October 28,
2003
New Hairstyle For Me?
Question
Dear Karen,
I recently saw an article
in a hair stylist magazine that gave your e-mail
address for hair questions.
I need some advice and
help, please. I desperately need a new hair style. I am Caucasian.
I have a medium amount of hair. Each hair strand is somewhat
fine. I have absolutely no body to my stick-straight hair. My
hair length is just below my neck.
My face is thin and
somewhat long. I am in my 40's. Please let me know what type
of hair style would look good on me. I would like something
that is flattering on me and yet doesn't take a lot of time to
fix. I like low maintenance.
Answer
Dear Ms. Johnson,
My apologies but as you can
imagine, it is virtually impossible to advise people of
personalized new hairstyles over the Internet. Quite frankly,
without being able to look at someone's face and their coloring
and hair in person, even recommending general styles would be
a shot in the dark. It would be like be recommending a great
couch for a house I have never seen, or similar.
I have tried to do this in the
past because so many people have requested this exact help, but it
is very hard to do and usually requires that the person still go
to a hairdresser, so I no longer can make any custom hairstyle
suggestions. I am sure you can understand why.
What I would suggest for you is
that take a little time to research salons in your area.
Then call one that feels like it would be comfortable for you.
Ask them if you can pay for just a consultation. Be sure and
tell them that you are still searching for hairstyle options and
just want to pay for the time to have your hair analyzed. If
you do this, there should be no pressure to accept what they tell
you and then you can go home and decide whether to go back or not
and have the work done.
In general fine hair does best
when it is worn shorter than longer. This is because fine
hair does flatten easily.
Please read:
Many of the styles that Victoria
discusses in the link above are lower maintenance. However, when
you find a stylist that you are comfortable with, you can explain
that low maintenance is key for you. Since your face is thin
and somewhat long, you definitely want a style that will give you
width or definition around the cheekbones and will focus attention
of your eyes or lips, whichever you wish to show off.
Finding a good salon can be
tricky. It is best to start watching women and men around
you that have really great cuts. Ask them where they got
their cut and who did it. I have found all of my best
hairstylists that way. Think about the fact that any
hairstylist ultimately has their work walking around in public as
calling cards.
If you are looking for a good
large chain of salons, Toni & Guy is generally reputable and
good. If you like near a very large city, it is easier to
find a good salon. Many of the local magazines that focus on
happenings in the city (D Magazine, New York, LA Magazine, etc.,)
will often list the Best and The Worst of hairstylists and salons.
You can often call the editors and ask for their list.
Finally, another trick is to look
at magazines and find a celebrity that has a face shape like yours
and hair like yours. Then look at the way that the actress
or celebrity wears their hair. Usually celebrities have the
very best of the best stylists at their beck and call. If you copy
one of the celebritie's styles, you are getting very
expensive hairstyling advice for little cost.
Keep in mind also that hair color
and hair streaking will "blow up" the cuticle of the
hair and give fullness. It can also be strategically placed
to help minimize a long thin face and "open it up".
I hope this gets you started in
finding a great style for you.
Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
Question
Dear Karen
Hi. I just cut my hair and I really regret it now. I
really want to grow my hair out. I was looking through a
magazine and there was an ad that said if you buy this shampoo
stuff your hair will grow within 5-7 days.
Does that stuff work at all or is it just a gimmick to
have you buy the stuff? Does it help at all?
Thank you.
Annette Larson
Answer
Unfortunately there is no magic bullet for instant hair
growth. For more information please read:
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip914.htm
and http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip214.htm
Even with the new hair vitamins that help maximize growth,
you will generally not grow hair faster than 1/2 to 1 inch a
month with the 1 inch being somewhat rare.
Any product that promises overnight growth is suspect.
Shampoo washes right out so that is even more suspect.
I can't say for sure whether the product works or not since I
have not used it but I would certainly be suspicious since most
hair growth takes time and needs to be generated from the inside
out.
Regards,
Karen Shelton
October 22,
2003
Keep Up The Good Work
Question
Dear Karen
I visit HairBoutique.com every single day and I have
emailed you a few times. Every time you have been so nice
and helpful which is amazing since I know you receive mountains
of email every day. HairBoutique.com is simply
amazing. Where else can you go and get a website with so
much great information that is 100% free? So many sites
are now charging just to visit and they don't have 1/10th the
information that you provide at no cost.
Therefore when I just read the email below from Ms.
Sandy Hall (see below her email) attacking you for
not dropping everything at 3:00 in the morning for her problem
and giving the advice she wanted, I had to laugh. I can
only imagine what her problem was. Did she have a last
minute date and need an updo in 5 minutes. Or maybe she
wants to see a photo of Jennifer Aniston's new do but is too
lazy to search for herself.
