October 2001
Revised 5/01/07
October
20, 2001
Tips For Using Hair Sticks
Question
Dear Karen,
I received a gorgeous pair of hair sticks that my
husband bought from your store at
HairBoutique.com. Although I
managed to get them into my hair using the notes on your wonderful
site, I am still struggling with the proper way to use them.
Is there something I am missing?
I noticed in one of the posts that you warned people
with thin or fine hair that was not very long that they might have
some challenges wearing the hair sticks without hairpins. I
should tell you that I have shoulder length hair that is straight
and medium thickness.
What am I doing wrong? Any tips would help so
much.
Janice
Answer
Dear Janice,
It is unfortunate, but true, that many people are
not familiar with the wide range of advantages that hair sticks
offer. Not only can they instantly dress up a style, they can
save time if you want to pop your hair up into a quick twist or bun.
I personally love to wear hair sticks and own many
different pair. I have them in just about every color and
style you could imagine. While some people collect shoes, I
collect hair jewelry. :-)
Don't worry about your current confusion with your
sticks. I promise that once you get the hang of it, hair sticks can
be fun to wear and a time saver to boot.
The first key to happy hair stick days is picking
the right length of your hair sticks. You are correct that
thin/fine hair often has special hair stick needs. People with
thin/fine hair should select the shorter sticks that are patterned
for better griping potential.
Longer and/or thicker hair may call for the longer
hair sticks. Hair sticks generally come in two basic lengths
although the width of the sticks and material used to create the
sticks will vary wildly.
The best way to learn to wear hair sticks is to play
with them when you have lots of time. The easiest style to
start with is a simple fat hair bun or hair twist.
One secret to getting the hair sticks to stay in
place is to learn to position them so that the tips of the sticks
cross each other in an "x" shape. Think of the
sticks like giant hair pins and insert the sticks from the outside
top of your head towards the inside nape of your neck in a angled
line. At the top the sticks should form a big "y"
and then touch at the bottom in an "x" form.
Another secret to properly using the sticks is to
twist or "knit" the stick, one at a time, into the
bun. If you gently twist the stick in a knitting or weaving
motion from the outside of the bun towards the inside of your scalp,
you will find that the stick holds the bun in place more securely
without additional pins. Make sure that the decorative end of
the stick is visible 2-3 inches above the bun.
After you have the first stick anchored into place,
repeat the twisting into place of the second stick making sure it is
angled to touch the first stick at the bottom.
Some people become so successful at anchoring the
hair sticks into their buns and updos they discover that they did it
too well. The sticks can be too tight and may even cause
stress headaches in rare cases. Remember to always adjust the
sticks so the bun is secure but not too tight. If it feels
uncomfortable, loosed the sticks slightly to soften the hold.
If you are afraid to practice with your gorgeous
decorative sticks, practice with cheap chopsticks from the Chinese
grocery or ordinary pencils.
If you are nervous about dropping
all the training wheels, feel free to cheat a little bit with large
hairpins to help keep your bun in place.
Finally, practice makes perfect.
Best wishes,
Karen
October 16, 2001
Question
Tea Or Coffee Hair Rinses?
Dear
Karen,
My
auntie had waist length thick black hair that was gorgeous.
After she died I asked my mom how Auntie Ruth had such shiny black
hair, even into her later years. My mom said she thought that
Auntie used either coffee or tea as a final rinse.
Unfortunately my mom did not know the exact details and so I am at a
loss to try and figure this out.
Have
you ever heard of such a thing before? If so, do I use instant
coffee, brewed coffee or what is the deal? A friend thought
that I might be able to avoid the muss and the fuss and just buy the
drip of the day from Starbucks and pour that over my
head.
Help!
Julie
Anne
Answer
Dear
Julie Anne,
Hmmmm....Starbucks
brew of the day as a rinse? I never thought of that before but
you know, it could potentially work. The important point to
note is to make sure you don't pour it on your head while it is
still hot. Lukewarm to cool would be the proper temperature to
avoid burns or scalding to your sensitive scalp.
