over an oil-based conditioner as the latter contributes to hair dryness. Do not deep condition your hair more than once a week. Additionally, use a leave-in conditioner every day to manage your hair. The oil content in these conditioners helps to smoothen and soften the hair frizz.

Secondly, never rub or comb your hair immediately after a hair wash. Always use a towel to squeeze out the extra moisture. Follow it up with an anti-frizz, silicone-containing serum. As these serums come fortified with proteins, they help to strengthen the hair and even protect against humidity. Preferably use a hair gel instead of a mousse. Always comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid blow-drying too often. Use styling devices like curling rods and straightening irons only when absolutely necessary.

Make sure that you wear a hat or a scarf to protect your hair against the adverse effects of ultraviolet rays. Oil your hair once a week to strength them. Massaging your scalp with almond or olive oil will provide sufficient nutrition to your hair, keeping them moist, soft, and crimp-free. Lastly, include a variety of fruits and vegetables in

your diet to get all the vital nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, which are essential for healthy hair.

Causes of frizzy hair

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Hair plays a vital role in the overall aesthetic appeal of an individual. Frizzy hair hence becomes a cause of concern for most of us. They are not only delicate but also difficult to tackle. The best way to get rid of frizzy hair is to understand what causes it. According to hair care experts, some people are born with natural frizzy hair. Thus, you may inherit this trait from your parents. People with God-gifted curls may have frizzier hair as compared to those with straight hair.

Apart from your genetic makeup, the environment may also be responsible for the crimpy look of your hair. Too much exposure to the sun can lead to dry, damaged hair. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your hair cuticles. Harsh sunrays tend to dry up the natural moisture. Dehydration of the scalp tightens the pores; and as a result, your hair begins to spiral up. This makes your hair look dull and frizzy. In addition, humidity and wind may further worsen this problem.

Another important reason for dry frizzy hair is too much of brushing or combing. Excessive brushing causes split-ends and increases the tendency to spring outward uncontrollably. The use of harsh chemicals, treatments, and procedures can also damage your hair. Excessive use of blow dryers, curling devices, and straightening irons can cause frizzing of hair. These appliances take away the natural moisture from the hair.

Overuse of styling products, dyes, bleaches, and coloring agents can also tighten your hair pores. The high alcohol content in these products subjects your hair to harmful chemical reactions. Moreover, not oiling your hair regularly can weaken them from the roots, giving a frizzy look. Few dermatologists also believe that, improper diet can lead to dull, wiry locks. Low levels of hair protein can kink up the hair. Lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E can keep your hair lifeless and dull, making them prone to frizziness.

Three essentials for healthy hair

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Your hair is a reflection of your internal health. Taking proper care of your hair can completely redefine your beauty. It is absolutely essential for you to know the type of hair that you possess. Your hair can fall into four basic categories – Normal, Oily, Dry, and Combination. Knowing the type and texture of your hair can help you to identify the type of products and treatment options that best suit your needs.

The second essential for attaining healthy hair is to follow a proper hair care routine. You should wash your hair on a regular basis using a good shampoo and conditioner. Opt for a hair serum if required. Do not comb your wet hair and allow them to dry naturally. Minimize the use of heating machines like blow dryers, straightening irons, and curling devices as these damage your hair physically as well as chemically.

Use elastic bands and other accessories, which prevent hair breakage and avoid too-tight hairstyles like ponytails and buns. Make sure that you wear a hat or a scarf to protect your hair against the adverse effect of UV rays as well as strong winds. Oil your hair once a week to strength them. Massaging your scalp with almond or olive oil can aid in providing sufficient nutrition to your hair, for keeping them, moist, soft, and frizz-free. Trim your hair on a regular basis to avoid developing split ends.

The third and most neglected essential for healthy and shiny hair is your diet. Watch your protein intake. Eating nutritious meals (especially adequate protein) can definitely promote the good health of your scalp and hair. Include two servings of protein-rich foods like eggs, chicken, sprouts, and soya in your daily diet. Consume two glasses of milk daily. Include omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E rich foods like soybeans, tofu, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds in every meal. In addition, drink plenty of water. Keeping the body well hydrated can ensure proper hair growth, whilst minimizing dandruff and thinning of hair.

Three essentials for healthy hair

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Healthy Hair Tips

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Healthy Hair statistics:

A healthy head counts up to 100,000 individual hairs.
90% of these hairs are growing. The remaining hair is in transitional or resting phase.
Daily, between 80 and 100 old hairs are shed.

