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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Heart of Gold

Starlight

Heart of Gold—a glam but still subtle, rich and totally fab shade of gold.  Went on glossy and slick with just the right amount of sparkle.  I loved it; in an odd way, it’s a neutral, but with more with punch—it goes with everything.  Staying power was pretty impressive too. I got almost a week’s worth of wear from it, which for me is a lot since I seem to be hard on my nails and I have seen my polish chip in a single day.

Starlight—A beautiful, silvery shade that evokes stars, diamonds and the gleam of moonlight on the water.  I am crazy for these colors—the wow factor is high, but they don’t play as overdone or trashy.  These are shimmering shades but with a certain elegance to them and they impart a classy, not overdone look.

Moonshine

Moonshine—Topshop calls this color rose gold, and it does indeed have a pinkish cast. But I thought it read more like copper.

These colors are in stores for a limited time only, so get them while the getting is good.  These 3 shimmering nail shades retail for $10 each at Topshop stores.

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- Yona McDonough

And don’t forget to check out the new Chanel nail polishes as well as the crackled polish by Duri Krakl.

If you’re looking to cover gray, you might want to try Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme with Bamboo Extract.  According to Garnier Consulting Hair Stylist, Chuck Hezekiah, the new Garnier HerbaShine fortifies the hair cuticle, provides natural gray coverage, and lasts through 28 shampoos.

The 18 available shades in the new collection represent a hybrid color system that falls between semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair color, offering long-lasting color and shine, great gray coverage and a new strengthening complex that allows the cuticle to be kept very smooth,” added Hezekiah.

We like the fact the formula is ammonia-free, easy to use/apply and contains Bamboo extract, avocado oil and shea butter that work to condition and protect the hair cuticle.  It also contains special polymers that work to smooth, soften and add shine.

Have you tried this product yet?  If not, what hair color are you currently using?

Post a comment below to join our mailing list and get the opportunity to win free hair products and other exciting beauty products.

Plus, check out more at-home hair color tips HERE. And check out our reviews of:  Clairol Advanced Gray Solution and John Frieda Precision Hair Colour Foam.

- Ron Robinson – cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com

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True to his words, a burly bouncer opened a door in the rear of the shop to reveal the restaurant. It was, as promised, a really cool place. And it was not the last surprise of the evening. I heard the word ‘matchmaker’ and prepared my self for an evening of rules, such as Patti Stanger’s slightly controversial if entertainingly phrased assertions. The very approachable Steve Ward, who runs a matchmaking service with his mother, kicked the evening off by saying the survey results didn’t surprise him one little bit. Hallie Bowman, on the other hand, found herself caught off guard by some of the answers.

This one did it for me: Men are twice as likely to notice a bad hair day as they are a blemish. As Ward explained its obviousness, he likened hair to a beacon. It’s a large feature in and of itself, and a man will notice it from across the room, while a zit seems like a tiny detail in comparison. In fact, 74% of men said they notice women because of their hair. As for what constitutes ‘good’ hair, the takeaway there is health. Men want to see healthy, well-kept hair because they assume it will belong to a healthy, well-kept woman – 86% of men believe how a woman cares for her hair reflects how she cares for herself. Bowman encouraged women everywhere to make use of deep conditioning masks for their specific hair types, but they’re especially important now in the colder climates.

When it comes to getting ready for a date, Ward and Bowman’s cups runneth over with advice. When asked if their date had time to do either makeup or hair, 80% of men said that they would prefer their lady spent the time on her hair. 40% of men feel that having great hair ‘completes the package of an attractive-looking woman,’ and Ward points out that hair needs to ‘fit’ with a woman’s look as well ( i.e., high-maintenance hairstyles need to be worn with couture clothes, and girl-next-door hair should go with a laid-back wardrobe.) Bowman offered some tips for preserving health and sex-appeal in a hairstyle beset by inclement weather. First, style you hair as you want it at home, even if you’re just planning on covering it up with a hat. Using a good mousse or gel with your styling tools will make it easier to revive your hair when the hat comes off once you’re back indoors. As for the reviving itself, Bowman recommends carrying a small brush and a travel size can of hairspray for fine-haired women, and a straightening balm if your hair is coarser. Do the trusty flip-upside-down-and-brush move, and then hit hair with a fortifying does of product to make your style date-worthy again.

