Let the Sun Shine on Your Hair

While hair does not get sunburned, it is still damaged by the sun, wind, salt water or chlorinated pool water. Exposure to these elements disturbs the otherwise smooth cuticle layer of the hair. As a consequence, the hair gets dryer, rougher and more brittle to the point of appearing straw-like. The hair’s colour pigments are bleached out at the same time. Luckily, this is not inevitable. Simply use our winning hair care strategies along with some clever UV guards and your hair will be as splendid as summer’s glory.

Push-Button Sun Hats
Ideally, hair should never be exposed to intense UV light. This applies particularly to the midday sunlight between 11 AM and 3 PM. Sun hats, sun bonnets, caps and bandanas provide great UV protection. If head wear is not your cup of tea you can still use hair spray with UV guards. Both hats and hair spray protect against UVA and UVB rays, keep more moisture in the hair and prevent bleaching. It is best to use the UV-protective hair spray before leaving the house rather than after your arrival at the beach, the park or on the tennis court.
Diving and Swimming without Unpleasant Surprises
Seawater or pool water can be pretty hard on hair. After a swim in the ocean, salt crystals may form in your hair and increase the damage to your hair. The crystals work like tiny burning glasses, which bundle and focus the sun’s rays. Whenever possible, you should therefore rinse your hair under a fresh water shower after a swim in the ocean. In a pinch, a bottle of fresh water without carbonate will do the trick. Pool water has its own hazards for hair. Disinfectants like chlorine or copper may turn blonde or grey hair green. Here is a quick remedy: Dissolve three regular Aspirin tablets in a litre (1 ¾ pints [UK]) of water and soak your hair in this solution for one hour. Then thoroughly rinse with tap water. You could also cover the green tinge by using a colouring shampoo. A reddish or gold nuance works well for this purpose.
Summer Fun without Bleaching Your Hair
Sun bleaches natural and artificial hair colours alike. You can protect the colour pigments in your hair by using a colour guard hair care series with built-in UV filters. Such shampoos, rinses, masks and hair sprays are made to protect against the summer sun. Conditioning agents bring brilliant colours back to your hair by infusing it with proteins and vitamins, while antioxidants and light filters protect the hair pigments from the bleaching effects of the sun.
Hair Care after Sunbathing
After a long day in the sun or at the beach, you should gently care for your hair in the shower. Special after-sun shampoos and conditioners are particularly gentle and provide moisture for your hair after a long sunny day outdoors. They also contain natural oils for even more supple and shiny hair. In case the ends of longer hair are slightly damaged, you can apply some hair spray, which temporarily repairs split ends. Your hair is going to look healthier for it. In any case, it is a good idea to cut your hair by about a centimetre (0.4") after prolonged sun exposure to stop split ends from getting worse and also to give your hair more bounce.
Nature’s Protection (Fruits and Vegetables)
During the summer months your food should contain especially generous amounts of vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene. As effective antioxidants they neutralize the free radicals, which are more numerous in bright sunlight. Otherwise, these free radicals damage or destroy cells. Particularly rich in antioxidants are fruits, berries and vegetables, such as apricots, berries, grapes, broccoli and spinach.

Black hair is beautiful in China today

My Israeli friend Inbal told me the other day that she likes Chinese people's hair black and straight. "Western people actually envy you Chinese guys with such beautiful hair," my friend said.
It's interesting, however, that it's not hard to notice large numbers of Chinese who have dyed their hair walking around Shanghai today.
Men and women, old and young, have chosen to abandon their natural hair colour. Look around the streets of Shanghai and I bet 80 per cent of the Chinese you see have changed their hair colour.

If you watch a soccer game between the Chinese national team and a Western team, it can be difficult to tell who is who simply by looking at their hair colour.
Driven by increasing demand, hair dyeing has become one of the most profitable businesses in hair salons. I remember that each time when I have gone to have my hair trimmed, the hairdressers ask the same question over and over: "Would you like to have your hair dyed?" Usually they say: "Look, your hair is too dark. If you have some lighter colour, you'll look more 'in'."
But what is on earth is wrong with my natural colour of black? I was born with it. An old Chinese saying goes like this: "Body, hair and skin come from your parents." We need to be careful about making changes to them.
I really don't know if blonde hair is fashionable or not but as I would no longer be myself with my hair dyed how come I would be "fashionable"? I do not see the logic here.
In the meantime, my other concern over hair dyeing is to do with keeping one's hair healthy. Although dyeing products are said to be safe, they are still chemicals. Look at people who have had their hair dyed - how many still enjoy the sleek and shiny hair they once had? Most hair that has been dyed looks dry and tarnished.
It's widely agreed that fashion trends in Chinese mainland have usually originated in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. It is these regions and countries who first imported the idea of associating fashion with Western hairstyles. However, lately more and more advertising featuring hair shampoos are using celebrities from these areas to show off their natural black hair. Maybe this trend will come to the mainland soon?

