Ask Karen - February 2002

February 24, 2002
Full Strength Shampoo On Long Hair& Itchy Scalp Concerns?

Question

Dear Karen,

Is there a safe way to blow dry your hair? I am addicted to blow drying every single day and am starting to see some damage accumulate in my hair.

Thanks,

Lula

Answer

Dear Lula,

Blow drying on a daily or regular basis over an extended period of time definitely can cause heat damage to strands. The best way to prevent blow dryer damage is to only blow dry hair for special events.

If that is not possible, consider some of the following tips for avoiding blow drying damage:

1. Let hair partially air dry, set on "hair friendly" rollers and then sit under a hot style dryer which is less damaging for drying hair.
2. Allow hair to completely air-dry on weekends which gives your hair a much need rest from heat drying.
3. Hold the hair dryer at least 12 inches away from the hair and preferably 24 inches or more. Although this may slow down your hair drying time, it minimizes the risk of heat damage.
4. Keep the blow drying air rotating through every sections never allowing the blow dryer air to blow on the same strand area for more than 1 minute at a time. Continue to rotate around the head constantly to prevent hair burn.
5. When possible use the slowest power setting and preferably set it on cool or cold air. The slower the air flow and the cooler the setting the better for your hair.
6. Consider using a hair dryer with low wattage. Although they may be harder to find, any hair dryers that have less than 1200 watts will be much less likely to cause any damage.
7. Prep hair by using a heat protection product or a good leave-in conditioner.
8. Opt for blow drying hair bent over at the waist. This prevent the bulk of the heat damage to the more delicate top of your strands which is also exposed on a daily basis to sun, environmental and other exposures.
9. Avoid using air concentrators and opt for a long finger diffuser which filters hot air and distributes it better through strands.

Experiment with some or all of the above options to prevent damage to your beautiful tresses.

Best wishes,

Karen

February 4, 2002
Traveling Safely With Hair Oils?

Question

Dear Karen,

I am addicted to oiling my hair. My husband surprised me with a 10 day cruise. I want to take my favorite hair oils so that I can apply the to my hair while sunbathing on the ship and some of the cool islands we are going to in Mexico. Do you know if I can buy Jojoba, coconut or almond oils South of the Border? If not, do you have any suggestions for how I might pack my glass bottles of oils to get them safely to my travel destinations?

Thanks,

Dora

Answer

Dear Dora,

While it is always possible to find the hair products and oils you love in other locations, it is risky to count on it. Nothing ruins a relaxing vacation then spending your time calling or visiting foreign shops hoping to find your favorite products.

You are right to plan the best way to pack your hair oils. I would suggest that rather than try and protect the glass that you instead transfer the various oils into separate travel friendly containers that are guaranteed not to leak or spill.

Brushed aluminum bottles make great travel bottles for any type of liquids that might spill or stain. They are spill proof and break proof. Many have screw on lids that are impossible to remove without carrying undoing. Of course if you are still concerned you can pack your travel bottles in a large plastic zip bag as well.

You can also opt for Nalgene bottles used by campers and hikers that guarantee no leaking or spilling. Stores that specialize in hiking or camping activities usually have a wide range of options to select from.

Happy Cruising.

Karen

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