The takeaway of the evening came back again and a gain to health. If your hair looks shiny and is soft to the touch, everything else is negotiable. I’m sure the shot of confidence that comes from having healthy hair styled in your own favorite w ay goes much farther toward attracting a man than any other hard and fast rule. But you don’t have take my word for it: To read the survey results in their entirety and get more specific product recommendations from, click here. Happy styling!

- Katharine McKenzie

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In comparison to the “Rock Forever” Holiday Collection, this new edition has a softer, less edgy side, using frothy shades of mint green, pink, and vanilla. The consistency is smoother and less metallic. Think “Pin-Up” meets Barbie Girl, and you will have exactly the right setting for this fun look. We can’t wait to see those lashes!

The Collection consists of Star Powder Diamond ($19.00, limited edition). Brush anywhere to highlight face, body, eyes (this is a perfect pair to the Lab Shine lipgloss series we reported on earlier):
* Star Powder: #67 diamond white
* Star Powder: #68 diamond pink with purple highlights
* Star Powder: #69 diamond pink with golden highlights
* Star Powder: #70 diamond green with golden highlights

Vichy Blossom Palette (limited edition, price TBD)
* Crystal Diamond: # 301 (white shimmer) & Cheek Color: # 303 (pink shimmer)
* Vichy Trendy Shadow (limited edition, price TBD)
* Crystal Diamond: # 301 (white shimmer & Eye Shadow): #85 (candy pink)
* Très Vichy Faux-Lash (limited edition)
* Natural hair lashes with gingham bows ($15.00)

The limited edition release date is February 10, 2011 and is available exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com.  Stay tuned for our review and swatches of the line.

- By Elaine Hamilton

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The Armani makeup collection for spring 2011 plays with transparency to ignite a woman’s face. There are bright colors in this collection that allow infinite layering and blending create a new landscape of tones. There is a new smoky look for the eyes produced with radiant shades of green, purple, and pink.

From soft to dramatic, the look seen at the Armani spring-summer 2011 fashion show was a fresh interpretation of “La Femme Bleue.” Capture a little “magic noir” of your own with Rouge d’Armani ($30.00) in Dawn Pink, Early Morning Rose, and Petal Pink.

Let your eyes do the talking this spring with jewel-like prisms of color.The Transluminence Eye Palette ($58.00) in iris purple, jungle green, melting snow, and carbon black.

Transluminence Face Palette ($49.00) offers you the definition of luminous: a Pale Pink Sheer Blush.

What would your eyes do without those killer Waterproof Eyeliners ($27.00)? The shades are Classic Black, Modern Brown and Grass Green Help rim those dramatic eyes.

This collection hits the U.S. shores in February 2011 at luxury counters, or at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

Remember, sheer is sexy.

- Elaine Hamilton

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Ken Paves is considered one of the WORLD’S MOST RECOGNIZED HAIRSTYLISTS. His new line of sulfate free styling products and his line of clip-in hair extensions has made him a complete hair master. He’s worked with the biggest names in the business including Eva Longoria, Carmen Electra, Celine Dion, Kim Cattrall, Ashlee Simpson, Christina Applegate, Heather Locklear, Avril Lavigne, Jennifer Lopez and is BFF’s with Jessica Simpson. He is also a regular on the Oprah Winfrey Show and has graciously given hair makeovers to audience members.

If all of that wasn’t enough, he is one of BeautyStat’s GUEST EXPERT’s and has answered your wildest, craziest hair questions!

Read on!

