Curly Hair Care Tips

Curly hair tends be dryer, more brittle and prone to frizzing, so it requires more care than straight hair. Below are some tips on managing curly hair.
Curly Hair Care Tips
Limit shampooing your hair to no more than twice a week., shampooing strips your hair of its natural oils.
Use a conditioner every time after you shampoo to re-moisturize your hair.
Use a leave-in conditioner on your hair daily or every other day.
Use a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically geared towards curly hair.
Avoid using narrow toothed combs and brushes, use wide-toothed combs instead which has less of a tendency to cause breakage and frizzing.
To detangle your hair, in the shower start with your hair moist and conditioned (which will protect it from breakage), use your fingers to begin the untangling then finish with a wide toothed comb starting from the end going up finishing at the root of the hair. Then rinse your head with water and try to retain half of the conditioner in your hair. If you try to detangle your hair when it's dry, you will cause it to frizz.
Let your hair aid dry to reduce frizzing, avoid brushing and using a towel to dry your hair. If you need to your hair to dry quickly, blot your hair with a towel, but do not rub it.
Deep condition your hair once a month or more to re-moisturize your scalp and hair.
Use a small amount of styling product with moisturizing ingredient(s) in it to keep your hair from frizzing when your hair is still slightly moist and gently style with your finger. Apply the styling one section so that it is equally distributed.
Avoid playing with your hair or touching it as much as possible, the more friction that occurs on your hair will cause it to tangle and/or frizz.
source:http://www.haircareguide.com/curly.htm

Long Hair Care Tips

Caring for long hair takes a lot more time compared to caring for short hair or hair of normal length. Just washing and drying long hair can be quite a task in itself. Below are some tips on managing long hair.
Long Hair Care Tips
Avoid sleeping with tightly braided hair or hair in a tight ponytail. The stress can cause breakage and/or hair loss.
When your hair is braided, make sure that it is not too tight or it could cause breakage and/or hair loss.
If your hair is braided or you have a ponytail, use a specially treated band or scrunchie which will prevent breakage of your hair, limit your use of clips, bows, and untreated bands.
Even if you plan on growing your hair out further you should trim your hair once every 3 months, if not split ends will cause your hair to break off and your hair will begin to lose it's beauty, if you plan on just maintaining your length, a trim once every month and a half to two months should suffice.
Don't use a brush to detangle your hair, this will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off. Instead use your fingers, a pick, or a wide tooth comb to detangle your hair.
When detangling your hair work your way from the tips of your hair up to the hair roots. Work on detangling one section of your hair at a time and go in a downward direction.
Be gentle when detangling, pulling down on your hair too hard will cause breakage.
If you detangle your hair before washing it, it'll be easier to dry and style as well as decrease the knots and tangles after you are done washing your hair.
Don't rub your hair dry with a towell, instead blot the water out of your hair, when you rub, it'll cause your hair to tangle.
Hair can get caught on cotton pillow cases and break when you are sleeping especially if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase where your hair will make it so that hair will slide across the pillowcase without getting caught. Another tactic to prevent breakage is to put your hair up in a ponytail on the top of your head with a scrunchie or specially treated band (that prevents breakage).
An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a satin or silk scarf over your hair before your sleep to prevent breakage.
Brushing your hair is important because it spreads the the hair oils out across the length of your hair. Use long strokes starting from the roots of your hair when brushing and stroke your hand over your hair after you are done brushing to get rid of static.
source:http://www.haircareguide.com/long.htm

Head Lice Treatment

The most effective way to get rid of head lice is with a nit comb, a good light, and a magnifying glass. This is especially true for children under two-years-old, who may have adverse reactions to head lice shampoo and other chemical head lice cures.
Nit combs are available in both plastic and steel and may be purchased from a pharmacy (or often less expensively from a pet supply department). Nit combs for both animals and people are very similar in style and equally effective. Comb through the hair daily for about two weeks, being sure to come into contact with the scalp. This helps ensure that you remove all nymphs and nits as well as adults.
Electronic louse combs are often less effective than the traditional nit comb. Their teeth may not reach the scalp and therefore may not remove viable eggs.
While there are multiple home remedies for head lice, none has been scientifically proven. Frequently the second line of attack is to purchase an over-the-counter head lice shampoo. However, these shampoos contain toxic chemicals. Follow package directions to the letter. In most cases, even over-the-counter head lice cures are best purchased and used only on the advice of a professional health care provider. In a severe case, your doctor may prescribe a stronger head lice cure.
Head lice may be found on eyelashes or eyebrows. These lice should be mechanically removed (plucked) with great care. Don’t use chemicals near the eyes!
Although head lice only live a day or two after they fall off their host, headwear, combs, brushes, bed linen, and pajamas should be thoroughly cleaned. Items that aren’t washable should be either dry-cleaned or vacuumed.
Head Lice Prevention
Teach children to avoid activities that are likely to spread lice.
Avoid head-to-head contact during play.
Don’t share headwear whether it’s a hat, helmet, or hair ribbon.
Don’t share combs, brushes, or towel.
source:http://www.haircareguide.com/lice2.htm

Hair Loss Prevention

All people lose hair on a daily basis, but unfortunatley many people will go through rapid hair loss without new hair coming in to replace it which results in thinning hair and possibly lead to some degree of baldness. Hereditary plays a major role in the severity of hair loss but improper care of your hair along with an unhealthy lifestyle may cause early hair loss.
Hair Loss Prevention
Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair.
Water, protien, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair.
Use your fingertips to massage your scalp which will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth.
Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night.
Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair.
Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause build-up of sweat and grime.
If you have live a high stressed life try reducing stress by taking some time out daily just to relax, excessive stress is believed to induce hair loss.
If you color your hair, limit coloring it to once ever 2 months. Hair coloring damages your hair and the less frequently you color it the better.
Avoid putting too much physical stress on your hair, brush/comb your hair gently, don't pull your hair when you brush and avoid braids and ponytails if possible, they place constant stress on your hair.
Get enough sleep.
Use a conditioner and trim any split ends.
See your doctor or a dermatologist for advice if you have concerns about hair loss and want to seek treatment.
source:http://www.haircareguide.com/hairloss.htm

Dandruff Treatment

What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is simply dead skin shedding from your head at a fast rate. Almost everyone has had dandruff at some point to one degree or another. People with a strong degree of dandruff will experience an itchy scalp.
Causes of Dandruff:
The following are items that may cause dandruff:
Hormone imbalance.
Excessive perspiration
Allergic reactions
Excessive stress
Poor hygene
Poor nutritioin/health
Lack of sleep
Inherited genetic trait
Inadequete shampooing and rinsing of the hair.
Tight fitting hats.
Excessive use of hair styling products (gel, mouse, hair dye, hair curler...)
Cold weather
Dry enviroment.
Excessive Heat

Even though dandruff is known as the drying of the scalp, it is most common in people with oily hair.
Dandruff Treatment
Unfortunately there is no cure for dandruff yet (once you get it you may continue to have it), but there are ways that you can control and limit dandruff.
If you have only a mild case of dandruff, shampooing your hair with a regular shampoo daily or twice a day will usually do the trick.
Start out by trying a mild shampoo, stronger shampoos can irritate and dry out your hair making dandruff flaking worst.
If your standard shampoo doesn't get rid of your dandruff, buy an anti-dandruff shampoo and your dandruff condition should improve signifigantly in a couple of weeks.
Picking the right shampoo for your hair can be a process of trial and error, try out different shampoos to see which one works best for you and also rotating shampoos periodically can be good for your hair.
Once you have found an anti-dandruff shampoo that works for you, keep on using it or your dandruff will most likely reoccur.
Lather and rinse twice when using anti-dandruff shampoos, the first time cycle will clean your scalp, the second cycle will medicate it.
source:http://www.haircareguide.com/dandruff.htm

