Obtaining an affordable, easy and manageable dye job may seem like a daunting task. With today’s economy, many have decided to DIY when it comes to beauty and haircare — whether it be an at-home manicure, or, what we’re here to talk about today, dying our hair without running to the salon. The secret to a great dye job that anyone can achieve involves three steps: selecting the right color, applying the color evenly and, finally, maintaining the color. Read on as we discover the best products to get the job done from some of the hair industry’s most reputable stylists.

The first step usually involves running to our stylist for assistance, but it doesn’t have to be. Walking into any hair dye aisle in the drugstore can be scary, but if you keep one major rule in mind the aisle somehow becomes less intimidating: The most important concept when deciding on a color is that at-home coloring kits have limitations.

Frédéric Fekkai, who recently launched Salon Color — a line of at-home hair dyes, advises that “you should never go more than 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural color.” When we stray too far we usually end up needing color correction at a salon. Clairol Professional colorist Nico also warns that dye reacts differently on “virgin” hair than previously color-treated hair. On color-treated hair the dye will show up with a “darker and more vibrant hue.” Keep this in mind and finding a color should only be a struggle due to indecisiveness.

Next is the actual application. Nico shared some great product tips on how to achieve the best results. He recommends using Clairol’s Beautiful Collection Semi-Permanent Hair Color. This product is gentle, “simple and intuitive.” Another tip is to apply Vaseline or moisturizer to the skin around the hairline to prevent color staining. This is crucial for any color job, but more important when you are going darker. Lastly, colorists suggest using a bowl and brush application procedure like salons do. These types of products are available at beauty supply stores and according to Fekkai give “consistent, even results.”

 Finally, after all that work, those salon worthy tresses must stay healthy and maintained. This is often the step that can make or break a look. Here is where the brilliance of keeping the dye close to your natural color comes in. Because at-home color has limitations, the roots are not as visible as a brunette going platinum. This means more time between touch-ups and less work. Both great things! If you need routine touch-ups, Clairol’s Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch-Up is a great product. Also, for a faster solution, our favorite editors at Allure recommend Colormark Temporary Liquid Hair Color Wand. According to these ladies it is “easy to paint on and amazingly natural.”

Simplicity is often the easiest way to master something and these tips should break down the complexity of the at-home hair dye dilemma. Master the basics and you will have great, affordable hair color for life!

- Yiannoula Choros

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Sock Bun

This styling trick plays up the volume of thin and fine hair types for ample up-dos.

·         Start by blow drying hair with a natural bristle brush.

·         Once hair is dry, apply a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum to the shafts and ends of hair. Nick  recommends Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh Elastic Moldable Cream for added shine and softness.

·         Using a fine-tooth comb to smooth out bumps,  slick hair back into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic.

·         Cut off the end of a clean, unwanted sock (where your toes would be), and roll it up into a donut shape.

·         Place the sock around the base of the ponytail so it is tightly against your head.

·         Tilt your head slightly forward and spread your ponytail evenly around the sock so that half of your hair is toward the top of the sock (pointing toward your forehead) and the other half is at the bottom (pointing toward your back).

·         Use a second hair elastic to wrap and secure the hair around the outside of the sock, creating a ballerina bun at the crown of your head.

·         Twist remaining hair in one direction and use bobby pins to tuck and clip the ends underneath your bun.

·         Finish with a light application of hairspray. Nick swears by Shu Uemura’s Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray.

Sleek, ‘Wet-Inspired’ Hair

This look relies on styling products to create a slicked-back, wet appearance.

·         Start by combing through wet hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles.

·         Add a walnut-size dollop of styling balm to the top half of wet, tangle-free hair.

·         Brush your hair towards the back of your head with a fine-tooth comb and secure it tightly with an elastic.

·         Twist hair gently (Nick recommends one full turn for medium to long hair), and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to create a round bun.

·         Use bobby pins to secure the end of your ponytail and tame fly-aways.

·         Run a fine-tooth comb through the top of your hair up to the bun to smooth over any bumps.

·         Finish with a generous amount of an extra-hold hairspray. Nick loves Shu Uemura’s Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray.

Bouncy, Volumized Hair

A modern take on “pageant hair”; full, voluminous hair is an easy way to add sex appeal to your style.

·         Start with a classic blowout using a round, natural bristle brush and a palm full of volumizing mousse. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Fiber Lift Protective Volumizer.

·         Once hair is dry, add volume to the top of the head by teasing the hair using hairspray and a round brush.

