Beauty Blog

There are lots of different hairstyling products. The first thing you must know when looking for a styling product is what type of hair you have. Is it fine or coarse? Is it thick or thin? Does it have texture and body or tend to lie flat and lifeless? The next thing you must do is look at your hairstyle. Is it short or long? Is it curly, wavy or straight? Finally, identify the style you want to achieve. Do you want volume or texture? Do you want to increase shine? Do you want to enhance your hair's color? All of these questions must be answered in order to help you identify the perfect styling product. When it comes to fine hair, styling really begins with the shampoo and conditioner. Fine, limp hair cannot tolerate heavy products that will further weigh it down. Instead, always look for products that are weightless or light in nature. Many will be specifically labeled "for fine or limp hair", and an oil-free variety often works best. Pay attention while shampooing. Apply the cleanser to the roots of the hair and work outward to the ends. In conditioning, go the opposite direction. Apply the condition to the ends only. Applying it at the roots will simply weigh down the hair. Mousse is a great styling option for fine hair. It comes in various lightweight formulations that can thicken or volumize. Because it is less likely to weigh it down, hair will automatically look like it has more bounce and volume. Best of all, mousse can be applied either wet or dry with equally good results. To complete the style perfectly, finish it with a volumizing hairspray. Coarse or thick hair often feels rough or looks frizzy or wiry in nature. Look for hair products that contain moisturizing or hydrating properties as well as "anti-frizz" ingredients. Be sure to always shampoo hair thoroughly and use a rinse-out condition with long-lasting hydration properties. When it comes to styling coarse or thick hair, balms, pastes, pomades and waxes often due the best job. They work beautifully to help tame out of control hair texture as well as provide a semblance of manageability. Most of them can also be applied while the hair is dry or wet. As a bonus, many of these types of styling products help block humidity to keep the hair from frizzing more when the weather or environmental conditions are less that stellar. Use a hairspray with anti-humidity properties to keep the style looking fresh all day. Short hair can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the haircut and the type of hair involved. For medium short hair, texture is often important, which is why pomades, creams, waxes, and balms can come in handy. Use a root-lifting product to add volume and achieve a polished final look with a good finishing spray. Very short hair can be more difficult. It may take more time to style than long hair because it takes a lot of hair styling product to get it right; this is where freezing sprays and spiking glues can come in handy. They literally allow one to place the hair as desired and "glue" it into place. Curly or wavy hair offers its own unique challenges. Like coarse hair, it can frizz easily or become wiry. The key here is to use styling products that help define the positive aspects of the hair while minimizing the negative. Always begin with a shampoo and conditioner made especially for curly/wavy hair; those that contain sebum or other natural fatty acids add the extra nourishment needed for African-American hair of this texture. Often a leave-in conditioner works better than one that you wash away. If the hair is also very thick, a good detangler can ensure the hair is easier to comb. If you like your natural waves or curls, a scrunching cream, lotion or gel may prove to be the perfect styling product. For the wet look, apply the gel or lotion while the hair is wet and allow it to dry naturally without additional styling. If you want to work against Mother Nature, choose a straightening gel. Applied to hair while dry, it can help tame the most serious kinks and soften the overall look to give you a movie star finish. Styling long hair depends a great deal on the type of hair involved. For example, straight hair often requires some additional body or volume. To achieve that, begin with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. When it comes to styling products, generally a styling gel, lotion or mousse works best. Those styling products provide control without further weighing down the hair. Chemically treated, colored, or excessively dry hair can also be a challenge. Choose shampoos that claim to "deposit" or "save" colored treated hair. These will help retain the color longer and keep the color as bright as possible instead of allowing it to fade. Hair that has a lot of split ends or breakage can often be saved with a good repair treatment that both strengthens and hydrates the damaged hair. In particular, look for shampoos, conditioners and styling products that contain keratin. Even an occasional hot-oil treatment could prove beneficial to dry, brittle locks. No matter the type of hair, however, a couple of drops of silk shine serum or a glossing spray can add just the perfect finishing touch to virtually any hairstyle. These contain shine enhancers that also seal the hair cuticle to prevent static electricity and keep the hair shaft from easy breakage. This type of product is particularly beneficial for hair that has been chemically treated.