Hair Care Tips

The following are some basic hair care tips that you can use to improve the health and look of your hair.
General
A healthy lifestyle will mean healthier hair for you. Excessive stress, smoking, not exercising and not eating nutritiously are not healthy for your hair.
Get enough sleep.
Hair Products (Gel, mouse, hair spary...)
Avoid using hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.
Avoid puting hair styling products directly on your scalp, if you put it on your scalp you'll clog the pores on your head.
Swimming
Before entering a pool, wet your hair so your hair will soak up the initial water instead of the chlorinated water.
When swimming where a cap to protect your hair from chlorinated water, if you choose not to wear a cap make sure you shampoo and condition your hair right after you are done swimming.
Drying
Hot air can be damaging to your hair so when using a hair dryer use the cool setting.
Don't leave the blowdryer in one spot for more than a few seconds, keep it moving and at a good distance away from your hair.
To speed up the drying process, pat your hair dry with a towell and let the remaining moisture in your hair dry naturally.
Gently use your fingers or a pick to untangle any knots while your hair is drying.
source:http://www.haircareguide.com/tips.htm

How To Take Care of Hair Extensions

So you've got the all-new look, you've got the long gorgeous mane you've always wanted to have, and you're feeling like a total goddess thanks to your longer locks. But they're not going to stay beautiful unless you really make the effort to take care of them. Your extensions might not be your real hair, but that doesn't mean you should just neglect them. We've got hair extension care tips for you right here, so take the time to check them out.

First and foremost, you have to keep your hair clean. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner or better yet, ask your stylist what kind of products would work best your hair and your extensions. When taking a shower, it's recommended that you gradually wet your hair instead of putting on the full pressure of water on your head right away, which could cause a lot of tangling.

Going to the pool or the beach? Feel free to toss around your newly-lengthened tresses while you're frolicking in the sand or lounging around beside the pool. But when the time comes for you to take a dip, tuck your hair under a swim cap. Chemicals and saltwater can do great damage to your hair. Wash your hair afterwards in case some of these seeped into your cap during your swim.

Don't worry about putting your hair in buns, braids and ponytails. Your hair will still hold up when styled in different ways. Just make sure you use some good clips and bands which won't stretch out your hair.

If you're going to style your hair, remember not to use too much heat because it could turn your hair frizzy. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and let it air-dry afterwards. If you really must use a hair dryer, go with ionic dryers for best results.

An important reminder for you would be to stay away from coloring or perming your hair yourself. As always, consult your salon first and leave all treatments in their hands.

Following these simple tips will keep your extensions looking nice and natural. Best of all, you will get to keep your goddess-like locks for a longer period of time
Source:http://www.beautyden.com/hair-extensions.shtml

Black Hair

You might be thinking of getting a drastically new look. Most times, this only entails a change in your everyday makeup, a new haircut, or a few touch-ups to your wardrobe. What's really guaranteed to up your look's shock factor is getting a new hair color. If you've been a blonde all your life, turning brunette will turn heads. If you've never switched your brown hair color for any other shade, going a lot lighter will brighten up your appearance. But if you go with black hair, then that will definitely give you a whole new look.

Black hair can convey lots of different images. It could make you look like a total Goth girl or make you look like the perfect Oriental doll. Done right, it could make you look like a raven-haired goddess with long, cascading tresses.

Not everyone is cut out to sport black hair, though. Before you head to your stylist and declare your intentions to blacken your locks, go over these few guidelines first.

• Black hair is your goal, but it's not advisable to choose a totally charcoal-black shade. Hairdressers say a really deep black sometimes makes hair look fake, so a dark brown-black shade would look better.
• Consider your skin color. They say black goes with everything, and that's more or less true with black hair. You could have dark skin, have a glowing tan, or olive complexion and you're going to be able to pull off black hair just fine. Fair skin also does justice to black hair, but make sure you're not extremely pale, unless you really are going for a Goth look.
• Take your cue from stars who have turned their manes black. While she's ordinarily gorgeous in every look she's experimented with, Angelina Jolie once looked sinister in black at the 2000 Oscars. Ashlee Simpson used to be an aspiring black-haired rocker chick when she emerged into the music scene. Britney Spears shocked everyone when she dyed her normally blond hair a stunning black. Burlesque artist Dita Von Teese is a natural blonde, but established her signature style with glossy black curls.

Having second thoughts about getting black hair? Get yourself accustomed to a darker hair color by getting a deep brown shade first. If it turns out gorgeous, let the color settle in for several months and give your hair time to relax before getting another treatment. Then you can launch your new look and go all out black.
source:http://www.beautyden.com/black-hair.shtml

Curly Hair

Curls, tussles, waves, twists are back bigger than ever! Trend setting Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys at the Grammy wore sexy curls. Even Justin Timberlake did - but he can't help it.
It's a matter of convenience, less time doing your hair and more time having fun. Girls just want to have fun!
Prepare and get those curls bouncing, they're in!
For a loose sexy style curl scrunch your hair using a medium-to-strong gel. If you mix a little silk serum to soften, that's fine. Flip your head entirely over when scrunching. Try to bunch the hair in handfuls and keep the heat flowing between your fingers through your hair. After it's dry let it stay and cool for a minute, then flip it up.
source:http://hairstyles.free-beauty-tips.glam.com/curly-hair.html

Coffee & Cream Hair Highlights

Try a little of coffee and cr�me colouring to give yourself a little buzz. Add a fresh start with beige and brown highlights; throw in a little blonde (your preferred shade of course) and you�ve got the perfect combination for a simply delicious look.
The warm coffee color gives your hair depth while the creams blend and lighten any colour of hair. It looks more natural when the colour is warmer. Going warm with colour also prevents any red or gold from seeping through your underlying pigment. For example, a brunette that wants a nice rich chocolate brown overall colour or just as a highlight may fade to a red-brown because of her underlying pigment. Another example the chocolate brown will fade to a honey brown. So to avoid this, going warm cuts the gold and red look giving your hair a rich, warm, shade.

This season the light shade of blonde is a favorite. Mixed in with coffee and latt� highlights, makes it all worthwhile. Forget the golden-blonde, it�s out!
Remember to buy any shine product because chic is in. Natural sunlight, and healthy hair give it great shine on its own so why don�t you give your hair some decadence.
source:http://hairstyles.free-beauty-tips.glam.com/coffee-cream-hair-highlights.html

Blonde Hairstyles

What would you do to go blonde? Female Fatale, Rebel without a Cause is one determined blonde-haired woman.
You see them everywhere and against all natural odds - they are blonde. Sort of. They sit in the stylist's chair with frizzy blonde, black-roots begging for more bleach. Their hair is screaming for moisture. See picture on the left...
For under $20 dollars you could help fix that problem with some products that could actually make your hair blonde, healthy and shinny. Maybe even natural? Blondes do have more fun - see Jessica Simpson hairstyles, but if you are not in the Salon cutting your hair every 3 months, and have dry, damaged hair, don't despair.
Should I blow Dry?
Even if you do not blow dry 100% pure natural hair, it becomes damaged creating split ends, by ingredients like climate, dryness, over highlighting and mostly by avoiding your stylist. If you are using a moistening condition for dry hair, or a re-constructer for damaged hair, should able you to blow-dry just fine.
Adding heat from a blow dryer weakens the strands and sometimes it breaks off in extreme cases. So put the proper conditioning treatment in your hair and ask a Salon that has a good reputation to help you find that product that you need.

