Tips and Tricks for Hair Growth

Taking care of one's hair is not only a privilege for women. Most men are not indifferent to how they look and having healthy hair is certainly important for either gender. Nowadays it is pretty common to see guys with long hair and if you suffer from hair loss, it is inevitable to ask how can somebody have such beautiful, long hair. Well, beautiful hair is partially due to genes but equally important is how you care for it. Of course, this does not mean that every guy and girl can have long, shiny and thick hair but it is certain that there are some tips and tricks that generally help people in their battle to stimulate hair growth.

First, it is necessary to clarify what is the normal hair growth rate. Generally half an inch a month is normal, though even a third of an inch is also pretty common. Hair growth depends on many factors, like what you eat, the season of the year, etc. so there are limits beyond which you can't go. For instance, you can't expect that your hair will grow 2 inches in a month only because you wash it everyday. On the contrary, when you wash it everyday, chances are that you will exhaust it pretty soon. It is true that if you wash your hair frequently, it will grow faster but never forget that frequent washes also lead to hair loss.

Besides washing your hair frequently, cutting it often also stimulates its growth. There is no optimal recommendation that is valid for everybody but washing your hair once a week and cutting it once in 6-8 weeks is generally the best combination to stimulate hair growth without stimulating hair loss. Washing your hair (this of course means using a shampoo or a soap) stimulates its growth but you can achieve similar results even if you only wet it from time to time – i.e. just dampen it a little without using any soap or shampoo. Wetting your hair a couple of times a day, which is probably what you subconsciously do in the heat of the summer, is a fine way to growth. You can use rosemary sprays instead of water for wetting.

Cutting your hair regularly is also useful. As hair grows long, it tends to get damaged at the ends, so if your stylist removes the damaged ends, this will also help you grow longer hair.

A really powerful way to encourage the growth of your hair is by massaging it gently and by using special masks, balms, pastes, lotions, etc. Even good old combing a couple of times a day is a great way to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn stimulates hair growth. There are even special formulas for hair regrowth (i.e. when you have lost your hair, how to make it regrow again), though even most of the conventional remedies for hair care and for hair loss prevention also work. The assortment of recipes, remedies, masks, etc. for stimulating hair growth is really great and one thing that you can do is to check about some national recipes.

No, don't laugh, hair is the same all over the world but this does not apply to remedies and recipes. Most nations have their own ancient recipes for hair growth and these recipes are generally not subject to internationalization because many of the ingredients are to be found in particular geographic areas only. Of course, very often there are decent substitutes to those rare ingredients but it is not the same.

However, very often you can order online a specific remedy and get it delivered to your door, so actually you might be able to enjoy the benefits of remedies from distant lands. But even if you decide not to hook to exotic remedies, there are many really global ingredients that also do a perfect job for massaging you hair with, for washing it (or spraying it), etc.

For instance, rubbing olive oil into the scalp helps to reduce hair loss. Uncooked egg yolks, applied for an hour on the scalp, stimulate hair growth. Castor oil on the roots (but not the hair itself) is also a great way to stimulate hair growth. While some of these substances require that you later wash your hair, there are even more easier ones (for instance rosemary and aloe), that you just rub in and they stay there.

10 Definite Don’ts Of Great Hair Care

If the amount of money consumers spend on hair care products annually is any indication, most people are concerned about the appearance of their hair and strive to attain beautiful, healthy and stylish locks.  In fact, most will go to any lengths to achieve their desired look. From professional salon treatments to over-the-counter serums, hair care is a big business. 

The only problem is that while many people are buying the right hair care products for their hair, they forget to follow basic hair care regimens that will guarantee the health and beauty of their tresses. Additionally, many are also causing needless damage to their hair by participating in unhealthy hair care behavior. 

So, what should you do to make sure that your hair stays healthy, shiny and strong? 
To avoid all hair care disasters, follow these 10 absolute don'ts of great hair care. 



Hair care don'ts

1. Avoid unprofessional and over-the-counter hair care products whenever you can. Many of these only offer false hopes and promises. 

