How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

The "best" system for hair washing completely depends on your hair type and the condition of your scalp. Although many dermatologists recommend washing your hair two to three times a week to avoid product buildup and scalp irritation, it can vary. 

Hair Type

According to dermatologist Iris Rubin, MD, finer and straighter hair types (types 1-3) typically need more frequent washing than coarser and curlier textures (type 4). Sophia Emmanuel, Trichologist and Cosmetologist, explains that "with type 4 hair, natural oils don’t easily travel down the strand due to tighter curl patterns, so shampooing once a week is sufficient, but on the other hand, for straighter and finer hair types, oils accumulate and spread more easily along the hair strands, which means they often require cleansing up to three times a week or every other day."

And if you have a protective style in, wash day is also important. "Cleansing your scalp is the only way to ensure your protective style is supporting healthy hair," says Jeanne. "This wash routine is usually spaced out a little longer than traditional wash day." The type of shampoo or cleanser you use may vary depending on your style. "Hair extensions, box braids, twists with hair added in are some styles that can be washed with the style in because you have access to your scalp," explains Emmanuel. "Other protective styles, such as crochet braids, can be more challenging to wash depending on the type of hair that is used and limited scalp access." But the frequency at which you cleanse should also be based on what your scalp and hair strands are telling you. 

Scalp Conditions

If you’re experiencing any itching, flaking, product buildup, greasy strands, or unpleasant smells, you may want to consider cleansing more often. "Regular shampooing up to three times a week helps manage dandruff, itching, and helps control sebum production," says Emmanuel. "If you do not have a scalp condition or an active lifestyle, you can shampoo your hair once a week."

Is it okay if I wash my hair every day?

It's okay to wash your hair every day, as long as you're not stripping your hair and causing dryness. Think about it: You wash your face every day (or twice a day) without fail to wash away the dirt, grime, and gunk. The same could go for your scalp. Especially if you have straight, fine hair.

Keep in mind, though: If you do shampoo daily, you’ll want to make sure to use a mix of gentle cleansers to prevent scalp dryness, irritation, and itch. For example: If you can’t stretch your washings to every other day, you can cleanse up daily with a gentle shampoo that’s filled with nourishing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera), then, once a week (for one wash only!), swap in a clarifying shampoo to break down oils and hard water buildup. We have all our favorites below.

And if you are washing every day, make sure you’re replenishing your hair’s moisture each time with deep conditioners, hair masks, and/or leave-in conditioners to keep your hair from drying out from the water (yes, water itself can actually be drying!). You’ll also want to avoid heat-styling as much as possible—so no blow-drying after your daily showers—or you’ll strip and damage your strands, leading to dull, brittle hair over time.

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6 Things To Know Before Getting A Bob Haircut

Among all the haircuts that come in and out of fashion, the bob never fails to remain its own salon icon, thanks to a unique appeal that seems to call to everyone at one point or another, whether you’re simply suffering from boredom of your usual style or craving the instant satisfaction of chopping off a few inches. Now, this is where short cuts get tricky. You might think you want one, and then live to love it—or regret it.  Bobs can have anyone tempted to make the big chop, and I asked every bob-wearing person I know for their best pieces of advice accrued from rocking the popular length. Here’s what to know before getting a bob. 

1.) “It’s Not Always Going To Look Like It Does In The Salon”

As in, manage your expectations on what a bob will look like on a day-to-day basis, especially when you don’t have the time or care to painstakingly style it as a professional hair expert would. However, this isn’t to discourage, but rather reinforce that the bob can still be a good idea even if it doesn’t look the same way as when your stylist did it. 

2.) “Give It a Few Days Before Panicking”

It’s very common to have instant regret after you head home with a newly shorn short cut, especially if you had longer hair to start. Don’t let the initial panic take over, and trust in your decision and the process. My friend, a committed long-bob wearer, warns me, “You’re probably going to hate it for a couple days, but then you’ll love it.”  

3.) “Find Someone You Trust with Short Hair”

Short haircuts can be even more particular and precise, and some stylists specialize more in short hair than others. Some stylists grow to be highly sought-after for highlights, and others for perfectly coiffed bobs and the like. Call ahead to ask the salon, ask your friends for recommendations, or simply peruse local salons on social media.

4.) “Consider Your Hair Type Before The Chop”

Bobs come in all shapes and lengths, from cheekbones to collarbones, from layered to blunt. Don’t choose an inspiration photo that does not work as well with your hair type, or risk leaving disappointed and unable to style it to your desired look. 

Editor Ivy Odom adds her stylist’s tips: “If you have stick-straight hair, better to not get layers and do a blunt cut, otherwise choppy layers might show. Also, she recommends a length slightly longer in the front than the back to create movement, so when you put hair behind your ears, it's even.”

5.) “Ask for Stylist Recommendations Before You Leave”

If you merely make the chop, love how it looks when a professional styles it, and leave the salon without any preparations—you can expect to be surprised when you can’t quite style bob-length hair to your desired look. Make sure to ask for any tips, products, or tools that your stylist would recommend to live your best bob life, "so you can at least give it a good shake," says Editor Betsy Cribb Watson. Before you even step out of the salon!

6.) “It’s High Maintenance to Be Low Maintenance"

Another friend, who I’ve witnessed go from long locks to short bobs multiple times over the years, dubs the bob as something that you have to upkeep with regular trims, but which pays off in much shorter styling time than when she had long hair. It might seem like you have to style bobs more than long hair, but “blow-drying and styling take so much less time and effort,” she says.  Source

Calico Hair Is the Y2K-Inspired Color Trending for Fall

Calico hair is the latest hair color trend taking over our feeds—and the look is taking major inspo from the early 2000s. After a summer of low-maintenance hair colors, the fall season brings moodier shades like red hair colors, brunette hair color, and cozy blonde. But why choose just one color when you can have all three? Calico hair achieves just that.

As the name implies, calico hair mimics the multicolor coat of calico cats, featuring hues of red, blonde, and brown. Instead of blending together, these colors stay bold and vibrant to create a unique and dimensional look. “Think of calico hair color like custom color blocking,” says Coree Coley Scrittoale, a professional hair artist. “It’s not about blending everything. It’s about letting different shades live side by side in a way that feels cool and intentional. I choose red, brunette, and blonde tones and place them where they’ll pop without it feeling too ‘done.’ It can be bold and high contrast or super subtle, depending on your style.” That’s right—chunky Y2K streaks are back and better than ever. A popular look for pop stars in the early ’00s, calico hair is tapping into millennial nostalgia. “I think people are loving this technique right now because that chunky, high-contrast color is totally back,” says Coley Scrittoale. “It’s nostalgic, it’s fun, and it’s expressive without going full neon or pastel. You can walk into a meeting and then straight into a night out, no problem.”

What techniques are used to create calico hair color?

Calico hair is a bit more involved than just your regular highlights. “It’s a whole pattern’ says Coley Scrittoale. “With placement, the bolder, the better. If the sections are too soft or spaced out, the whole look kind of disappears. I usually go for four to seven back-to-back slices in each section.”

If you’re brunette, expect to lift your hair for the most vibrant color. “And if your hair is fragile or curly, I always reach for Danger Jones Lightener since it has a built-in bonder, which means I can lift the color with no compromise,” says Coley Scrittoale.

What colors are best for calico hair?

Traditionally, calico hair uses red, brunette, and blonde colors. You can switch out these colors for other options like green or orange, but use the same technique.

First, you’ll want to decide which color you want to lead with. “Blonde feels light and bright, brunette gives depth and richness, and red adds character and interest,” says Coley Scrittoale. “I’ll mix Danger Jones Gloss Toners in warm tones like copper, caramel, and a creamy blonde because they are high-pigment, high-gloss, and low-commitment. From there, it’s all about how bold you want to go.”