Curl Your Hair

To get the best kinds of curl for the best length of hair, you have to consider the following things.
Is your hair all one length? Layered? The more layers the more curl and shape. Long layers also apply. Do you have product already dried into your hair for hold? If you can�t let it dry naturally, here are quick fixes to get curls on any length.
For short straight hair use 1-inch barrel curling iron, throughout your hair. Curling med pieces of hair making sure you are tucking in the ends so the curl does not flip out. After curling rub some wax or pomade on both your hands. Flip your hair over and rub your fingers through it for a loose curl. If you like the tight curl effort spray some firm hairspray until you are ready to show off your curls.

For medium to long hair it might take a bit of work, but you too can get the waves or curls you like. For un-layered straight hair, you can get a curl, but its going to be very flat on the top of your head and very heavy and curly at the bottom. Invest in some hot rollers at Wal-Mart; getting curls only takes 10 minutes in the hot rollers. Twenty minutes if you are brave and want it really curly. As you wrap the pieces of hair on the roller spray hairspray in a downward movement and lightly stroke the ends before rolling. You get a better-defined curl. Start rolling 1-inch sections from front to back, then do your sides and top. Leave them in 10 minutes and voila! Curls-a-la-Carte. To loosen the curls apply a small amount of BioSilk for a soft shiny finish.
For medium to long layered hair scrunch with Joico�s Ice Finisher the hardest hairspray there is out there, but combine it with a soft gel or mousse to give you a softer yet holding curl. It�s guaranteed to give you curls all day. Pin some of those pieces of hair up if you plan to make it a night-time event or hot date.
To get the frizz out of any curl use a small amount of BioSilk to any ends. Spray on a spray shine for a final finished look.

Stress And Your Hair

Stress: the universal culprit
Apparently stress can affect your hair as well.
Any tension/stress can bring about disorders of the scalp . This could be a cause of the dandruff you have been fighting....
source: http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairstress.html

Shiny Hair

Have shiny hair
Did you know that your hair needs Vitamin E for shine?
You can get this much needed vitamin by incorporating brown rice, nuts, wheat germ and leafy green vegetables into your diet.
Hair care tools that can make a difference from a bad hair day and say hello to a good shiny one.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairshiny.html

Hair Volume

Flat hair step aside, full body hair is back. But that means using lots of products to build it up. To get the most of your perfect hairstyle make sure you start of with great clean hair. Use shampoos specifically for cleaning to remove any product build-up. Not only will it lift the weight of your hair, it will let your products work the way they are supposed to by giving you volume all day long.
For short straight or wavy hair start off with trying OSIS Volume Cr�me. Only apply a small amount of the lightweight combination cr�me right at the root. It can be applied in a fingertip application and it help your style all day long.
For long to medium length hair try JOICO's Volissima. Volissima is great to build volume on long straighter curly hair. Use half Volissima and half the mouse of your choice and apply at the root - viola! Those curls have definition and hold without that crunchy feeling.
If your hair is medium length and you want it straight with a lot of volume just use the Volissima gel on it�s own. When your hair is dry add more volume by using your hot rollers or Velcro. Use the bigger rollers so you get more volume and less curl. After leaving them on 15 minutes brush out your hair, whipping into style.
If you have thin hair, Juice's Ice Whip Mouse is sure to thicken any hair, but you may need a shine spritzer to spruce up your hair. The Ice whip works wonderful but it dulls your hair and shine is so important. Another product is Osis's Volume Shot. Its alcohol free application is great for fine hair. Only a drop is needed on any length to pump on the volume on your hair!
If you need another way to get volume without curls use big thick rollers. Spray and hold for a good 15 minutes. When the big rollers come off brush with a paddle or bristle brush into shape. If you have time to apply heat, it will hold it for a full day. The bigger the roller, the less curl and more volume.
Remember, always apply any volume product to the roots! That's where it all starts.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/volumehair.html

Permanent Color

Permanent color and your hair
The permanent color will penetrate the inner core of the hair strand and will not wash away as with a semi-permanent color that will wash out after a number of shampoos.
This varies, however, so be sure to check the box for this information.
You also should know about hair color
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairperm.html

Long Lasting Hairstyles

Longer lasting hair style beauty tip
You probably noticed that when you go to the salon to have your hair done, it seems to last for days at a time.
The reason for this is that the stylist has taken a great deal of time and care to style it right on day one.
So the next time you wash your hair, schedule the time to carefully blow dry it, set it etc. A quick wash and go just isn't the same thing.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairstyles.html

Instant Volume

Bigger volume of hair
Do you have long hair and you'd like more volume?
Towel your hair dry and then it pull up on the top of your head. Secure with a fat "elastic" (that won't damage or crease your hair ) and then blow dry the scalp hair until it is dry.
This will give you plenty of volume with little effort.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairinstant.html

Drying And The Brush

Hair drying and the brush
We all want to have beautiful hair so we have to know about proper hair care.
The worst thing you can do if you color your own hair is to apply the permanent color throughout your hair every time you color.
You know how vulnerable your hair is while it is wet. Using the brush can really do some damage.
So, after you shampoo your hair, blot it dry with a towel and then try to detangle it with your fingers. Don't use the brush! This is the time when you can stretch the strands and weaken them to the point where they snap.
When you brush your wet hair you can also cause frizzing to occur. Don't pick up the brush until your hair is somewhere between damp and dry and then use the blow dryer and a round brush until it is styled and completely dry.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairdrying.html

Hair Color Mistakes

The worst thing you can do if you color your own hair is to apply the permanent color throughout your hair every time you color.
The reason? It makes the hair more porous with the repeated colorings and it grabs more color giving you uneven color. Also, it is not healthy for your hair.
So try a semi permanent color instead, if you don't have the time to do the job properly.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/haircolor.html

Fuller Head Of Hair

Have a fuller head of hair
Try a little scalp massage to stimulate hair growth.
It not only feels wonderful, it's good for you, too. Oh yes, the feeling is just, aaah, you have to do it! :-)

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairfull.html

Boost the shine of your hair

Once your hair is completely dry, finish it off with a cool blast of air to seal the cuticle.
The reason? If the cuticles are ragged, there is no shine...

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairshine.html

Before You Color It

Before you color your hair...
Well, the week before you color you hair, make sure to really condition the ends so that they don't absorb too much color during the process.
The reason? The ends of your hair are usually the most porous and have a tendency to really soak up color.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hairbeforecolor.html

How Often Should I Color My Hair?

Another pressing beauty issue...
"It depends on the growth rate of your hair," says colorist Giselle of the Pierre Michel salon in Manhattan. "You should go in for a highlight application every two to four months, and single process color application about every six weeks."
Giselle, who has pumped up the blonde in such actresses as Sharon Stone and Renee Zellwegger, also says, "During the summer hair grows faster, but it also naturally lightens up, so you don't have to get your highlights done as often as during the winter."

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/howoftencolor.html

Dealing With Dandruff

How To Deal With Dandruff
Some are of the opinion that at the early stages of hair loss, dandruff begins to increase. However, an increase in the amount of dandruff does not necessarily mean that there is a "cause-effect" relationship resulting in the thinning of hair.
You should think of excessive dandruff as a warning sign as far as the health of the hair is concerned.
Dandruff is made up of bits of dead skin that peel away from the scalp as a result of the effects of metabolism. Normally, dandruff, in its early stages of growth, is not visible to the naked eye. It becomes visible only after enlarging into pieces of dead skin (what we normally call "dandruff") as a result of the propagation of bacteria and/or problems with seborrhoeic scalp conditions.
Persons suffering from prolonged dandruff are said to have a dandruff ailment. This type of ailment, accompanied by itchiness, can lead to eczema if it worsens. Suppressing the propagation of bacteria is one means of dealing with fatty dandruff. This is because bacteria is one of the causes of this condition.
If possible, try to shampoo on a daily basis to prevent bacterial propagation. One effective means of dealing with dandruff is to disinfect the scalp area with commercially available medicated shampoos specifically designed for dandruff removal. However, daily shampooing can lead to eczema for persons who suffer from dry scalps. Shampooing once every three days may be ideal for such persons.
Persons who suffer from persistent, hard-to-cure dandruff are urged to consult a skin specialist.