2. Do not cut your own bangs. Leave all of your cutting needs, even bangs, to your hair care professional. 

3. Avoid excessive sun, chlorine and salt water during the summer months. Excessive exposure can cause severe damage that is irreversible even if you use the best hair care products. 

4. Do not use clarifying hair care products on your tresses more than one time per week. They can strip hair of moisture and essential oils. 

5. Do not visit a hair care salon without first getting a referral from someone you can trust. Choosing a salon based on an advertisement or sale alone is very risky.

6. Do not purchase hair color that comes in a box.

7. Never stick with an outdated look because you are afraid of looking different. Styles change for a reason. Ask your hair care professional to bring you into this decade with a new style. 

8. Do not straighten your hair with a clothes iron. C'mon, this was so over in the 70s. We have straightening irons that won't damage your hair for this now. Look in the hair care isle.

9. Don't brush your hair or put too much tension on it while it is still wet. This will cause breakage. Also, do not wear tight styles such as corn rows for extended periods of time unless you have ethnic hair. 

10. Never use sun-lightening products such as lemon juice or over-the-counter hair care products designed to lighten hair with the sun unless you want a very short hair cut in the future. 

In the end, hair care is a very individualized and personal thing. Feel free to add your own flair and style to your hair care routine, but remember to include hair care principles that will benefit your hair and avoid those that damage it.

A Woman's Guide to Waxing Unwanted Hair

It's tough to be beautiful. There's the curling, the scrubbing, the coloring, the endless work, toil and sweat. It can also be painful. What woman hasn't suffered from a too-hot curling iron or too-sharp razor? But at the top of the list we find waxing. An essential task, to be sure, but also dicey. You want to make sure it's done right, quickly and will be effective with a minimum of pain.

Waxing is a relatively simply process, really. Think "wax on, wax off", and you'll likely get the idea. Hot wax is applied to the area that needs hair removal, then quickly pulled off and unwanted hairs go with the wax. It can be fairly painful, but the pain is quick and the wax process, fortunately, doesn't need to be repeated very often. 

Herewith are various types of waxes, from a lesser "ouch" factor to a mighty "ouch"!


*Eyebrow (ouch factor of 2) - Eyebrow waxing is a type of waxing you can do yourself at home, though it's never a bad idea to consult a professional. If you are going to wax your eyebrows yourself, you should always wax from below the eyebrow, not above.
Take very little hair off at a time, and be careful of the hot wax being so close to your face. Because the skin above the eye is so sensitive, it's really recommended you consult a professional for this task.

*Full Face (ouch factor 2) - This involves removing the facial hair you might have around the mouth, cheeks, jaw and chin. You can do this yourself, perhaps even make the wax yourself, but again, experts recommend using a professional since the facial skin is so delicate.

*Legs (ouch factor 3-4) - This is probably the method of waxing most women are familiar with. In the summer, many women choose leg waxing as the preferred method for hair removal since it is generally considered superior to shaving and saves time in those busy summer months - a good leg wax can last as long as 8 weeks. 

*Bikini (ouch factor 8-10+) - The big daddy of waxing, the various types of bikini waxes are not for the faint of heart. They are for women who want clean, cool nether regions for summer, and aren't too modest, since they should only be done by a trained and experienced professional. There are a few different types:

*Bikini - The basic bikini wax involves removing the pubic hair around the bikini panty line. This is delicate territory, so it's recommended you take an ibuprofen an hour or so before getting it done. But since there are more involved bikini waxes, we'll give this one an 8 on the pain scale. 

*Full bikini - This is also known as a Brazilian bikini wax and it's the latest, hottest thing in waxes. Seven Brazilian sisters brought this wax to the United States and in a short period of time, this type of wax has overtaken any other bikini wax.  In short, it's a full bikini wax, where only the pubic hair just around the labia is left. Otherwise, you're bald as an eagle, which might serve you if you wear a thong in the summer or just want to change your life, which is allegedly what  Brazilian wax did for Gwyneth Paltrow. This is a full 10 on the pain scale, but many women claim it's the bomb.

