FAQ: How To Make Curly Hair Wavy?

Question:
My hair is very curly. I would like to make it wavy without using any chemicals. Is there any shampoo or conditioner that will make my hair more relaxed?

Answer:
I have never came across a shampoo or conditioner that would make any wavy hair straight. However, I have used a "Pure Clean Smoothing Cream" by Garnier and it helped to keep my hair a bit relaxed. I washed my hair, conditioned it, applied this cream and with a very gentle pulling my hair I diffused it. The diffuser helped to keep hair from frizzing up.
If you do not care for Garnier products, you can check other companies such as Brocato's "Curl Interrupted Curl Calming Balm" or Bumble and Bumble's "Curl Conscious Calming Creme" which are supposed to  tame, smooth, soften and loosen tight and coarse curls that frizz. Of course, you would use the above mentioned diffuser on your hair dryer and gently, without disturbing your curls pull on your hair to make it straighter.

Credit: The above image is from Seventeen Magazine.

FAQ: How To Make My Hair Stay Pin Straight?

Question:
My hair is wavy but thick. I straighten my hair with a high quality flat iron right after I apply a heat protectant. However, my hair never stays completely straight. What am I doing wrong?

Answer:

1. You may be leaving some moisture in your hair
2. A humidity from the air may be getting into your hair
3. Everyone's head sweats at night and "restructures" the hair while people sleep

All these situations "spring" your hair back to a wavy stage. Some of these situations can be fixed, some cannot.  

To improve your flat ironing skill, you can try this:

• after conditioning your hair, rinse it with cool water/vinegar mixture to "semi-close" your hair cuticle (1 TBSP of vinegar to 1 or 1 and 1/2 cups of water, you can add your favorite essential oil to give your mixture a nice smell)
• wrap your hair with a towel for few minutes, then dry your hair completely with a blow dryer (do not burn your hair)
• after applying your heat protectant, use high heat on your iron, but make sure you move the iron without stopping
• when done, iron your hair again to ensure your hair cuticle is as flat and "closed" as possible (again do not stay in one spot - you need to move your GHD/flat iron down the hair shaft)
• if you wear your hair for couple of additional days, touch up your hair with your iron as your hair may get wavy due to your sweating at night while you sleep

Credit: The Gwyneth Paltrow's image is a property of THIS website.

Note:

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: What Is The Best Style For My Face Shape?

Question:
I have a heart shaped face. What haircut/style would suit me the best?

Answer:
If your face is narrow around the chin area, you need to widen it visually with your hair. A length from slightly below the chin  down to below your shoulders would be the best option.
The modern flip would make it distracting from your narrow chin. Other styles that would work - nice soft wispy hair around the face, or longer wavy hair. Bangs - either normal or side swept are great. You could also try to keep your hair kind of straight/flat in the widest area of your head to make it look visually narrow.
Ponytail styles or "up-do's" will make your heart shape face more pronounced.

Let's use Reese Witherspoon as an example.

Credit: The above image (of Reese Witherspoon) is from THIS website. It is a perfectly balanced style for her heart shaped face. She looks stunning.

Credit: The image is from THIS website.

A blunt cut is widening the chin area.

Credit: The image is from THIS website.

Soft waves are visually balancing the face at the chin area

Credit: The image is from THIS website.

As you see this "up-do" style is the least flattering for Reese Witherspoon's face - the shape is so much more pronounced. But, she is a beautiful woman (inside and out), so she can get away with it. 

Credit: The image is from THIS website.

If the hair gets too long, it can be lengthening your chin visually, so keep your hair on the shorter side.

FAQ: How To Style Curly Fragile Hair?

Question:
My hair is curly, yet fragile. When I use any product on my hair it becomes limp and almost straight. How can I make it curly and non-flyaway and non-frizzy?

