HAIR CARE · DIET & HEALTHY HAIR

Eat your way to beautiful, healthy hair. Just like your body, your hair also needs a balanced diet to stay healthy.

Diet solution for dry and brittle hair:

If your hair is dry and breaks easily, it is probably a lack of essential fatty acids. By including plenty of good sources of essential fatty acids in your diet you can give your hair back its strength and lustre.

You can find these essential fatty acids in oily fish such as tuna, sardines, trout, salmon, herrings and mackeral. Also in seeds, nuts, olives and avocados. You should try to eat four servings of oily fish a week.

Sprinkling flaxseed oil and pumpkin seeds over your morning cereal is another great way to get these much needed essential fatty acids in your diet.

To keep your hair well hydrated, be sure to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water ever day!

Another nutrient important for hair strength and growth is trace mineral silica. Silica is vital to the strength of hair, and can stop hair breakage, unfortunately many of the foods we eat in the western world lack this mineral. Through food processing and chemical soil treatments, trace minerals are rare in our diets.

When possible, always choose organic produce. Foods that a rich in silica are rice, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, onion, strawberry, cabbage, cucumber, leek, sunflower seeds, celery, rhubarb, cauliflower and green, leafy vegetables.

Diet solution for greasy and lanky hair:

A lack of vitamin B in ones diet can lead to oily, greasy hair. To fight off greasy hair, be sure to eat lots of whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs, wheatgrem, legumes and green, leafy vegetables. These are all great sources of B-complex vitamins.

Also steer clear of oily foods where possible.

Diet solution for hair starting to turn grey:

Although the link between premature greying and diet hasn't been established, evidence does suggest the amino acid tyrosine - which acts as a precursor to color producing pigments in the hair and skin - can help!

Diet solution for hair that is starting to thin and fall out:

Thinning hair or hair loss may be a sign of iron deficiency. Be sure to eat plenty of iron rich foods, such as red meat, eggs, legumes, wholegrain cereals, dried fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

Since hair is composed mostly of protein, your hair will most likely respond well to the addition of high protein foods such as meats, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts. These protein-rich foods can help reinforce the hair follicles and prevents the hair from falling out.

There is some evidence suggesting soya protein helps stimulate growth, so switch to soy milk and include some tofu, miso and soy beans in your diet.

Vitamin E is found in green, leafy vegetables, nuts and grains and can also help hair loss. Hair loss can also be a sign of thyroid dysfunction. To stimulate the thyroid gland, eat foods rich in iodine such as seafood and kelp.

Also including iron and B vitamins in your diet will help. Stick to a diet rich in antioxidants - fruit, vegetables and tea - to help slow the ageing process in general.

Foods, Vitamins and supplements to help hair growth

Hair is mostly protein, so nutritionists advise those wanting healthy hair to eat well balanced diets that include healthy proteins, along with foods high in vitamin B, C, E, A and K.

Your hair will most likely respond well to the addition of high protein foods such as meats, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts. Fish has good protein as well as essential fatty acids and natural oils.

Vitamin B - Green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas.

Vitamin C - Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melons and berries.

Vitamin E - Avocados, rice bran, nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Vitamin A - Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe and apricots.

Vitamin K - Seafood, dairy, figs, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, brussel sprouts, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, oatmeal, soybeans, wheat, yoghurt, egg yolks and liver.

HAIR CARE · CAUSES OF HAIR DAMAGE

As it grows out of our scalp, our hair is no longer alive. Once the hair is damaged, the hair has no way of repairing itself because its already dead.

So many things can damage our hair, and although natural wear and tear can't be avoided, you CAN protect your hair from many damaging elements.

Healthy looking hair has a smooth, tightly closed cuticle layer that protects the inner cortex from drying out. The cuticle layer allows hair to maintain its moisture balance, and gives hair its elasticity, strength and shine.

Hair damage can range from uplifted cuticle scales resulting in dullness and decreased shine to bubbled and brittle cuticles to complete removal of the cuticle layer. Damaged hair is dry, porous, weak and hard to manage.

Some of the signs of damaged hair are:

• Hair looks dull and lack-luster
• Hair feels dry and brittle to the touch
• Hair is difficult to comb because it is always tangled
• Hair is flyaway and has split ends
• Hair is hard to manage and may be difficult to style

Some of the causes of hair damage are:

Excessive brushing and tearing of the hair. Excessive brushing or combing, especially when your hair is wet can seriously damage your hair. Hair is most vulnerable to breaks and tears when wet. Be gentle and use a wide-toothed comb (not metal though!) or a brush with natural fibres.

Hair pins, clips. These types of accessories clip onto the hair so tightly to stay in place, and often the tightness will cause hair to break. Never use rubber bands to tie the hair back. Use a fabric scrunchie or loose fitting comb or clip with rubber padding.

Too much heat. The best advice is to allow hair to dry naturally and not to use any type of heating tool. However, in reality this is hard to do. If you can't live without your hairdryer or flat iron, try to use it on the lowest setting possible.

Sun damage. Skin isn't the only part of your body that needs protection from UV rays. Summer sun worshipers are especially at risk for hair damage, but UV rays damage your hair every time you step outside into daylight-even in the winter. No, you don't need to wear a hat everywhere you go, but definitely be conscious of the sun's rays and cover up if you're going to be out in the sun for a while.

Chlorine and Salt Water. When swimming in chlorine water or in salt water, always wash hair afterwards with a clarifying shampoo. There are specially formulated shampoos for swimmers. The chlorine and the salt in the water can dry hair and make it very brittle. By washing the salt and chemicals out of the hair immediately after a swim may prevent this from occurring.