·         After desired volume is achieved, curl hair away from the face from end to root with a large barrel curling iron. Nick uses a two-inch barrel to achieve big, bouncy curls.

·         Using a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum, rub your hands together and gently run your fingers through the curls to separate them. Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh Elastic Moldable Cream is Nick’s favorite.

·         Finish the look with light hair spray and you’re red carpet ready!

Smooth and Sleek Hair with a Center Part

While voluminous hair is hot this season, so is sleek and straight. Center parts are making a comeback!

·         Start by parting wet hair directly in the center of your head using the edge of a fine-toothed comb.

·         Dry hair with the nozzle attachment of your blow dryer, and a natural bristle brush, pulling hair and the dryer downward to smooth out hair.

·         Apply a pea-sized drop of smoothing serum from the shafts to the ends of your hair. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh Elastic Moldable Cream.

·         Run a straightening iron through your ends to straighten out any waves and voilà, you have a classic look for day or night!

Check out our photo review of Spring/Summer 2012 hairstyles for short, medium and long hair.

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We covered the Brazilian Blowout dispute back in 2010, when word got out that a stylist in Oregon claimed that they experienced difficulty breathing, eye irritation and nose bleeds when applying the Brazilian Blowout products which consist of 8-10% formaldehyde (a carcinogen), according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

With all of this going on, it’s comforting to know that those of us with frizzy hair have a safe alternative. One such treatment is the new Redken Shape Control.

• Thermally reconditions – hair feels softer, smoother, and shinier
• Stylists can customize curl pattern [with curling iron] by placing and shaping curls based on client’s needs/hair type
• Frizz control
  

 
Cold Smoothing

• Relaxes curls
• Reduces volume
• Smoothes out frizz
  

Safe Straightening

• Straightens hair [with straightening iron]
• Provides volume and frizz control, even at high humidity levels
• Thermally reconditions – hair feels softer, smoother, and shinier 
  

SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT: This treatment is indeed formaldehyde-free. It contains Ammonium Thioglycolate, Ethanolamine Thioglycolate and Ammonium Hydroxide. These ingredients work together to permanently break the hair bonds in order to help smooth and straighten the hair. This will certainly perform well but may cause more damage to hair than other types of salon hair smoothing formulas on the market.

To locate a Redken salon please log on to redken.com.  Please note, Redken products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon.

So tell us, have you had this new treatment? If so, leave a comment below to let us know how it worked for you.

- cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson

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Photo via Richard Perry/New York Times

The Brazilian Blowout controversy rages on as California lawmakers demand that the manufacturers of the Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, GIB LCC, put warning labels on their packaging.

We covered the Brazilian Blowout dispute back in 2010, when word got out that a stylist in Oregon claimed that they experienced difficulty breathing, eye irritation and nose bleeds when applying the Brazilian Blowout products which consist of 8-10% formaldehyde (a carcinogen), according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Since then, companies — not including GIB LCC — have launched alternative hair-smoothing methods claiming that they are formaldehyde-free, like the Simply Smooth Keratin treatment we mentioned in a past article. Again, not all hair smoothing treatments are the same as the ones manufactured by GIB.

In a recent Women’s Wear Daily article, they stated that this past Monday the California Safe Cosmetics Act — which, according to Attorney General Kamala Harris, “…protect[s] consumers and workers and give[s] them fair notice about the health risks associated with the products they use” — enforced its first governmental action by demanding that GIB LCC adhere to the following stipulations:

- Put warnings on its packaging

- Distribute a cancer warning to recent product purchasers, including it with all future product shipments

- Alter the content of its web site and pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs associated with the lawsuit

- Retest products for smog-causing, volatile organic compounds at Department of Justice-approved laboratories, and work with the DOJ to ensure they comply with air quality regulations

Mike Brady, chief executive officer of GIB LCC, plans on following the attorney’s ruling, but will not alter any of the ingredients in the products, stating, “Brazilian Blowout will continue to sell its products normally throughout the state of California. The labeling and market and advertising changes agreed to in the settlement have already been in place for months.”

So, there you have it. The warning labels are being put into effect and hopefully the GIB company will follow suit.

Are you still going to get your Brazilian Blowout? Afraid of the chemicals? Don’t worry, check out our article about different alternatives with similar results here and here!