What to do for a Healthy Hair? Tips::

Brush your hair before washing it. This way you'll remove any dirt from your hair.
Massage your scalp gently massage will boost your circulation.
Shampoo. Nobody can tell you how often you have to shampoo your hair. When you feel your hair is dirty, wash it gentle, with a shampoo that works on your hair. Read the page about how to choose the right shampoo for more.
Always Moisturize your hair
Rinse Best way to rinse your hair is by using vinegar, if possible apple vinegar. Rinsing helps your hair shine.
Water Try to use mildly cold water. Finish, if possible, with cold water, this will close the cuticles.
Drying your hair Let your hair dry naturally. Squeeze the water, and then use a towel to blot your hair. This way you'll have a moisturized, healthy hair.
Hairbrush Do not use a hairbrush until your hair is dry; the wet hair can be easily damaged. Avoid plastic hairbrushes; hair will probably end up in knots
Season, age, sex, food & drink, tobacco, all have a big influence on hair growth. Have a healthy life and you'll have a healthy hair, too
Hair styling Try to avoid curling irons and hair-dryers to prevent hair damage. Also, avoid heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight

For specific tips, read the Hair Tips pages.

What do we know about Hair?
Hair grows in cycles. For each hair cycle there are three phases

Growth Phase: - When the cells at the scalp start multiply rapidly, a new hair start to growth. Those cells, together with keratin and other proteins form the hair.
Transitional Phase: there is a period of 2-3 weeks after the growth of the hair stops.
Resting Phase: - usually lasts 2-3 months, when the hair follicle rests. At the end of this phase the older hair is shed, and a new cycle begin.

What causes Hair Loss?

Androgenic Alopecia is the most common cause for hair loss. This include heredity, hormone problems and age.
Stress Has been shown that stress play an important part in hair loss, especially in women's hair loss. Women with important jobs are more affected, and stress added by hair loss do nothing then to make the condition even worse.
Age - A common hair loss cause is aging, which is a normal condition.
Medical condition - hair loss can occur due to different medical condition.

Hair Loss: What can be done?
Act from the beginning! The sooner you'll identify the problem, the best it can be treated.
Usually, professional advise is required. You may choose between hair loss cosmetical treatments and hair loss medical treatments.

2011-11-15T04:50:00.001-08:00

Secrets to strong, shiny, healthy hair

Be salon smart, pat hair dry and don’t forget conditioner

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David De Lossy / Getty Images stock

Smooth cuticles are the ticket to irresistibly sexy hair, and there’s no better polisher than conditioner.

By Beth Janes

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Strong adj. Elastic, resilient, resistant to breakage

Hair is made of a protein called keratin plus amino acids, and each strand is like a power cord: It has an outer sheath, or cuticle, that encases the inner cortex. The cuticle can withstand abuse such as heat and brushing — to a point. Even durable strands can use a jolt of support.

Take charge with these tips:

Handle with care. “Hair can be stretched 30 percent of its length before it breaks,” says Philip Kingsley, Ph.D., a trichologist (hair and scalp expert) in London. “Water makes it swell, so vigorously combing damp strands will cause them to snap.” In the shower, saturate hair with conditioner, then detangle to help knots slide out easily, says Sarah Potempa, a stylist in New York City for Aussie.

Cool it. Heated tools deliver great looks, but they can also burn hair. Before wielding your flatiron, apply a styling product that uses cuticle coaters like silicone to protect. Once a week, clean tools with alcohol to remove product residue, which can sear intohair, making it brittle.

Be salon smart. The ends of your hair split as they age (strands can be up to two years old, depending on their length), Kingsley says. Get a trim every 10 weeks, and wait about the same amount of time between color visits, especially for highlights. For root touch-ups (which you can do more frequently), ask for dye with less ammonia, a chemical which can make hair wiry over time.

Soft adj. Silky to the touch, swingy, bouncy

Smooth cuticles are the ticket to irresistibly sexy hair, and there’s no better polisher than conditioner.

It’s chockablock with fatty alcohols, oils and other sleekifiers. But don’t slap on any cream rinse and call it a day. Use these hair-quenching ideas:

Seal the deal. You may not shampoo every day (it strips hair’s oils), but you should condition each time hair is wet, to lock in moisture. “When water evaporates, it draws moisture from inside the shaft, drying it out,” says William George, owner of James Joseph salon in Boston.