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/dandruff.html

Brushing Long Hair

How To Brush Long Hair Properly
Bend forward, allowing hair to fall. Using only a wooden base natural bristle brush, bring hair from the nape of the neck over the head and down to the ends. Then,
stand straight again with hair falling normally and brush from the underside of the hairline down the strands to the ends. Now,
brush the top layers into place with long, even strokes. After each stroke, smooth hair with hands to reduce static.
Increase the number of strokes weekly, starting with five and increasing by one a week until you find a comfortable routine. If oiliness develops, reduce strokes.
Brush only when dry. Hair is weakest when it is wet and brushing can easily damage it. Even when hair is dry, always comb before brushing.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/brushlonghair.html

Trim Your Hair

How To Trim Your Hair
Peeking out from a bit of fringe is sexy. Bang-induced blindness is not.
If you are not quite ready for a full haircut, take things into your own hands: "trimming your own bangs will keep your cut looking fresh between salon visits", says stylist Garren of the Garren New York salon.
He tells clients to trim about an eight of an inch every month.
Here's how to do it at home:
First, grab a pair of straightedge cuticle or mustache scissors. Style bangs as usual and clip back the rest of your hair. Start at the center of your bangs and work your way to the outside.
Using your fingers, gently hold a small section of dry hair - only about 10 to 12 hairs at a time - straight down against your forehead. (Don't pull too tight - you'll stretch the hair and end up cutting a lot more)
Trim and cut below your fingers to keep from cutting it shorter than you'd like.
When you are done trimming each section, comb it back into the rest of your bangs to check length (and that they are even) before moving on.
When you reach the end, return to the center and trim in the opposite direction until you are done.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/trimyourhair.html

Beautiful Summer Hairstyle

If your current cut and color could use an update for the long, hot days of summer, Jos� Eber and his Artistic Team, comprised of the best stylists and colorist from Eber's nationwide collection of salons, have developed a winning formula for creating and maintaining the hottest looks for the months ahead.
Sometimes change is like a summer vacation. A great hair cut. A splash of color. Two simple elements that can change your look and leave you feeling relaxed, carefree and ready to enjoy any summer destination, whether in on the sands of Saint Tropez or poolside in your own backyard. A fantastic summer hairstyle can be, in and of itself, like a long, languorous holiday - without the sun damage.
Each season at Jos� Eber Atelier, our top stylists and colorists work with me to create collections of hairstyles to complement both the casual and couture fashions introduced on runways across the world. Here we unveil some of the most exciting looks for the summer of 2001.
This season, we have created feminine, easy to maintain looks that accentuate, not overpower, the pastel colors, floral prints, and lightweight fabrics that help to beat the heat and humidity. These summer tresses are fresh, bouncy, boast lots of sexy shine and cry out to be touched.
My philosophy has always been that beauty is more than hair, facial features and body type. There is no one hairstyle or color that will work for every woman, but there is a look that is just right for you. So keep in mind that while creating your own signature summer style, the overall goal is to not just be more beautiful but more confident and comfortable with who you are.
With this in mind, here are a few tips and trends to really help you radiate from sunrise to sunset.
Solid Summer Shimmer
This seasons colors are all about one process, solid looks. Locks in pure shades of auburn, chestnut, and pale blonde will dominate. Streaks are out. Shiny, sexy, healthy looking hair is in.
Breezy, Carefree Cuts
Summer hair is all about a great cut. This season's lines are more blunt than in recent seasons and are accentuated with light layers that move
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/summerhairstyles.html

Defrizz Your Hair!

1. Shampoo and Condition
 Wash hair, concentrating on the scalp, using a low-detergent shampoo (the tip-off is that it doesn't lather very much, but when in doubt, buy formula for fine hair).
Rinse and apply conditioner, leave it in for a few minutes, and rinse with cool water. Then press - don't rub - wet hair with a towel.
Comb your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb.
2. Apply Styling Products
 While hair is still soaking wet, rub a blob of silicone gel, cream, or serum between your palms and run hands down the length of hair to seal the cuticles shut.
The coarser the hair, the heavier and richer the product should be.
To make sure every strand is coated from the roots to the ends, pin up the top layers of hair and smooth gel or serum on the bottom layers first.
3. Dry
 If you have curly hair and want to wear it natural, let it air-dry, or blow-dry it using a diffuser. Hold the dryer so that the diffuser cradles hair from below.
To wear hair straight, divide it into two-inch-wide sections. Blow-dry each one on high from roots to ends, using a metal barrel or boar-bristle brush and pointing the nozzle down.
To reseal cuticles, use just serum or pomade on dry hair.


Tricks Of The Trade
Shampoo only every other day - since detergent inflates the hair shaft and roughs up cuticles. On alternative days, rinse hair and condition only the ends.
To clean hair without fluffing frizz-prone ends, New York hairstylist River Lloyd recommends applying shampoo only at the crown.
After blowing hair straight, switch the dryer to a cool setting for a few seconds, and blow each section again.

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/defrizz.html

Your Best Hair Ever!

If Your Hair Is Curly:
Since your hair is prone to dryness, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.
After washing, gently blot hair dry with an absorbent towel and apply 4 to 6 drops of silicone-based shine serum (the thicker your hair, the more you can use).
Detangle hair with fingers, and allow it to air dry.
If Your Hair Is Wavy:
Lather up with a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. Rinse well.
Smooth and separate wet strands with wide-tooth comb, then spritz a silicone-based shine-enhancing spray from ends to roots.
Dry hair using a blowdryer with a tapered nozzle to direct air down the hair shaft and seal the cuticle.
If Your Hair Is Straight:
Your hair tends to lie flat against your scalp, where it can accumulate shine-dulling grease.
To avoid this, use a deep-cleaning shampoo daily and apply a clarifying gel treatment to roots once a week to prevent oil buildup.
After blowing hair dry, use a flatiron to enhance sheen.

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/besthair.html

Straighten Your Hair

So, do you want to strighten your curls? Here's how:
* Wash and condition hair.
* Blot dry. Hair should be almost dry when you begin.
* Gather up hair into several sections and secure or clip hair on top of your head. You will be drying the bottom layers first.
* Follow the brush (with your dryer) down the sections of hair as you straighten each section and be sure to keep the dryer moving.
* Take down a new section of hair and procede as directed above.
* Work your way up the layers until all sections are dried and straightened.
* To curl the ends for a polished look, take your brush and pull the ends under. Finish your styling with a blast of cool air if your hairdryer has this capability.
Tips:
* Be sure to condition your hair often. Sun, cold temperatures plus the use of your hair dryer can be hard on your hair.
* For best results, use products formulated for your hair type. It does make a difference.
* Give your hair a break and allow it to dry naturally as often as possible.
* Have split ends snipped every six weeks to two months to ensure that they don't travel up the hair shaft.
Get glam and be beautiful!

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/straightenhair.html

Homemade Hair Spray

Homemade Hair Spray
Chop one lemon (or an orange for dry hair). Place in a pot with 2 cups water. Boil until half of the initial amount remains. Cool, strain, and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator.
If it is too sticky, add more water. Add one ounce rubbing alcohol as a preservative and then the spray can be stored for up to two weeks unrefrigerated.
http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/homemadehairspray.html

Dandruff

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff
Cure for dandruff:
* Vinegar is poured into the hair, massaged into the scalp, and left to dry for a few minutes.
* Then the hair is washed.
* The process is repeated daily until the dandruff disappears, usually within a few days.