- Theresa Romano

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Award show season continues on with tresses styled to perfection with Wella Professionals care, styling and color! ((remember the hairstyles from the Golden Globes?)  The “it” girls at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®, including Michelle Williams, Emma Stone, Shailene Woodley, and Zoe Saldana, put their hair in the hands ofWella Professionals stylists, who used a variety of Wella Professionals products to get unique looks fit for the big night.

Want to know how you can look like an A-lister, too? Read on for tips, straight from the stylists themselves, on how you can recreate each look!

Michelle Williams

Styled by Chris McMillan for Wella Professionals

1. Wash the hair using Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner, which is super moisturizing without sacrificing volume, no matter your hair style or length
2. Finger-dry hair with Wella Professionals Extra Volume Mousse on fingertips, guiding the hair into a deep side part
3. Apply Chris’ favorite product, Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight shine serum, liberally to fingertips and brush through for maximum shine

Shailene Woodley

Styled by Campbell McAuley for Wella Professionals

1.       Apply 3-5 pumps of Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier on damp hair to prime it for styling – this product seals the cuticle of the hair and provides a smooth foundation for other products.

2.       Blow out hair with a round brush for smoothness and volume, then pull back dry hair into a pony at the nape of the neck, securing with an elastic

3.       Apply Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz beach texture spray for added texture in the pony, tousling with fingers while spraying for an overall beachy look

4.       Spritz hair all over with Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight shine spray for a red-carpet worthy shine!

 Emma Stone and Zoe Saldana never disappoint us with their red carpet beauty looks, do they? These two lovely ladies stepped out in style at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®with flirty up do’s, styled usingWella Professionals! We spoke with their hair stylist, Mara Roszak, for her tips on how you can create these star-worthy styles at home!

Emma Stone

Styled by Mara Roszak for Wella Professionals

“Emma’s dress was my inspiration. I wanted to create a smooth, polished up-do with a bit of a modern 50′s feel.” – Says Mara Roszak of the hairstyle she created for Emma Stone at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®.

Step-by-Step Styling

1.       Part the hair to the side then apply Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier to wet hair and blow dry smooth

2.       Add a pump of Wella Professionals Mirror Polish to hands and apply lightly to hair, starting at the ends, to smooth out any fly aways

3.       Tease the crown of the hair to add a little height and pull into a mid-height ponytail

4.       Twist the ponytail and then wrap into a bun and secure with bobby pins

5.       Spray all over with Wella Professionals Stay Firm hairspray

Zoe Saldana

Styled by Mara Roszak for Wella Professionals

“Zoe’s dress was so inspiring. I wanted to create a “not too perfect” up-do by adding texture and movement to the hair, while keeping it modern and fresh.” – Says Mara Roszak of the hairstyle she created for Zoe Saldana at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®.

Step-by-Step Styling

1.       Apply Wella Professionals Extra Volume Mousse to wet hair and rough dry

2.       Then, using a 3/4″ barrel curling iron, add waves to the hair by rotating the direction of the curl

3.       Once the whole head was waved, spray Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz on the hair to break up the wave and add texture

4.       Loosely pull the hair back into a low pony  and secured it with an elastic

5.       Then split the pony into two sections and braid them both, then wrap the braids into a bun and secure with bobby pins

6.       Once the hair is up, apply a dab of  Wella Professionals Bold Move styling paste to fingertips and define a few pieces around the face

7.       Spray all over with Wella Professionals Stay Firm finishing spray

We want to thank the team at Wella USA for providing us with these tips!

And check out our photo report on Spring/Summer 2012 hairstyle trends for short, medium and long hairstyles HERE!

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It’s the dead of winter (for those of us living in a colder climate). And we’re waiting for that moment when we can soak in that summer sun. But, with the talk of summer, come our admired beauty editors’ caveat about the usual summertime beauty/skincare protocol: the importance of sunscreen; articles describing the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, etc. It seems all too much and overplayed, but, let’s be prepared for the summer as I add one more vital, but often overlooked, piece of information to the seasonal lecture: protect your hair from the sun!

Thinking about protecting our hair from the sun is probably the last thing on our list, but there are certain advantages to protecting our hair. One is, yes, the obvious of that statement, that it will protect your hair from damage. Overzealous usage of heating tools are not the only enemies to healthy hair.  The environment and especially the sun can cause damage deep down at the root. David Evangelista, resident beauty expert on CBS’s The Early Show, says its important to create “a barrier from your hair to the sun.” He states the sun, “does damage to [the] cuticle and texture.”

