Tag Archives: hair

9 Summer Hair Products Every Beach Babe Will Love

The good news? Summer has officially arrived! The bad news? Summer is so hard on your hair. From chlorine encounters to high-humidity frizz, there are countless ways for a bad hair day to turn into a bad hair season. But have no fear. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer hair products to turn those scorched strands into the mermaid waves of your dreams.

The Best Summer Hair Products Under the Sun

1. Hair & Scalp SPF

coola scalp and hair mistYou layer sunscreen underneath your makeup or wear an SPF-infused foundation religiously. Great – just don’t forget to protect your hair and scalp while you’re at it. Try an antioxidant-rich hair mist that blocks the sun’s harsh rays while also boosting your overall hair health. This organic option from COOLA actually locks in your hair color, diminishes dullness, and deeply moisturizes for glossy locks from root to tip. Even better? It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, $26

2. A Detoxifying Shampoo

summer hair productsGoing for a dip in the pool is pure bliss, but dealing with chlorine buildup is anything but. Get your tresses squeaky clean with a color-safe shampoo formulated to remove buildup along the scalp. O&M’s Original Detox Shampoo is infused with vitamin C and smells like peppermint oil. (Ahhhh.)

O&M Original Detox™ Shampoo, $31.90

3. A Protective Oil

klorane summer hair productsDreaming of white sandy beaches, saltwater oceans, and plenty of sunshine? A beach getaway may sound heavenly, but salt, sand, chlorine, and UV rays can leave you with hair that’s dry and brittle. Fortunately, a lightweight oil treatment helps you nourish and protect your hair while still enjoying the tropics.

This waterproof option from Klorane harnesses the power of ylang-ylang wax to shield your strands against the elements.

Klorane Sun Radiance Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang Wax, $18

4. A Salt-Free Wave Spray

Ouai summer hair productsSalt-based sprays are known for creating perfectly tousled waves, but salt isn’t good for color-treated or keratin-treated hair. OUAI’s Wave Spray is formulated with rice protein instead, so it gives you the textured beach waves you love without those harsh salts.

OUAI Wave Spray, $26

5. A Color Life Preserver

DPhue hair care productNot only does chlorine strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to breakage, but its drying effect can turn blonde hair green and cause brunette strands to look brassy. Purple-toned shampoos and conditioners keep blonde cool and bright, while blue-toned formulas like dpHUE’s Cool Brunette shampoo and conditioner help eliminate brass.

dpHUE Cool Brunette Conditioner, $24

6. A Refreshing Hair Rinse

apple cider vinegar hair care productIf product buildup has you down, try a hair rinse that deep-cleans your scalp and conditions your strands. This spa-like apple cider vinegar formula is made with color-locking technology, and it even strengthens your hair with continued use.

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35

 

7. A Daily Detangler

prep rallyA lazy day at the beach can quickly turn into a tangled hot mess. Try a biotin-formulated spray to smooth, strengthen, and detangle your locks. Drybar’s Prep Rally spray is cruelty-free and smells like sandalwood.

Drybar Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler, $23

 

8. A Smooth Brush

pink flamingo brushWhen it comes to detangling your hair, you’ll also need a comb or brush with its own smooth moves. This palm-sized Tangle Teezer slides through wet or dry hair for ultra-glossy strands – and it comes in a limited-edition pink flamingo print.

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Summer Edition, $16

 

9. An All-in-One Travel Companion

sephora summer hair care product colllectionDesperately want all of the above but short on cash? Score bombshell waves without blowing your budget with a giant set of summer hair products. This Sephora collection lets you try 12 different products that condition, nourish, and protect your hair all season long.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Summer Hair Saviors, $38

What are your go-to summer hair products? Let us know your favorites in the comments section below!

5 Hair Mistakes You’re Making and How to Fix Them

Somewhere along our hair journey, we’ve been given advice left and right about proper hair care and the “right” way to manage our manes. The beauty industry is, after all, known for throwing us curveballs. However, many of these common hair practices are doing more damage to our locks than we think.  Reclaim your hair’s glory by avoiding these five big hair mistakes.

 

Washing Daily

Nothing beats the look of freshly washed hair — we get it. But if you’re a daily washer, consider yourself an over-washer. When you wash your hair every day, you irritate your scalp by stripping the hair’s natural oils. This causes your scalp to overproduce oil to make up for the amount that was lost. Ever wonder why your hair looks greasy the very next day, begging for another wash? Now you know.

hair mistakes 3

Avoid this harmful cycle altogether; re-train your scalp to produce oils naturally by skipping a couple of days in between washes. We promise you won’t have to rock the greasy look forever! Tip: use a good dry shampoo in between washes to make this transition a less painful one.

 

Not Giving Those Roots Some Love

If you have fine, thin, or naturally oily hair, you were probably told to avoid using conditioner on your roots so you don’t risk “weighing your hair down” even more. But a healthy, moisturized scalp encourages hair growth and the moisture ends up transferring down to the rest of the hair shaft, creating softer ends.

hair mistakes 4

When applying conditioner, massage the majority of the product in from the ends up, focusing on nourishing your hair’s most damaged areas first, while leaving a small, even amount for your roots. The key here is not applying too much product to your roots, but just the right amount.

