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

Frosted Tips Making A Comeback

Frosted tips are making a comeback, with celebrities and stylists reintroducing the look. While the original style from the 90s and early 2000s was characterized by spiky, bleached tips, the modern take on frosted tips is more subtle and versatile. The frosted tips trend, popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, is experiencing a resurgence, blending nostalgia with contemporary styles.  

A modern interpretation of the frosted tips today are unlike the spiky, defined look of the past, modern frosted tips are softer, with a more gradual transition between the bleached and natural hair. This style has also become a popular choice among young athletes such as soccer players or wrestlers when headed off to a big tournament or match.  Source

Happy 4th of July!

 

Happy 4th of July! We hope you have a safe holiday weekend!

Jon Edwards Salon & Spa 

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

(707) 449-4988

jonedwardssalonandspa@gmail.com

Summer Hairstyles To Keep You Cool In Hot Weather

As the mercury rises, our hair feels the heat and starts to misbehave. However, there are plenty of way to wear your hair to stay cool.We’ve pulled together some breezy, simple styles that will stand up to heat and humidity and keep your hair away from your face and off your neck.

1. Half-Up Top Knot

This casual style can be worn by anyone, from those with bobs to bottom-skimming locks. But it takes more prepping than you might think. Here’s the easy how-to guide to get a pro-finish.

Section a third of the hair (from the front to the crown) then secure with a snag-free band. Amp up the volume by backcombing the pony and then wrap around in a clockwise direction and secure with a grip. Viola! The perfect topknot is born.

2. Messy Updo

A messy updo is a fresh alternative to the classic chignon, and it’s brilliantly-versatile. It can be dressed up with pretty flowers or  pins – it’s perfect for a summer wedding hairstyle or simplified and tamed down for a workday.

To get the look, create a parting to the centre or the side and tie your hair into a mid-to-low pony. Twist the tail to secure into a bun, pulling out pieces to frame your face and loosen the look.

3. Half Updo

This style looks great when worn with a pretty surf-girl wave. Choose between a plait, twist or a 60s-inspired half chignon to keep hair up and away from your face.

Prep your hair by sparingly adding thickening mousse along your lengths to add volume, then if you have the time, curl with your flat irons or tongs. Backcomb at the crown to create height, then roll or plait your wefts, and pin. Pull out some face-framing tendrils and finish with medium-hold hairspray to hold everything in place.

4. Low Updo

The chic street-style look is slick with glass-like shine, and it's perfect if your hair is predominantly straight to start with. If your hair is curly, break out the straightening irons - and don't forget the heat protection spray.

The crucial element is to use a tail comb to create a clean centre part and give you a definitive hairline. Team that with serum to boost shine and ensure your ‘do doesn’t get frizzy when humidity is high. Then tie, knot, or plait into a bun.

5. Plait Updo

A plaited updo, like an upside-down French braid, looks super complicated but is pretty quick to do, and gives you that stand-out-from-a-crowd style.

Practice your braiding before you begin, as you’ll need to tip your head upside down and work from the nape of your neck towards your crown. Once you’ve got this off to a fine art, you can create one or more braids and secure hair into a topknot or high on-trend ‘80s pony.

6. French Braid Updo

All that’s required for this Grecian style is some simple plaiting skills and plenty of pins. Plus, it works well on medium to long lengths and both curly and straight locks.

Apply a hair smoothing cream to either wet or dry hair to help smooth flyaways before you start braiding. Starting at the temple, French braid the hair by taking three sections and weaving the left part, cross it over the middle one and combine it with the right section. Then repeat from the opposite side. Secure with an elastic and work the ends into the plait and pin into place.

7. Braided Bun Updo

This look is easy, classic and has staying power – from spin classes to soirees. Take a piece of hair from the left side of your head and plait. Do the same on the right side and gather all the hair up into a pony.

Plait the pony length and twist around and pin into place. Add a spritz of a strong hold hairspray so your bun stays neat and tidy.

To reduce the risk of your hair getting damaged after braiding it multiple times, invest in a hair protecting spray to lightly condition and protect against damage.

8. Bun Updo

The messy bun has been the go-to for the past few years because it’s easy, fast and injects a whole lot of fun into your off-duty style.

This look needs both body and guts, so prep wet hair with a volume-boosting mousse to add lasting fullness. Then pull your hair into a high pony, tease with a brush for a little extra pouf, twist around and pull through the hair or loop through a band (an oversized scrunchy is on-trend) or firmly fix with sparkly or pearl-encrusted clips. Source

How To Flat Iron the Healthy Way

 

 

Here are a few quick tips on how to properly flat iron your hair so that you do not create more damage for you hair.

Biotin 101: What Is It

Keeping hair healthy is a top priority for many people, and knowing what to use or put in your body to promote healthy hair can go a long way.  Learn how biotin is good for hair, what hair care products like shampoos do to promote biotin, and a few of our favorite biotin-rich products that can help keep all kinds of hair, including color-treated hair, looking radiant.  

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also called vitamin B7, promotes healthy hair growth and prevents hair loss. It can be found in many foods you can consume but is also often found in hair care products. Biotin promotes the body’s keratin production. 

Many benefits of biotin include:  

• Improve nail strength and health 
• Maintains the mucous membranes of the skin, meaning your skin will look and be healthier 
• Plays a role in blood sugar regulation  
• Prevents birth defects and maintains health of pregnant people 

Is Biotin Good for Hair?

Yes, biotin plays an important role in keeping hair healthy by increasing the rate of follicle growth along with keratin production which impacts hair, skin, and nails. Biotin is found in many foods such as:  

• Walnuts and peanuts
• Milk 
• Egg yolks 
• Salmon, pork, and sardines

Along with consuming foods that have small amounts of biotin, using a biotin hair care product like biotin shampoo can help minimize shedding that contributes to hair loss and thinning. 

How Biotin Shampoos Work

Shampoos infused with biotin are believed to improve scalp circulation, increase hair density, and strength hair follicles. Using biotin shampoos can help hair feel more nourished and thicker. If you have thin hair, biotin can aid in making it thicker and fuller. Source