TresSugar

The How-To Lounge: Beating Summer Frizz

DearSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:00:00 -0700

I love when women take a casual approach to summer looks, especially when it comes to their hair. Beach waves have made a huge come back, but with humidity and scorching temps comes frizz, especially if you have curly hair. To learn some tips on keeping your hair under control this summer season, click here to read more

Invest in a good haircut, it really does matter. Layers, usually with a blunt cut, will help your curly hair keep its shape. Let your hairdresser know if frizz is a problem as they can actually cut hair to avoid frizz
"Curly hair is thirsty hair" so avoid washing it everyday -- the natural oils are good for your hair. Use a gentle shampoo when you do wash your hair. and be sure to use a good, rich, moisturizing conditioner
One thing I recently learned (that I wish I learned years ago) was to avoid hairbrushes if you have curly hair. Brushing your hair will create frizz and static, especially when it's dry. Instead, comb your hair in the shower when you are conditioning it and towel dry without combing it again
The less you handle your hair, the less frizzy it will get. Some people's hair needs to be twisted while it dries or pulled back in a bun to shape it, but I recommend avoiding touching your hair as much as possible
Create an anti-frizz product cocktail -- sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the perfect concoction
Avoid using products with alcohol or any synthetic oils as they will only further dry out your hair
Mousse is a great product for curly hair -- it tames frizz without weighing down your hair, all the while keeping your curls bouncy
Since the summer sun, sea water and chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair, make sure to use a protecting leave in conditioner before hitting the beach or the pool

I hope these tips are helpful. Laying off the blow dryer, even if it's just a few days a week, will help prevent drying out and damaging your hair resulting in less frizz overall!

Source

Should I Use Chemicals Or Product To Tame My Hair?

DearSugar — Fri, 26 May 2006 04:57:08 -0700

Dear Sugar
I am heading to Argentina in a week and my hair, which is naturally straight has been acting out...Can you recommend a hair relaxer/straightener product that will not fry my hair and will last for a month? Tame My Mane Jane

Dear Tame My Mane Jane
You can either treat your hair chemically or you can do it with products that tame the frizz on a day by day basis. Chemical hair straightening (or relaxing) is designed to eliminate curls. There are 3 types: sodium hydroxide (strongest), guanidine hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate. Since your hair isn't naturally curly, I would hate to see it damaged over a little bit of frizz. So, if you do decide to relax your hair, be sure and tell your stylist to specifically use a very mild formula of ammonium thioglycolate. Don't try to do it yourself at home. Although it can be done, you risk damaging the structure of your hair or burning your scalp. Once hair is treated with a relaxer, regular deep conditioning /hot oil treatment is a must. Try Phytokarite© Intensive Treatment, (sorry, this takes a sec to load) or Alphaparf Semi Di Lino Illuminating Essential Shine Oil - this little blue vile works miracles on dry hair. If you are not prepared for the cost and all of this maintenance, I would consider using products to help control the "acting out" each day. Start with a defrizzing shampoo and conditioner such as John Frieda™s Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner and then add a dab of his famous Original Formula Frizz Ease Hair Serum, Redken's Straight 05 Straightening Balm or anything else silicone based to reduce frizz and enhance shine. Have a great trip.

MANAGING FRIZZY HAIR THROUGH ITS GROWING OUT STAGE

DearSugar — Thu, 29 Jun 2006 19:33:50 -0700

Dear Sugar
I have always had long, thick, frizzy, shapeless hair that has hovered somewhere between wavy and curly. A few months ago, I got my hair cut into a very cute, choppy, shaggy, shoulder-length do with bangs and layers.

Since it was shorter, it didn't take me long to blow my hair out straight, and for the first time in my life, I absolutely LOVED my hair.

And then the summer came. As usual, it's been hot and humid in the northeast, with rain almost every day, and my hair is paying the price. No matter what I do, it's coarse and frizzy again, but it's too short to put in a ponytail now.

Even worse, because my hair is much shorter, it puffs out in all directions. I try to load it with product but then it just looks frizzy and greasy.

I'm going to have to let it grow out again so that I can do the ponytail thing by August, but, in the meantime, do you know of any miracle products that will reduce the frizz in my hair but won't leave it looking greasy? Phrizzy In Philly

Dear Phrizzy In Philly
If you have thick, frizzy hair, try using Aqua Oleum Shampoo.

It's made by Kerastase (orange line) and

Age Recharge Conditioner (green line).

Also, apply Bumble and Bumble's Styling Lotion

and Tonic

straight out of the shower while you hair is still very wet.

Try and shampoo your hair every second or third day. Frizzy hair tends to be dry, so make sure that you choose a creamy shampoo with gentle detergents. If at all possible, just blow dry the front of your hair. If it's frizzy, the heat from the blow drying is only going to add to the problem.

Look for conditioners containing silicones and proteins to coat the cuticles and reduce frizz. You can also use a leave in conditioner if your hair is still frizzing.

While your hair is in its strange growing out phase right now, try some cute hair accessories like these:

(Just Kidding)

This or That: His Ex or Yours?

DearSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

You’ve stayed at your boyfriend’s place the past few days, and it’s taken a toll on your usual cute appearance. You haven’t had your hair products or your makeup, and you’ve run out of clean clothes. Your hair is frizzing, and you’re wearing a pair of stretched out jeans, your boyfriend’s t-shirt, and flip flops. (Luckily, he doesn’t care.) You guys decide to grab a quick bite to eat, but you kick yourself when you're surprised by an unexpected encounter. Would it be worse if you guys ran into …

This: His ex-girlfriend, the gorgeous one from all the pictures who broke his heart, and she’s looking, well, picture perfect? You try to give her your most confident handshake, but then you remember your ensemble.