 

Skipping a Pre-Wash Treatment

Speaking of our hair’s natural oils, we want to protect those bad boys. Many shampoos that do a great job of getting our locks squeaky clean often contain harsh ingredients that irritate our scalps and strip out many of these oils. To prevent this, start putting a pre-wash treatment into your hair routine. Look for products that are specifically labeled as a “pre-wash treatment” or simply massage coconut oil into your roots and let it sit 10-15 minutes before you wash your hair to do the trick.

 

Recoloring Hair Completely to Correct Tone  

There are a lot of factors that can affect a good hair dye job. And whatever the cause may be, those pretty blonde and caramel strands might be looking closer to the dreaded brassy yellow and orange tones that everyone wants to avoid. For some, the impulse may be to dye over their color completely to fix the issue, but dyeing over color often tends to leave you with a mixed result and over-processed hair.

hair mistakes 1

Instead, use a toner to color correct, or wash your hair every few weeks with a tone-correcting shampoo. A purple shampoo works best for those with blonde or silver hair, eliminating yellow undertones, while a blue shampoo works best for brunettes who are looking to cancel out brassy orange undertones.

 

Sleeping With a Wet Head

True story: Our hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. When you combine cuticles that aren’t fully sealed with all the moving around we do at night, you have a recipe for “frizz and breakage”. While it might seem more attractive to trade in the extra time it takes to dry your hair before bed for some shut-eye, you’re truly doing yourself a disservice. Unruly bedhead always requires more time and attention in the morning.

hair mistakes 2

Pull out the ol’ hair dryer if showering at the end of the night is your thing, or simply wash it in the morning when you know you can’t be trusted to hit the sheets without a wet head.

Which one of these hair mistakes surprised you the most? Are you guilty of any of these? Share with us in the comments!

Winter ‘Do Rescue: Weatherproof Hairstyles

Mother nature wages war on us during these colder months and despite all of the magic of the season, it can be somewhat of a horror story in the beauty department when we can’t get our tresses to keep up with the bad bouts of weather. Whether it’s wet, windy, or snowing outside, you will absolutely benefit from having a few protective styling tricks up those cozy sleeves. We’re pouring in some of our favorite weatherproof hairstyles below, and they are exactly the kind of stunning-do’s that won’t leave your locks suffering another gloomy day!

 

Upside-Down Dutch Braid Bun

braidbun

Keeping hair out of the face and tucked away securely is the surefire way to avoid a windy mess. An upside down Dutch braid gives the classic sock bun a gorgeous detail and added thickness. Section off the top half of hair and clip it out of the way while you make the braid. Part the remaining bottom half of your hair evenly down the middle and Dutch braid. Secure braid and gather it up with the rest of the hair into a high ponytail. Grabbing the ends of the ponytail, hold the pony over your head and place a donut bun maker (or an old sock) shortly below the ends. Fold hair around the donut, moving down the ponytail until it’s laying comfortable on top of your head in a bun. Tuck loose pieces away with a bobby pin.

 

Low Ponytail

lowpony

Sleek and sophisticated, the low ponytail is foolproof when it comes to bad weather. An added bonus of this gorgeous hairstyle is that it draws attention to those beautiful fall faces and outfits. Leave out any face framing bangs or pieces of hair out and pull the rest of the hair back to the nape of the neck into a low pony, securing with an elastic band. Grab a small piece from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to conceal it. Secure with a bobby pin.

 

French-fishtail Double Braid

pigtails

Ladies, did you hear? Pigtails are back in style and we’re totally fangirling over it! Everyone knows that when it comes to protective styling, braids reign supreme. Part hair evenly and make a loose French braid. Once you get halfway down the hair past the ear, use the remaining hair to make a fishtail braid. Secure with an elastic band.

 

Baby Half-Up

halfup

This playful hairstyle will keep fly-aways at bay while looking super stylish and trendy.  Section off the front sides of your crown and bring it to the top of your head, making a small ponytail. Secure with an elastic band. Pulling it tight, divide the ponytail in half and drape the sections along both sides of the hair. Use a curling iron or wand, make loose waves with each section and the remaining hair to frame the face for a more youthful look.

 

Tousled High Pony

highpony

The best way to deal with crazy windy weather is to play up the messy look altogether! This no fuss slicked-back pony will keep you looking cute and frustration free all day long, no matter which was the wind blows. Starting with already loose waves, simply gather and brush hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic band. Tug on the ponytail and scrunch hair with a curl-enhancing mouse for added texture.

 

Pull Through Braid

pullthroughbraid

This braid is the perfect switch from the traditional braids and up-dos we’re used to because it packs on the drama while still looking elegant and being completely durable. Guaranteed weatherproof, this braid looks even more stunning on longer hair so you may want to pull your extensions out for this one! To get started, you will need a handful of elastic bands (around 8-10) and a clip to keep hair out of the way while you work. Watch this simple tutorial below to learn how:

10 Beauty Myths Debunked

There will always be an unspoken bond and instant level of trust formed between women, so when we played telephone with these commonly held beauty beliefs, we didn’t question what we heard. We took it as fact and kept it moving right down the line.

Beauty truths like sunscreen being one of the best anti-aging products you can use, and picking your face being one of the worst things you can do for your skin, are inarguably true. So they all must be created equally, right? While there are plenty of beauty basics that are fail-proof and proven true time and again, there are some major beauty myths floating around out there that just don’t hold up.

