| Revised Date: 5/01/07 - Original Publication Date: January 2002 |
January 28, 2002
Thick Hair Crisis
Question
Dear Karen
I have super thick hair. I mean really really thick. It drives me crazy. I would gladly trade my thick straight
hair for thin hair any day of the week.
My fiancé loves
my hair longer but I absolutely hate it. I want to get a
short chop or spikes that allow me to really control my bushy
hair. Bill, my finance, tells me that short hair doesn't
work for thick hair and the only option is to wear it
long.
Help. I
don't want another pre-marital disaster on my hands but I really
want to cut my shoulder length hair.
Best wishes,
Constance
Answer
Dear Constance,
This is a very tricky and quite controversial question because
it involves your likes and dislikes along with those of the man
you are going to marry. You are right, short hair can be an
ideal situation for hair that is super thick and hard to
control. A wonderful look for thick hair is to wear it
shaped so that the hair follows the head's natural shape and
contours. For even more control, the hair on top can be cut
into full layers that fall gracefully over hair underneath that is
cut shorter.
I would suggest that you talk to Bill about your hair and
explain how difficult it is to care for. Ask Bill to help
you select a style that is a compromise. Look at hair and
fashion magazines and find photos of shorter styles that you both
like. Ask Bill to give his opinion about the styles that you
like. Once you decide upon 4-5 styles that you both like,
take those photos to your stylist for a consultation only. Be sure to take Bill with you so that he can
participate.
At the consultation discuss all the pros and cons of a shorter
style and ask how you could wear your hair for your wedding. Don't let the stylist cut your hair at the consultation. Go
home, talk everything over with Bill, and then make your
appointment to have your hair cut into a style that you and your
finance agree will make both of your happy.
Yes, it is true that it is your hair and you have a right to
wear it the way you see fit. However, since you are
embarking on a brand new partnership with your future husband, it
is important to consider his feelings and thoughts about how you
will ultimately wear your hair. While you might not agree,
it is best if you can find a style that makes both of you
comfortable.
Best wishes,
Karen
January 27, 2002
Quick Haircolor Help?
Question - Feria Haircolor Challenges
Hi Karen
I recently dyed my
hair (yesterday) with Feria and it was meant to turn a natural
golden blonde (I've used Open previously and it turned out ok).
Unfortunately,
my hair is now YELLOW and I am heading back for a family reunion
in 4 days time and need some quick fix that will make my hair a
more natural looking blonde.
I am naturally a light
brown/dark blonde color. Is there anything you can do for
me!? I can't really afford to spend $100 at a hair salon...
Thanks!
Yellow All Over
Answer
Dear Yellow,
I am so sorry to hear of your current hair coloring dilemma.While I strongly advise that you consider visiting a professional
colorist, I understand that budgets can sometimes prevent this
optimal solution. A colorist would be able to use special
color-removing products to return your hair to its pre-processed
color.
Since you used a Feria home hair color kit, I would suggest that
you call Feria's toll-free hotline (listed on the box) for advice
handling your hair color emergency. Be sure to have the box
close by since the Feria hair color expert may need to ask you the
exact color number from the box. It helps also to jot down any other
colors or products that you may have used on your hair in the last
12 months.
Another option is to try the hot oil trick. According to
color experts that I consulted, applying a hot oil treatment like
Alberto V05 Hot Oil can help fade the color faster. This trick
is most successful with newly colored hair. It also works best
with semi or demi-colors. If you decide to try the hot oil
trick, leave the oil in your hair for 20-30 minutes and then shampoo
out with warm water. If the first application doesn't work,
you can repeat the hot oil process several times without harming
your hair.
If you are not able to get your hair back to an acceptable level
of color, please consider visiting a specialist.
Best wishes,
Karen
January 26, 2002
Hairspray & Ink?
Question - Hairspray To Remove Ink
Stains?
Dear Karen,
My mother-in-law told me that when she was a teen
she used hairspray to remove ink stains from her white school
blouses. Does this trick still work? If so, how does this
work?
Dumb Daughter-In-Law
Answer
Dear Dumb,
Back in the 60s, 70s and 80s when most hairsprays contained lots
of alcohol it was true that you could spray an ink stain with
hairspray and the stain would wash right out. The same was
true with a lipstick smudge on a collar or sleeve.
Is this trick still true? Probably not. The
hairsprays of 2002 are radically different in composition from their
ancestors. Many hairsprays are now called styling sprays and
may be completely alcohol free. If you have a hairspray that
contains alcohol and is truly a hairspray, this trick may still
work. However, I could not guarantee that this would be true of the
latest sculpting or styling sprays that are alcohol free.