Lather, rinse, repeat. Right? Right. Except when it comes to conditioning our hair. Turns out, we've all been doing things totally backward"¦our whole darn lives. Here's what to do instead. What you do: It's simple, really. Shampoo cleanses hair, removing dirt and oil, while conditioner smooths and detangles it. Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair first. Let sit for a minute or two, then rinse and shampoo like normal. Why it works: You're washing both out anyway. So using conditioner before shampoo helps nourish strands without weighing them down (which is especially great for fine hair). It also protects hair fibers from friction when you shampoo (which means fewer split ends all around).

You've seen a pix of a hairstyle you love or a celebrity or friend is sporting a style you think would be perfect for you. You are just feeling a need for change. Whatever your reason for wanting a new hairstyle, there are some things you need to think about and questions you need to ask your stylist. While everyone's hair is different, there are some general questions that you can ask to make sure you understand the cut, color, and the overall upkeep of the hairstyle you are choosing. What will the upkeep be like? If your haircut or color requires that you go back to the salon every 6 weeks, but you don't have the time or the money to do so, you probably need to think about an alternative option. It's essential to know that you'll be able to do what's necessary to maintain your new style before you make any big changes to your hair, or you could find yourself feeling remorseful. Hair Tip: Don't get discouraged right away! Talk with your hairstylist about the different options available to you, and see if you can't come up with a similar cut or color that doesn't require as much maintenance. Where will the hairstyle fall? Show your hairstylist where you want your hair to fall when it's styled and finished, instead of telling him or her the length that you want to cut it. If you give your hairstylist a measurement, chances are when your hair is styled it's going to be shorter than you actually want it. Providing a visual is easier because your hairstylist will know where to cut to ensure your hair falls at the length you want it. Also remember to keep in mind how you wear your part as this could have an impact on how your hairstylist ensures the hairstyle falls the way you'd like. Hair Tip: Pictures and images work well and are great references to bring in! Will I have to style hair every day to get this look? This is one of the most important questions to ask. If you only have 10 minutes to do your hair in the morning, getting an elaborate cut that takes you 30 minutes or longer to style isn't going to work with your schedule. Your style may look great at the salon, but if you can't replicate it every day, chances are you will end up dissatisfied with your new hairstyle very quickly. Hair Tip: If you're set on a hairstyle but it takes more time than you normally allow for your hair, consider changing up your routine in the morning to accommodate this new style. What do I need to know about dying my hair a certain color? Depending on the color you want, and how dark or light you're going to go, getting to a certain color could take multiple trips to the salon. It's also important to note that as a general rule of thumb, it's recommended that you get your color re-done every 6-8 weeks to account for regrowth at the root and any color fade. If you can't afford to go back that often, or you don't have the time, you can also consider a root touch-up spray to help cover any root re-growth between your hair color appointments. Hair Tip: It's often best to stay within two shades of your natural coloring. What products should I use with my hairstyle? Different hairstyles require different products, so make sure you're aware of the products your hairstylist is using. Ask if your stylist knows of any products that may address a specific concern or need you have for maintaining your hair. For instance, if you have thin or thinning hair, it may be important for you to ask your hairstylist how to get thicker hair, or you may want to know more about hair loss products. Your hairstylist may be able to recommend a great shampoo for hair loss or another hair loss cure. Hairstylists often know about great new products first. Hair Tip: Don't be afraid to ask questions! Hairstylists love telling you about their favorite products, and they've definitely done the research to make it easier for you to pick products that will work well with your hairstyle or address your hair needs.

Ever wondered what the difference is between regular and baby shampoo? Adult shampoos contain chemicals called anionic (like ammonium laurel sulfate) that create the lather most people want when they shampoo. This can be very drying, but since most adults use conditioner and other styling products and have oilier skin than kids, it's not an issue. Be shampoo savvy when it comes to caring for infant and toddler hair washing. Babies: Only need to have hair washed once or twice a week. If your baby has cradle cap, which (despite the flakes) is an oily-skin condition, wash with a dandruff shampoo two or three times a week after massaging a little olive or baby oil onto his scalp to loosen the flakes. Toddlers: Three times a week is fine (more often if he's got a penchant for mashing bananas on his head). Preschoolers and up: As your child's hair gets longer, wash it every other day (less often for very curly, dry, or African-American hair; in these cases, you can use conditioner once a week, too). At any age: Always shampoo at the end of the bath so your child's not sitting in the sudsy water, which could irritate sensitive skin. The best way to comb painlessly after shampooing: DO use a wide-tooth comb, or a boar-bristle or paddle brush, on dry hair. Avoid using your vent brush, which has tiny teeth that can snag. DON'T start at the top; you'll just make tangles worse. Instead, begin at the ends and slowly work your way up the hair shaft, gently pulling apart knots with your fingers. DO the hair at the nape of the neck first, which tends to get most tangled. DON'T wet bad snarls. They'll only get more matted. Work in some regular hair conditioner or spray detangler, and hold the hair at the scalp while you gently comb out.

