TresSugar

The How-To Lounge: Coping With Gray Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

A girlfriend of mine just noticed her first gray hair! Since I haven't spotted one on myself yet, I couldn't commiserate with her, but since we aren't getting any younger, I thought now would be a good time to address the issue!

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First and foremost, don't panic! Most of us will eventually get gray hair and, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't the end of the world
The science behind our hair going gray is down to the cells in our hair follicles called Melanocytes. Over time, the Melanocytes stop generating pigment which causes our hair to have a transparent appearance in turn, looking gray against our darker hair
If you have a lot of grays that you want to get rid of, find a great hair stylist. Get your hair colored every six to eight weeks and stick with highlights and or low lights, as they have a smoother grow out period than all over color
I was always under the impression that if you pluck one gray hair, more will grow, but luckily, it's an old wives' tale. Since the hair is technically dead, all you are doing is removing a dead cell from the follicle, which will not cause more to grow
Unfortunately, going gray is just a part of getting older. Some go prematurely gray while others, thanks to their genes, don't go gray until later in life, and some are lucky enough to not go gray at all. Then there are some that look great with their gray hair, or even salt and pepper (George Clooney anyone?!) so whatever your reaction is to the change, try to keep it all relative!

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The How-To Lounge: Making Your Hair Color Last Longer

DearSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Changing your hair color can be so much fun, especially if you're in need of a new look but don't want to lose your length. Your hair color says a lot about who you are so if you're one that feels like you practically live in the salon, here are some tips to help your color last longer.

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Make sure you like and trust your colorist. He or she doesn't have to be the best stylist in town, but they do need to be the best person for you
Keep in mind that highlights have a smoother grow out period than all over color. They also look more natural, especially during the summer time when your hair tends to get naturally lighter from the sun
Always condition your hair. The better condition your hair is in to begin with, the longer your color will hold
You should aim to get your hair colored every 6-8 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. Keep in mind that colorists book up quickly so it's best to make your next appointment before leaving the salon so you don't end up in a jam - or three inch roots
Try to go as long as possible without washing your hair after getting it colored. Let the color settle and when you finally do have to breakdown and give it a good shampoo, rinse with cold water to close the cuticles of your hair
Whatever color you are, use matching color enhancing products - remember to buy both the shampoo and the conditioner - they only work when used together
Keep your color treated hair out of the sun if possible. Not only will it dry out your hair, but it will also wreak havoc on your color. Also, avoid chlorine at all costs. The chemicals can strip your color and even turn blonde hair green - no, it isn't a myth!

I hope these tips help and have fun with your color, you only live once!

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The How-To Lounge: Getting an Appointment with a Top Stylist

DearSugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Girls will be girls and let's be honest; we care about how we look. From our hair to our dry cleaning, being a woman can be rather expensive, yet it doesn't stop that select few from splurging on whatever makes them feel beautiful. Beautiful women grace the pages in magazines and are splashed on billboards everywhere you turn, and their hair and make up is always flawless. We pull inspiration from these women, look to them for beauty tips, but it just never looks the same when we try to replicate the look. But, what if you could actually have your hair styled, cut or colored by one of these stars' trusted stylists? Well, it can be done if you follow these easy fool proof tips.

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Since top stylists book up quickly, be prepared make an appointment months out
When you call to book an appointment, ask to be placed on the cancellation list and make yourself available
Don't book a top stylist for a simple trim. Chances are his or her prices are high so make your appointment worth your while and make your appointment when you are ready for a new look
If you are a first time client, getting an appointment with the top stylist might be difficult. Try booking an appointment with his or her assistant or another stylist in the salon so they can get to know you and recognize your face
It can't hurt to introduce yourself to the stylist you wish to see in the future. Let he or she know you are on their cancellation list and look forward to the opportunity to work together soon
Once you get in, make yourself memorable. Spark up good conversation and try to make a personal connection
Before you leave the salon, book your next appointment, and don't forget to tip well

While seeing a top hair stylist isn't important for everyone, it's always fun to see what the hype is all about, even if it's just for one cut or color!

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Say What?

TresSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:00:00 -0700

"It's my attitude! Everybody wants it. It's work. I have very, very thick hair, so it's not going to work for everybody. I've seen people come through the book line with thin hair and it just won't work. My hair stylist gets calls from all across the country."

- Kate Gosselin discusses her hair in an interview that ran yesterday. It seems we're not the only ones fascinated with Kate's hair!

Film Magic

The How-To Lounge: Be Sure Before Cutting Your Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Cutting your long hair can be a life changing decision, so make sure you're 100 percent sure before you hack off your locks. For some easy tips to make sure you're ready, click here to read more

Make sure you haven't just broken up with your boyfriend, found out you're pregnant, moved to a new city, or had a death in your family before you drastically change your look.
If you have ever had short hair before, think back honestly about how you liked your look.
One major concern some women have about cutting their hair short is thinking their face will look fat so if you have concerns about your weight, don't do it!
To see how you might look with the short 'do before actually cutting your hair, take a Polaroid picture of yourself against a black background. Use a black Sharpie and draw over your hair to where you would like to cut it, almost like you're erasing it, and see how you look! It's the best way to experiment with your hair without actually cutting it.
Flip through magazines and look for cuts you like on models with a similar shaped face as yours and bring your tears to the salon to show your stylist.
Don't go to a new stylist if you are making a major change to your hair. Trust your regular stylist to give his or her honest opinion as to if your idea will look good on you and if it will work with your kind of hair.
It's always fun to take chances and change up your look so keep in mind that even if you don't like your haircut, it will grow back.

