hair

Beauty Through the Decades

Imagine living in a simpler time where beauty was so streamlined that using a bar of soap was considered an effective skincare regimen.  I just received a mailing from the CVS Beauty Club highlighting beauty then and now that made me truly appreciate how far technology has come! You won't believe what woman used to do compared to what we do today.  Read on and appreciate! Skincare

Then: An effective skincare regimen used to include cleansing with a bar soap and smoothing on moisturizer.  Can you imagine?  Oil of Olay Beauty Fluid was one of the first products to be introduced that offered a non-greasy, more luxe texture.

Now: New technology not only allows us to choose the type of formula we want to meet our lifestyles and skincare needs, but also the application method.  Creams, serums, oils and cleansers, do everything from erasing fine lines, plumping the skin, evening out it's tone and protecting it from environmental factors.

Makeup

Then: Foundations came in heavy, very limited shade ranges and women had to wear falsies daily in the 60's as their lashes were their main accessory.  Talk about high maintanence!  Lip color was always in, but the popular shades shifted from screen siren reds to nudes and eventually burgundy.

Now: Skincare ingredients are now incorporated into cosmetics making almost all of them "good for your skin." Foundation isn't the only option now (thank God!) as face makeup comes in a variety of forms depending on the coverage you're looking for (i.e.: tinted moisturizer, BB Cream, CC Cream…).  Most brands have a decent amount of shade ranges, too.  Mascara formulations and intricate wands are now also designed to create specific looks so daily falsies aren't necessary.  Lip care goes way beyond pigment as we now also have texture options ranging from matte to sheer.

Hair Styling

Then: Women used to have to sit for hours at the salon with rollers in their hair to create curls or use an actual clothing iron to straighten their hair.

Now: Where do we begin?  Achieving a salon worthy style at home is easier than ever thanks to all of the styling tools that are available to us. There are even different types of curling irons for different types of curls! Talk about specifics!

Nails

Then: The polish decision was solely about color.

Now: We're all nail artists.  The demand for effects is in full effect and a simple manicure just doesn't cut it anymore.  Ombre, 3D and crackle meet polka dots, chevron and color blocking.

Fragrance

Then: To fit the mood of the times, scent trends changed with the decades.

Now: You probably have at least three fragrances to rotate with your ever changing moods.   Your scent is another element of your personal style and rules don't exist anymore.  Unisex fragrances are more popular and let's face it, if it has Lady Gaga's name on it, it's selling out.

 

An Easy, Yet Chic Way to Wear Braids

Back in August I reported on the top five hair trends for fall (see post here) and one came as no surprise as it's been hot for years and just keeps reinventing itself - braids. It seems we just can't get enough of the intertwined style.  Like you, I admire intricate braids like box styles, waterfalls and fishtails, but just can't do them on myself. Braids don't have to be complicated to look chic.  Check out my video tutorial to see for yourself.

5 Favorites

I don't know where to start.  My whole regimen has taken a turn for the better lately and with each new launch and product mailing I'm falling in love all over again with the latest lotions and potions.  Allow me to present my five favorites of the moment.  You can thank me later!

Rodial Glam Balm Multi, $59, has been a staple in my bag.  I've been traveling a ton lately and this non-greasy balm is loaded with stem cells so it has plumping benefits and is super moisturizing.  You can use it as a day or night cream on your face for extra hydration, on your hands, cuticles, lips, elbows.  The options are endless.

StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Eye Treatment, $75, has my favorite anti-aging key word, retinol, as it's main ingredient.  My biggest paranoia lately has been fine lines on the sides of and underneath my eyes.  They make me look old and tired!  I trust StriVectin and the combination of Retinol and Niacin is a perfect blend to help diminish them quickly.

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder, $45, offers lightweight coverage in a variety of shades.  I'm not one to wear foundation daily, but when I go on TV, it becomes my best friend.  Hello HD!  This powder blends seamlessly into my skin without feeling caky.  Plus, it's easy to carry around for last minute touch ups.

Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Mousse, $14.99, puts an end to the search.  The search for volume that is.  The famed UK brand just landed state side and after trying a variety of their products, I couldn't be happier.  Since my strands live for mousse, this is by far my favorite product in the line.  It's lightweight and not only offers volume, but it also gives bounce.  That's the difference.  Who doesn't want bounce?