Since
you asked several questions, I will try to answer them in
sequence.
Yes,
people have been pouring fresh brewed tea and coffee on their hair
for centuries. Basically as long as there has been tea and
coffee in the world, it has been used for various beauty treatments,
including hair shampoos and rinses.
Coffee
and dark teas are thought to cover gray hairs in brunettes while
chamomile and the yellow herbal teas are thought to brighten blonde
hair, although it will not necessarily add color or lighten the hair
in any way.
A
friend of mine uses several herbal teas that have a red base to
deepen the shine of her red hair.
Never
use instant coffee or tea. Never use either when it is hotter
then lukewarm.
Although
there is no absolute recipe, you can start by making a pot of coffee
with a drip or Mr. Coffee type of machine. A French press will
work too and a Starbucks drip without additives is an option.
While
you are waiting for the coffee to cool, shampoo your hair.
Rinse well. If you use a rinse out conditioning treatment,
complete that step. Rinse well. Carefully pour the
coffee over your hair working from the roots to the ends. You
may want to use a large pan or bowl so that you can rinse your hair
several times by swishing your hair through the coffee or catching
the liquid as it runs off your hair back into the pan and then
continuing to pour it until you are finished.
When
you are finished rinsing with the coffee you should do a final cool
water rinse until the water runs clear. It is not advisable to
leave the coffee in your hair because it can cause it to be sticky
or gooey.
There
are several things to keep in mind if you decide to rinse your hair
with coffee:
1.
Be prepared to let the coffee have enough time to cool or pop an ice
cube in the coffee to quickly cool it down.
2.
Have a large pitcher or bowl to allow for repeated rinses.
3.
This is a very messy process. Don't attempt this anywhere but
in a shower to avoid possible coffee stains to sinks.
4.
Remember that you hair could possibly stain your towels. Use
an old towel that you don't mind staining in case this happens.
5.
Rinse the hair well enough to prevent the coffee from dripping and
staining during the final cool rinse.
6.
The results will be cumulative over a period of months.
7.
If you want deeper results you will need to use a temporary coloring
agent. Or you can experiment with making a coffee pack mixing
2 parts coffee to one part yogurt and applying to the hair topped
off with a shower cap. Leave on your hair for several hours
and then shampoo and finish with a coffee rinse.
8.
If you prefer use black tea or herbal teas instead of coffee.
Light haired people should avoid dark teas and coffees that might
stain their hair.
The
amount of coffee or tea that you use should be in proportion to the
amount of hair that you have. If you have long or thick hair,
allow extra liquid for rinsing. Start with two or three of the
eight ounce cups and adjust the amount you use depending on the
results. The same would be true for the amount of tea that you
use.
One thing is certain. Using coffee or tea can
be an interesting and fairly cheap alternative to adding color to
dark hair.
Best wishes,
Karen
October
10, 2001
Question
Apple Cider Vinegar For Hair?
Dear
Karen,
A
friend of mine recently bought the
Phytotherathrie Phytocidre
shampoo. She was concerned because it did not "foam"
and because of the aroma of the shampoo. After talking to her stylist she
told me that it is actually good that the product does not foam
because of chemicals and that the apple cider vinegar in the shampoo
is good for her hair. I guess I am skeptical. Have you
used this product? Is she right about the foaming
aspect? Any help you can give would be
appreciated.
Constance
Answer
Dear
Constance,
Yes,
the Phytocidre shampoo does contain cider vinegar and no, it does
not foam. Phytocidre
was carefully researched and then created specifically as a
restoring shampoo for chemically processed hair. Pure cider vinegar
seals the hair's cuticle, stabilizes color and imparts shine.
Phytocidre shampoo was formulated to be ideal for improving blond or
red highlights.
Note:
Phyto discontinued the Phytocidre Shampoo
 Cider
vinegar is proven to not only rehydrate hair that is structurally
weak, dry or unmanageable, it also will strengthen hair that has been
permed, colored, highlighted or subjected to single or double
processing. This shampoo will assist in restoring hair's natural Ph
balance.