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/dandruffcure.html

Reverse Hair Loss

How To Reverse Hair Loss
These are helpful tips to help regenerate hair follicles, but they do not cure any underlying conditions, or stress-related hair loss.
* Try drinking this - blend bananas with honey, yoghurt & low-fat milk. A drink rich in biotin can help keep your crowning glory firmly rooted.
* Take dietary supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc & saw palmetto. Supplements are useful when you can't get enough from natural food sources.
* Invert your head while you shampoo & massage your scalp. This helps promote blood circulation to the head.
* Eliminate stress or else it can be disastrous to your precious hair!
* Get enough sleep.

Coloring Your Hair

Hair Colors
Coloring your hair is perhaps the quickest and most dramatic way to change your look. It is also an excuse to go out and buy a new wardrobe of clothes, because you'll find that what suited you as a brunette looks rather drab on a new blonde.
There are two types of hair dyes: permanent and semi-permanent, with variations of each.
A) Permanent Tints:
Must be mixed with hydrogen peroxide to lift hair color. The peroxide opens the hair cuticle so that the tint can penetrate the cortex and form the color. The higher the level of peroxide, the quicker and lighter the result.
B) Semi-Permanent Colors:
They don't actually lift the color - you can either vary the tone within your natural highlights or go darker. Quasi-color contains ethanolamine and 3% peroxide which slightly opens the cuticle. This means that the color can last up to 20 washes and will softly fade as you shampoo, causing no regrowth problem.
C) Semi-Permanent Vegetable Colors:
Contain only vegetable extracts and natural ingredients, so no color is stripped from your hair. It is similar to henna but it doesn't coat the hair (adds shine though). This color sits on the hair's surface and will wash out after about 8 shampoos.
Different coloring methods suit different hair styles, so get some expert advice when deciding which one to go for...
Skin Tone: Your new hair color should complement your skin tone. Light-skinned people don't look good with very dark hair because it draws color out of their skin. Dark, tanned skin doesn't look great when mixed with a one-tone blonde, but four or five blonde, chestnut or honey tones look fabulous.
BLONDE:
If you would love to be blonde, talk the process through with your colorist (or stylist) before you go for it. It should be relatively painless on virgin dark brown hair, but if your hair has been permanently tinted then the process will become a long saga.
Never attempt this kind of dye job on your own for the first time.
RED:
Red is the ultimate sexy shade, for color that cries out for attention. Hair holds on to red-toned pigments well, so going copper-top can be easy for most people.
But be warned - if you are blonde you will usually have to go two or three shades darker than your natural color to achieve a rich red (brunette), and it's not easy to reverse it.
BROWN:
Brunette is always a safe choice as it suits nearly every girl in town. Varying the shade with highlights can achieve a huge range of looks. From chocolate brown and bronze shades to honey or dark blonde, combinations of natural tones gives incredible shine as darker-pigmented tints add condition to your hair.
BLACK:
This is by far the easiest color to accomplish because the molecules in black tints are larger and will cover all hair types very effectively. Caution is needed when using black as it only tends to look good on people with darker and olive skin tones. it's great for getting the goth look, but definitely not for your granny.

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/coloringhair.html

Adding Shine

Fine Hair:
Look for a shampoo that has wheat protiens and polymers as ingredients. They coat the hair shaft, making it appear thicker.
Learn to use spray volumizers. They light enough to deposit a light mist of shine in droplets on the hair without wilting it.
Normal Hair:
Use a shampoo that has silk amino acids. It adds softness and repair hair structure. Lecithin restores hair texture.
Gels and creams will add shine without weight. First, it's necessary to pour the product in your palm. Rub your hands together, and then lightly pat over head.
Thick Coarse Hair:
The best shine enhancers for this type of hair are old-fashioned pomades. They work not only to deliver shine, but to moisturize this type of hair.
Tips For More Shine:
* Use heat-activated shampoo
* Deep condition at least weekly
* Don't use too many styling products that can dull the hair by coating it.
Strawberry Hair Mask:
Mash eight strawberries with one tablespoon mayonnaise. Massage into washed, damp hair. Cover with a shower cap, then a warm towel. Wash out with a shampoo/conditioner combination. This luscious mix of rich acidic berries will leave your hair both conditioned and with rich gloss.

Split Ends

Split ends, hair SOS (or trichoptlosis), are the bane of every self-respecting woman�s life! They happen when the protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends of hair fibers. Split ends are more likely to develop in dry or brittle hair, and typical causes of damage include excessive dying or vigorous brushing.
Once the hair cuticle is removed, it is impossible to replace. Typically the hair splits into two or three strands, and can be as long or two to three centimeters in length. The best treatment is to cut off the split end of the damaged fiber.
But you don�t necessarily have to go to the salon every week to keep your split ends in check. In the sixties and seventies, woman used to burn off their split ends themselves! Ouch! I�m sure you�ll agree that that�s a little excessive. There are easier ways to get rid of your dead ends before they split further... DIY (do-it-yourself) hair trims. Don�t be afraid, everyone does it!
Supermodels who openly take the snip between salon appointments include Natasha Vojnovic, Giselle Bundchen (of Dior advertisement fame), and Liya Kebede. In a recent Vogue interview, Sam McKnight, hairstylist to the stars, said �I�m all for people doing their own hair. It shows confidence and individuality. You can loose dry ends, add layers, even do a whole haircut yourself, although this is not for the fainthearted.�
These DIY hair trimming tips are for woman who are happy with their hair - picture perfect hair; for those who don�t need a re-style, but simply want to freshen things up with a �homegrown� sort of look. If you are in any doubt, leave it for the professionals!
To remove split ends:

• Take small sections of hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion.
  Any split ends will automatically stick out.
• Carefully snip into the twist with sharp scissors. Don�t cut right through; just cut into the thickness to remove the damaged cuticles and give a natural layered effect.
• Be careful to cut roughly the same amount from each twist.

Remember, sometimes the simplest, and least expensive, ideas are the best. So get trimming your hair!
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/splitends.html

Healthy Hair

Forget hair revitalizing shampoos, great nutrition is the most effective way of getting awesome hair!
Shiny, healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body, so it's like two for the price of one. Just like your body, your hair needs a balanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. So follow this recipe for healthier hair, and be amazed at the difference it makes!
Water
Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Moisture makes the hair supple, so make sure you get plenty of fluids. A key point is NOT to wait until you're thirsty. If you're thirsty, it means your body has already lost more water than it should have, and it's urging you to fill up the tank. Water not only hydrates your body, but helps keep your hair silky and shiny. Ideally, you should drink between eight and ten glasses of water a day.
Protein
Protein is the building block of hair, so a diet for healthy hair contains an awful lot of protein! Protein will give the shaft of your hair more strength, and will reduce the likelihood of dame through snapping and splitting. You can get protein from foods like fish, meat, milk, cheese and cereals.
Minerals

• Iron helps to carry oxygen to the hair. Without enough iron, hair and its follicles get starved of oxygen. This means that the �goodness� in the root of your hair is much less effective along the length of the strand. You can increase your iron intake by eating red meat and dark green vegetables, or by iron supplements.
• Zinc builds hair protein which helps to prevent hair loss. Meat and seafood are the foods highest in zinc.
• Copper is involved in the pigmentation of hair. You can optimize your natural color with a diet with plenty of copper. Who needs hair dye and fake color! Shellfish, liver, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and meat are all high in copper.

Vitamins

• Vitamin A will give you a healthy scalp, because it�s great for the skin! You can get vitamin A from foods like vegetables - in particular, in carrots. (So it�s good for the waistline too!)
• Vitamin B and C are important for good circulation, hair growth and hair color. If you ensure that you have enough vitamin B and C, you�ll have strong, supple strands of hair that do not split. You can get these vitamins from eating foods like fruit, vegetables, cereals, eggs, milk and bread.