DRY HAIR:

My hair literally has a mind of its own. At the roots it can get extremely oily and the ends it’s dryer than a Brillo pad. I’ve been told to trim my hair every three months, but that only brings the dryness higher up on the strands. I’ve literally been scared to get a haircut in THREE YEARS! I’ve tried practically every product and even stopped using styling tools for six months. I don’t know what to do, please help I am desperate for a fix and a haircut!

If you haven’t had a hair cut in three years, then I promise you the moment you do your hair will look better! What’s happening to your hair is this: By not cutting it for so long, you’re allowing the split ends to rise – so what once was an inch of split ends in now virtually several inches. Most women don’t realize you save tons of length on your hair by simply trimming it often because you end up cutting less hair in the end. Now we know why your ends are dry and I can take a guess as to why the rest of your hair is dry as well: you’re looking for heavier products! This, in turn, will cause your roots to get greasier! It’s all about finding the right balance.

Here’s what I want you to do: First: promise me you’ll trim it! Secondly, I ask you to try my hydrophobic shampoo and conditioner from my new Self Help: Care of Ken Paves hair care collection. Both are SLS-free (Sodium Laurel Sulfate). What’s SLS? It’s soap – like in your dishwashing soap. It dries out hair tremendously and weakens it over time!

When shampooing hair, I suggest washing the roots thoroughly, and when conditioning, just concentrate the product from MID-SHAFT down to the ends – skip your roots entirely. Your hair has natural oils that are produced at the scalp so you can skip using a product that contains oil to see if this will eliminate some of the greasiness. Next, I suggest introducing a deep treatment (I have one called Get Deep that you use for 4 minutes, 4 times a week, and every 4 weeks). You’ll see your hair transform! But again, when applying the deep treatment you should skip applying to the roots and concentrate on the ends.

Now that your hair is clean and conditioned, loosely braid hair or create a loose bun on the top of your head without any product in it before you go to sleep. Apply styling product to your air-dried hair the next day as necessary. This method allows you to control exactly where you need product without over-applying it. I always tell my clients to stick to a styling crème, mist or lightweight serum – using the same method when applying – avoiding your roots! Flip your head over and apply product to avoid running your fingers through your roots. I hope this method helps you, and please write back and let me know how it goes!

My hair is starting to show age, can you advise me on how take care of hair that is going on the dry side? I let my hair air dry naturally, but it’s still dry on the ends. Do you have any suggestions?

Hair ages just like our skin does and the best way to treat hair that is aging is to pay attention to your hair and the changes that it’s making. What naturally happens is hair starts to become less elastic and more brittle, dry and weak. This means you need to switch your hair care products just like you do for your skin care. My new hair care line, Self Help: Care of Ken Paves, is actually an anti-aging hair care line that is 100% SLS-Free (Sodium Laurel Sulfate), 100% synthetic fragrance-free, hydrophobic (water doesn’t swell up the strands and fade color) and is the first hair care formula that contains Co-Q10 which actually increases elasticity in hair! I urge you to try out the shampoo, conditioner and deep treatment. You’ll see a huge difference in your hair!

THICK HAIR:
I have naturally thick/coarse, wavy dark hair. It is just past my shoulders and I’ve had the same long layered style for many years (I graduated high school in the 80s). I have used gels, mousse, wax-type products as styling aids for years, but am not sure what the best products are to use on my hair type. I wash and condition every other day and use the above products on those days. What do you recommend for overall styling products? I prefer a “wash and go” style that requires minimal work to get out the door – I work full time and have 3 kids. I appreciate any and all advice!

You’re a lucky girl to have such a great hair texture! But I do think it’s time to update the products you’ve been using since the 80’s! Here’s why: Gel has a ton of alcohol and dries out hair. This is bad for any hair texture, especially wavy/curly hair! Next up, Mousse: This has even more alcohol and dries out hair even more. Lastly, wax is not really meant to use on a daily basis. A wax is meant to slick back unruly hair when in an updo or to create texture (which you already have) and is tricky to use because some waxes are very, well waxy! I think you’re fine not washing your hair every day, if it can stand up to it. However, I want you to use lightweight products – that still provide frizz-control and manageability. You should look for styling crèmes (there are a million varieties!), serums and styling mists that will give your hair shine, bounce and control. Apply them after you’ve washed, conditioned and air-dried your hair. You’ll also create less build-up and keep your thick, wavy hair shiny.

