December 29, 1998
Contacting Hair Boutique Models?
Question
Dear Karen
I have spoke with Zvi @ the Short Hair
Enthusiast Hotline about how to make contact with a couple of the models on your website
to find out if they would be interested in cutting their hair for good money.
In particular, the first model is the model on gallery 99
(looking from left to right) picture number 6 and she is also on gallery 100 pictures
number 1 & 2, the second model is on gallery 114 picture number 6 and also on gallery
115 picture number 1.
Please understand that I do respect the womens' privacy, but neither
you or I know if they would be interested in cutting their hair for a large sum of money
or not and we will only find that out by contacting them.
It doesn't matter to me if you, ZVI, or myself make contact with
them, just as long as the opportunity is offered to them.
If they have an e-mail address for the models that would be perfect,
a phone number, or even a postal address would also get the job done.
If you do not have this information please let me know who would.
Please do not mistake me for some perverted idiot or a stalker, etc.
I am a married man with a child with a respectable request.
If you know ZVI, feel free to contact him to find out my legitimacy.
My name is Jason, he will remember me from last week and he lead me to you.
Thank you very much for your time and please return me a response.
Thanks once again.
Jason
Answer
Dear Jason,
Thanks so much for your email.
The photos in our Hair Boutique Gallery are "licensed" from an independent
photographer that sells his work to a limited number of Internet sites.
There are certain licensing limits that are put on what Hair Boutique can or can not do
with the photos. We can't alter them in any way or give them away. That
includes giving out information on the models.
We actually have no way of contacting any of the models. Even if we did, we would
need to completely respect the privacy of all the models that appear on The Hair Boutique.
We have no opinion about you wanting to cut their hair. At Hair Boutique we believe in
freedom of hair care and if someone wants to have their hair cut or if someone wants to
cut the hair, that is OK with us.
Historically a lot of our visitors are into longer hair so we don't specifically
promote haircutting topics on our site.
As you can see from our links to Zvi and other related sites, we respect what those
hair sites do and wish them much success with their hair themes.
Best wishes,
Karen Shelton
Hair Boutique
December 28, 1998
Cod Liver Oil & Acne vs Hair Growth?
Question
Dear Karen
I think I have found something that is very
reasonably priced that really does helps my hair to grow faster:
What? The answers is cod liver oil dietary supplements.
I read somewhere that it was basically the same thing as Visical, so I figured I'd
give it a try. What the heck? A bottle of 200 softgels was only $4.59!
Well, after about four weeks of taking them, I really do feel that my hair is
growing a lot faster than it was without taking the cod liver oil.
I am having one side effect though that distresses me. My naturally oily skin
seems to me a lot more prone to skin breakouts and acne when I am taking the capsules.
I am very encouraged about the cod liver oil capsules for my hair but unhappy about
the impact on my skin. Do you think I should keep taking the cod liver oil caplets
even though I suspect that they are responsible for causing my skin to break out?
Do you think it would help to cut back on the number of capsules that I am taking?
Regards,
Mike
Answer
Dear Mike,
Well if you think that the cod liver oil is causing your skin to break out, stop taking
them for awhile and keep a journal of how your skin responds. If your skin is
naturally on the oily side the code liver can indeed add to much oil to your overall
system and the excess oil may be excreted in the form of acne on your face or possibly in
other places on your skin.
It is known that cod liver can cause allergies in some people. I suspect that you
are right about the cod liver causing the acne problems.
I would suggest that you give your body a break and then try some other Essential Fatty
Oil like Flax Seed to see if there is a difference.
It helps to keep a journal to track what happens on a daily basis.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 27, 1998
Cod Liver Oil For Hair Growth?
Question
Dear Karen
I heard that cod liver oil taken orally was
really good for hair softness and increasing the growth of the hair.
What do you think?
Has anyone reported their experiences with taking cod liver oil for
hair growth? I am thinking about buying some and taking it.
Have you personally tried it? What type of results did you
have?
