January
2006
Revised 5/01/07
January
18, 2006
Adding Volume To Straight, Flat Hair?
Question
Dear Karen,
I have straight hair that is very flat and very very
straight and ends at the tops of my shoulders. Please tell
me how to get body and volume.
Thank you. Mary Answer
Dear Mary,
Begin your journey towards fuller more luscious hair by working
for your hairdresser to create a volume enhancing hair cut.
Fine or thin strands look naturally fuller when worn shoulder length
or a bit shorter.
You have various options for giving your hair more volume
including the following:
1. Utilize temporary clip-in extensions like those from
HairDo or Jon Reneau that provides instant add-on oomph.
2. Consider adopting a more permanent set of hair
extensions that lasts approximately three months. These
adhesive style of extensions are designed to add fullness and
volume.
3. If extensions are not what you prefer, focus on hair
care and styling tricks for naturally adding volume to fine, thin or
flat hair.
4. Start by keeping your hair very clean. This
requires washing your hair every day to remove any and all residues
from shampoos, conditioners or styling products that weigh down your
fine strands. Keep in mind that even your scalp's natural oil
can have a flattening effect.
5. Use a volume enhancing shampoo that specifically
contains humectants or similar ingredients such as glycerin,
hyaluronic acid, or sorbitol. These ingredients attract water
to the hair shaft helping it to swell providing more fullness.
6. Finish any shampoo session with a cool or cold water
rinse. Although not all stylists agree, many do believe that
cold water helps close the cuticle and cause it to swell.
7. Avoid using rinse out or leave-in conditioners except on
damaged ends. Conditioners leave a film or coating on the
strands that weigh them down.
8. Build volume at the roots by applying root lifters,
volumizing sprays or mousses before blow drying.
9. Experiment with blow drying your hair bent over at the
waist. This position helps build natural fullness and lift.
10. Use a large round boar's head brush while blow drying
to build in natural volume.
11. Finish your blow drying session with a blast or cool or
cold air which also may help the hair cuticle swell.
Other options include:
A. Adding hair color, highlights or lowlights to tresses.
Hair color blows up the cuticle adding instant fullness.
Highlights applied to thin, fine strands will add contrast and the
visual impression of fuller hair.
B. Have a chemical texturizing treatment. Although I
do not normally recommend this option because of the risk of damage,
it is a known fact that perms and related texturizing treatments
does add instant volume and fullness.
C. Use an old fashioned wet set utilizing pin curls, Velcro
or sponge rollers and dry your strands under a hood style dryer.
D. Wrap your hair in traditional rag rollers and sleep on
them all night. The next morning you will have lots of full
waves.
Remember that the more you coat your hair, the flatter it may be.
It is very important to always keep hair clean to avoid flattening
strands. Always use the best products your budget can afford
and be willing to experiment with the latest volume enhancing
tricks.
Best wishes to you,
Karen
January
8, 2006
Short Hair For Prom?
Question
Dear Karen,
I am 17 years old and recently went through a very bad
hair color cycle which resulted in me getting my hair cut to the
bottom of my ear lobes.
My Prom is in just a few months and I know that my hair
will not grow fast enough to be long enough for an updo. I
don't want to wear hair extensions of any type.
So what do I do to create a gorgeous hairstyle for my
short bob hair to go with my Prom gown?
Thank you. Joan
Answer
Dear Joan,
Take inspiration from the always gorgeous Cameron Diaz who found
herself in a similar situation during the 1998 Academy Awards.
Cameron glammed up in a stunning Chloe gown. Her hair was
finished to perfection in a straight sleek bob hairstyle extending
just below her ear lobes. A gloss was applied which provided a
spectacular shimmer.
Cameron added bling with her famous Chanel inspired double circle
barrette covered in eye blinding crystal jewels.
Even though many other celebrities were wearing elaborate updos,
twists and dressy long hairstyles, all eyes were on Cam who stole
the show. Her barrette became the talk of Hollywood and was
featured in all the fashion mags.
Dress your hair up by wearing your hair in a simple yet elegant
sleek bob. Crank up the shine and pop in a spectacular
barrette or jeweled hairpin and you will look dazzling.
Best wishes to you,
Karen
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