A Rough Battle To Smoothen Your Dry Hair

Dry hair occurs mainly due to heat, the use of excessive chemicals applied on your hair and also by not taking good care of your hair. Every person's hair has a certain amount of moisture which preserves your hair and does not let it dry. When certain level of moisture goes down due to many of the common reasons then you have to take special efforts to maintain that moisture. One should keep in mind that excess experiments with your hair can cause problems and lead to dry hair. 

Some of the common reason why many face this problem is the excessive washing of your hair. Your hair need not be washed daily as this washes out the nutrients from your hair leaving you 'high and dry’. So washing is not an appropriate solution for your hair on a daily basis.
Use of hot dryers, hot curlers or any of the things you use for stylizing your hair also leads to drying. Swimming in chlorinated water without a head cap makes your hair parched and even drier. By using some of the home based recipes you can make your last longer with a better look.

The use of mild shampoo is one of the initial steps to be taken when you are treating dry hair. Look for shampoos mentioned as 'dry and damaged' which would work in your favor. The use of conditioner is a must as this helps in preserving the lost nutrients and oil in your hair. This would give a beautiful look to your hair with the extra shine and bounce. Snipping off the end of your hair would help in preventing further damage to your hair. Exposure to sun can also cause dryness. You can use hair sunscreen to protect your hair. 

Use of some of the home made ingredients if properly blended can be very helpful. Beer seems to work wonders on your hair. You can spray your hair with beer once you have shampooed your hair. Mayonnaise is also a wonderful ingredient which brings life back to your hair as it is termed as an excellent conditioner.

A Woman's Guide to Removing Facial Hair

Facial hair can be an embarrassing thing for a woman.  Figuring out how to remove facial hair with minimal regrowth can be even tougher.  This handy guide gives women the facial hair removal options available to them to see which method is right for her.Many women experience unwanted facial hair and wish to have it removed.  It can be due to genetics, age, medication or many women just want it removed for cosmetic reasons, like eyebrow hair.  Women experience growth of unwanted facial hair during certain times of their life, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.  Regardless, there is a large population of women who want a safe, long lasting, and effective way to remove facial hair.  


One way to remove facial hair is through shaving.  Although the old wives tale that this will cause the hair it grow back thicker and faster is not true, many woman feel this is too masculine a way to remove facial hair.  Plus, it only eliminates the problem for a short amount of time and may irritate sensitive skin. 

One of the most common ways for women to remove facial hair is by plucking.  They are probably already familiar with this due to plucking their eyebrows with a process.  If they see a darker hair on their lip or chin, it is easy enough to pluck out.  Plucking the hair removes it longer than shaving, but is still not the permanent solution for which many women are looking.  Waxing is similar to plucking, but it can be more painful and is more likely to irritate sensitive skin.  The same is true for creams that remove hair plus many of them have a bad smell.  There is a skin cream called Vaniqa that decreases facial hair growth, but it is also only temporary and requires a prescription from a doctor.

You can purchase epilators with tweezers at most beauty stores, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that that is no statistically significant data to prove that tweezer epilators provide permanent hair removal.  It may for some, and not for others.  One factor may be the coarseness of your hair.  

If you are looking for a method to remove facial hair permanently, try electrolysis.  Electrolysis is the process by which facial hair is removed using electrical currents.  A trained professional, often referred to as an electrologist or electrolysist, must perform this procedure.  They take a metal probe and insert it into an individual hair follicle.  The electrical current is then delivered to the follicle, destroying it.  One the procedure is complete; the hair is removed with sterile forceps. Each hair follicle must be treated individually.  The discomfort of this process varies among clients. Some have reported feeling a slight pinprick and some have reported a more painful feeling.  As with many medical procedures, there is a chance of scarring, although it is minimal if you are using a well-trained electrologist.  But, immediately after a hair follicle is treated, there may be a small, red lesion, much like an insect bite for a short time.

While electrolysis will permanently remove the hair, it may not be instantaneous.  You may have to have several electrolysis treatments to the same hair follicle before the hair is completely removed.  This is because your hair cells grow in cycles and electrolysis only works if the hair is in its growth phase.  Many electrologists charge by the amount of time it takes to remove the hair.  Ten minutes runs about $18 and 30 minutes costs about $34.

