May 27, 2000
Olive Oil - Fade Hair Colors?
Question
Dear Karen,
I was reading through your fabulous site and read
a note on one of your articles that hot olive oil treatments MAY
cause colored hair to fade. Did I see that here or am I
dreaming?
I go to a salon and get my hair colored about
every 4 weeks and I work hard to keep it a very light blonde.
My hair is to my waist and the stylist I go to uses foils to prevent
my hair from getting damaged.
Just recently I decided to use hot olive oil
treatments that I read about on another site for people with long
hair. Then I happened upon your comments that hot olive oil
may cause hair color to fade.
Can you tell me the scoop on hot oil?
Thanks,
Carrie
Answer
Dear
Carrie,
Yes, it is true that olive oil MAY cause colored hair to fade or it
may strip the color. There are many reasons for this and it can
be a combination of the fact that hot olive oil treatments are applied
"warm" to open up the hair shaft to allow the oil to
penetrate. Olives my their very nature can be acidic and this
can impact colored hair.
My own hair is highlighted and therefore I stick mostly with
coconut oil or jojoba oil which in my experience does not fade my hair
color.
This is a tricky answer. I would suggest that you discuss
this question with your stylist. Also, if you are in doubt, use
a hot oil that will not fade or leach your expensive added
colors. Coconut or shea butter should be fine. You can
also try Aveda's Beautifying Oil which should not impact your hair
color either.
The key is...when in doubt...don't.
You can also wait to use hot olive oil at the end of a color cycle
before you are set to have your colors touched up. I will often
do hot olive oil the week before I have my hair highlighted. At
that point my highlights have faded to the point where it doesn't
matter if the olive oil cases some fading.
Thanks for writing.
Best wishes,
Karen
May 26, 2000
Grow Hair - Relieve Stress
Question
Dear Karen,
I am trying to grow my hair longer and I read in
one of your many great articles that it helps to do head massage to
relieve tension and stress.
Can you give me some tips?
Thanks,
Jean
Answer
Dear Jean,
Yes, it is true that stress and anxiety can slow hair growth.
And yes, help is right at your fingertips waiting for you to massage
that stress away.
Wearing loose clothes is the best trick for getting full benefit
from the massage.
Here are my favorite tips for massaging away tension:
(Please note, if you have any health or medical conditions check
with your physician to get approval for this exercise.
Hairboutique.com does not suggest that this is a substitute for
prescribed health prescriptions or treatments).
Start with a good Shoulder Rub
It is a great idea to start any head massage at the shoulders and
work up. This helps provide a deeper level of relaxation. It is
also a great idea to do your massage right before bedtime.
Starting at the base of your neck where it joins your shoulders,
slowly massage along each individual shoulder with your opposite hand
until you touch the top of your arm.
Go slowly taking and massaging in a firm but easy method. If
possible take some deep relaxing breaths at the same time you are
massaging your neck and top of your arms.
Alternate arms and repeat.
Spend 5-10 minutes on each shoulder. Of course if you prefer, you
can do more. Since you are trying to relax it is not advised that you
take less time.
Note: If you wish, you
can massage both shoulders at the side time. Pick the method
that relaxes you the best.
Spine Unwinder
Starting at the very top of your neck
at the hairline feel for the top of your spinal column. Once you
find it very lightly press your fingers into the fleshy area on
either side of the spine.
Slowly "walk" your fingers
down the length of your spine carefully pressing on either side in a
uniform fashion. Hold the press for the count of 20.
Note: You
can slow this down and take longer if you find that it helps to relax
you better if you take more time.
Walk your fingers down as far as you
can reach. You can repeat this as many times as you need.
Head Soother
Place both of your hands, spread
evenly apart, with the thumbs resting right at the base of your neck
behind each of your ears. Press gently down into your scalp
and rub in small circular clockwise motions. Form circles for
the count of 25.
Slightly adjust your hands further
up on your scalp. Repeat the circular motion for another count
of 25. Keep moving your hands until you reach the top of your
hairline.
Once you reach the hairline place
your index fingers on your temples and massage the area.
Note: Remember
to be firm but gentle.
You can spend longer on this
movement if you find it helpful.
Relaxing Aromas
Will Help Too
If you really want to relax play
some soothing music in the background, burn some relaxing candles
with restful scents or take an aromatherapy bath before you start.
Relaxing scents would include Rosewood
which is balancing, clearing, uplifting, calming and comforting.
Vetivert
which is calming, reassuring, grounding and balancing.
Mimosa wish
is calming, uplifting and soothing.
Clary Sage
which is relaxing, sedating and inspiring.
Petitgrain
which is sedating, relaxing, tranquilizing and
refreshing.
Try this exercise every night before
you go to bed and your hair and body will love you. I would
expect that you will also sleep much better.
Best wishes,
Karen
May 25, 2000
Green Hair?
Question
Dear Karen,
My blonde hair is turning green. What can I
do?
Thanks,
Holly
Answer
Dear Holly,
Green hair can definitely be a problem and will tend to impact
blondes the worst. Chemically created blondes tend to have hair that
may be more porous and allow chemicals to soak in easier.
