12 Tips for Healthy Hair

repost from shape, by Kathy Kramer

Hair is the ultimate accessory; it can add to (or detract from) your overall look instantly। Keeping it in healthy condition is the most important thing you can do to help it look and feel fabulous. And, while it seems easy, this isn't as simple as minimizing chemical treatments or slathering on a weekly deep conditioner. While these can make your strands softer and less split-end-prone, what really matters is the daily handling; this is what creates the most stress--and potential damage--to your tresses. To help your locks look their best, we asked top experts from around the country for their advice on how to baby your mane every single day. So whether your concern is dullness, damage, frizz or fragility, we have the answers to ease even the toughest hair-care woes. Read on for tips to achieve run-your-fingers-through-it hair.

1 Steer clear of plastic-bristle brushes. "The proper bristles are key," says stylist Edward Tricomi of the Warren-Tricomi Salon in New York City. "A combination of natural boar bristles on either a round or flat brush are best for dry hair, while soft, rubber-toothed wide-paneled brushes are best for damp hair." Our favorite brushes include the Mason Pearson Boar Bristle brush ($78.50; zitomer.com) and Aveda's Wooden Paddle Brush ($17; aveda.com).

2 Brush before shampooing. A few gentle strokes on dry hair will help remove product buildup and scalp flakes, as well as stimulate the scalp and promote blood flow (which delivers nutrients like oxygen) to hair follicles. For a smoother slide, try Clairol Herbal Essences Let It Loose Detangling Spray ($3; at drugstores).

3 Know your water. If your hair looks dull or is hard to style, the problem could be your tap water. According to Minneapolis-based Gordon Nelson, international creative director for Regis Salons, well water contains natural minerals (called "hard water") that can leave hair lusterless and hard to manage and can impart a brassy, orange hue. Soft water , on the other hand, has fewer damaging minerals. (Ask your local water department if your water is soft or hard, or try using Robert Craig's No More Bad Hair Days Kit, $20; robertcraig.com; with strips to test your water.) To rid hair of mineral buildup, suds up every week with a clarifying shampoo. We like Frederic Fekkai Apple Cider Clarifying Shampoo and Clean Conditioner ($18.50 each; saks.com).

4 Mist your ends with water before home coloring. The ends of your hair are more porous and, as a result, absorb more pigment. "Wet hair doesn't absorb color as readily as dry hair," explains Renee Patronik, a consulting colorist for L'Oreal in New York.

5 Trim your troubles. As the ends of your hair get older and damaged by rough handling, they become prone to splitting, Nelson says. Get regular trims, at least 1/2 inch every four to eight weeks. "Hair grows (on average) half an inch per month, so trim to maintain healthy ends," says stylist Stephen Knoll of the Stephen Knoll Salon in New York.

6 Use color-protective products. Chemical treatments like color can damage hair because the chemicals have to penetrate the outer layer of the hair (or cuticle) to allow the hue to be absorbed, explains stylist Rodolfo Valentin of Rodolfo Valentin Atelier for Hair in New York. Color-protective products are specially designed to minimize dryness, keep color true and prevent damage. "They typically have more nourishing ingredients, strip less color and are less abusive," Knoll explains. We love L'Oreal VIVE Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner ($3.69 each; at drugstores) and Matrix Biolage Color Care Shampoo ($10) and Conditioner ($11; matrix.com for salon locations).

7 Give wet hair extra TLC. It stretches and snaps more easily than dry hair does, so be extra-gentle with it. "Use a wide-tooth plastic comb while hair is wet; then, once it's towel-dried, switch to a good brush," says Jon Patrick, color director of the Mete Turkmen Hair Salon Plus in New York. And avoid wooden combs; wood can have microscopic divots that snag hairs. Instead try the Jilbere de Paris plastic shower comb ($1.49; sally beauty.com for store locations).

8 Deep condition once every two weeks. "These treatments penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen strands," says Patrick, who adds that using heat (from a blow-dryer) can intensify deep conditioning, as the heat causes the cuticle to open and the ingredients to penetrate.

For nourishing results, try Kerastase Masquintense ($36; 877-748-8357 for salons), available for fine or thick hair; Neutrogena Triple Moisture Sheer Hydration Leave-In Foam ($7; at drugstores); or Ellin Lavar Textures ReconstructMasque ($25; ellinlavar.com).

9 Try an ionic dryer। Ions are atoms with a positive or negative charge. These particular hair-dryers bathe your hair in negative ions, which help break up water molecules faster and cancel out hair-damaging positive ions, Valentin explains. Plus, your hair-drying time is cut in half. We love the Bio Ionic Super-Hydrator Pro Dryer ($165; bioionic.com for salon locations).

