Shampoo Secrets

Take a stroll down the hair care aisle at your local drugstore and you'll find dozens of shampoos for every type of hair. “Not all shampoos are alike -- there really is a big difference between products designed for different hair types, or to achieve different looks," says leading hair care research scientist Steve Shiel. "Shampoos contain different types and levels of active ingredients, designed to provide conditioning, detangling, volume and many other benefits.”

Don’t simply reach for the prettiest bottle. Instead, think about both what type of hair you have -- fine, color treated -- and what you are trying to achieve with your overall style.

Thin, Fine Hair

Styling product residue, dirt from the environment and excess hair oils can easily weigh down thin, fine hair, causing your locks to appear limp and lifeless. A daily volumizing shampoo can do wonders, leaving hair clean while providing a thicker, fuller appearance. The weekly use of a clarifying shampoo will help you avoid excessive product buildup.

Thick Tresses
Thick hair can easily become dry and dull, so a moisturizing shampoo is essential for maintaining beautiful tresses. Go easy on the amount of shampoo you use; the size of a quarter is a good guideline since thick hair is very porous and easily absorbs products. To eliminate the buildup that often accompanies this absorbent hair type, use a clarifying shampoo once a week that is designed to remove residue.

Colored or Highlighted Hair
Shampoos specifically designed for color-treated hair work to replenish the protective lipid layer on the hair shaft that is weakened by hair dye. Avoid shampoos containing sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is used to create lather -- these sulfates can remove color more quickly than a sulfate-free shampoo. Instead, opt for a color-enhancing shampoo, which can impart a little color between treatments.

Now that you know how to pick the shampoo that’s right for you, here’s advice on how to use it.

Shampooing Tips
If you start your day with exercise, you may want to shampoo daily. If, however, extending the life of a labor-intensive blowout is your goal, you’ll want to opt for a less-frequent shampoo schedule. Just be sure to wash your hair before it gets too dirty, as particles of grime can damage your hair during combing.

You don’t need to worry about harming your hair with daily washing. "Shampooing will not in itself damage the hair, since modern shampoos do not lift the cuticle," explains John Gray, author of The World of Hair Colour. "Harsh shampoos were used in the past, and acute and irreversible tangling or matting sometimes followed shampooing. This kind of matting is seldom seen nowadays, since most modern shampoos contain conditioning agents that protect hair."

When you are ready to lather up, focus first on the scalp, hairline, behind the ears and around the temple, because that's where the concentration of your hair's sebum -- or oils -- can be found. Then continue shampooing downward to prevent the hair cuticles from opening, which can cause split ends. Shampoo with warm water, as hot water can be drying. And never pull, tug or scrub wet hair. Instead, use your fingertips to distribute the shampoo.

One application of shampoo is generally enough to remove oil, dirt and residue from the hair fiber. However, Shiel suggests that those who use a lot of styling products -- particularly waxes and pomades -- may want to rinse and repeat to reduce buildup.

Source : thestyleglossy

How to Wear the Latest Hair Trend: Braids

Let’s put our hands together for our dear friend, the braid, who has lasted season after season and remains one of the biggest hair trends to date.

Seen rolling down countless runways and on the red carpet courtesy of Liv Tyler, the braid is returning to our lives in all its glory.

This hairstyle looks dazzling from all angles, and once you get over the initial twisted-finger conundrum, it’s actually quite easy to recreate. Here, we take a look at some of the best ways to wear this winning hairstyle.

1. The Show-pony Braid
That perfect braid you always envied has now made its mark on the runway, with hair being braided from the crown, down the back of the head, and pulled into a plaited ponytail from the nape onwards. The key to this look is achieving texture and a little volume at the roots, so start by applying a root-lifting spray into your hair to get added lift and hold.

Once you’ve blow-dried the product through your roots and ends, start braiding your hair from your crown all the way down. Secure your masterpiece with an elastic band once you’re done. If you want to get fancy, add a ribbon or piece of leather to a small section of the braid at the back.

2. The Buzz-cut Braid
Traditionally, the buzz cut was only reserved for women who were not afraid to lose their locks. These days, however, the braid is proving to be quite the handy little helper when it comes to adding texture and dazzle to a simple hairstyle.