CURLY HAIR:
I have curly hair and am in need of a haircut very bad because my hair is too long and the weight of my hair is weighing my curls down. The salon down the street says it’s best to dry-cut curly hair. Is it really better to cut curly hair dry? I made an appointment then cancelled because I was very unsure of the dry cut. What is your advice, should I have my hair cut wet or dry?

Curly hair and straight hair grow in a different pattern, and the cut should be different as well. To best see the curl pattern, hair needs to be dry. If it’s wet, the length of the hair seems longer because the hair is saturated and weighed down with water, thus, cutting while wet can result in a shorter do’ (and with curly hair that is the ultimate nightmare because when your hair dries and curls coil, you have a much different do’ than expected!) I say, if you’re uncomfortable, go to the salon and have a consultation with a stylist before you commit to a cut. Come prepared with questions and if you’re still uncomfortable, keep searching for another salon!

I’ve been coloring my hair “dark auburn” (over my natural brown turning grey) since my early 20′s, and it’s been pretty resilient, considering. But now my thick curly hair is getting really dry, and short of slathering a quart of olive oil all over my head, I’m not sure what to do. To make the problem worse, a few months back I had so much color build-up in my hair it got really dark, so I had the color stripped to reveal the much lighter auburn lurking underneath…and now that I’m coloring it again, I just can’t seem to hydrate it enough to get my soft, glossy, soft curls back. Can you suggest products for me to try? Or do I need to cut off my over-the-shoulder length hair and start all over?

When you stripped out the color, it is likely that you put too much stress on your hair and now it is weak and brittle. The good news is that it’s not too late to care for it NOW! And what’s more, it’s simple! I highly suggest switching your shampoo and conditioner to a SLS-free formula. SLS creates suds, but these suds strip the natural oils from your hair, making it more brittle, weak and dull. I created a new line called Self Help: Care of Ken Paves that is 100% SLS-free. It’s also Hydrophobic, which means that water is less likely to swell up your hair and remove color as quickly (causing it to fade). I also suggest that you use my color infusions which are styling crèmes with added color. This product will deposit non-chemical color onto hair, thus preserving your color and buying you time in between your salon visits. I hope this helps!

STYLE:

My hair is so flat, are there products that will help give lift to the crown? Also, what’s a good way to “up-do” an all-around chin length?

One option is to get a cut that provides more movement and volume. However, if you want a quick fix, then I definitely suggest using the new hairdo Crown Volumizer that simply clips in and with moldable base wire that allows you to adjust the height of the volume you need! It’s that simple! And this leads right into your second question too! There’s also a new braided chignon in the hairdo collection that easily clips into your own hair, creating an easy already-styled updo for the evening!

FRIZZY HAIR:
I have naturally curly/wavy hair and its making me crazy. I only wash it every other day (if that), and I let it air dry as much as possible since I know that I will use a curling iron eventually to tame some of it. It’s a different kind of curly all over and I can’t seem to keep it from looking like I have a fuzzy halo around my entire head in every picture I take. What do you suggest?

Well, it depends on the type of products you’re using. There are certain ingredients to stay away from if you have curly hair. The first is alcohol; it dries out hair terribly! It’s like acetone on a nail; it will soak up all of the natural oils and leave hair dull and frizzy. I always suggest using products that provide moisture – not grease. So, choose styling crèmes that aren’t too greasy, and lightweight serums that will not weigh hair down. Also, if you wash your hair in the evening, I suggest sleeping on it in a loose bun at the top of your head. In the morning you can apply product to your air-dried hair – this allows you to add the product exactly where you need it, including the frizzy areas!

