April 2002
Revised 5/26/07
February 19, 2001
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. T
wo
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
February 9, 2001
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.
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