Another form of permanent facial hair removal is laser treatments.  This is a new technology, only being offered commercially since the mid 1990s.  This may also be referred to as phototricholysis or photoepilation.  Like electrolysis, this may require several treatments before the hair is removed permanently.  The laser light also feels like a pinprick to most patients.  However, the laser treatments will not work on blonde, red, or white hairs.  It will however work on areas that electrolysis will not, such as the ears and nose.  Laser hair treatments for the upper lip normally run about $50 per session as does the chin treatments.  If you have facial hair on your cheeks, those treatments are a little more expensive - around $75 per treatment.

If you decide to do electrolysis or laser treatments for your unwanted facial hair, you should always talk to your doctor first about any pre-existing conditions you might have that would make you an unlikely candidate for these treatments.  

There is no need to be ashamed of having your unwanted facial hair treated.  Do some research on the Internet to find the best way for you to have the hair removed.  There is no doubt it will make you feel better about yourself.

A Guide To Balding Men's Hairstyles

It’s unbelievable how difficult it is to find any decent information on the internet about balding men’s hairstyles.  

You’ll know this yourself if you’ve ever tried to do a search on Google for ‘balding men’s hairstyles’, ‘hairstyles for balding men’, ‘balding hairstyles’ or any other amount of variations on the theme.

This is surprising considering how many balding men there are who deserve a decent hairstyle as much as any one else…


So… faced with this injustice I’ve put together my own guide to balding men’s hairstyles…

It’s a fact that 95% of all balding or bald men suffer from male pattern baldness.  Male pattern baldness usually starts with a receding hairline at the front and is frequently accompanied with thinning at the top.

Over time, this thinning turns into a full fledged bald spot, and the bald spot grows to cover the head, apart from the sides and around the back.

Regardless of this, as long as there is a single hair left on my head I’ll still demand a stylish coiffure.  So, what balding hairstyle options are available?

The worst balding men’s hairstyle is the comb over.  This is the classic look beloved of men of a certain age whereby the hair is grown longer on one side of the head and ‘combed over’ the bald area to the other side.

This strategy only spells disaster even in the slightest of breezes and is to be avoided at all costs.

But assuming you already know this, what are the other do’s and don'ts to balding men’s hairstyles?

The first common mistake is combing the hair straight back.  This may cover bald spots, but it only exposes the forehead and draws attention to the receding hairline. 

The second is growing your hair longer at the back to make up for what's lacking on top.  This unbalances the head and draws even more attention to the scalp and the baldness. 

Younger men with thinning hair might be tempted to use gel… but this isn’t recommended.  Gel clumps your hair together and reveals the scalp.

Likewise, growing your hair long in an attempt to cover up actually causes hair to separate and show more scalp. 

So, what are the do’s?

Get more natural looking fluff to your hair by using mousses and conditioners.

Grow your remaining hair by a few inches, get it layered and brush it forward to break up the receding hairline. 

If your hairline isn’t receding too badly, but the top of your head is thinning, you can get away with keeping the front long and combing your hair straight back to cover the bald spot.  

Eventually however, your bald spot will expand.

The ultimate balding men’s hairstyle when faced with a shiny bald dome, is to go the whole hog and shave it off or at least a very close trim.

You’ll probably be amazed at people’s reactions and the compliments you’ll get – the shaved look is a totally acceptable balding hairstyle these days.

Start with electric clippers like you find in the barbers. After you've clipped the heavy stuff, lather up with shaving gel.  This gives you a closer, smoother shave than shaving cream.
  
Then using a razor, start at the top and shave down with the grain taking care at the back -  it’s recommended to watch what you’re doing with a small mirror. 

Shaving your head only takes a few minutes and you don't need to do it every day (two to three times a week is fine).

Taking care of your new shaved head is much like taking care of your face. Wash regularly with moisturizing soap, rather than a harsh deodorant soap that can dry out the skin on your head.  

Also use a good quality moisturizer after every wash – cheaper moisturizers will just clog up your pores.

For the summer, find a moisturizer with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to avoid sunburn on your head. And you'll need a warm hat in winter to maintain your body heat. 