Trust me, I have been there with you Karen. I own a hair
salon and you would not believe some of the people that I have
to deal with that are rude, obnoxious and believe the world owes
them something. I have people come into my salon and demand that
I drop everything and answer their hair questions. Never
mind if I am working on a customer or not. I get calls
from people who demand that I rearrange my schedule for their
last minute emergency Homecoming date or Prom date or whatever
event that is only important in their world. Never mind anyone
else and their lives.
I wanted to email you and tell you to keep up the great
work you do on behalf of both hair professionals like me and
hair consumers. I think you are probably the hardest
working lady around and that you try very hard to help as many
people as possible. The fact that a bitchy women complains
because she didn't like your advice, well I would have done
exactly what you did and published her email to you for the
world to see.
In fact, in the future, I hope you publish all similar
emails. I have found that a Bully feels empowered in
private but will shrink when the bright light of the day hits
them smack in their self centered faces.
You go girl.
Sincerely,
Donna
Answer
Dear Donna,
Thank you making my day. Yes, I get an average of 500
emails every single day of the week to AskKaren. I am
flattered that so many people take the time to write and I try
to read every email as quickly as possible.
Unfortunately, unlike AnnLanders or DearAbby I do not have
someone funding a staff of people to help me answer each and
every email personally. If there was any way I could
personally help everyone with every single hair problem, I
would. However, there are only 24 hours in every day and I
can't get to every single email, no matter how hard I try.
HairBoutique.com was designed to help both consumers and
professionals find a wide range of complimentary hair care help,
advice and information. While I promise to try and help as many
people as I can, I do not promise instant responses and I do not
promise that all my advice will be perfect. My advice is
free however.
When I know that a problem has already been covered in either
the Askkaren column or in an article on HairBoutique.com, I do
point people to appropriate links to try and expediate the
answer to their question.
Many people email me with hair care emergencies that I can't
possibly help with because I am not because of the circumstances
of the problem. Just like Ann Landers, when I have an idea
of someone that might be able to help, I do refer people. Some
like Ms. Hall, literally email me at 3:00 in the morning and
when I don't answer within a few minutes, send me abusive emails
complaining because I did not drop everything and help
them.
While it is true that I hardly sleep, I do try to catch a few
winks every night and 3:00 am is prime sleeping time for me.
As far as last minute pleas for homecoming, prom or wedding
updos there is no way I can respond with just a few minutes
notice. Sometimes I don't even receive an email for up to
12 hours after it is sent.
Maybe you are correct and I should publish every email
complaint that I receive. I hate to embarrass people who
assume that their bad manners and rude comments will not be seen
by anyone else but me.
The now deceased Ann Landers, one of my personal idols, used
to publish routine columns from people attacking her for her
advice. So maybe there is some merit to the idea? I
am always amazed by how many people will complain about me or
AskKaren or the HairBoutique.com site when it is absolutely
free. I wish I could remember what some wise person said
about looking a gift horse in the mouth.
One thing that some people are not aware of is that every
AskKaren email receives an immediate automatic response to let
the person know that their email was received. The auto
responder is not from me but from the AskKaren mailbox. When I
am able to personally answer an email question, it may take
several hours for me to get back to the person.
Unfortunately some people are not patient and when I can not
answer them within a few minutes, they fire back emails like the
one I received from Ms. Hall.
As an aside, Ms. Hall was emailing me because she needed help
using a banana clip. Although I did not answer her at 3:00
am when she first emailed AskKaren, I did email her later in the
day with detailed instructions on how to use a banana clip,
which is published on the HairBoutique.com site (which she said
sucks) as well.
Thanks again for your support and your funny email. It
is always nice to get good feedback. I may consider publishing a
column with the worst emails I receive or something equally
appropriate. If I do, I will be sure to include Ms. Hall's
email below.
Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
October 22, 2003
Thank You For Helping Me?
Question
Dear Karen
Thank you so much for your recent email help to me.
I really was suffering as a result of trying to do my own
highlights at home and after I turned my hair green, you gave me
some great advice that helped me recover from the problem.
I know that you help so many hundreds of people but I am sure
that not everyone takes the time to email their thanks. I
wanted to do that. So thanks and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Karlie
Answer
Dear Karlie,
Thank you for emailing me. You are correct, I get many
hundreds of emails every single day and try to personally answer
as many as possible when time permits. The rest I try to forward
to links that might help since time does not permit me to answer
every single email.
Unfortunately I still receive emails like the ones below (see
email from Sandy Hall) that sometimes make it all seem not worth
trying to help any further.
Thank you again for your sweet feedback.
Good luck with your hair.
Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
Email Received by AskKaren from
Sandy Hall on October 22, 2003 at 3:08 am.
-----Original Message-----
From: hall sandy [mailto:sipohall2@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 3:08 AM
To: askkaren@hairboutique.com
Subject: Thanks a lot.
Thanks for NO advice. I really needed advice and you shuffled
me off to a site that SUCKED! Thanks for your GREAT help!
Sandy Hall
sipohall2@yahoo.com
October 22, 2003
Salon Today Magazine?
