How (and Why) to Use Dry Shampoo

Beauty Refresher:

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Now that you know some clever ways to use dry shampoo, let's back up a little bit and explore how this multitasking miracle product actually works. Discover how (and why) you'll want to make this waterless styling product a part of your hair regimen when you keep reading.
Why use it? Hairstylists agree that shampooing daily can do more hurt than good to your hair and scalp. Using a dry shampoo, however, can refresh your hair without the excessive stripping and dulling properties of a liquid shampoo.
How does it work? The primary ingredient in dry shampoo is a powder or starch that absorbs the oil from hair follicles. Many formulas also include essential oils to nourish the scalp.
How do you apply it? Apply the product (whether it's in powder or hair-spray form) to the roots where needed, allowing a few seconds for the dry shampoo to absorb the excess oils. Next, massage into the scalp and brush your hair to distribute the product from roots to ends. You can also apply the dry shampoo directly to a brush if you're in a hurry. And for a true fringe benefit, sprinkle dry shampoo on your freshly washed bangs to keep oil slicks at bay.

How to Use Vinegar For Hair and Skin Care

5 Surprising Ways to Use Vinegar For Beauty

Many common kitchen ingredients are just as useful in the bathroom. In fact, I turns to vinegar for many DIY hair and skin care remedies.  If you don't have the time to wait for this international beauty product to arrive (or are looking for something a little more practically priced), pick up a bottle of apple cider vinegar at your local grocery store. And to get tips — along with a few of ours — for using vinegar from head to toe, just keep reading.

• For smooth skin: "Because vinegar is acidic, it closes the pores of your skin and makes it extremely shiny,". That's why I recommend mixing vinegar with your body cream. "It also gives a nice smell without having perfume,".
• For shiny, brass-free hair: "Most of the time women don't rinse shampoos and conditioners very well, so hair is [left] heavy and not shiny enough,". To avoid this, I suggests applying five drops of vinegar (mixed with cold water in a bowl) into the hair and scalp after shampooing, conditioning, and rinsing. But instead of washing it out, leave it in to degunk and debrass your strands.
• For a healing bath: Mix a little apple cider vinegar in your bath water to let the anti-inflammatory properties soothe your itchy skin.
• For a clean scalp: Apple cider vinegar has natural antifungal properties and therefore can help eliminate a flaky scalp caused by dandruff. Create your own cleansing shampoo by mixing a solution that's half water, half apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle and apply.
• For a clear face: Vinegar balances the pH of the skin and acts as an astringent on oily complexions. Stir up a half-and-half mixture to use as a toner before your daily moisturizing routine.

Shampoo Tips:

 4 Signs That You're Not Washing Your Hair The Right Way

Summer's freak rainstorms and high humidity bring more bad hair days than not, but the culprit could likely be in the shower. Shampooing seems like one of those no-brainer steps that we don't put much thought into (lather up, rinse, on our way), but it's actually fundamental in making your hair look and act like the best version of itself -- not to mention helping styling products work better. We've amassed four ways you might be washing your hair wrong.
Not getting hair wet enough. This is a big one. It's likely that you're rushing, even multitasking in the shower, so you won't be late to work, and immediately plop shampoo on top of your head the second you step in. But take a step back, hair should be soaking wet first. Think about it: the same way a dirty pot is easier to clean after a soak in warm water, your hair and scalp will be much more receptive to cleansing once every part is wet.
Shampooing the ends. Don't do this. Focus shampoo on the scalp where oil is produced. Refrain from reenacting your own personal Herbal Essences commercial and lathering all your hair into a big soapy pouf. Then ends of your hair are the driest, and shampoo will only draw out more moisture. (The same rule applies to conditioner, but reversed: No need to apply to your roots, which will only make them greasy. Target the drier, more tangly ends.)
Washing too often or not enough. We read all the time that you should space out washes as long as possible, but it's not a one-size-fits-all rule here. Some can go a week, while others need to wash everyday. Know your hair type and when it needs cleansing. Experiment by stretching out or increasing washes, and see how your hair responds. Curly hair tends to be more dry and can go longer without washes, while straighter hair can look greasier sooner. Those who are more active and exercise regularly should find a formulation that gentle enough for everyday use. Also, if you have an aversion to fluffy, freshly-washed hair, spot treat areas of the scalp that tend to get oiler first -- particularly around the crown and the top of the head.
Letting residue build up. Dull, blah hair? Do you load in lots of stylers and hairspray every day? After a while that product will start to build up and weigh hair down. Clarify once every few weeks to give your hair a fresh start (any more than that isn't necessary). You don't need to strip your hair to make sure it's squeaky-clean. Find a formula that will get rid of product, but won't dry out your hair's natural moisture. Hair that's entirely deplete of moisture will overcompensate by producing more oil.