10 Just use your dryer's nozzle, urges stylist Frank Galasso of Frank.Studio in Santa Monica, Calif. It's the best way to help prevent frizz because it concentrates the airflow on sections. "Without a nozzle the dryer's grill gets very hot; if your hair gets too close to it, it will cause damage and/or breakage," explains stylist Mark Garrison of the Mark Garrison Salon in New York.

For curls, use a diffuser attachment to gently surround your hair with air. Try Vidal Sassoon Ceramic Finger Diffuser ($8; hotus.com for store locations). Follow up with John Frieda's Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Creme ($6; at drugstores) to smooth strands.

11 Give textured or relaxed hair a break. African-American hair tends to be coarse due to a lack of natural oils (more so if chemically processed), says New York-based celebrity hairstylist Ellin Lavar. Lavar suggests opting for gentle color choices like semipermanent or vegetable color. Spacing processing treatments at least two weeks apart, with weekly conditioning treatments in between for shine maintenance, helps.

12 Use the right accessories। Kim Vo, a stylist at West Hollywood's B2V Salon, suggests putting hair in soft braids or twists and using claw clips rather than barrettes, which can pull hair. Other options: gentle Goody Ouchless elastic bands ($3 for 14; at drugstores) and L. Erickson Grab 'N Go Pony O's ($12 for three; franceluxe.com).

If you would like to give your hair some time to rest and regain it's health, a sew in weave is a great way to go. Try Extraordinary Lengths Extensions at ExtraordinaryLengths.com.

7 Questions to Ask Your Hairstylist

By Carly Young, Special to LifeScript

Re-Published May 13, 2010

The right haircut can slim your face, flatter your features and make you look 10 years younger. The wrong one can shatter your confidence in a single snip. How can you avoid the too-short bob, the impossible-to-style shag and other shear horrors?Hollywood ’s hottest hairdressers reveal the seven questions you should ask to guarantee a great cut every time. Plus: The words that should never cross your lips when you’re sitting in the stylist’s chair…

1. Will it look good on me?
When Keira Knightley traded in her long locks for a short shag, she catapulted into a new category of chic – and women around the country dashed to salons to copy her ’do. After all, who doesn’t want to look like a star? “Even celebrities bring in pictures of other celebrities,” says stylist Robert Hallowell, who has worked with stars like Geena Davis and Lucy Liu. (Check out his hair-care line, prawduct®, atwww.thekitchenbeautician.com).

But what looks great on a glossy magazine cover may not flatter you. “A haircut needs to complement your face shape, bone structure and even the way you carry yourself,” says stylist Adir Abergel, who has worked with Madonna and Jessica Biel. His salon, Hair by Adir, can be reached at 310.397.0397.

Knightley’s particular cut works best on slimmer face shapes, but that didn’t dissuade round-faced gals from trying it. “Women see a celebrity’s hairstyle and they want to relate, even if it doesn’t work on them,” says Abergel. A haircut should flatter your best assets while downplaying your least favorite features.

If the look you crave isn’t ideal for you, a good stylist can incorporate certain elements of the cut, tailoring a modified style to your face. “I always believe in customizing the haircut to fit the client,” says hair stylist Kim Kimble.

2. What are your credentials?
All hairdressers should have a state certificate showing completion of cosmetology school. To go above and beyond, they can earn advanced training certificates, which show they’ve taken continuing education classes throughout the year, explains Kimble. Even hair guru Hallowell recently returned to the classroom to enhance his skills. Taking continuing education courses shows a stylist is serious about the craft, he says.

One crucial credential can’t be proved with any certificate – a satisfied clientele. Clients often refer friends to their stylists when they’re complimented on their hair, says Kimble. If you spy a woman with a great ’do, “literally stop her and ask who does her hair,” suggests Abergel. He also recommends reading objective reviews of salons and stylists in beauty magazines like Allure.

3. Is it a hard style to maintain?
That layered bob might look great when an expert styles it. But if your styling prowess is limited and your new look requires a two-hour wrestling match with a blow dryer every morning, you’ll have wasted your money.

Whether you’re a mom on the go or a beauty junkie willing to devote hours to your tresses, “tell your stylist how much time you’re willing to put into the styling,” Abergel suggests. You can also ask for a versatile cut – one that looks stunning when vamped up with a curling iron but that will also look good when you can only manage a quick shampoo.

4. How do I style it?
Ask your hair guru for a hands-on styling lesson before you leave the salon. Stylists can see angles of your locks that you can’t. “I’ve had clients who think they’re blow-drying their hair but are really hitting the plant behind them,” says Hallowell.

