June 30, 1999
Michelle Pfeiffer's Hair
Question
Karen,
I loved Michelle Pfeiffer in A Midsummer's Night Dream.
Was that her real hair or did she have extensions? I thought it was wonderful
that as The Queen of The Fairies her hair was to the ground.
Thanks,
Tommie
Answer
Dear Tommie,
In Style Magazine confirmed in their recent
article about a "A Midsummer Night's Dream" that 6 feet of hair extensions were
used on Michelle's hair.
It looked great though.
Best wishes,
Karen
June 29, 1999
Protecting Hair From Elements
Question
Dear Karen,
I am a telephone installer and I work outside a lot.
Often I am forced to work in areas where there is a lot of dust and dirt and sometimes a
dusty clay.
Needless to say, it gets into my shoulder length hair no matter what
I do and it makes my hair feel pretty yucky. My hair tends to look very dull and
without any lustre no matter what I do.
Any suggestions on how to deal with this?
Pamela
Answer
Dear Pamela,
There are several things you can do to protect your hair.
If you are outside a lot it is important to not only protect your hair from the dirt and
clay, but also heat and sun and wind.
I would recommend that you wear a baseball cap or other head covering.
If that is not practical you can do the following things to help protect your hair:
1. Always apply a good leave-in conditioner that will naturally
coat your hair's cuticle and block a lot of the natural elements. Phyto
#7 and Phyto
#9 are both excellent. I have been using the Phyto #7 for
years with great results. Phytotherathrie also makes special
products for protection in the sun provide a good sunscreen.
2. Apply a light hair wax such as Kusco
Murphy Cinnamon or Beach
Wax will not only give your hair a natural
protection but it will add a nice shine.
3. Wear your hair in a braid or messy bun to minimize the effects
of the elements.
4. Shampoo your hair after you get home from work to remove any
dirt or residue. It is not a good idea to sleep with hair that catches dirt, clay or
dust.
5. Step up your deep conditioning treatments to counteract the
effects of the heat, sun and wind. I personally love Phytologie's
PhytoCitrus Mask as a great deep conditioning fix.
Finally, don't forget to use a good sunscreen on any exposed scalp area.
There is nothing worse than a sunburnt scalp.
Best wishes,
Karen
June 28, 1999
Oily & Greasy Hair
Question
Dear Karen,
My hair gets so oily and greasy that I have to wash my hair every
day. Any tips on how to keep it from getting so greasy?
Ted
Answer
Dear Ted,
A good tip for extremely greasy or oily hair is to use a good
anti-oil type of shampoo. If your roots are greasy and your ends are dry, be sure to
use the anti-greasy products on just the greasy areas of your hair.
Some experts recommend actually adding a little bit of the shampoo to
your dry hair BEFORE you add water. This may or may not work for you. If you
do decide to try this technique, be very gentle with your hair to avoid breaking or
tearing it.
My own personal recommendation is to use a good anti-oil shampoo and
then follow with a cold rinse which also helps close and seal the cuticle and helps
prevent greasy hair.
Also, be sure not to use a rinse-out or leave-in conditioner on the
parts of your hair that gets greasy.
If you need to use a conditioner, make sure to only use it on the parts
of your hair that tend to be dry.
If possible, avoid wearing your hair away from your forehead or face
where oil from your skin can migrate to your hair.
KMS Ultra Volume Shampoo
is reported to be very good for containing greasy hair.
June 17, 1999
Seth Green - Black & Blue Hair
Question
Dear Karen,
Just recently I saw the new Austin Powers movie with Seth Green.
Ever since then I have been trying to dye my hair the same way as his but I just can't
seem to do it. His hair is dyed black and blue. I've got the black down, but i just cant
seem to get the blue to stay just as he has.
Please help me. I have attached a pic if it helps at all.
Thank you,
Steve
Answer
Dear Steve,
I think Maniac Panic (MP) is the best way for you to achieve the
blue color that you are looking for. In the October
1998 Ask Karen column I provide complete details of the available MP colors.
You can view the AskKaren October 98 column to get all the details on
achieving the dark blue color you desire. You may need to do either a mixture of
black and blue or a patchwork of the two different colors.
Please remember that anyone considering putting
any dyes or coloring on their hair should always do a patch test first. The patch
test allows you to determine if you hair or scalp will react negatively to the chemicals
in the hair color. A small patch test will also help you do determine if you like the
color on your hair. If you don't, you can bypass dying the entire hair.
It is best to do the patch test on a part of the hair that is hidden from general view.
Then if you don't like the color or your hair or scalp don't like the results
you can keep the test results hidden.
For the patch test, use only a small strip of hair. Also, it is best to wait 24 -
48 hours between the patch test and applying dye to the entire head. This
gives your hair and scalp plenty of time to show a negative reaction (if any).
For dark or Bright Blue and other wild colors of hair dye visit
the HairBoutique.com Marketplace that carries the Manic Panic semi-permanent
dyes. HairBoutique.com will be expanding their offerings
of Manic Panic products to eventually include all of the color
options.