Question
I would like to receive Salon
Today Magazine. How do I get it? My name is Sandra D and my
salon is Sandra D Salon of Beauty.
Thank you in advance.
Sandra
Answer
Salon
Today Magazine is part of the Modern Salon publishing
corporation which publishes magazines for the professional
hair care industry.
Please
check out:
and to
subscribe go to:
Best
wishes,
Karen
October 17, 2003
Hair Too Soft?
Question
Dear Karen
I recently switched from grocery store brands to the
professional lines. My hair has never felt more wonderful,
soft and silky. However, now I have a new problem.
My hair is actually too soft and silky to hold my normal
style. I love the new professional lines but I need to be
able to also style my hair. Any ideas of what I should do?
Kyla
Answer
Dear Kyla,
You
have several options that can potentially offer you the
styling power you seek without losing your new soft silky hair
feel.
You
might want to experiment with a range of different styling
products that will give your hair more traction. If you
want just a little more style consider using a soft mousse or
similar type of product. If you want a firmer hold and
style use a firm gel or a wax. The combination of your
soft hair and the right styling product should offer you the
advantage of soft and silky hair with holding power.
If
you are using a rinse out or leave-in conditioner in addition
to the softer shampoo and conditioners, you might want to
experiment with only using them every other day or even every
couple of days. While rinse out and leave-in
conditioners are wonderful for helping to control dry and
damaged hair, if they are used too often or used on the wrong
type of hair, they can make hair overly soft and more
difficult to style.
You
can also experiment with diluting your shampoo products.
Yes, I know, most professionals and product companies do not
recommend diluting products, but sometimes it does help.
Consider diluting 1 part shampoo to 2 parts warm water.
Swish up the mixture and then apply to the roots first.
Let the suds gently flow down the length of your
strands. This will give you a solid hair cleansing
experience without too much softening.
You
also have the option of trying products that have less
softening ingredients. Look for products that specify
that they are for fine to medium strands or that they offer
volume and body.
It
could actually be true that the products you are using are a
little too heavy for your hair texture and a lighter formula
would offer better styling control.
Sometimes
finding the perfect combination of shampoo, conditioner and
styling products take time and experimentation. Play
with a few of the options I have suggested and let me know how
it turns out for you.
Regards,
Karen
Shelton
October 16, 2003
Reaction To Hair Color?
Question
My hair colorist has been using Matrix
permanent color on my hair for more than a year now with great
results. In April of this year she gave me a body perm. I started
having strange tingling sensations up the back of my neck and
scalp, along with irritated eyes. Now, each time I have my hair
colored, these reactions happen again.
Have you any idea what may be causing
this? I have had my hair colored for the past ten years and have had
no reactions.
Thank you,
Geri
Some people
develop an allergic reaction to chemical hair dyes over time.
Usually it is related to the PPD which is short for p-Phenylenediamine.
You can
read more about this at:
Usually the
allergic reactions develop over time and become more pronounced
until a serious reaction occurs. You might wish to discuss
this with your primary physician and ask about having an allergy
test. They are fairly simple these days and involve a blood
test that can pinpoint if you are in fact developing an allergy to
PPD.
Some people
have their hair colored and/or dyed for over 15 years before their
body builds up an immunity and reacts with a negative allergic
reaction. Usual symptons include irriated eyes which
sometimes may swell up and close up to rashes and can even be
dangerous in some rare cases where there is a history of blood
pressure or heart related issues.
Before you
have the process done again, please investigate with your
physician if there is an allergy developing.
Hope that
helps.
Regards,
Karen
Shelton
October 10, 2003
How Long Does Temporary Haircolor Really Last?
Question
Hi Karen,
I recently switched from permanent hair color to temporary at
the advice of my stylist. She told me that my hair needed a
rest and that the temporary colors would give me the color I wanted
but without the heavy chemicals. Unfortunately I notice that
my temporary color seems to be gone almost as quickly as I put it on
my hair. So my question is how long does temporary hair color
really last?
Thanks
Saunder
Answer
Dear Sander
Well as you know, temporary does mean temporary. The
manufacturers of the temporary colors will usually publish a
guideline of how long the color is meant to last. Depending on
the manufacturer and the type of color that they use, temporary
colors may last from 4-8 shampoo cycles.
There are definitely things you can do to slow down the color
loss. These include the following tips:
1. Shampoo less often. The process of applying water
and shampoo is what causes the temporary colors to wash out.
If you can shampoo every other day or every couple of days rather
than daily, you will extend the life of the temporary color.
2. Shampoo in lukewarm to cool water. The hotter the
water you use, the quickly the color will leave.
3. Do a final cool/cold rinse. This seals the hair
cuticle and allows the color the be sealed off from environmental
factors that speed up hair color loss.
4. Avoid red colors. These fade the fasted because red
colors have the smallest molecules which do not cling to the hair
shaft as easily as the other colors. If possible select a
darker color base that will seep deeper into the cuticle and last
longer.