The sun actually opens the cuticle and allows all the moisture to leave the strand causing dry, brittle, weak hair, not to mention it can also affect the color.  Not only does it affect color-treated hair but the American Academy of Dermatology has found that it can dull and alter the color for what we call “virgin”,  untreated hair as well.

There are many products on the market that can protect our hair from sun damage.  These products range from specifically engineered sunscreen for hair to shampoos and conditioners that contain an SPF like the Frédéric Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Collection – ranging from leave-in spray conditioners to shampoos. But my absolute favorite method to shielding your hair from the sun is a more natural approach, the scarf.  Every summer I embark on an epic journey for the perfect hat but always seem to come back to the same conclusion: a hat just does not work for me. Instead I choose to use a scarf.  It is true that a hat can protect your hair and the skin around your face and neck, but for those of us who somehow can’t quite pull off a hat, a scarf is a great alternative.

The scarf has been around for years and never seems to lose its luster or fashion appeal.  Style icons for decades have used it to disguise themselves, their dirty hair or just protect their hair from the effects of a relaxing day at the beach.  Some great ladies that often donned a stylish scarf were Jackie Kennedy and Sophia Loren. But even these days the newest generation of style setters, from Nicole Richie and Katie Holmes to the Olsen Twins, always have a scarf at their disposal. Whether on the beach or just out for a day of shopping, they seem to incorporate protection with  style.

So, the moral of the story is take a lesson from these ladies, mix style with versatility and protect yourself.  Beauty is definitely more than skin deep, but it helps to have a healthy head of hair and the style to let that beauty shine through! Have you tried the scarf look? Let us know, post a comment below!

- Yiannoula Choros

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Commonly used cosmetic ingredients

Here is a list of cosmetic ingredients that we come across in daily.

Vitamins

Vitamin A: It is known as Retinol. It normalizes skin’s texture and smoothes out fine lines. The more stable form is Retinyl Palmitate.

Vitamin C: The chemical name is Ascorbic Acid. It is an antioxidant, skin lightening agent, pH adjuster, preservative and also rebuilds healthy collagen fibers. It is also used in the form of Ascorbyl Palmitate ( a derivative of Vitamin C).

Vitamin E: It is chemically known as Tocopherol. It is an antioxidant, prevents UV damage to skin and also moisturizes skin.

Panthenol: It is nothing but Vitamin B5. It is a humectant.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Commonly used ones are citric acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid.

They aid in skin renewal by exfoliating the top layer of epidermis, improves skin’s texture, aids in better penetration of active ingredients, restores moisture and reduces wrinkles. They find use in anti aging products.

Salicylic Acid: It is a beta hydroxy acid. It is a debriding agent, helps in exfoliation of dry skin and reduces oiliness, acne and appearance of fine lines. It is mostly used in treating adult acne and chemical peels.

Humectants

Glycerine: It is a very commonly used humectant (ability to absorb moisture from air and entrap it into the skin). Hence, it hydrates and provides a skin barrier.

Hyaluronic Acid: It is a strong hydrating complex. It can hold upto 1000 times water in skin. It is commonly used in anti aging preparations for deep hydration.

Lecithin: It is a water attracting agent and hence hydrates and improves the texture of skin. It also allows the ease of spread onto the skin.

Silicones

Dimethicone/Cyclomethicone: It is a group of silicone molecules. It gives cosmetic products a smooth texture without blocking pores, gives slip and glide to products. It is widely used in skin care, make up, hair care and hair styling preparations.

Sunscreen Agents

Avobenzone, Mexoryl, Oxybenzone, Benzophenone: UV filters. They absorb or block UVA rays.

Titanium Dioxide: It is a physical UV blocker for both UVA and UVB.

Bleaching Agents

Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid: It is a skin whitening agent, skin bleaching agent.

Antioxidants: Resveratol, Butylated Hydroxy Toluene (BHT)

Preservative: Parabens, Benzoyl Peroxide

Soothing Agents

Allantoin: It has got skin calming property, soothing and healing agent.

Aloe: It is a natural and a very versatile ingredient. As its pH is same as skin, it is extremely soothing and protective in nature. It is a natural oxygenator (draws and holds oxygen to skin) so is a very effective healing agent. It is also a natural astringent.

Camphor: It is a cooling agent and hence alleviates itching, irritation and redness.

Olive oil

Emollients

Cetyl alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Cetearyl Alcohol: They are Emollient (lubricant), emulsifier (mix oil and water phases in a formulation)

Isopropyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate: They are emollients and hence form a film on skin and penetrates easily into the skin. They are used in preshaves, aftershaves, shampoos, bath oils, antiperspirants, deodorants, creams and lotions.