Thanks,
Teresa
Answer
Dear Teresa
Well, I personally tried taking cod liver oil to
see if it helped my hair's condition and/or growth rate. I took one soft-gel with lunch
every day for a period of a month. I learned a few things from taking the cod liver caps.
It did really seem to make my hair less dry. My hair is naturally dry and is
worse for the fact that I get it highlighted every 3-4 months.
My hair seemed softer and my nails seemed to grow more. My hair also seemed to
grow thicker and softer but I can honestly say that I am not sure how much faster my hair
seemed to grow since it was hard to measure in quantitative measurements.
I actually have always had really great results with Flax Seed Oil which I have been
taking off and on for years. So since the cod liver oil did not seem to differ that
much from the Flax Seed Oil (which does really help make my hair and skin softer) I just
stopped with the cod liver once I ran out.
I have since received some email from Hair Boutique visitors that experienced symptoms
of allergic reaction related to the cod liver oil. One visitor got hives all over
her face. Once she stopped taking the cod liver oil, the hives went away.
Another visitor got an intense rash on her arms. Again, the rash went away with
stopping the cod liver oil.
Whether the Hair Boutique visitors were getting hives or rash from the cod liver oil or
other irritants is not clear. However, since the rash went away AFTER they stopped
taking the caplets, it seems that there is a connection.
The advantage that cod liver offers is in the Omega-3 fatty acids which Flax Seed also
has. That is why I personally went back to the Flax Seed.
Best wishes
Karen
December 26, 1998
Long Haired Models?
Question
Dear Karen,
Hello I have been visiting your site since last fall. It is the most informative
of any out there in cyber space, keep up the great work!
There is one thing I would like too find out though, I started downloading images from
your site, and others, and I had to reformat my hard drive recently, causing me to lose
all of these images.
The ones I'm trying too find from your site ,just don't seem too
be there. from November 1997 until say, March of 1998, there was a gallery from page 1 -
20.
These were several long haired women, one of them was an Asian lady that
had her hair braided with a blonde lady, there were several images of women with different
long hair do"s .
They were all longhaired ladies. Do you still have these pictures in
your archives? If so I would love to have them once again.
Please write back and let me know.
Regards,
Steven T
Longhair Lover Forever
Answer
Dear Steven
Unfortunately those long haired model photos were
only "on loan" to the site and had to be removed from the Hair Boutique Site at
the request of the owner (photographer) of the photos. I am very sorry but we no
longer have the photos in our archives and are unable to send them to you.
We will be adding a long hair gallery again to Hair Boutique and
have been having talks with some photographers that specialize in long haired models.
Thank you for being such a loyal fan of Hair Boutique.
Best wishes,
Karen
Response
Well, that is terrible! But I will still be at
your site each and every day as always. I myself am mainly interested in long hair and the
care of it.
My wife has waist length brunette hair and she is always coming
to your site looking for ways to treat it right.
So see you later. Again keep up the great work. I know is must be
alot of work, but i can tell you guys love doing it!
Regards,
Steven T
Longhair Lover Forever
December 25, 1998
Oily Hair?
Question
Dear Karen
I have oily hair that is driving me crazy.
Even though I wash my hair every single day in the morning, by noon my bangs are starting
to lay in an oily mess against my forehead. By the end of the day my hair is oily
everywhere and looks terrible. If I am going out anywhere in the even I have to wash
my hair again.
To make matters worse, I have hair that is dry on the ends.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I love your site
and have been telling all of my friends to stop by and visit.
Peter K.
Answer
Dear Peter
Thanks for the kind words about Hair Boutique.
I am sorry to hear about your oily hair problems. In some ways oily hair hair
is more difficult to deal with than dry hair.
What causes oily hair?
Oily hair is called seborrhea (from sebum). Oily hair is sometimes
related to other complex hormonal disorders. For the majority of people oily hair is
present without any specific cause or other disorder.