Taking care of your hair

　　We have about 100,000 hairs on our heads. Each hair shaft has three layers, with the cuticle, or outside layer, protecting the two inner layers.
Shiny hair is a sign of health because the layers of the cuticle lie flat and reflect light. When the scales of the cuticle lie flat they overlap tightly, so the inner layers are well protected from heat, sun, chlorine, and all the other hazards that can come from living in our environment.
When hair is damaged, though, the scales may separate and hair can become dry. Because the scales on dry hair don't protect the inner two layers as well, hair can break and look dull.
The type of hair a person has — whether it's straight or curly — can also affect how shiny it is. Sebum, which is the natural oil on the hair, covers straight hair better than curly hair, which is why straight hair can appear shinier.
Depending how long a person's hair is or how fast it grows, the end of each hair shaft can be a couple of years old. So the hair at the end of the shaft could have survived a few summers of scorching sun and saltwater and winters of cold, dry air. How well you care for your hair from the time it emerges from the root plays a role in how healthy it looks.

How to Take Care of Vacation Hair

Fashion Bomb reader Rae is going to Miami for Spring Break and wrote in asking for tips on how to maintain her relaxed hair.
Since Miami is super hot and humid (or at least it was when I went there–The Weather Channel says average temps in April are around 84 degrees), you’ll want to jump into a pool any chance you get. When you’re not swimming you’re too hot to want to have to do too much to your hair (the humidity will get it anyway). Plus all that chlorine (or salt water if you go to the beach) needs to be washed out of the hair as soon as possible to avoid drying the hair out or ruining any hair color. If you go swimming often, you’ll need frequent cleansing.

One easy way to deal with this is to get wet and wavy hair extensions aka “vacation weave”. The maintenance is surprisingly low because after you cleanse the hair, you can towel dry and wear the hair wavy. If you want something sleek, after the hair dries you can make it straight with a flat iron. You’ll be able to go from pool to the club without a whole lot of time spent on doing your hair.
If you want to work with your own hair (whether you relax or you’re natural), it’s best to get the hair saturated with water and add a little conditioner to it before hitting the water. The hair can only absorb but so much water so it’s best it not be chlorine nor salt water. You’ll want to skip shampoo and do mostly co-washes (cleansing the hair with conditioner) to prevent drying the hair out further. I also recommend air drying the hair as frequent blow drying can be too harsh. Cleansing the hair before going to bed and wrapping it with a silk or satin scarf works because your hair can dry while you sleep. Putting some Moroccanoil Treatment in the hair helps to speed up drying.
Styles like messy ponytails, buns, chignons, and braid outs (braiding the hair for a few hours and then taking the braids out for a wavy look) are ideal hairstyles that don’t require much maintenance. You can also play around with accessories like head scarves, straw hats, and headbands.

Using the Curly Girl Method to Get Curly Hair

　　Is your curly hair damaged, dry, frizzy or uncontrollable? Are you in search of something new? The “no poo” or curly girl method comes from a book entitled Curly Girl written by Lorraine Massey. The name “no poo” refers to the avoidance of shampoos that contain sulfates which remove natural oils from the hair. With this method, you can finally be free of the spilt ends and frizz and have healthy, soft curls.

 

