Saturday, July 27, 2013

10 HEALTHY HAIR MYTHS

10 Healthy Hair Myths
There are some things about hair that we know are true. It grows from your scalp (duh), and if you rub a helium balloon over it, you'll make it stand on its ends. But there are other things about our hair that we're not so sure about. Like, was your grandmother right to tell you to stroke your strands with a brush 100 times before bed? Is stress really causing your hair to fall out?
To debunk these hair myths once and for all we went to Rodney Cutler, owner of the Cutler salons in New York City. Here, he separates hair fact from fiction.
Myth: Your hair can become immune to your shampoo andconditioner making the products less effective.
The Truth:
 "Your hair can be immune to shampoo and conditioner," says Cutler. "Certain products have specific ingredients like silicones, waxes and oils [that] can build up on the hair and reduce the efficiency of the product," he adds. That buildup is what makes us think that our hair has become immune to the products. In order to avoid this, swap between brands or formulas of shampoo and conditioner throughout the week or at least change them up every two weeks.
Myth: Your hair will grow faster if you trim it regularly.
The Truth:
 "Hair does not grow faster by trimming it regularly," says Cutler. But, if you don't trim it regularly, it will split and you'll lose even more length than you would have if you just trimmed it. "So, the quickest way to long, healthy hair is to regularly trim," he says. Aim for every four to six weeks and ask for a "dusting", which means that the stylist will take off just enough to keep your ends healthy.
Myth: Brushing your hair each night will make it shinier and healthier.
The Truth
: Actually, "if you are brushing your hair from roots to ends, you are dragging some of the oil from your scalp through the mid-lengths and ends," says Cutler. This can make you think your hair looks shinier, but that's not necessarily the case. In general, over-styling of your hair (brushing too often, wearing too many tight updos, etc.) can cause damage to your strands, so stick to a few strokes that will help distribute oil that can help protect your hair, but don't overdo it.
Myth: Coloring your hair causes damage.
The Truth
: Historically this was true, says Cutler—especially when lifting color (lightening it). But, the latest hair color technologies have allowed experts to color hair without stripping it of moisture. Some even fortify the hair while doing so, he says. When you go in for your next color treatment, talk to your stylist about the color products they use and choose one that will keep your hair healthy.
Myth: Washing your hair less often will keep it healthier.
The Truth
: "Washing your hair less often will keep it healthier…there is nothing gentle about detergent [which most shampoos contain]," says Cutler. And although quality product manufactures have created cleansers that are infused with conditioning agents, "not shampooing your hair will keep the amino fatty acids and oil on the scalp and hair shaft," says Cutler.
Myth: Twirling your hair with your fingers causes split ends.
The Truth
: Though this is more common with fine hair, it can be true. Creating friction when twirling hair "will create distress on the hair shaft and may cause split ends," says Cutler. If twirling your hair is a habit of yours, now's a good time to kick it.
Myth: Rinsing with cool water will make hair shinier.
The Truth
: "Hair is more likely to shine when it reflects light, and that means creating a flat surface," says Cutler. Rinsing with cool water "closes the hair cuticle [so it lays flat] allowing more light to reflect and shine," he adds.
Myth: Stress can make your hair fall out.
The Truth
: "While this is an extremely complicated topic, there are definitely case studies for stress affecting the follicle," says Cutler. If you are under more stress than usual, and your hair does seem to be falling out at a rapid speed, head to your doctor. They can help you get to the root of the problem.
Myth: Using the "cool shot" button on your hair dryer will make hair less frizzy and shinier.
The Truth:
 "Using a cool shot button does not actually make your hair less frizzy or shinier, it actually seals in the blow dry/set," says Cutler. So, if you ditched frizz or effectively smoothed curls while blow drying, the cool air will help make that look last longer. But, the opposite is also true. "If you’ve just blown out your hair and it's frizzy, and your final touch is with the cool button, it will remain frizzy," explains Cutler.
Myth: You can mend split ends without cutting them off.
The Truth
: "There are definitely products out there that will stop further damage or splitting of the ends, but once they are split, the only solution is to cut them off," says Cutler.