We’re here to set the record straight and save you from wasting any more precious time (that could be spent doing better things like crafting the perfect blended eyeshadow) following a ritual that won’t do you any justice. Next time you hear these 10 beauty myths, you can be sure to throw caution to the wind and never mistake them as a rule again.

10 Beauty Myths Debunked

Myth 1: You have to wash your face in the morning.

The truth is, you’re not going to be picking up much dirt or bacteria after a good night’s rest (unless you’re to bed with your makeup on!). In fact, over washing your face can lead to dryness and irritation by stripping the skin of its natural oils and sebum. For sensitive skin, a good rule of thumb has always been less is more. Wash your face when it’s necessary, and leave it alone when it needs to be left alone. A simple toner in the morning followed up with moisturizer should be plenty enough.

Myth 2: Makeup causes acne.

removing makeup

 Speaking of sleeping with your makeup on, otherwise known as the biggest beauty blunder under the sun, wearing makeup alone doesn’t cause those pesky breakouts. It’s forgetting to thoroughly take it off at the end of the night that does the real damage. This is not to say that all makeup products can’t adversely affect certain skin types, or that it will heal any existing acne, but that the real culprit is the bacteria and sweat buildup from a full day’s wear of makeup that’s an open invitation for clogged pores and acne-breeding bacteria.

Myth 3: You need to switch up products for maximum effectiveness.

It’s often been said that your skin or hair will “get used” to certain products and that you’ll need to switch up products up for maximum effectiveness. However, if you’re noticing that months later skin is no longer changing, it’s actually reached a threshold and is maintaining the positive improvements achieved.

Imagine trying to fill a cup that’s already full. You can’t add anything more, but nothing’s being taken away. And while it isn’t bad to switch up products or try something new, it isn’t a rule to reach your desired results. When it comes to hair, flat, dandruffed, or damaged hair is usually due to product build up from hairspray, serums, oil, or heat tools, which is often overlooked.

Try going without those products to see if you do need to change up your shampoo, or try a clarifying shampoo once a week and continue regular use of your favorite ‘poo.

Myth 4: Drinking water keeps your skin from drying out.

This is a major myth that’s out there since it’s so easy to confuse. While beauty starts from within and diet plays a major role, skin can still look dry even if you’re drinking 8 glasses of water a day. This is because it’s oil that keeps skin moist, not water. If you’re not hydrating properly, that can give the skin a wan appearance, but it won’t make skin look anymore hydrated if you’re not moisturizing consistently, too.

Myth 5: Shaving will cause hair to grow back thicker.

shave legs

Hair is widest at the base and most narrow at the tip. This is why when the hair starts to grow back in between shaves, the hair gives the illusion of being more thick, stubbly, and dark since each piece is short and growing in unison. The longer the hair is, the thinner it appears.

Myth 6: Use of castor oil increases the growth of eyelash and eyebrow hair.

While castor oil has long been regarded as nature’s Rogaine, application of the oil itself does not affect the rate of hair growth. However, when applying the oil, it’s suggested use is massaging it onto the desired area for a few minutes. It’s the stimulation that’s associated with the massage action that likely causes boosted hair growth.

Myth 7: Hair products, serums, and oils can repair split ends.

split ends

While products can temporarily “glue” split ends back together for an extended period of time, they cannot magically make a split end fuse back into one solid hair strand. Some swear by shea butter or Argan oil, which are actually very effective at sealing rough ends, though not permanently. The only true “remedy” for split ends remains a good trim followed by protective styling.

Myth 8: Brushing hair more will make it shinier and grow faster.

Remember being that little girl standing in the mirror with her paddle brush in hand, eagerly counting down each hair stroke knowing that with every stroke made, you were closer to having the shiniest, most glamorous hair of your life? Well, what you didn’t realize back then was that the Marcia Brady method of stroking hair over 100 times a day does more damage than good. Over-brushing actually irritates the scalp and causes more breakage.

Instead, focus on gentle, quality strokes that still remove the same amount of impurities. On top of that, steady stroking will distribute oil evenly from the scalp to the ends, flattening hair to ultimately reflect more light and stimulate the scalp, resulting in shiny, healthier hair.

Myth 9: White spots on nails means a vitamin deficiency.

Contrary to popular belief, white spots on nails don’t actually mean you’re low in iron, calcium, or vitamin d. Some superstitions even say it means you have a secret admirer. But most often than not, these white spots are formed due to a previous injury caused to the nail.

Myth 10: Test foundation color on your wrist to find the best match.

woman foundation

Find yourself running back-and-forth from the beauty store to return a mismatched foundation color, only to pick up another dud? That’s because matching your face color to your wrist will get you nowhere. The wrist is one of the lightest parts of your body, and won’t provide an accurate foundation match. Instead, find your foundation color by testing the product out on your jawline or neck and matching it to the natural complexion of your face.