5. Use a color enhancing shampoo. There are many on
the market including those by Aveda, Mine, Paul Mitchell and
Redken. Select one that will help keep your color intact as
long as possible. I personally love the Mine Sunny Sunday for
my blonde locks but Aveda's Blue Malva is wonderful for gray shades
as well. Manic Panic also makes a color enhancing shampoo to keep
their color line perked up.
6. Apply your color on a weekend and don't shampoo your
hair for the entire weekend. This gives the color a chance to
settle in deeper and thus last longer.
7. Avoid using hot oil treatments that will pop open the
cuticle and cause the temporary color to leech out faster.
8. Consider using a demi-perm like Castings which will last
longer.
Best wishes,
Karen
October 6, 2003
Morning Hair Horrors?
Question
Dear Karen,
When I wake up in the morning I am always a frenzied mess
because I don’t want my boyfriend to see my hair.
I rush into the shower where I hide out until my hair is
presentable. Although I
have explained my embarrassment at my bad hair to my guy, he seems
hurt that I don’t want to hang out with him when we first wake-up.
Any ideas what I should do to fix this problem?
Thanks.
Melody
Answer
Dear Melody
Although I genuinely sympathize with you, I also suspect that
your sweetie would much rather enjoy morning cuddles with you and
your pillowhead than watch your disappear into a cloud of shampoo.
If you really can’t bring yourself to expose your electric
socket morning locks to your guy, put your hair in a bun or ponytail
before you go to sleep to anchor crazy locks.
Braids are other great options.
Don’t forget that true love is blind and conquers all sorts of
morning horrors from morning mouth to spikey hair horrors.
Best wishes,
Karen
October 5, 2003
Boyfriend Pulls Hair?
Question
Dear Karen,
I am madly in love with my dream guy.
Unfortunately he has this terrible habit of playing with my
long hair. The problem
is that he pulls my hair and it not only gets all tangled, it hurts
sometimes. I have
gently asked him to stop but he tells me that one of the things he
loves most about me is my hair.
I have considered getting my hair cut very short to end the
problem but worry that I will lose him in the process.
I know this is a strange question but if you have any
suggestions I would appreciate them so much.
Thanks.
Meggan
Answer
Dear Meggan
Rule number one is to be totally true to your own wants and
needs. If you love your
long hair but hate the constant hair pawing by your sweetie, then
keep your locks and consider ditching your handsy guy.
So what’s up with him not listening to or respecting your
clear wishes?
One possible compromise that might allow you to keep your guy
along with tangle free, painless strands is to agree upon some
mutually enjoyable hair pampering rituals.
Consider letting your love brush your hair every night before
you go to bed. Or maybe
you wouldn’t object to a weekly hot oil scalp massage that allows
him to get his fingers into your locks without pulling too hard.
Other options include letting him braid your hair or give you a
seductive shampoo on a regular basis.
Have a heart to heart talk and explain your current cuticle
distress. Ask him to
work with you to find mutually satisfying hair activities.
Be open to his ideas and suggestions.
If he balks or pouts show him the door and realize that your
lovely long strands will love you for it.
Best wishes,
Karen
October 4, 2003
Note From You?
Question
Dear Karen,
I have been a faithful shopper in your Marketplace for the
past year. I love the Phyto products and the pricing and how
fast my package always arrives. I am curious about one
thing. I always notice a hand written note on my invoices that
are usually signed by Karen Shelton or Karen. Could you
possibly be the same Karen? If so, I am surprised that you
would take the time to sign my invoices my hand although I do
appreciate it. Thank you for a wonderful site.
Mrs. Grayson
Answer
Dear Mrs. Grayson,
Yes, those handwritten notes on your invoices are in my sloppy
penmanship. Sometimes Karen comes out like "Kren" or other
wide looped signatures that are a derivative of Karen. But
yes, it is me that personally signs about 99% of the time.
I have been signing most of the invoices every day since
almost the beginning of our Marketplace some years ago. After
all, if you and our other HairBoutique.com customers can take the
time to shop and buy products from us I feel that it is only right
for me or some other HairBoutique.com team member to take the time
to write a personal thank you note to each and every customer.
Hairboutique.com is not perfect by any stretch of the
imagination. We sometimes unintentially make mistakes and
goofs but we do try very hard to offer quick, efficient, customer
focused service. We appreciate each and every customer, like
you, that takes the time to visit our e-store.
Thank you for your kind note and question.
Best wishes,
Karen
October 3, 2003
Trimming Bangs At Home
Question
Dear Karen,
I am a college student with a very limited
income. I wish to trim my own bangs at home but am not sure how to
start or what to do. Can you please give me some pointers on cutting
my own bangs at home?
Ilena
Answer
Dear Ilena,
Bangs can be so much fun and can offer so many different ways to
change up any hairstyle in an instant. Keeping bangs trimmed to just
the right length can be quite a challenge, especially for hair that
grows quickly.