How long does calico hair color last?

Like most hair colors, longevity all depends on upkeep and the quality of your dye job. “The type of color used, products you are using at home, and also your environment are all factors,” says Coley Scrittoale. You’ll definitely want to pick up color-safe shampoo and conditioner and avoid hot water, which can make the colors bleed.

What is calico hair color maintenance?

“Gloss appointments every four to eight weeks are key to keeping your color fresh, shiny, and healthy,” says Coley Scrittoale. “I use Danger Jones Gloss Toners because they work quickly (in under 10 minutes) to refresh pigments and seal the cuticle for long-lasting vibrancy.”

Source

How to Diffuse Curly Hair for Perfectly Defined Coils

Learning how to diffuse curly hair is a part of any curly girl’s beauty journey. After all, making sure you’re properly drying your waves and coils while minimizing heat damage is key to healthy, happy hair, and using a diffuser alongside your favorite curly-hair products seriously helps. If you aren’t familiar with hair diffusers yet, let us be the first to introduce you to the tool that will revolutionize your curly-hair drying routine.

A hair diffuser is a round, bowl-like tool that you attach to the end of your hair dryer to disperse the heat all over your hair. Many diffusers also have spikes to help keep your curls separated while drying. Most are round and plastic, but you can also buy sock diffusers (aptly named; they look like socks for the end of your dryer), which are small, soft, and super convenient for travel. After attaching your diffuser to your dryer, you’re ready to get drying. Ahead, we chatted with a professional hairstylist to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about how to diffuse curly hair, from the best techniques to how to prep your hair beforehand.

What is diffusing?

Diffusing your hair is, at its simplest, “drying the hair with heat in an indirect way,” says hairstylist Koni Bennett. “When the blow-dryer has a directional heat setting, it comes out forcefully, but diffusing will allow the blow-dryer to blow air out in a controlled way.” Essentially, this means that the air “is not forceful enough to damage your curl. However, it’s just enough concentration to dry a section of hair without manipulating it,” Bennett says.

What is the proper way to diffuse curly hair?

To maximize results and enhance your curl pattern, “always diffuse in sections,” says Bennett. “Some style their entire head and then diffuse after. I personally believe that when you do that, you don’t give all of the hair a chance to dry along with the diffuser.”

Instead, this causes your hair to dry “in the natural elements of the environment, which is not a controlled way to dry your hair, because the environment can have excess moisture,” she says. “If you go section by section, you’re ensuring that every bit of hair gets the same exact method, so that your result looks more uniform in the end.” Bennett says even slight variations can change your hair’s finish.

Should you diffuse curly hair with hot or cold air?

It’s up to you. “It is okay to use warm and hot air,” says Bennett. “But for curly girls, to be safe, I personally suggest using warm to cool air, because heat sometimes can manipulate the hair or stretch the curl.”

What should you put in your hair before diffusing it?

Prior to applying any products, make sure your hair is wet or damp. You can mist your strands with water using a spray bottle if needed. Then, to add definition, “depending on your hair type and texture, you could use a mousse or setting foam, which are similar products for different densities of hair, or you could use a gel or a cream,” says Bennett.

And although your diffuser will provide less intense heat on your strands, you still want to use a heat protectant to make sure your hair stays healthy and free of damage from any hot tools.

If you want to reduce frizz, the key is water, says Bennett. “Usually, when your hair is frizzy, it’s searching for water in the environment, because for some reason or another, the moisture has not penetrated the shaft of the hair,” she says. “Because the cortex of the hair is looking for moisture, it’s sending a signal to the outer shaft of the hair to go out into the environment and find moisture.” And when the hair does that, it causes the frizzy look. The solution is simple: “You need more water or water-retention products,” says Bennett. Think leave-in conditioners, hydrating curl creams, and more. Pro tip: “A quick way to blast frizz is to add water to your styling product and diffuse right away,” says Bennett.

She also recommends extra-hold gel to define kinky curly hair and cream- and gel-based products, as “you can pretty much use them from start to finish, either to dry your curls or to style your curls wet or dry,” she says.

How to diffuse curly hair, according to a hairstylist

Good news: Diffusing hair at home is super straightforward. First, section your hair in six to eight pieces with clips, says Bennett.

“You start primarily in the back of the hair, and you use your product and water to achieve your desired wet curly style,” she says. “And once you have your style set and your curls to your liking, you then go in with your diffuser and blast that section of hair with diffused air until it fully dries before moving on to the next.” Simply repeat that process with each section of hair until your whole head is dry.

You can hold the diffuser on the top of your head, going from the roots to the tips (the same positioning as if you were using a concentrator), or you can come at your hair from the tips, bringing the diffuser under the hair and collecting it in the bowl until it’s dry. Or, try a mixture of both!

To increase volume while you’re diffusing your curls, “flipping the hair upside down is the best trick,” says Bennett. Though curly hair tends to be fairly voluminous on its own, “some curly hair has a bit more density, especially as the water travels down toward the end of the hair to drip off,” says Bennett. “You may experience a flatter top and more density on the very bottom.” If this sounds like you, “flipping that hair over to go against gravity and diffusing there for a couple of seconds at your front and top pieces will add volume to the root of the hair,” says Bennett. Source

Cowboy Copper Hair Is the Fiercest Color Trend—Here's How to Get the Look

While we’ve seen plenty of hair trends come and go—and come right back again (looking at you, 90s bangs)—one thing seems certain: Cowboy copper hair isn't going anywhere for a while. This rich red color looks vibrant and works with various hair types and skin tones. We spoke with a hairstylist who breaks down the look, including how to get and maintain your cowboy copper look. What Is Cowboy Copper Hair? Cowboy copper hair (aka cowgirl copper) is a hue close in color to leather and rancher hats (hence its name) with earthy undertones. "Cowboy copper is the perfect warm blend of copper and brown," explains hairstylist Tina Malhotra. "It’s definitely in the brunette family, but embraces tones of gold and copper, giving the hair a beautiful rich color."

Why is it so popular? Well, it has everything to do with how flattering the color is to just about everyone, no matter your hair type or texture and skin tone. It gives your hair the perfect blend of gold warmth and strays from the more dramatic red and orange tones. "It’s much more versatile than traditional copper, and it fades much slower," Malhotra says. "A lot of my blonde clients are opting for this in-between tone instead of going fully brunette. It still keeps the warmth and gold, but also adds a bit of richness to their hair for fall & winter months."

How to Get the Cowboy Copper Hair Look

There is a complex process to achieve cowboy copper hair. If the color doesn’t have enough golden warmth to it, the copper tones can get swallowed up by the brown, resulting in brassy hair; this is why this job is probably best for professionals. Your preferred hairstylist will be able to find the right color combination that works with your skin tone and hair texture. Though seeing a professional stylist or hair colorist is best, it's possible to replicate the cowboy copper look at home. It will take some mixing to land on the right color shade—and the formula will depend on the base color you start with. However, in general, you'll want to combine a copper color with blond or brown (depending on how dark your hair is) to land on a vibrant copper and no orange.

Maintaining Cowboy Copper Hair

After you walk out of the salon feeling great about your new do, you’ll want to keep your hair looking its absolute best. While your stylist will have plenty of tips, here are a few considerations for maintaining your cowboy copper hair color...

• Use Color-Treated Hair Products

Using products that are not for color-treated hair can strip the color you worked so hard to achieve. Be sure to use color-treated hair products, such as daily shampoos and conditioners to help keep the color rich and avoid fading.