Things You Never Knew About People with Red Hair

Kermit the Frog should step off the lily pad of self pity and stop croaking that, “It’s not easy being green.” Redheads dwell in a gene pool that’s far less hospitable. Sperm banks worldwide politely decline “donations” from ginger gents because the demand for their signature trait is so low. Scientists persistently produce data showing how redheads run a higher risk of developing skin cancers. The gossip media feasts on celebrities’ decisions to dye their hair red; denouncing the choice as a plea for attention. Meanwhile, the advertising industry floods our attention with an exaggerated stream of models with red hair because their rare existence – in reality – is so titillating to the eye. Some historians trace redheads’ scorn and allure back as far as the 11th Century, when Nordic Vikings pillaged the British isles. They may be dwindling in numbers, but redheads command our attention as much as the beasts of “Jurassic Park.”

RED HERRINGS

The advertising industry blatantly fosters the false impression that redheads are far more prevalent in society than they actually are. While researchers generally concur that only two percent of Americans are redheads, an extensive study conducted by Upstream Analysis showed that one-third of the 1,700 commercials aired during prime time in a five-day stretch on ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox featured red-headed characters, and more than half of those ads cast redheads as the main character. The study concluded that advertisers rely on the fact that consumers tend to act on impulse when exposed to visual novelties.

Beauty portrait of tender woman with beautiful long red hair

CODE RED

Researchers agree that red hair is a mutation that comes from the rare MC1R pigmentation gene. And the journal LiveScience has identified five distinct health risks that those who carry the gene have in common.

1) People with red hair have twice the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s disease than their black-haired counterparts.

2) Carriers of the MC1R gene may suffer a higher rate of tooth decay and gum disease due to their lower tolerance for pain and requirements for larger doses of anesthesia at the dentist’s office.

3) Endometriosis – the painful growth of tissue outside of the uterus – afflicts women with red hair at rates of up to 30 percent more than it does other women between ages 25 to 42.

4) Lab experiments on mice bred with the MC1R gene showed a higher propensity for skin cancer.

5) One out of every 20,000 carriers of the MC1R gene is at risk of developing Congenital Melanocytic Naevi skin discolorations.

Other research indicates that as children, redheads suffer from diminished self-esteem and high rates of self-imposed isolation from their peers.

brother sister red hair
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

RED SCARE

While the general consensus among researchers is that redheads represent two percent of the worldwide population, there is rampant speculation over whether their genetic mutation could be wiped off the face of the earth entirely over time. Some analysts, like those at the gene-tracing firm ScotlandsDNA, say climate change could be blamed if redheads go the way of the dinosaur. Their reasoning: Global warming could drastically reduce the number of cloudy days, leaving carriers of the MC1R gene defenseless against ultra-violet sun rays over time.

red hair man

RED WHINE

Ever since one of the world’s pre-eminent sperm banks Cryos International stopped accepting donations from male carriers of the MC1R gene five years ago, there’s been an outcry from redheads who resent being pushed to the fringe of desirability. Sperm suppliers reason that – with the exception of Ireland, where 10 percent of the population has red hair – the existing supply worldwide already far exceeds demand. Even in Scandinavian countries where blonde hair and blue/green eyes are most prevalent, sperm recipients show a distinct preference for genes associated with dark hair and brown eyes.

red hair girl
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Follow these 6 Instagram Accounts for Major Hair Inspiration

Whether you’re a color-virgin looking for a head-turning hue or a long-haired vixen hoping to avoid snip-tionary with your hairdresser, Instagram’s savvy stylists will lead you to hair heaven. Seriously, give your bad hair day the finger — swipe through these six Instagram feeds and up your hair game.

 

1. Mia & Linda Sønvis Bech

@aurorabraids, 252k followers

Happy Easter

A post shared by Mia & Linda (@aurorabraids) on

Get ready for straight-up braid porn, Norwegian-style. Champagne blonde Linda, 25, and flaming redhead Mia, 15, are platting their way to Insta-fame with shell-studded fishtails, daisy-woven merged braids, and high curly buns that are fit for a Khaleesi.  Their on-point selfies are set against Game of Thrones-esque landscapes: snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes,  and dense forest. And the twisted sisters’ artistic masterpieces are usually topped off with crowns, crowns, and more crowns, proving that they’ve conquered the Iron Throne —  or at least, the curling iron.

 

2. Drew Sara Holjes

@shorthairgirlz, 42.1k followers

#shorthairgirlz

A post shared by Short Hair Girlz ♡ (@shorthairgirlz) on

Haranistas, sharpen your scissors. Featuring edgy a-line bobs, wispy bangs, and fierce half-shaves, Drew’s feed will have your ready to lob off your long locks. From loose, blueberry curls to flirty, tangerine pixies, Holijes’ account is ripe with fruit-inspired shades. And whether the daily gram is of Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, or the just the girl next door, we’re willing to bet that the shorter her hair the longer you’ll stare.

 

3. Nia

@frogirlginny, 345k followers

Frodown time: Nia, 19, is the creator of #HappyFroday, #GoWithTheFro, and Curls Night Out: an international movement that brings women, and sometimes men, together so they can embrace their gorgeous kinks, spirals, and swirls. The Zimbabwean beauty and travel vlogger’s naturally golden spirals will give you serious curl envy.   Her feed is also totally frizz-free. Expect honest-to-goodness product reviews, beauty giveaways, cheeky selfies, the occasional curl-squad us-ie, and a variety of avocado-themed threads — without any in-your-face product placements or inspirational memes to slow you down.