1. Prior to starting, use a shampoo that has no sulfates. This will rid the hair of silicones, which are found in many hair care products and are not water soluble.
2. Get a hair trim. This rids you of the damage and split ends. If you prefer, you can trim your hair yourself.
3. Instead of a brush, use a wide-toothed comb. Curly hair is damaged easier with a brush whether the hair is wet or dry. When you use the fingers to untangle your curls, they will be brought out more. Adding extra conditioner will make it easier if you having difficulty untangling your hair.
4. Avoid shampooing your hair. You can effectively wash your hair using conditioner. For those who have very wavy hair, it can be washed occasionally with a gentle shampoo that has very mild cleansers.
5. After the wash, rinse your hair again using cold or cool water. This adds shine and decreases frizziness. Allow some of the conditioner to stay in your hair, particularly in dry areas such as the ends. It is ok to gently run the fingers through your hair, but at this point, do not use a comb.
6. Use your hair products. If the hair is very curly, do this while the hair is soaking wet. For medium curly or wavy hair, wait about five minutes. Rub the product in your hands in order to emulsify it. Next, rake or smooth it into the hair by sections. Shape the curls by scrunching them with your fingers or twisting separate curls around your finger.
7. The hair should be scrunched with paper, a micro-fiber towel, or a t-shirt, because terrycloth towels cause your hair to be frizzy. The curls can be finger shaped now if you like. If you make the curls now, wait for about five minutes to let your hair assume its shape.
8. You can shorten the drying time. Spread the towel or shirt out on a flat surface. Next, bend over to the waist and touch the cloth with your head. Make sure your hair is in the center of your cloth. Drape the cloth’s back section over your head and twist its sides into “sausage rolls”. These should be tied or clipped at the nape of your neck. Keep it on for 15 to 30 minutes. It your hair is frizzy when you remove it, lightly apply some gel.
9. Dry the hair. The gentlest and easiest way is to air dry it. If you have to blow dry, you should use a diffuser to prevent frizz. Don’t dry your hair completely; around 80% dry is adequate. While the hair is drying, don’t touch it because it may frizz.
10. Locate an experienced hairstylist with experience and make sure that she has the skills and supplies to properly manage your curly hair.
11. Your hair should be trimmed every 4 to 6 months. Your hair should be cut between ½ and ¼ in order to eliminate split ends. Think about having your hair cut when it is dry. Remember that curler hair looks shorter when it’s dry.
12. Let your hair adjust. It will take 2 to 6 weeks for the hair to get used to not being shampooed. It may look even worse than before. It will take weeks for the hair to get healthy again after years of having shampoo steal its moisture.
13. Rock those gorgeous curls!
You will get plenty of compliments on your beautiful curls. However, there are a few people who just won’t admire your curly hair. Never mind them; you have gorgeous, curly hair. Flaunt it!

How to Prevent Hair Color Fading

　　According to experts at Texas A&M University one of the biggest culprits of hair color fading too quickly is oxidation. Oxidation happens quicker when hair color is applied to strands that have a buildup of minerals from your water. Chlorine and mineral build up from hard water will interfere with hair color by attaching and coating the hair shaft with chemical residue.
Hard water leaves hair feeling dry, dull, unmanageable and with a coated texture to the hair. Hard water can also leave an orangey, coppery discoloration to the hair. You can remove this buildup by treating your hair with a Hard Water Demineralizer at home. I recommend using a treatment before going in for your next hair color appointment for your best coverage, best shine and a longest lasting hair color.
Malibu Demineralization Treatment
is easy to apply at home. Shampoo and rinse hair, pour crystals into wet palm, then rub together to form a rich gel. When applied into hair it turns to a lathering treatment. This treatment can be used as often as needed to rid hair of mineral buildup or discoloration. For best results, cover with a shower cap and wrap in a towel or go under a dryer for 15 to 20 minutes. 　　Some salons offer this treatment for clients. Consider this step in the salon or at home for all around better looking locks as well as prepping your hair for your best hair color yet!

Getting Back To Your Natural Hair Color

Have you dyed your hair and are unhappy with the results? When it comes to corrective hair coloring, each case is unique, because no two hair genetics are exactly alike. In Michelle’s case she will be doing a tint-back which is an easier process than correcting a hair color that is too dark, but still tricky. These questions need to be answered: Do you have regrowth (roots) showing?

Yes?

Then the roots will need to be treated separately from the rest of your hair. It helps for a hair colorist to see about an inch of regrowth in order to match that as closely as possible. Seeing that you want the hair color darker, the hair colorist would use a formula that will work best for tinting back the hair color that exists now. It takes some know-how to get this right, not only in the formula, but also in the application. You could do a lot more damage by trying to correct this yourself. The condition of your hair can only be assessed by someone taking a look at it. My guess is it can withstand a hair color back at this point.

No?

Then you may be able to get help by calling the company hotline on the back of the box of hair color you bought. They will ask you a number of questions regarding your hair history and it’s present state. They will advise you on the best route to take from the information you give them. Don’t do anything unless you are clear that the information you gave them was correct.