Answer:
If you color your hair, you need to take all precautions of correct color applications, so the hair does not get damaged on the hair shaft from over-application of harsh chemicals. When shampooing your hair, apply your shampoo to your scalp and with fingertips massage your scalp in such a way that you do not rub the hair shaft - imagine you are putting your hands under the hair when dry - and that's the way you should shampoo your hair when it is wet in shower. The less you rub your hair, the healthier it will be. You probably wonder, but how do I clean my hair shaft (entire hair)? After cleaning your scalp, just pretend that you are gently sliding your fingers down your hair (in the direction of growth) - sort of like you would "milk your hair". Then gently rinse your hair until the shampoo is all out. Apply your hair conditioner half way down the hair shaft and "comb" your hair with fingers very gently. The hair conditioner is slippery and therefore you should not rip your hair yet you will untangle your hair. Then rinse your hair very well. Wrap your hair in towel and gently squeeze the towel to get the moisture out of your hair. Again - no rubbing.
At this point, I usually put a tiny amount of conditioner into my palms and scrunch it into my curly hair (my hair looks sort of like the model in the image above). I comb my hair with a wide tooth comb. Then I start "scrunching" my hair into a style. If your hair is extremely fine, you may want to use a leave in hair conditioner instead - you can make your own by mixing a little of your hair conditioner with water in a spray bottle.
Then I usually spread a hair gel all over my palms and "scrunch" it into my hair on top of my hair conditioner. Most of the time I let my hair dry naturally, but I get very firm ringlets if I use a hair diffuser to dry my hair. I heat up an area and then scrunch" the hair. Then again, and again - I alternate the diffusing and scrunching.
If a gel is too heavy for your hair, use just half of the amount and mix it with water in your palm. Now the wetness and gel will make your hair create ringlets. With the diffuser and scrunching you should be able to encourage your ringlets stay put.
You could also try to diffuse and scrunch your hair with only leave in hair conditioner.
Also - the longer your hair is, the straighter your hair will appear from your scalp half way down. The weight of your hair ends will pull on the hair. You just need to encourage your curls to stay in by scrunching.

The flyaway hair can be tamed too. Spray leave in hair conditioner on your palms and just scrunch it into your hair.

Credit: The image above is from THIS website

Below is the example of a diffuser.

FAQ: How Can I Protect My Hair From Overheating By Blow-dryers And Flat Irons?

Question:
I use my blow dryer and my flat iron often. What should I do to prevent my hair from damage? Can you recommend any products?

Answer:
Use your blow-dryer on cool settings when ever possible - the cooler air will not burn your hair. If you are in a rush and you use the high heat make sure to move your blow dryer around - do not stay in one spot too long. Before you use your flat iron (your straightener) apply a heat protectant for hair, which you can get at your local salon or a beauty supply store. If you use your flat iron on high heat, make sure you run it down your hair shaft very fast. If you stay on the hair strand for too long you may burn your hair overtime. Let the strand cool before you run your flat iron again. To save time alternate sides/areas = while one area is cooling you can work on an other strand and return to the first one (that is not finished yet) when it cools down.

Give yourself a deep conditioning treatment (or a mask) at least once a month. Go to a reputable salon in your area and ask for samples. Then, if you like any particular mask or treatment, you can purchase it at a later date. While at the salon, ask what each product does to the hair. This will save you money instead of buying something that doesn't work for your hair.

Above - a thermal ionic hair dryer by Solia (1875W)
Below - an example of Frederic Fekkai's Termal UV Protectant (a heat protectant), however there are many such as this one on the market.

FAQ: Help With My Thin Hair

Question:
My hair is really thin. It is also limp and I wish it was thicker.  Can I get hair extensions? Is there any reason not to do it?

Answer:
If you get extensions, you may run into a problem of damaging your hair. Since it is thin, there s a chance of breaking easily, or getting so called "traction alopecia" (boldness in spots from having hair tightly pulled by braiding or by extensions). In a long run it would cause even thinner hair.

First and foremost - diet is very important. Then your hair care is important as well - good shampoo and conditioner, not much styling products (they pull thin hair down). Then a good massage while you are shampooing your hair will bring nutrition into the roots, which will make your hair stronger.

If it comes to styling, the best solution is to cut hair in a chin length bob. You need a great hairdresser for that. There are several types of bobs, they do not have to be boring. You could use "clip on hair extensions" as an accent for occasional wear. They come in many colors, length and thicknesses. See images of extensions and possible styles below.

Asymmetrical Bob. The image is from THIS site's page (more bobs to see there)

Another semi-asymmetrical bob. This image is from THIS web site.

Although this style is classified as over 50 short bob, it will look great at any age. The image is from THIS web site.

This very stylish bob is stacked in the back, and has a longer front. The image comes from THIS web page.

Credit - the image at the beginning of my post is from THIS web site.

FAQ: Hair Conditioner Vs. Straight Hair

Question:

My hair is straight and I will curl my hair with a curling iron for a special occasion. Will hair conditioning help my curls stay?

Answer:

Some straight hair can hold a curl, but if your hair is pin straight and resistant to curls, it just will not stay. A hair conditioner has nothing to do with curls, it is designed to condition dry hair. Hair will not hold curl on straight hair especially if there is a humidity in the air, which affects the inner structure of the hair.