Cowlicks! They can be so frustrating! Unfortunately, almost everyone has one in one place or another! A cowlick is a section of hair that stands straight up or hair that grows in a spiral pattern. The most common place for cowlicks is at the crown of the head. On top of the head hair grows to the front, on the back of the head it grows towards the nape and hair grows to the left and right side of the head on the sides of the head. A cowlick's spiral pattern is likely caused because hair gets confused about whether it needs to go forward, backward, or to the side, and some hairs get caught in between creating that characteristic whorl. The hair whorl can be in the center of the head but it can also be located to the left or right side of the head. In the very center of the scalp it will be visible because the hair lies flat. The second most common place is along the front hairline. Here the whorl of hair growth is generally less pronounced, so hair seems to stand straight up. (Fun Fact: In people who are right handed, at least 90% of cowlicks have a clockwise rotation while about 10% go in a counterclockwise direction. Left-handed people generally have a counter-clockwise rotation.) Depending on how resistant your hair type is and how stubborn your cowlick choses to be, we've listed our favorite ways to conquer the cowlick! If one doesn't work for you, try another or a combination of a few "” something is bound to work, we promise! Blow Dry Away from the Cowlick Pattern: You've probably already tried to train your re-train hair while blow drying, but when it comes to cowlicks, technique is key. Drying cowlicks should be done IMMEDIATELY after you wash your hair. Letting the hair dry naturally, even just slightly, before blow drying allows the cowlick to start to "take it's form." Eliminate this by blow drying at least that section while your hair is still sopping wet. Use a firm grip brush and work this section back and forth, mostly away from the growth or "grain" and be sure to follow this up with a cool shot button. Use a Root Lifter: Root lifters are the perfect hair styling product for anyone who suffers from cowlicks. We recommend a mousse-based root lifter that sprays directly onto the root area. This can be used by itself to tame less stubborn cowlicks or in combination with blow drying for the extra stubborn growth patterns! Cure Hair with a Keratin Treatment: Some may call this the cheaters way out, but we call it staying sane! If you have had enough of your battle and are tired of feeling defeated, try getting a smoothing treatment applied to just that area, or your whole head if you want to make your styling process really easy! Using a smoothing treatment will seal the hair in place for 4-6 weeks at a time, or until you have new growth. This is definitely worth it "” especially in the humid months of summer! Not to mention, if you stick to applying the treatment just to your problem area, it won't be costly at all! Tease to Prevent Separation: This is obviously a more temporary solution, but it's the perfect way to cover cowlicks on the back of the head or directly on the part. Not only will it help to blend in any unsightly parts, but it will give you a crazy boost in volume. Not a bad side effect if you ask me! When All Else Fails, Embrace it! If you're cowlick is too stubborn to respond to these helpful hacks, it might be time to switch up your style to one that works more naturally with your cowlick. If your cowlick is on your hairline or part, find a style that will move with your cowlick and start to train the rest of your hair to move that way. After all, cowlicks are the hardest hair to "retrain," so starting fresh with the rest of your hair might be a lot easier!