How to Remove Dye From Hair

If you dyed your hair a darker color with a demi-permanent (claims to wash out in 28 shampoos) dye, make a thick paste of crushed Vitamin C tablets and water. Apply the paste to your damp hair and rest an hour before washing out. This will remove most of the color if applied within a few days of the dying. You will not need to re-color your hair, the paste is non-damaging.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, the dye will not fade or go away. Buy some hair color remover from a salon or drugstore. Loreal's "Hair Color Remover" and "Color Zap" seem to be the most popular, but they are very different! Color Zap will make your hair the color that it is naturally, where Hair Color Remover will gently make your hair colorless, or bleach blonde. Carefully read the instructions and do exactly what it says. Redyeing your hair a lighter shade (ex. dyeing it dark brown if it has been dyed black previously) will not help! Dye on dye is not going to make your hair lighter! More dye will just darken the color!

Sometimes when hair color remover is not enough, you may have to bleach your hair, or see a professional colorist so that they can bleach your hair for you.1. Purchase some Original Formula Prell or another anti-dandruff shampoo such as Head & Shoulders.2. Buy some baking soda. Baking powder does not work.3. Mix them together and wash your hair several times, if necessary. If you can't buy baking soda, you can just try plain dandruff shampoo.

Use a washing powder or clothing detergent. I dyed my hair black and after about 5 washes (leaving it on for about ten minuets) with detergent (bleaching AGENT only, not actual hydrogen peroxide etc, for example surf) it is sort of a dirty blonde, which is fairly close to my natural colour. Beware; your roots will lighten quicker than your ends, so maybe have a good haircut too!

Fashion Illustrationer

"Lula is sketched, scanned and digitally restyled. This Blog features her work titled "The Subject I know Best" consisting of a series of pictures that she describe as "Self Portraits". In her words: it's a "celebration of paper, glue, bindings, pages capturing images you can't forget". To describe herself she quotes her friend Jessica saying : "I'm not bad.I'm just drawn this way"

Start by washing your hair with a volumising range. Comb with a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles. Partially blow-dry your hair to get rid of excess moisture.

Spray a volumising tonic on your hair, or a handful of mousse spread from tips to ends for extra oomph. Pin hair up and take out small sections at a time to blow-dry. Hold the dryer in one hand and a styling brush in the other. Place the brush underneath the first section of hair and position it at the roots. Keep the tension on the hair (without tugging too hard) and move the brush down towards the ends, while directing the air flow down the hair, following the movement of the brush.

Blow-dry using a large, round brush with a metal core. Wind hair completely up the brush, focusing on creating lift at the roots. Gently blast hair with a hair-dryer until dry.Curl the brush under at the ends to achieve a slight bend. Continue until the back sections are completely dry and then repeat on the top sections of hair. Finish with a light, flexible hairspray.

Some questions about your hair

1. How long have you been natural?

My last perm was in August of 2008. However, I transitioned for nearly two years after.

2. Why did you go natural?

My inspiration came from many of my close friends going natural in high school. Also, I became a big fan of Kai at maneandchic.com, and followed her through her transition. I was so interested to see what my true hair texture looked like and just how long I could grow my hair, so I started my transition in my Junior year of college.

3. Do you have any favorite hair care products?

I truly don't have any staples. Even three years later, I'm still experimenting with products. I have used and liked SheaMoisture, Kinky Curly, Miss Jessies and Jane Carter. Also natural products such as coconut oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and raw shea butter. I'm still searching for staple products, but in the meantime I'm enjoying experimenting!

4. Do you have any favorite natural styles you want to share?

My go to style is the puff pony tail...quick, simply, easy.

6. Did you do the Big Chop? if so, what was that like?

I never truly did a big chop. With my last perm in August 2008, I transitioned until 2010 with trims in between. I let go of the last permed ends in June 2010. Even so, that was such a liberating day to finally be free of the perm and able to wear my hair completely natural!

Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Hair

Proper nutrition, vitamins, minerals and overall good health are essential to healthy hair growth. When starting a new vitamin or mineral regimen it normally takes about 2-3 months to see results so patience is key. ALWAYS talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any kind of new supplement so you can be prescribed the correct dosage.