• Lock in Moisture

It’s important to keep your hair healthy by retaining moisture so the color lasts. You can easily do this by using a heat protectant before using your blow dryer. Leave-in conditioners and hair masks also help add moisture when needed, and a toner gloss can not only add shine but prevent your hair from fading. "Once you’ve transformed your hair to cowboy copper, you should visit your colorist for regular glosses every few months," Malhotra recommends. "But you can upkeep the rich tones at home using a color-depositing conditioner (no more than once a week). One of my favorites is by Wella, called their Color Fresh Mask."

• Limit Heat-Inducing Tools

We all have our go-to hairstyling tools, but they tend to produce a lot of heat on our strands. Whether it’s a hairdryer, curling wand, or straightener, hair can lose its luster after too much use. This is why it’s important to limit heat styling tools. That way, your hair will stay healthy with limited breakage and keep the color looking its best for longer.

• Wash Hair With Cold Water

To help your cowboy copper hair color last longer, wash your hair with cold water. Hot water can cause color to fade faster since it swells the cuticle, whereas cold water seals the cuticle (and color). At the very least, use lukewarm water when washing, then rinse the conditioner with cold water. Source

11 Tips & Products for our Thin &/or Fine Hair Friends

 

Here are 11 tips and product recommendations for friends with thin and fine hair.

Is Going to Sleep with Wet Hair Bad for My Health?

Have you skipped a late night shower because you were too tired to blow dry, hearing your mother’s voice in your head telling you that you’ll catch a cold if you sleep with wet hair? Turns out, your mother was wrong — at least about the cold. Sleeping with your hair wet can make you sick, but not the way you think.

We got the lowdown from two doctors on sleeping with wet hair. Here’s what could happen if you do hit the hay with a wet head and how to go about it the right way. There’s no need to lose sleep over what your mom told you about getting sick by sleeping with wet hair. The risks are pretty minimal, but there are a few you should be aware of before thinking you can hit the hay sopping wet every night.

Getting sick

Catching a cold appears to be the most common concern thanks to folklore and protective mothers and grandmothers. Though they’re usually right in general, they’re wrong about wet hair and colds, according to Dr. Chirag Shah, MD, a board-certified emergency physician and cofounder of Push Health, an online healthcare platform. “There is no evidence that one can catch a cold from going to bed with wet hair,” Shah said. “When one gets a cold, it is due to being infected with a virus.” The common cold doesn’t really have anything to do with being cold, but rather being infected with one of over 200 cold-causing viruses, usually a rhinovirus.

The virus enters your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes and is spread through droplets in the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or speaks. You can also catch it by touching a contaminated surface or hand-to-hand contact with an infected person. In the United States, colds are more likely during colder months because of the start of the school year and people spending more time indoors, in close quarters with others.

Fungal infections

Though sleeping with wet hair won’t give you a cold, Dr. Shah says that it does increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp. Fungi, such as Malassezia, can lead to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis, according to Shah, who recommends going to sleep with dry hair when possible.

Along with the fungus naturally present on your scalp, pillows are also a hotbed for fungus. It thrives in a warm environment and a wet pillowcase and pillow provide the ideal breeding ground. An older study on the fungal flora found on bedding discovered anywhere between 4 to 16 species per pillow tested. This included Aspergillus fumigatus, a common species of fungus responsible for causing severe infections in people with weakened immune systems. It can also worsen symptoms of asthma.

Hair breakage

Sleeping with wet hair does impact the hair itself. Along with the inevitability of waking up with some seriously kinked bedhead, you may also do damage to your hair. “Hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. The main risk (other than cosmetic ones) is breakage of hair when tossing and turning while sleeping,” said Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, a New York City dermatologist who’s board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Mudgil warns: “This is particularly an issue if hair is braided or in a tight updo, which adds more tension to the hair shaft. If you can’t avoid sleeping with wet hair, your best bet is leaving it down.”

If you must sleep with wet hair

If drying your hair fully before bed is just not an option, here are some things you can do to make going to sleep with wet hair as safe as possible:

1.) Apply coconut oil to your hair

There is evidence that coconut oil protects wet hair from breakage. The hair cuticle is made up of flaps similar to shingles on a roof. When wet, your hair soaks up water and swells, causing these flaps to stand up, making hair vulnerable to damage. The oil reduces the amount of water absorbed so it’s less prone to damage. This isn’t recommended if you have seborrheic eczema, however, since coconut oil could make it worse.

2.) Use conditioner

Conditioner helps seal the hair cuticle, reduce friction, and make hair easier to detangle. Bleached or chemically-treated hair can benefit even more from regular conditioning.

3.) Dry and detangle hair as much as possible

If you can get in a quick blow dry or are able to shower a few minutes earlier for some extra air-drying time, do it. The less water you have in your hair, the better to minimize damage. Be sure to (gently) detangle your hair before going to sleep to help avoid any extra stress on your hair.

4.) Use a silk pillow

There’s some evidence that sleeping on a silk pillowcase is better for the skin because it’s less drying and provides a frictionless surface. Though there isn’t any evidence of its benefits for hair, the milder surface may also help lessen damage if you go to sleep with your hair wet — or dry, for that matter.

Source

Infrared Blow Dryer vs. Regular Blow Dryer: Which One is Better for Your Hair?

Choosing the right blow dryer can make all the difference in your hair’s health and appearance...

The Downside of Regular Blow Dryers

Regular blow dryers use direct heat to evaporate moisture from the hair, often exposing it to high temperatures that can cause damage over time. Here’s why they may not be the best option:

●     Uneven Heat Distribution: Traditional dryers tend to create hot spots, leading to dryness and breakage.

●     Excessive Heat Exposure: Prolonged use can weaken the hair shaft, making it brittle and more susceptible to split ends.

●     Loss of Moisture: High temperatures strip away natural moisture, resulting in frizz and dull-looking hair.

Why Infrared Blow Dryers Are a Game Changer

Infrared blow dryers use infrared light to heat the hair from the inside out, offering a gentler and more efficient drying experience. This advanced technology provides several key benefits:

●     Even, Gentle Heat: Infrared heat penetrates the hair shaft, reducing surface damage while drying hair more quickly.

●     Moisture Retention: Unlike traditional dryers, infrared dryers help lock in natural hydration, keeping hair smooth and shiny.

●     Reduced Heat Damage: By using lower temperatures to dry hair efficiently, infrared technology minimizes long-term damage.

●     Faster Drying Time: Infrared heat speeds up the drying process, reducing overall heat exposure and making styling quicker and easier.

If you’re looking to maintain healthy, vibrant hair, an infrared blow dryer is the way to go. It offers a safer, more effective way to dry and style your hair while reducing damage and improving moisture retention. Regular blow dryers may still get the job done, but at the cost of your hair’s long-term health. Source

12 Must Know Hair Tips & Facts

 

Easy Back-To-School Hairstyles

 

These hairstyles aren't just great for school, but work hairstyles, & just everyday hairstyles. Great for teachers too! In this tutorial Lainey Ostrom gives you a few everyday hairstyles that are easy to do for any occasion.

Happy Labor Day!

 

Happy Labor Day! 

Jon Edwards Salon & Spa 

536 East Main Street, Vacaville, CA, United States, California

(707) 449-4988

jonedwardssalonandspa@gmail.com

How Often Should You Actually Cut Your Hair?

