Ask Karen - April 2002

April 19, 2002
What Are Halo Hairs?

Question

Dear Karen,

I have been trying to grow my hair longer for the past few years. I had some success until recently when my boyfriend noticed that I was developed "halo hairs". I am not sure if you know what I mean but basically I have thin, fine, angel hairs that are sticking up all over my hairline near the crown.

I look like I have a little halo. While it may be good for angels to have them, I don't want one. Two questions. What causes this and how do I deal with keeping them down?

Thanks,

Pammie

Answer

Dear Pammie,

Believe it or not, your halo hair condition is not that uncommon. Many people with fine or thin hair will suffer from angel hair. Also, people with excessively curly hair may have the halo hair around their hairline.

There are couple of things that could be happening. If your hair is damaged it is possible that the short hairs could be the results from your hair breaking off near the root. Hair can break for a number of reasons including improper use of styling tools like brushes, combs and hot tools or chemical or care abuse. Illness or hormone challenges can also impact hair and whether it will break near the root. Finally, tight braiding, buns and long term ponytail wearing can cause hair to break near the root. Keep an eye on your halo hairs. If they seem to be getting worse and you have other signs of accelerating hair loss you may want to consult with a dermatologist or other hair loss expert.

Halo hair can also signal new hair growth. Although new hair growth does not usually manifest as "angel hairs" if the texture of your hair is changing for any reason, this could result in the new hair looking and feeling different.

I would like to suggest that you consult with your hairstylist who can examine the halo hair and give you an assessment of what is happening after they get a good look at your hair sprouts. Your little hairs may be nothing at all. Don't panic until you get an expert to check it out for you.

You can keep your short hairs at bay by smoothing a little defrisant serum over the top of your hair after it is dry. Phytotherathrie has a wonderful new Phytotherathrie - PhytoDefrisant RelaxSerum which recently won raves by Allure magazine readers. Only a tiny drop will give your halo an ultra-smooth effect. For super control you can start with Phyto's Phytodefrisant balm before you dry your hair and then finish with the Phytodefrisant RelaxSerum.

If you don't like using a serum you can also get your halo smoothed down with a smoothing lotion and the help of a blow dryer. Mine's Smooth Sailing product or KMS Flat Out could do the trick.

Best wishes,

Karen

April 9, 2002
Can Split Ends Be Repaired?

Question

Dear Karen,

I hope you can help me with my split ends. They are horrible and my hairdresser tells me the only way to fix them is to cut them off. I can't believe that is my only option. Certainly there must be some other way? Can you tell me how to fix my split ends without cutting them off?

Andrea

Answer

Dear Andrea,

I am so sorry to hear of your hair problems. It is never fun to deal with split ends. Unfortunately the only true cure for split ends is to remove them. This usually mean cutting. Split ends can stay contained to the ends of the hair but they may also travel up the hair shaft.

A good plan might be to see your stylist and have the most severe split ends removed. It might be possible for your stylist to craft a style that includes layering that will allow you to maintain some length. Explain your desire to avoid a short cut to your stylist and ask them to work with you to create a style that incorporates a longer look.

You may not wish to have your split ends removed but do keep in mind that damaged hair and ends grows much slower than healthy, trimmed hair.

A series of moisture reconstructing and deep conditioning treatments would be helpful to strengthen your hair from the recent damage and help to prevent new split ends.

While your hair recovers avoid chemical treatments that can be harsh to your hair. Exercise special care when styling your hair. Avoid brushing when your hair is wet, which will also cause split ends and broken strands. Take special care when using hot styling tools. It is best to use a leave-in or heat protectent product when using blow dryers or hot irons.

Check with your stylist for additional care recommendations to help restore your hair to its optimal condition.

Best wishes,

Karen

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