 

4. Jenny Strebe

@theconfessionsofahairstylist, 425k followers

Inverted fishtail updos and bubble hawks and crown braids! Oh, my! Oh, my! Jenny Strebe, a hair educator and social media guru, seems to know that life is too short for boring hair. Get ready for easy-to-follow tutorials, behind-the-scene peeks, hair product giveaways, and the occasional mini hair stylist post, featuring Strebe’s adorable daughter Magnolia giving fashion dolls a fixer upper. We cower before you, o’ wizard of color! Strebes’ account also features fearless hues: sea green, ultra violet, cotton candy pink, and yes – oh yes – confetti hair — platinum tresses morphed into a rainbow with easy to take out extensions.

 

5. Heidi Garrett

@heidimariegarrett, 104k followers

Whether you’re a blushing bride planning your wedding ‘do, or a beauty addict looking for your next fix, you’ll want to follow Heidi on Instagram.  Her elegant textured ponytails, romantic side updos, and red carpet-worthy curls will have you saying, “I do”, to summer hair goals. Expect before-and-after photos, “big day” grams, behind-the-chair exclusives, manicure shots, the occasional positive marriage post, and eye-catching hair baubles, from golden leaf crowns to tie-dyed wraps. Garrett also teaches you how to get your glitter on. So you’re sure to outsparkle fireworks or those 30-plus birthday candles.

 

6. Stephanie Brinkerhoff

@hairandmakeupbysteph, 594k followers

These braids weren't originally part of the plan, but we had to hide a grown out undercut love how it turned out! @msdanidarlene

A post shared by Hair and Makeup by Steph (@hairandmakeupbysteph) on

Holy mother of pearl! Stephanie’s Insta features serious hair bling: pearl bobby pins, fresh cut flowers, and lace veils. Voluminous low buns, flowing fishtails, double buns: her Southern belle styles are Harlequin-romance worthy. Her account is speckled with wild hues, class calls, occasional tool giveaways, hairstylist humor, and outrageous wedding moments. (Our favorite? A Park City couple doing their first dance dressed as T. Rexes.) So get those thumbs ready for a flurry of double tapping.

Spring 2017’s Hottest Hair Trends

From wispy waves, golden bronde tones, and voluminous texturized bobs, these are the hottest hair trends and styles that are going to be popping up on the streets and your social feeds this spring. Get ready to screenshot this list, you’ll want to show one of these to your hairstylist at your next appointment.

 

Wispy Waves

wavy hair

An edgier take on those gorgeous loose waves, flat waves add texture and movement while still beautifully framing your face. An easy way to get this look is to quickly run a flat iron through curls, or to simply straighten ends. Spritz in a texturizing spray for an extra punch.

 

Blunt Medium-length

demi lovato

 

This medium-length hairstyle is the perfect solution for those with finer hair looking to achieve more volume and a healthy mane. Blunt ends round out this style, creating a full and ultra-voluminous look.

Layered Lob
olivia munn long bob
The layered lob is a playful, wistful take on the popular cut that works on everyone. Adding in a ton of dimension and movement, this style looks best when hair is waved slightly.

Curly Chop

 

curly chopped hair

This statement bob highlights those gorgeous natural curls by creating a youthful and playful look with this perfect chopped length. Curly bangs work well on this stylish-do too, just check out Victoria’s Secret model Alanna Arrington’s bouncy ringlets that commanded all of the attention during last year’s VS show.

 

Un-done Bun

undone bun hair

The great thing about the un-done bun is the messier, the better. With the weather warming up, this will be the go-to style for keeping hair out of the face in an effortless, natural and adorable way.

 

The Heavily Parted

heavily parted hair red carpet

The quickest way to add “oomph” and volume? Flipping your hair over to the side! Not only will it give your overall look some serious edge, but this sassy deep part enhances any type of hairstyle and as an added bonus, camouflages sweat and oily roots.

 

Sleek and Center

 

center part hair

Straight styles that are parted in the center are a favorite style when the goal is to look clean, polished, and fierce. Sleek locks can either understate or enhance loud-prints, like heavy florals common in Spring fashion (hyperlink: https://beyondwords.life/spring-2017-color-palette/) or other bold outfits and accessories. The face is the focus with this hairstyle, so let it shine.

 

Golden Bronde
Beautiful young woman portrait smiling posing attractive blond with flying hair on gray background. Studio shot.
The love-child of bombshell blond and rich brunette, bronde is the happy medium that sun-kisses that old winter complexion without washing you out. The reason why bronde is having its moment in 2017 is because it compliments a variety of skin-tones while satisfying indecisive minds, being a versatile shade you won’t easily tire of.
Flattering Fringe

fringe bangs
Not quite sure you want to commit to a chop, layers, a change of shade, or if you want to grow your hair out altogether? That’s the void bangs fill best. A simple fringe can change up your entire look by adding personality and removing some weight from those single-layer locks. Bangs easily spruce up virtually any other style as well, from long to short styles, pin-straight to curly.

8 Lesser Known Reasons You Have Damaged Hair

Everyday should be a good hair day, but if you have damaged hair, with frizz and breakage, it can be hard to determine where you’re going wrong in your hair care routine. We’ve rounded up eight ways you’re unknowingly damaging your hair so you can start getting your locks back to optimal health.