It turns out there is no one-size-fits-all standard answer when asking the simple question of “how often should I cut my hair?” It really depends on your own hair and specific hair needs. “It’s all relative,” says Irinel de León, celebrity hairstylist and Dyson global styling ambassador. “It all depends on your hair texture, the integrity of your hair, and how often you color or double process your hair.” Regularly trimming or cutting your hair comes with many benefits. De León says that it can improve hair growth, create natural thickness, prevent hair from over drying or breaking off, and keep hair healthy overall. So you want to be sure you’re making your salon trips at the right time. To figure out how often you should be cutting your own hair, here are the basics that you need to know:

Trim vs. Cut

Though we often interchange the words “trim” and “cut” when talking about hair, they do mean different things. A trim, as De León explains, is when an inch or two is taken off at the ends while a cut is a bit more drastic with more than two to three inches being chopped off. They’re also used for different circumstances. Signs you need a cut, according to De León, include hair looking limp, hair not holding any style, hair tangling easily, or hair having severe damage. If you’re just looking for a change in style or want to add movement and body to your hair, she says that a cut is necessary to achieve either of those things.

When to Trim Based on Length…

Short Hair

While it sounds counterintuitive, the truth is the shorter the hair, the more upkeep is needed to keep it healthy. “Short hair takes a bit more maintenance because of its length, shape, and personal preference,” says De León. “For example, when someone has a bob that sits right below the ear, it will be more obvious when the hair grows because it can easily pass the shoulders after six to eight weeks and it will completely change the style.”

“Shorter haircuts often require more frequent trims to maintain their shape and style,” adds celebrity hairstylist T. Cooper. “If you have a pixie cut [for example], it may need to be cut a little more often to maintain the shape of the sideburns and the nape of the neck.” Both experts agree that you should trim hair every six weeks, at a minimum.

Medium-Length Hair

When it comes to cutting medium hair, both Polko and De León agree that it’ll depend on a few different factors, such as your hair texture and how fast your hair naturally grows. But if you want to maintain this length and keep strands looking healthy, De León recommends getting a trim every six to 12 weeks.

Long Hair

Rodney Cutler, owner of Cutler salons and a Redken ambassador, says the frequency of trimming long hair will be determined by how healthy it is to begin with. If you are prone to split ends or have flyaways, he says to go in for a hair appointment every eight to 10 weeks. If your hair is healthy and strong, you can get away with a trim every 10 to 12 weeks.

When to Trim Based on Hair Type & Texture…

Fine Hair

Polko explains that fine hair tends to grow a little slower but also look damaged more quickly, so she cuts it when it begins to look stringy. De León adds that it can depend on both the length and desired style you’re aiming for when wanting to upkeep fine hair, but generally believes that frequent trims are required to maintain health and shape. For short fine hair, she recommends a trim every four to six weeks. Medium-length hair, six to eight weeks. Long fine hair, eight to 12 weeks.

Thick Hair

Both Cutler and Polko agree that you can get away with not trimming hair as often if you’re not experiencing major damage. “Since there is so much more hair…it can withstand more heat than thin hair or fine hair can,” says Polko. “It can really take the heat [and] higher heat settings, [tolerate] bleach more than fine hair can, [etc.].” Cutler says that eight to twelve weeks is a decent time between hair appointments, just be sure to keep an eye on split ends.

Curly, Coily, Textured Hair

T. Cooper recommends getting regular trims every six to eight weeks to maintain the shape of the curls and prevent damage. She explains that length doesn’t factor in as much because textured hair tends to be drier in general regardless of how long it is. “Do not skip on trims,” she says. “I often see people with curly hair not waiting to trim their hair as often [and] I get it; because of the curl pattern, the hair appears shorter and they want to keep the length. But if the ends [of your hair] dry out and become brittle, you’re going to lose length anyway.”  Source

How to Get Pink Hair - TheSalonGuy

 

 

How to get Machine Gun Kelly's pink hair color. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Undercut Top Knot Haircut

 

Here is the highly requested updated undercut top knot haircut from Cristiano Ronaldo.

What Causes Frizzy Hair?

Whatever your hair type, anyone can find themselves fighting a losing battle against frizz. However, once you know what causes frizzy hair, you can take some simple steps to prevent it. There isn’t just one simple trick to smoothing frizzy hair - there are several ways to keep your tresses looking sleek. We’ve put together the main causes of frizzy, dry hair - and some helpful hair care tips to ensure your style stays smooth and defined.

Why is my hair so frizzy?

It’s a mixture of two things - humidity due to hot weather, and how hydrated your hair is to start with.

The main cause of frizz is a lack of moisture in your hair. This causes your hair to seek out and absorb moisture from the air, causing frizz - which also explains why humidity can make frizz even worse.

Do some people have naturally frizzy hair?

Yes - naturally curly hair is more prone to frizz as the natural oils produced by your scalp can’t travel down the hair shaft as well as they can in straight hair, so curly or wavy hair is prone to natural frizz.

Straight hair can get frizzy as well, but it doesn’t tend to be as noticeable unless the hair is really dry and damaged, or it’s hot and humid outside.

Factors which cause frizz;

Here are six reasons why your hair might be so frizzy, coupled with easy steps you can take to try to ensure frizz control.

1.) Rough towel drying

While you may think drying your hair with a towel is better than using a hairdryer, wrapping your hair in an abrasive bath towel and rubbing it dry can actually draw the oils out of your hair, resulting in frizz. Instead, try a microfibre towel or braid your hair whilst damp and leave it to dry overnight for perfect waves in the morning.

2.) Over-brushing

Brushing your hair too much can cause breakage, and when you have brittle lengths and split ends, your hair is more prone to frizz. Stick to brushing twice a day - once in the morning, and a quick, gentle brush at night to smooth out any tangles before you go to bed.

3.) Not using heat protection

Frequently using heated styling tools can strip hair of its natural moisture, leading to dry and damaged strands that are vulnerable to frizz. 

4.) Rinsing your hair with hot water

While a hot shower may feel relaxing, it can strip your scalp and hair of the natural oils that keep it moisturized and shiny. That lack of moisture can lead to more frizz. It’s an easy fix - just turn down the temperature slightly when you’re washing your hair. If you can stand it, rinsing your hair with cold water smooths your cuticles, minimizes frizz, and increases shine. 

5.) Split ends

Split ends are extremely prone to frizz and the longer you leave them, the worse they’ll get. We recommend regular trims to prevent dry ends. You can now use our serums on dry hair as well, so you can touch-up during the day to tame flyaways - and if you’re a newbie to serums, have a look at our tips on how to use hair serums.

6.) Humid air

Humidity is a major cause of frizz. In humid weather, your hair’s cuticles become rough and open to absorbing moisture from humidity. Over dried hair becomes frizzy as the outer layer of the hair soaks in the moisture from the surrounding air. While it’s impossible to control the level of humidity in the air, the right products can defend your locks. On wash days, use one of our anti-frizz shampoos and conditioners, and finish off with a Frizz Ease serum to lock in hydration and shine.  Source

BALAYAGE TUTORIAL UNDER 30 MINUTES

 

This video is a tutorial of a under 30 minute balayage technique

10 EASY HEATLESS BACK TO SCHOOL HAIRSTYLES!

 

In this video I show you how to create 10 easy heatless hairstyles for back to school! These take less than 5 minutes to do and require no hot tools so perfect for those days when you're running late!

Knotted Braid Pony

 

Knotted braid pony is a great way to jazz up your pony! To achieve this look you need patience and the right products! 

What Is a Hair Cuticle?

Every hair strand is made up of three layers, the cuticle, cortex and the medulla.

• What is the hair cuticle?  The hair cuticle is the outermost surface layer of the hair strand. It’s comprised of over-lapping layers of dead cells that form a protective barrier, in the same way that roofing shingles form a protective cover and barrier on a house. The cuticle layer plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and appearance of the hair.