If shaving doesn't tickle your fancy then you can always opt for a hairpiece as a last resort - though I wouldn't recommend it :-)

A Guide to Hair Extension Salons

It can be difficult to find a hair extension stylist near you, and you don’t always have the time to drive hours to get your hair done. Luckily, several online resources are available to help.

Here is a helpful, condensed list:

The Hair Extension Salon Locator 

This site lists hair extension salons by state. It also features articles on the care of hair extensions and hair loss information. Additionally, they have supplies and training resources.

HairBonz 

This is the website for the HairBonz hair extension system. You can call 1-888-693-HAIR to find a listing of hair extension salons using the HairBonz system.

Hair Boutique 

This informative site has links to hair extension salons. Unfortunately, the information is listed alphabetically and cannot be searched by city or state. However, if you have the patience to scan the listings you just might find a local salon.


Black Beauty Care Directory 

This site is specifically for African-American beauty concerns, and lists salons that cater to African hair. Information is categorized by state for easy access.

Another way to find a local hair extension salon is to type “Houston hair extension salons” or “hair extensive salons near Houston” in a search engine. Of course, use your own city name in place of Houston!

You can also use your Yellow Pages to find hair extension salons.

One of the best ways to find a top-quality salon is by word of mouth. If a friend or family member has beautiful extensions, ask for a reference.

No matter where you located your hair extension salon, make sure that your stylist is qualified to apply the extensions. He or she should be a licensed cosmetologist with ample experience in applying the type of extensions you are considering. Many experts recommend that you meet some of the stylist’s other clients and find out if they are happy with their extensions. At the very least, ask to see a portfolio with before and after pictures.

10 Great Hair Care Tips

If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair care.

1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look for products in salons that are customized for your hair type. For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.

2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The number one mistake that people make when choosing a new hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders, choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo. 


3. Don’t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this, look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays that block UV rays.

4. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, even if it’s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser makes them good because they know what to leave on the head, not take off.

5. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage with these products even if the package says that it’s way easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for corrective color than they do for normal color processes)

6. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights, lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it’s all good for your look.

7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind, sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals from your pool. 

8. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all our work. 

9. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to curl not to mention the white flakes.

10. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static electricity to your hair. Don’t rub the towel back and forth over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like your would scrunch crackers in your soup.

While all of these tips won’t make you look like you’ve hired a personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember that you wear your hair everyday. Now isn’t it worth the time, effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?

5 Steps To Perfect Hair

Your hair is your crowning glory. Look after it and it will shine for all the world to see. You don’t always need expensive treatments, or visits to a hair salon to manage your hair professionally. There’s so much you can do yourself.

1. For shiny, healthy hair think first of your body’s intake. Your hair is really just a reflection of what you are inside. A good balanced, nutritious and healthy diet will do more to make your hair shine than any shampoo or conditioner. And drink eight to ten glasses of water a day too; hair is 25% water, so don’t let yours go thirsty!

2. Dry your hair after washing in the ambient temperature of your room after using an absorbent towel to soak up the excess moisture, but don’t rub hard. If possible, don’t use blow-drying, flat irons, curling irons or hot rollers. Artificial heating will leave your hair brittle and damaged in time. Be natural whenever you can.

3. Prevent unnecessary hair damage by using the right kind of hairbrush. Only comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb, combing from end to root, but avoiding touching the root. Detangling wet hair with a hard steel comb can create a lot of damage, so don’t!

4. Remove trichoptlosis, or split ends, like this: take small sections of your hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. The split ends will stick out. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut into the twisted section, but not right through, to remove the damaged cuticles and leave a natural layered look. Cut roughly the same amount from each twist to balance the effect.

5. Hair loss can be slowed, or even reversed by applying a few simple tips, though they probably won’t cure an underlying condition. Biotin can help to regenerate hair follicles: blend bananas with honey, yoghurt and low-fat milk, and drink it daily. Supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc and saw palmetto will help too, but eliminating stress and getting plenty of sleep may work just as well.

We are all obsessed with our hair, whether we are 9 or 90, male or female. Look after yourself first and foremost and your hair will reflect that care and attention. The Biblical Samson’s strength lay in his fine flowing hair. Your hair reflects your strength too.