Over-perming. You should never re-perm hair until the original perm has grown all the way out. A normal perm damages hair, so a perm on top of a perm is a double whammy.

Over-washing. Yes, washing your hair too much can dry out your scalp, cause flakes, and lessen the natural oils on your head that protect your hair's roots.

Cold weather. Cold weather dries out hair more quickly because there is less humidity in the air. This dryness, combined with the cold makes hair brittle and susceptible to breakage. Weekly deep treatments can help to protect hair from being dried out.

HAIR CARE · HOME HAIR CARE TIPS

Keeping your hair healthy and beautiful does not have to cost a fortune.
In fact, with just a few common household ingredients, you can give your hair a deep moisturising treatment, give yourself subtle highlights or prevent dandruff.

Here is a list of homemade hair treatments and hair care products.

HOME-MADE HAIR RINSES

Protect your hair with a hair rinse. These hair rinses correct the hair's pH and remove residue from shampoo and other hair products, leaving the hair healthy and shiny.

Why Vinegar? Vinegar removes build-up and residue from the hair shaft and closes the cuticles. Vinegar restore natural pH and prevents an itchy scalp. Although plain white vinegar works fine, apple cider vinegar seems to be the preferred vinegar. As your hair is drying you will smell vinegar but once your hair dries there will be no smell.

Apple Cider Softening Hair Rinse

Mix 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with 3 cups distilled water.
Directions: Pour over your hair as the final rinse. It will leave your hair feeling soft. Good for all hair types.

Shiny Hair Rinse

Mix the juice from 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water.
Directions: Shampoo and rinse hair as usual, then pour the mixture on your hair and massage into the scalp. Rinse with cool water.

HAIR COLOR · HAIR COLOR DISASTERS

What do you do when your hair color ends up a disaster? Can it be fixed at home?
Should I save a few dollars by dying my hair at home by myself?

If you have a hair color disaster, it is from one of two possible scenarios:

1. You went to a professional stylist or colorist and came out with a hair color disaster.
2. You were suckered in by advertising and took the risk of coloring your hair by yourself, in your own home.

A common mistake people make is thinking that hair color is foolproof and will turn out like the picture on the box. NO NO NO! Do not believe this!

Hair color is not like paint that can just be removed with paint remover. Nor can it always be painted over.... Like a white wall, sometimes you cannot paint over the mistake with corrective white paint. First, you have to remove the wrong color, which can take a few sessions.

If you want to fix your hair color disaster, prompt action is necessary! Most experts believe you have a 48-72 hour window before the color has a chance to lock into the cuticle. Contact a professional colorist immediately.

Try not to panic and rush to find a solution that might cause even more harm. Many people try to fix their color problems themselves at home and often makes the problem a lot worse and can potentially damage your hair beyond repair.

Avoid the temptation to add more color or try to remove the color at home with bleach or other harsh chemicals.

• Hair color is a reflection of light off the colored pigment of the hair shaft. Different colors add or subtract from the hair color giving it various hues and shades.
• Hair dye is not like paint. It doesn't just "paint" the color onto the hair. Permanent hair color permanently changes the color pigment in the hair shaft - it does not wash out although certain colors may fade over time.
• If you end up with a horrible hair color, it cannot wash out or be reversed. It can, however, be correctively colored back to a color similar to the original color. This should be left to the professionals only and can take a couple of visits!
• IMPORTANT - Always do a strand test on a few strands of uncolored hair to get an idea of the color you are ultimately going to obtain. You can do a little bit of mathematical juggling by adding more or less of a particular color to get the desired color. For drastic changes in hair color do get professional help.
• Apply the hair color on small, thin sections of hair, bit by bit, 1/2 to 1/4 of an inch in width. This may be awkward to do alone, so get a friend to help.
• The ends of long hair are usually more porous than the rest, so apply the color to the middle section of your hair first, about one inch from the scalp down to about two inches from the ends. We do this because the body heat from the scalp causes bleach and hair dyes to develop quicker.

Some temporary fixes for your hair color disaster:

Colored shampoos which can sometimes help soften the bad coloring.

Cut your hair short to minimise the effect of the bad color.

Try to accelerate color fading - hot water is known to fade chemically colored hair, some volume shampoos and gels may help fade color (they are designed to open the hair cuticle which speeds up color loss)

Try using a shampoo mix of 2 oz. of 20 volume peroxide, 1 oz. shampoo and 1 oz. warm water. Stir well and apply starting where your hair color is the darkest. Speed things up by wrapping your head in plastic wrap and sit under a hair dryer. Check the color every 5 minutes til satisfied then shampoo and condition hair as per usual.

HAIR CARE · HAIR GROWING TIPS

The most common question I get here at HairStyle.com, is how to make hair grow faster.

Unfortunately the truth is there is no instant way to grow long hair. Long hair is a committment and something that takes alot of time and care.

If you want long hair for a specific event, such as a wedding or prom, then hair extensions, clip on ponytails or long wigs are the only solution for instant hair growth.

Not everyone can grow a head of waist length hair. If you have fine, thin or severely damaged hair, you may have a difficult time growing your hair past a medium length.

Your hair grows up to 6 inches a year. The weather can also affect the your hair growth - hair tends to grow more rapidly in the summer, while growing more slowly during winter.