Castor Oil: It is a barrier agent, emollient and a lubricant. It finds its use in lipsticks and moisturizer.

Jojoba Oil: It is very similar to human sebum and hence is able to effectively penetrate the skin. It is a moisturiser and a natural cellular renewal ingredient.

Avocado Oil: It is a skin conditioner and moisturizer that readily penetrates the skin.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: It is a barrier agent, emollient and solvent used mostly in foundations.

Emulsifier:

Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Glyceryl Stearate SE: They all act as emulsifiers.

Glyceryl Cocoate is also a Surfactant (foaming and cleansing agent).

Glyceryl Stearate SE also gives pearlizing effect in shampoos and opacifier in creams and lotions.

Waxes:

Beeswax: It allows to blend oil and water components. It gives barrier mechanism to skin care and makeup products.

Candellila Wax: It is occlusive in nature and is used as a binder in lipsticks and creams.

Carnauba Wax: It is also a barrier agent and used as a texturiser in lipsticks, deodorant sticks and depilatories.

Kaolin: It is an oil absorbing powder and gives color and slip. It is mostly used in face masques for oily/combination skin.

Water: It is the most important ingredient in skin care and hair care products. Distilled, deionized or purified water is used in cosmetic preparations. It is the vehicle in most formulations.

Caffeine: Alleviates puffiness under eyes.

Lanolin Derivatives: Lanolin alcohol is used as a thickener for shampoos and bath gels. It gives cosmetics a creamy texture and high gloss. Lanolin oil is basically dewaxed lanolin and acts as a skin moisturiser and reduces stickiness of creams and lotions. It is found in hair conditioners, fingernail conditioners and skin cosmetics.

So did this dictionary of terms help you?  If you want help trying to understand what an ingredient is or what it does, post a comment below and we will try to help.

- cosmetic chemist, Upasana Sahu

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RETRO STYLE

A TREND REPORT BY AURA FRIEDMAN, WELLA COLOR AMBASSADOR

“I loved the retro-styles 60’s styles that popped up on the red carpet this evening – very unexpected. It was both bad-ass and darling to see these girls bring these styles on to the red carpet.” – Wella Color Ambassador Aura Friedman

• Stars sporting this look included Nicole Richie, Zooey Deschanel, Frieda Pinto, Tina Fay and Michelle Williams (styled using Wella)

TIMELESS, PRETTY AND OVERTLY FEMININE

A TREND REPORT BY RICARDO ROJAS, CELEBRITY HAIR STYLIST

“My favorite look tonight is one which is easily re-created, feminine and timeless. The dress can be such an influence on the starlet’s red carpet hairstyle, and this look is so complimentary to a statement-making dress.  – Celebrity Hair Stylist Ricardo Rojas

• Stars wearing this look tonight included Madonna (styled using Wella), Elle MacPherson, and Reese Witherspoon

EXPENSIVE YET EFFORTLESS

A TREND REPORT BY ALEXANDRA MATIZ, WELLA EDUCATOR AND TOP ARTIST

“An expensive yet effortless look that is full of movement and life – a perfect red carpet look for a woman of any age was prominent on tonight’s red carpet.” – Wella Educator and Top Artist Alexandra Matiz

• Stars wearing this look tonight included Jessica Biel, Shailene Woodley (styled using Wella) and Rooney Mara

We want to thank the team at Wella for capturing these hairstyle trends for us.

And check out our photo report on Spring/Summer 2012 hairstyle trends for short, medium and long hairstyles HERE!

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It feels like every day something is different with my hair.  One day it’s frizzy, the next day it’s flat or it’s tangled, un-manageable, dry, blah, blah, blah.  Well, it occurred me that my hair might not be as healthy as I would like, but why would I even care? It’s just dead cells…right? Wrong! Healthy hair is more important than one would think; especially, if you want to be a contender for a celeb-worthy hairstyle.  Not only does a healthy head of hair look shiny, silky and overall gorgeous but also helps prevent against further damage from every day occurrences.

If you think how many times you over-brush your hair or use a heat styling tool it’s easy to see why hair could become damaged.  If you protect against this, not only will it grow faster and be more manageable but it will also become more resistant to further damage ie become stronger.  So now it’s time to really focus our attention on how to recognize the problem.