• What is the hair cortex?  Underneath hair’s outer cuticle layer you’ll find the middle layer, known as the cortex. The cortex makes up the bulk of your hair mass. It’s the cortex that gives hair strength and defines whether your hair is fine, normal or thick. The cortex is also home to the pigments (colors) that determine your hair shade, whether natural or artificial coloring from chemical dye molecules. The cortex consists of long keratin (protein) filaments, which are linked together by disulphide and hydrogen bonds. The integrity and elasticity of these bonds is what determines how strong, resilient and supple your hair is. 

• What is the hair medulla? The medulla is hair’s innermost section, typically found only in very thick hair types. It’s made up of soft, thin transparent cells and air spaces.

What does a healthy cuticle look like?

A healthy cuticle is smooth and flat, so it creates a unified, reflective surface (this is what gives your hair the quality of shine!). When the cuticle layer is flat and tight, it acts as a barrier to stop critical inner moisture from leaching out AND to stop excess moisture (humidity!) from entering the strand and making it puffy. A closed, smooth cuticle is the key to keeping your hair properly hydrated, promoting strength and flexibility, and preventing frizz.

What does a damaged cuticle look like?

A damaged cuticle layer looks rough, ragged and uneven. When the cuticle layer is raised, individual hair strands can’t fall in smooth, sleek, flat alignment. The overall effect of a raised cuticle layer is dry, dehydrated hair that looks dull, puffy and frizzy. 

Can you open/close a hair cuticle?

The cuticle can be opened by heat styling, chemical treatments (perms, hair color, bleach, hair straighteners) aggressive brushing or styling (tight braids or weaves, use of tight elastics) or environmental stressors like UV rays which can lead to dry, frizzy, and unmanageable hair. Even showering with very hot, steamy water can force open hair’s outer cuticle layer. 

An open-cuticle is the first sign of damage....and could lead to more serious hair problems like dehydration and breakage. Once the cuticle layer is lifted by any of the factors mentioned above, it never closes permanently. But there are several types of hair products and new cuticle-smoothing treatments and appliances that can dramatically smooth, seal and hold the cuticle closed and flat for an extended time.

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Why Fermented Hair Care Is the Next Big Thing — Think Kombucha for Hair

Fermentation has been gaining popularity in skincare and nutrition for years, and it’s now made its way to hair care. The process is thought to amplify the power of a product’s ingredients and make them more bioavailable. The Rootist’s products contain the patent-pending Rootbiomic Ferment, a multivitamin superfood made of red ginseng root, reishi mushroom, coffee berry, rice and pea proteins, and other fermented ingredients –– think of it as kombucha for hair.

I only recently learned the importance of treating my scalp before shampooing, and I’ve been guilty of not giving it enough love on wash days. So I found The Rootist AHA+ACV Pre-Shampoo Scalp Clarifying Rinse to be the perfect introduction to fermentation. It gives you an easy way to get rid of excess oil and product buildup. I applied it all over my scalp using the nozzle, massaged it in well, and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Glycolic and lactic acids along with hibiscus and apple cider vinegar balanced my scalp pH. The rinse is fragrance-free, but it contains peppermint oil, which gives it a pleasant, minty smell.

“A clarifying rinse is a great way to reset the pH of your scalp and restore scalp health,” says Dr. Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey. “Its purpose is to deeply cleanse the scalp, removing buildup that regular shampoos might not be able to fully eliminate. This can help prevent dandruff, scalp acne, and other scalp conditions associated with clogged follicles.”

A Small Amount for a Big Result

I tend to use a lot of shampoo because of my hair’s thickness, so I was intrigued when I first heard about concentrated hair products. Instead of the water typically added to shampoos and conditioners, The Rootist Strengthen Concentrated Shampoo and Strengthen Concentrated Conditioner contain Rootbiomic Ferment, so you can use less. I only needed half of my regular shampoo and conditioner amount.

I was surprised at how much the shampoo lathered even though I was applying half of what I normally use. Along with the Rootbiomic Ferment, the shampoo and conditioner contain bio-peptides to strengthen hair as well as fruit extracts and other ingredients to help improve shine, softness, and smoothness. Both products are subtly scented but not overpoweringly so. Source

Hair Elasticity 101: Why Is My Hair Stretchy?

Because of its structure and the deceiving language that we hear in commercials and on the back of certain products, more often than not we are pushed to believe that hair is not meant to be stretchy at all – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. On the opposite, though, if your hair is excessively stretchy, this could be a sign that your strands are not as healthy as you may think: read on to find out more about hair elasticity and its optimal state!

1.) What Does It Mean If Your Hair Is Stretchy?

Depending on the level of elasticity that we’re talking about, if your hair's a little stretchy, this is usually nothing to worry about. Quite the opposite, it is an indicator of your strands being correctly moisturized and retaining hydration! Your hair retains moisture in its cortex, aka the inner layer underneath the cuticles. This allows your strands to maintain that natural bounce and movement necessary to allow your hair to stay flexible without snapping off at the first blowout. When your hair is damaged by overprocessing, chemical treatments and too much heat, the strands’ structure struggles in retaining such moisture – resulting in dryness, brittle hair and breakage. However, too much moisture can also become a problem – causing your hair to become dull and lifeless.

Elasticity in your hair is a good sign, but just like with moisture, too much of a good thing can be fatal for your hair’s health. If we’re talking about strands of hair that go like a rubber band when brushing, feeling gummy and snapping off, stretchy hair is telling you that your hair is damaged and needs help ASAP.

2.) Why Is My Hair Elastic When Wet?

If, after a good shower, your hair feels gummy, mushy and stretchy, this could be the tell-tale sign that your mane is going through a hard time. This can also be confirmed after the drying stage, when instead your strands become dull and limp – lacking natural bounce and movement even during the “swaying hair” test, and laying flat on your head without any volume. Styling becomes a pain, as your hair won’t hold the blowout and you’ll feel forced to use heat-based tools at the highest temperature available – causing even more damage.

If you have curly hair, stretchy hair will alter the pattern of your natural curls, making them go looser and lifeless. So, how do you fix this?

3.) How To Check Elasticity Of Hair?

Even after reading all of this, it might not be so obvious to you if your hair still has its elasticity game on point, I get it. Some people will be able to tell right away if their hair has gone too far in stretchiness, especially if under the shower your mane feels like melted chewing gum. If not, just follow these easy steps to find out if your hair is healthily elastic or sending a desperate SOS!

Step 1: Get Your Hair Wet

Making your hair wet is the first step to bring it down to its most fragile state – which allows you to test it at its worst. The ideal conditions to find out what your hair really needs!

Step 2: Separate A Small Strand

No need to examine your whole mane – just isolate a very small section.

Step 3: Hold It And Stretch

Hold the small section at the root to prevent any pulling on your scalp, then start to softly stretch it out – don’t pull from your ends, but do it from mid-length instead.

Step 4: Let Go

At this point, healthy hair will bounce back to its previous state – whilst overly-stretchy strands will take longer to do so; the worst cases won’t bounce back at all or could even snap off.

4.) Does Stretchy Hair Need Protein Or Moisture?

Once you have established that your hair is too stretchy and needs some help to regain its natural shine and bounce, know that this ultimately comes down to the right protein-moisture balance. There are many different factors that affect this precious balance, such as: heat damage, excessive hair coloring, bleaching, perming, relaxing, and even over-moisturization. 

5.) How To Get Hair Elasticity Back

In order to restore natural elasticity in your hair, there is something that you can do...

