Top Expert Tips to Combat Common Hair Problems

How to Get Healthy and Beautiful Hair

As women, we are constantly trying to crack the code to beautiful hair. But unfortunately, this pursuit involves money, time, patience, and lots of experimenting. To answer your most pressing hair questions, we’ve gathered top advice from our ChickRx experts so you can cut out the frustration and be proud to whip your hair back and forth.  


Fight Frizz
One of the biggest culprits of bad hair days is frizz. Hair gets frizzy when it is damaged or has a naturally rougher texture leading the hair to absorb more moisture from the air. That’s why your hair may look like a hot mess on humid days. To avoid looking like you stuck your finger in a socket, there are a few key rules to follow:  

T-Shirt Dry – resist the urge to towel dry your wet hair when you get out of the shower. Towels’ thick, rough texture can damage the hair cuticle, so instead reach for an old (clean) t-shirt to soak up moisture. 
   
Don’t Brush – instead of brushing your wet hair, comb through with a wide toothcomb or just your wet fingers. This will help prevent damaging the hair shaft. You can use a brush to blow dry your hair straight, but avoid brushing dry hair as it can stretch out the hair cuticle.  

Skip Shampoos – In order to prevent frizz, it’s key not to wash your hair every day. This can deplete the natural healthy oils your scalp produces making your hair even frizzier. Try rinsing with water and applying just conditioner or skip the water all together and go for a dry shampoo (more on that below).  

Treat it – For an extra benefit, reach for the jojoba or coconut oil once a week. These apply the right amount of moisture and frizz control without weighing hair down. 

(References: thebeautydepartment.com/2011/05/bounce-with-me; allure.com/hair-ideas/2008/top_five_hair_tips)  


Quick Oily Hair Solution
When you don’t have the time or will to wash your oily hair, reach for the dry shampoo. Some ChickRx community favorites are Pssssst or Suave Professionals, about $6 at drug stores for beauties on a budget, while dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo, for $18.  

Dry shampoos work by absorbing the oil on your scalp that can weigh hair down if it becomes built up--especially on thin hair. If you’re using a dry shampoo with texturizing spray it can also work to give your hair more boost and volume. Best part? It’s fast, you don’t have to restyle your hair again, and unlike shampooing daily, it won’t strip your scalp of the natural oils it needs to keep your strands healthy.  


Promote Hair Growth If you’re looking to be Rapunzel-esq come summer, the waiting game can have you feeling a little like you’re locked in a tower of short hair purgatory. While there’s no quick fix to grow your hair overnight, our experts stress the importance of diet, protection, and avoiding damage to your hair.  

Make sure you’re loading up on protein, healthy fats and vitamins. Protect your growing hair from UV damage by shielding it with a hat if you’re spending a lot of time outside. And, of course, skip blowouts when you can and go for air drying instead.  

A common myth is that trimming hair frequently will promote growth. While this simply isn’t true because the hair growth happens at the scalp (and is not determined by what happens at the ends of hair), frequent trims can help the hair appear longer by removing dead split ends that cause the hair to stick out rather than lay flat. And, hey, if all else fails, there are always extensions.  

(Reference: oprah.com/style/Biggest-Hair-Myths-Do-Frequent-Trims-Make-Hair-Grow-Faster/4)  

Revive Dull Hair One too many straightening and dye jobs can leave your hair looking dull and lackluster. Heat and chemicals can both leave the hair shaft damaged, which makes your hair lose shine and appear dry.  

To revive your locks, Dermatologist Dr. Debra Price recommends having your split ends trimmed frequently (aim for no more than 8 to 12 weeks between trims) and using conditioners to smooth the damaged hair shaft. 

If you’re worried about weighing your hair down or making your scalp oily with conditioner, you can avoid applying it to your scalp and simply apply it to the bottom half of your hair, working toward the ends. For a natural product alternative, you can use a weekly DIY hair mask to brighten up your strands: check out these great recipes on ChickRx: http://chickrx.com/articles/diy-hair-masks .    


