Ask Karen - November 2005

Dear Karen,

I am in my mid-50s and have been using Rene Furterer and Phyto hair care products for many years. Although I really enjoy the results of the products, I especially enjoy the aroma of the various shampoo and conditioners. I used to just love the wonderful aromas of the Rene Furterer Karite deep conditioner from Furterer and the Phytosesame. Lately the aromas seems to be subdued and I can't get the intense whiff that I used to get. I know that you adore both lines and use them all the time. Have the formulas been changed? Or is my nose out of whack?

Geena

I know what you mean about the fabulous Rene Furterer and Phyto aromas. I have to control myself from not licking my fingers when I use the Rene Furterer Karite deep conditioner. I use it weekly and it smells really yummy. And I love the aroma of Phytocitrus and Phytosesame, which I also still use on a very regular basis.

However, there may be another cause of the decreased aroma that you are experiencing. Scientists have proven conclusively that the sense of smell commonly fades with age. The Monell Sense Center in Philadelphia concluded from their research that olfactory aging can begin as early as the forties and decrease with each passing year. Yes, along with your eyes, memory and ears, your nose will also experience natural loss through aging.

Research indicates that the sense of smell is most intense between ages 20 to 40. This is why the older humans become, the less aromas may be sensed.

Aroma-chology® is the study of the intra-relationship of psychology and the latest in fragrance technology to transmit through odor a variety of feelings. (To read more on aroma-chology visit the Sense of Smell website and check out the article about this fascinating study).

The good news? There are ways to retrain your nose and to recapture those spectacular aromas that you enjoy from your hair care products. The Sense of Smell website recommends that the first step to recapturing a sharper sense is to be aware of the situation. They also provide helpful hints at fine tuning your nose.

1. Most aromas are detected at an unconscious level. Scientists recommend that if you wish to experience a specific aroma that you focus specifically on that targeted scent's recognition. Just as musicians can train their ears to hear subtle sounds, you can train your nose to recognize fading or hidden fragrance notes and aromas.
2. Yes, it's true that your nose can tire from over sniffing, just as your eyes can get strained and your throat may dry out from too much talking. Use your nose for sniffing in moderation. Pause and then sniff again. Yes, like everything, moderation is key for your nose.
3. Like clearing your palate, you can also clear your nose for better scent recognition. To refresh your nose for better smell recognition, blow a small amount of air in and out of your nose rapidly, stop and then take a deep sniff.
4. Limit your aroma overload. If you are used to taking a bath or shower with scented candles, soaps or other heavy fragrance while also washing your hair, accept the fact that your nose may go into odor overload. This can occur at any age.
5. Focus on similar scents. Some scents are known to be much more overpowering than others.
6. Start with a fresh scent palate. If you want to enjoy the aroma of your hair care products, be sure to use them in a highly ventilated area, if possible. Open a window and let some fresh air in advance of your scheduled shower or bath.

Remember that heavy scented bathroom cleaners might interfere with delicate aromas of cocoa butter.

Karen Shelton

November 18, 2005
Essential Oils For Cuticle Soaking?
Question

Dear Karen,

My former manicurist at the salon I frequent used to put a few drops of essential oils in the soaking water for my nail. The new manicurist told me she "doesn't believe" in using anything in the water and insists that there is no benefit. Personally, I do notice a difference in my nails. They generally feel drier than before. Can I insist that the new manicurist use the old soaking formula?

Mags

Answer

Dear Mags,

Good question. Yes, it's true, some manicure experts swear by adding a few drops of various essential oils to the water during the soaking stage to help soften cuticles. Of course each manicurist will tend to have their own theories and practices for treating the nails of their clients. Some manicurists swear by cuticle creams rather than depending on essential oils or special soaking cuticle soaking solutions.

The question comes back to the ultimate success of the manicure that you receive. If you love the results, do you really care about the process?

If you really miss the essential oil treatment of course you should ask the new manicurist if she can add a few to your soaking water because you personally enjoy the experience.

There may be a specific reason that the new manicurist does not wish to use essential oils in the soaking mix. Listen to the reasons and then make your own decision whether you wish to furnish your own oil mix or frequent a different nail tech that does use the oils.

Best wishes,

Karen Shelton

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