Beauty queen reveals styling tips she gives her old school friend Andy

(Drafted from news.scotsman.com)

MISS Scotland has told The Scotsman she has been giving her former school friend Andy Murray fashion and styling tips.
Katharine Brown, a tennis coach from Murray’s home town, Dunblane, said: “Just after he got his hair cut and lost that wild look I told him ‘I’m really glad you’ve done something about that hair. It’s looking good’.

“He was a bit taken aback, but then he said ‘Oh, was it that bad? Did you really think so?’”

Miss Brown, who was yesterday promoting safe fake tan at Pure Spa’s Ocean Terminal salon in Edinburgh, said she also gave Murray her opinion on his tennis wear. “I told him the Fred Perry clothes were very, very cool, which he was pleased about.”

Murray and Brown met as five-year-olds at primary school and have kept in touch ever since.

“Andy’s stayed exactly the same. There’s no fluff about him, he’s intelligent and he’s got a great sense of humour.”

Commenting on Murray’s muscular physique, Brown said: “He’s a man now. When you’re physically strong you are mentally strong and it shows. He’s lasting these big long matches.”

Recalling their late primary school days Brown, who has a scholarship with Tennis Scotland, told how she, Murray, his brother and friends had tried to “blag” their way in to a cinema in Stirling when they were under-age.

“I managed to get a ticket but when Andy got to the counter he turned to his brother and said in a loud voice ‘Jamie, how old am I supposed to be?’

“You have to remember that he’s been playing tennis since he was about eight years old and it has been his entire life. He’s in the media spotlight now but we’ve all known him for years when it was all low-key.”

Brown said that Murray was supportive of all his friends’ achievements and encouraged them to push themselves.

“When I won Miss Scotland he congratulated me. He was asking me so many questions about what it would lead to and what it could do for me.”

Brown who was at Wimbledon to watch Murray get through to the semi-finals said: “The atmosphere was electric. I just totally fell in love with Wimbledon.

“I think Andy’s going to win the final. He’s doing so well and I’m so totally proud of him. He deserves it,” she said.

“I was driving past the tennis courts in Dunblane one morning and there was a huge long queue of boys and girls waiting to get on. Every young kid wants to be him.”

For professional beauty, hair and styling call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – professional hair and beauty salon in Manchester.

10 beauty and style things to do this summer

(Drafted from www.nwi.com)

Carefree and colorful epitomize summer style. So as we fight to keep cool and look cool doing it, here are a few suggestions to help you handle the rising heat index and retain your style quotient. It’s OK for them to see you sweat, if you look good doing it.

1. Go natural, or at least fake it. If your hair is naturally curly, experiment with hair products that allow you to get away from the flat iron and blow dryer. You’ll be surprised at what the right cut and the right curl serum can do. If you don’t have natural curls, you can experiment with French braiding your hair at night and unraveling it in the morning for something soft and easy.

Curls are a naturally youthful look that can take a few years off your face, especially if you combine it with a few strategic highlights that can last you most of the summer. Braids are another option, but you don’t have to go all out. Try styling your hair loose with just one small braid down the side or across the top of the head like a headband. Both are a nice touch for semi-casual daytime and chic nighttime wear.

2. Adopt a bold-colored pair of shoes and try them on with everything. That doesn’t mean you have to wear them every day, but you have to stop instinctively reaching for same boring black or neutral pair of shoes to go with everything. You’d be surprised how some red shoes can add pizzazz to everything from blacks to peach ensembles. Mix colors. No matter what color you’re wearing you can probably add shiny red, green or yellow shoes for an unexpected pop of color.

3. Summer lip, lids and tips. Play up your eyes, lips and nails with some of the vibrant colors summer has to offer. Highlight your eyes or your lips, but not both unless you have expert status. You don’t have to go with a lip color that enters the room two steps ahead of the rest of your face, but try pumping up the shade you normally wear by going with something two shades darker or brighter in the same family. If the color scares you, go with something matte, not super glossy. Coral shades can be universally flattering. For eyes, think greens and golds for a switch. And typically, your lips and your fingernail polish should not clash. If you paint your hands and toes, they should be the same color, unless your hands have clear polish or a French manicure.

4. Commit to a beauty regimen. If you have tons of lotions and potions that you use sporadically, now’s the time to make a commitment to applying them as directed morning and night. Otherwise, you are wasting money. Find one slate of products and use them religiously for the summer and see how your skin reacts. Right now, we’re in love with the Aveda Enbrightenment skin care system, which improves the surface of the skin and diminishes the appearance of dark spots. Just note that inconsistency is often worse than no regimen at all. The heat, humidity and damaging sun rays put your skin at risk for clogging, breakouts and hyperpigmentation. A regular routine will remove the excess oils that will build up, and if you make sure one of those steps involves a “broad spectrum” sunblock (look for zinc oxide, one of the best blockers), you’ll be protected from harmful UV rays.