Grab your soda maker! It's not just for drinks! It can also make a beauty treat for your face! Sparkling water not only helps cleanse your skin in a deeper way"”its carbonation helps to break up the dirt and oil embedded in your pores"”there are real benefits aesthetically. For example, at room temperature, carbonated water becomes a vasodilator [normal water needs to be heated to have a vasodilation effect], meaning it triggers your blood vessels to open up, bringing the blood supply to your skin's tissue. This, in turn, enhances nutrient delivery, like oxygen, to the dermis [skin]; and the better your circulation is, the better your system will function, and the healthier your skin will look. First popularized by women in Japan and Korea, sparkling water is slowly making its way to the U.S. The reason some aestheticians love this treatment, other than for its simplicity and timelessness, is because the mineral water can help keep the cells between collagen fibers strong, aiding overall firmness and plumpness of the skin. The sparkling water is also known to help mechanically wash out the pores without too much harshness. Because this treatment is known to be compatible with all skin types, aestheticians can turn to this treatment without being too concerned about irritation or being overly harsh on the skin. In addition to clear pores and a healthy glow, tap water's pH (of 7) can disrupt the skin's acid mantle (a barrier on the skin's outermost layer), which is slightly acidic at a level of 5.5 pH. That's the same pH of carbonated water. So when you cleanse with the sparkling water, the carbonation won't alter your complexion's pH; whereas washing your face with tap water can cause dryness, which can lead to tiny cracks in your skin, inviting bacteria to brew, and breakouts to occur. Yep, acne happens THAT easily. How to wash with sparkling water. Once or twice a week is enough. Some people say that any longer than ten to fifteen seconds is too much for the skin, and other folks will say that they soak for as long as they can hold their breath. The idea is that this shouldn't be overdone and should be carefully monitored to see how your skin reacts in order to find that sweet spot of how long your skin should be soaking for. Pour sparkling water into bowl that is large enough and deep enough to submerge your face. Submerge your face into the bowl of sparkling water for 10 seconds. Massage your favorite cleansing wash into your skin. Wash away the soap with the carbonated water rinse. Dab your face with a towel before moisturizing. TIPS: If the foaming effect is too strong, mix equal parts sparkling water and mineral water to dial down the fizz for a gentler rinse. Combine a 1:1 ratio of sparkling and green tea water, drench cotton pads with the solution, and then placing them on you face for 10 minutes. It's an amazing refresher! If you want to try sparkling water on your face and you don't have a soda machine, buy a bottle first. If you and your skin love the effects, over time it may be worth the investment in a machine.

No matter your age, your skin needs ingredients from these three categories every day. Each group includes dozens of different ingredients that can provide amazing benefits. Shopping for products that contain a range of these ingredients is the best approach to improving your skin's appearance. Antioxidants. Antioxidants are ingredients that intercept problems in the environment and then, through a complex process, stop, or at the very least lessen, their visible impact on your skin. That means you'll see fewer signs of aging and a more vibrant, healthier-looking skin tone! There's no shortage of antioxidants available"”most occur in fruits and vegetables, others are from vitamins or made in a lab (something we call "designer antioxidants"). Both natural and lab-made antioxidants benefit your skin"”and you cannot begin using antioxidants too soon. Antioxidants work via different pathways and on different types of environmental threats to your skin, which is why we advise using products that contain a potent mix of antioxidants, not just one or two. For Anti-Pollution Defense: Gluathione. Superoxide dismutase. Ubiquinone. For Firming Skin: Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Flaxseed Oil. Linoleic Acid. Almond Oil. For Brighter Complexion Vitamin C. For Soothing Skin Green Tea. Chamomile. Beta-Glucan. For Fighting Wrinkles The more the better of the above anti-oxidants. Skin-Replenishing Ingredients. Skin-replenishing ingredients help fortify and revive your skin's surface, supplying long-lasting infusions of hydration. Skin-replenishing ingredients are found in all types of products, from facial cleansers to eye creams. These ingredients help your skin look and feel soft, smooth, and supple. With ongoing use, skin-replenishing ingredients help your skin resist moisture loss and maintain an enviably smooth, plump appearance. There are fewer skin-replenishing ingredients than there are antioxidants, but we've listed some of the most well-researched skin-replenishing ingredients here: Hyaluronic acid. Sodium hyaluronate. Ceramides. Glycerin. Fatty acids. Cholesterol. Glycosaminoglycans. Sodium PCA. Amino acids. Sphingolipids. Salicylic acid. Glycolic acid. Skin-Restoring Ingredients. Skin-restoring ingredients have a special ability to care for your skin's surface in a way that helps transform it to appear noticeably younger. These ingredients can bring about a renewed feeling of firmness and, over time, a more even-looking complexion. Skin-restoring ingredients also help improve a dull skin tone and rough texture, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles"”including deep wrinkles. They work beautifully with antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients to give aging, lackluster skin the total package of what it needs to look younger and more radiant on numerous levels. Well-researched examples of skin-restoring ingredients include anti-aging superstar retinol , and Niacinamide. Peptides. Linoleic and linolenic acids. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (found in green tea). Adenosine.