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO FILLING YOUR BROWS

When it comes to making up your face each day, you must never underestimate the power of a great eyebrow. "Eyes are the first feature we notice, and eyebrows are the frame to our eyes," brow guru to the stars Anastasia Soare explains. "You can really enhance the youthful look of your eyes with perfect, full eyebrows." Honing in on a good shape is a start. But knowing how to enhance your arch is equally as important. Soare gave us her expert techniques for filling your furrows to perfection.
For starters, it's important to know which type of product is best for each type of brow. "For clients with fine hair or sparse brows, I would choose a brow pen or marker over a pencil or powder due to its light weight and longer staying power,” Soare says. Try: Anastasia Brow Pen Long Wearing Brow Tint.
Brow powders give sheer to medium coverage and are ideal for someone who wants to build up brows. Try: Lancôme Le Crayon Poudre Powder Pencil for the Brows, which looks like a pencil but behaves like a powder. Meanwhile, brow pencils will give the most dramatic look, but should be used with caution for those with oily skin due to their tendency to make brows appear waxy. Try: Maybelline Define-a-Brow Eyebrow Pencil.
For the most natural effect, go for the foolproof option of brow gel, which gives brows just a hint of color while setting hairs in place all day. Try: Lancôme Modèle Sourcils Brow Groomer.
When selecting a shade of filler, the ideal brow product depends on your natural hair color and any chemical coloring you may use. "Normally I recommend that a client’s brows be about one shade darker than the color of the hair to add balance and proportion to the face,” Soare says. But when it comes to brunettes, stick with a brow hue that's one to two shades lighter than your hair so the brows don't look too heavy or unnatural.
Armed with the tools and color know-how, it’s time to move onto technique. For the most natural finish possible, Soare suggests applying your product of choice using short strokes directly into your brow hairs. For the most defined brow, Soare recommends using a brow pen to outline your brows or to create a bolder shape of your choosing, and then applying a powder or pencil on top while blending it into the hairs. When using a powder, apply with an angled brow brush to prevent overfilling. Try: MAC 208 Angled Brow Brush.
As for Soare’s number-one brow tip: “Never leave the house with naked brows. You don’t leave without mascara, so don’t leave without at least pencil or brow gel. Well-kept brows will pull anyone together in one minute, and that to me is worth it!”

HOW TO GET THE FRINGE BENEFITS FROM FALSE LASHES

For makeup artist Patricia Lee, lashes are to beauty as a gilt edge is to a painted masterpiece. They are "the accent that completes any and all makeup looks, drawing more attention to the eyes, like a picture frame," she explains.
To lengthen, thicken and boost natural fringe, false lashes have now become de rigueur on the red carpet, where celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Ginnifer Goodwin and Anne Hathaway wear them to finish looks that are like works of art. But the accessory is also gaining widespread popularity outside of Hollywood, becoming a go-to option for day or evening. We asked Lee, who works with Shu Uemura, known for its luxe false lashes, to give us her tips on finding the right faux fringe and applying it to achieve that perfect flutter.
"There is no right or wrong pair of lashes," Lee says. It is important, however, to consider where you will be wearing them and the effect you are going for when choosing a pair that is right for you.
Individual lashes, like those offered in MAC 30 Lash, are a great option for those who wish to build out a specific area on their natural fringe, perhaps elongating them at the outer edges or emphasizing them in the centers to open up eyes. Half lashes, like those found in Urban Decay Urban Lash Instaflare, are the easiest to apply, as you have less length to line up with your natural lashes. They also look gorgeous when creating a cat eye and perfectly complement winged liner. "Full lashes open up the eyes the most, as they add volume to the entire lash line," Lee says. "They are the most dramatic and also the most flattering for those with sparse lashes.”
When putting together a more subtle, natural look for daytime, Lee recommends choosing either individual lashes or a softer pair of full lashes, such as Shu Uemura Soft Cross False Lashes. For more dramatic, playful, glamorous results, select a layered pair of lashes, such as Shu Uemura Smoky Layers False Lashes.
For individual lashes, apply each strand with tweezers for optimal precision. For full lashes, Lee offers this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Measure the lashes to make sure the band is the right length for your lash line. For the most comfortable fit, they should begin approximately one-eighth inch away from the inner corner of your eyes.
Step 2: Wiggle the band to soften the lash, so that it may fit easily over your lash line.
Step 3: Curl the lashes with an eyelash curler before putting them on. You'll get the loveliest curl this way.
Step 4: Squirt a bit of lash adhesive to the back of your hand. Using tweezers, pick up some adhesive and spread it across the band.
Step 5: Wait about 30 seconds for the glue to become a bit tacky. This ensures that the lashes will adhere immediately, without lifting.
Step 6: Tilt your head back slightly, while looking in the mirror. Using tweezers, hold the lashes while you apply them. Place the center on your lash line first. Then place the left and right ends of the lashes down.
Step 7: If necessary, you may use your eyelash curler and lightly press your real and false lashes together for a seamless finish.