When considering a new style, always keep your hair’s texture in mind. If you want a haircut that looks best styled straight and you have curly hair, be prepared to use a flat iron every day, says Hallowell. Ask your stylist to show you how.

Another do-it-yourself tip: “If you want to look great, learn how to use a round brush and a blow-dryer,” Abergel advises.

5. How short will it really be?
Why do women who request one to two inches off the bottom end up with a chin-length disaster? “Part of the problem is that ‘one to two inches’ means something different to different people,” says Abergel. His advice? “Show your stylist how much you want taken off on a ruler – it will show you’re serious about not losing the length.” Hallowell also recommends that you physically take your finger and show the stylist where you want your hair to hit: I want the shortest layer to hit here, no higher than my collarbone.

“Emphasize this is the final look you want when it’s dry,” he says. After all, curly hair that falls to mid-back when wet could be chin-length once dry. Arrive at the salon with your hair in its natural state, advises Abergel. That way your stylist can see the movement and natural wave.

If your stylist starts hacking away, stick up for yourself. Tell him or her to stop before it’s too late. “In the end, you’re the one who has to live with your hair, not your stylist," says Abergel.

6. Do I have to buy the products?
Be wary of the product pusher who insists you purchase every can of hairspray or tube of gel used during the appointment. “You can definitely achieve [a salon] look at home without your stylist’s products,” says Abergel.

Although he’s a fan of Frederic Fekkai’s line, Abergel doesn’t pressure his clients to buy it. “Women know their own hair better than anyone. They know what brands work for them,” he says.

7. What’s included in the price?
This situation is all too common: After a cut, the stylist will casually ask if you want a blow-dry. Thinking it’s part of the service, you say yes, only to be surprised with a $20 styling charge.

Most stylists aren’t trying to trick you, but to be safe, “get everything clear in the beginning,” says Kimble. For example, does the price of the haircut include a consultation, shampoo and/or conditioner, scalp massage, and styling lesson? And during your cut, pay attention. If your stylist starts blow-drying or curling your hair and you’re not sure if the service is included, ask.

Never Say This
The words that will seal your fate in the salon? “Cut it however you want.” Giving your stylist free rein to play Edward Scissorhands can end in disaster.

“The number one mistake women make when they get their hair cut is having no idea what they want,” says Hallowell. Do your homework beforehand by scouting out looks in beauty magazines. Even if you can’t find your perfect cut, you’ll see aspects of different styles that you like. Share them with your stylist.

Also, come clean about your past: “Communicate which hairstyles have worked for you and which ones haven’t,” says Abergel.

If you are interested in purchasing The World's Finest Indian Remy Hair Extensions go to EXLHair.com

A Little Story about My Hair

(From officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com)



A lot of you have been asking about hair products that I use. I absolutely LOVEFrédéric Fekkai products. I love their glossing shampoo and conditionerfor those days when your hair feels dull and needs a little shine. My hair is pretty fine, and I love volume, so whenever I am going out I use their Full Volume shampoo and conditioner. I use their Full Volume Moose if I blow dry my hair. It just makes it last longer and gives my hair a little lift. The glossing cream is great if my hair is dry. I only use a little drop and rub it from my ends up. My favorite hairspray is TextureLineTexture Spray Hold Firm by LOreal .

To continue this story Click Here ……

Cosmo's Ultimate Hair Makeover Tool

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The History of Hair Extensions

As far back as the time of the pharaoh's records and artifacts show that hair adornments were commonplace. For millennia long hair has been the hall mark of power and beautiful people.

Hair adornments have meandered in and out of fashion in every century since the time of Cleopatra and the pharaoh's on every continent. In the early 20th century well-to-do edwardian women wore false hair additions to create popular hair styles. This continued right up to the beginning of the 21st Century.

In the pre and post war years hair adornments slipped out of fashion in the mainstream until the emergence of Glam-Rock and celebrities like Debbie Harry in the 1970's, Bonnie Tyler in the 80's and of course the Spice Girls in the 90's whom all glamorised hair extensions.

When we emerged from the hair adornment lull of the early 1900's the fashion changed from wig wearing to hair extensions.

In the 2000's A-list celebrities switch and change (adorned) hair styles almost as frequently as their outfits.

From Tina Turner to Beyonce and Victoria Beckham, celebrities have made hair extensions so popular with the general public that today they are common place at home and in the salon. More recently global stars such as Cheryl Cole have served to keep the passion for hair extensions alive.