 

1. Overdoing it With Shampoo

Shampoo is one of the biggest causes of hair damage, yet it’s one of the least obvious. That’s probably because we’ve been taught to shampoo and condition our hair daily for our entire lives. Shampoo strips our hair of it’s natural oils which can cause frizziness short-term and damage and breakage long-term.  The less you wash your hair the less you need to, so if you’re someone who is used to washing their hair daily, start by washing every other day, then every 3 days, and begin decreasing the amount of times you shampoo your hair over the course of a couple of months. Your hair will become used to the process and not build up so much of those natural oils. Shampoos are also riddled with chemicals that can cause even more damage to your hair and can even cause health problems, especially when used regularly.

2. Colour Treating

It’s no secret that colour treating your hair is not the best thing to do when it comes to its health, but let’s get down to the science of it. Hair dye is only able to penetrate the shaft when it can get underneath the cuticle which is what protects the hair. When it’s lifted to allow the hair dye to penetrate, it causes damage to our hair, as the cuticle shouldn’t be disturbed.  Once the peroxide penetrates the hair, it breaks down the natural pigment of it, which is very drying. The longer the peroxide sits and develops into your desired colour, the more damage is being done to your hair. Instead of using hair dye, consider a hair health alternative like colouring your hair with coffee grounds or lemon!

3. The Use of Heat Styling Tools

If you wouldn’t touch a 365 degree curling iron to the skin on your arm, why would you subject your hair to that sort of heat? Now, I’m not suggesting getting rid of heat styling tools all together, but using them sparingly is the key to having healthy hair. When using heat styling tools, always using a heat protectant to assist in preventing damage. Use heat protectant (I love the ‘Not Your Mother’s’ Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Spray) before exposing your hair to heat the same way you would apply sunscreen before exposing your skin to the sun.

4. Using Products Filled With Chemicals

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) is found in many hair products and is one of the worst things you can put in your hair. SLS is also commonly found in industrial and cleaning products, so it’s no surprise that this chemical is going to severely dry out your hair, causing breakage. Isopropyl Alcohol is another ingredient found in a lot of hairsprays, gels, and other styling products. This alcohol can also be found in shellac and antifreeze. While the purpose of the chemical is to dissolve oil, it’s definitely too strong to be applied to our gorgeous locks without some sort of consequence. Other chemicals to avoid are parabens, sulfates, perfumes, silicone, phthalates, etc. Instead of chemicals, look for products that contain seeds, oils, butters, and vitamins. My favorite brand for this is HASK.

5. Brushing When Wet

When your hair is wet, it’s more susceptible to breakage because it’s at its most fragile state. While breakage obviously isn’t good for your hair in terms of growth, it’s also the main cause of frizz – which no one wants! The safest way to brush your wet hair (to avoid a tangled mess when it’s dry) is to use a wide toothed comb and work slowly from the bottom up. Never tug at your hair or try to pull out a knot; work it out slowly.

6. Sleeping on Cotton

As a girl who used to have severely damaged hair, I think this is one tip that has helped my hair immensely, but wasn’t super obvious to me. Sleeping on cotton pulls at your hair when you move around, which makes perfect sense when you really think about it. Switching to a silk pillowcase allows your head and your hair to slide across the fabric rather than causing friction and therefore, breakage. BONUS: sleeping on a silk pillowcase also prevents the signs of aging as your face can glide across the fabric (preventing wrinkles and creases.) Another quick fabric switch that can also benefit the health of your hair is switching from a regular towel to a microfiber towel.

7. Using Hair Elastics

There are a number of ways you’re damaging your hair simply by using an elastic to style it. Up-do’s and elastics can pull your hair too tight causing hair fall-out. The elastics are also generally wrapped around the same place each time you wear your hair up which causes severe breakage. Lastly, the metal pieces that hold the elastic together can actually cut the strands of hair, causing further hair loss and breakage.

8. Avoiding Hair Cuts

While it may seem counterproductive to cut your hair when you’re trying to grow it out, that’s actually the best thing for it. A lot of the time, especially with long hair, you’ll find plenty of split ends, most commonly at the ends of your hair. Split ends are no good for our hair (even though they do provide that extra length temporarily) because they’ll just continue splitting. The best course of action is to cut off the split ends regularly so they won’t end up doing more damage and causing your hair to be shorter than it would have been had you committed to regular haircuts. Healthy hair is best!

Ditch the Chemicals: 7 Natural Ways to Color Your Hair

A fan of changing up your look with a new hair color, but not of chemicals with impossible-to-pronounce names that come with the modern dyes in salons and at-home kits? The side-effects from regular exposure to the dangerous ingredients in the dyes you use to color your hair can include dry hair and damaged follicles, allergic reactions such as itchy scalp, rashes, and dandruff, to more serious conditions like asthma and cancer risk. With these seven natural methods of coloring your hair, you can color to your heart’s content without once having to sacrifice your health for beauty!

 

1. Coffee

Coffee is great for naturally darkening hair, covering greys, or adding dimension to brunette tresses. Brew 1-2 cups of strong organic coffee (organic coffee will have less preservatives and work more effectively) and let cool. Mix with 2 tablespoons of ground organic coffee and enough conditioner to fully saturate hair. Leave mixture in hair for up to an hour and rinse. For more noticeable results, rinse with apple cider vinegar. You may need to repeat this application for more noticeable or desired results.

