Monday, 21 February 2011

Hair Myths

There are so many old wives tales out there about hair its hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction. I have come up with a list of the most common urban legends to help put you in the right direction.

1) Split ends can be repaired without trimming:- False. The only thing that successfully treats split ends is having them cut off. While deep conditioning treatments and masks do help to merge the split ends together the result is only temporary, and when not cut they can eventually split all the way up the hair shaft and your split ends will have split ends!

2) Coloring hair during pregnancy is harmful to your baby:- False.  Although some physicians disagree, most believe that coloring the hair during pregnancy will not be dangerous to the baby. When in doubt always get your physician’s permission to color your hair during pregnancy.

3) Salon products are identical to Drugstore products:- False. Salon products are generally manufactured to contain higher quality and more expensive ingredients that are designed to consistently provide more intensive cleansing, moisturizing and conditioning results.Salon products are also more concentrated so you generally need to use a much smaller amount in comparison to a similar product from the superpharm. The cheaper products also tend to contain a higher amount of salt and alcohol which eventually dry out the hair.

4) Hair texture stays the same throughout your life:- False. Pregnancy, medication, chemotherapy, age and other variables can cause your texture to be temporarily or permanently altered.

5) Hair grows at different speeds on your head;-True. There is some scientific evidence that the growth rate of hair may vary on different parts of the head for select people. Usually the growth rate differences are very marginal and will not impact the hair appearance in any way. Generally we have also noticed that the side of your head that rest on your pillow tends to grow faster.

6) Wearing tight braids and ponytails can cause hair-loss and baldness:- True. The result from wearing tight ponytails, cornrows or buns over an extended period of time can indeed cause baldness from causing to much strain on the root of your hair. The medical term for this condition is 'Traction alopecia'










Saturday, 19 February 2011

GET READY FOR SUMMER!


Summer is my favorite time of year and there is nothing more relaxing then soaking up the rays on the beach in between sips of fresh fruit cocktails. While it may bring glorious visions of naturally highlighted tresses and long windblown hair  the reality is summer conditions are the worst for beautiful healthy hair. The  spiraling hot temperatures damage your hair's cuticle resulting in dry, drab, split and brittle hair. The temperature is the least of your worries, with over-exposure to the sun, salty sea air, chlorinated swimming pools and air-conditioning also being major factors that you have to take into consideration.

Drink lots of Water


While it's important to amp up your moisturizing and conditioning regimes during summer its important to  remember to keep your roots and hair hydrated from the inside out. Drink plenty of liquids to keep roots and strands flush with fluids.  Water will also keep your skin soft and plump.  While it's tempting to drink ice cold alcoholic drinks keep in mind that they can dehydrate skin and strands.  Water is always the best choice for your tresses.


Wear a Hat


When you find yourself out in the sun, the beach or at the pool without pre-planning, reach for a hat to cover up your hair.With the unlimited fashion options you will definitely be able to find one that suits you. Remember to buy a hat which allows for proper air circulation and blood flow, one that doesn't allow for air flow will get too hot and you will probably take it off.

Deep conditioning treatments

Hair regularly exposed to the sun needs deep conditioning treatments and moisture replenishment. Highlights stocks the full range of  in salon deep conditioning treatments so we can build a custom package to suit your hairs specific needs. Absolute Repair  is our most popular nourishing treatment and it consists of 3 stages focusing on the core and the surface for softer healthier hair.



Use Protection

Hanging out in the sun without protection for your hair and scalp is the worst thing you can do. Use leave in hair products with SPF protection when you know you will be at the beach if you're unwilling to wear a hat or a cover-up. Hair can  absorb its own weight in water, and swell up to 14 per cent in diameter. This means that every time your rinse your hair in the sea when you pop in to cool off its absorbing a lot of salt. Rinse your hair with regular water at the beach and apply the leave-in conditioner generously to your hair before you go for a swim.  L'Oreals Solar Sublime is the perfect solution with protection from sun, sea and chlorinated water available at Highlights.













Monday, 14 February 2011

Grammy Awards Red Carpet 2011

Gagas Red Carpet arrival was definitely the most original entrance I have ever seen. If you didnt manage to see it live, she arrived in an incubation egg carried by 4 gold clad guys and an alienesque model. The model did Gagas Red carpet PR. After being introduced by Ricky Martin  she emerged onstage from her vessel to sing her latest single ' Born this way '. Her performance outfit was extremely toned down in comparison to her usual attire.


Gaga accepting on of her Grammys

Eva Longoria
 This angle of Eva is amazing, she looks flawless and glamorous as usual. However we did notice that her hair extension was poorly executed. You could clearly see the connection between the ponytail and the bun while our favorite desperate housewife was working the red carpet in her Ashi dress, with a Sergio Rossi clutch and Brian Atwood shoes. ALWAYS PLACE THE BOBBY PINS AND HAIR GRIPS UNDER THE PONYTAIL never on top for all the world to see.

Hayley Williams




 Hayley Williams' look for the Grammys was completely off.  Never wear a dress that clashes with your hair color.

Bar Refaeli


 Come on Bar make a little effort! Hair was straight, wearing a white Armani suit Bar managed to look like a 'plain Jane' DODA. The Grammys is all about having a little fun and Bar came across boring.


Natasha Bedingfield looked exquisite from head to toe. We loved her 1920 inspired 'Finger-waved Bob'

Beyonce and Gweneth Paltrow


Beyonce and Gweneth Paltrow sat next to each other at the 2011 GA. They both looked amazing in short black dresses and wavy blond hair.

Ciara


My favorite look on the red carpet came from Ciara. She was wearing the most beautiful Pucci Dress in blues and whites, and long dark hair in a center parting.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is just ridiculous ! The picture says it all