So follow this healthy guide� be sure to add in a hefty dose of daily exercise to keep that blood pumping� then add proper hair care on the surface! Go ahead! Try it!
Soon enough you'll be turning down offers to do shampoo commercials!

Curly Hair

urls, tussles, waves, twists are back bigger than ever! Trend setting Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys at the Grammy wore sexy curls. Even Justin Timberlake did - but he can't help it.
It's a matter of convenience, less time doing your hair and more time having fun. Girls just want to have fun!
Prepare and get those curls bouncing, they're in!
For a loose sexy style curl scrunch your hair using a medium-to-strong gel. If you mix a little silk serum to soften, that's fine. Flip your head entirely over when scrunching. Try to bunch the hair in handfuls and keep the heat flowing between your fingers through your hair. After it's dry let it stay and cool for a minute, then flip it up.
 To create loose curls, use a soft shine wax on the ends, if you want it to hold go in and curl with your finger any piece that did not curl so well, use some hairspray and Voila! If you want just a little wave use the soft shine wax from root to end.
If you want moving bouncing curls, invest in some hot rollers sold at Wal-Mart. Set your hair, it should take 10 minutes to heat and curl. Take the rollers out and before putting any product on it piece out the curls one by one. If you want a tighter curl, spray a little hairspray before wrapping the the hair on the roller. Spray the hairspray on your hair, not the roller itself. The harder the spray, the firmer it holds.If you already have natural curly or wavy hair, lucky you; just remember to visit your stylist and get some long layers to revamp your curl. The same products apply in your case. Ask your Salon for more details and see more Curly Hair Tips

Make Your Own Hair Accessories

You are in a hurry and you just can't find just the right hair clip or barrette... Sounds familiar? Well, why not make your own?
Let's start with the smallest hair decorations: bobby pins.
You can buy packs of these for quite a low price. Just get the plain black ones and decorate them with nail polish to create nice hair clips. Nail polish is the best to use as it dries quickly so you can do last minute changes.
You can also try painting stripes on. Use sparkly or metallic polish for interesting effects. Then you can also add tiny rhinestones, available at your local craft store, while the polish is still wet. Hold the stones in place until the polish dries around them. You may need to reapply them at a later date. Tiny glass beads can also be used for an interesting effect.
The larger hair clips that bend to snap into your hair will not take beads and rhinestones very well. They will tend to fall off due to the flexing of the clip, but you have lots of room for painting on designs! Use a toothpick to help you make tiny designs on the clip. You can do zebra stripes, polka dots and letters on these. Let your imagination take over.
How about large hair barrettes?
These are the metal ones that have a spring clip at the bottom. You can buy packages of them at the local craft store. These are lots of fun to decorate! Go ahead and experiment, you will surprise yourself...
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hair_accessories.html

Remedy for Oily Hair

There are ways you can help stop the grease from appearing but you have to work at it.
Do not wash everyday. The cleaner your hair is the more it can seep into your glands and harder it is to get rid of. When you do wash make sure you are washing with a cleaning shampoo and scrubbing the build up off. Take in mind that you also have to have a ph-balanced mild shampoo and lite scrubbing is recommended. Try to avoid conditioner at the roots, apply in the middle or on the ends.
Try to avoid oil in your daily food intake. And do eat more vegetables. You could visit your doctor but only after you check and consider your diet, drugs, alcohol, and your fatty food intake. Let's face it we see what McDonalds can do to your heart in a month, can you image your hair. You would be dripping everywhere.
Maybe it's time to change your shampoo. Ask your stylist what she or he would recommend. Avoid using shine products at all costs. Keep away from two-in-one shampoos and conditioners and any frizz serums.
To fix at the moment, rub a little Talcum Powder on your dried hair at the roots. Just make sure you wash it out. I wish they would event that magic product, but this will help until they do.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/oily-hair.html

Remedy for Oily Hair

There are ways you can help stop the grease from appearing but you have to work at it.
Do not wash everyday. The cleaner your hair is the more it can seep into your glands and harder it is to get rid of. When you do wash make sure you are washing with a cleaning shampoo and scrubbing the build up off. Take in mind that you also have to have a ph-balanced mild shampoo and lite scrubbing is recommended. Try to avoid conditioner at the roots, apply in the middle or on the ends.
Try to avoid oil in your daily food intake. And do eat more vegetables. You could visit your doctor but only after you check and consider your diet, drugs, alcohol, and your fatty food intake. Let's face it we see what McDonalds can do to your heart in a month, can you image your hair. You would be dripping everywhere.
Maybe it's time to change your shampoo. Ask your stylist what she or he would recommend. Avoid using shine products at all costs. Keep away from two-in-one shampoos and conditioners and any frizz serums.
To fix at the moment, rub a little Talcum Powder on your dried hair at the roots. Just make sure you wash it out. I wish they would event that magic product, but this will help until they do.

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/oily-hair.html

Hair Highlights

Highlights consist of selecting small or thick strands of hair that are then lightened at least 2 shades lighter than the rest of your hair. Highlights should compliment your natural or artificial color. You should never go more than 3 shades lighter then the rest of your hair color. The object of highlighting is to give you a sun-kissed look and to bring depth and light to your overall color.
So if you want to achieve salon perfect results at home when you highlight your hair, here's what the pros say:

• Use a clarifying shampoo on your hair at least two days before coloring.
• Never shampoo the day you color. Haute hair
• Check the expiration date on the package. And once you mix the color, use it right away!
• Toss out the brush that comes in the box and buy flat 1/2 and 1/4 inch acrylic brushes. These brushes, used by artists, are available at art supply stores (they'll give you better control and more natural-looking results)
• Make sure you have on hand a pair of good, tight-fitting latex gloves (the ones that come in the package don't always fit well).
• Start from the back of your head and work forward. By working from back to front, you won't smear the pieces in front by having to reach over them to do the back.
• Apply the highlights only to the top layers of your hair. By leaving the hair underneath alone, you'll create depth and a sun-kissed look that looks completely natural! 

source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hair-highlights.html

Hair Extensions

Have you noticed the amount of celebrities Ravishing Ravens who have all of a sudden grown long, flowing locks? The key to their fabulous hair is the clever use of hair extensions, carefully blended to match exactly with their own hair.
Hair extensions offer instant volume haute hair for limp tresses hair SOS or emergency relief from a disastrous haircut.
You can expect extensions to last up to three months.
Caring for hair extensions is a bit different from caring for natural hair. Some things that you should know.

• Use a soft bristle brush and brush your hair from the bottom and gently work your way up.
• Gently tie your hair up while sleeping.
• Do not color your own hair extentions at home.
• To prevent tangling, run your fingers through the braid extensions.
• Don't spray your extensions with conditioners or any silicone based products as they can cause the braids to slip.

How long can extensions be? Ellen Pompeo
You can have any length you want up to about 26"-30". Anything longer than this puts extra weight on your scalp which may lead to uneven pressure and damage to your own hair. The best looking hair extensions for average height women are usually around 22" or less.
How much are they?
It's all relative. Someone will do it for you for a few hundred dollars while others will charge thousands. Shop around, but remember that to get the best possible product you will pay a premium price. However, your hair will look great, it will last and you will feel terrific!
Can I wear my hair up? Heidi Klum
Of course, the hair extensions should not be applied any lower than the base of your scalp (approximately at the level of the middle of your ears) and so your hair under this point covers the extensions while you wear it in pigtails, ponytails - see Reese Witherspoon, french braids etc.
Does it hurt?
No! If it hurts get out of there! The extensions artist should braid the tracks firmly but comfortably. The tension should be even all over your head with no points pulling or hurting. Do not put up with someone telling you it has to be really tight in order to be secure. Pulling your hair out is not the idea. You will know you have something on your head for the first day or two but after that you won't even feel that they are there.
source: http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/hair-extensions.html

Short Hair Cuts

Short hair cuts reflect self-assurance, readiness to take new challenges.
Short hair shows you are cool, confident, in control, and too busy to spend hours 5 Minute Makeover fussing with your hair.
Great things about short hair cuts

Short hair is sexy. A man will see you and your personality.