I hope you find these tips helpful. If you are cutting over 10 inches of hair at a time, there is a wonderful non-profit organization called Locks of Love that accepts hair donations to make hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any kind of diagnosis. Click here for more information.

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The How-To Lounge: Make your Blowout Last

DearSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Do you love the way your hair looks after stepping out of the salon? If so, you're not alone. Since top stylists book up so quickly and many women struggle with mimicking a professional blowout, we have to make our fresh look last as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to keep your salon hair fresh for days!

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Although you don't have the height or angle your stylist does when he or she blow dries your hair, ask him or her to give you some pointers, or even a lesson, so you can achieve the same look at home
Tell your stylist that you want your blow dry to last for a few days and ask he or she to use minimal or no product in your hair to prevent it from getting greasy
Even if you want your hair to be straight as an arrow, stay away from the flat iron unless you have extremely curly hair
The iron, mixed with your hair's natural oils will make your hair flat within a day or two so stick with a regular blowout so your hair will have body
Stay away from moisture as your hair will begin to frizz or curl if it gets wet or damp
Use a shower cap when you shower
If you want to keep your hair out of your face, use a clip or barrette versus a rubber band to avoid making a dent in your hair
If your hair gets oily and you aren't ready to lose your salon look just yet, opt for dry shampoo to touch up your roots and add body
If you sweat in your sleep, pin your hair away from your neck, but in a clip, remember

Hopefully with practice, you can master the salon technique at home, but until then, I hope you find these tips helpful. As always, if I have missed anything, please feel free to comment below.

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Ask E. Jean For DearSugar: Am I an Online Dating Dud?

E Jean Carroll — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:00:00 -0800

E. Jean is still enjoying her time off, but don't fret, she'll be back December 4th! In the meantime, here's an oldie but goodie. Enjoy!

Dear E. Jean,

I know I’m old-fashioned, but I’ve never tried any of the dating sites. It is now time. Past time! (I’m 30 years old and haven’t had a date in seven months. Awk.)

Ok. So. I put my profile on Match.com. I worked hard trying to sound smart and funny and cool. Believe it or not, I was frightened I was going to get inundated with guys I didn’t want to talk to . . . and guess what? No guys - not one guy - wrote to me. Nothing! I’m just sitting there. What am I doing wrong? I feel like I should take my profile down! This is not for me! My friends get tons of notice and meet lots of guys, and one of my friends even married a guy she met on The Onion personals. I don’t get it. Help! - Dead on Match

To see E. Jean's answer, read more.

Dead, My Daffodil: Come, come, my darling! Buck up! With just one magic tweak to your profile (and I wish you had given us a link), you will be meeting three chaps for coffee by next weekend - guaranteed.

First, forget your profile. Second, don’t worry about coming off as “smart and funny and cool.” Third: It does not matter what you say; it’s all about your picture. If your picture is charming (intriguing, bewitching), guys will want to meet you.

So hire hair and makeup, bring in a stylist, and pay a professional photographer to take your picture. (Or, ask your chic friends for help.) I’m serious. Why do you think the women in Elle, Glamour, Vogue, and W look so enticing? They spend hours getting ready and then hundreds (and hundreds and hundreds) of shots are fired. Gilles Bensimon, who shoots the Elle covers, will shoot an entire afternoon chasing the “perfect” image. You should do no less.

Then, for Gawd’ssakes, don’t write a profile; tell a story. Keep it short, thrilling, warm, and a tad elusive. And why are you waiting for guys to write to you? If you see a lad you like, drop him an email. Mention something delicious that caught your attention about his picture (or his favorite movies, books, etc.) and voila! A raucous courtship can begin with a sedate exchange about butterfly hunting. Good Luck, Miss Dead! Let us all know how it’s going!

To see more advice from E. Jean visit Elle magazine and AskEJean.com.

Salonophobia

DearSugar — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 17:25:23 -0700

Dear Sugar
I have been trying to grow my hair long for six years. Aside from getting regular trims, it's never gotten any real styling because I've wanted to keep the length uniform. The most drastic things I ever done were to cut off the dead ends and put a few layers around my face; none of which have ever really done anything to improve my look.

It's time for a change, but I am petrified of salons. I get nervous before haircuts and have nightmares about getting some kind of whacked-out style that's impossible to maintain.

I know I should make a consultation with a stylist at a good place and invest into a great, low maintenance cut that shows off some of my personality, but I don't know where to begin.

What goes into a great haircut and how can I communicate to the stylist what I want if I lack any real idea of how it should look other than letting them know that I want to retain the length? Lost In My Long Locks

Dear Lost In My Long Locks
Hair stylists love direction. They need it, just like any other kind of artist. Trust me, they don't want to watch you sitting in your chair crying ugly after they've just spent the past two hours trying to make you look beautiful.