Vinegar
products have historically been praised by herbalists and natural
hair care experts as a wonderful remedy for balancing and
encouraging healthy hair.
A
famous apple cider vinegar rinse contains 2 tablespoons of apple
cider vinegar to 2 cups of warm water. This recipe is used to
create the final rinse in order to remove the residue left on the
hair by commercial shampoos and to impart magnificent
shine.
If
you want good general hair conditioning benefits you can also try
pouring 4 cups of boiling water over either 2 tablespoons of sage or
2 tablespoons of fennel and let stand for 30 minutes. When the
mix is lukewarm strain the herbs from the mix and pour into a
container to use as a all natural final conditioning rinse.
Use immediately on your hair (make sure it is not hot to the touch
so as not to burn your scalp) or store in the refrigerator.
The
Phytocidre does not foam because it is free of the sulfates that are
added to other shampoos so that they will foam. There is a lot
of controversy about this topic and many people feel that the
sulfates which create all those glorious bubbles can actually be
harmful chemicals. Is that really true? It is hard to
say but no foam may actually be better than foam when it comes to a
healing shampoo formula like Phytocidre.
I
personally include Phytocidre in my shampoo rotation schedule
because I like the fact that is a very natural product that does not
contain sulfates. The first few times that I used the shampoo
it was a little unnerving that it did not foam. However, after
a few times, the benefits to my hair far outweighed the fact that it
did not foam and there is a definite aroma of cider vinegar. I
personally like the aroma but I am sure that some people might not
like it.
This
shampoo is designed to seriously help dry, coarse or chemically
treated hair and it does a great job. If you can live with no
foam and the cider aroma you are getting a top quality shampoo.
Can
you get the same benefit from using cider vinegar by itself as a
shampoo? Definitely not. Believe me, I have tried.
Phytocidre is not just cider vinegar. It is a carefully researched
and developed composition of ingredients that are built around the
vinegar for the maximum benefits to dry, coarse or chemically
processed hair.
One
that I can say about the Phytotherathrie
organization is that they spend a tremendous amount of time and
energy developing the very best
hair care products that can be developed. I have been
slowly working my way through testing their entire line.
Although I like some products a lot better than others because they
are designed for my specific type of hair, I can honestly say that
every product I have tried is carefully designed for the results it
promises.
If
you have a problem with the aroma of cider vinegar than obviously
the Phytocidre is not for you. However, be aware that many
high quality lines offer a form of a cider solution for hair and
skin.
Best
wishes,
Karen
October
1, 2001
Question
Hair Damage From Pool Chemicals?
Dear
Karen,
How
harsh are pool chemicals to your hair? Myself and my husband have
noticed more hair loss since we have swam in the pool this summer.
Is there anything we can do to help the loss?
Kim
Answer
Dear
Kim,
All
pool chemicals are designed to act as chemical gorillas gobbling up the
bad pool bacteria guys. This
is terrible news for unprotected hair that
is definitely victimized by those "search and destroy"
chemicals.
One
of the major pool chemicals, chlorine, is a bleach.
It is corrosive. When
chlorine or other pool chemicals find their way to unsuspecting, unprotected
hair cuticles they soak right in, bond with your natural oils and
proceed to burn your hair.
Chemists
have proven that the pH and chemical composition of pool water is
Unprotected
hair that absorbs pools chemicals on a regular basis will most likely
become extremely dry, brittle and damaged.
The combination of sun and
pool chemicals will also cause hair to become more acidic and loss
natural elasticity. This
puts hair on the fast track to varying degrees of breakage,
accelerated hair loss and other problems.
Hair
that has been damaged by the sun needs a lot of moisture and
TLC. Run don't walk to the nearest hair care shop and load up
on moisture enhancing products.
One
of the major advantages of the Phytotherathrie line is that is
actually repairs damaged hair rather than just coating the cuticle.