Vitamins for Healthy Hair Include: Vitamin A – Antioxidant, produces healthy sebum in the scalp. Found in foods such as milk, cheese, broccoli, eggs, carrots, peaches and apricots.Vitamin C - Antioxidant, maintains healthy hair and skin. Found in foods such as tomatoes, pineapple, citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries and dark green vegtables.Vitamin E – Antioxidant, boosts scalp circulation. Found in foods such as raw seeds and nuts, leafy green vegetables, soybeans and dried beans.
Minerals for Healthy Hair Include;

• Iron – Prevents hair loss. Found in foods such as fish, chicken, eggs, dried fruit, green vegetables and whole grains.
• Silica – Strengthens hair and prevents hair loss. Found in foods such as green vegetables, soybeans and rice.
• Calcium – Promotes healthy hair growth. Found in foods such as dairy, tofu, nuts and fish.

The above lists are not all of the vitamins and minerals which help promote healthy hair growth. Be sure to check out vitamins and minerals for healthy hair for more information and dosage recommendations. Besides nutrition and supplements there are simple things you can do to help maintain healthy, beautiful hair.

Most people feel that the hair is good

To speed up the growth of your hair, you need to make a few dietary changes. Include a lot of fruits in your diet as fruits contain a lot of antioxidants which are good for the growth of your hair. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin, so it is advised that you increase your protein intake. Protein will assist in speeding up hair growth. Intake of fish is also good for hair as it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for hair growth.

1) Massage your hair with coconut oil. Coconut oil has been found to have properties that augment faster hair growth.

2) Make a juice of gooseberry and add a liberal amount of lime juice to it. Mix it well and add it to your scalp. Leave it for around 30 minutes and then wash your hair. This mixture helps in rejuvenating your hair and scalp and assists in hair growth.

3) Eating fruits and vegetables is good for your hair. Fruits and vegetables contain natural antioxidants and help in hair growth.

4) Take a few fresh curry leaves and grind it with water and make a paste. Add the paste to your scalp regularly and keep it on for 15 minutes. Wash it with shampoo or soap nut powder. This will keep your hair healthy and lustrous.

5) Take a handful of fenugreek seeds and soak in water and keep it overnight. In the morning grind it to a paste and apply on hair. Fenugreek will make your hair shine and also improve hair growth. It is also a coolant and will cool your hair and help your relax.

6) Take a few hibiscus leaves, add water and grind it to a paste and add to your hair. Hibiscus is a known conditioner and will help hair grow faster. In short, there are many remedies that are easily available at home and we should make use of it instead of buying costly shampoos and other hair products.

7) Take a few hibiscus leaves, add water and grind it to a paste and add to your hair. Hibiscus is a known conditioner and will help hair grow faster.

In short, there are many remedies that are easily available at home and we should make use of it instead of buying costly shampoos and other hair products.

Most people feel that the hair is not growing properly even after taking care of it meticulously. Speedy growth of hair depends on a variety of aspects such as the food that you eat, the state of health that you are in presently, pollution and environment factors, your hormones and also your level of stress. Age also is a factor, as you age the growth of your hair slows down. On an average a person's hair grows around 8 to 10 millimeters a month. Tips for fast hair growth

Shiny healthy hair

If you have shiny healthy hair then you might not be interested in reading this because this post is all about how you can keep your hair shiny and healthy. So the first thing that is really important is to choose the right shampoo! if you have sensitive hair make sure you pick a shampoo that is for sensitive hair or if you have coloured hair just pick one that is for coloured hair so keep that in mind don't just pick any shampoo you see, just take your time and think about it!

* Buy a conditioner and a shampoo that have the same brand for example a l'oreal shampoo and a Tresemme conditioner because it just won't work if you look at the back of any shampoo or conditioner it will say that it works better if you use the shampoo or conditioner from the same brand so make sure you do that.

* Use a hair protector! Never ever straighten or curl your hair without a hair protector its very important to use one because it protects your hair from deteriorating and it won't burn it so make sure you buy one if you really want straight or curly hair.

* Wash your hair regularly this is good for your hair because it keeps it clean and smooth but don't wash it too often either you must wash it about 4-5 times a week because if you was your hair everyday it will make-it weaker and less smoother.

* My opinion about the shampoos you should be using. Now I'm going to be honest with you guys about 3 weeks ago i run out of shampoo ( i used to use l'oreal Elvive shampoo and conditioner) so i took my baby brother's shampoo which is the Johnson's baby shampoo with aloe Vera and after i dried my hair i was so surprised my hair felt so so so so soft and it was also shinier ! It was the first time i tried it and i saw the results from the first try so i definitely recommend that shampoo its just amazing!