Start with strokes. Before stepping into the shower, gently comb dry hair to dissolve product buildup, dirt and oil, says Jet Rhys, a salon owner in San Diego. The gunk will quickly rinse out, leaving a clean surface for conditioner to penetrate. Squeeze out excess water before applying conditioner, George says. Hair is like a sponge — if it’s saturated with water, it can’t soak up anything else.

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Go deep. Coping with coarse, strawlike hair that rivals Raggedy Ann’s mop top? Rather than hide under a hat, try a supercharged treatment that contains amino acids and natural oils, such as PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Mask, $28, twice a week. Massage into scalp with fingertips, then comb through hair. Next, wet a towel, wring out water and microwave it for a few seconds. Wrap the warm towel around your head and wait 20 minutes before rinsing. The towel traps heat, increasing absorption, says Adir Abergel, a stylist in Los Angeles.

Shiny adj. Glossy, bright, reflects light

Ruffles may be a big fashion trend this spring, but hair looks best when its cuticles — which are composed of cells that overlap like shingles on a roof — remain flat. If they’re on an even plane, light bounces off, creating a high sheen. These tricks will keep hair in prime-shine condition.

Go gently. Wet cuticles lift easily, putting out the welcome mat for frizz and dullness. Frantic towel-drying can rough up the cuticle, too. Try patting strands with a superabsorbent towel. Start at roots, soaking up water, then slide down to the tips.

Gleam on. The ideal shine-enhancing duo: a blow-dryer and boar-bristle brush. After tousle-drying with fingers, go through sections with the brush. The bristles are slightly textured to smooth the cuticle delicately, Abergel says. Dry hair downward, in the direction the cuticle lies, for a mirrorlike luster.

Finish up. Tame errant flyaways by spritzing a paddle brush with shine spray and lightly brushing from roots to ends; this will deposit enough product to calm frizz without making hair oilier, Abergel says. To touch up dull, frayed ends quickly — necessary the day after a blowout — awring out an aloe-infused baby wipe and slide it down the bottom 3 inches of hair, Rhys says.

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

2011-11-15T04:40:00.000-08:00

When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count -- it’s what you put in your body, too.

By Hilary Parker
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

"Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.

"Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. "If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out."

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If you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have rope-thick tresses -- no matter what you eat -- but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, say nutrition and hair experts.

And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.

"Even though you can find beauty supplementson the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible," Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in Vallejo, Calif., tells WebMD. "In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, has been linked to hair loss."

Read on for the 10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.

Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon

When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.

"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."

Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables

Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.

Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.

Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans

Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?

Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.

The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair

When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.

"An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy," Giancoli says.

If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.

"Crash diets can affect the hair cycle," Mirmirani tells WebMD. "Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet."

What Your Hair Says About Your Health

Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts

Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.

Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry

Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.

"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.

Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.

Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs

When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.

They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.

Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains

Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.

Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters

Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?

The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.

If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.

Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.

Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.

2011-11-13T09:52:00.000-08:00

Men’s fringe hairstyle trend

The men’s fringe is the dominant hair trend for gents in 2011. And while it was also on-trend in 2010, 2011 offers up three variations on the men’s hair trend:

the well-groomed, swept fringe
the textured, wet fringe
the curly fringe

Straight fringe

Continuing on from last year’s men’s hair trends, the men’s fringe remains a major feature of men’s hair trends in 2010. But, naturally, this is a hair trend that has evolved. While the men’s fringe in 2009 was all about close-to-eyebrow length, in 2010 we have more options.

How To Cut The Fringe
Thankfully, the men’s fringe trend in 2010 comes in a variety of lengths, so you’re going to be able to play with the look to suit your face shape. While you’ll be looking to keep shorter back and sides (British grade 4-5), the way of truly making it your own is to play with the length of the fringe itself. No better example exists than the Bottega Veneta Men’s Spring-Summer 2009 catwalk which provided two fringes in stark contrast to each other:

Of the two, the latter side swept fringe is the more preferential, with the cropped fringe looking a little too nondescript. If the side swept fringe does look like a hair style you might wear, be sure to check outMarni’s menswear Fall(Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 catwalk collection where it was a look sported by most of the models.

Personally, I’d recommend something far more current and cut your fringe with texture and at brow length as seen on Burberry Prorsum’s Men’s Spring/Summer 2009 catwalk (below).