It is always a good idea to arrange to have your bangs or fringe
shaped on a regular basis to make sure that they don't grow totally
out of control. However, when a limited budget looms as a
challenge, it is perfectly acceptable to do some trimming touch-ups
on your own strands at home.
When you undertake your own bang trimming operation, be
sure to use the right tools and take your time. You may even
want to explain your plight to your sympathetic stylist who might
give you some trimming pointers the next time you go to the
salon.
It should be noted that some stylists will offer bangs trims at a
minimal or no charge to their regular customers. Not all
stylists offer this service but it never hurts to inquire.
Many people borrow the eyes and hands of a friend or loved one to
trim their bangs for them. However, if you prefer to trim your
hair yourself, you can still do a great job with some helpful hints
listed below:
Bang Trimming Hints
1. Whether you are a pro at trimming your own bangs or not,
always allow yourself plenty of time to do the job. Remember
that haste makes waste. Bangs that are trimmed in a hurry may
turn out too short or may be uneven.
2. Always use a professional quality comb and
scissors. A poor quality comb or scissors may potentially rip,
tear or damage otherwise healthy strands. Purchase a good plastic
comb and a good pair of trimming scissors.
Some hair experts recommend that you use a sharp cuticle or
mustache scissors for a bang trim. Although these types of
cutting instruments are much smaller than a regular pair of
scissors, you have more control over your trim operation and can
make less mistakes.
Bang trimming guide tape can sometimes be purchased from various
beauty supply stores. Of you can improvise with some fabric
tape. Using guide tape can help you create a more uniform trim
line.
3. Although professionals disagree on whether to cut hair
when it is wet or dry, keep in mind that strands stretch while wet
but shrink when dry. This change in length can make judging
how long your bangs will actually be a bit of a challenge.
Most professionals recommend that you shampoo and completely dry
your hair before trimming. Ultimately you may wish to
experiment with cutting your bangs dry versus wet to gauge the best
results for you.
4. Make sure that your hair is completely detangled, styled
and parted in its normal way before you start to trim. If you
neglect this step, you may get unpredictable results.
5. Pull any hair that is not going to be trimmed into a
clip or elastic band that is directed away from the bang
area.
6. Position the index and middle fingers of either hand
horizontally against your forehead, resting under your bags.
Your fingers will act as a cutting guide. Grab the ends of about 10
-15 hairs between your fingers and hold them straight down against
your forehead.
Don't pull strands too tightly or else you will artificially
stretch your strands and cut too much hair. Always make sure that
you have the same amount of hair on all sides before you begin
trimming.
7. Trim and cut below your fingers to keep from cutting
hair shorter than you'd like. Work slowly by snipping as little as
1/8th of an inch. This cutting technique should give your
finished bangs a blunt, well designed finish.
When you reach the end, return to the center and trim in the
opposite direction until you are done.
8. When you are finished trimming each individual section
of the bangs comb the section into the rest of the bangs and check
the length and the evenness in a mirror. If you prefer that
more hair is trimmed from the length, trim another 1/8th of an
inch. Continue with this process until you have achieved the
length you desire.
Remember that it is better to leave hair longer than
shorter. You always the option of snipping a little more
length from the bangs in a day or so once you adjust to the trim.
9. Create blunt-cut bangs by combing the hair straight
down. Use the scissors and cut in a straight line from side to
side. Hair experts suggest that you start about the middle of the
forehead and work your way towards one side. Then start from
the very outside edge of the bangs by your ears and cut towards the
middle. This will help you keep a straighter line.
10. Wispy bangs should be gathered in a triangle at the
middle of your forehead before snipping no more than a quarter inch
off the bottom. Then, to get the fringy effect, make a few
mini-snips holding the tip of the scissors vertically instead of
horizontally.
If you prefer your bangs with a bit more texture and softness,
follow the instructions as above, but twist small sections of your
hair a few times (so it's like a rope) and snip into the ends.
11. Feathered bangs. If you prefer a softer,
feathered look to your bangs, carefully snip tiny V shaped little
wedges at random points along the edges keeping your scissors on a
vertical angle rather than horizontal.
12. You may wish to invest in a roll of hair tape that you can
use to help you find the perfect length for cutting your bangs.
Even if you make trimming errors with your bangs, don't
freak. Keep in mind that hair always grows back. You can
either let your bangs grow back in at their own pace or you can make
an emergency appointment with your stylist to have your bangs
reshaped. Whatever you do, please don't keep nibbling away at
your bangs with your scissors. The result could be disastrous.
Best wishes,
Karen
October 2, 2003
Need A Hair Miracle
Question
Dear Karen,
I am 41, and in that dreaded menopause...I had
beautiful hair down to my waist until the last 4 years...Now I have
continuously cut it thinking that it would help and it is worse.
I have frosted my hair for 22 years never with
any problems until menopause. I do not take hormone
replacement, it makes me crazier......But I do take herb
replacement. I NEED HELP. Everyone is asking me what
happened to my hair. So not only am I trying to deal with the
changes in my body-my hair is also an issue.