Credit: The image above is a property of THIS website.

FAQ: How Should I Curl My Hair With A Curling Iron?

Question:

I am having hard time curling my hair with a curling iron. One side points in and one side points out.

Answer:
You need to watch in which direction you wrap your hair around, which can be difficult since you are looking into the mirror.
Hold your curling iron in a vertical position (best if your handle is up with the tip pointing down). If you want to wrap you hair out place your curling iron behind the hair (on either side) and wrap it going out in front of the iron and in behind the iron.
If you want your hair toward your face, then place your hair behind your curling iron and start wrapping it toward your face.
Try to practice first without your iron being plugged in. That way you will not burn yourself when you are trying to figure out the wrapping direction in the mirror.

FAQ: How Do I Create A Fullness

Question:
My hair is layered and it seems to lay flat. Is there any way to make it more full?

Answer:
You need to start with shampooed hair. Apply styling mousse (foam) to your root area. Turn your head upside down and dry your hair. When your hair feels dried, either insert your rollers partially at the root area or roll your hair on the biggest Velcro rollers such as VELCRO Classic Super Size Plus Rollers-2pk 3" 76.2mm. (You could also try to use hot roller set such as Conair Jumbo Roller Travel Hairsetter - Styling Tools.) Then spray your hair with slight mist of hair spray. Let it sit, while you do your make up, eat breakfast or get dressed - or all of the above. Then take all rollers out. Turn your hair upside down again, brush your hair just a little, spray it again very lightly, stand up straight, shake your head so the hair falls in its natural way, and if you need to spray your brush with a hair spray and brush your ends to give it more curve. If you need more hair spray, spray it very lightly for the last time.

FAQ: Can You Recommend Styles For Round Face?

Question:
My face is round and I have short hair. Can you recommend any styles for my face type?

Answer:
Of course long hair is great for making round face look less round. But for people with short hair there are two primary styles.

One of the styles that you could wear is a "bob cut" that is cut short in the back and long in the front. Katie Holmes' hair-do on the left is a good example. It covers face a bit and the length in front makes any face look thinner.

Another great style for round face is a short pixie style (Isabella Rosellini in the image below), where the top is blow-dried up and sides are dried in a wispy style toward the cheeks.

Another pixie style with a twist (two images below) - the length in the neck area and slight height on the top takes anyone's attention away from the roundness of the face.

All these styles give the round face an optical illusion of length.

Any style that creates "wideness" around the cheek area should be avoided as it gives an illusion of even wider/rounder face.



Credit: 
Katie Holmes' image is from THIS web page
Isabella Rosellini's image is from THIS web page
Young model's image is from THIS web page
Lisa Rina (last image) is from THIS web page

FAQ: How To Do A Wavy Emo Cuts And Styles

Question:
My hair is wavy. Can it be cut into an Emo hair style?

Answer:
Yes it can. Have your favorite stylist cut it in an asymmetrical style, then color it black, style it into short spikes with long cascading hair over one eye, an Emo make-up and you can go to show it off to your friends.

In the example I would cut the hair on the left side even shorter and on the model's right side I would leave the hair even longer. The shorter hair I would spiked up with a razor.


Credit: The hair style on the left is the property of new-hair-style.com website


Note:

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: Should I Get Dreadlocks?

Question: 

I am considering to get dreadlocks. What would be good reasons not to get them?

Answer:
Although I absolutely LOVE dreads on many dudes and "dudettes", there are many people (and companies!!!!!) that see them as no-no style. They feel they harbor dirt and diseases. You can do a good job shampooing them on the surface, but it is harder to get the dust and dirt from the inside, unless you spend a lot of time of lathering, squeezing, rinsing your precious dreads. Even that some companies may be OK with dreads, still think of the job opportunities you may loose due to the individuals that see dreads in a negative light.

You may have to get used to sleeping on them - they will not be as soft as your pillow.

There may be more reasons why you should not get them (ie. financial), but many reasons why you should get them (for looks and coolness, and on rare occasions for a job in movies/theater/entertainment). Either way, if you will go for it - good luck and enjoy them.

Credit:

The above image is from dreadlocks.org website

Note:

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: How Can I Style A Messy "Bun"?

Question:
I would like to style my hair in a messy bun. How should I go about it?

Answer:
There are several ways to create your bun. The easiest way is to use a rubber band. You can use hair pins or small clips as well. And lastly you can use hair sticks.