Banish Dandruff
If you’re tired of dusting snow off your shoulders, the first thing you might want to do is try Head and Shoulders or Nizoral shampoos that you find at the drugstore for about $10. These shampoos work by reducing seborrheic dermatitis, a condition where oily areas of the skin become inflamed and produce those pesky flakes, explains dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman.
If the zinc pyrithione shampoos like Head and Shoulders do not work well for you, there are also Tar shampoos like Tera-Gel, Neutrogena T/Gel and Polytar AF.  Dr. Jaliman says these products work by shedding the top layer of skin on the scalp while decreasing the itchiness. Tar shampoos should not be used if you have blonde hair because it can darken lighter tresses. If these over-the-counter products don’t kill off your flakes, visit your dermatologist who may prescribe special steroidal treatments.

     
Eat for Your Hair
Just as it affects the other parts of your body, your diet has a big impact on the quality of your hair. “Hair can really show our diet quality,” explains Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Expert Carlene Thomas. “If the body isn’t getting enough calories, healthy fats, and especially protein, it can become dull and lifeless.”  

For extra benefit, make sure you’re including foods with key nutrients for your hair. Your diet should be rich in protein (like in lean chicken, salmon, Greek yogurt and lentils) and fatty acids (like in salmon, avocado and walnuts).  

An added bonus of eating walnuts for hair health is that they are rich in biotin and vitamin E, which work to protect your hair from damage.   Zinc is necessary to maintain the quality of your hair and a deficiency can often lead to hair loss and dandruff.  For more zinc, load up on oysters, eggs and nuts.   Don’t forget to fill up on vitamin C for a hair and immunity boost. Vitamin C can help promote circulation to the scalp and prevent hair breakage.  

(Reference: webmd.com/healthy-beauty/feature

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article source: chixrx.com

Is It Really OK to Stop Sudsing Up Your Hair?

Cleansing with just conditioner? The trend—long popular among women with naturally thick, curly, or coarse strands—is becoming mainstream, thanks to several new products designed for all hair types.

Browse a few online beauty forums, and you’ll find proponents of “co-washing” touting the benefits of cleansing strands with specially formulated conditioners instead of shampoo. (We even reported the “anti-shampoo” movement here).

Among them: Suds-free formulas can moisturize dry scalps, reduce frizz, detangle knots, and soften texture. African-American women have long used conditioners instead of lathering shampoos to refresh strands and help keep them moisturized and glossy, and now new non-foaming and low-lather formulas from companies such as Ojon, Palmer’s, Purely Perfect, and Kerastase, Vidal Sassoon Pro and Wen are geared towards those with straight, fine hair as well. Though it may seem like a gateway to build-up, tiny amounts of detergent in these products remove dirt and grime without stripping color or natural oils (traditional lathers, which often contain harsh sulfates, make hair squeaky clean, but frequently leave it brittle, frizzy, and damaged), so they are gentler than even the gentlest shampoo.

Cleansing Conditioners to Try

Ojon Rare Blend Moisture-Rich Cleansing Conditioner, $27
Palmer's Olive Oil Co-Wash Cleansing Cream, $10
Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme, $40
Wen Cleansing Condition in Summer Honey Peach, $30 [Limited Edition]
Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Colorfinity Cleansing Conditioner, $4

Think of it, if you will, as the hair-care equivalent of hand-washing your favorite cashmere sweater. Like dry shampoos, these formulas can be used between regular washes, but they're laced with ultra-rich ingredients that smooth and lock in moisture, so they're more than just a temporary fix.

Over time, they can save money, precious minutes, and even a need for masks or styling products.
But before you think about swapping your regular conditioner for shampoo, be warned: “The silicone in traditional conditioners would eventually create residue,” says  Michael Gordon, a celebrity stylist and the creator of Purely Perfect (as any fine-haired woman who’s mistakenly grabbed the wrong bottle can tell you). “These new products are similar to the high-end, non-foaming cleansers that you’d use on your face because they contain oils and moisturizers, but have a specific cleansing system, so your hair does gets clean,” Gordon says. With continued use, they claim to help restore hair’s natural vibrancy and oil balance, giving you that “Very much desired ‘second-day hair look’ on the first wash,” Gordon says. The pros? Smoother, healthier strands, plus fewer products to get there.