FINE HAIR
I love the look of my straight tresses, but how can I get volume and curl without having to hairspray like there’s no tomorrow?

I have an easy solution for you! Jessica Simpson has fine, limp hair and she uses extensions to add volume, length and even color to her hair! You can try the hairdo Bump Up The Volume which adds volume to the crown of the head (and has moldable wires to adjust the height of your volume), or you can try using the 23 inch wavy clip–in extensions which add that sexy wave you’re looking for as well as volume and length. And then you can slightly add a curl with your curling iron to your natural hair without having to worry too much about the curl falling out!

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Compiled by Allison McKenna

Women drop hundreds of dollars a month to lie in the coffin-like tanning beds that threaten your physical health. Spray on tans like Mystic Tan are favored by wannabe-starlets like Paris Hilton, but skin can often turn out looking a bit more like a glass of Tang rather than gold. And while the budget-tanning method of lying out in the sun is wallet-friendly, the risks of burns and skin cancer are getting greater every day. So put down the SPF 600, and follow my journey to glow without risking my health, my wallet, and my common sense.

Many physicians believe the extreme reliance on being tan is in fact an addiction, stemming from the positive self-image gained from the skin color, and the endorphins generated from light. So are we really a nation of “Tanorexics?”

Tanning beds are the Holy Grail for proud Tanorexics. The phrase “GTL” (which stands for gym, tan, laundry) has become a national phenomenon thanks to the cast of Jersey Shore. But with the severe risks of skin cancer combined with skyrocketing prices, many people are looking to go in a different direction. We’ve seen spray on tanning systems but the results are often a little more…radioactive than planned.

In lieu of getting skin cancer, or looking like an Oompa Loompa, we tested a boatload of sunless tanners so you wouldn’t have to.

I first tried Fake Bake: Sunless and Skinny with major reservations. I could only imagine preteens on the Jersey Shore slathering it on under their denim cutoffs. But would it be creepy for a full-fledge adult to use it? After building a darker base on my pale skin with drug store go-to, Jergens Natural Glow, I was hoping for something a little more lively. I slathered on Fake Bake with great enthusiasm, and ignored the pair of rubber gloves that come with the bottle. My immediate reaction was “Wow, this stuff really works!” and then, “Crap! I should have worn the gloves!” My hands looked quite dirty, despite scrubbing after application. The smell is what you’d imagine from self-tanner, but luckily your skin doesn’t maintain the smell after application. After a few days of applying Sunless and Skinny, I loved the natural glow. In addition to its tanning abilities, Sunless and Skinny seeks to eliminate the visibility of cellulite and smooth skin. I wasn’t expecting my cellulite to diminish instantly, but the golden tone does have a slimming effect. My skin’s glow made me feel like a bronze goddess, except for the splotches of brown under my arms and on the upper thigh.

As one of the frontrunners in modern cosmetics, I was eager to test Lancome’s Flash Bronzing Leg Gel. After showering and exfoliating, I applied Flash Bronzer all over my legs. Satisfied with the result, I decided to use it on my arms and chest. For a few days, I basked in the glory of my golden tan. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. “Your skin tone is BEAUTIFUL!” a friend said to me after viewing a party photo of me. I began to plot out buying bottles of Flash Bronzer after my sample ran out. And then the honeymoon period ended. While visiting my parents in Connecticut, a family friend grabbed a glance of my neck. “Um….Do you have leprosy or something?” Okay, that wasn’t quite the look I was going for. But after a few days of laying low and not applying the bronzer, it had begun to fade into a splotchy mess which my mother described as “looking like dirt.” After some major exfoliating thanks to coarse sugar, soap, and a washcloth, I was able to get rid of most of the left over tanner. If you’re willing to undergo a few days of splotchy skin after a few fabulous ones, Lancôme’s sunless tanners are absolutely worth your money.