10 WAYS TO CHOOSE YOUR NEXT HAIR COLOR

10 Ways To Choose Your Next Hair Color
Not sure about you, but celebrities like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Drew Barrymore (among many others) have me constantly inspired to try a new, even bold (gasp!) hair color. But I, unlike the aforementioned starlets, don't have a team of pros on speed dial to help me make the right color decisions. And, I surely don't have someone on standby to fix potential unflattering disasters. I'm sure you can relate. That's why I'm here to share key tips from hair color experts who not only have a wealth of knowledge about how to choose the most fab hair color for you, but they've also taken a ton of A-listers from blonde to brunette and back again. Before you make your next color change, consider these pointers…
COLOR TIP #1
When making a color choice, "It has more to do with personality than it does about hair." Example: "If you want to be a redhead, you have to own it. It's the kind of color that makes people notice you. You'll stand out more so you have to want to be noticed in order to pull it off."
— Joel Warren, colorist and co-founder of the Warren Tricomi Salons
COLOR TIP #2
"A wig is the BEST way to try out a more drastic hair color as it’s completely temporary. You wouldn't want to make a dramatic change before you're 100 percent positive you're going to love it."
— Tracey Cunningham, Redken Colorist and Co-Owner of the Byron & Tracey Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif.
COLOR TIP #3
"The person that is the hardest to please is the one who doesn't know what she wants. It's like going to a restaurant and saying 'give me something to eat'."
— Warren
COLOR TIP #4
"Go to a makeup counter and have a makeup artist select a palette that is suitable for your skin tone. You can learn a lot about what the best colors are to wear and find out [more] about your skin tone."
— Kaz Amor, celebrity colorist and partner at the Warren Tricomi Salon Los Angeles
COLOR TIP #5
"Skin tone plays a huge role in making color decisions. Someone with very fair skin should steer clear of any shade of blonde as the result wouldn't be ideal."
— Cunningham
COLOR TIP #6
When going darker, "If you have flawless skin, you’re lucky—try something really bold and go as dark as you like! Those with olive skin…add a touch of warmth to your hue so it doesn’t look one-dimensional. If you have a lot of yellow if your skin, stick with a medium brown, as a really dark shade will wash you out and make you look ill."
— Marko Tomassetti, celebrity colorist of Sally Hershberger Los Angeles
COLOR TIP #7
"I'm a big believer in evolution, not revolution. If you gradually transition from one color to the next, you might discover a color you love that you weren't thinking of going along the way."
— Warren
COLOR TIP #8
"If you have short hair you do not necessarily want to go monochromatic. Once it grows out, you'll have to cut it short and color it again. Unless you're made of money this isn't the best option. If your hair is super short, go with one color that will look great as it grows."
— Cunningham
COLOR TIP #9
"If you have grey hair, you can't color your hair so that you don't have to color your hair. No matter what color you think is the easiest to maintain, really, the maintenance is the same."
— Warren
COLOR TIP #10
"If you are the kind woman who has 1,000 things going on at once and coloring your hair isn't top priority, you might want to go with something that can last three to four months without a touch up…Stay away from anything overly complicated."
— Cunningham

TURN UP THE VOLUME—ON YOUR HAIR!