It's no wonder why you've had the same haircut for the past six years. You've scared every hairdresser into trying anything new and different on you. You are right, it's time for a change.

You need to face your haircut phobia head on. Have you always had trust issues? How about severe attachment issues in other areas of your life?

Maybe these two things will help you to relax a little bit. Remember that haircuts aren't permanent, your hair will always grow back. Also, your hairdresser isn't out to get you. They are in the service industry and they just want you to be happy so that you will return.

Here's what you need to do:

Research and cut out pictures of girls with medium to long haircuts that you love. Bring in as many pictures as you can find from different angles. Try looking at celebrity hair galleries for ideas.
Notice face shapes and try to find something that you think would be flattering on you as well.
Be realistic when looking at models and celebs. No stylist is going to be able to live up to your expectations if you expect to be transformed in their chair into Angelina, Jessica or Beyonce.

(Think there's a hair trend going on right now?!!)
Take a deep breath and relax, let yourself get pampered! Good luck.

Tipping At Your Hair Salon

DearSugar — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:27:11 -0700

Dear Sugar
What are you supposed to tip your hair stylist? I’ve gotten different advice on this matter ranging from 10%-25%. Each time I get my hair done, I never know what’s appropriate. I usually get highlights, a cut and buy products. Am I supposed to be tipping on the entire bill or just for the highlights and cut? Also, what should I leave the person who shampoos my hair? I don’t want to look cheap, but getting my hair done is very expensive and I don’t want to over tip either if it isn’t necessary. Groom Me Gretchen

To see DEARSUGAR’s answer read more

Dear Groom Me Gretchen,
The rule of thumb is that you are supposed to tip your stylist but not the owner of the salon, which oftentimes can be the same person. Reason being, they get the full payment for the cut where as another stylist who is employed at a salon only gets a portion and really relies on tips to supplement their income.

Moving on, remember that tips are subjective, but if you are concerned about costs and want more of a defined answer, anywhere from 15%-18% of the cut and highlight bill is standard. You do not tip on product purchases.

You can tip below 15% if you've gotten a below standard cut or a haphazard blow out - and you can tip more than 18% if they threw in a few extra highlights, took the time for an in depth long consultation or gave you a great conditioning treatment for funnsies. Like anything in the spa/salon industry, you are paying for the level of service you are receiving. Your tip should reflect the experience you had.

Lastly, yes tip whoever shampoos you hair. I think that $3-$5 is sufficient. Again, if they are giving you an unbelievable scalp massage, opt for the higher range, if it’s a quick wash and go, then a couple of dollars will suffice.

After you've checked out at the front desk, ask the receptionist for tip envelopes. Personally, hand the tips out and say thank you. It's a little more comfortable and discreet then handing someone a rolled up wad of cash.

You Asked: I Feel Ugly

DearSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar--

I got my hair cut a few months ago--- short. I used to have fairly long hair that I enjoyed, but unfortunately I get bored with my looks quite often. I used to dye my long hair a different color every few months, but I decided back in March that dyeing it just wasn't cutting it, and I wanted to do something drastic.

So, on impulse (like I do everything) I decided to go get it cut. My boyfriend fully supports me and really likes the look, but I HATE IT. He never hesitates to tell me how gorgeous he thinks I am, but I still feel unattractive. I've been growing it out, and while I think it's a cute cut, I miss my long hair and just don't feel as pretty as I used to.

I'm 5'3, weigh a normal 120 lbs and I have always felt fairly attractive until now. It has gotten past just missing my hair - I feel fat (I used to weigh 109-112 and am now 119-122) and I can't afford extensions. Are there any more tips you can give me to help me look and feel like my old self again? I feel ugly.

-- Aggravated Ally

To see DEARSUGAR's answer read more

Dear Aggravated Ally--

I can totally relate to you not feeling attractive. Many years ago I cut my long hair really short and regretted it the second I heard the scissors snip off my ponytail. It's devastating to feel bad and self-conscious about your looks, so I recommend working on changing what you can, in a healthy way.

I wouldn't recommend hair extensions, since they aren't good for your hair (they cause breakage). Just stick with growing it out and making the best of the length you have. Maybe go to a new hair stylist and get some hair advice on what you can do with your short locks and new styles you might like better in the grow out period. You also mentioned being unhappy with your weight. It doesn't sound like you need to lose weight, but it's important for you to feel good about yourself, so maybe what you could use is a little daily exercise to improve your mood and help you tone up a little.

It sounds like your confidence needs a little boost, so I'm wondering what's causing you to feel so insecure about yourself. Do these thoughts come purely from you or does someone else make you feel this way? If you can get to the bottom of these negative feelings, then you can figure out how to feel good about yourself again. Whatever the reason, try and do things that make you feel content and proud. Surround yourself with people who love you for you. Use your skills and talents to help others in your community. Looks really aren't everything, so spend less time changing yourself, and more time celebrating the unique qualities you already have.

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