May
2005
May
08,
2005
Permanently Changing Curly Texture?
Question
Dear Karen,
I am a 15 year old Caucasian female. I have curly hair
and I straighten it every single day. I know it's not good but
curly hair does not suit me. I was wondering if there's a way
to have it permanently straightened. I don't mind using
chemicals as long as they don't damage the hair too much. If
there is a way, how much would it cost?
Thanks,
Cristina
Answer
Dear Cristina
Thank you for your email.
With naturally curly hair there is no “permanent” fix to change
you instantly from having natural curls to have stick straight
strands.
To alter natural curls you have the following options:
- Use “temporary” hair straightening
products – products like
Phytodefrisant, John Frieda Frizz or glazes like Mine
Smoothing or similar, a blow dryer and either round or flat
boar’s head brush to get your hair straight.
- Use a relaxing product like
PhytoRelaxer #1 or
#2 which is designed to “relax” curls and not necessarily
make your strands stick straight, but with a milder form of
chemical. The relaxers last, depending on the type of curl
formation you have and how fast your hair grows, anywhere from
4-10 weeks. The combination of new roots and a wearing off of
the relaxing product will render your hair back to its natural
texture.
- Have your hair chemically straightened
with one of the Thermal Reconditioning (TR) treatments. The
majority of these treatments are not recommended for anyone who
has prior chemicals on their hair or who have hair that is
fragile and will break easily. Some TR experts have experience
using milder formulas that will work with color or other
chemicals, but it is important to find an expert or else it is
not recommended. Reputable TR experts will usually decline TR
treatment to any clients with hair that is most likely to be
damaged. Thermal Reconditioning will last until the roots grow
out on your scalp. So while it permanently straightens the
majority of your hair, it can not straighten the roots that grow
out since that is your genetic hair texture. However, this
means that to control any curly roots, you will need to go back
for root touchup on an ongoing basis. One other downside to TR
is that while it may cause damage and dryness, one your hair is
stick straight, if you want to add other textures such as waves
or curls, you had to use curling irons or hot curlers.
- Wear your hair very short to minimize
curls or wear styles that help hold your curls down such as
using the bandeau style headbands or wearing your hair in
ponytails, buns or other styles that minimize the curliness.
- Embrace your curls and show them off.
This can look like getting a style that helps your curls nestle
together and then using products that help show off your natural
texture.
There is no easy way to estimate the cost of either Thermal
Reconditioning or Relaxing. Many people buy the
PhytoRelaxer kits that costs in the neighborhood
of
$60 US plus shipping and they apply the relaxers at home. As
far as Thermal Reconditioning, the cost for treatment depends on the
salon providing it, the level of expertise of the TR expert and the
overall amount of time it will take to do your hair. Many salons
will give you a no-cost initial consultation to determine if you are
a good candidate based on your hair type and then they will give you
a general estimate of how much time and money it will cost for you
to have the treatment.
Keep in mind that there is always a trade-off. If you do decide
to go with Thermal Reconditioning, you will have to deal with the
potential for chemical damage to your hair, the need to retouch your
roots on a regular basis and limited style options tied to having
chemically straightened hair. If you decide to relax your hair,
there may still be a risk of some damage, although probably less,
but you will still have the potential for some waves and/or curls.
Daily straightening of course is also potentially damaging.
If you are unwilling to embrace your curls you may want to
experiment with ways to minimize the daily damage of straightening
by trying to stretch out your shampoo days. Why not shampoo and
blow dry straight on one day and then try a day or two after that
without shampoo but wearing your hair up in a twist or a ponytail.
You might also consider giving your curls a rest over the weekends.
The less blow drying you do, the better for your strands.
Best wishes,
Karen
May
06,
2005
New Do For Fine Blonde Strands?
Question
Dear Karen,
I am in my mid-20s and have medium thick, mostly straight hair
that falls to the top of my shoulders and is highlighted honey
blonde with dark blonde underneath. Right now my hair is all
one length but I want something new that will jazz up my look. If
you could suggest some style options that would play up my blonde
hair I would appreciate it. Even better if you could suggest
some celebrities that I might look at for ideas.
Amy
Answer
Dear Amy,
One great style that never goes out of fashion is a striking
mid-length shaggy bob that has a sassy deconstructed or disheveled
look. Heather Locklear is famous for her signature version of
this sultry style. Heather usually favors a part that is
slightly angled to one side and created with an array of long
layers. The style suits Heather beautifully and shows off her
shiny blonde locks and darker underside.