See How Easy It Is to Get Scarlett Johansson's Retro Waves

Scarlett Johansson is known for her love of retro-inspired styles, and for the May cover of Vogue, she looked as gorgeous as ever in '30s-inflected waves. Iconic celebrity hairstylist Oribe created Scarlett's coiffure for the shoot, and it's surprisingly easy to re-create. Want Scarlett's waves for yourself?

Set it, but don't forget it: On dry hair, start by creating a side part (use whichever side you prefer), and then put all your hair up in small rollers. Leave your rollers in until they cool completely, then gently remove them.

Style it:  brushing through your curls to loosen them. After that, style them into a uniform wave using a comb and Anti-Humidity Spray, to hold everything in place. Then spraying to make the waves look soft and natural.

Ali Larter NEW HAIRCUT

New mom, new haircut! Ali Larter recently freshened her hairstyle, debuting a brand-new bob on the red carpet earlier this month. “Ali was looking for a totally re-vamped look,” salon owner Andy LeCompte, Larter’s hairdresser and a Wella Professionals celebrity stylist, tells PEOPLE. “Cutting your hair is a big step for a lot of people, and Ali has had long hair for years. She was excited and ready for the change.”

Thankfully, the actress has no regrets. “She really had a strong idea that she was ready for a fresh new look and was not uncertain at all,” LeCompte shares. “Ali is loving her new cut! She loves the freedom and ease of it.”

In fact, it’s quite easy for the star to transform her hairstyle in a matter of minutes. “She can take her look from every day to the red carpet by adding something as easy as a deep side part, or adding texture with a product like Wella Professionals ocean spritz beach texture spray,” LeCompte explains.
And the style works well for new moms like Larter, too. “Shorter hair is great for fuss-free styling, which complements the busy lives of moms everywhere — not just in Hollywood,” he shares. “I also think new moms experience this newfound confidence and find it liberating to not hide behind their hair.”
LeCompte predicts that other trendsetters will likely follow in Larter’s footsteps soon. “For so long the ideal hair for a woman was long, flowy and down to your hips,” he shares. “Women are experimenting more and are realizing that you don’t have to sacrifice your femininity if you cut your hair.”