Seborrhea is a relatively harmless condition but as you know, it can be
very unattractive and difficult to handle. When hair gets oily it looks moist and dull and
lies in flat masses that are very difficult to comb.
The fatty substance that covers oily hair, is a direct product of the
over-productive sebaceous glands at the roots of the hairs, called sebum.
One of the most significant properties of oily hair is how fast
sebum is restored after washing the hair and the hair can become oily in no time.
As you are personally experiencing with your bangs getting oily by noon every day.
Luckily there are several ways to fight oily hair.
You can wash your hair frequently with shampoos that contain a higher
percentage of soap and that contain absolutely no oily substances. Some people can
control oily hair by washing it daily, some people will need to wash their hair more than
once a day.
How often to wash your hair to
remove the oils will depend on your own personal situation.
It is best to avoid wearing your hair where it touches your skin.
The skin can act as a conduit and promote a faster accumulation of oils to your
hair. It is usally better to not wear bangs when you have an oily hair problem.
You can wear your hair any length that you desire but if you have to
wash your hair more than once a day you may find it more beneficial to wear your hair
shorter to mek drying easier.
You can also try drug treatments that contain hormonal substances or
chemicals that are specifically related to vitamin A. Keep in mind that since these drugs
have to be managed very carefully and can have negative side effects, these treatments can
only be administered by a physician.
Hormone levels that are impacted by stress, birth control pills or
giving birth can cause hair to change texture and become drier or oilier as a result.
You can get help for oily hair problems by visiting a dermatologist that
specializes in scalp or hair problems.
If your hair is oily at the scalp but dry on the ends, apply shampoo
ONLY to the scalp and oily sections and do not apply to the dry ends. The other
option you have is to use two different kinds of shampoos. You can apply a
moisturizing shampoo to the ends of your hair and a drying shampoo to the scalp.
This should prevent the drying properties from impacting your ends.
Some experts recommend leaving a drying shampoo on your scalp and oily
hair parts for at least 5 minutes. You can experiment with this method and see if it
makes a difference for you.
Besides avoiding wearing your hair on or near your skin, avoid brushing
your hair except as necessary to remove tangles. When you do brush, do not do so
vigorously since hair brushing will often distribute oils from your scalp to the rest of
your hair.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 24, 1998
Gray Hair
Question
Dear Karen
I have hair that is getting grayer by the
minute. I am wondering if a stylist can cover the gray in my hair without changing
the natural color. I really love my natural chocolate brown hair and so does my
husband but I am very distressed that gray is popping up everywhere.
Have you heard of any treatments where stylists can cover
gray without altering the natural hair color?
Thanks so much. I have been coming to your site since Day One
and appreciate any thoughts or helps.
Carla A.
Answer
Dear Carla,
There are so many wonderful things that colorists can now do with gray hair that it is
amazing. There are wonderful ways that a good color expert can do a custom coloring
treatment that will cover the gray without changing your beautiful natural color.
You will need to go to a color expert to guarantee the best results. How do you
find a good color expert? Ask people with beautiful hair if they can recommend a
good color expert. Often color experts will advertise in the phone book. Some will
advertise in local papers.
If you live in New York City or close proximity, the Minardi Salon is recognized as
being world class color experts. Beth and Carmine Minardi have pioneered many ways
to provide fabulous color. They have their own process for coloring gray without changing
the natural hair color.
A good color expert will mix color or colors that tend to be slightly warmer and
lighter than what your natural tones may be. The colors that the colorist appllies
will be based on the amount of gray hair that you have.
The colors that are applied will not alter or lighten your natural color but will be
designed to match and slighgly darken your graying hair.
Gray hair is completely devoid of pigments and color will need to be added back to
remove the gray. The rest of your hair will not be colored or impacted except to
retain more shine.
The beauty of this process is that you will not have any harsh regrowth and your hair
will grow back in such a way as to not show the gray. You will need to have the hair
retouched. How often you have your hair retouched will depend on the amount of gray
that you have.
If you have a lot of gray you may need to have your hair retouched every 4-6 weeks.