Step 1: Use Repairing Products

Step 2: Use Heat Protectant Spray

Step 3: Balance Out The Proteins

Step 4: Reduce Heat Damage

Step 5: Wear Hair Extensions; Wearing hair extensions has been proven to be the solution for many hair problems: whether you have a mane that you’re trying to replenish with volume and bounce or simply have some texture and damage issues you’d like to minimize, real hair extensions are the perfect tool to give your hair a kick of glamour and beauty whilst you wait for it to regain its natural shine and strength.

Step 6: Get A Haircut

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Benefits Of Moroccan Oil For Hair

Moroccan Oil for hair has generated quite an impressive buzz around it. Moroccan Argan Oil is derived from the kernels of the fruit of the Argan tree. Endowed with fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants — this oil is the best way to condition and moisturize your hair. Having Moroccan Oil as a primary ingredient in your hair care products is a blessing. The golden elixir that has quickly attained its place in the beauty world is ‘Moroccan Argan oil’. It is loaded with vitamin A that deeply nourishes hair for lasting hydration. This popular ‘Liquid gold’ is being used for centuries by Berber Moroccan women to keep their hair, skin, and body nourished; recently it catches the western world’s attention. Wondering why you should choose this oil? 

Here are some Moroccan Oil benefits for hair that will convince you... 

1: Moroccan Oil Reduces Split Ends

Moroccan Hair Oil is blessed with the goodness of antioxidants and vitamin E. Both these nutrients help strengthen your hair and prevent split ends. This oil also helps repair hair damage. Vitamin E benefits for hair to fight damage caused by environmental stressors, free radicals, and heat styling. Using this oil also helps combat  breakage. 

2: Moroccan Oil Tames Frizz

As we know that argan oil is enriched with vitamin E, Omega fatty acids, and antioxidants that are imperative for healthier hair. And, it promotes collagen production that combat against breakage and reduces split ends. So, it’s time to add this indispensable product to your vanity! Moroccan Oil uses for hair provides your hair with all the essential nutrients required to keep frizz and flyaways at bay. This hair oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids — all of which help nourish and moisturize your hair. Hence, making it more manageable and soft. 

3: Moroccan Oil Delivers Shine

Moroccan Hair Oil contains antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E. These nutrients not only refresh the scalp but also add a natural sheen. As a result, your hair will be left soft and shiny. Among several other benefits of Moroccan Oil for hair, it also has the ability to nourish your mane efficiently, enhancing its texture and smoothness.

4: Moroccan Oil Eliminates Dandruff

Tiny flakes on your shoulder are a sign of dandruff. This is one of the most common hair concerns among everyone around the globe. Argan oil can be your possible solution to this problem. As said earlier it is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help in treating dandruff. Moroccan Oil is a pro at protecting your scalp from dandruff and itchy scalp. This oil targets many scalp conditions and promotes hair growth. It provides the scalp with all the essential nutrients needed to keep hair concerns at bay. The oil penetrates deep into your scalp and gets rid of dandruff and other scalp conditions. 

5: Moroccan Oil for Superior Conditioning

If you are in the mood to give some extra-love to your hair, then there is nothing better than massaging your scalp and coating your strands with Moroccan Hair Oil. But you may ask- how to deep condition hair at home? Gently massage and emulsify it into your hair strands section wise. The deep conditioning properties of this magical potion will leave your hair smooth and silky. Using this oil will keep your hair hydrated.

6: Hydrated, Revitalized Hair with Increased Elasticity

Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants, Moroccan Oil helps improve hair elasticity naturally. It also adds life to dull and limp hair. Regular use of Moroccan Oil on hair will benefit by revitalizing your strands and keep them hydrated.

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What Is Hair Made Of?

What Is Human Hair Made Of?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, human hair consists primarily of keratin, a type of protein that’s also found in the nails and skin. Each strand also contains small amounts of natural lipids, water, minerals, and melanin—the latter of which is responsible for your natural hair color. The exact ratio of these compounds can affect how your hair looks, feels, and behaves.

What is keratin made of?

Nutrients in the foods we eat help our bodies produce keratin, and in turn, healthy-looking hair. There are several nutrients and micronutrients needed for healthy hair growth, but per Harvard Health, these are among the most important:

• Vitamin D: This essential vitamin, found in fatty fish, egg yolks, cheese, and fortified cereal, helps create the cells that develop into hair follicles. It’s also important for maintaining a healthy, functioning immune system.
• Iron: Iron helps your blood carry oxygen throughout your body and to your hair follicles. If you’re low in iron, your hair follicles may not get the oxygen they need to produce healthy, resilient hair.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits and leafy greens, helps your body absorb iron from your diet. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells against oxidative damage.

Other nutrients that can help support healthy hair growth include vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B7 (biotin), and zinc. As Harvard Health notes, most people can obtain the necessary nutrients for strong, healthy hair by maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Each strand of hair consists of two main structures: the follicle, which exists beneath the skin’s surface, and the shaft, which is the part that you see.

1.) Hair follicles

The hair follicle, as mentioned, lies beneath the skin’s surface, typically extending into the dermal layer of your skin. Close to the surface, there’s a sebaceous gland, which produces oil to help lubricate your scalp and strands. At the base of the follicle is the hair bulb, the structure where your hair roots emerge and growth begins.

Hair grows as blood vessels deliver nutrients to the cells within the bulb, creating the root. As these cells multiply, older cells are pushed upward and out through the scalp, forming a visible strand of hair. This process occurs in three phases: anagen (active growth phase), telogen (rest phase), and catagen (transition phase). According to the Cleveland Clinic, the entire growth cycle can take up to seven years. However, you can typically expect to see roughly one centimeter of hair growth per month, or about six inches per year.

2.) Hair shaft

The hair shaft refers to the visible strands that exist outside of your skin. The shape of the hair shaft and the angle at which it grows from the skin play a major role in determining your hair texture. The shaft is composed of two (or sometimes three) layers:

• Cuticle layer: The cuticle is the outermost layer of your hair. It consists of dead, overlapping keratin fibers, as well as natural lipids that help protect your strands against external stressors, such as chemicals and heat.
• Cortex layer: The cortex makes up the bulk of your hair. This thick inner layer plays an important role in determining how your hair looks and feels. The cortex is composed primarily of keratin linked together by hair bonds. These bonds play a crucial role in maintaining your hair's smoothness, strength, and healthy appearance.
• Medulla layer: Those with thick hair may also have a medulla layer. If present, it’s the innermost layer of the hair and acts as a “core” of sorts.

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What Are Sulfates, and Are They Bad for Your Hair?

What Are Sulfates?

Sulfates are typically found as salts. When you hear about sulfates in haircare, it’s a broader term for synthetic sulfate-based surfactants.The two most common types of sulfates found in personal care and cleaning products are Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfates (SLES). There’s a small difference between these two sulfates: SLES is much milder than SLS.

Imagine you’re washing your hair. You take shampoo and rub it between your hands, and it becomes bubbly and foamy. In some shampoos, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates or Sodium Laureth Sulfates are responsible for those foamy bubbles. Sulfates are also sometimes used in hair products because they can help remove dirt, sebum, and product residue.

Are Sulfates Bad for Your Hair?

There are a few reasons you might want to avoid sulfates in shampoos. While sulfates can help cleanse your hair, they might do their job a little too well and can pull too much natural oil from your hair and skin. This can cause your hair to feel dry, frizzy, or brittle. Another common complaint about sulfates is that they can potentially dry out and irritate your scalp. You might also notice acne on your back or around your hairline if you use haircare products that contain sulfates. Sulfates can also strip and dull color-treated hair and diminish the smoothing effects of keratin treatments.