How To Style The Fringe
Whether you take a straightening iron to your hair or enjoy naturally straight hair, the men’s fringe trend in 2010 is all about texture. I’m not talking about afro-inducing curls akin to those spotted on Alexander McQueen’s Fall(Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 runway (those were horrible) but light, layered detail. And in giving us the best length, Burberry Prorsum also featured the best textured styling for the men’s fringe:

This textured hair style, with its longer fringe, is the 2010 incarnation of the ‘Caesar cut’, named after the hair style Roman dictator perpetuus Julius Caesar who is frequently depicted wearing his hair in a similar fashion. For a similar reason, it’s also become known as ‘the Clooney Cut’ after actor George Clooney. While cut to bring hair from the temples and crown towards the forehead, the overall effect depends largely on using a matte wax or pomade to create the rugged texture and is quite akin to something sported by men in the Regency era.

And if it’s a rugged texture you’re after, particularly if you have wavy or curly hair, then look no further thanGucci’s Men’s Fall (Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 catwalk where the models oozed sex with a take on 2010′s fringe hair style trend.

Wet fringe

Regency men’s hair style from Burberry Prorsum

Men’s curly fringe

Back in 2008 when a fringe wasn’t school boy straight it was only ever one other thing: messy – think a messed up rocker post groupie session and you’re shan’t be far off the mark. That style came in 2008 and then it went. But amongst 2011′s men’s hair styles are looks that move away from the genteel and, thus, the messy fringe returns in another form: curly hair. While cut curly all over, the trend for men’s curly hair in 2011 is to wear it with length in the fringe, which should be the dominant focus of the hairstyle.

As for the exact length of this curly hair trend, it’s whatever suits you best. Chaps whose curly hair permits length without the need for a lot of hair product may opt for something 1970′s (the decade with the biggest impact on 2011 fashion trends) inspired, while those in need of more product may opt for a less voluminous take on the hair trend. Both of these styles are pictured, respectively, directly below and were seen on Gucci’s S/S 2011 catwalk.

If neither of those curly hairstyles are suited to your mane then the shorter version, with its ability to be styled with much more hair product than the former two styles, may be an option.

The Slick Back

Though he’s given his name to an incarnation of the fringe hair trend, actor George Clooney has been a larger influence of another of 2010′s hair style trends for men: the slick back.

In being a part of 2010 hair trends the slick back drives home one major point: men’s hair styles in 2010 are all about the classics. In fact the slick back may actually be a little too classic for most men, with its popularity in the likes of Ralph Lauren catalogues it actually conveys a real American style that will guarantee it success in the States but probably little outside.

How To Cut The Slick Back
If you’re after the slick back look there’s one important thing to first consider: is your hair wavy or straight. From there on in it’s easy.

Guys with straight hair: stick to a longer cut on top. Guys with wavy hair: go for short hair on top, perhaps a few inches in length depending on the strength of your wave. The two models below, both from Jil Sander’s Spring-Summer 2010 catwalk, best demonstrate the different cut lengths for the two hair types.

Partless slick back on Jil Sander’s Spring-Summer 2009 men’s catwalk

For both straight haired and wavy haired men: short on the sides.

And for those who have neither straight nor wavy hair? Consult your stylist. You’re going to have a real time getting the slick back hair style with curly hair, and unless you’re willing to dedicate vast amounts of time each morning to your hair you might want to seek a chemical curl relaxer.

How To Style The Slick Back
Looking at it, you already know it’s not going to take a lot of effort to style the slick back (provided your hair is suitable, and cut appropriately). Using the right product, like good old-school Brylcreem if you’re after a classic wet look, the real trick is to make sure that the side you choose to slick the hair back towards actually suits your face. Try both ways, and don’t forget that your mirror doesn’t show your true image.

The other major choice is whether to add a part or not. Clooney wears it with one, as did many a model onMoschino’s Fall(Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 catwalk, while the models at Jil Sander’s collection launch (above) wore the look partless.

The Classic Part

Wearing the slick back hair trend partless might not be the way to go, however, given that the traditional part figures in so heavily into men’s hair trends in 2010.

But while a part my seem simple enough, plenty of options still abound.

How To Cut The Classic Part
This one, I’m well and truly leaving alone. No, this is not a white flag of surrender. There are simply too many ways to cut a hair cut worthy of a part. See your stylist, but before you do so, here are some tips on the styling.

How To Style The Classic Part
There are so many options here, as you can apply a part to most any hair style. However, the classic part in 2010 is very much about traditional styling – the sort worn de rigueur by the likes of actor Cary Grant and The Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor; the 20th Century’s ultimate trend setter. And it is from the Duke (middle and right, below) that we can see two classic stylings: the side sweep (right) and the slick back(middle).

