Ask Karen - December 2002

Question

Dear Karen,

I am very interested in trying the Viviscal hair vitamins that you sell at HairBoutique.com. However I have to confess that I have a hard time taking vitamins. When I was a child I actually chocked on a daily vitamin tablet. Since that point I have not been able to really take vitamins well. I am also interested in your HairTopia but I understand you have to take a lot more pills every day with the HairTopia and that concerns me even more than the Viviscal. Maybe I am just being a big baby but I thought you might have dealt with this issue and could suggest something. I really want to grow longer and healthier hair and am sold on the benefits of hair vitamins. They are just a difficult pill to swallow.

Kristyne

Answer

Dear Kristyne,

I had my own life flashing in front me several years ago when a large Vitamin B pill got stuck in my throat. After the panic subsided I figured out how to get the pill down safely. Since that point I developed some pill-swallowing techniques that really help.

I am currently taking Viviscal myself with great results but the advantage that HairTopia has is that you the pills are in small capsule form. Many of our HairBoutique.com customers open the capsules and pour them into their morning juice or protein drink. It is a painless way to take a pill. Viviscal is a great product but it is not a pill. It is a tablet. You could smash the pill and take it with yogurt if you are willing to try that approach.

However, here are some tips that should help you to take Viviscal or any other vitamins easily:

1. Never rush your pill taking process. Trying to swallow a pill as you are running out the door to catch the carpool is a recipe for disaster. Plan to take your pills when you can be calm and undistracted.

2. Take any pills when you are sitting up or standing which will ease a smooth and quick passage down your throat. Start by taking a deep breath to instantly relax your body and throat.

3. Take your pill or tablets with cool water, milk or juice. Never down a pill with your morning Starbucks. A hot beverage may cause any medications to dissolve before it ever reaches your stomach.

4. Soften your throat in preparation for the pill by taking a few sips of your milk, water or juice before you actually take the pill. After taking a sip or took pop the pill in your mouth and take a big gulp from your liquid. Continue drinking until you have finished the process.

5. Never try to cram a whole handful of pills down your throat. Some people can take more than one pill at a time. You may not be one of those people. Pace your pills carefully so that you are relaxed and comfortable at all times.

6. Be cause not to toss a pill into your mouth like you would toss a peanut. It can have the same effect as a tossed peanut, which is causing you to choke. The best approach is to place the pill as far back on your tongue as you can reach.

7. If the pill doesn't seem to want to go down, stop forcing it. When in doubt spit the pill out. Pills are cheap and replaceable. Your life isn't.

8. Learn how to administer anti-choking treatments by using your fists or the back of a chair. If you know that you are prepared you will remove your fear of the pills and be able to swallow easier.

9. If a pill gets stuck use an anti-choking procedure. You might only think you are choking. Try drinking liquids first to make sure the pill is really stuck

10. Experiment with different pill easing methods that will make it easier for you to swallow. Some people do best by taking their pills while eating yogurt or other soft foods that help the throat stay moist and receptive to pills.

If you really have a problem with pills ask for capsules and open them into your juice. Always have a contingency plan which will immediately remove a lot of the fears. Remember that fear can always make a bad situation worse.

Some vitamins prohibit that you take them on an empty stomach. Be sure to know the best way to take the vitamin for maximum results.

Many pharmacists recommend that you avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking any pills since this can slow the natural progression of the pill through your esophagus and down into your stomach.

Follow any pill taken directions closely. They are usually provided to help you maximize the benefit of the formula.  Unless specifically prescribed by a medical doctor pills should be taken as early in the day as possible when the body is most active.

Best wishes,

Karen

December 10, 2002
Vitamin B or Folate?

Question

Dear Karen,

I often seen B vitamins referred to as folate and then sometimes it is called folic acid. I must admit I am confused. I know that the B vitamins are good to take for growing hair and also for general health benefits. My doctor told me that the B vitamins also will help prepare for a healthy pregnancy which I am hoping to have in the near future. Can you clarify some of this for me?

Dottie

Answer

Dear Dottie,

The B vitamins may be referred to in a number of ways. The most common terms are Vitamin B, multi-vitamin B, folate or folic acids. All of the terms are correct. However, as you may have suspected, there are differences. Contrary to some opinions B vitamins are not always added to all supplements.

Folate actually is used to define the B vitamins that are naturally found in foods such as orange juice, strawberries, greens, asparagus and legumes.

Unlike folate which is naturally occurring in certain food groups, folic acids are the synthetic form of folate that is specifically added to vitamins, supplements and foods that are vitamin fortified such as rice, pasta, breads and some forms of cereal.

Always read your labels. Although some vitamins and foods may claim to have B vitamins or folic acids, they might, in reality, contain a very small amount. Look for foods that claim to be enriched and then check for the total amount of vitamin B or folic acid.

Make sure that any formula that you take contains at least 150 micrograms (mcg) in order for you to get benefits. If you wish to get pregnant you should re-evaluate your dosages at least one month before you attempt to become pregnant.

