Tuesday, July 24, 2012

HAIR MYTHS

Does Hair Grow Faster In The Summer?
Since we do eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in the summertime, we were wondering if our good behavior paid off in stronger, longer hair.
"There may be a slight increase in the rate of growth," but it’s really marginal. A natural hormonal shift and increase in UV may contribute to some changes, but again I must stress it's marginal.
Well if there's nothing to back up this claim, why is it such a widely-circulated rumor? "More highlights and sun oxidation can cause the demarcation between base and scalp to be more apparent than in the winter months," This contributes to the myth.
Conclusion: There is no direct link between warmer weather and increased hair growth. Hair lightened by the sun may give the illusion that hair is growing faster
Hair Growth Tips: Do Regular Trims Really Make It Grow Faster? We girls have heard that regular trims will actually make our hair grow faster since the day we were born. We've probably even dispensed the advice ourselves at some point, but based on what? Is there actually any science behind it? "Cutting the hair will have no influence on its rate of growth," that is something that is predetermined genetically.
So while haircuts may not make our hair grow faster, there are a few other factors to consider. "The rate of growth can be influenced by any number of variables, including general health, dietary habits, and endocrine function including thyroid, low iron or anemia," All of these have the capacity to influence hair growth and loss cycles.
But those routine salon visits are not for naught. "The benefits of regular trims are many and varied," They will aid in keeping the ends from splitting and looking frayed, thereby giving the appearance of healthier and longer hair. When ends split and are severely damaged, they can cause breakage and that breakage travels up the hair shaft, which leads to playing catch-up. It can be easy to skip hair cuts when the only goal in sight is long hair, but this is when we should actually be on top of it. "Many people make the classic mistake of forgoing trims because they are growing their hair longer. "This is in fact the time to be most attentive to the care of the hair, and that should include a trim every six (perfect world) to eight weeks."
The conclusion: False. Ultimately regular trims do not make hair grow faster (health and diet factors play heavily here), but if you want length without the damage, stick to routine salon visits to get your longest, healthiest hair. on average, hair grows approximately half an inch per month, so by trimming a quarter inch every eight weeks or so there is the potential for a net gain of four and a half inches per year.
We were more than a little intrigued when we heard that there might be a correlation between the summer's heat and increased hair growth. While it's one of the wilder beauty myths out there, we decided to get a pro's take on this potentially-awesome phenomenon.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Summer Hair Care: 4 Ways To Save Your Strands From Heat, Chlorine And UV Rays

Don't Ignore The Signs
"The most common signs of damage during the summer are dryness, static and frizz. All the moisture from the hair cuticle is taken out by the sun, saltwater and chlorine leaving the hair very dull. To protect your hair from these elements, rinse frequently with fresh water and spritz with a nourishing treatment after you get out of the water to keep it hydrated and protected
 
Ride The Waves
"Styled correctly, your curls can be as vibrant as ever,". "You need to style with a product that holds and adds moisture; apply to wet hair and allow to air dry. Once dry, squeeze in some defrizz serum to soften, yet maintain curl definition. Of course, there is another option: If you have thick, curly hair and it is weighing you down in the heat, cut it off! Go for short, textured styles to gain more freedom. Plus, it's trendy and sexy!"
 
Lather Up Richly
"Moisturize your hair as you would your skin. Women should look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners that are rich in proteins rather than sulfates that strip and dry hair out. If you do blow dry it, make sure you put it on a warmer setting as opposed to high heat. Stick with a great leave-in conditioner as it brings frizz down and conditions while giving the hair texture. And be sure to get frequent trims so that your ends stay healthy."
 
Lock In The Moisture
"When you apply oils or creams to damp hair it helps seal the cuticle and lock in moisture,". "I always apply product starting at the ends and working my way up. Using a hair mask at least once a week is key in helping hair stay moisturized through the summer. When in the shower, I suggest applying the mask then putting a shower cap on to help it penetrate. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes to achieve great results."