Long hair needs special care to keep it beautiful and healthy. It requires better hair care but takes less time to style. The longer it grows, the more care needs to be taken, especially with the ends. Ends of hair that reach the shoulder has been growing for three years. That means it has been subjected to environmental pollutants, sun, wind, and hard water for three years. It has been shampooed at least 300 shampoos. If you use hot styling tools, color or other chemical treatments, then the poor hair has really suffered. Keep long hair healthy by following these few simple rules: Never use a brush to detangle hair after shampoo. Invest in a good quality wide tooth comb such as Cricket's Ultra Smooth Conditioning Comb. It's infused with Argan oil, olive oils, and keratin protein to help your hair maintain a silky finish. As often as possible, let your hair dry naturally. If you must blow dry, use a cool setting. Look for a shampoo with Ceramides (these lipids fill gaps in the outer hair cuticle) and Ginseng Root Extract which strengthens the hair. Long hair MUST be conditioned after every shampoo. Spare the time at least once or twice a week to leave conditioner on the ends for at least three minutes. Never twist hair, rub hair, or wrap in a towel after your shampoo. This can cause hair to become rough or break. Instead use a soft towel or even a cotton T-shirt to gently blot out excess moisture. Seal the ends of your hair with a product designed for preventing split ends. Schwarzkopf's BC Bonacure Repair Rescue Sealed Ends is a very good one. Just smooth through your hair ends after shampooing and conditioning and leave in. Brush hair only with a natural bristle brush. Brushes with the most natural bristles per square inch produce the most luster. There are many on the market and they are worth the investment. Choose hair accessories with care. Avoid elastic bands and metal barrettes. Use bands that have a smooth fabric cover. Hair sticks are smooth and you can achieve many styles using these. Alice bands not made of plastic are another good choice. Find a hairdresser that specializes in long hair and won't want to cut it every time you sit in the chair. Then, have your hair trimmed every eight weeks. Use a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton pillow cases can catch your hair and break it and can cause hair to dry out.

Today's dry shampoos are becoming so popular, nearly every professional hair care brand now has the product in their line. Why? Dry shampoo is a great way to save time on days when you're in a hurry--and it gives your hair a break from all those color-stripping products and damaging heat. Today's products are kind to your hair, many including conditioning ingredients. They work by absorbing the excess oils and residual from other styling products. But, using dry shampoo isn't just spray and brush. Try these tips for terrific results! DO spray at least six inches away from the roots. This will lightly and evenly distribute the product without creating buildup. If you spray dry shampoo very close to your roots, it'll make your hair look crispy, chalky and discolored. DON'T spray on damp or wet hair. It's called dry shampoo for a reason. DO spray just where you need it. Sometimes only a few areas on your scalp and hair get greasy. Hence, you need not use your dry shampoo everywhere on your scalp and hair. You can spot clean in such cases. Simply lift up the section and apply the dry shampoo. DON'T worry if you get dry shampoo on the mid-shaft. This gives extra grip to the hair and provides more volume, decreasing the too-soft feel fine hair can sometimes have. DO wait about two minutes before styling. Women sometimes panic when they see that it comes out white, and so they don't really let the product sit long enough, nor understand that they need to comb or blow-dry through.

We get asked this question a lot! There's actually an order in which you should be layering all of your skincare products, from facial cleanser to serum to face moisturizer to eye cream. If you've always wanted to know whether your moisturizer should go on before or after your serum, read on. Here, we give you the ultimate guide to layering your skincare products. At its essence, layering your skincare products is pretty simple. You'll just need to remember one rule: Thicker follows thinner. That means you should start by applying skin care products that have the thinnest consistencies and work your way up to ones that are heavier. STEP 1: FACIAL CLEANSER. While you may not technically be layering on a facial cleanser since you're washing it off, it should be the first step in any skincare routine. STEP 2: TONER. Swiping your skin with a toner may not seem like an essential skincare step to everyone, but cleansing isn't always one and done. Even after washing your face, there can still be residual dirt and grime sitting on the surface of your skin. Use a toner to help remove remaining impurities, sweep away dull, tired skin, and protect against moisture loss. STEP 3: FACIAL SERUM. One of the most popular questions when it comes to layering is whether you should start with serum or moisturizer. As long as you consider the aforementioned rule (thicker follows thinner), the answer is an easy one"”serum should go first. STEP 4: FACIAL MOISTURIZER. That's right, after serum, it's time for moisturizer. Whether you have a preference for lightweight lotions or thick creams, this is when you'll want to spread your moisturizer of choice onto your skin. STEP 5: EYE CREAM. Don't forget about your eyes. The delicate skin surrounding your eyes deserves attention, too. Ever so gently apply around your eyes, massaging until absorbed. STEP 6: BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN. Your next step will depend entirely on the time of day! When we're talking about your daytime skincare routine, sunscreen should always be your final step"”even during the winter months.