Sulfates aren’t necessarily bad for all hair types, but if you already have dry, overly processed, or damaged hair, you might want to avoid them. And if you have sensitive skin, you might also keep shampoos or conditioners with sulfates out of your hair routine since they can cause skin redness or irritation.

If you’re worried about sulfates damaging your hair, look for shampoos and conditioners that are SLS and SLES free.

What Is Sulfate-Free Shampoo?

As you may have guessed, sulfate-free shampoos don’t contain SLS and/or SLES. Instead, sulfate-free shampoos rely on alternative cleansing ingredients such as:

• Alginate
• Coco-Betaine
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
• Cocamidopropylamine Oxide
• Coco-Glucoside
• Decyl Glucoside
• Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
• Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
• Lauryl Glucoside
• Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
• Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
• Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
• Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
• Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA)
• Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate

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What is Hair Porosity?

From the moment you roll out of bed in the morning, your natural hair makes its uniqueness known—whether it’s curly, coily, straight, or inventing new shapes altogether. It’s fair to say such one-of-a-kind strands demand customized care and knowing your hair type can certainly lead you to some solutions. 

But one factor of your hair you might be less familiar with is its porosity. So, what is hair porosity? Your hair porosity determines how much moisture each follicle can absorb and retain—think conditioners, oils, and even water.1 Too low porosity and your hair may lack volume. Too high, and you could be noticing frizz even with conditioner. 

Types of hair porosity

To understand hair porosity and how it affects your strands, it can help to first take a look at the structure of a single hair follicle. There are three layers to every strand:

• The cuticle
• The cortex
• The medulla

The outermost layer, the hair cuticle, is what determines porosity. It serves as the barrier between the inner layers of a strand of hair and everything your hair comes into contact with. It’s composed of smaller cuticles, called keratinocytes, that overlap one another.

Hair cuticle spacing varies from close to wide. Too close together, and product will have a hard time passing through. Too wide, and the product will quickly leave the hair. But a hair type with balanced porosity will leave just enough space for moisture to enter and for the hair to retain it throughout the day.

What is high porosity hair? With high porosity hair, hair cuticles are widely spaced out, making the outermost layer of each hair more permeable.1 Its porous surface can make moisture retention a challenge (you heard that right—if your hair’s always a little drier than you’d like, it might be inherent).

You may have highly porous hair if you notice that:

• Your hair quickly dries after the shower without a hair dryer
• Your hair tends to be frizzy and dry
• Your hair is prone to breakage
• Your hair quickly loses styles such as curls or waves
• Your hair is quick to absorb moisturizing products such as oils and conditioners

Balanced Characteristics

Hair with balanced porosity is a happy medium between low and high porosity.  The cuticles of each strand are capable of both absorbing and retaining moisture.

You may have balanced porosity hair if you notice that:

• Your hair doesn’t take long to air dry, but doesn’t dry very quickly either
• Your hair tends to shine naturally
• Your hair is strong and doesn’t easily experience breakage
• Your hair easily holds styles throughout the day

Although balanced porosity hair is a pro at keeping and retaining moisture, you can quickly knock it off balance through the overuse of hot tools such as blow dryers and straighteners or harsh products.

Low porosity characteristics

What is low hair porosity? With low porosity hair, your hair’s cuticles are so closely layered that they seemingly pile on top of each other. This leaves little space for moisture, from water to deep conditioning treatments, to enter the hair shaft. You’ll need to be a bit more patient with this hair type.

You may have low porosity hair if you notice that:

• Your hair doesn’t easily absorb moisturizing products
• Your hair needs a long time to air dry
• Your hair requires some extra time in the shower for the water to thoroughly wet it
• Your hair shows signs of product buildup
• Your hair is prone to dryness or frizziness

What affects hair porosity?

Just like hair texture, hair porosity is largely determined by genetics. This means that if high porosity hair is common in your family, you are more likely to have high porosity hair as well.

However, your hair type can also sometimes change as a result of damage. This may include:

• Overuse of treatments such as bleaching
• Sun overexposure
• Chlorine damage
• Overuse of hot tools without a protectant
• pH imbalances

Fortunately, high or low porosity hair is not untreatable—whatever the cause. Along with some healthy hair habits, you can avoid setting your hair porosity off-balance by being cautious of treatments like:

• Regularly blow drying with high heat
• Using other hot tools without heat protectants
• Frequently using harsh chemical treatments, such as bleach or relaxers

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Blue vs Purple Shampoo: What’s the Difference

Before we answer this question, it’s important to note that all different hair colors present different undertones. Brunette hair typically produces warmer orange undertones, while those with very dark hair can have red undertones. As for blondes and others with light hair color, yellow undertones are what’s present. When these warm undertones start to appear in blonde hair, whether it’s due to color treatment, hair products, or heat styling, it’s referred to as brassiness.

To get rid of this unwanted brassiness, you’ll need to tone it down with the opposite, or complementary, color. If you think of the color wheel you first saw in elementary school, blue falls on the opposite side of the spectrum as orange. In contrast, purple sits across the color wheel from yellow. If you are wondering, “what does blue shampoo do?” and “what does purple shampoo do?” – this is it. The blue pigment cancels out orange, and the purple pigment cancels out yellow.

All this talk about color comes down to two important points. Blue shampoo removes orange tones from brunette or darker hair, while the purple shampoo is a great option when yellow tones appear in blonde or light-colored hair.

Blue shampoo vs purple shampoo: what are the benefits?

The biggest benefit of both blue shampoo and purple shampoo is the ability to neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones at home with a toning shampoo. 

Maintains color longer

Rather than stopping into the salon more frequently to keep your hair color looking its best, you can help maintain your color just by washing your hair. This is great news for both bright blondes and brilliant brunettes.

Ensures shine + luster

Helping your color last longer isn’t the only advantage of blue and purple shampoos. They can also help with maintaining your hair’s natural shine and luster, again without having to stop by the salon for special treatments.

Saves you expensive trips to the salon 

One final benefit of blue shampoo and purple shampoo is that they can help you save time and money. They can reduce the number of trips you make to the salon by helping you maintain your hair color longer. Think of it as having the best of both worlds.

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Tips for Surviving a Major Hair Change

They say, “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life,” but I don’t really buy into all that. A woman who cuts her hair probably got bored! I get “hair bored” all the time. With my most recent chop, it was a mix of boredom and necessity—all of my bleaching and dyeing earlier this year left my hair pretty damaged and begging for a major cut. I lost a lot of length, but it didn’t faze me much since I’ve been through this before as well as a few other random stages of pink hair, pixie cuts, and what-have-you. I haven’t always been this chill about my hair; I once spent a sleepless night before a hair cut wondering if I was making the right decision or if I’d regret it instantly. And I’ll still have a freak-out moment if I trim my fringe too short and end up with Bettie Page bangs! But hair cuts happen and sometimes major hair changes happen by choice or necessity, so here are a few tips if you’re getting ready to go under the scissors (or dye!) and are feeling nervous about the process.

1.) Wear something cute. This might seem like a bit of odd advice, but I think it’s helpful to go to your favorite hair salon wearing something cute when you’re going to come out with a very different look. (The blue floral dress I’m wearing is not by chance; it’s one of my favorite dresses that I always feel good in!) Cutting off a lot of hair can be a bit shocking, but if you’re wearing your favorite dress when you see your new look for the first time, it can soften the blow and help show you just how good that new cut can look once the shock wears off! 