Cary Grant and HRH The Duke of Windsor

Grant too wears the side sweep though, unlike the Duke of Windsor, this is no ordinary part but rather the scalp revealing kind that arguably hasn’t been truly fashionable since Grant himself was setting the silver screen alight. You can also take your queues from another of 2010′s men’s hair trends, the fringe, and combine it with a part as seen on Roberto Cavalli’s men’s Fall (Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 runway.

A word of warning, however: avoid the soft part we saw on Calvin Klein’s Spring/Summer 2009 men’s runway (below). It’s far too effeminate, and doesn’t cast a sleek nor stylish figure.

The soft part at Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2009

As with styling the slick back, the trick here is to find a part that suits your face shape. Though some will argue that the side you part your hair on reveals great details about your personality (it doesn’t, some people just have too much time on their hands) the truth is that making the part look sexy really comes down to cohesion between your hair and facial structure.

2010 Hair Colours for Men

For 2008′s hair trends we spoke with celebrity hair stylist, and inventor of the pob, Ben Cooke for his suggestions on which hair colours guys should wear. His answer was short: obvious blonde.

And it’s much the same story in 2010. That is, if you’re going for a really sharp look. ‘Obvious blonde’ is a color that will work for a sharply cut, well polished hair style but not in a more dishevelled style. Nor will it work if it’s verging on on white blonde. Consider the photos right. The first from Dsquared2′s men’s Fall (Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 catwalk is spot on in both colour and style for 2010′s hair trends, where as the second look from Moschino’s men’s Fall (Autumn)/Winter 2008/2009 runway misses the mark for its over-blonding and lack of sharp styling.

High-Impact Hair

2011-11-13T09:37:00.001-08:00

These three statement-making looks will kick you out of your color comfort zone and into a more awesome age of edgy. Of course, amping up the drama means getting a little help at the salon, but you can also mimic the looks at home temporarily. Either way, it's time to get your gutsy on.

NEON HIGHLIGHTS

Whether you have one or a ton, standout streaks in a polar-opposite shade scream notice me now!

Try some color foreplay: Sample the drama without the commitment by adding a few removable hair extensions (we like HairDo 5-Piece Fine Line Set, $43). The pieces come in a bunch of shades (pick a contrasting color) and widths — 2-inch versions offer the most in-your-face effect. (You can trim them to match the length of your real hair.) And you don't need a cosmetology degree to attach them. Simply snap open the comb like clip, position it at your roots (teasing your hair keeps the piece in place), then snap it shut. "Place it under a layer of hair to conceal the it," says Kari Hill, colorist at the Serge Normant for John Frieda Salon in Los Angeles. Of course, the more pieces you put in, the more dramatic your look will be. Two locations to consider: near the front of your face at your temples (they will show up even if you tuck your hair behind your ear) and at the nape of your neck (they will stand out when you pull all your hair in front of your shoulders or push it off to one side).

Now go all the way: DIY highlighting and dye kits — made for tiny transitions, like going from dark to light brown — lack the bleach strength or pigment concentration of pro formulas, so call your colorist to get these contrasting tones. "Short hair looks great with lots of fine highlights on top, while long lengths are better paired with thick bands of color near the ends," says Hill.

The Secret to Natural Looking Highlights

2011-11-13T09:33:00.001-08:00

Despite the weird weather we’ve been having recently in NYC (90 degrees one day, 50 the next—what is that?!), spring is definitely here and with it comes the desire to wear a flirty sundress, eat lunch outside, and get highlights. Okay, maybe not everyone is like me in that the slightest increase in temperature sends them running to the colorist, but there’s definitely a connection between warm weather and lighter hair. Remember back when you were a kid and your hair would get lighter during the summer because of the sun’s natural effects? Well, unless you’re spending the next four months on a beach (if you are, keep that to yourself or you’ll make the rest of us insanely jealous), then your highlights are going to come from a bottle.

In order to make your man-made streaks look natural you should only go one or two shades lighter than your base color. But the real secret to gorgeous highlights is all in where you place them. A lot of colorists start at the root and evenly space out the streaks, which is fine, but Marie Robinson at Sally Hershberger Downtown in NYC gives me super-skinny highlights (about the width of angel hair pasta) mainly at my hairline with a few random bright bits at the ends. It might sound weird to leave out your roots, but I swear the results are really pretty, plus you can go way longer between color appointments. If you try this technique at home, ditch the applicator that comes in the kit and use a Q-tip to paint on the streaks exactly where you want them.