The cons? If you enjoy working up a good lather in the shower, you’ll be robbed of the experience. 
Though I don’t wash my long, super-thick, wavy, color-treated Indian hair on a daily basis (it’s more like three times a week), I was a bit skeptical about trying this new trend. As someone who swims frequently and spends a lot of time outdoors in hot, sunny Los Angeles, I do appreciate the “so fresh, and so clean, clean” feeling of a nicely-scented, lathering shampoo. In general, I don’t use styling products (they tend to weigh my hair down), but I still had some concerns about build-up and oiliness.

Courtesy PhotosFrom left: Ojon Rare Blend Moisture-Rich Cleansing Conditioner, $27; Palmer's Olive Oil Co-Wash Cleansing Cream, $10; Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Colorfinity Cleansing Conditioner, $4; Wen Cleansing Condition in Summer Honey Peach, $30 [Limited Edition]

The first day I tried the Palmer’s Olive Oil Co-Wash Cleansing Cream—which contains vitamin E, keratin protein, and natural herbal extracts—I was admittedly surprised by the great results. I massaged a small amount from roots to ends, just as I would a conditioner, and rinsed. I ended up skipping conditioner altogether, since my hair felt smoother in the shower already. The scent, very green, seemed like an organic, non-chemical shampoo, and though different from the perfumed shampoos I’m used to, was actually fresh and clean-feeling.

But, the best and most noticeable thing was how soft it made my hair; Touchably soft to the point that I wanted to wear it down instead of in my go-to top knot all day. The next day, I went for a swim, and used the co-wash again. There wasn’t a single trace of chlorine left in my strands: Just smooth, nicely-scented hair.

I don’t think I’ll be giving up shampoo altogether, but in-between washes, I’d definitely incorporate a cleansing cream to moisturize and soften my normally dry hair. 

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article source: youbeauty.com

Summer Hair

Summer's Hottest Haircut: Is It Right for You?

Even though we don't do hair here at Monterey Day Spa, we know how it is an important part of your beauty routine!  We found this article, and thought you might be interested about Summer's Hottest Hair!  Take a look.  

From the runway to the red carpet, it seems like some of the most stylish girls around are chopping off their hair for summer. Top model Karlie Kloss debuted a short bob backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in November, and just weeks after her win for Best Actress at the Oscars, America’s sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence decided to do away with her long locks in favor of a layered shag. Sure, shorter strands might seem like the easiest way to lighten up your look for the season, but beware: this look isn’t for everyone. We chatted with Bumble and bumble stylist Roz Murray who gave us some key things to consider before you make the cut.

It won’t necessarily keep you cool. Roz gets tons of requests for this crop at Bumble, varying in length from the chin to the collarbone. People tend to think that this cut is a lighter and cooler option for summer, but they often lose sight of the fact that you can’t simply put it up. “A lot of girls are used to pulling their hair into a topknot when they get too warm, but with a bob you don’t have that luxury,” Roz explained.

Be sure to pick the right length for your face shape and hair texture. "You need to have a realistic expectation of your style, depending on what kind of hair and texture you have," Roz said. "If you have curly hair, remember curls jump when you cut them, so your style will look shorter once you leave the salon. You should talk to your stylist about appropriate weight removal — not necessarily layers — when going shorter. With a one-length bob, it's a matter of getting in there and removing the appropriate amount of weight with a razor or texturing tool so it doesn’t go into a triangle shape." The key to keeping this style youthful and current is making sure it's shattered and broken up at the ends, which gives you a piecey, bedhead-like look. 

Your personality plays a big role. Short hair means different things — and different feelings — to different people. “Some women feel less girly when they cut their hair because they imagine long "mermaid hair" as the feminine ideal," Roz said. "But others feel really sexy and empowered!”

It’s not as easy to maintain as it looks. Because you can't just pull your hair back into a ponytail, when you commit to a crop, you commit to actually doing your hair everyday. Plus, it requires more frequent cuts it to keep it at at the desired length.

Less is more. When it comes to styling a short cut, it's best to play up your natural texture. "I think the Beachwaver or a wide curling iron is great for styling this look," Roz told us. "It gives you that slightly undone, wavy look that's so sought after." 

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Article source: MarieClaire.com