Sizzling blonde celebrities like Coutney Peldon (Becky Emerson on
Boston Public), Kim Cattrell, Charlize Theron and
Naomi Watts favor a style similar to Heather. The beauty of
the deconstructed look is that it can be adjusted to easily flatter
every face shape and age range.
The key to achieving a customized version that plays up your best
facial features and blonde locks is to ask your professional stylist
to start with a strong line around the face and longer textured
layers throughout the interior of the cut. Whether you opt for
no bangs, a side swept peek-a-boo fringe or a combination, you can
easily make this classic style your very own.
Whether you wear the style sleek and straight like Heather or
decide to ruffle it up, start with a great blonde enhancing shampoo.
Ones to try include got2b's Highlight Enhancing Shampoos in
Platinum 2 Ash Blonde or
Honey 2 Dark Blonde. Finish with the
highlight revealing conditioners. John Frieda also makes some
spectacular blonde extending shampoo and matching conditioners.
Check out the
John Frieda HiLight Activating Shampoos in
Honey/Caramel or
Platinum/Champagne. Both products come with matching
conditioners to extend those beautiful blonde hues.
Style by applying a good
frizz fighting product and then blowing hair out with a
round boar's head or similar brush. For a sleek straight
look, use a medium sized flat iron and finish with a
shine spray or drops.
To ruffle or to add texture to the layers, use a
small
barrell curling iron after blow drying straight. Or if you
prefer, experiment with using your finger to ruffle and pick damp
strands as you blow dry for a more shaggy look.
Best wishes,
Karen
May
02,
2005
Long Male Hair A No-No?
Question
Dear Karen,
David Wygant wrote an advice book called
"Always Talk to Strangers: 3 Simple Steps to Finding the Love of
Your Life". The basic concept is how to find love. Mr.
Wygant, in his book specifically advises men to ditch ponytails or
earrings because he says that they're out of style by at least ten
years. He also says that "mustaches" are a big no no.
I am a 32 year old guy and one year ago I
broke up with a long term love because she had a serious addiction
problem. Over the past few months I have found myself wanting
to meet someone new. A woman at work handed me Mr. Wygant's
book to read and she pointed out his advice about men, with regard
to long hair and earrings.
Needless to say, I have very long hair
that I have been growing for over 10 years. I have it
maintained, trimmed and cared for my a long hair stylist every 10-12
weeks. I wear it pulled back in a neat ponytail. I also
wear one tiny diamond stud in one ear. It was a gift to me
from someone dear.
I am in a dilemma about Mr. Wygant's
comments. Do you think that as a rule women don't like long
hair or earrings on men? I actually get compliments from time
to time about my hair from women. So I am a little
disheartened.
Any thoughts or suggestions would help.
Brad
Answer
Dear Brad,
I have not read Mr. Wygant's book but I did read about it in a
recent newspaper column. Please keep in mind that with any
type of general advice book I think it is important to select the
information that resonates with who you are and your overall goals
in life.
If I were to hazard a guess, I believe that Mr. Wygant was trying
to give some general tips for men and women to look their best when
out and about in the company of people that don't know them.
However, I suspect that Mr. Wygant would also encourage people to
look their best, but honor their true personas.
Therefore, if you enjoy having long hair and you keep it clean
and neatly trimmed and style, then go with the flow and honor your
own long hair preferences. Although it is true that current
hair fashions for men is short, shaved styles, many women still
admire longer hair on their men. In fact, there are many women
that seek out new male love interests with longer strands.
If you think that drastically altering your hair length or style
or removing your treasured ear stud would completely change who you
are, then doing so would defeat the purpose of finding someone that
would be compatible. After all, you probably want to find a
woman that falls in love with the real Brad and not someone who has
completely altered their appearance. Of course it would be
ideal if you could find a woman that is attracted to your long hair
as well.
Instead of ditching your hard earned strands, use your long hair
as a way to strike up a potential conversation with those strangers
that Mr. Wygant suggests are out there looking for love in coffee
shops, bookstores and movie theaters. Take Mr. Wygant's advice
and if a woman seems to be looking at your hair, you can take that
as some form of interest that you may wish to act upon
appropriately. Even better, if a woman strikes up a
conversation about the length of your hair, you can take that as a
definite interest on your part.
Think of your long hair as a way for you to stand out in a crowd
of short haired guys. If a woman has a long hair fantasy, you
would be someone that would catch her eye.
So keep those strands neat and trim and honor your true self.
Best wishes,
Karen
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