There are a lot of reasons why hair will turn green. A common
culprit is chemicals in any type of water that the hair is
exposed to. This water can be from swimming in water with
chlorine or it can be from chemicals that are added to drinking
water.
Well water may also cause some hair to take on a green cast.
How do you remove the green?
If you've been swimming in chlorine check out your nearest
beauty supply store for products designed to remove chlorine from your
hair. You can also try clarifying shampoos. Philou's Green
Apple will often help remove chlorine or other chemicals from the
hair.
If that doesn't work you can try neutralizing your hair with an
application of either tomato sauce or ketchup. Apply it to
your hair and carefully massage it in. Wrap your hair up for a
few minutes with an old towel. Then shampoo and apply a good
rinse out conditioner.
If you still have green hair, head for the nearest hair color
expert and have them work their magic on you.
Prevention is the always the best medicine for hair
problems. Once you get the green out, take care to avoid using
any hair care products that contain metallic salts. Also, wet
your hair before swimming to slow down chlorine absorption.
Once you get out of the pool, rinse your hair with Club soda.
Chlorine is a copper-rich bleach and the Club soda will neutralize
it and wash it out of your hair before it can turn green.
If the problem is with well water, shampoo your hair in distilled
water. Buy the cheap jugs at the nearest store and use it to
shampoo and rinse.
Tomato sauce or ketchup works to neutralize the green. It
should also work on hair that is green from well water.
Thanks for writing. Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
May 20, 2000
What Is A Hairpipe?
Question
Dear Karen,
Have you ever heard of a "hairpipe'? Do
you know what it is and where I can find out more information about
it?
Thanks,
Jim
Answer
Dear Jim,
A "hairpipe" has nothing to do with hair
per se. It is actually related to Native American bone jewelry
most often used in necklaces. A hairpipe refers to a tubular bead
that measures 1 1/2 inches or longer. You can read the fascinating
origin and history of the hairpipe on the Web at the following Smithsonian
Web page.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
PS. Happy Birthday to Gary John Pawelko who
is today the same age as yours truly. :-)
May 19, 2000
Bumble & Bumble Sumo Hair Wax?
Question
Dear Karen,
I just read about Bumble & Bumble's new Sumo
Wax. What's up with that? Is it for wrestler hair or what?
Suze
Answer
Dear Suze,
Believe it or not, the wild and crazy folks at
B&B were inspired by the giant Sumo wrestlers when they created
this new product.
The buzz on the new Sumo wax is that it is
designed to hold hair in place all day without causing helmet
head. Think about it, those Sumo wrestlers have to keep
their hair in place while they go about the hair stressing biz of
rolling around on mats all day.
Leave to B&B to be creative and innovative
with their hair care products.
If you want more info about the Sumo Wax, call
800-7BUMBLE. The suggested retail is $18 (US) plus tax and any
appropriate shipping costs.
Happy Wrestling,
Karen
PS. Happy Birthday to Gary Don.
Wherever you are, we hope you are happy, healthy and prosperous.
May 18, 2000
Hair Type Abbreviations?
Question
Dear Karen,
Although HairBoutique.com's HairTalk is my favorite
place to "lurk" I do read boards at other sites. Some
of the boards talk about "hair types" and they use
abbreviations. One board has a system but is modified by
different members. I have to admit that I am confused but don't
want to look like a big dummy by asking for details.
Can you tell me who created this system and what the
heck it means and how do I figure it out?
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Cherri
Answer
Dear Cherri
 Yes,
I know exactly what you are talking about and yes, it can be very
confusing. The Hair Typing Abbreviations actually started from
a book written by Oprah's hairstylist, Andre
Walker. In his book, Andre
Talks Hair published in 1997, Andre helps people learn to
care for their hair based on their hair type and
texture.
Since hair can range from stick straight to wavy
and curly, Andre classified hair into categories and assigned a
number and letter.
Some of the people on the curly and long hair
boards have adopted Andre's system to help quickly identify their
hair type. They sometimes add a number system which may
consists of three numbers posted as: 10-24-36.
The first number is the length the hair measures
at the beginning of the current growth cycle. The second
length is the current length with the third number being the desired
length. So if you see 10 - 24 - 36, this means that the hair
was 10 inches at the beginning, is currently 24 inches and the goal
is to grow it to 36 inches. The measures are usually listed in
inches unless otherwise noted.
The Hair Type Formula originated by Andre Walker
is basically:
Straight Hair
1a - Absolutely stick straight
1b - Straight but with a slight body wave, just enough to add some
volume. Hair in general does not look wavy
1c - Straight with body wave and one or two visible S-waves (e.g. nape
of neck or temples)
Wavy Hair
2a - Loose, stretched out S-waves throughout the hair
2b - Shorter, more distinct S-waves (similar to waves from braiding
damp hair)
2c - Distinct S-waves and the odd spiral curl forming here and there
Curly Hair
3a - Big, loose spiral curls
3b - Bouncy ringlets
3c - Tight corkscrews
Super Curly Hair
4a - Tightly coiled S-curls
4b - Tightly coiled hair bending in sharp angles (Z-pattern)
Second classifier - What (most of) your individual strands look like
F - Fine
Thin strands that sometimes are almost translucent when held up to the
light. Shed strands can be hard to see even against a contrasting
background. Similar to hair found on many people of Scandinavian
descent.
