Ask Karen - July 2002

July 25, 2002
Thermal Reconditioning in Boston?

Question

Dear Karen,

I have read all the great information on your site about Thermal Reconditioning and even though I know some of the curly hair experts recommend against it, I really really want to have it done. I don't care whether I do the Yuko or the Bionics method. My problem is that I don't know anyone in my area, which is near Boston, that performs the treatments. Can you recommend someone for me please?

Thank you in advance.

SuperCurly in Beantown

Answer

Dear SuperCurly,

It is hard for me to recommend hair care professionals without having personal firsthand experience. However, I can tell you that it was reported to me that The Beaucage Salon on Newbury Street in Boston has a Yuko specialist by the name of Kelly. I have heard that Kelly does a good job.

I have never talked to Kelly so I can't vouch personally but I can just pass on the info I have received from a HairBoutique.com visitor.

I would suggest that if you are serious about the straightening treatment and are willing to do the research, you might make an appointment for a "consultation only" appointment with Kelly to talk about your hair. Keep in mind that not all Yuko specialists will apply the treatment to all types of hair. Some hair is considered to be risky due to past chemical processing or other treatments.

If you meet with Kelly and are not comfortable, consider asking around for other suggestions. Yuko is very popular and there are a lot more Yuko specialists than there were just one year ago.

If you prefer the Bionics method you might want to check into that treatment as well.

Best wishes,

Karen

July 17, 2002
Long Narrow Face?

Question

Dear Karen,

Oh my goodness, I just found HairBoutique.com and I am amazed at how many different articles, tips and other great hair information you have for hair dummies like me. I check the front page every day and can not believe how many new articles are posted every day or so. Keep up the great work.

Unfortunately I did not find an answer to my question so here goes. I have a long and rather narrow face. To add to the problem I have a shortish neck.

I have looked at your fabulous Interactive Style Selector but quite frankly I am clueless even about what type of styles to look for. I figured I could learn about good styles first and then worry about the best products and styling tools.

Any help would be so much appreciated. I hope you will answer my letter in your next column.

Thanks so much.

Steffanie

Answer

Dear Steffanie,

Welcome to HairBoutique.com. I hope you visit us often. We are constantly updating our articles and photos.

You are in luck with your concerns. Both a short neck and a long narrow face are enhanced by a just below the shoulder bob or soft wavy style that does not have too much fullness at the ends. Think soft flatter waves. The length will elongate your neck while the soft waves will add subtle width to your face.

Bangs are a definite plus for both a long face and a short neck. They will offset both the narrowness of your face and your short neck. Wear longish bangs and part your hair on the side. You can jazz up the look by adding a fabulous headband to give subtle attention to the crown while avoid too much height.

Avoid adding too much because this will add even more length to your face which is something you wish to avoid. The best style also includes well placed layers that are angled in at the front.

Best wishes,

Karen

July 2, 2002
Pantyhose For Your Hair?

Question

Dear Karen,

A co-worker used to go to a long hair specialist that used pantyhose to tie her hair. I just recently bought a bunch of never-worn, but slightly damaged, pantyhose at a garage sale. While I can't use the pantyhose in a traditional way, I would love to take advantage of them in some way. I remembered that my friend used to talk about her long hair specialist and the fact that he used the hose somehow on her hair.

Does this ring a bell for you? Can you give me some suggestions that I might try on my hair?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts or tips.

Deana

Answer

Dear Deana,

My own long hair consultant will often buy discounted adult knee high hose and will cut the elastic bands off the top creating an instant "hair friendly" scrunchie that you can use to safely and securely hold a ponytail, braid or pigtails in place at the crown. You can also double wrap the new elastic bands at the bottom of your ponytail or braid to hold the bottom of your tail in place.

Another option is to buy colored knee high hose, cut the elastic section from the hose part and then layer scrunchies from the top of your ponytail down to the ends for a hot fashion look. Alternate or match colors depending on your mood.

When it comes to hair ties or scrunchies, there are lots of every day tools that you can use. Not only do torn up old t-shirts and PJs make wonderful rag curlers, I have seen creative people wear tie-dyed t-shirt strips and brightly colored hair ties.

While cut up pantyhose might work for rag curlers, some brands might be too slippery to adequately hold hair in place as a night cap. A HairBoutique.com visitor emailed me to tell me about a silky night cap she made for her long hair from cut up pantyhose. She found a brand that offered her the perfect combination of silkiness and traction.

Another idea is to use the traditional pantyhose and wear the panty part as an "heat cap" for hot oil treatments. This prevents hot oil from ruining your regular shower cap and nicely contains the mess from the oil. When finished, ditch the makeshift hot oil nylon treatment cap.

Celebrities like Cher, Ivana Trump, Jane Seymour and Madonna have long known about the benefits of pantyhose for other hair and beauty uses.

Ivana Trump used rolled up clean pantyhose as an instant alternative updo form. By carefully tucking a sausage rolled pantyhose form into her hair, Ivana could achieve a lot of additional height in her trademark French Twist look. Her use of clean pantyhose as an alternative hair rat or donut form is well documented by the beauty and celebrity press.

Madonna is infamous for her use of worn out pantyhose for hair ties and accessories in her very early Lucky Star trashy rock star days. If you remember, Madonna was famous for her inventive use of accessories worn in very different ways.

If your child loves to make potholders, check out the little loops used to make the different weaves. They are actually cut up pantyhose in a variety of colors. Buy a bag and use them for instant snag-free ponytail holders.

Pipe cleaners make great instant curlers for tight tendrils and colored pipe cleaners can be used for funky hair accessories worn in a variety of ways from instant soft clips to just plain decoration.

People magazine featured an innovative young lady a few years ago who used colored plastic tie holders as hair decorations.

Best wishes,

Karen

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