5. Jackets need not be deferred. We often hang up the jackets and long sleeves for the summer because they are hard to keep fresh. Because we’re more prone to wearing something sleeveless underneath a jacket, sweat happens. So the easier-to-care-for cardigans tend to crop up a little more. But a jacket can be a great way to boost a simple summer frock into office attire. A jacket or long sleeves can also validate a tailored Bermuda short for workday wear. Garment Guard ($10.95 to $14.95) at Nordstrom or www.garmentguard.com, offers a barrier. Stick the disposable pads into your jacket or shirts to guard against excess sweating. That way you can still take your jacket to the office to battle the chill of the air conditioning without battling your wallet on dry cleaning.

6. Find your signature item. Invest in a quality accessory piece. It can be a watch that you plan to wear every day or a simple, sexy pair of gold hoop earrings. Go out and buy something worthwhile and wear the heck out of it. Consider the price per wear cost instead of the overall cost. And, no, it doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be distinctive and versatile. Precious metals are a safe bet, but something tribal can also be versatile. From American Indian turquoise pieces to African bead bracelets, the looks can add personality to neutrals, blacks or jeans.

7. Upgrade your flip-flops. There’s no excuse to walk around clip-clopping in something that looks like you just stepped out of a communal shower at the gym. ‘Nuf said.

8. Flowers, bows and patterns. Now’s the time to shake out of the ho-hum solids and spice it up with a printed dress, flirty ruffled shirt or sweeping skirt. Add a little bohemian to your normal attire; it’s bound to affect your mood. Even if you’re not a print-kinda-girl, a flower pin in your hair, on your shirt or a headband can also lend an element of fun to your day-to-day wardrobe. Emma E. Bows has nonslip hair bows and flowers for adults and children the Etsy Web site at www.ktfin777.etsy.com.

9. Let blemishes be. If you are perpetually acne-free, we hate you, move on. If you are prone to breakouts, then just expect that those pesky blemishes will be worse in the summer. Do your diligence of applying drying potions and wait. Some products will take the red out or shorten the duration when used consistently, but the best thing you can do is keep your hands off. RareMinerals Blemish Therapy ($28) from Bare Escentuals, offers a powder treatment that fights acne, reduces redness and heals. Other products with a 10 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide can work well when applied at night or under moisturizers during the day. But to run a course, blemishes can last for three to five days. Yes, soooo frustrating, but your skin will thank you for your patience, and it won’t rebel with something even more heinous, like permanent scarring.

10. Buy new undies. If you haven’t been fitted for a new bra in a while, you have probably changed sizes or needs. It’s inevitable. And with tank tops and halter tops, you need the right undergarments to lift and flatter. As a bonus, the right bra can make you look five pounds thinner in a snap. If you notice that your bras aren’t as stretchy as they used to be, that’s a problem. Too comfy can also be a problem. Your bra should feel fairly invisible, but you should not feel jiggly (yes, that’s a technical term). Ultimately, you want comfort and support, but above all you want support. You can probably also benefit from some new panties. Sheer fabrics and lighter, seamless items can be nicer looking underneath lightweight warm weather items.

To enhance that summer look with great hair and beauty call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – Professional hair and beauty salon in Manchester

Hair Dye and Health Safety

(Drafted from www.fitsugar.com)

Coloring your hair is really common, whether it be to add mahogany highlights or hide strands of gray. In fact, nearly 70 percent of American women religiously visit the salon to alter their look, but, as I’m sure many of you have asked, is the beauty practice safe? Quite a few studies have found no connection between coloring your hair and cancer, and multiple studies have looked specifically at breast, bladder, and brain cancer finding no connection to these specific types either. Hair dye can, however, cause skin reactions like rashes, swelling, burning, and blisters, since many formulations contain chemicals such as p-Phenylenediamine (PPD). The good news is that hair dyes nowadays contain much less ammonia than they did 30 to 40 years ago.

Nervous about putting toxic chemicals on your hair and scalp? Then continue reading.