Q. How did Hair Extensions and Long hair Styles Become so Popular?

A. Unwittingly the mainstream media and the mega-brands have driven the passion for long hair. Think about it, practically every advertisement that is designed to sell a product or a service to a lady, or a sale that is influenced by a lady is done so by models with long hair!

The media do this because they know that long hair represents power and passion and is an aspirational look.

Sexy long hair sells products in a way that short hair styles cannot, the combined minds of the best people in advertising can't be wrong! Can they?

Q. Where Does all of the Human Hair Come from to Make Hair Extensions and Wigs?

A. Hair Farmers! Mainly in India and China

India. Tonsuring - the act Tonsuring or the of shaving of ones head completely bald with a razor is practiced by 10's of thousands of Indian (and other) women each year as an offering to God and or an act of effacing the ego before marriage.

The act of Tonsuring is organised by and is practiced in the temple, the temple then sells the hair on to the highest bidding "Hair Farmer". This hair is popularly called "Temple Hair" and is generally of very high quality.

China. In the 1050's and 60's during the cultural revolution Mau Tse Tung made women shave their heads, the hair was used in various industrial applications including the stuffing of mattresses, engine oil filters and even soldiers breast plates!

Following the revolution the abundance of long black asian hair found it's way to the African American beauty industry and was used quite in the same way as Cleopatra would have used it way back in history.

For many years "hair extending" remained strictly in the Afro hairdressing community until the early 90's when it was legitimised and glamorised by modern mainstream celebrities.

Human hair is not always given freely, often lower grade hair comes from mortuaries, prisons, salon clippings and "fallen hair" is collected from Chinese consumers who keep the hair left in the hairbrush and sell it to the "hair farmers"

Human Hair Route to Western Hair Extensions and Wig Market

Generally speaking the majority of the worlds Human Hair is processed in Chinese factories.

1. A batch of Human Hair ready to be "combed" and sized.

2. Measuring and Sorting.

3. Ready for Processing.

The hair you see in the examples above is a result of Tonsuring, hair freely donated to the temple as an offering to god and then sold to the hair farmer for processing and selling on to the manufacturers of Hair Extensions and Wigs.

Hair is a great source of personal pride to the Ladies who donate it to the temples, they generally grow it very long and look after it extremely well before sacrificing it to God ahead of their wedding day as a demonstration that they are willing to give up their vanity and offer themselves fully to God and their new husbands as well as asking for future health and happiness. This is what makes Indian Temple Remy Hair the best suited to manufacture premium hair extensions. If you are interested in purchasing the world's finest hair extensions contact Extraordinary Lengths at www.ExtraordinaryLengths.com.

Extraordinary Lengths Events

Listed below are the Hair Shows and Events Extraordinary Lengths will be participating in this year.

Las Vegas International Beauty Show * April 24-26, 2010, Las Vegas Convention Center www.ibslasvegas.com

Bronner Brothers International Hair Show * August 7-10, 2010 Atlanta, GA World Congress Center www.bronnerbros.com

Mid American Beauty Classic * October 3-4, 2010 Columbus, OH http://premiereshows.com/showdates.html

Hair Growth

Hair growth starts since birth and will grow till old age. It is one of the most hard working part of your skin because it grows throughout your lifetime and hardly stops working.

Throughout the years, your hair is bombarded with chemicals from your shampoos, colorings, perms and conditioners. It faces wind and sun, sweat and pollution yet it still continues to grow. After a while, the hair follicle rests and then starts to produce a new hair follicle again. This is known as the hair growth cycle.Before you decide to start any hair loss treatment, it' s good to understand how your hair grows first to give yourself better perspective and options when choosing your treatments.

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Getting to Know Your Hair

Before we start explaining the hair growth cycle, let' s take a look at the diagram below for a brief explanation of your hair.

Your hair follicle is a small complex organ which is a part of your skin. Some of the important parts are

• Sebaceous gland
  The sebaceous glands produces sebum, a kind of oily substance that is responsible for protecting your hair from
• Becoming dry
• Brittle and cracked
• Inhibits growth of microorganism on the skin

However, the glands can overproduce sebum that can cause oily scalp. This is usually caused by factors like stress and DHT.

• Blood and lymph vessels
  The blood and lymph vessels are your energy and nutrient supply line to the skin and hair follicles. This supply will be disconnected from your hair follicle when it reaches the CATAGEN phase.
• Arrector pilli muscle
  The Arrector pilli muscle is attached to your hair follicle, this soft muscle is responsible for making your hair stands up when you have goose bumps. It also function by raising the hair to catch the heat to keep you warm. Stem cells are found in the junction of this muscle and your hair follicle and are responsible the ongoing hair production during the ANAGEN phase.