My hair is a little below my shoulders, but
won't hang properly due to the thinning (especially in the
humidity). I have tried many products my hairdresser
recommended. I sleep in conditioner. I spray it with leave-in
and so on.
Can you please help
me! I don't want to grow old gracefully. I want to fight
it all the way. I need a miracle. I have been praying
but so far nothing. I have bought an artificial ponytail in
the meantime and that makes it somewhat better.
Thanks in advance.
Waiting For A Miracle In
Mississippi,
Robin
Answer
Dear Robin,
Yes, growing older can be a bitch sometimes. The good news
is that there are many options available to you to help you deal
with your current hair challenges. In essence with some right steps
you can craft your own hair miracles.
Great hair, no matter what age, is one part good attitude, one
part genes and one part great styling advice and products.
While you may not be able to change your genes at this point, a
great attitude, good products and good advice can help you overcome
this fork in the hair road.
Society has changed with the the Baby Boomers. Many are
throwing caution to the wind and not worrying about thinning or gray
hair or wrinkles. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis recently posed for
More magazine to prove that she feels beautiful in her 40s with
thinner hair, salt and pepper roots and wrinkles. Many people
in their 40s, 50s and above are comfortable in their own skin and
support others who do the same.
Consider taking a little time to reflect on who you are at this
stage in your life and clarify what you really value.
Celebrate who you are and the wonderful things in your life.
Consider that when one door closes in life another opens.
Challenges always lead to new opportunities.
In your current situation with your hair if you really want to
effect changes you are going to have to be proactive. A change
will not happen overnight without some investigation and legwork on
your part. Are you still willing to make your own
miracle? Then consider these steps:
1. Seek advice for your thinning hair
from your chosen health practioner or practioners as well as your
hair and beauty advisors.
It is possible that your current hair thinning can be due to a
combination of factors including hormone imbalances, thyroid
malfunction, nutritional deficiencies or other medical issues.
Have a complete physical work-up that includes testing of your
hormone levels, your thyroid and your overall physical condition.
2. Consult with a nutritional
expert.
Are you eating a good nutritional diet, getting enough sleep and
drinking enough liquids to support your hair? Are you
supplementing with vitamins and herbs that are right for your body's
needs at this point in your life?
If you are taking herbs it is possible that you may not have the
right formula or balance that is best for you. The same can be said
for any vitamin or mineral program you are following. As we
age our bodies require different type of nutrients from a variety of
sources. A
good vitamin program is definitely necessary to grow healthy
hair and skin. This is even more true the older we become
since our bodies may require extra support.
3. Consider alternative hormonal
solutions.
Although traditional hormones may not work for you, there are
many alternatives that can make a difference. Many women have
had great success with alternative forms of hormones sold at health
food stores. Life-Flo Products sold through many health food
establishments and on the web offer all natural
progesterone and estrogen creams that can help balance
hormones.
It is possible that your thinning can be due to a combination of
factors from hormone imbalances, thyroid malfunction, nutritional
deficiencies or other medical issues.
Of course it may be that your genes contain a family history
towards age related hair loss. If this true for you then
external solutions will work best. This includes looking at
hair extensions, wigs and products that will fatten your
locks.
4. Evaluate hair extension options.
Many people have great success with "spot hair
extensions" designed to add thickness and fullness in thinning
areas. All natural human hair extensions are a wonderful
option because they can be dyed and cut to match your current hair
color and style. Clip-on ponytails, like you have recently
purchased, are a great fun way to enjoy the benefits of longer hair
with your hair loss challenges. Wigs are another option.
They have come a long way from the early days and are lightweight
and can be amazing close to real human hair.
5. Work with your stylist to find
a great new style.
A great stylist can help you select a style that enhances your
hair and gives it more fullness and movement. Make a
consultation with your stylist and discuss your options. Don't
agree to make any changes but take the time to think about what your
stylist suggested.
6. Evaluate the range of hair loss
products on the market.
Many hair care products are designed specifically to help with
hair loss issues. Phytologie makes a series of hair care
related products designed not only to address hair loss issues but
to help camouflage the thinning hair. They offer a special vitamin
program for thinning hair as does Viviscal.
Some of Phytologie's hair loss and strengthening products
include:
Phytotherathrie
- Phytocyane Treatment - Phytocyane revitalizing treatment
addresses female temporary hair loss from pregnancy, stress, diet or
menopause. Grape seed extract & gingko biloba protect &
revitalize hair. Clinical efficacy testing showed 83% positive
results. Delays grey hair onset.
Phytotherathrie
- Phytocyane Shampoo
A combination of plant-based active ingredients restores vitality
of the hair by encouraging blood flow to the hair bulb &
promoting hair growth. A mild cleansing base derived from Coconut
oil makes Phytocyane shampoo effective, gentle & pleasant.
Phytotherathrie
- Phytoaxil Treatment
With 2 patented botanical active principles, Phytoaxil helps
combat the process of thinning hair, due to accelerated aging, by
acting both on the hair bulb & surrounding area. Exclusively
formulated w/ natural active principles & proven to help hair
grow.