If you’re freaked out about chemicals, you can choose natural alternatives to toxic hair dyes. They’re mostly plant derived, but some do contain a fair share of chemicals as well, so read the labels or ask your colorist about them. The only completely natural hair dye is henna, but not everyone wants to have orangey-reddish hair. These natural hair dyes are not only better for your health, they’re also better for the environment and our waterways. Think about all the chemicals that get flushed down the sink at salons. It’s one incentive to encourage you to stick with your natural hair color and embrace your grays when the time comes.

For hair and beauty advice and treatments call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – hairdressers in Manchester

Hair dye allergy left woman looking like ‘Elephant Woman’

(Drafted from www.telegraph.co.uk)

A woman was rushed to hospital after an allergic reaction to a hair dye left her looking like the “Elephant Woman”.

Paula Pratt was left temporarily blind after she suffered a massive allergic reaction to a hair dye Photo: SWNS

Photo: SWNS

Paula Pratt has since recovered the allergic reaction to the Clairol hair dye Photo: SWNS

Paula Pratt, 38, struggled to breathe when her neck swelled up “like a rugby ball” and her bloated face left her temporarily blind when her eyelids closed over.

The horrific reaction was caused by a £5 Clairol ‘Nice n’ Easy’ permanent dye, which she had used to turn her greying hair a chocolate brown.

Married Paula says she followed the instructions on the box to the letter, and carried out a 48-hour reaction test before going ahead with the treatment.

She was taken to A&E where doctors managed to stop the swelling with a course of steroids and antihistamine tablets.

But Paula, from Bognor Regis, West Sussex., says she has been left emotionally scarred by the ordeal.

She said: “I went straight to see my GP but when I got there I looked like an alien with one side of my face was going out like a rugby ball.

“He took one look at me and sent me straight to A&E. By the time I got there the other side of my face had swelled up too.

“I couldn’t see my ears, the swelling must have gone out about three inches on either side. It was terrifying.”

The incident took place when Paula, a production manager, dyed her hair on June 7 to cover up a few stray grey hairs.

She went to work as usual the following day, but that evening her head, face and neck began swelling up like a balloon.

Her eyes closed, her scalp stretched and began to weep, and her throat swelled making it difficult to breathe.

She said: “I did everything it said on the tin and had no reaction to the 48 hour test, so my sister went ahead and dyed my hair for me.

“The next day my face was so bad both eyes were completely swollen shut and you couldn’t see my eyelashes. I looked like a sumo wrestler or the elephant woman.

“The swelling started travelling down my throat as well and it was hard to breathe normally.

“The worst bit was when my scalp started to weep.”

Paula contacted her local doctor who was so worried about her health that he referred her to St Richard’s Hospital in nearby Chichester for treatment.

She was given a seven-day course of steroids and antihistamines, and has now made a full recovery.

Despite the side-effects she suffered, Paula said she is not seeking compensation from Clairol.

She is now seeking advice from dermatologists to determine which ingredient in the dye caused the reaction.

But she urged other women to check for signs of an allergy before dying their hair.

She added: “I just want to make people aware of the reactions you can get to hair dyes. They’re not always as safe as people think.

“My doctor told me I cannot dye my hair ever again and I don’t really want to anyway. It’s put me off for life – I’d rather go grey than have that happen again.”

Clairol said reactions like Paula’s were rare and that safety was a priority for the company.

A spokeswoman said: “We are very sorry to hear about Ms. Paula Pratt’s experience after using a Clairol product.

“Allergic reactions are very rare, however, we do recommend that all consumers conduct a 48 hour allergy test before each and every use of our colourant products.”

Please feel free to call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty to ensure this does not happen to you, or book an appointment 0n 0161 950 9933 or via www.revoil.co.uk and leave it to the professionals – professional hair colourists Manchester

Summer Weddings: Ultimate Summer Wedding Hair Guide

(Drafted from ww2.7online.com)

Warm breezes, sunshine, and unwanted frizzy hair — while summertime weddings may seem picture-perfect, the weather can do a number on your moody mane. Check out our hairstyle tips to get stunning strands for your warm-weather wedding.

Updos

 

Style: Whether sleek for an elegant look or slightly disheveled for a more rustic style, updos are a perfect way to get chic summer hair. Knots, bun, and twists of all shapes and sizes have made their way to the altar.

 

Get the look: Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb and prep your hair with primer or mousse to keep flyaways at bay. Blow-dry your mane on a low setting or let it air dry. Once it’s completely dry, curl your strands with hot rollers or use a curling iron and set with Velcro curlers. Leave the rollers in until your hair is cool, which will help retain the curl. Next, take out the curlers and slightly tease the base of each wave for added volume. Once you’re finished, apply a thin layer of hair serum to your hands and gently tousle. Sweep your tresses back into a low bun, twist, or knot. Don’t worry about getting it perfect — the slightly messy look will exaggerate the soft summertime style.