Best Wishes,
Karen
June 16, 1999
Dr. Bronner's Soap
Question
Dear Karen,
I have read about an all natural liquid soap that
supposedly works very well on hair. I am wondering if you have heard of it. It
is called Dr. Bronner's. Where would I be able to purchase this product and have you
heard anything about it?
Thanks,
Paul
Answer
Dear Paul,
Yes, I have heard a lot about Dr. Bronner's soap
and have actually used the lavender version. Many hair and scalp experts have
recommended Dr. Bronners for maintaining a very healthy scalp.
Dr. Bronners is 100% natural and has no artificial
ingredients.
You can buy Dr. Bronner's liquid soap (a liquid castile
soap) in just about any large health food store. You can also buy it on the
Internet at the Whole Foods Market online store.
Here in Texas the humidity causes hair and scalp
to get very dried out. I personally tend to have dry, highlighted hair and have
tried various recipes to counter the dryness.
I am including a recipe that I have tried in the past with good
results on my hair using the Dr. Bronners lavender version of his soap as the base.
This recipe is a natural shampoo combination using real honey.
I originally found this recipe in a book published by Riquette who
recommends this recipe for dry, damaged or treated hair.
- 2 cups liquid castile soap (Dr. Bronner's lavender is best)
- 1/2 half cup of pure honey
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin B oil (use the liquid capsules & prick them with a pin to open).
Blend the entire mixture together and then use one teaspoon per shampoo
treatment massaging into the scalp. Rinse the scalp and hair well after massaging the
treatment into the scalp.
Riquette publishes her hair care & hair loss prevention
recipes in the two books she has written, both available at her web site at or at
800-747-8388.
June 15, 1999
Silica & Hair
Question
Dear Karen,
Can you tell me more about a substance known
as silica?
Thanks,
HP
Answer
Dear HP,
Silica is an oxide of silicon (not to be
confused with silicone). Sand normally consists mainly of silica. It's not a nutrient, is
fairly inert, and is not water-soluble. I would think that homeopathic silica would
contain very small amounts of silica dust rather than dissolved silica.
You already get very small amounts of silica anyway from airborne dust that settles on
food and utensils, and the tiny amounts of dirt remaining on vegetables even after careful
cleaning.
It's not toxic, but breathing in lots of silica dust over a period of years (such as in
the case of stonemasons) can cause lung disease.
I wouldn't worry about that yourself, as we are all exposed to some degree of airborne
silica dust without any ill effects. A lot of problems with particular substances happen
when the body is exposed to a lot more than it's intended to.
Silica is included in larger amounts as an ingredient in some hair care products for
external use only.
I think the silica particles are supposed to help the hair shine.
Best wishes,
Karen
June 14, 1999
Protein & Hair
Question
Karen,
Can you get too much protein for your hair? What
are your thoughts on this?
Thanks,
TMJ
Answer
Dear TMJ,
Not only can excess protein be bad for your kidneys, but it can also increase your
chances of osteoporosis. There are good reasons not to overdo it on protein.
Of course, not getting enough protein is bad too. The thing is, it's not usually a
*lack* of protein that causes problems. Protein is everywhere you look. When people
describe a food as not being high in protein, what they really mean is that it isn't high
in essential amino acids.
Quick biology lesson:
Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids - think of them as components, the
way beads make up a necklace, for example. If you choose different ones, you get very
different necklaces or proteins.
Human cells can manufacture most of the common amino acids without any trouble;
however, certain ones must be obtained from the diet, because human cells can't make them.
Those are known as "essential amino acids", and they're the ones you need to be
concerned about. The only plant product that has all of them in appropriate proportions
that I know of is soy. Other than that, you have to combine different plant products to
get them all - not necessarily at the same time (though there was a theory to that effect
20 years or so ago, it's since been shown to be unnecessary because the requirements are
actually a lot lower than was once believed), but more or less regularly. That's why you
can't live on bread alone (unless you're careful to make it with combinations of different
things - e.g. wheat flour with soy flour and powdered milk added - and even then, you'll
be missing some vitamins).
So what's really a problem is lacking one or more of those particular amino acids,
rather than protein in general. Extra protein, unless it's got the right ones in it, is
just going to be metabolized for energy and the rest excreted. It won't help your hair any
more than eating extra carbohydrates.
If someone tells you that you won't get enough protein, or even that you can't get the
right amino acids, from a vegetarian diet, don't believe them. It's nonsense. You just
have to be aware of what you eat.
By the way, if you're veg for philosophical reasons, and you decide to take a protein
supplement, you might want to check out the source - many are made from animal products.
Best wishes,
Karen
June 8, 1999
Christa Miller - Kate - Drew Carey
Question
Dear Karen,
People are always telling me that I look a lot like Kate
(Christa Miller) on The Drew Carey Show.