Read more: Hair Highlight Style - Natural Looking Highlights - Cosmopolitan

2011-11-13T09:27:00.001-08:00

I'm tired of dealing with my highlights and want to try a darker color this winter, but I'm worried I'll look pasty. How can I prevent that?

Darker doesn't have to mean a boring, flat shade that emphasizes pale skin, says Marcello Paglionico, Garnier spokesman and a colorist at New York City salon Warren-Tricomi. To winterize your current mane without feeling like Wednesday Addams, use an at-home semipermanent hair color in a warm golden shade that's similar to your natural hue. This will make the streaked sections look darker and the other strands look richer. "The effect will be very warm and multidimensional, so it won't play up paleness," says Paglionico. Two great at-home hair colors: Garnier Nutrisse, $7.29, and Clairol Natural Instincts, $8.49.

10 Hair Rules You're Probably Breaking

2011-11-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

1) Find a shampoo that lathers less. Sudsy doesn’t necessarily mean clean—sometimes, it means the opposite. Shampoos that lather too much are often overloaded with moisturizing products, which can leave build-up in your hair, making it look and feel dirtier quicker. So opt for a sulfate-free formula.

2) Give your locks a burst of cold. Before you hop out of the shower, turn the cold water on for a second and quickly rinse it through your strands. It helps seal the cuticle, adding a sleek finish to your locks.

3) Play hot-and-cold as you dry. When using a round brush to dry your hair in sections, start from the roots and dry all the way to the ends, letting the brush linger at the tips of your strands. Let your hair cool off like this on its own for five seconds, then repeat on another section. Alternating between heat and cool-down time helps set your style, and your blowout will have more body.

4) Do an at-home glaze between color appointments. Glazes fill holes and rough spots in your hair cuticles, helping smooth your locks and put moisture back into your hair. This keeps your color shiny and bright so it lasts longer and look better. Plus, you can snag an at-home kit from your local drugstore.

5) Use rollers for high-volume. For sex-kitten lift, blow out your locks until they’re dry. Then, section off the hair on top of your head—between your temples and all the way back to the crown of your hair. Divide that section into three smaller sections vertically (as if you were making a mohawk), and wrap each in a 2-inch velcro hair roller. Let your hair sit like this for 30 minutes, and then unwrap your strands, lightly comb them out, and spray for hold.

6) Drop the towel. Keeping wet strands wrapped in a towel for a half-hour as you do your make-up will just cause frizz! The roughness of the cotton forces your hair cuticles open, making them more likely to go every-which-way. Instead, squeeze out excess water as soon as you’re out of the shower, then let your hair air-dry for five or ten minutes before blowdrying.

7) Apply products 10 minutes before you style. Whether you’re curling, straightening, or whatevering, applying product 10 minutes in advance helps it fully absorb into your strands so you get all of its benefits and more bang for your buck.

8) Wrap—don’t clamp—your hair for quick curls. When using a curling iron, you don’t need to fasten your locks to the barrel. Wrap sections around the iron and hold in place for about 10 seconds to score the same soft, sexy curls.

9) Use spray bottles as your new lazy-day BFF. If you wake up and your locks are totally flat or grungy from the day before, just spray the top layer of your hair until damp, and then use a big barrel roundbrush (2 inches or more) to blow your locks dry. You’ll score high volume on that top layer, and since it’s freshly blown out, you’ll create the illusion of all-over smooth hair.

10) Use dry shampoo a different way. Instead of waiting until your locks need an dirt-fighting pick-me-up, apply a dab of dry shampoo to your roots immediately after you wash and dry them. Though your hair’s already clean, the barrier will stave off the debris and oil your strands will collect throughout the day before it hits. Bonus: It also gives you killer volume.

Adding Hues To Your Hair

2011-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Coloured bounces are one among today's fashion mania; yet another facet of beautifying the hair and often a crowning beauty when the right shade is chosen with regards to one's skin tone. Hair colouring is a widely prevalent fashion hallmark of today not only with the young but also with those who are catching up with age to enhance their aging beauty.

Techniques of hair colouring
Highlighting, streaking, frosting and finger painting are the techniques involved in hair colouring but however streaking and highlighting are the widely chosen options of today.

It is wise to decide first if one wants to opt for semi-permanent or permanent colouring when one wants to colour the hair.