 Gelish Mini Soak Off Gel Polish, $10 ea., come in a variety of fashion forward shades for fall.  My favorite being 'A Touch of Sass' and soak off easily without ruining your own nails.  Hey, a girl needs a gel mani every once in a while!

Wigs by Number with Ted Gibson Beauty for Carmen Marc Valvo

Picture this: it's 8:30 am on Thursday, September 6th, the first day of fashion week and the Ted Gibson team is searching wig stores all over the city to find wigs and wig caps for the Carmen Marc Valvo show the next day.  At 2pm I walked into the salon to check out Ted's new cosmetic line and get a blowout and right into a prime moment the real hair prep before the big show.  The wigs were found and the team was busy.  Think all of the work goes on backstage?  Think again.

Just the day before Ted and Devon Toth, the Director of Education at Ted Gibson, met with the designer and rest of the glam squad to nail down the inspiration behind the look – inspired by street syle, the vibe was techno tribal for his Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

The vibe at the salon was surprisingly cool, calm and collective.  "Our team found real, human hair wigs in dirty blonde that can be dyed and we're dying the tops platinum and the bottoms black,"  Jason Backe explained.

Check out this breakdown:

 2 # of given days to prepare the wigs

8 # of hours it took for Ted's team to find all of the wigs and wig caps in NYC

5 # of hours in the salon it takes to complete one wig

7 # of team members working on the wigs at all times in between clients

25 # of wigs created for the show

3 # of extra wigs made for just in case reasons

22 # of models

 

stylist michael forrey talks prepping for threeasfour

Have you been on Instagram or Twitter lately?  Of course you have, which means you're well aware that NY Fashion Week has begun.  I spoke with the mane man behind my bob, (which now looks more like a lob), Sassoon NYC's Creative Director, Michael Forrey, about how he preps for NYFW.  This Sunday, he'll be leading the Sassoon Salon Creative Team backstage at threeASFOUR.  His main 'tool' may surprise you.

What's one off-beat product that often comes in handy backstage and how do you use it?

A fabric needle and fishing wire - don’t worry, I'm not helping the designers sew last minute pieces! Actually, I often use these tools to attach braids or hairpieces as an alternative to a rubber band. The fishing wire gives a strong but flexible hold and makes the final look appear flawless.

How do you and your team prepare for NYFW? 

My team and I prepare for NYFW with workshops, where we test different looks and see how they translate on models. By working together as team, we get to utilize different people’s strengths and the final product is nothing short of amazing! 

Trend forecast!  What hair trends can we expect to see on the runways this season?

I think for Spring 2014 we will see very futuristic sleek, wet, geometric looks.

Describe backstage of NYFW in one word: Exhilarating! 

Another Reason to Cut Your Hair

Do these short styles inspire you?  Then pay attention!  Last week I mentioned I'm looking for a BeautySweetSpot reader to join me at a media event with a celebrity stylist to donate their hair for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths campaign on National Donate Your Hair Day and am excited to announce that I found Punam from NJ who's eager to participate!  But don't worry, besides joining me at the event on Saturday, there are other ways you can get involved.  Everyone can do something... help make real-hair wigs available at no-cost to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.  Read on to find out how you can help. Don't worry if you can't or don't want to chop your hair.  You can still be involved by pledging to donate next year or by planning a donation cutting event for friends and family. Even something as simple as Tweeting your support for the program @Pantene using #BeautifulLengths will help support the cause by building awareness to the program.

If you do plan on making the chop we'd love for you to be part of the National Donate Your Hair Day Vine-umentary!  Pantene's creating a video-documetary to capture the moment donators are making the cut, calling it a "Pony Up" moment.  Capture your chop on a Vine now through October, and submit it by tagging @Pantene and using the #BeautifuLengths and #PonyUp.  Your donation can be part of history!

Thank you all again for learning about Beautiful Lengths and for spreading the word.  It's a fantastic program and I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it.

