J.V. : How can you make hair color last longer?
A.C.: Well, J.V., one of the first things you can do is use a color boosting shampoo every other day until you reach your desired shade. You can also use color safe shampoos and conditioners. I did find some different things you can try as well.
If you are a BRUNETTE you can try tinted dry shampoos to cover any re-growth. Spray it on a tissue and wipe it onto your part to blend the roots. If your hair has been colored, it can fade and turn brassy due to sun exposure and mineral deposits. To maintain your hue at home you can try shampooing less often and wearing a hat to prevent fading. If your hair is shows the orange signs of oxidation, blue and green color-correcting shampoos and conditioners help remove the brassiness.
If you have RED hair you know that it requires the most upkeep of any of the shades because the hue washes out faster then any other color. To prevent fading you can use a color-depositing shampoo, but if your hair is too porous the ends might start to get a bit darker. If that is the case, use the color-depositing formula less frequently. It is safe to use a semi-permanent rinse to stretch out your salon visits once you have already gone red professionally. A red glaze can warm any hair shade as well. A blonde can even become a strawberry blonde, a brunette can go auburn.
If you are a BLONDE you know that chlorine can be your worst enemy. It is recommended you coat the strands of your hair with olive or jojoba oil and tie them back before hitting the pool. The oil will act as a “wet suit” that also leaves your hair shinier after washing. To brighten your dull locks you can mix this recipe at home: Mix 1 cup of baby shampoo with 2 tbls baking soda. Comb it through your hair, cover with a shower cap, sit in the sun for 10 minutes; then rinse. With heat, the mixutre works to open the cuticles and release the unwanted yello and green deposits.
As for those of you with SILVER/GREY hair I recommend using color-protecting UV filters and blue or purple color-correcting shampoos to neutralize the yellowness. If you overdo it, you can tone down the blue with a clarifying shampoo. Also, if your hair seems coarse and dry you can try a clear keratin treatment. This will make your hair shiny and more manageable for up to five months. Be warned, your tap water can cause discoloration as well. Dry silver hair is alike a sponge for minerals, which can make your hair look dull, green or rusty. Install a water filter on your shower head or drench your hair with filtered water before you shampoo.
Other options you can try is to apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair a few days before coloring. The better conditioned your hair is, the easier the color will take and the longer it will last. Recently conditioned hair will also be softer and shinier. As an extra bonus, a deep conditioner will protect your hair from any possible damage from the chemicals.
Also, it is always best to apply color to “aged hair” Wait at least 24 to 48 hours before applying color products. The natural hair oils will assist in making the application more successful. The color will cling better to the hair that is not dry.
I hope this helps you out J.V. and all my other readers as well.
D.S. : What are some ways to smooth out curls and control frizz?
A.C. : Well, D.S., as you know, curly hair is naturally much dryer then straight hair. You want to stay away from styling products with alcohol, that will cause more frizz and cause a drying effect on your hair.
You can also start by shampooing your hair everyother day or add an even greater amount of time between washing sessions. When you wash your hair, you rinse out the natural oils that condition your hair and lessen frizz.
Always make sure you condition your hair EVERYTIME you wash it and deep condition it once a week, leaving conditioner to set for 30 minutes. Make sure it is a conditioner that is used for deep conditioning and not daily conditioner.
Make sure to use cold water when washing your hair. The cold water does not stimulate the hair cuticle, so it is soft and smooth. Use warm water when you condition because it lets the conditioner sink in deeper.
Wash your hair with vinegar once a week to smooth the cuticles and restore the pH balance in the hair.
(FOR STRAIGHT AND CURLY HAIR) If you really want to smooth out curls you can use a large barreled ceramic curling iron and curl your hair. The ceramic helps to protect your hair and the large barrel will create a large, soft set of curls.
D.S., I hope this has helped you to better care for you curls!
R.H. : What can I do to get a my head smooth after shaving it?
A.C. : It's all about PSP, no not the PSP video console, PSP stands for:
Prep: Take a shower before shaving your head, and if you are starting out with medium
hair length, get it down to a buzz cut first. Then apply an exfoliate, this is the secret
to getting a smooth bald head.
Shave: Take your time, don't rush. Get a shaving cream that has a lot of lather to it. Make
sure you have a mirror handy so you don't miss any spots.
Protect: Just like you moisturize after shaving, you need to moisturize your head too.
Use a moisturizer with sunscreen for maximum protection.
There is also an item on the market that has had some great reviews. It’s called the HeadBlade Sport Razor. It looks like a razor on training wheels but it is said to provide the smoothes head shave
around. The wheels provide incredible stability keeping the razor straight while you go up
and down your head. It won 10 best designs in Time Magazine a few years back for good
reason. Headblade has a whole bunch of other products perfect for head shavers and bald domes too.
Thank you for reading and I would love to hear of other concerns out there. Please feel free to email at [email protected] with your question and comments.