Phytotherathrie
- Phytoaxil Energizing
Shampoo
This shampoo is a great energizing cocktail for all hair types as
well as an ideal supplement to Phytoaxil Fortifying Intensive Care.
In association w/ a Ginseng extract & Zinc, it fortifies the
scalp & invigorates the hair. 3.3 oz
Phytotherathrie
- Phytopolleine Scalp Treatment is a 100% botanical scalp
treatment for weak, anemic slightly thinning hair and dry or oily
scalp. Essential oils cleanse purify and balance the scalp
which stimulates the hair bulb. This is a must product for
regular maintenance that promotes the health of the scalp.
7. Consider temporary volume
enhancers
Finally, there are wonderful volume enhancing products that allow
you to shampoo in fullness and follow with gels and volume enhancer
formulas that will help. Matrix Amplify and Vavoom are both
great lines with many options for volume enhancement.
Phytotherathrie offers two
volume enhancing shampoos
and a their wonderful Phytovolume
Actif that is the favorite hair fattener of many well-know
celebrities.
Simple things like using cool/cold water as your final rinse and
drying your hair bent over at the roots will help add
fullness. Hair color applied strategically will also swell the
hair shaft making it appear fuller.
Hang in there and embrace your new hair journey.
Best wishes,
Karen
Question
Dear Karen,
OK. I am a teen and I hate that it takes
me almost 2 hours to get ready and it is all because of my
hair!. I usually take my shower at night so it will only take
one hour in the morning. This is my problem. I have very
long wavy, thick, frizzy, dark hair. It's the worst!
I do the whole gel after the shower
thing. Then I blow dry with a round brush (or flat brush)
straight. Then in the mornings I use a straightener on it.
I barely have time for
makeup and picking out clothes. It is all my hair! I
want to get it cut but I am so scared cause when I was like 5 I had
really curly hair and my got it all cut off and it came back like
THIS!.
So if I get it cut I believe it will be so bad
cause the only reason that it is even a little straight and
sometimes not frizzy is cause the weight of my hair holds it
down. So do you have any way to help me?
Anything is good for me!. I just don't
know what to do with it besides putting it into a ponytail.
Even then it is just frizz. Well thanks.
Sarah
Answer
Dear Sarah,
I hear you. Having lots of hair can definitely be time
consuming.
While you’re right longer hair helps weigh down hair waves, you
do have several options. A possible long term solution is to
consider having your hair relaxed. There are many wonderful
at-home salon quality products like Phytologie's
Phytospecific relaxers that are all natural. They will
soften and relax your hair so that it is much easier to style.
The relaxed cuticles will also compress the size of your hair and
help prevent frizz.
If you don’t feel comfortable relaxing at home, talk to your
stylist about similar options at the salon.
You are right to be concerned about cutting your hair too
short. Selecting a
slightly shorter, well crafted style, that thins and shapes your
thick hair will definitely keep your waves under control but help to
speed up your daily styling tasks.
Prevent haircut trauma by taking your time to find a stylist that
you really trust. Select
a hair expert that will really listen to your hair desires and
needs. Once you find
such a pay for a pre-cut consultation only.
Avoid allowing the stylist to work on your hair during the
consultation. Be sure
to take some photos of styles you might like and discuss your
styling nightmares and new style concerns.
Wait at least 48 hours before you act on suggestions from the
consultation.
Bust daily frizz with shampoo formulas designed to add moisture
to your hair. ARTec
Smoothing, Phytojojoba and Aveda Shampure are wonderful products for
combating frizz. Always
use a rinse-out conditioner and finish with a cool rinse to seal
your hair cuticle.
Add back weekly moisture with a deep conditioning treatment.
Phyokarite and Aveda Curressence will help soften and defrizz
even the most parched hair.
Braiding your hair in a simple three strand braid while damp will
also look smashing and eliminate morning hair fuzz.
Ballernina buns are the hottest rage and only require a few
rotations of a ponytail and a handful of bobby pins.
Practice on the weekends to create some new styles that you
enjoy and are quick and easy.
Other options include drying your hair the night before school
and then sleeping in soft or rag curlers overnight to skip the
styling steps in the morning. Wake
up to soft frizz-free curls and waves and ditch your morning styling
rituals.
Best wishes,.
Karen
Question
Dear Karen,
I have short, thick and wavy hair. I have tried straighteners,
gels and hair sprays, but nothing seems to straighten my wavy hair.
Can you recommend something that may help me achieve the look I want.
I want something along the lines of a punky spiked out fashion.
Thank you.
Kelly
Answer
Dear Kelly,
Run, don't walk to a hairstylist that you trust. Arrange to
pay them for some of their time for a consultation ONLY. Bring
a list of the products that you have tried without success.
Also bring some samples of punky styles that you would enjoy
wearing. Keep in mind that your hair may require special
cutting and chemical treatments to prepare it for the type of styles
that you desire.