*This is a sponsored post, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

How to Fake A Big Bun, No Props Needed

Recently at a wedding my best friend (who has hair as fine) as mine donned this amazing bun and believe it or not, it was all her real hair.  No sock bun, no donut. The only prop needed was an elastic (oh, yea and some bobby pins)!  Of course I semi-freaked out when I saw it and had to get the step-by-step so I can tell all of you! Here it is courtesy of U by Kotex. You may be wondering, what the heck does this style have to do with tampons?  Well, funny enough, U by Kotex comes with free Goody hair elastic at Target, which at the end of the day makes sense.  They're two essentials every girl needs!  And like I said, all you need for this style is an elastic.  Text KOTEX to TARGET to get a coupon today.

Here's the breakdown:

  1. Pull your hair back into a high ponytail above the crown of your head securing it with an elastic
  2. In 1/2" sections, pull your hair up from the elastic and tease the front (outside) of the root
  3. Take that piece and fold it over the teased section
  4. Secure with a bobby pin
  5. Repeat with 1/2" sections all the way around the pony tail until you have a teased out bun
  6. Spray with a light weight hairspray
#ubykotex #ubykgoody #hairtutorial #hair

*This post is sponsored by U by Kotex, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

National Donate Your Hair Day, Get Involved with Pantene for A Cause

I'm so excited to announce that I'm partnering with Pantene to help spread the word about National Donate Your Hair Day on September 7th.  Now, this isn't just another reason for the beauty industry to celebrate.  I'm sure you've heard of Pantene Beautiful Lengths, but what you may not have known is that they have a partnership with the American Cancer Society.  We're asking you to "Pony Up" and donate your ponytail to make real-hair wigs available at no-cost to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.  Read on to learn how you can donate and help spread the word. Plus, there's a special opportunity in here for a BeautySweetSpot reader!

While there are many different ways you can donate your hair to create wigs, I've always been a supporter of Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program, because you know exactly where your hair goes. In 2010, best friend Melanie wanted to donate her hair.  I recommended this program and covered it on BeautySweetSpot (see her experience here) to encourage others to do the same.  After all, since 2006, Pantene has donated more than 28,000 free real-hair wigs to the American Cancer Society’s wig banks, which distribute wigs to cancer patients across the country.

Looking to donate your hair?  Here are the qualifications.  When I cut 10" off of my hair in February I, unfortunately, wasn't able to donate it, because it was dyed so frequently.  If you are interested in donating and qualify, I'm looking for a BeautySweetSpot reader to join me in NYC on Saturday, September 7th at Pantene's NDYHD event!  You'll receive a fresh new cut by a Pantene celebrity stylist (just in time for fall) and be featured in Pantene's video documentary that'll capture your journey. (Note: reader must live in the tristate area).

Comment below and let me know if you'd like to join me on Sept. 7th and donate your hair!  Unable to donate?  No worries, you can still get involved by pledging to donate next year or by Tweeting their support for the program @Pantene using #BeautifulLengths.

The Hottest Hair Color Hues for Fall

September is here!  Well, almost, but September Vogue is out, which basically means you better be ready for Fall.  Did you think about your hair color yet?  Writing this post reminded me to schedule my appointment!  To find out what's in, I spoke with the Head Colorist at Salon AKS in NYC, Kathleen Flynn-Hui.  Whether your a brunette, blonde or red head, I've got you covered. "This season, it's all about being multi-toned," remarks Kathleen Flynn-Hui, the Head Colorist for Salon AKS.  "Hair inspiration for color is really drawn from the foliage." When going to your colorist, take inspiration from the leaves and think ambers and gold.  In general, your new fall hair color should be richer and warmer than than the lavenders and brights you had for summer.

Blondes: Stay away from the "letting your roots" grow.  The look this year is more couture and polished.  Your hair doesn't have to look natural, just blended. Tone on tone is the trend for Fall, blondes should be golden, coper or wheat.

Brunettes: After summer your hair tends to look brassy and washed out.  You want your hair to look rich and shiny.   Your hair shouldn't look ashy, but dimensional. Try subtle highlights.

Reds: You have the best color, and Fall is really your season.  Try ambers and rich reds. Again, draw the most inspiration from the leaves turning.