Semi permanent colouring involves only a minimum amount of colour molecules to the shaft of the hair that aids to give the preferred shade. Further the colour molecules are small and do not give way to penetrating to the hair shaft thereby not bringing about a change in the natural colour of the hair. Hence as the name suggests the colour is washed away with several washing.

Permanent colouring is a two way working process. It works firstly in the formation of the hair base by lightening the hair's natural colour and then by providing a novel preferred hue to the hair. Permanent colouring works in expanding the colour molecules within the cortex to a considerable size that lasts for a longer period of time. One can choose from the grades of the tones with 1 being the darkest shade of a colour and 10 the lightest.

Highlighting and Low lighting
Spot colours applied to a select strand of hair are termed as highlighting. Highlighting is reducing or lightening the natural colour of your hair at least by two shades to produce a sun kissed effect. The hair assumes depth and volume when highlighted properly. Low lighting works the opposite way to highlighting generating a darkening effect to the hair. Highlighting brightens the hair tone while low lighting deepens the hair tone.

Frosting
Frosting renders an overall salt and pepper finish to the hair. The process involves bleaching individual strand of hair.

Tipping
Tipping is all about bleaching the lower part of the hair. This is an ideal hair-beautifying tip for those who have their hair cut in steps.

Hair streaking
Hair streaking involves striking bands of colour on hair producing a more daring and a dashing look.

Henna provides a natural burgundy colouring to the hair and is the favourite of those who do not want to venture with the chemicals involved in colouring. Those who opt for a traditional touch also prefer it.

Types of Hair colouring
Hair colours appear in liquids, powder, cream and gel. Hair sprays, crayons and hair mascara aid in semi permanent colouring and gel and other forms involve in permanent colouring.

Hair colours for different skin tones
Brown and golden shades are suitable for wheatish complexion and the striking colours like red purple and green go with fairer complexion.

I Skin colour
Dark brown or black brown
Olive
Medium with a colourless cheeks
Medium with a faint pink coloured cheeks
Medium complexioned with golden undertones
Pale with pink under tones
Pale complexioned with a colourless cheeks

Hair colours suggested
Shiny raven wing blacks, cool ash browns are ideal choices for these skin tones. Mink, platinum and icy whites also go well for those wanting a noticeable look.

II Skin colour
Brown complexion with pink undertones
Brown with golden undertones
Pale with peach or golden undertones
Ruddy (reddish, rosy, glowing, flushed)

Hair colours suggested
Deep chocolate, rich golden browns, auburn, red highlights and golden brown shades enhance bright and fair complexion and sunny looks.

Apart from choosing a colour for your hair according to your skin colour, consult your beautician if the chosen colour goes with your eye and your natural hair colour.

How about giving that new shade to your hair to render a novel look?

Hairstyles according to your face type

2011-11-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Tanya Datta lists some of the best short hair dos to suit every face type.

Too tired of your long locks and constant styling? If you consider yourself daring enough you surely will have a lot of options for styling for your hair. Short hair are the easiest and most manageable but the only thing you need to keep in mind is you face shape.

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Square jaw. With someone like Jennifer Aniston with a strong jawline a soft bob with graduated layers with hair falling below the jaw will draw the attention away from that area of the face.

High forehead chunky bangs is the solution for women who have a big forehead. They don't have to be cut straight across but a side swept one like Rihanna works best.

Heart shaped face. If you have a sharp chin, try not to cut your hair above your chin.

Round face angular cuts work best for people with a round face. You should go in for longer layers in your short cut so that there appears to be some shape to your face type.

Thin face. If you have a thin face, go in for a deep side parting. The trick is to make the face look more horizontal than vertical.

Long neck. If you have a beautiful long neck try going in for a lengthier bob cut like Anne Hathway because short hair will make the neck look weird.

High cheekbones. Consider yourself lucky if you have high cheekbones because a lot of hair styles will suit this sort of a face cut. You can get away with anything!

Oval face short pixies are best suited for a small ovalish face cut. Halle Berry is the perfect example.

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How to pick the right hair colour

2011-11-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

(Beyonce Knowles (TOI photo))

Picking the perfect new shade for your hair can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to make it easier ...

Colouring newbie?

Start with a semi-permanent colour. Semi-permanent colours wash out after a few washes, whereas permanent colours never wash out. If you are new to colouring your hair, you might start with a semi-permanent hue unless you want to cover gray hair or go two or more shades lighter or darker.

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Don't go by the picture on the box.

Pictures on hair colour boxes can be deceiving. You are better off going by the colour swatches on the box and the descriptions.