A rubber band
You need to turn your head upside down or use your fingers to "comb" your hair up like you want to put it into ponytail, then if you have a lot of hair twist it (or twirl it) once, and then immediately wrap your  rubber band for hair (use a very firm rubber band) and secure your bun by wrapping the band twice (or even 3 times) around - just enough to hold the hair in a loose way (not too tight). You can pull few strands just a tad out of the bun if you wish to create even messier style. (Please, see a video below)

Hairpins or small clips
Instead of using a rubber band, use bigger size hairpins. They will hold your hair in place if secured in the hair properly. You should bend one prong of this "U" shaped device in the middle, then use the other straight prong to push it through your hair in a circular motion. The bent part of the prong will help the hairpin to stay inside the hair, because it will act like a stopper. To take the hairpins out of your hair before bed time may be a little harder (you have to slowly untangle your hairpins out of the hair), but it will keep your hair style intact without collapsing while dancing.
If you use small clips, you can hold your style with few of them around the perimeter of your bun with one set of prongs inserted into the bun and the other set of prongs into the hair making sure that your style will not "fall" out.

Hair-sticks
Start just like I described above, then - after you twist/twirl your hair - weave a stick of your choice into the hair using "S" and circular motions. When you feel it holds your hair firmly in the place, "weave in" another hair-stick if you wish. You can use one or two - your choice.

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: How Should A Pixie Style Be Cut?

Question:
I am a cosmetology student and my friend asked me to cut her hair in a pixie style. Are there any special ways of cutting this pixie style?

Answer:
Pixies style is a short hair cut with "uneven", kind of pointy, strands through out the hair. Now, It depends how long you want the hair to be as a finished product. It could be an ultra short style, a short style, a medium length pixie or a long pixie style. What is great about pixie styles is that even a stylish older lady can look absolutely gorgeous in this style, taking into consideration the facial features.

An Ultra Short Pixie: The sides and back are cut either with clippers or scissors over a comb. The top is cut much longer in comparison to sides and back but still shirt (I would say between 2-3 inches long) and gradually blended with the sides and back. The top can be either cut with scissors and then you can use either thinning scissors or razor to give the hair a wispy look. You could razor cut the hair right away, but you need to have some experience with a razor. If you pre-cut hair prior to using razor, leave the hair a bit longer as it could get shorter. The image on the left has longer top, but if you recall a beautiful actress Halle Berry, she is famous for a short pixie styles. Credit - to the left is an example image from pixiehaircuts.net and bellow an image from instyle.com

A Short Pixie: The entire haircut should be about 1-2 inches longer than An Ultra Short Pixie. It could be pre-cut with scissors and then the ends could be razor cut for the textured look OR cut entirely with the razor. Again  ides and the back should blend with top . Credit: below is an example image from hairstylesezine.com

A Medium Length Pixie: Again the hair cut would be again about 1-2 inches longer than A Short (Long) Pixie. It could be pre-cut with scissors and then the ends could be razor cut for the textured look OR cut entirely with the razor. Again sides and the back should blend with top. Credit: below is an example image from hairstylesdesign.com

A Long Pixie (also called a shag): should be cut about 2+ inches longer than A Medium Length Pixie. And again it could be pre-cut with scissors and then the ends could be razor cut for the textured look OR cut entirely with the razor. Sides and the back should blend with top. Credit: below is an example image from womenhairdesing.com

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: My Bangs Are Thin Looking. Help!

Question:
How can I make my thin bangs look thick?

Answer:

• Start with clean hair. (If you do not shampoo your hair daily, shampoo your bangs above your sink prior to styling them - no need to jump into a bathtub.)
• Take towel and rub your hair almost dry - this will "disturb" your hair cuticle (ruffle it up) and make it slightly visually thicker.
• Style your bangs with fingers and blow dryer - while drying the hair, blow on the root area and with a circular motion move your hair roots in all directions, so your hair does not lay flat (fluff it up, baby!)
• If you want some arch to your hair you can bend the hair over your fingers while hitting it with hot air from your dryer in bursts (do not burn your fingers!!!)
• If possible, do not use any brush - that would smooth your hair cuticle, which will make your hair thinner looking and flat too. But if you need to use it, then use it only on the tips of your hair - you want the inner hair to stay fluffy for fullness and not smooth. 

This image is from a website:   www.shorthair-styles-cuts.com

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: How Can I Make My Curls Stay?