 

Down ‘Dos

 

Style: From long, ethereal waves to glam pin curls, soft, flowing hair provides an instant laid-back look to any warm-weather wedding. Celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Avril Lavigne, and Marcia Cross donned effortlessly gorgeous wedding down ‘dos.

 

Get the look: Start off by combing your hair straight with a paddle brush and removing any knots. Work in a curl enhancer from root to tip and scrunch. Let your strands air dry and tousle, or blow-dry on the lowest setting with a diffuser to reduce frizz. Set your strands in hot rollers for a more structured, glamorous look, or use a large-barrel curling iron for an unruly style — be sure to pin to retain the wave. Spritz with a light finishing spray for hold and shine; then gently remove the curlers or pins. Finish by adding a little pomade to your fingertips and working it into your roots. If you’re worried your hair will appear too plain, add braids or twists for extra depth.

 

Highlights

 

Style: Sun-kissed highlights are the look of the moment for summertime tresses. Not only do natural highlights add intensity, they also photograph better.

 

Get the look: Opt for a variety of color levels, which add movement and texture. Brunettes should never go lighter than what the sun would naturally do to their hair. For blondes, the key is depth; add various tones of flaxen for soft color. If you want a less-structured and streak-free look, try baliage — a salon technique where a stylist paints the highlights color freehand-style, rather than using the traditional foils. The result is a natural look that blends with your roots and color.

 

Taming Flyaways

 

Style: You want shiny, silky smooth hair but humid weather can leave your strands frizzy and out-of-control, while drier climates can create split ends and straw-like locks. Keep your surroundings in mind when choosing your wedding hairstyle.

 

Get the look: If your hair tends to get frizzy, consider an updo that’s loose around the hairline and nape of your neck, which will conceal any frizz. For hair worn down in drier areas, condition your hair with a mask the night before and apply a curl enhancer and SPF to keep your locks looking refreshed and hydrated. Have pomade and finishing spray on hand throughout the day for touch-ups. 

Warm breezes, sunshine, and unwanted frizzy hair — while summertime weddings may seem picture-perfect, the weather can do a number on your moody mane. Check out our hairstyle tips to get stunning strands for your warm-weather wedding.

Updos

 

Style: Whether sleek for an elegant look or slightly disheveled for a more rustic style, updos are a perfect way to get chic summer hair. Knots, bun, and twists of all shapes and sizes have made their way to the altar.

 

Get the look: Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb and prep your hair with primer or mousse to keep flyaways at bay. Blow-dry your mane on a low setting or let it air dry. Once it’s completely dry, curl your strands with hot rollers or use a curling iron and set with Velcro curlers. Leave the rollers in until your hair is cool, which will help retain the curl. Next, take out the curlers and slightly tease the base of each wave for added volume. Once you’re finished, apply a thin layer of hair serum to your hands and gently tousle. Sweep your tresses back into a low bun, twist, or knot. Don’t worry about getting it perfect — the slightly messy look will exaggerate the soft summertime style.

 

Down ‘Dos

 

Style: From long, ethereal waves to glam pin curls, soft, flowing hair provides an instant laid-back look to any warm-weather wedding. Celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Avril Lavigne, and Marcia Cross donned effortlessly gorgeous wedding down ‘dos.

 

Get the look: Start off by combing your hair straight with a paddle brush and removing any knots. Work in a curl enhancer from root to tip and scrunch. Let your strands air dry and tousle, or blow-dry on the lowest setting with a diffuser to reduce frizz. Set your strands in hot rollers for a more structured, glamorous look, or use a large-barrel curling iron for an unruly style — be sure to pin to retain the wave. Spritz with a light finishing spray for hold and shine; then gently remove the curlers or pins. Finish by adding a little pomade to your fingertips and working it into your roots. If you’re worried your hair will appear too plain, add braids or twists for extra depth.

 

Highlights

 

Style: Sun-kissed highlights are the look of the moment for summertime tresses. Not only do natural highlights add intensity, they also photograph better.

 

Get the look: Opt for a variety of color levels, which add movement and texture. Brunettes should never go lighter than what the sun would naturally do to their hair. For blondes, the key is depth; add various tones of flaxen for soft color. If you want a less-structured and streak-free look, try baliage — a salon technique where a stylist paints the highlights color freehand-style, rather than using the traditional foils. The result is a natural look that blends with your roots and color.