Phytotherathrie has a great product (Phytoplage
- After-sun Repair Mask) that is designed specifically to
help repair hair damaged by the sun.
Phytotheratrie
also has one of the best lines for protecting hair that is going to
be exposed to sun and surf. The Phytoplage
line has one of the best hair sunscreens around.
I
would also advise that you load up on moisturizing shampoo and
conditioners to add natural oils back to the hair. Phytocadamia
shampoo is a restoring shampoo for dry, porous, thick & curly or
chemically processed hair. Phytocadamia is loaded with Macadamia
oil, illipe butter & panthenol in order to restore and fortify
damaged hair. Phytocadamia will nourish damaged hair in depth.
Phytocitrus
Mask is a fabulous deep conditioner that should be used as
needed on a weekly basis until your hair recovers.
It
is always advisable to have any hair that has been excessively
damaged removed to allow new growth to flourish. Make an
appointment with your stylist and have all split ends and damaged
hair trimmed.
Best
wishes,
Karen
Question
Dear
Karen,
I
have short wavy hair which when cut properly is great. I'm looking
for someone who knows how to cut and work with it. I live in New
York City and would appreciate some referrals.
I know New York can be pricey but I am
Viv
Answer
Dear
Viv,
New
York City is the greatest place in the world for finding master
stylists. Trying to
select just one is difficult. If
you are looking for a
salon that specializes in wavy hair you should check out Ouidad's
salon located at 846 Seventh Avenue (800-677-HAIR for more info on
appointment schedules).
Although
Ouidad no longer accepts new clients, she has a staff of experts
that would do a great job. Ouidad's salon has been recognized by Vogue as one of
the
top salons in the nation for specialty hair like yours.
Best
wishes,
Karen
Question
Fine Hair Styling Advice
Karen,
I
need your help. I currently have long, fine hair. I am planning on
cutting it off soon but I am having a hard time finding a style I
like. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Donna
Answer
One
of the best all purpose cuts for fine hair is the bob with its many
A
popular look for fine strands is a shoulder length bob with chiseled
or
Avoid
blunt cuts which may result in shapeless or limp looks.
Although pixie
cuts can be a great style for fine hair, it is best to reserve the
cut for petite or oval
faces.
Check
out Fine
Solutions, a great article written for HairBoutique.com by
Victoria Wurdinger who has fine hair that she has learned to tame
with success.
Best
wishes,
Karen
Question
Naturally Curly
Dear
Karen,
Help!
I have shoulder length naturally curly hair, and of course
with naturally curly hair comes frizz, I have tried everything to
straighten it, but it just becomes so frizzy. I was wondering if you
had any pointers as to how I can straighten my hair and control the
frizz.
Thanks
for any help you can provide.
Nikky
Answer
Dear Nikky,
Congratulations
on your naturally curly hair.
When handled properly your hair can be absolutely stunning.
Products that contain a high concentration of silicone can
instantly eliminate the frizzies.
Unfortunately this is only a temporary fix and will not help
long term.
Frizz
can be controlled by adopting the following regime that includes:
- Moisturize
well with shampoo and rinse out conditioners like those from
Phyto's fabulous shampoo and conditioner options.
-
Avoid very hot water that can dry out your naturally
fragile hair.
-
Detangle with a wide toothed comb and a detangling spray.
- Fight
frizz with a relaxing balm like Phytotheratrie’s Defrisant
Balm, (a favorite of many celebs like Jennifer Anniston and
Jennifer Lopez). This
relaxing balm contains Ferula, horseradish and garlic extracts
that coat and straighten hair without any chemical action.
- Use
a natural bristle paddle brush as an anchor, blow dry hair in
individual sections until it is 100% dry. Remember to direct the
air-flow from the roots to the ends to straighten and add
instant shine.
- Apply
a good light holding spray.
Remember
to deep condition as often as your hair needs it. This will build
long term moisture benefits into your cuticle and help to cut down
on heavy frizz days. Enjoy
gorgeous frizz free locks.
Best
wishes,
Karen
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