Hair Highlight Techniques and Care Tips

 

There are three ways for hair highlight: Foiling, done only in salons, involves applying bleach to many fine strands of hair and individually wrapping them in foil. This process is the easiest to control and can be done closest to the roots; it usually will get you the best results.
Hair painting, which can be done at home or by a colorist, is simply applying bleach randomly to the hair with a small brush.

The third -- and oldest -- method doesn't produce very good results and is out of favor at salons, though it's still available in home kits. You place a plastic cap with small holes on your head, pull strands of hair through the holes with a small hook and then bleach them.
There are benefits to having these processes done by a professional: A colorist can give you a few different levels of highlights for a more subtle look. (Sometimes they'll use a toner after highlighting to get just the right shade.) And of course, a pro can see the top and back of your head better than you can.
Color treated hair has special needs and good care is essential for any hair type. Follow these professional suggestions to keep your hair looking Fantastic!

• Wet your hair with bottled spring water before getting in a chlorine pool, It will dilute the harsh chemicals
• Be careful in the sun. please use hats, scarves or products with sunscreens to help protect against color fade and the drying effects of the sun.
  Great for the beach, leave-in conditioners generally contain sunscreens to protect against color fade.
• Shampoo gently with a shampoo specially created for color-treated hair. Rough shampooing can strip color or dry out hair. Condition regularly with an intensive conditioner to restore vital moisture and luster to color treated hair.
• Use color enhancing conditioners as color grows out to help blend root areas.
• Do not wrap in a towel turban when you get out of the shower with wet hair. The added friction can knot and damage vulnerable wet hair. Instead, carefully blot hair dry.
• Don't brush hair when wet. Comb with a wide-tooth comb, working tangles out as you move from the ends toward the scalp.
• Don't overdry. When you blow dry, dry the hair until it is almost, but not completely, dry. Leave some moisture in to prevent static.
• Use care when styling. When using styling appliances, use thermal protectant for maximum protection. Avoid aggressive manipulation of the hair.
• Use hairspray or spritz with moisturizers and sunscreens to finish the hair. These products will provide continual protection throughout the day.
• Don't spray lightening agents or put lemon juice in your hair.
• Support your style with a perm. Just because you have color treated hair doesn't mean you can't have a perm. In fact, a perm specially formulated for color treated hair can add wonderful body, fullness and texture to complement your color.
• Always your best source, your  stylist can answer any other questions you might have and recommend professional products ideal for color-treated

SCARLETT JOHANSSON'S NEW CUT......

Scarlett Johansson revealed a shorter bob haircut at the Mango Fashion Awards. Photo: Robert Marquardt, Getty Images

Scarlett in Barcelona, Spain with her choppy new bob haircut.

When we last checked in with her over the summer, Johansson was sporting a tousled shoulder-length bob. But now the 25-year-old star has taken that 'do one step shorter.

Chin-length and cropped in the back (slightly reminiscent of the "Pob"), the "Iron Man 2" actress revealed her new look when she stepped up to present famed designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, with an honorary Mango button during the ceremony. Layered and parted down the middle, Johansson styled her signature blonde locks in a loose, carefree fashion, giving her a fresh new look for fall.

Over the years, we have seen this young Hollywood beauty transform from blonde to auburn colored tresses and curly to straight, and in our book, she always looks gorgeous. She also joins the ranks of other stars snipping off their strands this season including Nicole Richie, Keira Knightley and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz.

UPDO'S FOR LONG HAIR

Double hair knot

There's been a fixation of late for hair trends for long hair to have an effortless appeal to them: the double hair knot 2011 hair trend builds on that appeal. As simple as it sounds, this is a hair trend that can be worn in 2011's autumn (fall) / winter seasons along with the year's spring / summer seasons. Click the previous link to find out more, along with 'how to style it' tips and product recommendations.

Braided topknot

With 2011's hair trends dominated by hairstyles as opposed to particular cuts, it's should come as no surprise to see that braids remain on trend. In 2011, however, the begin to fuse with other popular hairstyles, in this case the topknot. Click to find out more about the braided topknot including a detailed how-to guide, and a look at the catwalks that inspired it.

Findings For Finasteride, Propecia, Proscar and Hair Replacement Surgery For Baldness

 

A report released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) found that 13,000 American men had hair replacement surgery in 2010, up by 2 percent from the previous year.

What accounts for the increase? In the past dealing with baldness often involved taking Finasteride, the prescription pill sold under brand names Propecia and Prosecar. Although The National Institute of Health reports it acts primarily by slowing hair loss rather than creating new growth, it used to be a popular option in place of surgery.