 

Taming Flyaways

 

Style: You want shiny, silky smooth hair but humid weather can leave your strands frizzy and out-of-control, while drier climates can create split ends and straw-like locks. Keep your surroundings in mind when choosing your wedding hairstyle.

 

Get the look: If your hair tends to get frizzy, consider an updo that’s loose around the hairline and nape of your neck, which will conceal any frizz. For hair worn down in drier areas, condition your hair with a mask the night before and apply a curl enhancer and SPF to keep your locks looking refreshed and hydrated. Have pomade and finishing spray on hand throughout the day for touch-ups.

For summer beauty and hair styles or that perfect wedding look call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – wedding hair and beauty in Manchester

CELEB STYLES

(Drafted from www.journallive.co.uk)

Fancy achieving this season’s hot hair trend ‘The Cheryl Cole’? Liz Lamb shows you how.

SHE’S been voted Britain’s best dressed woman of the year and style icon of the decade, so it’s no wonder women want to emulate Cheryl Cole’s look.

From her make-up and clothes to hair and nails, the Geordie songstress always looks immaculate and it seems no matter what she does with her style, the nation wants to follow her look.

The Girls Aloud singer was voted best dressed woman of the year and style icon of the decade in a poll for The Style Network.

She also beat model Kate Moss to top spot in the Best Dressed Women List 2009 by Glamour magazine

But that’s not all.

The pop favourite has also been named the best dressed woman in 2009 by society magazine Tatler, beating Claudia Schiffer and actress Natalie Portman.

Now, in a UK first, Travelodge has launched an interactive hair salon to help its female customers achieve The Cheryl Cole hairdo.

Working with Trevor Sorbie salons, the hotel chain has created a haircast and stylesheet, which illustrates in five easy steps how women can replicate Cheryl Cole’s glamorous hairstyle in their hotel room before a big night out.

The haircast and stylesheet have been created following feedback from a poll of 5,000 women.

Findings revealed the top celebrity hairstyle females would most like to recreate on themselves for a ‘night out on the tiles’ is Cheryl Cole’s sexy, glamorous and big hairdo.

The haircast is a three-minute visual guide which shows Kate Wingrove, director at Trevor Sorbie London and Brighton salons, creating the singer’s hair on a model and the supporting stylesheet is a one-page illustration of the five steps.

Kate said: “Copying celebrity hairstyles is all the rage at the moment, as it’s an inexpensive way of looking and feeling like a star.

“This season’s hot hair trend is big, glamorous sexy hair as sported by Cheryl Cole.

“This hairstyle suits all ages, face shapes and even various hair lengths with the aid of hair extensions.

“By watching the Travelodge haircast or reading the stylesheet women can now easily create the Cheryl Cole hairstyle in five simple steps.”

The hotel chain is also trialing a hairstyling tool-kit in five of its hotels that have a high female customer base, one of them being Newcastle Central.

The others are

Leeds Central, London Covent Garden, Cardiff Central and Windsor Central.

The tool-kit includes a range of curling tongs and hair straighteners so customers can still easily create Cheryl Cole’s hairstyle in their hotel room – and it’s free to hire.

Shakila Ahmed of Travelodge says: “Our research highlights Cheryl Cole mania continues to sweep the country, as the Geordie style icon tops the Travelodge most sought-after celebrity hairstyle poll.

“In response to these findings we have created a haircast and stylesheet to help our female customers create their favourite celebrity hairstyle in their hotel room for free.

“The guides and hairstyling tool-kit will be very popular at our city centre Travelodge’s, as at the weekend these hotels are occupied by groups of women celebrating a birthday, a hen night or just having a night out on the tiles.

“Also hotel staff have reported they get inundated with requests for hairdryers, curling tongs, hair straighteners and are often asked by female customers for assistance in doing their hair.”

Both guides can be downloaded free of charge at www.travelodge.co.uk. (Just go to the ‘What’s New’ section on the website). The ‘Haircast’ can also be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v= Bsv0z45A_jI

ACCORDING to the Travelodge research, the top five celebrity hairstyles British women want to replicate are:

1) Cheryl Cole’s glamorous ‘big hairdo’.

2)Jennifer Aniston’s straight, sleek hairstyle.

3) Eva Longoria’s elegant full-bodied hairdo.

4) Victoria Beckham’s straight choppy look.

5) Kate Moss’s just-got-out-of-bed hairdo.