If you're ready for the commitment of growing long hair, make sure you continue to have regular trims to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. It might seem like the quickest way to grow your hair is not to cut it at all, but that is not the case. Regular trims, every 8-10 weeks, will keep your hair looking good while you go through many stages of growing it out.

Wear and Tear

Once your hair emerges from your scalp, it is considered dead and has no way to renew itself. So by the time your hair is past your shoulders it is a couple of years old.

Even if we look after our hair, it is still a long time to face the daily wear and tear we inflict on our hair - brushing, washing, blow drying, dying and more! This daily damage plus your bodies health can all impact on your hair growing abilities.

Reasons for slow hair growth

A healthy diet also plays a major role in your hair's condition and growth rate. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to thinning hair - ultimately your hair reflects the condition of your body.

Your hair may stop growing if you have any health problems or are suffering from any nutritional deficiencies.

Since hair is protein, a low protein diet may sometimes be the cause of a slow hair growth cycle. If you eat a protein-rich diet, it will often result in improved hair growth.

Excessive stress is known to slow down hair growth, and can even lead to hair falling out. If your life is particularly stressful, try to set aside some time for meditation or relaxation. It has also been discovered that regular sleep can help your hair grow faster (7-9 hours a night is suggested).

Foods, Vitamins and supplements to help hair growth

Hair is mostly protein, so nutritionists advise those wanting healthy hair to eat well balanced diets that include healthy proteins, along with foods high in vitamin B, C, E, A and K.

Your hair will most likely respond well to the addition of high protein foods such as meats, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts. Fish has good protein as well as essential fatty acids and natural oils.

Vitamin B - Green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas.

Vitamin C - Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melons and berries.

Vitamin E - Avocados, rice bran, nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Vitamin A - Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe and apricots.

Vitamin K - Seafood, dairy, figs, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, brussel sprouts, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, oatmeal, soybeans, wheat, yoghurt, egg yolks and liver.

Hair Growing Tips

• Eating a healthy diet. Avoid or cut back on smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeine and foods that are high in sugar or fat. These are all bad for your body, and will affect the condition of your hair.
• Allow your body to grow hair by giving yourself plenty of sleep and rest. Give yourself time to relax when you're feeling very stressed.
• Buy a good quality brush or comb - avoid cheap plastic brushes.
• Treat your hair carefully by avoiding any unnecessary brushing.
• Limit the use of styling tools such as straighteners, hair dryers and hot rollers - these all cause stress to your hair.
• Have regular trims to get rid of split ends and to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.
• Weekly scalp massages provide stimulation to the hair follicles.
• Also do a weekly hair treatment to protect the hair's shaft.
• Avoid chlorine and saltwater. If you go swimming, shampoo your hair as soon as possible afterwards. If you spend alot of time in the sun, use a conditioner that provides SPF protection.
• Do not brush your hair when wet. Use a wide tooth comb and be gentle with your hair when it is wet. Do not rub it vigorously with a towel
  

HAIR STYLES · WHAT IS MY FACE SHAPE?

It's hard to be objective about your own face shape, but here's a sure fire way to be sure your not biasing your own analysis. Hair designers are the ultimate judges of your face shape, but if you need a little help try this experiment.

There are lots of suggestions on how to figure out your shape, from outlining your face shape on a mirror with lipstick to draping it with a towel and asking others to help you guess the shape. But, there is actually a scientific way to determine your face shape once and for all.

To find out the shape of your face, measure it with a tape measure or ruler. You will take the following measurements.

1. Measure your face across the top of your cheekbones. Write down the measurement on a piece of paper.
2. Measure across your jaw line from the widest point to the widest point. Write down the measurement.
3. Measure across your forehead at the widest point. Generally the widest point will be somewhere about halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline. Write down the measurement.
4. Measure from the tip of your hairline to the bottom of your chin.

Oval Face Length equal to one and a half times width. Forehead is wider than the chin. Prominent Cheekbones. Face gracefully tapers to a narrow oval chin.
Round Face Your face is as wide as it is long. This may vary a little but generally the measurement is close. Face is widest at the cheeks.
Oblong Longer than it is wide. Forehead, cheekbones and jawline are all about the same width. Can tend to have a prominent chin. Has an elongated appearance.
Heart Narrow at jaw line, wide at cheekbones/and or forehead. Similar to oval, but the chin tapers to a point.
Square Your face is about as wide as it is long. Forehead, cheekbones and jawline all about the same width. Squared jawline is the most obvious feature.
Diamond Widest at cheekbones, narrow forehead and jaw line of approximately equal widths.
Triangle Reverse of the heart-shape. A dominant jaw line with narrowing at the cheek bone, temples and forehead.

HAIR STYLES · WHAT HAIR SUITS MY FACE?

Even though you may love the latest celebrity hair style, it might not be the right hair style for your face. The shape of your face and the proportions of your features will help tell you what hairstyle is best suited to you.

• Oval-shaped face
  You're lucky - this is the kind of face shape that suits just about any hairstyle. Both long and short hair cuts look great on you, as your face shape is well balanced. The chin and forehead of an oval face shape are in even proportion.

  Avoid covering up your perfect face shape with heavy bangs or wearing your hair on your face. You'll lose your face shape and it may add weight to your face.

• Round face
  Hairstyles with fullness and height at the crown will give the impression of a narrower face. Try a cut with layers while keeping the sides close to your face to make your face appear longer. Round faces suit either short hairstyles swept back from your forehead, or hairstyles that are longer than chin length. Wispy fringes and side parts are also good.

  Avoid chin length hair, center parts, fullness at the sides of ears, straight "chopped bangs - these wll all emphasise the shape of your face.