However, I never seem to be able to create the same
"hair look" as Christa.
Do you know how she does her hair or what type of style
she wears?
Any info on her hair would help me try to duplicate a
similar style. It works so well for her I figure it should also work for me and my
hair.
Thanks,
PJ
Answer
Dear PJ,
Unfortunately I have never had the pleasure of
meeting Christa in person but I have read a little bit about her hair. (The Drew
Carey Show is one of my favorite shows of all time so I watch every week.)
Christa has fine and rather straight hair.
Most of the time she tends to wear her hair just about chin length with the ends
"beveled" so that they have movement and shape. By having the ends beveled
Christa can also easily wear the ends flipped up if she desires for a different
"look".
Christa generally wears her hair off of her forehead in
either a middle or side part and her naturally brunette hair has hints of blonde streaks
that can either be played up or down by the part location depending on Christa's mood.
Christa also alternates between wearing her hair tucked
behind her ears or sometimes she will wear her hair softly tumbling around her face.
To recreate Christa's look you would need to apply a good
hair setting gel that is light and will not weigh down naturally fine hair.
To get volume and movement, use a large round brush and
blow dry the hair on a medium speed with medium heat. Use the brush to either turn
the beveled ends up or under.
To get a more casual look push the hair behind your ears.
Best wishes,
Karen
June 7, 1999
Hair Soaps
Question
Dear Karen,
I was at a party recently where a couple of the women
were discussing using "bar soap" or "hair soap"
to wash their hair.
I was appalled.
Have you ever heard anything like this before? I
didn't want to look uninformed so I was afraid to pursue this topic with them.
Were they talking about "bar soap" like Dove
soap that is used for baths? Or where they talking about some other type of soaps?
Have you personally ever used bar soap on your hair?
Any enlightenment would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ginger
Answer
Dear Ginger,
Since I wasn't at the party it is hard to know
exactly what type of hair soap that was discussed.
 I suspect that they were talking
about the types of hair soaps that are made by companies that are specifically designed to
be used like shampoos. On the hair.
I have heard of a Canadian company - Lush - that makes several different
"shampoo bars" and solid types of shampoos for specific use on the hair.
 The soap shampoos or hair soaps sell in a range
from approximately $4.95 to $5.95 (Canadian funds).
I can't personally say that I have ever tried the Lush
products although I have generally heard good things about them.
The soaps listed on the Lush website contain a list of
all the ingredients that are contained in each of the soap bars or solid shampoos.
 The Miressence
site that is based in my home state of Texas also offers hair soaps. All of
their hair soaps are listed as all natural.
Miressence lists a hair soap made with Citrus for blondes and Clary Sage to promote
shiny hair and overall hair growth. All of the Miressence soaps are available in US funds.
You can order from Miressence toll free at: 1-877-404-0200.
Since everyone is different and has different hair types,
what works for one may or may not work for another. If you are interested in the
hair soaps or solid shampoos, give them a try. You may want to just order one of the
available soaps to try it before you invest in the entire line.
It is never a good idea to use bar soap like Dove or other commercial "bath &
body soaps" on your hair. They are too harsh and would strip the natural oils
from the hair shaft.
If you decide to visit the Lush website
or the Miressence site
and order any of their products I would love to hear what you think of the hair soaps.
Best wishes,
Karen
Hair Boutique Note: While I strive
to find out about as many different hair care related products as possible, sometimes I
miss some product lines. If you know of a company on the Web that sells solid
shampoos or shampoo soaps, please email
me so that I can include them in future notes and articles about hair soaps.
June 1, 1999
Wedding Hair Styles
Question
Dear Karen,
I am getting married in 6 months and I still don't have
any idea of how to wear my shoulder length thick hair for my wedding.
I have picked out my wedding dress but I am not sure what
type of veil or headdress to wear.
I am also thinking of wearing just flowers in my hair or
possibly some hair jewelry.
Doe the Hair Boutique have any articles on updos that I
could look at to get some ideas?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Terri
Answer
Dear Terri,
It is wise for you to think about how you want to
wear your hair on your wedding day BEFORE you purchase either a veil, headdress or order
flowers or hair jewelry.
The Hair Boutique features many different hair styling tips
and articles
on updos, braids and other special hair styles. We have a separate selection of
articles that are specific to bridal hair.
We also have other dressy hair styles that can be
worn for any type of special event. I am including a list of all the different Hair
Boutique articles you may wish to look at for inspiration.
The Hair Boutique Gallery
includes a section of wedding photos that might provide
helpful. The main Hair Boutique Gallery contains hundreds of different styles for women.
Here are some additional Hair Boutique articles
related to Dressy and Wedding Hair Styles:
Long hair master Patrick Cameron provides some stunning
dressy hair styles that are perfect for weddings in his book, Dressing Long Hair. Be
sure to check out the Hair Boutique
review to see some of Patrick's samples.
Best wishes for a wonderful wedding.
Karen
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