Turn Up the Volume On Your Hair
We all dream of waking up to voluminous, bouncy hair. So what to do when your version of "bed-head" translates to flat, stick-straight strands? Follow our expert tips below to give your tresses their am boost.
Choose the Right Shampoo
Using less-than-ideal products in the shower can set you up for instant hair failure, no matter how hard you try styling afterwards. “If your strands tend to be oily, use a clear shampoo instead of a creamy one,” says celebrity stylist for Garnier Fructis Marc Mena. “They’re free of silicones that can weigh fine hair down and make it seem limp.” He recommends Garnier Fructis Pure Clean 2in1. Suffering from dry, weather-beaten or over-processed tresses? “Choose a super hydrating shampoo, and use it every other day, at the most,” Mena advises. “Over-cleansing and conditioning will make your hair go flat.” We like L’Oréal Vive Pro Hydra Gloss Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.
Get Color Happy
Want to know an insider secret to boosting volume? “Highlights,” Mena says. “They can be as subtle as tone-on-tone, but they rough up your hair’s cuticle just enough to give strands the extra boost of body they need.”
Create Texture
If your hair is a day or two old, apply a little dry shampoo just to roots to give strands an instant lift. We love Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, but “You can always use a little baby powder to help absorb oil if you don’t have dry shampoo on hand,” Mena says. If your hair is freshly washed, comb a quarter-sized dollop of mousse from roots to ends to add body before blowing it dry. Mena likes Warren Tricomi Style Hair Mousse.
Start Styling
“Everyone should have a large, ceramic round brush,” Mena says. “It’s great for creating volume at the roots.” First, blow-dry hair using just your fingers until it’s about 80 percent dry. (A paddle brush will make them smooth and sleek—not the look you’re going for). Next, wrap 2-inch sections all across the hairline around your round brush, and blast them with heat at the roots for several seconds. Finish by spritzing a lightweight hairspray all over strands to lock in body. We like L’Oréal Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold.
Make it Last
To stretch your blowout and wake up with Victoria's Secret-worthy body, wrap one- to two-inch sections of hair around your fingers from roots to ends, and secure with large bobby pins or clips before going to sleep at night. “In the morning, you’ll have tons of bounce,” Mena says. For added volume, tease hair at the crown of your head with a rattail comb, then use your fingers to comb it all through for a sexy-but-natural finish.