• Heart-shaped face
  The heart shaped face is widest at the temples and narrowest at the chin, which can appear pointy. Short hair and chin length hair often looks great on this face shape, as the fullness can even out the jaw and chin lines. Chin length bobs, short shags, swept forward layers and wispy bangs all work well.

  Avoid full styles that emphasise the upper face without balancing out your narrow chin. Too much height at the crown and tapered necklines will make you look top heavy.

• Rectangular, Long face
  If your face is long and slender, with your forehead and below cheeks about the same width, hairstyles that balance out the length of your face work best for you. These include short to medium lengths with fullness at the sides and soft wispy bangs. This will shorten the length and add width to your face. Layered styles work well and add softness to the straight lines of your face.

  Avoid too much length, it will only make your face look longer. Too much height will also lengthen your face.

• Square face
  If your face is square, with a strong, square jaw line and often an equally square hairline, the right hairstyles for you are ones that soften the square look of your face. Short to medium length hair cuts, with soft wispy bangs and a wave or curl will compliment and balance out your straight face shape. If you hair is straight, maybe consider a body wave. Side parts and fullness/height at the crown can add length to your square face shape.

  Avoid straight styles - long straight hair, blunt bangs, straight bobs and center parts, as they will emphasise your square jawline.

• Triangle face
  If you face is triangle, with a wider chin that narrows at the forehead, you want to stick to styles that narrow your chin and widen the forehead. This will balance out your features. Shorter hair can often balance our your prominent jaw line, as well as styles that are full at the temples that taper at the jaw. Off center parts, wedges and shags are also good styles for you. Lots of layers will give you the fullness through the upper part of your face.

  Avoid Styles that are full at the jawline and center parts.

• Full forehead, long chin
  If your forehead is large and your chin long, it can help to add volume below the chin line to balance it out. A thick layered cut or mid-length bob will add fullness where it's needed. Bangs can also reduce the look of a full forehead.

• Large features
  Full hair can help downplay a large nose or other feature and can help balance out large features. Straight hair, parted down the middle or a long, heavy fringe will make a larger nose seem even more prominent. Subtle highlights in your hair can help by drawing the eye towards the hair and away from the face.

• Long or short neck
  A long, graceful neck is a beautiful and desireable feature and should be shown off and considered when choosing a hairstyle. Short hair can really show off your neck, however long hair can also add to your already graceful neck when worn in an elegant style, like a twist or updo.

  If you want a short hairstyle and your neck is short, create the appearance of length by tapering your hair at the base of the neck and fuller on top.
  

HAIR STYLES · THE POB, POSH'S BOB

S · THE POB, POSH'S BOB

Victoria Beckham is proving herself to quite the trend setter. The latest trendy new hairstyle called the "Pob" or Posh's bob, is popping up all over Hollywood.

This striking asymmetrical short cut, that is somewhere between tousled and messy, and smooth and sleek.

Find a skilled stylist who is comfortable with texturizing via straight razor to get the right amount of life in your hair. Discuss with your hairdresser what aspects of the cut will suit you, and where things should be adapted to be most flattering to your face shape and styling skills.

Asymmetrical bobs, recently seen on stars such as Rihanna. The base of an asymmetrical bob is the shorter-in-back graduated or A-line bob. It is this sliced and razored.

This style suits pretty much every head of hair - Fine hair gets quite a lift this way and heavy, thick locks get a weight lifted out.

This cut is meant to move hair forward, framing the face to the point of almost obscuring features with the sultry way the hair falls in the eyes.

Tips for styling the Pob

• Use a texturizing shampoo and conditioner in the shower.
• Towel dry your hair and work in a small amount of anti-frizz balm and a dollop of volumizing mousse through your hair.
• Using your hair dryer and a round brush, smooth hair towards your face, boosting more movement in your hair.
• To style a cowlick, try blasting the heat on the unruly piece of hair first in one direction, then in the next direction, and after repeating a few times, the hair should sit the way you want.
• Once dry, use a bit of pomade or wax to spike up the shorter pieces and seperate longer strands. Use a small amount and rub between your hands to get the product soft, warm and pliable.
• When your hair is styled, finish off with a touch of glossy shine serum and a spritz of finishing spray. Throughout the day you can touch and fluff up your hair.
• Shorter styles usually require a bit more maintenance than longer ones. You'll need to get regular trims every 4-6 weeks, and keep that color fresh as there is nowhere for roots to hide.
• You won't need to wash your hair everyday as choppier styles usually hold up well with slightly dirty hair.

How to Create a Glam Holiday Updo in Just 30 Seconds

Image Source: prphotos.com

Ah yes, it IS that time again, when you may be just a week or two or days even from your first holiday party. Unfortunately this year the recession has hit everyone, and not everyone has the luxury of spending half a day at the stylist anymore, not even near the holiday crunch. So if you are wondering what to do with your hair this holiday season, and still look glam and fabulous, go for the 30 second updo. Not only is it super sexy and super chic, but it really does only take 30 seconds, and the end result is a no muss no fuss chic pulled together look.

And the best part? You don’t even have to wash your hair if you don’t want to. In fact, second day hair will actually make this one even easier. If you are stuck with some wallet crunching this holiday season, and have *just enough* hair to clip back, follow these simple steps to a super simple updo that will have heads turning all night long.

Step 1 – Pull your hair back into a ponytail.

Step 2 – Twist the ponytail like a rope until the pony starts to buckle and loop upwards, but not too tight.