Unfortunately Finasteride has become controversial due to a recent study which found that a small number of men (71) reported sexual side effects after taking the drug. 92 percent of the men reporting side effects listed erectile dysfunction and loss of sex drive. The LA Times pointed to a previous study by the Finasteride manufacturer, Merck, which found only 8 percent of those taking the drug reported sexual side effects.

CBS News added alarm to the new findings of sexual side effects by reporting that the effects could last up to three (3) years after discontinuation of the pills.

Men discovering the information about the side effects of Finasteride decided they would rather risk hair replacement surgery than potential sexual side effects of the pills. Hair replacement surgery involves moving a skin graft from a part of the scalp with lots of hair to one that is thinning. This surgery is now the fifth most common cosmetic plastic surgical procedure in men.

Ironically, hair replacement surgery can have much more severe side effects than the sexual side effects of Finasteride.

The sexual side effects are a critical element of several class action lawsuits that have been filed both in the U.S. and Canada on behalf of male patients alleging they weren't adequately warned about the possible side effects of finasteride, both sexual and in terms of mental health. The American Bar Association Journal reports that Merck plans to vigorously defend the lawsuit.

Esquire Magazine reports that last month, researchers working at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine found that balding might be related to an issue with stem-cells. Researchers found that patches of bald scalp had the same number of stem cells as patches that had more hair. This information offers hope

Styles for 2011....SUMMER HAIR

Rich color and retro 80's cuts are
the hot hair news for Summer 2011 ....

Be a tease this summer with big 80's hair and highlights. Side ponytails and hair bows are also making a comeback...

The pony tail and bob continue to be hot looks, with last year's precision cuts giving way to bold 80's style pixie cuts and spikey fringes coming to the forefront this year as the summer of 2011 heats up ...

SUMMER COLOR

Bold and assymetrical are the watchwords for 2011, with traditional bright and vibrant highlights of the past, including strawberry and even platinum blond hues predicted to be the hot new look this summer.

With the addtion of dramatic chunks of pastel color, this year the spotlight is definitely on fun and creativity!

SUMMER 2011- CUTS FROM THE CAT WALK

Styles, lengths and cuts were once again all over the place at the Spring-Summer 2011 fashion events, including buns, rolls and bobs, ponytails, and even big hair and teased side ponytails tied up in hair bows, a la the 1980's Madonna look.

In general, styles are becoming more free and casual compared to super neat precision cuts of the past several years.

Bob
Back again this summer, the classic bob features strong graphic outlines incorporating. curves and sharp lines. Go for asymmetry - try one side longer or raise the back and lower the front. Mix lengths gradually, add volume with layers or stick to one length cuts. This is a cut that you can tailor to your face and lifestyle -- a look for the individual. Soften it with wisps or a bit of back combing.

Fringe
Still very hot for summer 2011, fringe cuts were tops on many of the runway's top models. Fringe can add elegance or make a bold statement. Look for variations with fringe cuts to bring out your personality and facial structure. Soft and wispy fringes, casual choppy edges and strong bold lines will all be hot. You'll find fringe cuts that go full length, others flowing mid length or brought forward into the eye. It's all about having fun, being sexy and being yourself


Layers
The cut that complements all the others in high fashion circles this season is lengths of layers with casual textures. The natural look is easy to create with layers of unstyled, free moving hair. Not a lot of curl but plenty of slightly tousled waves added to the volume and texture make this a fun way to style your hair.

Crop
For summer 2011 the focus continues to be on natural looking

MESSY ,NATURAL, WAVY, HAIR... TRENDING THIS SPRING...

During the summer, it can be somewhat tedious to always blow dry your hair and style it either straight, curly, or give it some volume. That’s why wavy hair is the perfect solution for hot summer days. Wavy hair is usually the most common type of hair without any styling, therefore if it’s already there, it makes it that much easier!
Granted that you have naturally straight or wavy hair, getting natural waves is a breeze. If you have big, curly hair, you might want to straighten your hair before beginning the process. Once your hair is straight, start making loose waves using a curling iron.
Luckily for those with straight hair, the process doesn’t have to involve any curling irons. All you have to do is wash your hair, brush it out, and apply a curl enhancing mousse. Once you’ve done that, pile your hair up in a bun.
Let your hair air dry like this (some people leave it like that over night). Take the elastic out, and let the bun loose. Your hair should have beautifully natural waves, as long as you don’t put too much mousse in your hair. A dime-sized amount should be enough!

DRY SHAMPOO.....IS BACK !!!!

Popular in the ’70s, dry shampoo is back. Also known as hair powder, dry shampoos let you freshen up your hair without having to hit the shower. They help absorb oil and can add volume to fine hair. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush is formulated with rice starch. ($9, 150 mL)