Is your skin colour warm or cool?

Most hair colours fall into either 'categories'. You're likely a 'warm' tone if you have golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes (most Latinas, Asians and African Americans fall into this category). You tan easily and the veins in your inner wrists are green. You're a 'cool' if you have fair skin and blue or green eyes. You burn before you tan and the veins in your wrists run blue.

Choose the correct shade

If you have warm skin, opt for golden shades such as caramel and bronze in a darker shade than your skin. Avoid jet-black hair which will give you a washed out look and if you do opt for a golden shade, don't go too light or your hair could turn orange. If you have cool shade, avoid colours that will highlight the ruddiness of your skin tone: Gold, auburn and copper. Ash blondes and cool browns work best.

How to tell if you'd make a great blonde

A basic thumb rule is that people who had blonde hair as children have the right skin tone to be blonde adults.

The right shade of blonde

Brassy blonde colour or highlights on someone with a warm skin tone can be harsh. Opt for warmer shades instead. If you have brown hair and want to go blonde, you don't want to go too light. Opt for contrast.

When to go red

Almost everyone can go red, what's most important is finding the right shade to complement your skin colour. Women with a cool or pink skin tone pull off red best, according to Jennifer J, a stylist quoted in the February 2006 issue of Marie Claire.

How to hide that gray

Gray hair can be hard to colour because of its coarse texture. If your hair is less than one-thirds gray, opt for a semi-permanent colour that's a shade lighter than your natural colour (or matches your colour). The gray will blend right in. Semi-permanent colour is less damaging than permanent colour.

Uh-oh, the colour's all wrong

It is strongly suggested you seek out professional help if your dye job went wrong. Colouring over colour can be tricky and you don't want to over-process your hair.

Don't go extreme

At-home colouring is best for people looking to go a couple shades lighter or darker or to cover gray. If you have light brown hair, a dark blonde will look beautiful on you. For extreme changes, it's best to seek out professional help.
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HAIR MODEL

2011-11-12T08:37:00.003-08:00

	Curly or wavy hair. Thinking of having curls or waves or do you have naturally curly hair? The versatility of these styles makes them a good choice for a busy lifestyle.
	Straight styles. The straight cut can be sophisticated and smart if kept it in good condition and shiny. Unless you are very lucky they can need some extra care.
	Prom, updo and wedding. Prom, formal, bridesmaids, bridal, homecoming, evening, updo's and weddings in fact any special occasion whatsoever.
	Short haircuts. We define short as anything cut above the ears. So from crew cut to styles like this one with a relatively long fringe can be found in this section.
	Medium hairstyles. We define medium as when the hair length is below the ears but above the shoulders so as in this picture generally to the jaw line.
	Long hair. Anything below the shoulders is considered to be long. Long Updos can be found in the Prom hairstyles section.

Tips n'Tricks for Hair style

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Natural hair styles

HOW TO HAIR CUT?

Step 1Materials

Step 2The first cut

Step 3Disposing of your hair

Step 4Keep on truckin'

Step 5And you thought you were finished

Step 6The beard

Step 7Cleaning up

Step 8Conclusion

Conditions affecting hair color

Aging

Sex

Medical conditions

Artificial factors

Changes after death

Hair coloring

Natural hair colors

Brown hair

Black hair

Blond hair

Chestnut Hair

Red hair

Grey and white hair

Human hair color

Premature graying can make you look and feel older

Hair growth cycle

Taking care of your oily hair

Ways to manage frizzy hair

Causes of frizzy hair

Three essentials for healthy hair

Three essentials for healthy hair

Healthy Hair Tips

What to do for a Healthy Hair? Tips::

What causes Hair Loss?

Secrets to strong, shiny, healthy hair

Be salon smart, pat hair dry and don’t forget conditioner

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

Recommended Related to Healthy Beauty

Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon

Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables

Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans

The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair

Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts

Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry

Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs

Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains

Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters

Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products

Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots

Men’s fringe hairstyle trend

Straight fringe

Wet fringe

Men’s curly fringe

The Slick Back

The Classic Part

2010 Hair Colours for Men

High-Impact Hair

The Secret to Natural Looking Highlights

10 Hair Rules You're Probably Breaking

Adding Hues To Your Hair

Hairstyles according to your face type

How to pick the right hair colour

HAIR MODEL

Curly or wavy hair.

Straight styles.

Prom, updo and wedding.

Short haircuts.

Medium hairstyles.

Long hair.