 

5 Favorites

When Yes To Carrots expands their line, yet again, you know I'm writing about it. The new Yes To Body Washes, ($7.99 at drugstores) are rocking my shower experience.  Check out the other products that made the cut for my five favorites of the moment. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sephora + Pantone Universe Elemental Energy Eye Shadow Palette, $38 at Sephora 

This palette includes 16 shades in many different textures: creamy, semi-matte, glitter, and shimmer. The pigments are vivid and feel like velvet as you swipe them across your lids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapstick Mixsticks, $2.99 at drugstores.

Two flavors, one stick.  Pretty awesome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, $5.99 at Ulta & Almay Soothing & De-Puffing Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $5.99 at Ulta

Almay's eye makeup removers have always been a favorite of mine, and these two products recently replenished my stash.  Gentle and effective.

Goody QuickStyle Half Round Brush, $11.99 at Target

The microfibers in between the nylon bristles soak up water to help your hair dry quicker.

Top 5 Fall Hair Trends

The September issues are out!  While I'm soaking up as much of summer as we have left, my fall schedule is already jam packed and NY Fashion Week invites have already started flooding my inbox.  Therefore, it's only appropriate I prepare you with the hottest hair styles for fall as I saw last fashion week.  To dissect each one, I spoke with Celeb Stylist, Ted Gibson.  

Braids – Braids are so huge right now and I love this uncontrived, half up, half down look! We are doing fashion braids like this everyday with my new braid luxe service at my W Fort Lauderdale salon.  Braids are great for any occasion – they’ve been all over the red carpet lately! A woman with braids has a bit of  wild side, but knows how to keep it all together. The look pictured features two small braids taken from the front of the head and meets down the middle to form one braid. I love how the look is kind of messy – it adds a fashion element. To achieve this look, use a blow drying spray like ted gibson build it blow drying agent to add texture to the hair.

Sleek, straight, center parted – I love the pin straight, center parted look – it’s just so sexy!! I love this look for to add sleekness to your daytime look or for date night. The look pictured is super shiny, sleek and straight with a  center part. For this look, use a shine serum like tame it shine lotion to add incredible sheen and to smooth flyaways.

Side swept – I love this look because it’s super sophisticated. A woman with side swept hair is strong, determined and knows what she wants. This look showcases a deep side part with the hair pulled across her forehead. For the look, make sure you have a good hairspray like ted gibson beautiful hold to keep everything in place.

Low ponytails – Low ponytails are super hot for the Fall! They are great for night or day and scream sexy, yet sophisticated. To achieve the glossy look pictured, smooth the hair back into a low ponytail using a gel like ted gibson fix it gel.

Out of control volume – I loved the 80s and this look brings me back there! It’s so Jerry Hall! Wear this hair to stand out in the crowd at any party. To achieve this look, wash your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner such as L’Oreal Professionnel’s Volumetry line. Next, curl your hair with a curling iron, then back brush to your desired volume.

 

 

How to Style Short Hair, A Video Series with Ladies Home Journal

I'm really excited to introduce my new hair styling series for Ladies' Home Journal!  With a focus on how to style short hair, we came up with seven different videos where I walk you through fun, easy styles.  Trust me, if I can do them, so can you.  Links to all of the topics are below.  Happy watching! How to Style Short Hair in Sexy Waves

How to Style A Pompadour

How to Style an Easy Updo

How to Create Chic, Straight Hair

How to Wear A Scarf as A Headband

How to Wear Headbands as An Adult

How to Style Braids for Short Hair

3 summer beauty trends not to miss

If you’re a glass half empty person, I'm sorry that you’re summer is half way over. If you a glass half full person, enjoy the rest of July and August! Either way, the summer 2013 beauty trends have made their presence known. So let's celebrate the top three summer beauty trends you still have time rock.

Healthy Glow

Sub your bronzer for blush.  Honestly who needs to add more red to your complexion when dealing with heat and sunburn? I know I sure don’t. However, blush always extenuates my weak bone structure therefore, I can’t just forgo that important part of my makeup routine. Thanks to one of this summer’s top trends you don’t have to. Instead of blush, try using bronzer to do the job. It works just as well to show off your cheekbones but instead of giving you an even more flushed look, you just get a bronze glow.