Best wishes,
Karen
January 16, 2002
Can Stress Cause Gray Hair?
Question - Gray Hair And Stress
Dear Karen,
I have been under a lot of stress at work lately
and all of a sudden my hair is getting lots of gray hairs. Is
it true that stress can turn your hair gray overnight?
Stressed To The Max
Answer
Dear Stressed,
This is a controversial subject. The experts are divided on
whether extreme or prolonged stress can actually cause gray hairs to
flourish.
In one scientific experiment, black lab rats were put on a diet
that was deficient in B vitamins. Their coats turned white
over a short period of time. When the B vitamins were added
back to their diets, their coats regained its original
color.
The scientists found that when people or rats are under stress, B
vitamins are depleted. There are other known consequences of B
deficiencies. Vitamin B6 deficiency is known to contribute to
depression and mounting mental confusion. A lack of B12 can lead
to nervous system problems. B2 deficiency is associated with
flaky skin around the hairline and eyebrows.
Bottom line, if you are under extreme or sudden stress, you may
become deficient in Vitamin B which can lead to all sorts of hair
problems that range from dry and brittle strands, to white or gray ones.
How do you prevent stress related problems from impacting your hair and body? Eat
foods rich in vitamin B during periods of high stress or take B
complex supplements with your meals.
Best wishes,
Karen
January 15, 2002
Hair Standing On End?
Question - Hair Standing On End
Dear Karen,
Have you heard the saying, it can make your hair
stand on end? If so, can you explain this to me and what it
all means?
Curious Connie
Answer
Dear Connie,
According to history, our ancient ancestors would "fluff"
up their hair to help stay warm and protect the scalp. Believe
it or not every single hair follicle is actually attached to a
muscle in the body.
When your body gets a sudden chill, you
become suddenly startled or frightened or shocked, your nervous system
reacts by wanting to warm up your body.
In the process of trying
to add heat, your body makes your muscles contract. The
contractions will force your hair up into the air thus making your
hair "stand on end".
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Karen
January 14, 2002
Thyroid Problems?
Question - Thyroid Problems Causing
Bad Hair?
Dear Karen,
I think I have a thyroid problem but I had the
tests done and my doctor said that I had no indication.However, my hands and feet are cold, my nails are brittle and my
hair is a mess. It seems like I fit the profile of
hypothyroidism. Any suggestions that might help?
Shine Long Gone
Answer
Dear Shine
I hear you. I went through a similar experience a few years
ago. I started having problems with my hair getting very dry
and falling out. I went to my doctor and he ran tests and told
me I was fine. I continued to have problems. So I got a
referral to a thyroid specialist. He did several tests and
sure enough, I had a borderline case of hypothyroidism.
What
this means is that the thyroid gland, which regulates how your body
burns fuel, is under active.
The symptoms you described are
common with hypothyroidism. Besides cold hands and feet,
brittle nails and dull hair, there is also an inability to lose
weight.
A medical doctor, Dr. Broda O. Barnes, developed a simple
do-it-yourself thyroid check for women.
On the third day of
your menstrual cycle, if you are still having periods, place a
thermometer at your bedside. Make sure the thermometer is
shaken down to the lowest reading. Also, set a timer or watch
by your bed before you go to sleep. The next morning, before you get
out of bed, put the thermometer under your armpit for ten
minutes. Rest quietly until your ten minutes are complete.
Record the reading each morning for ten days straight. If your
temperature is consistently below 97.5 degrees you may be suffering
from hypothyroidism and should get a second opinion.
Thyroid disease can be difficult to pinpoint. Sometimes it
takes a specialist to uncover borderline conditions.
I hope that gives you more options.
Best wishes,
Karen
January 5, 2002
Too Much Blonde?
Question - Too Blonde?
Dear Karen,
Is it possible to be too blonde? I have
been doing my own hair color at home for years and started having
problems with the color. I decided to go to a professional
hair colorist for a consultation. To my surprise she said that I had
gone too far away from my natural hair color and that my color is
not multi-dimensional, whatever that means. I decided to wait to do
anything until I had a chance to think about this but wanted your
opinion.
A Terminal Blonde
Answer
Dear Terminal Blonde,
First of all, it is always a great idea to consult with a
professional to get their input. It is also okay to not accept the
expert opinion as fact and find your own way. Ultimately the
hair you wear on your head has to work for you.
