Switching shampoos?

Most Salon Brands do not build up on hair, they continue to work effectively as long as you use them, so there’s no need to switch products. However, shampooing occasionally without using any conditioner or styling products to give hair a rest.

Choosing the right products for your hair

Fine or thin hair can sometimes be more delicate and could benefit from a protein enriched shampoo and conditioner formula with a light level of conditioner. Curly hair may look dry, and therefore can benefit from a regime that includes moisturizing ingredients.

Here is a guide to how gentle your shampoo is according to the surfactant used:
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - very, very, harsh
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate- very harsh but better than the above
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- better than the above, but still a little harsh
Sodium Laureth Sulfate-gentle, great pick!

Getting celebrity hair

We would all love to have Beyonce’s lustrous flowing mane, Victoria Beckham’s trend-setting hairstyles or the platinum locks of Paris Hilton. These high-maintenance glamour girls achieve their looks thanks to hours with their personal stylists and an endless supply of money. But you don’t have to have the budget of a celebrity to have fabulous hair. Here are some tips.

* When you get your hair colour done, stay within two or three shades of your natural colour. This will extend the life of your colour because your roots will be less noticeable as your hair grows out.

* Touch up roots with a lipstick-type product that you simply roll on small areas of grey, like the temple area or a part line. For darker hair, waterproof mascara in brown or black will do the job.

* Frame your face with a few accent lights instead of all-over hair painting. Less colour means less maintenance.

* Blend colour and maintain its tone with a colour-boosting enhancement treatment. This can be done with natural plant pigments that stain hair strands. This costs less than a hair-colour service.

Daily Care Q&A

Q. After Washing My Hair Should I Rub or Wrap My Hair With A Towel?

A. Wrapping your will remove all excessive water without the harsh rubbing which causes fiction and breakage. Rubbing also stimulates your scalp and brings out the oils which make your hair look and feel greasy.

Q. What Type Of Pillowcase Is Best For Your Hair And Skin?

A. Silk and satin are the best pillowcase for your hair and skin to sleep on. You will not wake up with messy bed hair because it is so smooth. It is also great for your skin because it doesn't pull and stretch on it.

Q. Can I Use Rubber Bands?

A. Make sure when you are using elastics to tie your hair back you are using cloth covered elastics. Rubber bands will tear your hair and destroy the hair shaft, leaving breakage and split ends. Watch out for the elastics with the metal clip, they are the ones that will catch in your hair and cause damage. The best elastics are the scrunch type ones which have cloth covering them completely.

Q. How Can I Control Static Electricity In My Hair?

A. If your hair is looking like a science project and sticking to everything try spraying hairspray on a brush and running it through your hair. It will tame even the wildest of static. You can even use a bit of hair moisturiser or apply some serum through your hair.

How can you save money on hair care during economic downturn?

During this great economy recession period, everyone is trying to save money. How can we cut down the cost of pampering our hair? Here we list the top ways you can save on your hair, and still look good.

1. T-section it
When you get your roots color touched up, consider having just your T-section (across the forehead and along your part) done. It may not be a permanent solution but it is enough to cover the most noticeable areas until you can afford the rest. Apply the same tip when you don't have time to spare at the salon.

2. Skip the treatment
Ever heard these words muttered by your hairdresser? "Sweetie, your hair needs a treatment. We can get it done in 10 minutes." The only thing she forgot to add is that, "And that'll be an extra $30." Don't wait until you're at the cashier to find this out. If they're charging for it, consider a home treatment instead.

3. Go junior
Most salons charge less if trainees cut or color your hair. It's true that having a less-experienced stylist can be a little nerve-racking, but if you're having a single, block, all-over color, or some simple foils it's pretty hard for them to mess up. Just bear in mind that all trainees are supervised.

4. Just say no
Don't feel obliged to buy the hair products your hairdresser recommends. They are not going to be offended if you say no, and you may be able to buy a on-the-counter brand for less. Some hairdressers receive commission, bonuses or incentives to sell these products to their clients. Just like they want you to re-book in six weeks' time to ensure you come back, it's a great way for them to make extra money.

Holiday Hair

When winter comes, a lot of us choose to go on a holiday to escape from the cold weather. Where are the popular spots? Florida, California, Mexico...and what do we do? The Beach!!! However, excess sun, sand, salt, chlorine and sweat all play havoc with our locks, leaving us with the dreaded holiday hair.

The best thing you can do about holiday hair is to make sure you pack a good shampoo and conditioner, use a slightly more moisturizing conditioner when on holiday. Avoid the complimentary shampoos found in many hotels as they are usually far too strong and stringent.

Many hair experts also suggest that a rinse with tomato juice after swimming in the pool will combat hair that’s already showing signs of discoloration.

As well as shampooing and conditioning after a dip in the ocean, rinse your hair in fresh water before swimming, as wet hair offers some protection. Even better, pop on conditioner and don a swimming cap – that way, you can protect and treat your hair at the same time.

Love your hair

This may sound obvious, but it often isn't to a lot of people. Hair has energy and spirit just like every other part of your body and it responds better to kindness and love than neglect and anger. If you hate your hair and ignore it, it will be like a flower that you don't water. It will wilt and die. Show your hair total love and respect and it will blossom and grow and be beautiful.

Accept your hair for what it is

If your hair is thin, wavy, curly or stick straight, try to accept that and not torture it by using strong chemicals that may damage it just to straighten it or curl it. If you decide that you want your hair to be different, make the changes as kindly as possible to your hair. Condition your hair before you straighten or perm it and make sure that you use the best products and get the best advice for your hair.

Knowledge is power

Learn as much as you can about your hair. Visit hair care websites, read articles that you see and flip through the magazines while you are waiting in line at the grocery store checkout. Observe what other people do that have gorgeous hair and ask them for advice. People love to share knowledge.

Listen To Your Hairs Needs

If you notice a change in texture or condition, take time to evaluate what may be happening and make adjustments. Your hair, like your body, sends you signals about what it needs. Is it drier or oilier or frizzier? Is it breaking or falling out or acting unusual? Get to know your hair and understand what it needs.

Techniques in combing your hair

"Just comb through the hair from the top to the end, techniques?" If that's what you are thinking, I am afraid you are already having a lot of hair breakage and unhealthy hair. In fact, if you comb right, not only the surface dust can be brushed away, you can also improve your blood circulation, resulting in healthier hair growth.

3 steps combing:

Firstly, spread your fingers and comb through your hair starting from the two sides of your ears towards the back of your head.

Now, use a comb to comb through 3 inches of the hair end, this can avoid the tension from pulling the hair. Then move up to start from the side of the ears.

Finally, start from the root to the hair end. To create layers, brush several times backwards.

Tips:

Wherever the comb cannot go through, don't force it. Slowly release the comb and use your fingers to untie the knots.

Don't brush on the scalp with a comb when when it's itching, it will cause inflammation. Wash your hair instead.