EAT YOUR WAY TO GORGEOUS SKIN

eat_your_way_to_gorgeous_skin.jpg
Holiday meals don’t have to put you in a food coma or pack on the pounds. In fact, eat the right things during the holidays (and regularly) and you can give your complexion a gorgeous glow. Here, integrative medicine physician Frank Lipman, founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center in New York, gives you the most skin-friendly foods. So read on and put these edibles on the menu!
Skin loving food #1: Sweet potatoes
Dig into those yams this holiday season because these orange veggies are one of the best sources of beta carotene. And when you eat foods that contain beta carotene, the body converts it to vitamin A, which is retinol—the wrinkle-fighter found in topical anti-aging products. “Beta carotene also protects the skin against free-radical damage, helps repair damaged DNA and contributes to the growth and repair of the body's tissues,” adds Lipman. Another benefit? Beta carotene boosts your skin’s ability to shed the dead, top layer of cells, something that slows down once you hit the big 3-0. Other ways to get your fill of this nutrient include carrots, mangos, apricots, cantaloupes, pumpkin, acorn squash and winter squash. “You can also get beta carotene from cod liver oil and butter that comes from grass-fed cows,” adds Lipman.
Skin loving food #2: Cranberries
“Some dark purple and red foods such as cranberries have been linked to improvements in skin,” says Lipman. One possible reason why is that these little berries are loaded with antioxidants. “People who eat more veggies containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds have less acne,” says Lipman. Just look for the fresh cranberry sauce during the holidays rather than the canned variety. The latter is usually processed and often contains ingredients like sugar that causes spikes in hormones and insulin levels, which can cause breakouts. Other good options include pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries and purple grapes.
Skin loving food #3: Salmon
Salmon is a cold-water fish loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for glowing, gorgeous skin. Why? “The typical Western diet is full of fats and processed vegetable oils like soy and corn oils that can increase inflammation in the skin and stimulate pimple follicles causing acne,” says Lipman. Omega-3 fats from fish oil can help reduce inflammation, which may improve acne and other skin conditions. Foods full of omega-3 fatty acids also help hydrate your complexion from the inside out and skin always looks younger and more radiant when it’s moisturized. Other good sources of this nutrient include sardines, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil and walnuts.
Skin loving food #4: Brussel sprouts
Boiled Brussel sprouts are bursting with vitamin C—another compound that can help your complexion. “Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels and gives skin its firmness and strength,” says Lipman. Vitamin C also helps skin repair itself and create scar tissue. And that’s not all! “Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of damage from unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles,” says Lipman. If Brussel sprouts aren’t your thing, other vitamin C rich foods include sweet potatoes, papayas, red bell peppers, broccoli, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe and kiwis.
Skin loving food #5: Leafy green veggies
Leafy greens—such as arugula, escarole, kale, collard greens, swiss chard, spinach—are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals,” explains Lipman. “They are anti-inflammatory and contain a lot of water, which helps keep you hydrated and contributes to beautiful skin and hair.” But, wait, there’s more! Leafy greens contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which keeps skin healthy as you age and helps protect it from the sun’s damaging rays. Leafy greens also contain chlorophyll which binds to heavy metals and toxins and helps remove them from the body. “This makes your skin look better because the toxins are not being removed through the skin,” says Lipman.
Skin loving food #6: Turkey
Turkey is loaded with protein, which is one of the building blocks of healthy skin. “Protein helps with collagen formation, which helps with elasticity,” explains Lipman. Turkey also contains selenium, a nutrient that’s believed to help protect skin cells from damage. Just opt for the white meat, which is healthier than the dark. If you’re not a turkey lover, look for other lean sources of protein like fish, chicken without the skin and lean meats.

7 WAYS TO FIX FRIZZ

7 Ways to Fix Frizz Fast
Summer is coming to a close (throw your lighters in the air!). But if you think you can bid farewell to the frizzies along with the heat and humidity, think again. Experts agree that because of dry indoor heat, hair fluff is just as big a problem in fall and winter as it is during the summer. Instead of covering the pouf with knit caps all autumn (as cute as they can be) read on for smooth strand secrets from a few of our favorite hair heroes.
Do the snip
“A good haircut is important to stop frizz. The style should be designed to work with your natural texture rather than fighting against it. A general rule of thumb: Razor cuts can cause more frizz because they break up the curls.”
— Michelle Breyer, co-founder and president ofNaturallyCurly.com
Repair damage
“Frizz is sometimes the result of an overprocessed ‘do. Go easy on the flat irons, curling irons and blow dryers since heat can dry strands out. Choose a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and deep condition your hair once a week.”
— Sean Jahanbigloo, celeb stylist and owner of Juan Juan salons in California 
Block humidity
“Hairsprays and anti-humidity sprays can be used to keep hair from frizzing. The stickiness of a spray will hold the hair’s cuticle together, instead of allowing it to expand.” Editor’s note: Try Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray orGarnier Fruc+tis Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray—both block moisture from getting into your cuticle, which helps prevent frizz.
— Oribe, runway and celebrity hairstylist
Lotion up
“Everyone knows that you can use a little hand cream on your hair to stop frizz in a pinch, but if not careful, it can make hair (especially fine hair) look greasy. Instead, I put lotion on my hands, then glide the open palms over my hair instead of running them through at the roots.”
— Kristy Abrahamson, Minnesota-based hairstylist and creator of MyStylistKristy.blogspot.com
Boost hydration
Any type of oil will hydrate the hair and block frizz, by fighting humidity and dryness. But be careful of greasiness; if the oil is too heavy for your hair, you can mix it with water to make it less intense.” Editor’s note: Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil, which is quickly absorbed and won’t leave your hair looking slick.
— Oribe            
Whip up a curl cocktail
“I make a product cocktail with Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper (an amazing frizz fighter) and a styling cream like AG re:coil, then I top it with Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner on humid days, and make sure I apply it to ALL of my hair. I separate hair into sections then coat each group from root to tip, which helps the hair to clump into curls instead of separating into frizz.”
— Breyer
Try a funky braid
Braids are so simple to create yet still manage to be fashion forward and chic. I really love a messy fishtail style, but if you can’t master it, take your braid, secure it in place and then roughen it up a bit with your fingers to add some texture.”
— Harry Josh, John Frieda International Creative Consultant