Well-cut short hair emphasises femininity, especially if you get chunky layers and softness cut into the style.

Your hair - see Salma Hayek looks thicker and more glossy. Shorter hair looks healthier than the dull, damaged ends of longer hair. It�s a good choice for women with fine hair. Hair SOS

Short hair is easy to manage. You just step into it and go.

You can look younger. Wrinkles are emphasised by the straight lines of long hair, but the softer shape of short hair makes them less obvious. Turn back the clock! Common Dos and Don�ts:
Don�t use any rubber band to the keep hair off your face. Rubber bands tend to break or split hair. Instead use a scrunchy or a fabric coated elastic band.
Don�t brush wet hair too harshly because it�s three times weaker and more likely to break off mid-strand. Towel dry hair first, then gently detangle using a wide toothcomb.
Oil your hair before every wash. Massage oil well into the scalp and keep for a minimum of half-hour. This keeps your scalp nourished and conditioned.
Avoid over-conditioning. Excessive use of conditioner can damage your hair and cause split-ends. Hair SOS

Athletic Hairstyles for Active Females

Get geared up for your sporting events with a new hairstyle! Whether your favorite sport is soccer, track and field, basketball, softball, rugby, running or something completely different, keeping the hair off the back of your neck and out of your eyes will surely make playing conditions more comfortable.
Double braids work well with medium to longer hair lengths as they both keep the hair out of the face and off of the neck. Using a comb, trace a straight part down the back of the head and secure one of the two sections with an elastic band. Begin braiding by separating the remaining segment of hair into three equal sections. Braid hair by alternately pulling each of the outside sections of hair toward the center, over the middle section. Continue braiding hair until only an inch or two remains at the bottom of the braid. Fasten the end with an elastic hair band and repeat for the second braid. For best results, braid hair while it is still damp from the shower unless sporting events are during cold winter months. (Consider doing this same style with French braids if you know how.)
Using elastic headbands, pull hair back from forehead and tie it up into a high ponytail for the best and easiest off the neck, out-of-the-eyes style. Elastic bands work best for ponytails because plastic and metal clips can sometimes cause injury if sporting accidents occur.
Mini-braid mania � Using tiny rubber bands made specifically for hair, braid bangs or front section of hair split into tiny sections, one by one. Depending on hair�s length and personal preferences, braid one or two rows and tie the rest back into a ponytail. For those with much time on their hands or a whole bunch of friends to help out, braid the entire head! If desired, use hairspray or gel to strengthen the hold. Consider using an elastic headband or other alternative to keep braids against the top of your head and off of your face.
Improvised headband - If elastic headbands are not among the selection of barrettes and clips in your personal hair care inventory, don�t worry. Try to get some pre-wrap from your team�s athletic trainer if possible, or barring that, find an old T-shirt and cut off one sleeve. Cut the sleeve again, but just at the seam that stitches it from bicep to armpit. Open up the sleeve and cut tiny strips about one-half inch thick and the entire length of the sleeve, starting the scissors along the edge where you just cut the seam. After cutting the strips, pull fabric gently but firmly to tighten and tie around head, holding hair down securely. This improvised fashion statement could actually accommodate your entire team with hair bands for all, if cutting both sleeves of an old T-shirt.
As a fun tradition, get a few friends together before the game and help each other with an athletic hairstyle. Braiding each other�s hair to keep it out of the eyes and off the neck can provide some relaxing downtime just prior to the opening whistle while putting everyone in a positive mood. Help each other get psyched up and ready to play!

How to Take Care of Combination Hair

There are many different types of hair. There are thick types and there are fine types of hair. There are curly ones and straight-falling ones. Some hair types are more prone to the accumulation of sebum (the natural oils that our skin secretes) than others, while some hair types are just naturally dry. There are various ways of taking care of hair according to its various types.
But what if your hair happens to be a combination type of hair? What if your hair is very oily near the scalp but has the tendency to be dry to the point of brittleness as the strands reach the ends? How do you take care of hair like that?
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to care for the combination type of hair. With the appropriate use of the right products, you can prevent damage to your hair, protect it, keep it healthy and even enhance its beauty. So how do you effectively care for the combination type of hair?
It all starts with the proper washing of the hair. In shampooing, never use hot water to wet your hair. Hair strands are susceptible to extreme heat and hot water will only damage it. Instead, just use lukewarm water.
Be choosy with the products that you use for your hair. If you have the combination type hair, avoid using shampoos formulated for oily hair. It might worsen the condition of the dry tips of your locks. Instead, opt for shampoos specially made for normal hair.
Do not use too much shampoo to wash your hair. Just a dollop the size of a quarter will do. Apply the shampoo directly on the scalp and just let the suds flow to the ends of your hair. Never apply the shampoo directly to the tips because the shampoo will wash off the oil that your hair tips need so much. If you must, just scoop some suds from the top of your head and use it to wash your hair�s tips. Never overclean your hair�s ends and be careful in handling them. Rinse the shampoo off carefully and thoroughly until it is not slippery any longer.
After shampooing the hair, apply a rinse-off conditioner. Just as you should never apply shampoo directly to the tips of your hair, you should never apply conditioner directly to your scalp either. The moisturizing agents in the conditioner will cause the scalp to produce too much oil. Instead, concentrate the application of the conditioner to the tips of your hair strands, and then rinse your hair thoroughly, this time with cold water to lock in the moisture and to discourage your hair from secreting too much oil.
For added TLC for your combination type hair, indulge in deep conditioning treatment once a week. Apply moisturizing conditioner to the dry parts of your hair, wrap it with a towel and let it be for a couple of hours before washing it off completely. You can substitute olive oil for commercial conditioner if you wish. Also, make it a habit to have your hair trimmed once every two months to get rid of your hair�s brittle ends.
The combination type of hair need not be a hair care nightmare. All it needs to keep healthy and beautiful is the know-how for its proper care.

Versatile Haircut

However, inasmuch as there are so many hairstyles out there that we can pick and choose from, there are some haircut styles that may look good on some but not on others. A hairstyle we may like may not look good on us, and mainly because that haircut does not flatter the shape of our face.
A woman with a round face should wear her hair in such a way that it lessens the width of her face and should go for hairstyles that add length. In contrast, hairstyles that add length should be avoided by women with long faces, and these women should go for hairdos that add width to the face.
Read more on best hairdos for your face.
But whatever the shape a woman�s face may have, there are indeed a few haircuts that would look good on her regardless. This all-around hairstyle is so simple and versatile that it would look good not just on any type of face, but also on any kind of occasion.
What are the elements of this all-around haircut that goes well with any shape of the face?
There are two elements to the all-around hairstyle.
The first element is layering. The layers of the hair should act as arrows that direct the eyes to whoever is looking at you to the best features of your face, such as the eyes, the lips or the cheekbones. So, the layers of your hair should be done to the front of the face, rather than in the back. However, avoid having your layers done too short; hair layers should not fall above the eye or above the earlobes.
The second element is length. Try to keep the length of your hair to just about your shoulders. Long hair that falls to the middle of the back and cut without any shape or layers should be left to teenage girls.
But if you want to wear your hair long, wear it with layers around your face. Also, have the length at the back cut to a round shape, or a V-shape. Long hair cut straight and without any shape can make a woman look either too old or too juvenile, but long hair that is done with layers and with the ends shaped at the back can make you look sophisticated and sexy.
The all-around haircut is perfect for any face, regardless of the shape. Why don�t you try it and see for yourself?
Also see: Hair Accessories - make your own hair accessories.