 

2.  Teas

brown hair

Similar to coffee, black tea can darken hair (as well as help reduce shedding) while other teas like chamomile help lighten hair. Rooibos and red hibiscus tea work to add vibrancy and highlights for redheads. It should be noted that these teas work best when used to enhance your natural hair color. To infuse onto hair, steep 5-8 tea bags in a pot of boiled water for 30 minutes (the higher concentrated the tea is, the better). Mix cooled tea with enough plain organic yogurt to fully saturate hair. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil, like lavender, for fragrance. Massage the mixture into clean, dry hair from root to tip, and cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave in for an hour. Rinse and air-dry.

 

3. Henna

Henna, which is a powdered form of the leaves from the henna plant, is widely regarded as the most effective natural hair dye. This powerful coloring pigment has been used for hundreds of years to not only dye hair, but skin and nails as well. Occurring naturally as a red-orange tint, many manufacturers will mix it with other ingredients, such as indigo, to achieve other colors such as brown shades. Henna is best suited for dyeing hair darker in brunette or red tones.

 

It’s also a wonderful conditioning treatment that strengthens hair and improves scalp health, and some use it strictly for its hair enhancing abilities. To use, mix henna powder with preferred liquid. For stronger results, mix henna with apple cider vinegar so the pigment can penetrate opened hair follicles and color can last longer. For a deeper brown, mix black tea with the henna powder. Leave mixture in hair, covered, for 4-6 hours. Additional applications will deepen darker tones or brighten reds.

 

4. Beet Juice

red hair

Beet juice can stain more than just hands and your kitchen counter, as it works great at giving your locks the same pretty red hue, too! It’s also loaded with those sought-after antioxidant goodies like protein, potassium, calcium, and vitamins B and C to name a few, making it an incredible scalp-happy rinse that you can incorporate into your regular hair routine. To use, mix beet juice with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, or to make the tint last longer, mix one cup beet juice with ½ cup rose water and ½ cup black tea. Apply to the scalp and work through the ends. Leave in for 15 minutes and rinse well. Regular use will keep this beautiful red tint intact longer.

 

5. Lemon

Lemon, known for being packed with antioxidants and its relatively high level of acid content (containing around 5-8% of citric acid in lemon juice) is widely regarded as nature’s bleach. On top of successfully being able to lighten discolorations and sun-spots from skin, it works just as great at brightening hair. To use, put fresh lemon juice in a spray bottle and spritz throughout hair, leaving on for several hours. Being out in the sun will help further activate its lightening effect. This works slowly, so you’ll have to be persistent to see desired results.

 

6. Cinnamon + Honey

blond hair yoga

This sweetly fragranced spice mixed with raw honey is known for lightening hair as the two ingredients combined act as a natural peroxide, but without the harmful side-effects. To use this mask, mix 4 tablespoons cinnamon, 3 tablespoons honey, and 2 tablespoons olive oil (or conditioner) into a smooth paste. You can add a few drops of lemon juice for extra lightening as well. Double ingredients for longer hair. Apply blend onto damp hair and evenly distribute with a wide-tooth comb. Lay hair on top of head and cover hair with a plastic bag. Leave mask on for 1-2 hours and rinse, following up with a mild shampoo and conditioner.

 

7. Black walnut

The hull of black walnut shells contains the compounds juglone, plumbagin, and tannin, which allow it to dye almost anything it comes into contact with, on top of creating a natural, gorgeous rich brown. Other than hair dye, it’s commonly used in wood stains, ink, and clothing dye. To use, crush black walnut shells (or buy ground black walnut shell powder) and boil in water for half an hour. Once cooled, lather hair in the mixture, or lay pot on the ground outside (to avoid the messy clean up) and submerge hair for anywhere between 5-20 minutes. The longer you leave the mixture in hair, the deeper the brown will turn out so you may want to have a friend monitor the progression. Rinse thoroughly with cold water. Words of caution: It will stain EVERYTHING so prep accordingly, and black walnuts can be poisonous for some animals, such as dogs or horses, so please plan to keep your furry ones away while you dye responsibly!

 

While these natural methods might require some work and won’t realistically take you from blonde to brunette, they will enhance the beauty of your natural hair color and will keep you safe while doing so!

 

DIY Hair Masks for Stronger, Healthier Strands

If your hair needs some love, raise your hand and use it to open up the kitchen cabinet because these DIY hair masks use all natural ingredients that you are guaranteed to have around. From milk and honey, to bananas, brown sugar, and even beer, these amazing homemade masks work wonders on any hair type!

Here’s what these pantry ingredients can do for our locks:

hair mask ingredients

 

Avocados

The amino acids, proteins, and vitamins in this super-fruit help to revitalize and moisturize the scalp, promoting strong and healthy hair.

Almond oil

Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and magnesium, almond oil strengthens, nourishes, and deep conditions hair strands.

Bananas

Rich in potassium, natural oils, and vitamins, bananas soften the hair and enrich it’s elasticity, helping to prevent breakage.

Beer

Ever heard of beer shampoo? With B vitamins and the proteins found in malt and hops, beer helps to restore damaged hair. What’s more, the sugars present in beer help strengthen hair cuticles which enhances luster and shine. Who knew?

Black tea

Since the caffeine present in black tea helps to decrease hair-loss causing hormone DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), black tea helps reduce shedding and lowers hair loss.