Why? Medical research has discovered that the B Vitamin family has been shown to prevent up to 70% of neural tube defects like spina bifida.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that woman who wish to become pregnant should make sure that they receive at least 400-600 mcg of Vitamin B per day for at least one month prior to becoming pregnant and then during the entire pregnancy. This is because neural tube defects have been proven to occur in the first month of fetal development.

Many women do not meet this recommendation. According to the March of Dimes less than 30 percent of childbearing women consume enough Vitamin B to insure good health and healthy pregnancies.

Vitamin B is a very important vitamin for growing strong, long and healthy hair as well as promoting overall health and a healthy baby. Make sure you take the time to understand the various nutritional options that are right for you and your body.

Best wishes,

Karen

December 5, 2002
Headbands

Question

Dear Karen,

I recently noticed that you have added a wonderful new selection of headbands to your store. I love headbands but I don't know where to start. Are there some guidelines for selecting and wearing headbands? If so, any advise you can share would be much appreciated.

Donna

Answer

Dear Donna,

I am a sucker for any type of hair accessories from headbands to claw clips and barrettes. Adding hair jewelry and related accessories to the Marketplace is my responsibility and I must confess that I love to shop for new hair toys. Trust me, I love being a hair accessory guinea pig and trying out new hair accessory inventions.

The basic guideline for selecting headbands or any type of hair accessory or jewelry is simple. Select items that are compatible with your hair length, type and needs. Headbands can be worn by anyone with short or long hair that is thin, thick or somewhere in the middle. Headbands are fashionable for all ages and for all types of people.

Headbands come in a dizzying array of options from the soft elastic headbands to the hot new silk bandeaus. Headbands come in every type of material imaginable from the buttery soft France Luxe tortoise-like materials to the fun "bra-bands" that Bumble & Bumble introduced a few years back.

When determining your own headband needs consider the following:

1. Do you want a headband that is functional or just an accent piece? Headbands were originally designed to hold back awkward bangs and keep hair out of the face and eyes. Accent pieces add edgy dimensions to a number of hairstyles. The Smoothie headband line includes bands with special "teeth" to create a raked look.The Karina line includes headbands with special clips to create instant hairline twists.
2. Will your wear your headband for work or daily activities or will you use it to add instant dazzle for even wear? A sleek bob can be instantly jazzed up with a rhinestone or pearl encrusted headband.
3. Is your hair long or short? Short hair, as a rule, is more compatible with the thin spaghetti headbands that might get lost in a full head of long hair. Thick bandeaus would overpower thin or fine hair or shorter crops and bobs. Yet they look fabulous with thick or long locks.
4. Avoid the temptation to wear excessive hair accessories. If you decide to wear a headband, either as an accent piece or a hair aide, limit other accessories that would compete with your band. If you select a wide band ala Cameron Diaz in Charlie's Angel scale your earrings and other jewelry to the size and color of your headwear.
5. Understand the limits of every headband. While they can be wonderful for many hairstyles, they will not work for everyone in every occasion. A crystal encrusted headband will stick out like a sore thumb at work while a plain Hello Kitty band can definitely ruin a dressy attire.

If comfort is a key factor for selecting a headband remember that teethless bands are less likely to cause any type of hair pinching. Some people prefer headbands with teeth to help hold the band in place. Others complain of "headband" headaches. Again, this is a personal preference centered around the length, type of needs of your hair.

Some headbands come equipped with special tips made of cloth, leather or rubber to minimize the potential of any stress to the area behind the ears.

If you are worried about hair pulling or snagging, select headbands that are made with soft materials. While hard plastic bands offer the option of the latest styles and colors, they may be harder to wear because they are not as pliable and will not conform as softly to the scalp.

Remember that the more expensive the jewel encrusted headband, the more likely that the jewels will not be glued to the band.Some bands will have the jewels sewn to the band while others might have pronged settings. Make sure if prongs are used that they will not snag or rip delicate strands. Glued jewels generally make the band less expensive but there is a bigger risk of losing the jewels than when they are sewn or set into the band.

Once you find a headband style or shape that works well for you hair, stick to that model or models that are similar. Many curly girls love elasticized bands like the metal free headbands or current versions of bra bands that will fashionably and comfortably hold back a cascade of curls with ease and comfort.

Price is another personal preference. Headbands are available for a few bucks to thousands. The price of a headband depends on the material that is used and whether it is studded with diamonds, crystals or other precious stones.

Select a color that either complements your current hair and eyes or your outfit. If you are wearing headbands for functional reasons you can also select bands that blend well with the color or you hair for a type of camoflauge action.

The bottom line after all is said and done is to select headbands that you love. If a band works well for your hair but you don't like the way it looks, you won't enjoy wearing it and it will gather dust in a drawer somewhere.

Best wishes,

Karen

By submitting your question, you grant full permission to HairBoutique.com  to publish it. Due to the volume of mail we receive, Karen regrets that she cannot respond to every question personally. To AskKaren questions please read Before You Contact Us Tips and then send send e-mail to: askkaren@hairboutique.com.