5 WORST BEAUTY MOVES

When it comes to beauty, there can be a fine line between right and wrong. Take makeup, for example. The right foundation can transform your face into an image of poreless perfection and the wrong one can morph it into a masky mess. Here are the most common self-inflicted grooming catastrophes and how to avoid them.
Worst Beauty Move #1: Wearing Foundation on Flaky Skin
Not unlike paint, foundation needs a smooth surface. Otherwise it looks cracked, dry, dull and—worse—obvious, which is the exact opposite of what you want your foundation to do for you. “Foundation should absorb into the skin, disappearing into it,” says Fabiola, a makeup artist who works with Emma Stone and Mila Kunis. To even out the surface of your skin, gently scrub it to remove dead cells and flakes. Try: The Body Shop Aloe Gentle Exfoliator. Then spritz on Kiehl’s Açaí Damage-Protecting Toning Mist. Finish by applying a moisturizing lotion or, if you have extremely dry skin, suki oil. Avoid zinc-based makeup and powders, since they have a mattifying effect that draws even more moisture out of the skin.
Worst Beauty Move #2: Not Blending Your Makeup
This issue applies to everything you put on your face, whether it's foundation, blush, eye shadow or eyeliner. “No one looks good with hard lines on their skin, eyes or lips,” says Heather Cummings, a makeup artist who works on So You Think You Can Dance. “My motto has always been blend, blend, blend." Use brushes or fingers to gently massage color into the skin everywhere you put it. Don’t forget your jawline, chin and other areas of your face that may be slightly hidden when you look in the mirror.
Worst Beauty Move #3: Using Concealer That’s Too Light
If you want to draw attention to something, you shine a light on it, right? The same goes for the way-too-light undereye concealer that’s supposed to be softening those dark circles but is making them even more obvious. “That’s how you get raccoon eyes,” says Fabiola. “Setting it with powder makes it even worse.” To avoid an ashy, grayish effect, opt for a pink-toned concealer to brighten or a peach-toned one to cancel out the bluish hue of undereye circles. Most important, choose a creamy, easy-to-blend cover-up that’s an exact match to your skin tone.
Worst Beauty Move #4: Applying Too Much Luminizer
Who doesn’t love the look of glowing, dewy skin? But next time you reach for that shimmery highlighter, think twice. “It is definitely not for everyone,” says Cummings. “If you have oily or problematic skin, luminizer can highlight acne and make you look greasier.” She prefers using a liquid formula like Benefit Cosmetics Moon Beam, which gives a more natural glow. Stick to just one or two areas, such as the top of your cheekbones or bridge of your nose, and use your fingers for more control. Remember, less is more. There’s a huge difference between looking radiant and just plain shiny.
Worst Beauty Move #5: Clipping Your Cuticles
That little bit of tougher skin is there for a reason: to protect the root of your nail from bacteria and other infections. To keep cuticles looking neat and clean, push them back with an orange stick, says Essie Weingarten, founder of nail brand Essie. “Be sure to use cuticle oil every day," she explains. "You’ll never get hangnails, and your nails will always look like you just walked out of a salon.” If you’re on the run, the Essie Cuticle Pen is a convenient option. It goes everywhere and delivers oil that doesn’t drip.