Or …

That: Your ex-boyfriend who ended things with you because you just weren’t the one? Of course you’re over him, but you’ve been dying to run into him to prove that you’re doing better than ever - it would probably help if you looked better than ever.

Neither are how you envisioned, but which encounter is worse?

Source

The How-To Lounge: Getting Shiny Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Do you crave that shiny, glossy model hair you see in magazines? Well, I sure do, so if you're anything like most women out there, here are some tips to get that crave worthy sheen.

Click here to read more

Pollution, poor eating habits, dehydration, heat, and chemicals dry out your hair, so be sure you're getting the right nutrients and protecting your hair against environmental factors to help make your hair look healthy and shiny
If you get your hair colored at a salon, always get a shine enhancing gloss or toner put on over your color. Not only will it make your color look better, but your hair will feel silky smooth for days
Be sure to shampoo and condition with shine-enhancing products that contain natural ingredients such as jojoba and olive oils. Adding more chemicals will just dry out your hair
Steer clear away from clarifying shampoos. They can strip your hair of your natural oils and moisture that is important for healthy hair. Don't wash your hair everyday - aim for three times a week and every other day at the most
If you feel your hair has a lot of buildup, alternate with a different shampoo and conditioner
If you can, let your hair air dry. Nothing is more damaging than heat from a blow dryer, curling iron, or straightener
If you must blow dry, be sure to add a protecting agent to your hair before adding the heat. If you have fine hair, stick with a glossing cream which is lighter and if you have thicker, more curly/coarse hair, use a thicker anti frizz serum. When adding hair products, massage usually a quarter size amount evenly throughout your hair
Shine sprays can make your hair look greasy, so add sparingly to the tips of your hair and avoid your scalp area as much as possible

There are many home remedies out there that I have not tried personally, but others swear by conditioning with mayonnaise, olive oil, avocado, even leaving conditioner in your hair overnight. If you have any that have worked for you, please share them below!

This Week With DearSugar

DearSugar — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:00:00 -0700

E. Jean was back this week offering some advice for an over-reacting girlfriend. What's your take on E. Jean's advice?
How close are you with your mom?
If you like wearing your hair curly this summer season, make sure you beat the frizz
Taking a hiatus from your friends is a must from time to time, but what do you do when you just need a break?
Do you dress for men or women?
Have any of you gotten married young? If so, can you offer Unhappy Heidi some advice? She feels like she has grown apart from her husband
Get in on this heated debate: What are your thoughts on female circumcision?
Do tell, what was your most awkward relationship moment?
Who would you want to go on a double date with?

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!

Click here to read more

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.

Source

Maid Of Honor Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 06:47:05 -0700

Dear Sugar
I am the Maid of Honor in a wedding at the end of the summer. I just went for my hair trial and ran over to show the bride, but she vetoed the style that I was so excited about. She said "it will look too similar to her's".

Help! I just wanted it to be up off of my face and neck since it's summer and will most likely be very hot. Now I don't know what to do! Can you send me some pictures for ideas? Melting Maid Of Honor

To see DEARSUGAR'S answer read more

Dear Melting Maid Of Honor
Here are some great hair ideas for you. I am sorry that you can't wear your hair up in the summer...Just remember that it's her day and try your best to suffer through the summertime heat with a smile. One thing's for sure...with hair like this, you are going to look hotter than the temperature outside!

JoJo's has a pretty one side half up style going. I really like the soft waves touch too. This would be great for you because by not keeping your hair stick straight, you can help combat frizz.

Lee Ann Womack looks pretty with her hair half-half down and side swept bangs. This probably looks the most natural out of any of these styles. The key to this look is to tease your hair at the crown to give the top a little bit of lift. Fasten it with a pretty rhinestone barette likeJessica Simpson's Wedding Hair did, or even a pretty flower from your bouquet.

I just had to throw in Tori Spelling's hair as a what NOT to do. Don't ever wear your hair all pulled to one side like this. It's so out and severe looking. What is she thinking sometimes?

Scarlett Johansson has done it right once again. She looks coiffed, polished and beautiful. It's off of her face - and although it's still on her neck, you should be fine wearing your hair like this for the event. I love the height at the crown and bang area and the slight flip/wave at the bottom. This looks A-list classy.

Flat Iron Recommendations And Fly Away Control

DearSugar — Mon, 22 May 2006 07:32:43 -0700

Dear Sugar
I usually just put my hair up in a ponytail, but recently, I've been trying to keep it down and do something with it. It's short-ish (almost to my shoulders) very thick and wavy. I have a few layers, but not many. I straighten it with a flat-iron, but it really starting to show breakage. I need to buy a new one. Do you have any suggestions? Also, how can I keep those pestering little,"fly-away" hairs in place without my hair looking stiff? Control My Hair Blair

Dear Control My Hair Blair
The best and the safest flat iron for your hair is the Sedu Ionic Ceramic Flat Iron. Although it's pretty costly ($209.95), it smoothes any type of hair, leaves no frizz and if blow dried straight first, this iron gives hair a shiny, perfect finish! Chi used to be #1, but from my research, I've found most have broken within a year (must be why it's on sale). The most important element to look for when buying a flat iron is that it's ceramic. The older versions are made from metal which are rougher and result in more breakage. But don't let any of these advertisements fool you. No iron is 100% safe for your hair. The amount of heat that is generated by any styling tool is potentially damaging. If you buy one with teeth on it, make sure the teeth are aiming downward and that your hair is completely dry when you begin. If wet, the steam will directly enter your hair shaft and could erupt causing severe breakage. Lastly, always keep the iron moving on your hair. When you are finished, rub a peanut-sized amount of Kerastase's Lumiere Nutri-Sculpt between your fingertips until the consistency is slippery. Then rub it into your hair where the fly always are. It works like a charm and the little bottle should last you over a year!