Coconut oil

The richest natural source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), a special type of fatty acids high in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, coconut oil is able to effectively penetrate hair follicles, conditioning hair, repairing damage, and helping hair retain protein.

Eggs

With the highest level of protein in this natural ingredient list, eggs strengthen hair follicles, leading to stronger strands and much fewer split ends. Eggs are nature’s conditioner!

Honey

Boasting antioxidants and antiseptic qualities, honey keeps our scalps squeaky clean and fights infection. Being an emollient, it keeps hair follicles healthy and can even wake up sleeping hair follicles, boosting hair growth. Honey also helps to prevent the loss of moisture since it is a humectant, leading to smoother, more nourished hair.

Lemon

The anti-fungal properties of lemon help to rid the scalp of dandruff and build up. Its limonene compound works to promote shine in frizzy or dull hair. Fresh lemon juice also stimulates hair growth by strengthening hair follicles.

Milk

The calcium, proteins, and vitamins in milk help to restore hair’s structure, while enhancing luster and shine.  Got milk?

Olive Oil

The antioxidants and vitamins E and A in olive oil help to strengthen strands and add moisture. Regular use of this oil can nourish hair back to original health.=

Yogurt

The active cultures from lactic acid in yogurt act as a deep conditioner, moisturizing trouble areas on the scalp while fighting irritation, making the hair softer, less tangled, and enhancing shine. 

Masks for Dry Hair

dry hair

Yogurt, Honey + Olive Oil

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 tablesppon honey
  • ¼ cup yogurt

(Double ingredients for longer hair)

 

Apply mixture to damp hair. Keep hair covered in a shower cap, towel, or plastic bag. Let the mixture soak in for 30 minutes and rinse out thoroughly. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.

 

Honey, Oil + Egg Yolk

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey

(Double ingredients for longer hair)

 

Whisk ingredients together and apply to hair.  Leave in for one hour and rinse. Follow up with conditioner.

 

Avocado + Mayonnaise

  • ½ avocado
  • 1 cup mayonnaise

 

Mash avocado and mix it together well with the mayonnaise. Apply to wet or dry hair and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing out with cold water and washing hair as normal.

 

Banana + Egg Yolk

  • 1 sliced banana
  • 2 egg yolks

 

Mash sliced banana and whisk together with the egg yolks or use a blender. Apply to wet or damp hair and allow mixture to soak in for 30 minutes before rinsing. Follow up with shampoo and conditioner.

 

Masks for Frizzy Hair

Banana, Yogurt + Honey

 

  • 1 sliced banana
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey

 

Blend sliced banana, plain yogurt, and honey. Apply to wet or dry hair and leave in for 30 minutes up until one hour. Rinse thoroughly and wash hair as normal.

 

Milk + Honey

    • 1 cup milk (whole, coconut, or almond)
    • 2 tablespoons honey

Apply mixture to dry hair and leave on for 15 minutes, laying hair on top of head uncovered. Rinse out with cold water and condition.

Masks to Restore Shine

blond braid

Beer + Almond Oil

  • ½ cup flat beer
  • 1 teaspoon almond oil

 

Leave beer uncovered overnight or for a few hours. Use ½ cup of the flat beer and mix together with almond oil. Apply on dry hair and lay hair on top of the head, covered for 30 minutes. Rinse out with cold water and condition.

 

Coconut Milk, Lemon, Egg + Olive Oil

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Squeeze of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 

Whisk ingredients together and apply to dampened hair. Leave in for 15-20 minutes and rinse out thoroughly, following up with shampoo and conditioner.

 

Coconut Cream

  • ½ can coconut cream

(Use entire can for longer hair)

 

Apply cream to damp hair, massaging it in from the roots to the ends. Rinse out thoroughly and shampoo and condition.

Masks for Oily Hair or Dandruff

hair bun

Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon + Honey

  • ¼ cup ACV
  • 1 juiced lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey

 

Whisk ingredients together and apply mixture to dampened hair. Leave mixture covered for up to one hour. Rinse with cold water and shampoo and condition.

 

Brown Sugar + Olive Oil

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

 

Mix sugar and oil together and apply to damp hair. Massage roots with mixture for 3-5  minutes for maximum exfoliation. Wash out with shampoo and conditioner.

 

Olive Oil + Lemon Juice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Mix equal parts olive oil and lemon juice together. Massage into dampened scalp and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse out and shampoo. Use no more than once every other week.

 

Masks for Hair That’s Falling Out

Black tea + Egg white

  • 4-5 black tea bags
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 egg white

 

Add 4-5 tea bags to a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes and let it cool. Whisk in egg white and pour tea mixture into a water bottle. Fully saturate scalp and spray the rest of the hair. Lay hair on top of head and cover with a plastic cap. Let sit for 1 hour. Rinse hair with cold water and follow up with deep conditioner.

 

Castor Oil + Vitamin E

  • 2 tablespoons castor oil
  • 5 vitamin E capsules

 

Puncture 5 vitamin E capsules and mix together in a bowl with castor oil. Use fingertips to massage mixture into scalp for 5-10 minutes. Let mixture soak in hair, covered, overnight. Rinse thoroughly in the morning and wash out with shampoo and conditioner. Tip: Use Jamaican Black Castor Oil for more effective results. This type of castor oil is used specifically for hair growth and users have seen many positive results with consistent application.