Most of us have heard, at one time or another, that the best way to have healthy, shiny and vibrant hair is to change shampoos on a regular basis. But what if you’ve finally found your dream shampoo and really don’t feel like changing? Dream shampoo or not, when you wash your hair everyday, or at least on a regular basis (most of us do!) your shampoo will build up on your hair shaft, as will conditioner and styling products.
This isn’t to say that your products are lacking in quality—even the best products applied on a regular basis will create build-up on your hair. Changing shampoos doesn’t actually get rid of this build-up, but as each shampoo’s ingredients differ, changing products will give it a “new” wash. (more...)

Few of us have hours to spend getting our hair just right every morning, but there are a few basics—from lifestyle choices to using the right products—that will give your hair the cared-for look it deserves!

The first golden rule is to eat right. A diet high in saturated fats and processed foods is not doing your hair any favors, or your body for that matter! Eat greens, nuts, berries, fresh fish and drink plenty of water on a regular basis.

(more...)

Conditioner has become a regular part of most women’s hair care routine, but what exactly does it do? For one thing, conditioner brings much-needed moisture, volume and shine to hair that is regularly assaulted by the elements (sea, sun) and over-processing—coloring, blow-drying, perms and styling products overdose. It can also give softer locks as a good conditioner smoothes the hair’s cuticle.
Conditioner has evolved from the “cream rinse” of the 1970s, and shoppers are now spoiled for choice—from products that are left in for a few minutes (detanglers, light conditioners), to deep conditioners which have a similar, but less intensive action than a hair mask, and leave-in conditioner which isn’t rinsed out at all. (more...)

Unless you live in a tiny village by the sea or in a tree house in the forest, chances are you’re exposed to pollution. Most of us are concerned (and rightly so) by the harm air pollution can inflict on our respiratory system, but it also takes its toll on our skin and hair. Scientists have gone so far as to claim that pollution has an active role in hair loss.
Dust, dirt and smoke settle onto the hair, causing it to get dirty faster. (Notice how you can skip a shampoo if you’re out in the countryside?) (more...)

What is it and does it really work?
Dry shampoo has been around for thousands of years. In Asian cultures, women would apply clay as a cleanser to their hair and then comb it out, and in the courts of France hundreds of years ago, women would “powder” their hair to clean it. (Or alternatively they would simply wear a wig to avoid washing altogether!)
While dry shampoos were traditionally used when there was really no other option—on camping trips or during travels in remote places where water was not readily available—today sales are climbing. Some clients claim the time-savings benefits (after all, you are skipping the wet, shampoo, rinse cycle) while others say that dry shampoos have a volumizing effect on their hair and that by not washing every day, a salon blowout can last a good bit longer. (more...)

After-sun recipes for your hair
Tis the season when your hair is regularly exposed to sun, sea and pool, which means it’s also time to give it a bit more tender loving care. If you don’t want to run to the store every time your hair needs a fix, here are some recipes for dry and sun-drenched hair that you can whip up in your very own kitchen. (more...)

The Water Effect
When you think of getting your hair wet, showering and swimming come to mind. But our hair also absorbs water when we exercise (through sweat), when we visit the sauna, hammam or spa (thanks to the steam) and, of course, when we get caught in a rainstorm and forget our umbrella! So what effect does this have on its wellbeing?
For one thing the hair shaft is permeable, which means it absorbs moisture and when it does it “swells”. In this moisture-laden state, our hair becomes more sensitive.
Add to this the fact that seawater and sweat contain their fair share of salt, which has a tendency to dry out the hair shaft. Chlorine, meanwhile, contains a mixture of chemicals and can be even harsher on your hair, not to mention the changes in color it can provoke on blonde hair. Excessive sweating takes the potential damage one step further, as in the long term it can lead to hair loss, but this is less frequent. (more...)

Let it be known that all hairbrushes are not created equal, and this is one item you don’t want to skimp on. Brushing your hair daily is an important part of a good hair care routine as it stimulates the creation of sebum, and helps distribute this natural oil along the hair shaft, creating shinier and smoother locks.

Here’s how to find the brush best adapted to your hair type.

Don’t fall for plastic brushes with epoxy-tipped metal “bristles” as when these break off, which inevitably they do, they can scratch your scalp and get caught in your hair causing breakage.

(more...)

Choosing a hair mask at your local drugstore or beauty supply store can give you a headache in no time. For those of you who like tinkering in the kitchen, you can just as easily make your own mask at home. All it takes is a few essential oils (visit your health-food store) to concoct your own hair potions. It might be a bit tricky the first time, but once you’ve made your first batch, you’re home free!
(more...)

Photo:©Rino Jasper for Beauty-id

There's no need to run to your hairdresser every time your bangs look a little shaggy. Follow these simple steps and tame those unruly wisps at home.
(more...)