2.) Give it a week. Don’t write off a new hair cut or color for at least one week. I’ve had friends who try something new—like a fringe or shorter hair—but decide within 24 hours they can’t stand it and start pinning their hair back straight away until it’s back to their old style. To me this doesn’t make any sense. They never gave themselves a chance to adjust to the new look. It might take you a few days to get over the “wow that’s different” feeling to actually “see” what you look like. So give yourself time. Don’t pin or hide your new look for at least a week, look at in the mirror often and get used to it before you decide whether it’s right or wrong.

3.) Know what you want. Of course while it takes time to adjust to a new haircut, you should also have a very fixed idea of what you want if you’re going for a major change. Create a Pinterest board with the new style you want to try and try seeing the style from different angles (front, side, back, etc.) to get a very firm idea of what you’re going for. If you’re dyeing, do you know what shade you want—even if you decide to go blue, it could be dark, pastel, more aqua or ombre! Know what you want and bring loads of pictures and examples to your hair dresser to help you communicate the new style clearly.

4.) Be willing to go in stages. I had a hair stylist in the past who said she wouldn’t cut someone’s long hair into a short pixie cut in one sitting, but insisted they cut off the hair in two or three appointments. She had too many women crying in her chair over a drastic cut to do it again! I also went from long hair to a bob before committing to the pixie. It definitely helped me adjust to short hair to go for an in-between cut for about a month before my final chop. With dyeing, it can take a few visits as well, especially if you want to go for a bright, unnatural color. So don’t get discouraged if you book an appointment and find out not everything can be done in one day. This is also important to remember in reverse—once you commit to certain styles, it will take awhile to get back to what your hair was before, so know what you are getting into.

5.) Remember it’s all temporary. If you take the plunge with a style and it ends up not being what you want, try not to worry too much because it’s all temporary. I’m not a big risk-taker in life. A lot of decisions you can make in life can have permanent or at least lasting consequences (as a kid I was terrified of things ending up on my “permanent record” and was really worried as a senior when I got a detention that it would blemish this record), but hair? Hair isn’t permanent. Bad cuts will grow out, as will dye which will also fade (usually quicker than you want it to). In a few months or a year, no one would even know you had blue hair or a shaved side cut. Source

6 Basic Mistakes You Make When You Wash Your Hair

Step 1: Shampoo. Step 2: condition… Simple right? Since washing your hair consists of two steps, you’d think we’d have the routine on lockdown, but in reality, most of us are making the same simple mistakes over and over again. While it may seem like no big deal, it could be damaging your hair; we’re talking split ends, frizz, and even hair loss – no thanks! To avoid messing up your hair game, make sure you’re not making any of these common hair-washing mistakes:

1. You’re Shampooing All Wrong…

While we live for the luxury of long showers, most of the time we run into the shower and squirt on shampoo ASAP! You should actually rinse your hair for at least 30 seconds before you start shampooing to remove any residue that’s lingering. This will help cleanse your hair of any product buildup or pollution and allow the shampoo to penetrate more deeply. Once you start shampooing, make sure you work it into a lather by massaging your scalp to encourage absorption and boost blood circulation for a healthier, flake-free scalp.

If you’d typically reach for the conditioner next, you’d be missing an essential step: the second shampoo – think of it as double cleansing for your hair! By shampooing twice, you ensure that all the product and grease build-up is properly removed. So, although you won’t need to do this every wash (otherwise you could strip your hair of its natural oils), if you’ve used a lot of products like dry shampoo and hair spray or you’ve gone an extra day without washing, we recommend double shampooing.

2. You’re Using Too Much Conditioner…

One of the most common shower mistakes people make is applying conditioner to their scalp. Conditioner is deeply nourishing, and so by applying a layer to your roots, your hair is much more likely to get greasy, sooner. Your scalp is already naturally conditioned with sebum (the oil your body produces), however, as the ends are further from the scalp, they need a little extra TLC, which is why you should concentrate the conditioner here. Then, make sure you let your conditioner soak into your locks for at least two minutes. Finish with a cold water rinse to close the cuticle and help your hair retain moisture. Plus, this will leave it looking shinier and feeling smoother.

Top tip: If your hair is prone to brittle split ends, add a couple of drops of oil into your conditioner bottle. This helps create a deep conditioning effect without having to splurge on another hair product.

3. You’re Using Super-Hot Temperatures…

There’s honestly no better feeling than standing under a steaming hot shower. While this may work wonders for your stress levels, it’s actually wreaking havoc on your hair. High temperatures dehydrate your hair as they strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your scalp flakey and itchy. Try to resist the urge to crank up the heat and opt for warm temperatures instead. If you can’t bear the cold, finish your shower with a surge of cold water to seal the hair follicle. Although, remember to rinse your hair thoroughly.

4. You’re Not Buying The Right Hair Products

While we spend hours researching skincare products, we tend to grab any hair product from the drugstore, but this is a big mistake. Finding a shampoo and conditioner to suit your hair type means you’ll be able to give your hair what it really needs. For example, curly hair products will contain humectants and nourishing oils that could make fine, straight hair look greasy. Similarly, products for fine hair could matte curly hair… Trust us, we learned the hard way! 

5. You’re Not Blotting Your Hair Dry

Did you know a ton of celeb hairstylists blot hair dry in between shampoo and conditioner? Leaving excess water in your hair before you apply conditioner could prevent nutrients from penetrating the hair shaft. If you’re in a rush, just squeeze the water from your hair, but don’t twist – twisting your hair while it’s wet can break the hair shaft and cause split ends. Once you’ve rinsed your conditioner, avoid twisting your hair in an old towel. Instead, blot it dry and then wrap it in an old T-shirt to reduce frizz and damage.

6. You’re Brushing Your Hair In The Shower

When your hair is wet, it’s more fragile and prone to breakage, so if you brush your hair in the shower, you can damage and weaken the hair as you pull downwards. Instead, wait until you’ve blotted your hair dry, and then brush from the bottom of the hair downwards, detangling and moving towards the roots as you go – this is the gentlest method. It’s also really important to ensure you’re using the right hair brush for your hair type. Source

4 Skin Rules That’ll Make The Biggest Difference

1. Make Sunscreen a Habit

“Regardless of skin tone, the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can really impact skin adversely when it comes to premature aging (it’s responsible for up to 90% of premature aging), hyperpigmentation, sunburns, and even skin cancer. One of the healthiest and aesthetically-motivated things you can do to your skin is to start wearing sunscreen very early in your life and to remain consistent,” Dr. Kikam tells us. And we have to say, you might not see the difference now, but best believe in 10 years, you’ll be grateful you followed her advice.

2. Start Retinoids in Your Mid 20s

If sunscreen is the best for preventing signs of aging, then retinoids are its equivalent for reversing any signs that do appear. Dr. Kikam says, “Retinoids are the gold standard anti-aging ingredient after sunscreen. Over 50 years of clinical data exist to back up claims. Retinoids increase collagen production, delay fine lines and wrinkles, have anti-acne properties, and support the improvement of discoloration. It’s best to start retinoids in your mid-20s when collagen decline starts.”

3. Exfoliation is a Must

“Exfoliation promotes faster skin turnover, which helps get rid of excess melanin and improves skin discoloration or uneven skin tone. It is a major remedy against dull skin, which tends to happen more as we grow older and skin renewal slows down. Exfoliation helps brighten skin and makes our skincare products work more efficiently,” Dr. Kikam explains. She also points out that because it removes the buildup of dead skin cells, it also allows skincare ingredients to be better absorbed.

4. Be Consistent

And above all else, Dr. Kikam stresses that “All the above rules are great, but unless you are consistent in your implementation of them, then you will not see the results. I can’t stress enough how important this is.” We have to agree – patience is the biggest virtue here. Take retinol, for example, it takes consistent use over months to start seeing results. Source