For that celebrity style or look call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 and book yourself a life changing appointment or visit the site via www.revoil.co.uk – leading Manchester hairdressers

Keep hairstyle which suits to personality

(Drafted from www.centralchronicle.com)

A hairstyle, hairdo, or haircut refers to a styling of head hair. The fashioning of hair can be considered an aspect of personal grooming, fashion, and cosmetics, although practical considerations also influence some hairstyles.
Physical styling
Hair styling is a major world industry, from the salon itself to products, advertising, and even magazines on the subject. Hair dressing may include cuts, weaves, coloring, extensions, perms, permanent relaxers, curling and any other form of styling or texturing.
Length and trimming
Hair cutting or hair trimming often involves creating and maintaining a specific shape and form. Haircuts can be used to define a hemline along the ends and edges of longer hair. Hair cutting may include shaving the head. In some settings, hair cutting, creating forms and shapes are an expressive art form. Hair cutting often involves considerations of body proportions, hair density and hair type, face and head shape from all views (profile, 3/4 and 360 degree, from above and from below), overall bone structure, and pattern of how hair lies or falls. Hair shape and length are often derived from concerns regarding personal expression and aesthetics (examples: dreadlocks, punk hair, the business haircut/style, very long hair), religion (for example, Pentecostal faith among others), social and cultural values. Hair is often a physical expression of one’s sense of self, of a desire to present oneself to and amongst a community, of social status and roles, and of cultural values. Such expression may involve adding ornaments to the hair, or partial or full hair coverings (such as a Kippa, Hijab, or a Turban).
Although trimming may beautify hair by removing damaged or split ends, cutting does not promote faster growth. Nor does trimming remove all damage throughout the hair. Damage can occur anywhere in any length of hair. Trimming at regular intervals is only necessary for maintaining formed shapes.
There exist ways to trim hair oneself as outlined in places on the internet and hair care reading materials.
Wet hair stretches rather significantly in length. Curly hair will unfurl a fair amount when fully wet, and different areas of the hair may have a larger degree of curl or different direction of curl than others. Thus, cutting curly hair while wet may result in uneven lines or unexpected results with regard to actual length. Further, curly hair, in particular, once dry, might appear visually to have an uneven line depending on how the curl coils back up.
The reason stylists like working with wet hair may be related to weight. Wet hair is heavier and may be easier to manage in a cut/style situation since the hair remains in place thus holding a line and making it easier for the stylist to create a form.
Brushing and combing
The point of detangling is to organize hair, usually in the same direction, and eliminate knots, snarles, tangles, and any hairs that have shed naturally.
There are all manner of detangling tools available in a wide variety of price ranges. Combs come in all shapes and sizes and all manner of materials including plastics, wood and horn. Similarly, brushes also come in all sizes and shapes. There are also a variety of brushes in various paddle shapes. Most benefit from using some form of a wide tooth comb for detangling. Most physicians advise against sharing hair care instruments like combs and clips, to prevent spreading hair conditions like dandruff and head lice.
The old notion that 100 brush strokes a day produces beautiful hair is somewhat false. Too much brushing may injure the hair, especially with brushes that pull the hair or scratch the scalp. It remains a possibility that the dictum of 100 strokes a day derives from the era when Boar Bristle Brushes were more commonly used, well before the invention of plastics and a time when more organic materials were used to create hair care tools. Usually in conjunction with the idea of 100 strokes a day was the suggestion that hair will ’shine’ and be ’soft’ to the touch. That said, a person skilled at brushing without hurting the follicles can brush down the natural oils to the ends of the hair fibers, thus extending the natural protection of skin oil. Notice that if the skin has been depleted of oils by shampooing, this won’t work.
Drying
Hair dryers speed the drying process of hair by passing air, which is usually heated, over the wet hair shaft, accelerating the rate of water evaporation.
Excess heat may overly dry the hair, increasing the incidence of splitting or other damage. Hair dryer diffusers can be used to diffuse the stream of air flow so it is weaker but covers a larger area of the hair.
Hair dryers can also be used as a tool to sculpt the hair to a very slight degree. Repeated blowdrying can slowly train hair follicles towards the desired direction. Proper technique involves aiming the dryer such that the air does not blow onto the face or scalp, which can cause burns.
Curling and straightening
Styling tools may include Hair irons (including flat, curling and crimping irons), hair dryers, hair rollers. Hair dressing might also include the use of product to add texture, shine, curl, volume or hold to a particular style.
Braiding and `Updos’
Tight or frequent braiding may pull at the hair roots and cause traction alopecia. Rubber bands with metal clasps or tight clips, which bend the hair shaft at extreme angles, can also have the same effect.
For example, hair drawn in a direction other than its natural growth pattern (hair types come out of the hair follicle in particular patterns for curly, body, straight; and also, hair grows in a pattern about the head so that it hangs or forms the way it does for humans). If hair is pinned too tightly, or the whole updo slips causing pulling on the hair in the follicle at the hair root are other scenarios that can cause aggravation to the hair follicle and result in headaches.
Styling products
Styling products aside from shampoo and conditioner are many and varied. Leave-in conditioner, conditioning treatments, mousse, gels, lotions, waxes, creams, serums, oils, and sprays are used to change the texture or shape of the hair, or to hold it in place in a certain style. Applied properly, most styling products will not damage the hair apart from drying it out; most styling products contain alcohols, which can dissolve oils. Many hair products contain chemicals which can cause build-up, resulting in dull hair or a change in perceived texture.
Wigs
Care of human or other natural hair wigs is similar to care of a normal head of hair in that the wig can be brushed, styled, and kept clean using haircare products.
Functional and decorative ornaments
There are many options to adorn and arrange the hair. Hairpins, clasps, barrettes, headbands, ribbons, rubber bands, scrunchies, and combs can be used to achieve a variety of styles. There are also many decorative ornaments that, while they may have clasps to affix them to the hair, are used solely for appearance and do not aid in keeping the hair in place.