When Liv Tyler walked down the red carpet a few months ago with her hair out and pulled to one side, the world went “Oh, doesn’t she look lovely?” It wasn’t until a few seconds later, however, when she turned her head to reveal one side pulled into a braid so tight it looked like a buzz cut, that she was applauded for her risque look. Women scrambled to the hairdresser to copy it immediately.

If you’re keen on copying it too, simply blow-dry a smoothing product into your ends before pulling your hair to one side. Next, braid your hair very tightly on the side, starting at your hairline just above your ear. Take the braid back around the side of your head, following your natural hairline as you go. Keep it as tight as you possibly can to get that buzz-like finish.

3. The ’70s Braid
The ’70s is the era of choice right now. Think soft, whimsical hair with a strong bohemian edge, allowing bad hair days to be conveniently classified as cool rather than messy.

Of course, a massive part of this trend is braiding, with celebrities and designers opting for small sections of braiding down the side of the head. If this sounds like you, simply blow-dry your hair smooth before creating softly textured waves at the ends. The look here is smooth waves with lots of movement. Once you’re happy with the ends, centre-part your hair and take a small section where your part meets your hairline. Then, simply plait this small section of hair and secure it with an elastic band. If you’re feeling the vibe, pop a garland around your head. If not, leave it as is and pair it with a floral dress and a soft peach lipstick.

Source + Photo : thestyleglossy + Getty Images

Keep Your Long Hair Healthy and Beautiful

Are you noticing split ends, frizz and a general lackluster lankness to your flowing tresses? That’s no surprise. “Long hair is often damaged simply because it’s been around longer and exposed to more daily wear and tear from styling and the environment,” says celeb stylist Corey Powell. After all, hair that tumbles to your shoulders and below may be at least five years old. These simple, no-fuss tips will help your long locks radiate youthful sheen with these simple, no-fuss tips.

Get Frequent Trims
The only successful treatment for repairing split ends is a sharp pair of scissors. While some hair care products may temporarily merge split ends together, this fix lasts only until your next shampoo. And left untreated, these tiny splits can splinter farther up the hair shaft. “Have your stylist take off a quarter inch or less every six to eight weeks,” suggests hairstylist Mario Russo, known for styling the locks of Natalie Portman. After trims, use a protecting leave-in cream to prevent split ends from recurring so frequently.

Beware of the Sun
Oxidative stress from the sun can fade your color and leave hair dry and lackluster, warns Russo. Studies also show that hair is more vulnerable to sun damage in both very dry and very humid climates, particularly when it’s wet. “At home or on vacation, don’t let your hair bake dry in the sun after swimming,” says Powell, “and wear a stylish scarf or hat to protect it during any prolonged exposure.”

Invest in a Few Hair Tools

When investing in hair products, these will help keep long locks strong:

A natural boar-bristle brush. Its fibers are best for distributing your hair’s natural conditioning oils down the shafts.

A wide-tooth comb. It’s gentler than a brush when your hair is wet and weakest.

A microfiber towel made for long hair. It wicks water out of your hair so you can air-dry faster and more easily.

Color Correctly

Coloring makes long locks even more prone to breakage, and the damage is usually cumulative. To offset it, celebrity colorist Johnathan Gale, who has worked with Charlize Theron, brushes organic neem oil throughout hair before painting on color or highlighting solution. “It conditions the hair and buffers the chemicals so you minimize damage, but it won’t interfere with the color process,” he says. After coloring, be sure to use a shampoo formulated for color-treated hair during each hair wash.

Condition, Condition, Condition

Use instant conditioner after every shampoo. It will lessen friction between hairs so you have fewer tangles. Also try a weekly deep conditioning treatment to restore damaged hair. “Frayed and frizzy strands are like totally open flowers, so you want a penetrating conditioner that really gets into the inner shaft to smooth it down,” says Russo. Once a month, treat hair to a strengthening and smoothing mask. Hair masks are specifically designed to help stop breakage and create additional shine.

Styling 101

As often as possible, lay off the blow dryer, curling iron, hot rollers and flat iron. “Use these hot tools three times a week max if you must,” says Russo. “And always use a heat-protective product with them.” To prolong a blowout, sleep on a silk pillowcase: The slick fibers don’t rough up the hair’s cuticle. Also try this healthy hairstyle: “Smooth on some conditioning hair cream and create a single braid,” says Gale. “It’s a sexy look for long hair and good for it too.”

Source : thestyleglossy