M - Medium
Strands are neither fine nor coarse. Similar to hair found on many
Caucasians.
C - Coarse
Thick strands where shed strands usually are easily identified against
most backgrounds. Similar to hair found on many people of Asian,
Hispanic or native American descent.
Third classifier
- Your overall volume of hair
Put your hair in a ponytail with as much hair as possible in it. The
goal is to have most/all of your hair in there. If it means it sits
smack dab on top of your head, put it there.
Measure the total circumference of the ponytail. If you have bangs
and/or you can't get all of your hair in there adjust according to how
much of your hair you have measured.
i - thin (less
than 2 inches/5 centimeters)
ii - normal (between 2-4 inches or 5-10 centimeters)
iii - thick (more than 4 inches/10 centimeters)
Best wishes,
Karen
May 11, 2000
Cancer Donation - Tears To My Eyes
Question
Dear Karen,
I just visited your Hair Boutique web page after
about 1 year of down time. You see, I am 35 years old and have
been battling breast cancer and have been undergoing chemo and
radiation. I have not been able to muster the energy to check
out my favorite web sites.
Today I decided to check out my favorite hair sites,
even though I have lost most of mine, and I read about your current
crusade to help Ms. Tricia Brown. I read your article, her story
and her letter and cried my eyes out.
I cried because I was so touched at the compassion
you and Hair Boutique are showing a woman that contacted you through
email. I cried for the fact that Ms. Brown cut off her hair to
support her husband who lost his. What a brave woman.
Then I read the article about your friend Bevy who
is battling breast cancer. I also checked our Jane Bullocks
article on chemotherapy and hair.
I can not tell you how much my trip to Hair Boutique
helped me today. You are a very special person to support women
like Tricia and I who are battling this terrible disease. Not
only do you move me you give me hope.
Thank you so much for your support and compassion and obvious caring
about people.
Sally
Answer
Dear Sally,
Thank you so much for your email. I am so glad that Hair
Boutique can do their part to help fight this horrible
disease.
All of our best thoughts and wishes are with you. Please let us
know how you are doing.
Warmest wishes,
Karen
May 10, 2000
Bungee Cords For Hair?
Question
Dear Karen,
I have searched the web for a site that sells these new hair
elastics called hair bungees.
They are sort of an open ended rubber band that have two hooks on
the end.
Can you point me to a site that sells these on line? I would
be
grateful for your help.
Thanks...
Sincerely,
Juliet
Answer
Dear Juliet,
The Bumble & Bumble
Web site sells them via the phone (888 77BUMBL). In
fact, they invented the original hair bungees.
Once you get to the site, check out the Accessories
section. The B&B Accessory Kit includes the following
B&B hair baubles:
The current B&B accessory kit includes the following assortment
of hair baubles:
1 black bumble.band
2 metal combs
4 black bunjees
6 silver bobby pins
All accessorries arrive rolled up in a frosted vinyl pouch.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
May 6, 2000
Short Curly Hair Styles?
Question
Dear Karen,
I have short naturally curly hair and I need
something cute to do for my spring formal. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Ashlei
Answer
Dear Ashlei,
Some possible options for your short curly hair
include the following:
1. Slick back the front and sides of your
hair and pop on a beautiful sparkly
tiara and let the natural curls spill out over the tiara.
Or use a pretty headband instead of a tiara.
2. Another option is to separate your hair
into 1 to 1 1/2 inch sections and twist the hair and then clip it
with a little
butterfly clip or tiny barrettes so that you have little twists
right at the crown that extends in a half circle from ear to ear.
3. You can also add hair
jewels and let your hair do its naturally curly thing. Pop
some magnetic
hair jewels or tiny velcro sparklies into your curls and let
them instantly dress up your style.
4. You can also blow dry your hair straight
and add some hot finger waves and some sparkly rhinestone hairpins.
Be creative and experiment. That is how
some of the most fascinating styles are discovered.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
May 5, 2000
Prom Styles That Are Up?
Question
Dear Karen,
I visited your Hair Boutique web page but I couldn't
find what I was looking for anywhere in the entire site.
I'm going to a prom and I need a hair style, that is up.
Could you find me a picture please of some..so I can
print them and show my hairdresser.
Thank you.
Callie
Answer
Dear Callie,
Hair Boutique has more
photos of Prom styles and Updos than any other hair site on the web.
I am including the URLs to the sections of Hair Boutique that have
tons of articles that include photos and step-by-step instructions.
For over 40 different Prom styles, many up, with photos and
instructions, please check the Hair
Boutique Prom Section.
There are several great Updo ideas in the Hair Boutique Updo
Section. There are many great articles.
You may also want to check out the Instant
Updo Article. Also, for a great 15 minute Updo with detailed
instructions...try Gretchen's
15 Minute Updo.
There are also some great Prom and Updo photos in Gretchen's
Gallery.
Please look through the various Prom & Updo styles and select
the photos you like and print them out and take them to your stylist.
Best wishes,
Karen
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