Let us advise you on the perfect style, call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty on 0161 950 9933 or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – hairdressers in Manchester

Summer hair tips from Paul Labrecque

(Drafted from www.sofeminine.co.uk)

New York stylist PAUL LABRECQUE has worked with Helen Mirren, Naomi Watts and Trudie Styler. Here are some of his top tips for summer.

How to minimise static and frizz when you fly

Before getting on a plane leave hair slightly damp with a leave in styling product/conditioner. This will help condition hair and retain much-needed moisture lost from an airplane’s dry, stale air. A light leave-in conditioner will leave your air-dried hair feeling soft and manageable without weighing it down.

Choosing your summer style
Choose a natural-looking style that suits your face and personality. Healthy hair that moves is always in style. This summer, work with soft fringes and longer layers for movement and a sexy sophisticated look.

Choosing your summer colour
For brunettes, paint on rich brown and caramel shades of colour for a fresh look; for blondes it’s all about soft beige and honey tones. And of course, always keep your hair healthy with quality shampoos and conditioners. Follow with light styling products that aren’t stiff or sticky and won’t dry hair out.

Pre-holiday hair

If you are preparing for a beach holiday, start by preparing your hair with a treatment that will keep its vitality while away. If you are going to be under intense sun, I would save colouring and cutting until I arrived back home.

 

Protecting your hair on holiday

When you are out in intense sun take the factor 30 sun screen you use on your skin and slather it into your hair. What’s good for the skin can never harm hair. Always bring a loose scrunchy when walking in humidity to keep your hair away from your face. Loose scrunchies never mark the hair. 

Can’t afford salon treatments for your holiday?

Some of the most nourishing ingredients for your hair can be found in your fridge! Avocados and olive oil are filled with essential fats that are often used in hair products; mayonnaise, eggs, and milk contain lipids and proteins that are very nourishing for your hair and scalp. Blend, chill and apply. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, rinse and shampoo for amazing shine!
 

Paul’s ultimate summer treatment tip

Give yourself a hot oil treatment while you sunbathe. Bury it in the sand to heat the liquid to an oil, then slick it into your hair, make it into a pony tail and continue to sunbathe or spend the day on the beach. It will not only protect your hair, but you will have received an excellent deep, hot oil treatment whilst you’re out playing. At night, or back at the hotel, shampoo and style your hair as normal.

For a summer look that dazzles call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty for an appointment or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – hair experts in Manchester

Summer Hair Tips from Colorist Mia

(Drafted from singlemindedwomen.com)

We single women heart summer big time. When else do we get the opportunity to ogle buff, topless hunks without paying a cover charge? What we don’t love, however, is the hair trauma that scorching-hot summer sun unleashes on our hair. Humidity-induced frizz, dried-out locks, roots gone wild…it’s enough to make a gal stick a hat on her head and call it a day. SingleMindedWomen turned to star San Francisco colorist Mia for summer hair tips and trends to make you look like a beach goddess. Read on to make sure that you are armed and dangerously gorgeous all summer long.

Beach Babe Color Technique: Balayage, a French hair painting technique, gives a natural, sun-kissed look for summer. Celebs including Gisele, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston all use this technique to achieve perfect golden locks. Color grows out with a more natural look than regular foil highlighting, giving clients a little bit more time to go between touch-ups-a big perk in a down economy.