With that said, yes, it is possible to be too blonde in the terms
of your hair being too light that it becomes overly porous. When
applying root touchups or constant highlights, hair can become
over processed and porous. This means that over time the ends
become too light or that parts of your hair can't equally absorb
color. Lots of problems can develop with future blonding
attempts over time.
Although I can't speak directly for the colorist that you went to
see, I can tell you that it is important to examine the integrity of
your current hair color and overall hair strength and condition
before you add more color. It is also important to make sure
that during touchup or the addition of new highlights that you don't
overlap new color or highlights onto old color or old highlights.
Part of the problem that may develop over time is when the same hair
is continually lightened through accidental color or highlight
overlapping.
Some colorists will suggest that their new color clients go
through a series of protein or deep conditioning treatments to
re-establish the health of the hair before going further. Another
option is to look at going with demi or semi permanent color
products and let your hair take a rest from additional blonding
treatments for the time being.
Although designed to be temporary, demi or semi permanent hair
color may, in some cases, permanently stain hair that has been
over process, over lightened or overly chemically treated. In
some rare cases, applying even color shampoos can stain hair
permanently.
Keep in mind that great hair color no longer means just blonde.
During 1997, the deceased glamour girl, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy,
ushered in an era of white blonde hues that were considered the
height of hair color fashion. As the 90s gave way to the 2000s
hair color consumers realized that being white blonde was a major
commitment of time spent coloring and dollars spent on a wide range
of products to maintain the look. Ultimately many hard core
Carolyn Bessette blondes longed to return closer to their natural
colors. Others wanted a more natural look that was easier and
less expensive to maintain.
As blondes became dissatisfied with being too blonde, hair
colorists responded by helping client transition their too blonde
hues with a series of strategically added lowlights to add subtle
depth of color. Many colorists will weave in a range of
lowlights to their blonde clients during their highlights sessions.
The beauty of doing color with foils allows for the option to
alternate light and dark hues together at the same time. Seasoned
colorists will weave in lowlights for a luscious multi-dimensional
look.
After years of over bleaching, overlapping or over processing,
some blondes may have base color challenged
strands. This means that the base color doesn't hold and continues
to become lighter over time. One option in for this situation
is for the colorist to darken the base and then carefully weave in
highlights that are two or three levels lighter and try to build in
warmer tones overall. Most colorists agree that in the lighter
colors, warmth is a good direction to go.
Many colorists will finish a new color
design by applying a clear glaze to add shine and to create a rich
finished look.
Like any major changes, it is important to
take things slow and make sure that you feel comfortable with the
results. When you consider going back to your own natural hue,
go slowly and avoid a dramatic change that can too shocking.
Before making a decision to go back to your original color, drag out
some photos albums and check out what you looked like with your true
natural color. Your mind may have erased the true memory of
what your original color looked like. You may love it and
decide to go back but you may remember why you went blonde in the
first place. So take your time and make it easy on yourself,
your wallet and your hair.
Good luck to you.
Karen
January 1, 2002
Dull Hair Full Of Gel?
Question
Too Much Gel?
Dear Karen,
I use a lot and I mean a lot of gel, hairspray
and wax to give my hair a spiked look. While I can get my hair
to be styles the way that I want it to, the problem is that lately
it has been looking really dull with no shine. Also, it is
starting to feel sticky and tacky. I know that I probably
should cut back on the hair gel but I just can't force myself to
give it up.
Any suggestions on how to get my hair to be really
shiny without giving up the gels?
Leisha
Answer
Dear Leisha
If your hair is looking dull I would suspect that you have
product build-up on your cuticles. This means that your
shampoo is not removing all the old product and the more product you
use on your hair, the more likely it will clog your locks. I
would like to suggest that you alter the dullness by first washing
your hair with a good clarifying product.
Clarifying
shampoos are all designed to remove product buildup gently and
carefully without damaging the hair's outer layer. You can
also find shampoo products at your local grocery store that are
defined as "clarifying" like that are advertised to help remove product buildup. Use
the clarifying shampoo no more than three times a week since they
can be quite drying.
Add instant shine to your hair by always doing a cool/cold final
rinse which seals the cuticle and adds shine. Select gels and/or
sprays that advertise that they add shine so that if you must layer on
the product you at least have the benefit of built-in shine
formulas.
Finally, you can also spray a tiny bit of shine
product as the last step before your finish styling. Be careful
to select products that have minimal "cones" or you might
find your hair getting even more clogged with buildup.
One trick that always works to add instant shine is to apply a tiny
bit of jojoba oil to your fingertips and quickly smooth your fingers
from the middle of your hair to your ends. Keep the oil away
from your roots and remember that less is more.
Best wishes,
Karen
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