Step 3 – Use a clip or barrette and clip the loop in place at the back of your head. Try placing the clip towards the top of the loop so that the back looks almost like a chignon.

Step 4 – Fan the ends of your pony upward and place on top of your head. If your hair is super long, you can pin them at the top of your head if you want. If your hair is longer, you can curl the ends with an iron and place them with pins on top of your head. This may take longer than the 30 second updo, but it is a far cry from styling your hair before you go out.

HAIR STYLES VICTORIA BECKHAM HAIR

The bob has been a classic hairstyle for many years, but when Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham got her hair cut in this style, she completely reinvented it. These days its been nicknamed the "Pob", The Posh Bob.

The Pob takes the timeless bob and gets it a funky, trendy twist - its an angled bob, graduated at the back of the head with long, textured front layers.

What is so great about this style is it suits pretty much all faceshapes and hair types. It can be uniquely tailored to suit any facial features and hair type.

Victoria Beckham herself, has worn a few different varieties of the Pob over the years.

Short, Asymmetrical Pob

Front

The front of the hairstyle shows off asymmetrical lengths and the right side is much longer then the left. The left side part has slight bangs which fall to the right where it blends into a longer length which goes down to chin level, giving the front of the hair length and also a feminine touch. A textured finish adds a piecey look and also a voluminous finish. The front of the hair is foiled with light and golden pieces which gives Victoria a sun kissed look, perfect for her new Hollywood location.

Back

From the back, the style looks totally different then the front. From the back hairline the hair is graduated up with heavily chipped into ends which add a very textured but blending finish. From the crown to the top-back part of the neck the lengths are sliced to carry on a textured and full finish. At the very bottom to the mid back the color of the hair is a dark golden blonde, and from the crown to the mid back, the hair has blonde foils which have a piecey finish on top of the darker blonde.

Right Side

The right side is the feature side where the concaved effect is most prominent. The right sides length flows down with the jaw line, blending from short textured lengths to longer piecey strands at the very front. The right side shows that various blonde shades through the hair gives the hair a natural blonde finish. The longer pieces feature blonder highlights to help frame the longer pieces at the front.

Left Side

The left hand side has the graduating short textured lengths but the front has jaw line graduated length which sits neatly tucked behind the ears, leaving the right side to be the main feature with its longer length. The shorter side looks very natural, with the darker tone from the back showing at the very back sides and following up to lighter tones at the top where the blonde highlights give the hair a sun kissed finish.

PICTURES OF SHORT HAIR STYLES

Are you looking for the perfect short hair cut? Hair styles for short hair?
We've put together a gallery of pictures of short hair styles, showing off some of the latest, trendiest short hair styles.

What Is Microdermabrasion?The Benefits and Risks of Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation that removes the uppermost layer

The Benefits and Risks of Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation that removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest and hands. For best results, it is recommended you get a series of treatments and use in conjunction with anti-aging skin care products.
The price for a single microdermabrasion treatment usually ranges from $100 - $150. With a series, you might get one free. Microdermabrasion takes about 20-30 minutes and there's no down-time for the skin to recover. That's why it's also sometimes called a "lunchtime peel."
Benefits of Microdermabrasion
* Microdermabrasion leaves skin with a fresher, more glowing look.
* Microdermabrasion diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and coarse textured skin.
* Microdermabrasion makes it easy for high-tech skin care products to actually penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help build collagen, which gives skin its youthful appearance.
Other Names for Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is also known as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel.
How Microdermabrasion Works
Microdermabrasion uses a powerful device to spray microcrystals of aluminum dioxide (corundum powder) across the skin’s surface. The aluminum dioxide is a very fine, very hard, sand-like material that blasts away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells on the skin's epidermis.
Microdermabrasion can be uncomfortable around the sensitive tissue of the mouth and nose, but should not be painful. After the treatment, the technician vacuums away the traces of the corundum powder.
Cautions on Microdermabrasion
*Check on the training of the person who is going to give you the microdermabrasion treatment. Results depend in part on their expertise.
*Make sure all traces of the aluminum dioxide is removed from your skin.
*Apply sunscreen and stay out of the sun after your treatment. Along with the dead skin cells, you have removed some of your protection.
*Microdermabrasion is not recommended for sensitive skin, skin that easily reddens (called couperous), or skin with acne breakouts.
*Aging skin is already thin. Overdoing microdermabrasion treatments can make it even thinner.
Bella Pelle Laser now offers a full line of esthetic services including Microdermabrasion in addition to laser hair removal and VelaShape. We are conveniently located in Broomfield and serve the metro Denver and Boulder areas.

Paris Hilton’s Cute Bob Hairstyles

Here we have some of the cutest and most stylish short Bob hairstyles worn by the fabulous Paris Hilton.

Paris Hilton is famous for many things and to be honest, her hair is not normally one of them. However, she seems to have followed a trend this time rather than tried to set one and has followed the likes of Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes by being the next celebrity starlet to be seen sporting the “Pob”

With the bob coming into its 100th year, more and more celebrities are influencing us with their take on the normal bob. With Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham bringing about the Pob, Rihanna bringing about a new and fresh take on the bob and most other celeb’s having their unique versions sported it is no wonder that everyone is jumping on the less is more bandwagon.

This style of bob seems to be the latest thing in Tinseltown and with more celebrities seen sporting such a hairstyle, it has had women from all corners of the globe rushing to the hairdressers to recreate the look. I wonder how many women will now be asking for the “Parish” rather than the “Victoria?”