Hair Twirling: The Consequences Of Pulling Your Strands

Once I stopped straightening my naturally curly hair, I developed a routine that includes wrapping strands into two strand twists before bed to achieve the "perfect" coil in the morning. While it can take up to an hour for each process, I find myself getting lost in the rhythm of pulling at my curls. However, I'm starting to rethink my hairstyling strategy can have serious consequences.
Any action like twirling, brushing and twisting can cross the line from normal to compulsive, leading to trichotillomania, according to Elizabeth Cunnane Philips, trichologist at hair health-focused brand Philip Kingsley.
The extreme self-inflicted hair loss condition can start as innocently as hair twirling, perhaps while watching TV or studying, which then can develop into the pulling of individual hairs. It's much more likely to affect women than men -- with an approximate ratio of four to one. And trichotillomania is often present or reported soon after the onset of puberty, with the urge to twirl having deep psychological undertones.
"The sensation of pain creates a sensation that is one of exhilaration," says Philips. "Often times the patient reports a period of elevated stress that then spurred the condition. I have never observed a case where stress was not one of the presenting factors."
She adds, "Repeated and constant twirling and pulling can lead to frizzier hairs regrowing, and in some cases where the pulling is long term there can be follicular damage where the regowth potential can be diminished."
Of course, any advice that Philips offers is multifaceted as there are different levels of trichotillomania, from subtle areas that are not visible to the naked or untrained eye, to cases so severe that the patient hides with a wig.
"It is a complex condition that requires attention and must first be identified for what it is, and only then can the individual work on ways that help them," says Philips. "The idea is to create a sensation that keeps the hand away from the hair and scalp, and eventually helps to break what can become a habit."
Read on for her expert tips on how to control the urge to twirl:
• The continuation of any therapy that has proven helpful in the past. Managing any emotional and psychological issues is both vital and mandatory.
• Stress management techniques they can include everything from behavioral management to yoga.

• Identify individual triggers and set up way to catch those.

• Wear gloves while reading, watching TV or talking on the phone.

• Explore therapy balls that are often used for sensory therapy or rehabilitation post-hand surgery.
 

Hair Extensions

Stars Go to Great Lengths This Summer

Hayden Panettiere, Oliva Munn and Jessica Alba sport hair extensions.
When the heat is on, most women opt for shorter, cropped 'dos, but some of our favorite stars are going to great lengths this summer.

"Extensions can be very fun and rewarding," celebrity stylist and Hair Basics expert Ted Gibson tells StyleList. "They can range in price from $500-$5,000 and last from two weeks to four months, depending on which hair extensions you and your stylist decide on."

Hayden Panettiere, who has turned heads with her frequent hair switch-ups, attended the Vans Custom Culture Contest event in New York City on June 2 rocking wavy blond extensions. At the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation benefit on yesterday, Olivia Munn gathered her long, dark lengths into a ponytail and left out a few face-framing pieces. And for the Covenant House California Gala last Thursday, Jessica Alba paired her gorgeous mommy-to-be glow with layered, sun-kissed extensions for a half-up, half-down hairstyle.

Anxious to lengthen your locks like these celebs? Check out the expert advice below on how to style and care for hair extensions.

Not all extensions are created equal. "Always consult with a professional when it comes to hair extensions. You have to try and seek out the perfect extension type suitable for your hair. "Human hair extensions (especially Remy Hair) are by far the best, and they have to be customized according to your hair and the look you want to achieve. Regular salon visits are important to keep your extensions in good shape."

Ask and you shall receive.  there are three questions every pro should pose before you sit down in the chair:
• What look do you want to achieve?
• What length are you looking for?
• What is your face type and body frame?

It's all about blending and layering. "When extensions are applied, it is key to blend them with the client's hair to achieve a more natural look. Never wear extensions at one length. We suggest a lot of layering,". "When cutting the hair, make sure to use a razor but don't overdo it as the hair will look frayed. Be careful how much pressure you put on your hair extensions with accessories -- it can pull them out."

Paddle away. "The most important tool is a professional paddle brush made especially for extensions,". "It is important to always brush the hair from the bottom up."

Say no to alcohol. "Products are so important to maintaining a beautiful mane of hair,". "Alcohol-based products should not be used. Instead, focus on more oil-based products like shea or argon and a little goes a long way. Too much product will wear your hair down and increase build-up on the scalp."

Don't sleep on at-home hair maintenance. "Before taking a shower, slowly brush your hair upwards to prevent breakage. Use intense hydrating shampoo and conditioners followed by a great detangler and a wide-tooth comb. Apply a leave-in conditioner and let hair air-dry for a summer look,

Know when it's time to let go. "Keeping extensions in too long can cause major hair or scalp damage," adds Pitters. "I tell my clients to take them out after 10-12 weeks."

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