Damaged hair cuticle

The problem is truly the antithesis of the hair we crave.  We want silky hair, yet damaged hair lacks luster.  We want a full head of hair, yet damaged hair is weak and breaks.  We want easy-to-manage hair, yet damaged hair is unruly. The list goes on.

Healthy hair cuticle

Here is a list of common warning signs of damaged hair.

1)     split ends

2)     dullness

3)     brittle hair

4)     tangled

5)     breaks easily

A great indicator of damaged hair is how fast your hair dries.  Since damaged hair cuticles are often more porous, the hair will dry faster, not to mention soak up too much color when being colored and release it too quickly.  (Great reason to fix the problem, as those dye jobs are not cheap)

celebrity hair stylist, Derek Yuen

Derek Yuen, a celeb hair stylist and Sebastian Professional who has done the strands of ladies like Kate Hudson and Charlotte Ronson, says “split ends are the most common signs of damaged hair.”   He also warns that the best way to prevent this is to get a haircut every 8-12 weeks. I have been in Derek’s chair unbelievably frustrated with the frizz on my head, cursing the New England humidity, but he taught me the error of my thought.  He said that my hair had so many split ends they traveled up the shaft creating the frizz. He really helped me get my silky frizz-free curls back.

The truth is, the amount of damage will dictate when and if you should see your stylist.  If you feel that it has become a major issue, go see your hair stylist. One of the best ways to start the mend is a haircut.  Also a stylist will be able to tailor products and techniques to your specific hair type that will protect you from further damage.  

Olive oil

If you only have slight damage and want to try and fix this at home, Derek recommends using olive oil.  He says that olive oil, “has the smallest molecules and therefore can penetrate the cuticle layer to moisturize the hair.”

dermatologist Dr. Nicole Rogers

When you have a handle on the problem the next plan of action is to prevent future damage.  Damaged can be caused by a series of factors including the environment, but one of the most common is excessive exposure to heat and hair dyes.  I’m most certainly guilty of that as I cannot resist a blowout so I have begun to use heat protecting sprays.  Dr. Nicole Rogers, a dermatologist from WebMD says, “you can use styling products that contain silicone and dimethicone in order to coat and protect the hair cuticle.”  Derek also recommends using Sebastian’s Trilliant Spray before any heat use as it will protect the hair cuticle from damage. 

These days it seems that every issue has a quick fix, but sometimes they just don’t work.  Many products do not function because they are only treating the symptoms, not the disease itself.  In a world of diseases, damaged hair isn’t the worst, but if we can take “fussing with hair” off our lists it will free up time to fight all our other battles.

And don’t forget to check out our feature on How Often You Should Wash Your Hair and Find The Right Dry Shampoo For Your Hair Type.

- Yiannoula Choros 

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Among dermatologists and hair stylists, their opinions about shampooing differ.  Some say it’s necessary in order to prevent the build-up of oil that can clog pores and others say that it actually causes an increased production of sebum.  Although their opinions are different they do agree that the need to shampoo everyday is not necessary.  Just as with our skin, the oils in our hair keep it healthy.  If we constantly strip the oils, our bodies will increase production to compensate beginning the vicious cycle in which we constantly wash to remove oil but in actuality, produce more oil.

celeb hair stylist, Nick Arrojo

Most stylists recommend not shampooeing every day and even use products to dirty up hair.  Nick Arrojo from TLC’s What Not To Wear says, “shampooing three or four times a week is plenty.”

dermatologist, Dr. Zoe Draelos

While Dr. Zoe Dreolos warns us “shampooing is actually more damaging to the hair follicle then beneficial.”  It seems that those who know realize hair needs to be cleaned, but not as often as most of us think.

After all these opinions it seems that our shampoo schedule is mostly governed by our genes.  If your have naturally curly thick hair you can go longer between washes as opposed to those with fine straight hair.

dermatologist, Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd

A dermatologist who studies ethnic skin care, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, described that with thick hair, “the oils do not travel down the hair shaft as quickly so [this hair] tends to be dry and requires less frequent shampooing.”  Although this is true hair can be trained to respond to the frequency we shampoo.  If you go longer between lathering up your hair follicles will become adjusted and respond according.

Unfortunately, our society has scared us to think that if we don’t shampoo everyday we are dirty.  As one of those curly haired folks my best advice is to be like the French.  Embrace the oils, don’t fight nature, it saves you time and effort.  Plus its almost a half week of that great “second day” hair!

So tell us, do you wash your hair everyday?  Post a comment below to let us know.

- Yiannoula Choros

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