If your hair is only slightly gray, you will only need to have it retouched every
12-14 weeks.
As you can imagine, this is not a process that you can easily do at home. In fact
I think it would be almost impossible to get the same fabulous results of blending and
coloring the gray that a color specialist can achieve.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 22, 1998
Soft Curls In Updo?
Question
Dear Karen
I have been enjoying your series on Dressy Hair Styles. However, my hair is
medium in length and I want to wear it "up" for my company's Christmas Party.
While I love the French Twist I would like to go with some soft curls on top of my
crown.
How do I accomplish that look by myself?
Angela
Answer
Dear Angela,
If your hair is long enough to wear in a ponytail it is long enough to wear
"up" in a curly do.
Making curls that sit elegantly on top of your crown are easy to do. Start with a
ponytail and tie off the ponytail at the top of your crown. Be sure to use a
"hair friendly" hair tie to protect your hair. If possible, use a hair tie
that matches the color or your hair and will blend in with the curls. Avoid using
rubber bands or any ties that can rip your hair.
To get a "finished look" make sure that you brush your hair and
smooth it before you pull it up into the ponytail.
 Apply a light
styling gel to the top ponytail hair and then separate it off into 1"-2"
sections.
Use a curling iron or add heated curlers to make the curls. Let the curls cool off
before you style them. Once the curls are cool, shape them into a soft design
and then carefully pin them to the top of your head as shown in the photo to the left.
When you have the curls arranged the way that you want, spray the entire
style with a good holding hairspray.
You have the option to make the curls smaller or fatter depending on the size of the
section of hair that you curl and the size of the curling iron or hot curlers that you
use.
Let your imagination run wild and you can create a smashing Holiday hairdo
starting with a simple ponytail.
Happy Holidays!
Karen
December 20, 1998
Distilled Water For Hair
Question
Dear Karen
I was wondering if you have seen a machine that
will produce distilled water that is available in stores like KMart or Target?
I had some problems with the well water in my area and read on
Hair Boutique about Cher and her solution of using distilled water to remove the chemicals
that were harming her hair so terribly.
I tried using distilled water and immediately noticed an improvement in
my hair. The only problem is that the water is somewhat expensive and comes in those
plastic jugs that need to be recycled which is such a pain to handle all the time.
My husband suggested that it would be cheaper and more helpful if there
is some way to produce the distilled water at home and not have to mess with the
recyclable plastic jugs.
I have heard from various sources that you can purchase a distilled
water machine that will make a gallon of water per day.
I don't mind buying it in jugs but my conscience will not allow me to
pitch the jugs and I haul them back to recycle places. It would be easier for me to make
it at home to rinse my hair with.. If anyone has seen one or comes across one in their
travels.. could you let me know?
Thanks!
JAS
Answer
Dear JAS,
If it is any help, you can usually find the distilled water at Walmart for about 58
cents a jug. That is the cheapest that I have heard that it can be had. Someone told
me that they got a good deal on distilled water at Sams but I am not sure if the
"good deal" was more or less than what you pay at WalMart.
Some food co-ops, (also some grocery stores too),
have a machine that filters water and you just fill your (reusable) jug for about 40 cents
per gallon. Maybe something to consider if available where you live.
I know that you can actually make your own distilled water at home by using a
machine. Distilled water is actually vapor from boiled water. It is considered to be
water that is at its purest state.
Distillers are not inexpensive. They can range in cost starting at $700 and going up.
The do come in counter top models though. Waterwise (1-800-874-9028) has a model (Modell 4000) about the size of a coffeemaker that makes 1
gallon of distilled water in 4 hours. I have heard that the price of the Waterwise
distiller is approximately $749 plus shipping.
Some stylists recommend using distilled water as a
final rinse to make sure your hair is completely mineral free if there is a problem with
excessive chemicals in your water or your use well water that may have other pollutants.
