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.

Pampering your hair in winter

The dry and cold winter can be very damaging to your hair. Hair easily becomes dry during this time of year from the indoor heating and the cold weather outside. Proper preventative steps need to be taken during this seasons to ensure that your hair does not get damaged.

Wear a scarf, hat or cap to protect your hair from the cold and wind, but make sure that it's not so tight that it will restrict circulation in your scalp.Use a conditioner daily.

Avoid taking hot showers or washing your hair in hot water, use warm water instead, the heat can dry out and/or damage your hair and skin. Once you have your hair moist, lock in the moisture by running your hair through cold water, this will also give your hair an extra shine.

Don't go outside with your hair wet, you risk breakage; your hair will freeze and break if it's cold enough outside.

Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as a blow dryers and curling irons. If you must, use a leave in conditioner before.

Look for hair products that have the word "Replenish" on it, it is made to moisturize your hair.

Try using a dry shampoo, a good example is baby powder. Simply sprinkle some onto your hair and use a comb to comb it off.

Tips on shampooing and conditioning

1. It is important to wash your hair because shampooing removes dirt, dead skin cells, hair oils and hair products. How often? The general rule is: for oily hair you should wash every day or every other day and for dry hair only wash 2-3 times a week.

2. Buy shampoos & conditioners that match your hair type, trial and error is the best way to find out what specific hair product is best for your hair. Try rotating the shampoo and conditioner periodically, your hair responds differently to different products.

3. Shower with warm water only, hot water can dry or irritate the scalp.

4. When shampooing, rinse your hair before applying any shampoo to remove any dust and dirt, then apply the shampoo onto your scalp and massage it gently with your finger tips and work your way outwards. After you are done make sure that you thoroughly rinse your hair to remove any shampoo residue that may be left. Shampoo residue may dry your scalp/hair and attract dirt. It is recommended that you only lather once to avoid drying your hair out, if you have oily hair, lathering again may stimulate your oil glands to create even more oil than normal.

5. Use a conditioner after shampooing, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle. Try to spread conditioner evenly through out your hair and leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing your hair. Apply conditioner at about an inch away from the scalp, the roots of your hair contain the most oils and usually don't need the extra conditioning.

6. Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.

7. Be gentle when shampooing and conditioning, don't use excessive force to rub your hair or scratch your scalp, remember hair is the most vulnerable when wet.

Find the hair style which fits you

The way you do your hair must flatter your face and enhance your best features. Not all hairstyle will look good on you unless it fits the shape of your face. Let's look at the different hairstyles that are considered most flattering for each shape of face.

An oval face. Congratulations! You got the perfect shape because almost any hairstyle will go with oval. You will do well with having layers near your chin or cheekbones to draw attention to them. However, try to avoid hairstyles that add volumes to the top of your head, it will make your face look longer.

A long face. If you have a long face, you should create the illusion of width to balance it out. You can add width to your face by doing your hair with long, side-swept bangs or chin-length bobs, curls and waves that frame the face. Avoid letting your hair grow extremely long or having your hair cut extremely short. Such extreme hairstyles will take the width from your face and emphasize its length.

A round face. People with round faces need to take some of the width and bulk off by adding length. If your face is round you need to create the illusion of length by having your hair cut just below your chin, or in graduated layers. Do not do your hair in short, one-length, blunt cuts, as it will only draw attention to the roundness of your face.

A square face. Having a square face means having an angular jaw. The hairstyle trick with having a square face is drawing attention away from that jaw. This is done by putting texture to your hair. Short curls do exactly this, as well as long layers that start just below the jawline. Avoid having your hair cut in one-length bobs or wear bangs that are cut bluntly. It will only emphasize the squareness of your face.

A heart-shaped face. If you have a heart-shaped face, you could bring focus to your eyes by wearing side-swept bangs, a fringe on your brow or long layers at the top. Or you could let your hair grow and have it done with layers that touch your cheekbones.