Pros and Cons of Hairstyling Products

Gels, mousse, hair creams, hair sprays, hair wax... you name it, I'm sure you've tried it. Whether it worked or not, all of us have used hair products at one time or another. Some of us use products for the look it gives, some for the texture, and some for its nourishing effect. Whatever are reasons were, all of us have gone through the "shoot and miss" dilemna when choosing the right product for you. Here are a few tips that hopefully help you through in choosing what's right for you.

Hair Gels.

Since the 80's hair gels has been a mainstay in salons for its hairstyling needs. A classic solution for taming wild and unruly hair, hair gels contains polymers and glycols that give a natural hold and shine that would hold whatever hairstyle you shaped. Humidity resistant additive makes gel-styled hair last the entire day and ensure a wet-look to your style. Alcohol-additives, however, makes long-term use of this product not advisable as it could damage your hair and cause more harm than good. Development of water-based gels makes this product less-harmful but is not as humidity and sweat resistant as alcohol-based hair gels.

Hair Mousse.

Appearing in the late 80's and early 90's, hair mousse was a revolutionary product when it first came out. Providing a very firm hold while retaining natural softness to your hair, it was ideal for producing a natural, everyday look to your hair. However, it was later found out that long-term use could be harmful to your hair as this product also contains alcohol-based ingredients that could definitely harm your hair.

Hair Spray.

A salon styling-aid, hair spray provides a very stiff hold for those very radical hairstyles. Along with hair gels, hair sprays came out in the 80's and produced those very wild-looking hairstyles well known during that decade. Resistant to heat, humidity, water and sweat, hair spray is perfect for special occasions that require long-lasting hairstyles. But again, alcohol content makes this product not ideal for everyday use.

Hair Creams.

Light and oil-based, hair creams provide a nourishing effect to your hair. Oil additives also provide a nice light hold to your hair that provides a natural look to your hair. However, this product lacks that long-lasting effect of other products as it does not contain humidity-resistant and water-resistant properties.

Hair Wax.

The most recent product that came out of the market, hair wax combines some of the positive qualities of creams and gels. Containing beeswax, it provides the nourishing effect of oil-based products while retaining a firm hold of alcohol-based products. Able to hold even the most radical styles, hair wax made possible all the styles we see today. The natural look it gives eliminates the "stiff" look produced by hair gels or sprays and the wax provides natural resistance against humidity and water. However, like alcohol, wax could be harmful to your hair when used for prolonged period of time.

So take your pick, but whichever you chose make sure that you do everything in moderation because too much of anything could do more harm than good.

Rihanna’s Best Short Haircuts

Are you trying to recreate one of Rihannas recent haircuts? Well, you are not the only one, in fact many people are asking their hairdressers “How to get Rihannas haircut?” It’s time for a little show and tell!

Rihannas short Hairstyles

The sexy bob that is angled to one side that is shorted at the back and longer at the front actually needs a lot more work than originally thought. It can be cut to be an even length bob on both sides and then arrange so that it appears asymmetrical but the best thing to do is have it cut like this if you want the full on Rihanna effect.

Chemical relaxers are normally used with hair that isn’t already dead straight and this is best achieved in the hairdressers to reduce the risk of burnt scalps. Once this is completed, straightening the hair is necessary to give it that poker straight look that has become reminiscent of the young singers hairstyle. The hair is then cut while it is straight to give the best results.

Rihannas sexy bob Hairstyle

Tailor Swift Hairstyles

Tailor Swift Hairstyles

Tailor Swift’s hair is absolutely envious. She might jump out of her normal routine and wear it flat and straight, which looks fine, but her hair is naturally curly. Those ringlets you see on the red carpet are hers. Yeah, I’m jealous too!

You’ll hardly ever see the pretty singer without getting an eyeful of those gorgeous curls. Sometimes she manipulates them into being tight or loose, but they’re never too big or too little. They’re always just right.
Tailor Swift’s Lovely Curly Hair

Of course, she doesn’t just wake up and have perfect hair, though it looks like she does. If you’re wondering how to get that effortless, tame ringlet look, try these pointers:
For naturally curly or wavy hair, use a leave in conditioner. You can even mix it with your favorite texturizing product. Apply it from the ears downward; leave the top alone.
Taylor Swift's Grammy awards 2010 hairdo

To prevent frizz, don’t touch your hair while blow drying. Use a long finger diffuser attached to your blow dryer and go through your hair slowly, not combing but supporting strands so that they can dry evenly. If your hair is thin and needs volume, bend over at the waist and blow dry your hair from the roots up.

If your hair is naturally straight, you’ll need a curling iron to get this look. Try something with a barrel that’s at least 1” thick. You don’t necessarily have to have tight curls; remember the looser they are the more natural it looks. Finish it off with a good natural hold hairspray. If you need shine, you can add a drop of serum to the roots, but let the curls shine on their own.
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Trendy Short Hairstyles - Spring 2010

Its almost spring time and there is no better time to get a new short trendy hairstyle.

Many girls don’t like the idea after their hair stylist suggests a short hairstyle. Getting one of those cute
short hairstyles can become your advantage. A trendy short hairstyle can be really nice and easy to maintain.
Your face shape needs to go with the hairstyle you select and your hairstylist can advice you better about it You will also need to take a look into the hair care products that would be needed to maintain your cute short hairstyle. Your hairstyle also needs to be compatible with your lifestyle, the kind of make-up you us e normally and the color of your hair.
Get one of those sexy short hairstyles today to look smarter, charming and to save time on maintaining your hair. Gone are the days when you needed to style your hair every time you went out, with a short hairstyle you will just need to comb it.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Excessive hair or hair in unwanted places has been a long-standing problem for both men and women. Traditional methods of hair removal have proven to be slow, temporary, and oftentimes painful, and electrolysis hair removal treatments can be very time consuming. However, people can now experience a convenient and permanent alternative by way of laser hair removal treatment, which allows for quick, satisfying results.