Beach Bag Essentials: Keep Ojon® Rub-Out Dry Cleanser to Go and a hat or brightly colored bandana in your beach bag. The dry shampoo is a ideal pick-me-up for hair that has been put through a full day’s worth of summer activities. The hat and/or bandana not only make a cute and flirty summer accessory, but they are great ways to protect your color and your scalp from the sun’s damaging rays.

Style Smart: Hot looks for summer hair include Gidget braids and beachy waves. Achieve beach hair even when you are miles away from the surf. Use Philip B. Maui Wowie Beach Mist to get that tousled sexy look for your tresses. The product is a blend of salt water, aloe vera extract, and oils of orchid and Tahitian gardenia.To use: Shake bottle, then spray on damp or dry hair from roots to tips and comb through. Tousle hair and let air-dry, or twist hair in sections and dry under a diffuser for loose, sexy waves.

For the perfect look for summer call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty for an appointment or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – leading hair stylists in Manchester.

Healthy Summer Hair Tips for Black Women

(Drafted from www.washingtoninformer.com)

As the summer gradually descends on the nation’s capitol, thousands of African American women are considering what to do with their tresses. In addition to being harangued by the humidity of the city, Black hair is often caught in style limbo due to damage from over-processing or the many summer activities that “sweat hair out.” But according to area stylists, all is not loss.

Despite making up only 10 percent of the nation’s population, African American women spend more than $2 billion a year on hair care products according to a report released in 2008 by the Black Owned Beauty Supply Association – and still, the summer creates or exacerbates some heads.

Stylist Syphira Johnson, 28, of Silver Spring, said having healthy summer hair requires planning and care, and is not reliant upon the amount of money spent on products. Particularly for those Black women who will be going to swimming pools and the beach, prepping ones hair is essential.

“A lot of African American women who are athletic will opt out of relaxers altogether in order to keep their hair from being further damaged by chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools. However, for those who want to keep their hair relaxed and swim, it is crucial that they wrap their hair first, and then use a swim cap,” Johnson said.

Johnson said some women have avoided hair caps because they have proven to be unfashionable. In recent years several companies have come up with swim caps that are colorful and stylish enough to be worn by any fashonista.

“I like the look of those from a company called Headcovers, and Speedo makes great latex and silicone bathing caps. Some of my clients will wrap their hair, cover it in a silk scarf, and then use the bathing cap. The key is to keep the hair dry,” Johnson said.
Johnson said that for those women whose exercise routines cause excessive sweating, braided styles or sets could help maintain a healthy, head of hair through the summer. Johnson recommends cornrows for those who want to change styles often, and individual braids, such as Pixies or Twists, for those who want to maintain a particular style for up to five weeks.

For those transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, Johnson recommends Straw sets, where the hair is wet-set on drinking straws before being dried under a dryer for approximately 30 minutes. This allows the hair to hold the style for a couple of weeks, and prevents further damage through curling or flat irons.

“Braids have become acceptable in the workplace and that allows for a lot more freedom of expression, but also for healthier hair. Many of these styles can go straight from the boardroom into the steam room, so the versatility is worth it,” Johnson said.

Additionally, for those African American women who have been getting major flack for refusing to give up their relaxers, Naturopathic Doctor, Master Herbalist and author LaJoyce Brookshire, headquartered in New York, said a healthy lifestyle of detoxification means that surrendering to the natural is not necessary.

“We should be in a constant state of detoxification anyway. But, when we have assaulted our bodies with the application of harsh chemicals via relaxers, dyes, and yes even foods, we need to head straight to our kitchen and bathroom laboratories to flush our systems,” Brookshire said.

Brookshire, who has chemically treated hair, said in order to establish a favorable pH balance with Black hair, we must also have one with our bodies at the same time. That healthy pH should be between 7.0 and 7.435.

As for coloring agents, Brookshire said she is personally not a fan of them because they have a tendency to cause breakage around the hairline. Instead, she suggests natural alternatives, one found in any market.

“If I must use color I use the color sticks or henna. They both work just fine. In the summer, I allow the sun to work its wonder by adding fresh lemon with conditioner to my hair to lighten it gradually,” Brookshire said.

The key to great summer hair for African American women, whether chemically treated or natural, starts with plenty of water, exercise, and healthy eating habits to detoxify the body. Strawsets, braids, and counter-balancing the pH of the body following relaxing, should produce a city of happy, healthy heads.

For advice, tips and the perfect style call Re’Voil Hair & Beauty for an appointment or visit the website via www.revoil.co.uk – professional hair salon in Manchester.