Can you achieve the look that you desire? Anything is
possible but be open to the suggestions of your stylist and weigh
the commitment you will need to make in terms of salon visits and/or
styling time and products
Best wishes to you,
Karen
Question
Dear Karen,
Over the past years, I developed a nervous habit that has created
major damage to my hair. It started a while back and I tried to
prevent it but I still do it till this very day.
Every time I'm nervous or I'm bored, I start to divide my bangs
in the middle and start pulling at them. I didn't know it was really
becoming a habit when people started mentioning to me that it was
getting thin in the middle.
I had gotten really scared so I tried all sorts of methods like,
parting it to the side, of just pulling it back, but none of it
really works. I asked my stylist what I should do about it and she
said that I should just leave it alone. But I don't think that would
actually work.
What should I do?
Do you think there could be a product that could rebuild the
damage I've done or should I just do what my stylist says. If you
could help me with this bad habit/problem that would be great.
Shawny
Answer
Dear Sarah,
You are not alone with this
problem. According to Dr. Howard Rosenthal, Ed.D, famous
author of the best selling book, Encyclopedia
Of Counseling,
“it is estimated that more than 8 million Americans currently
suffer from a form of compulsive hair pulling known as Trichotillomania
(pronounced trick-o-till-o-mania).
It is now believed females
suffer more from trichotillomania (TTM) than males. Coined by a
French dermatologist in 1889, the term described individuals who
suffer from a "dis-tressing condition.” The word is
derived from the Greek words thrix (hair) and tillein (to pull) and
mania (madness).
Although TTM involves a compulsive
pulling, and sometimes eating, of hair from the scalp, and other
parts of the body, it really is not about the individual’s hair or
how they feel about it. As
Dr. Rosenthal explained, while sufferers often insist “that they
feel a sense of gratification after pulling out their hair”, most
people who suffer from this behavior are usually not specifically
upset with the condition or appearance of their hair.
Will products
help? Not really. You can try to have your hair styled
to camoflauge the thinned out areas or you can consider spot hair
extensions that are designed to fill in areas of thinning
hair. Your challenges are to deal with the internal issues
that cause you to pull your hair out in the first place.
Most current experts on TTM
recommend a multi-modal approach to treatment including behavior
modification, hypnosis,
and nutritional therapy, which Dr. Rosenthal successfully utilized
for treatment of his first patient many years ago.
Some therapists also log success with alternative health
treatments such as acupuncture, body work, rolfing, herbs and
related therapies. Yes, there are also prescription drug remedies
but many experts believe that they may not be as effective long term
as the behavior modification approach.
There are many support groups on
the web that will help you learn to cope with your hair pulling
issues. For more information
check out the Trichotillomania
Learning Center (TLC). The
Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC) is located at 1215 Mission
St., Suite 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (408)457-1004. Founded
in 1991 by a sufferer of TTM, TLC has responded to over 50,000
inquiries about trichotillomania with up-to-date information
Best
wishes,
Karen
October 1, 2003
Society Do Did Me In?
Question
Dear Karen,
I have read all of your columns and have never
seen this problem before. I was at a society type of party
recently and went a bit crazy on the champagne on an empty
stomach. I wound up tripping, falling down and ripping my very
expensive wig off my head for all to see. Luckily I was too
"happy" to feel the pain of embarrassment and just plopped
the wig back on. But now I find that people are still talking about
my unfortunate experience behind my back several weeks
later.
I am not sure what to do and wonder if I owe
anyone an explanation about the wig. I know that many of my
friends had no idea that I suffer from an advance form of alopecia.
Should I keep quiet and hope it all will blow over or should I out
my hair loss problem and explain the wig? If I do talk about
it, who should I trust to tell?
Please help.
Thanks.
Morganna
Answer
Dear Morganna,
How awful for you. Embarrassing situations are always a
challenge to overcome with grace and beauty. Although I am
sure you felt bad at the time and are uncomfortable with the current
gossipmongers, it is admirable that you are taking the time to
ponder a good solution rather than acting without
forethought.
The people who are your true friends and really care about you
will understand that everyone has unfortunate situations in
life. They will still love you for you and will let it pass.
People who enjoy celebrating in the misfortunes of others, will do
so, no matter what you say or do to try to erase it. So let
the tongues wag since people are people and they will
talk.
Why not keep mum about the champagne incident and maintain a low
profile until new fodder captures the fancy of the gossips. And
trust me, it will. Someday you might even be able to look back
and laugh about your experience. Until then, remember that this too
shall pass.
Should you talk about your hair loss issues? I would suggest that
you talk about it only if you really feel that you must bare your
soul or need to share to get support. Who should you
tell? Although it is probably best to only share your hairloss
challenges with your family and close friends, if you feel OK
talking about it to everyone, then do so.
If you listen to your heart and follow your conscience you can
never go wrong.
Best wishes,.
Karen
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