A distilled water maker would be great although you would
definitely need to evaluate whether the initial cost for the investment would be worth it.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
Question
Dear Karen
I recently got a Brita water filter and it's done a great job of
filtering out the smells that often comes from city water. The water tends to be clearer
and tastes better, too.I'm just wondering if this water is the same as distilled water
that I have read is the best for rinsing the hair with. What do you know about
distilled water?
JK
Answer
Dear JK,
Distilled water is the vapor from boiled water and is supposed to be
water in it's purest form. The Brita is a fine water filter machine but it does not
produce the same water as distilled. I suspect that the Brita water filter would not
do as good as a job of removing chemicals from your hair as distilled would.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 19, 1998
Nature's Gate - Strip Hair Color?
Question
Dear Karen
I just found the Hair Boutique and read all of Dawn's (from
RareGems) glowing praise for the Nature's Gate products.
I must admit was very interested in rushing out and trying some of the various
Nature's Gate products.
However, I read somewhere on one of the hair lists that I am on that you have to be
careful with Nature's Gate because it can be harsh and strip hair coloring.
I do color my hair and this has me very concerned. Have you heard anything
about this? What have you heard? Should I experiment carefully when trying the
various NG products? Are there particular ones that I need to be most careful with?
Do you know which ones?
Thanks for any info you can give me.
Jonelle
Answer
Dear Jonelle,
I was told by several people who have used it that the Nature's Gate Original Herbal
shampoo and conditioner may strip every bit of accumulated color out of your hair.
I think to be safe you should avoid the NG's Original Herbal Shampoo and conditioner
for sure.
It is my understanding that the Nature's Gate Chamomile is the mildest shampoo they
make. I have used it on my color treated hair with no obvious fading.
If you decide to use it, just be careful and watch the results. If your hair
seems to fade, you may want to consider using a different brand that is designed to
protect colored or highlighted hair.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 18, 1998
Contacting Hair Boutique Models?
Question
Dear Karen
Is there any way to mend split ends? My
boyfriend loves my longer hair but it has lots of split ends. I read somewhere they
you can glue the split ends back together and not have to cut them. Could you please
tell me the names of any products that I could use to accomplish this?
Thanks,
Gena
Answer
Dear Gena,
When it comes to
split ends there is no way that you can permanently fix them. There are product
options that allow you to restore your tends temporarily. You can use a
silicone-based product such as a popular gel or serum to glue the ends together.
This temporary fix only lasts until your very next shampoo.
The only way to permanently remove split ends is to have them trimmed. The best
way to deal with split ends is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
You can try Sebastian Laminates as a temporary glue.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 5, 1998
No One Notices Hair Changes?
Question
Dear Karen
Can you explain something to me that is a puzzle? My hair is
about 4-6 inches above my waist. When I get 1-2 inch trims (usually once a year) no one
ever notices other than saying it looks healthier.
Well last week I cut off 3 inches (split ends and my hair needed an
overhaul) and as usual no one seemed to even notice or make any comment. This includes my
family, my closest friends, my steady guy. I mean it, no one noticed.
I was sitting in my Asian History Class at the University when the
young guy sitting right behind me tapped me on the shoulder in the middle of the lecture.
He said: "Did you get your hair trimmed? "
I was amazed and a little freaked out. After all, did this guy
whom I don't even talk to, notice my hair more than my own friends or even my boyfriend?
I replied yes, and asked him how he could tell. "It just looks
shorter" he said. He smiled and told me I had beautiful hair.
Which makes me ask this question, how can people close to you
not notice when you get your hair cut? Is this a common event? Do people
notice when you get your hair cut?
Nicole
Answer
Dear Nicole,
Isn't it ironic how sometimes the people
whom we are closest to don't notice significant things about us? Ironically, even
though I have very long hair, most people who are close to me don't notice when I do
something different to it..... like trimming it or curling it.
I think you should look at this guy in your history class with new eyes.
Maybe you should consider asking him to have coffee sometime? It sounds to me
like he has noticed a lot more about you than your current guy and he seems like he might
be interested (always a good thing to have in a guy). It certainly sounds like he
admires your hair.