If you’ve cultivated a fake tan like I have, you’re eager to protect it. Sol Survivor is an SPF 30 spray that provides protection if you’re lying in the sun. While it acts as a traditional sunscreen in the face of UVA and UVB rays, it won’t diminish your carefully cultivated Fake Bake. Like other sunscreens, it needs to be reapplied after swimming of drying off, but its easy to apply spray bottle is quick and painless. But whether you’re just frolicking in the sun or looking to protect your tan, remember that no golden glow is worth risking your health. Even if you’re looking to get seriously tan, protect your skin by slathering on some form of sunscreen before you fry like bacon. Skin cancer isn’t attractive at any age.

For more information about Fake Bake: Sunless and Skinny and Sol Survivor, visit www.fakebake.com. For more information about Lancôme Flash Bronzer, visit www.lancome.com.

- Megan Sarah Johnson

BeautyStat’s Founder and cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson has answered your toughest haircare questions. Robinson has been quoted in the LA Times and on CBS News and is a resident beauty expert for Allure magazine. From frizz control to controlling those gray strands, Robinson tackled all of your questions and then some!

CURLY HAIR

I can never find the right styling product that will hold a curl in my hair. I’ve tried hair spray and gel and nothing works. Also, what type of shampoo will help make my hair look fuller and curlier? What do you recommend?

There are quite a few great new products. I was really impressed with the test results from the new Pantene products for Curly hair. It contains ingredients to control frizz and define and maintain curls.

My hair is super curly and very dry. I’ve tried tons of products and nothing works. Can you help me?

For super curly, dry hair, I recommend the new line of Pantene shampoos and conditioners for Curly hair. It contains ingredients to control frizz and define and maintain curls.

THINNING HAIR

I have a problem with thinning hair and rough edges. Is there anything out there that will help? My hair is so thin I can’t wear it in any kind of style.

Thinning hair can be the effect of a number of things: If your hair is processed, you might have to take a break from coloring for a while so that your hair can re-build its natural strength and thickness. If you’re hair is natural, there are plenty of great styles you can rock. Though I’m not a stylist, I can refer to you some great experts like our celeb hair stylist, Rodney Cutler.

My hair is greasy and I also have dandruff. I use all the anti-dandruff products, and it still shows up over time. I wash my hair every other day. Is there anything that could help?

If you have thinner hair, it tends to get very greasy and it shows up more than any other hair types. You might want to try Pantene’s new line of products for Thin hair. I’d also continue to use an anti-dandruff shampoo once or twice a week.

Are there any products out there that can help replenish thinning hair? I’ve been on medication for blood, diabetes etc.

When taking medications that cause your hair to get dry, thin or fall out, you really need products that will help to condition and protect the hair. I really like Pantene’s Nature Fusion line of shampoos and conditioners for weak hair. Their clinical results show that it makes hair up to 10 times stronger than other shampoos and conditioners.

THICK HAIR

My hair is a course and very heavy. I’ve been using a well known oil shampoo and conditioner, it does the trick but I’m looking for something better. What would you recommend?

If you’re hair is coarse and heavy, I recommend Pantene’s new line of hair products for thick hair. It can help condition and help control frizz.

SHINE

What do you recommend to make hair shine?

For natural, shiny, frizz-free hair, I really like Moroccan Oil or Moroccan Oil light. They contain natural conditioning oils to keep your hair shiny and protected.

COLOR TREATED

I just died my hair blonder than it was what products should I use that won’t cost me too much?

For color treated hair, I’m really impressed with the clinical results of the new Pantene line for Color-Treated Hair. It contains new ingredients that will make your hair moisturized, conditioned and protected.

How do you keep red hair from fading so quickly?

Red hair really needs to be conditioned and protected to help maintain the color. I like Redken’s Color Extend line. It contains sunscreen and other ingredients to help protect your color and keep hair conditioned and healthy looking.

How can I keep the gray hairs away for the maximum amount of time?