Question:
My hair is medium length and it is straight. Every time I curl my hair with a curling iron my curls go flat by the time I am finished with styling it. I follow the hairdresser's recommendation - I use a mouse on my damp hair, then blow-dry it,  then curl small sections and immediately spray them with hair spray. However, my curls do not hold. What am I doing wrong? Do I need a new curling iron?

Answer:
From your description your hair seems to be pin straight. Some hair just will not hold curl for too long no matter what, especially if it is a "heavy" and/or long hair. If you had the styling done in the hair salon and curls held longer than when you do it at home, then you are leaving a slight moisture in your hair, which will cause your curls to "fall out". So, you would need to blow dry your hair even more dry (your curling iron may not dry your hair up entirely). You could also try to get a spray that is designed to use with curling irons (check with your local salon what they carry and ask for samples) instead of your mouse.

If your stylist has same problem as you do, then the only solution would to give yourself a perm on medium perming rods (light purple or combination of peach and purple) for those nice big waves that are fashionable these days. In the long run, your hair would grow out, however the permed area should hold the waves a lot better, provided that you would follow all the steps you usually do.

And lastly if your curling iron does not get hot enough, then you need a new one.

Credit:
The above image is from http://styletips101.com/

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: I Would Like To Start Dreadlocks

Question: 
I love dreadlocks on other people and I would like to start my own. How long should my hair be to start the dreadlocks? I do not want them too short, though.

Answer:
If you look at a person with dreadlocks and you like their length, add couple of inches to your length while your hair is dry and that may be your optimal length. I found THIS blog about how to grow and maintain your dreads, which I think has a lot of great pointers. Good luck.

BTW, Jae suggests to all "dreadlockers" to fully dry their hair after shampooing - so it doesn't grow mold.


Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: Help, My Hair Is Static!

Question:
My hair is long (below my shoulders) and I have bangs. I usually straighten my hair and I like to blow dry it straight. When I blow dry my bangs they flip up after an hour, become static and look damaged. Is there any product I could use to make my bangs not to flip and look healthy?

Answer:
It sounds like your hair is naturally wavy/curly? With humidity you never know what your hair will do as it likes to go back to its natural stage if even so slightly - that is why it flips. But your static hair could be "cured" with a static guard for clothes. Perhaps hair-spraying it so it keeps the shape would also help a bit. And since it goes through straightening process and blow-drying so much, try to google products for nonchemical thermal straightening. It should protect your hair against the heat.

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post ONLY. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: How Could I Style My Hair Without Any Parting?

Question:
I have medium length blonde hair with a natural parting in a center. I'd love to achieve an effect where my hair stays brushed back off my face. Basically no parting. Hairspray doesn't hold my hair back neither. Not only it parts, but my long fringe manages to fall down in front of my face, too.

Answer:
When hair grows into certain length it wants to fall in the direction of each hair's growth. If you look in the mirror and will study how your hair grows out of your follicle (scalp) you will understand why it wants to fall that way. In order for your hair to keep styled back it would have to grow out of the follicle toward back.

If you are concerned with your fringe not to fall into your eyes, I would take a dollop of strong hold gel, rub your hands together, put your head back and run first your palm against the hair in the direction you want your hair to go starting at the hairline and toward the back (or side-back), then run your fingers again through the hair from the hairline toward back. Keeping your head back (or side-back) take your hair dryer and on the slowest speed dry your hair (it would be best if you'd have an attachment) at the hairline (so it is hard as a rock). Then, dry the rest of the hair. If the hair has too much of "a wet look", you can gently run your fingers through your hair (obviously from the hairline toward the back) for a softer look, and then hairspray it to make it stay.

And do not sweat, otherwise it will make your hair to collapse :-)

British English "fringe" = American English "bangs"

Note: 

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post only. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.

FAQ: Images Of Styles

Question:
I want to cut my hair a little bit shorter than shoulder length. Can you please suggest some images, so I can get an idea of what I want?

Answer:
Since I no longer work in a salon :-( and no longer take images of my work, I usually "google" hair style images to get ideas.
This is what you need to do: type a couple of key words into Google search engine,  ie. middle length hair styles - click on search button and then on the left side of the new screen click on IMAGES link. That will take you to hundreds or even thousands of images with many different styles. Have fun picking one just for you.

Note:

This post should be taken as a first step for a discussion with your hairdresser and/or colorist about your ideas, desires or problems with your hair. Under no circumstances, you should act upon this post only. I strongly advice you to have your hair done by a skilled and reputable hairdresser/colorist in your area.