Actually, sadly, I get a lot of email from people whose significant other does not
notice when they make hair changes.
I think this is part of human nature to take things for granted.
However, you may want to rethink your current relationship with your guy and think
about someone who appreciates you and your hair in a way that would make you feel
cherished and special.
The guy behind you in class sounds like a gem. Why not check him out better?
Best wishes,
Karen
December 4, 1998
Updo Suggestions?
Question
Hi my name is Amy and I have very long hair
past my tush.
The thing is that the winter formal is coming up for my high school and I can't think of a
way to wear it that would be different.
My hair is thick and it is uneven. It comes to a point
at the end.
The winter formal is this Saturday night
so PLEASE write back
with any suggestions.
Thanks a lot!
Amy
Answer
Hi Amy,
Try a French Twist. I have given
detailed steps and lots of examples in my latest article on the Hair Boutique.
You can dress it up or wear it half up and half down.
It is a great look and works with any type of hair, face shape or hair length that is
medium to long.
Check out the half up/half down French twist. That gives you the best of both worlds.
If that doesn't work for you...try a little Asian Knot like I have demonstrated on the
front page of Hair Boutique or
a loose braid. Add glittery pins or flowers and you have it.
Let me know if you have more questions.
I am currently out of town on business but would be glad to respond if you email me
back.
Best wishes,
Karen
December 3, 1998
Best Hair Care Products?
Question
Karen,
Can you please tell me once and for all what is the very best hair
care product line?
I see so many different advertisements for so many different products
from Aveda to Matrix to Pantene to Clairol to so many different names and product types
that I can't even begin to remember.
Is there a best? If so, what is it?
Thanks,
Matt
Answer
Hi Matt,
There is no "best haircare" product. There are
many variables that are involved with your question. First of all what is the best
product for you and your hair type may not work well at all for my hair and type.
Everyone is different. All hair is different and ranges from curly
to straight to thin to thick and from oily to dry. There are many variables to what
constitutes hair.
On the other side of the answer is the fact that salon quality products
vary greatly in their composition and quality.
Hair care product lines may range from exceptional to average.
They also may be designed to specialize in a particular area. For example, Ouidad's product line is designed with a focus on
curly hair. Other lines are designed around color treated hair, or other specific
hair types. Some products are designed to multi-purpose.
Good salons will carry more than one product line since it is my opinion
that no single line can meet all the needs of all the hair of all customers.
There are some exceptional hair care products available. The key
is to finding what works the best for you and your hair.
I personally have been lucky and identified 4-5 lines that work great on
my hair type (thick, wavy, slightly coarse, dry and highlighted). While I have great
luck with Aveda, ARTec, Phytologie, some of the Matrix products and some Redken, not
everyone will have the same luck with those product lines.
I have also had luck with Furterer and Kiehl but these products are
harder to find and tend to be a little pricier than a lot or products on the market.
A good way to discover the best product for you and your specific hair
type is to work with a stylist that has had experience working with a wide range of
products. A good stylist can get you started on the right path to discovering your
best products.
Individual consumer preference also plays a part in overall hair care
product satisfaction. Some consumers prefer products with a specific aroma, color or
container. Other consumers want unscented products that have no special packaging.
While I have my own personal favorites, I have heard great things about
TIGI, Graham Webb, Bumble & Bumble, Paul Brown, and American Crew, just to name a few.
If you don't want to work with a stylist to try and find the best
products for your hair, visit a very large beauty supply store and talk to the
clerks. They will often have some knowledge of how the various products work and
what hair types they are designed for.
You can also read the hair care product reviews in the Hair Boutique's Tips & Articles
Section. We have reviews on many different products to give visitors the
inside scoop on some of the various product lines.
Let me know what products you find that work best for you. I am
always interested in hearing about the experiences that Hair Boutique visitors have with
the various hair care product lines.
Best wishes,
Karen
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