To keep the gray hair at bay and to hold you over until your next coloring, I recommend Clairol’s Root Touch Up Stick. It’s a clever product with a brush applicator that allows you to touch-up the roots.

My hair is natural and jet black, I would like to color it but I want to stay away from chemicals. Is there such a color that will do that?

Unfortunately, in order to make you to dramatically change your color, you would have to use chemicals (ex. ammonia). You might be able to go to a brown shade using a semi-permanent color. I like Garnier HerbaShine or Clairol AirPure.

I have several strands if grey hair around my temples. I’m 46 years young with absolutely no wrinkles on my face, but my hair is aging me. Which products are great for gray hair coverage? I like deep dark reds but the grays look almost pink. Can you help?

For covering gray, I was really impressed with Clairol’s Nice-n-Easy Advanced Grey Solution. It lasts up to 12 shampoos too.

How can I keep my hair shiny and blonde without dying it so many times?

If you’re hair is color-treated as well, I recommend Pantene’s new line for Color-Treated hair. I was really impressed with the clinical results that showed how it provided moisturizing and conditioning benefits and protected it from damage.

DAMAGED

What are the best low-cost hair products for swimmers? Chlorine kills my hair!

For swimmers, Chlorine can damage and weaken the hair. Aveda and Oscar Blandi are two brands that have products geared to battle the effects of Chlorine.

My hair is dry and brittle towards the ending, how can I make them smooth and soft?

Dry, brittle ends require deep conditioning. I really like the benefits of Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask and K-Pak Intense Hydrator. Give those a try.

FRIZZ CONTROL

Do you have any tips on how to control frizzy hair in the hot, humid summer weather?

I just collaborated with a celeb hair stylist, Harry Josh, on this article from yesterday’s LA Times. We discussed the latest anti-frizz products.

See link here:

What is the best product to use for black/white, curly/fuzzy hair?

For mixed race curly, frizzy hair there are many great product lines like Miss Jessie’s and Ouidad. Each of those lines contain great Leave-in Conditioners that will help define your curls as well as control frizz.

Are there any lightweight frizz control products available on the market that won’t weigh hair down or make it greasy the next day?

Yes, there are quite a few products out there to control frizz and won’t weigh hair down. I really like Living Proof’s new hair spray that contains their proprietary anti-frizz technology. I also like Moroccan Oil Light.

STYLE

My hair is super straight and very fine. What are great products to cleanse and condition as well as style that add texture, volume and a bit of shine and bounce?

For hair that is straight and fine that needs a little shine and bounce, I recommend Oscar Blandi Instant Glossing Cream and Samy Ultra Lightweight Conditioning Serum. They both contain weightless silicones that absorb easily to prevent fuzziness and fly-aways, while adding volume and shine. Living Proof Hold Hairspray is the lightest of them all and holds curls intact without a sign of greasiness or frizz. Moroccan Oil Light with argan oil eliminates frizz, but it is easy to overdo. A little goes a long way.

I want a new ‘do’. I am 58 years old and I am looking for something new that won’t make me look to old or too young.

Since I’m not a hair stylist, I checked with our resident celeb stylist and he posted an article that might help you pick the right hair style based on the shape of your face. Check out this link and good luck and don’t forget to show us your new do. See Link.

Compiled by Allison McKenna

The dark blue Electric Boogie (inky blue with teal glitter) gives you a memory trip back to the 1970s; dance your summer evenings with your significant other by wearing Slow Motion (light metallic lavender); let it all down with Freestyle (metallic mint with silver glitter); swirl ballet-style in Passionate Pirouette (a grape metallic purple); unlease your inner party animal with Night Moves until dawn (sparkling metallic silver); and go limbo with Belly Dance (nude taupe with shimmer).

We will post swatches as soon as we get the actual polishes, but for now, I’m digging Freestyle and Belly Dance and cannot wait to see how they salsa on my digits.

Barielle’s polishes are all formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl-phthalate free and each retails for $8.00 at Barielle.com.