Laser Hair Removal Benefits

Laser hair removal is not only extremely effective in permanently reducing unwanted hair, but it is also extremely convenient. Smaller areas can be treated in 10 minutes or less, and patients are able to return to normal activities immediately. Additionally, most patients find that the many benefits far outweigh the minor risks associated with laser hair removal treatment.

Permanent Laser Hair Removal Results

Patients enjoy a permanent reduction in unwanted hair and smooth, soft skin after laser hair removal treatments. While results can, in some instances, slowly fade and necessitate touch-up laser hair removal treatment sessions, they are typically necessary only once a year or less. However, most patients experience long-lasting, beautiful results.

Effective and Convenient Treatment

The appeal of laser hair removal stems from its effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience. Laser hair removal can easily treat large areas of hair growth in a relatively short amount of time. For example, an entire back can be treated through laser hair removal and optimum results can be achieved in as little as an hour.
The treatment is much more efficient than shaving or tweezing on a regular basis. While at-home self-treatment may be cheaper, it also takes much more time and effort to remove hair than it does with laser hair removal. Also, tweezing and shaving do not offer permanent results like laser hair removal does.
Laser hair removal also makes it possible to achieve satisfying results without the pain associated with other types of treatments like waxing. While people who undergo waxing often describe the treatment as repeated burning sensations, laser hair removal involves only minor discomfort.
Lastly, laser hair removal provides excellent results with less risk of skin irritation than the use of depilatories, or hair removal creams. The main active chemical in depilatory creams can actually melt away skin cells, causing mild to severe skin irritation. And, while hair removal creams can provide good results, they are only temporary.
If you are in the metro Denver Boulder area please come visit us for your hair removal needs at Bella Pelle Laser.

sexy hairstyle

sexy hairstyle

If there's one thing you need: Steam!

If there's one beauty product you buy this year... splurge on a steamer. Especially for women with extremely curly hair...this is a game changer.

Curly hair is dry and needs extreme amount of heats and moisture that can penetrate the hair shaft. Steamers are also great for revitalizing your Natural Curl Indian Hair. The steam with a nice lightweight moisturizing conditioner like Humecto by Keracare allows the cuticle to asborb the necessary moisture since it is no longer connected to the scalp.

If you can't justify splurging on a steamer then visit a steam room on ocassion and allow yourself to relax while indulging your hair.

Hair Shade Trends 2010

Hair Shade Trends 2010

This year actually has a hair shade trend that I want to try: plum highlights. That actually makes me want some fruit too, but plum highlights sound great because my hair is already a dark shade. I’ve always wanted to try this. Sounds silly, but now I have an excuse to.

Not that crazy bright plum either, but a deep plum, the kind that’s sophisticated and classy. Actually, I might run out and get it done later on today. That’s how giddy I am about it.

Look for darker shades of brown this year, like rich chocolates, cocoa and even mahogany. Since the shade trends are dark, you’re going to see vibrant, deep reds, like mahogany, and even deeper shades of blonde. Except maybe in California, where for some reason sun-streaked strands are still relatively normal.

If you’re going to go blond, try for a honey color. That’s a nice medium between light and dark. You can even go darker, if you’d like; some blond colors are actually closer to brunette than they are to actual blond. Those shades look natural, and are soft, not harsh, so you probably won’t wind up asking what possessed you to do it a day later. Plus, going severely light on your hair all at once, may damage it. With a darker color blond, you’re saving your hair from drying out, becoming brittle and/or breaking.

Don’t be shocked if you see a couple of lavender hues round about town either. In fact, applaud, because that woman is bolder than I’ll ever be, and she probably looks good with it.

Short Choppy Hairstyles 2010

Many of us aspire for originality when choosing a hairstyle, but often find it hard to achieve nowadays, however a short choppy hairstyle is perhaps your best bet.

Short choppy hairstyles are the latest in hair fashion today. Choppy hairstyles have a quality of transforming a set of simple hair into a great piece of hair-do.

Short Choppy Hairstyles

Short choppy hairstyles are different and portray the person sporting them in an entirely different light. These hairstyles also have the quality of changing simple cuts into great ones and enhance the charm and the look. A word of caution though, these short choppy hairstyles are not for everyone and provide stunning goods looks to whom they suit best.

Short Choppy Hairstyles

If you want one of the most stunning choppy hairstyles, you will need to consult your hairstylist to ascertain that it suits your facial shape and the color and texture of your hair. Although short choppy hairstyles go great with oval, round as well as long facial types, it is important that you consult the hairstylist to make sure that you visualize yourself in one of these haircuts and approve.

Summer Hairstyles For Wavy Hair 2010

Summer Hairstyles For Wavy Hair 2010

Wavy hair is beautiful and there are many women who have straight hair who are desperately trying to find ways to achieve the right wavy look. However, if you have naturally wavy hair, then you know that it can be nearly impossible to find the perfect hairstyle. It’s hard to find a good haircut that is versatile as well as easy to take care of when you have wavy hair. One reason for this is that naturally wavy hair is thicker than most other hair types.