Right Way To Wash Your Hair

Most of us think we have this all down pat, but for all we know, we might be wrong. After all, we have been washing our hair all our lives. How could we go wrong with something like washing our hair? However, we might be washing our hair the wrong way and contribute to its damage without actually knowing it.
What we should remember about our hair is that the individual strands of our hair, no matter how thick or strong it looks, is actually very delicate. So we cannot just tug and pull at it, or else it would break. We would not want to have hair breakage, would we?
So, what is the right way of washing the hair?
The first thing you should do is to comb the tangles out of the hair before you wet it so the hair would wash easily and the tangles would not worsen. And then, wet your hair thoroughly under the shower. You can use either warm or cold water if you like, but for best results, you can wet your hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles of the hair and wash all the oil and dirt off. And then, you can rinse your hair with cold water afterwards to close the cuticles and add to the shine of your hair.
Rinse your hair under the shower to rid it of the leave-on conditioner and styling aids you have used previously, using gentle strokes of your fingertips. Then, pour a dollop of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, and then apply the shampoo to your scalp. Take note that you should put the shampoo on your scalp and not at the ends of your hair, as the shampoo would dry your hair's ends and cause it to weaken and split. Also, do not mix your hair all over your head as you shampoo because it will get all tangled up. After this, rinse the shampoo off.

To Blow Dry or To Air Dry?

Should the hair be blow dried or air dried?
It is a matter of preference, actually. Some people do not have much time to devote to styling their hair, or want to achieve the maximum styling they can get for their hair, so they opt for blow-drying it. On the other hand, there are some people who think that blow-drying is a waste of electricity and is the quickest way of damaging the hair, so they opt to have it air dried.
Which is better, you may ask?
Both ways of drying the hair have their advantages and disadvantages, and there are proper and improper ways of doing both. Read on and find out what these are.
Air drying. Air drying is usually done by people who have short and low-maintenance hairstyles, or by people with curly hair. There are also people who have long hair yet have their hair air dry, as air drying does not subject the hair to excessive heat. Therefore, the hair is not as susceptible to damage as hair that is blow dried.
If you are going to have your hair air dried, it is very important to remember that the hair is at its weakest when it is wet. So, take care not to rub your hair dry with the use of a towel. The friction caused by rubbing the hair with a towel will make the hair brittle and eventually break. Rather than rubbing it, you should instead blot the moisture out of your hair with the towel. Also, be careful not to tug or pull at your hair that much when it is still wet. Once the water is blotted out of the hair, fluff it out with your fingers.
Blow Drying. Blow drying the hair is the most convenient way of doing it, and because most people live fast-paced lives, blow drying the hair is the way most people want to do it. Moreover, drying the hair using a blower adds volume to the hair. But inasmuch that blow drying is very convenient, it is also dangerous to the hair, especially if overdone. It can make the hair very brittle.
If you blow dry your hair, make sure that it is not soaking. Blot the water out with a towel first. Do not hold the dryer too close to your head; keep it at least six inches away from your hair and move the dryer constantly around your head. Protect the outer strands of your hair from being over-dried by bending over and blow drying your hair with your hair hanging upside down. Also, try not to dry your hair completely with the blow dryer. Stop while the hair is still slightly damp.
Whether you air dry your hair or you blow dry it is completely your own choice based on your own lifestyle and preferences. But whatever you do, always remember that the hair is fragile. Be careful while handling it.

How To Shake Dandruff Flakes Away

If you have dandruff, do not worry about being alone with your problem. With one out of every two people in the entire world having, or having had, that same problem as yours, you are definitely not alone with it. Dandruff is a common hair problem. Embarrassing indeed, but a very, very common problem nonetheless.
What causes dandruff? Well, you see, our entire skin, from our scalps to the soles of our feet, sheds dead skin cells on a daily basis. We get a complete coating of new skin every 28 days or so, but we hardly even notice it.
Our bodies also play host to a lot of microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, feeding off on the sebaceous oils that our skin produces. Our scalp in particular is home to a kind of fungus called malassezia fungus, and its food is the oils produced by the hair follicles of our scalp. Dandruff happens when, for some reason or another, the malassezia fungus goes crazy and irritates our scalp, causing the dead skin to shed a lot faster. So, instead of shedding the dead skin cells of our scalp for a month, the shedding happens in less than two weeks, and the oil that our hair follicles produce cause these dead skin cells to clump together and become dandruff. Until now, the factors that trigger this phenomenon with the malassezia fungus are still the subject of research.
source:http://free-beauty-tips.glam.com/dandruff-flakes.html

Natural Tips for Healthy Hair

• Massage the Scalp with pure coconut oil. This will also help growth of hair.
• Apply coconut oil which has been boiled with small onions for about 20 minutes. Wash it off with a mixture of green gram powder and water drained from cooked (boiled) rice.
• Apply a mixture of almond oil and gooseberry juice with finger tips on the scalp.
• Apply the warm mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and coconut oil. Do a steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes and wash the hair with a mild shampoo.
• Apply a paste of fenugreek and mustard to the scalp.
• Mix Shikakai powder with the water drained from the cooked rice and wash the hair with it.
• Crush  the leaves of five petal hibiscus flower and take the juice. Wash the hair with this juice.
• Heat oil with a little camphor. Apply the oil in the scalp and massage for 10 minutes. After 30 minutes wash the hair with a herbal shampoo. Do the steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes.

For Healthy and Shiny hair

• It is better to apply castor oil for a healthy growth of hair.
• Wash hair with tea once in a week.
• Apply besan in the hair and wash it with water drained from the cooked rice.
• Soak a handful of gooseberries in a cup of milk for two hours. Make a paste and apply on the hair.
• Apply the mixture of an egg white, 2 spoons of castor oil, 1 spoon glycerin, in the scalp and hair. Wash it after some time.
• Massage hair with warm coconut oil an hour before washing. Let it soak. Cover your head with a hot towel and wash your hair after an hour or so. 
• Boil a few hibiscus flowers in coconut oil. Filter and use this hair oil to control hair loss and thinning.
• Do a 'steam-towel-wrap' once in a while, if your cuticles are damaged, as this steaming opens out the pores and absorbs the oil.
• Soak 1 teaspoon fenugreek in curd and keep it for a night. Apply it in the next morning.
• Boil coconut oil with the juices of curry leaves, basil, hibiscus flower and gooseberry. Apply on hair, keep it for sometime and rinse.
• Take a cup each coconut and mustard oil. Soak half a cup of curry leaves in the oil mixture and keep it for a night. Next morning, heat on a slow fire till the curry leaves turn crisp. Remove from heat and add two to three camphor balls. Allow oil to cool and then strain. Apply oil to hair roots using cotton wool along the parting and massage in circular movements. Leave the oil overnight and shampoo the next morning. Repeat twice a week. 
• Add a lemon peel to a 'shikakai' and 'amla' mixture while washing your hair.

For Graying

• Take a little Mehandi , an egg, juice of  half a lemon, one table spoon of instant coffee powder. Mix it together and apply on the hair. Wash it after 45 minutes.
• Boil one cup of dried gooseberry with 4 cups of water. Add a pinch of sugar in it. Keep boiling till the quantity of the liquid reduces to one cup. Mix 2 cups of Mehendi, an egg, juice of a lemon and the gooseberry solution and apply on hair. Wash the hair after two hours.

Natural Conditioners 

• Henna is a herbal treatment with good conditioning abilities.
• Egg white is a good conditioner for hair. 
• Deep condition with curd, beer and egg. 
• Mix a little vinegar in warm water and rinse your hair with this solution. This will add bounce to dull and lifeless hair.
  
  
  Source:  http://www.webindia123.com/fashionfabrics/beauty/hair/nature.htm