Layers are one of the best things you can do when you have naturally wavy hair. Layers will help you lessen the weight of your hair, while making it much easier to manage. Layers are excellent ways to add more color to your hair, since you can highlight certain layers only, or even add streaks of bright colors if you want. Layers are also easily worn short or long. Another good cut for wavy hair is a razor cut. This adds some nice texture to wavy hair, and is perfect if you’re looking for a short style, such as a bob.

Flexible styles are key when you have wavy hair, so that you can easily dress your hair up or down depending on the occasion. For this purpose, blunt cuts are very popular. These cuts have straight bangs and the sides of the hair are all evenly cut. Another great way to show off your waves while still being easy to manage are updos and half updos – keep the hair straight in some sections to really make a style statement.
Photo/PR PHOTOS

How to Wear Short Haircuts and Avoid Trends

Short hair seems to be a trend with celebrities in 2010, more than just a few are going for the various bob looks that are out. Rihanna has set the trend for super short hair while stars such as Paris Hilton and Katie Holmes are rocking the chin-length bob. However, if you are looking for short hair to accentuate your facial features, there are a few things that you should bear in mind.

How to Wear Short Haircut and beat trends.
First of all, if you are a tall woman with rather a stocky build then short hair can look rather masculine on you unless you have a very feminine style with curls or add cute accessories such as pretty hair clips, bows or hair bands. For figures such as these, a longer length style is better that still incorporates the short appeal for example, hair that is longer at the front and shorter at the back, very much like Victoria Beckham was seen sporting.

How to Wear Short Haircut and beat trends.

Hollywood Baldness

To an ordinary guy, his hair is his crown and glory. What more to a male Hollywood celebrity whose bread and butter is his looks? Unfortunately, 8 out of 10 men will suffer from varying degrees of baldness and being a celebrity does not exclude anyone from this predicament.

So how do stars deal with this? Short of doing drastic hair follicle replacements and surgeries or modern medications, here are a few trick that Hollywood stars use to make their heads look like “glamour” written all over it.

Toupees

Humphrey Bogart and Jimmy Stewart were known for having hairpieces especially made for them and styled for them. Although this is the easiest and quickest remedy for baldness, it does have its consequences. Aside from being expensive and would require frequent maintenance, hairpieces are known for having an “artificial look” when exposed to daylight. It might look good on the cameras but it would make an ordinary Jow look ridiculous and would not be advisable for everyday use. Not to mention, winds exceeding 10 mph would definitely blow everything away and reveal to the world your “secret.”

Hair extensions

Receding hairline is the most common pattern of baldness. It is also the most difficult to hide. What to do? Make the most of what is left. Attach artificial hair to your own hair. Matthew McCounneghey, Brendan Frazier, and Ben Affleck are rumored to have utilized hair extensions in (or maybe even out) of the silver screen. While hair extension do have a not-so-drastic approach and, by all means, can be an everyday remedy, like toupees, it still has an artificial look in it and would only work with today’s cinema magic.

Drastic Hairstyles

This is the most common remedy that celebrities do to address their baldness. While comb over style ala-Donald Trump works well for elderly celebrities (as well as for the common grandpas) it does seem kind of out-of-date and has the word “bald underneath” written all over it. Fortunately, there are now modern hairstyles that would effectively hide, or at the very least, reduce the effect of baldness. Jude Law noticeably has a receding hairline, but with the right haircut and proper styling, we could hardly notice it on the silver screen.

Shaving it all of

However, if styling or haircut does not work for you, going all out could be the only way. It’s easy to do for the stylist and easy to maintain for the person. Vin Diesel, Patrick Stewart, Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson to name a few are perfect examples of celebrities who went all out when their balding patterns are no longer controllable. Even with their crowns of, these celebrities still look dignified, attractive and retained the “glitter and glamour” celebrities are known for.

So take your pick; hair extension, new hairstyles, or going bald? Whatever you chose, pick the one that would make you feel comfortable and confident about your self.

Don’t worry. In this day and age, Bald is beautiful.

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Emo Makeup Trends Winter 2010-2009 Spring

The best way to finish off your emo style is with some trendy emo makeup. Both guys and girls can wear makeup as part of their emo look. However, emo youths do not wear the same makeup fashions

as many other people. Instead, they have their own way of using makeup to compliment their unique, expressive style. Since the eyes are often considered the most expressive part of the body, it is this feature that emo makeup seeks to emphasize most.

Emo Makeup Tips - Fall Winter

Therefore, both genders often use thick, dark eyeliner around both the upper and lower edge of their eyes. Sometimes, this dark shade is complimented with a second band of a bold, bright color. Many people also use their eyeliner to add “wings” sweeping out from the outer corner of each eye.

Mascara also helps draw attention to the eyes, and thick, dark lashes are part of the emo look. The prominence of the eyes is completed by adding a bright eye shadow. This is often offset by a smoky gray section of eye shadow along the top or side of the lids.

Emo Makeup Tips - Eyeliner for Fall Winter

As for the rest of the face, emo youths do not generally seek to emphasize the cheeks with bronzer or blush. A paler colored flesh is preferred. However, the lips are often colored with a deep shade of lipstick or lip gloss.

Spring 2010 Emo Girl Hairstyles

This time Emo hairstyles will present some great emo girl hairstyles. We'll present emo hairs

in various color and lenght combinations. Hope you'll like this emo hairstyles!

Spring 2010 Emo Hairstyle

Sexy Emo Hairstyles 2010

Some Crazy Emo Hair:

Nice Emo Hairstyle

Cute Emo Hairstyle