Sleek Strands

We’re used to seeing women embrace their wildly wavy summer hair, giving it a messy chic look. But this summer it’s all about fighting the frizz. Sleek is chic. Although not always easy, it's possible. To get the look, start by using Oribe’s Shampoo and Conditioner for Moisture and Control ($38, oribe.com). After washing, use hair oils. My personal favorite is Moroccanoil Treatment Light ($43, Moroccanoil.com).  The light weight formula tames my frizzies without weighing down my hair or making it look greasy.

Bright Pink Puckers

It’s playful, fun and light— all the qualities you look for in a summer look. With the gross summer heat, go for a matte lip instead of sticky, runny gloss.  My favorite pink lipstick of the moment is Hourglass Liquid Lipstick ($28, Sephora.com) in Ballet. It goes on liquid, but dries matte. Genius.

Ciara's Stylist Talks Her New Album Cover Style & Shoot Details

"Ciara and I have a great relationship," Cesar Ramirez, her stylist of four years says. "We are both dedicated and hard working and share a similar vision of perfection."  In case you haven't heard it yet, Ciara's new album, "Ciara," is worth downloading for her three new hit singles alone.  All in one day, her cover was shot and that hair... of course, is something to talk about.  A bit of extensions and sexy waves, I got the scoop from Ramirez himself on what the day was like plus a quick how-to. What was the vibe on set? 

The vibe on a Ciara set is always fun and full of energy! It's inspiring when you work with a beautiful open minded client who is willing to play and take suggestions. On set, you can hear anything from Sade to Madonna playing in the background.

What was your inspiration for her cover look?

Ciara and I were both inspired by our favorite model Kate Moss. We love her simple "cool girl" attitude. Our goal was to stay as true to Ciara as possible and at the same time feature her sex appeal.

Did she ask for anything specific?

Ciara asked for something fresh!! I kept it simple yet sultry. She wanted a signature look that would be fashion forward and create a trend, which was very smart of her and something we accomplished.

Who did you collaborate with to come up with the look?

The team included Yolanda Fredrick (Ciara's long time makeup artist) Jamaica (Ciara's long time Coreographer) and I. We always come together with Ciara and discuss what fits and feels right for the moment and then go execute.

What type of extensions did you use and why?

A little enhancement is always fun! Bits and pieces create drama for shoots and film. Indique has amazing hair and it’s my go to hair spot.

What are the 5 must have items in your kit when on set?

My croc flat iron

My Nume waving rod 3 in 1

My boar bristle toothbrush

Moroccan oil hairspray

Redken powder grip

Did Ciara want anything you used?

Yeas. My skills!

Oribe Dishes on J. Lo's W Magazine Shoot

In her hometown of the Bronx, J. Lo shot her latest W magazine cover at Castle Rock in just one day.  Inspired by Janice Dickenson's voluminous blowouts during the 70's, iconic stylist, Oribe, created a classic movie star 'do.  I chatted with him to get the how-to and some behind the scenes info.  What's your relationship like with J. Lo?  

I have been working with her for many years.  We’re very good friends.  I respect her very much, and every time I work with her I learn something new.  Each time we work together it’s an incredible collaboration.  It’s always fantastic.

Did J. Lo have any specific hair requests?

She's always very open-minded, and just wants to look beautiful.  That’s pretty much the only rule, to make her look gorgeous.  She's so fantastic to work with.

What are your 5 must have necessitates in your shoot kit?

All of the Oribe Hair Care products, especially Soft, Thick, Grandiose, Curl and Surfcomber.  I also always have my Dry Texturizing Spray, Supershine Light and Impermeable.   My Mason Pearson brush is also always with me.

Did J. Lo specifically like anything you used?

She loves the products and is a big supporter of the brand, and it works great on her hair.  Her hairdresser is amazing and uses the products on her as well.  He does a fantastic job and was on-set as well.  It was a great experience to have that kind of rapport with her personal hair dresser.

Step-by-step:

  1. Apply mousse to damp hair and blowdry with a round brush
  2. Curl your hair all the way around your head and let them cool
  3. Brush through the curls to create waves
  4. Lightly spritz a conditioner like Oribe's Soft Dry Conditioner Spray through the ends to add softness and shine
  5. Finish with hair spray or anti-humidity spray like Oribe's Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray

Celeb Stylist, Danilo, Wants to Tackle Your Mane

Gwen Stefani, Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway are just a few of the leading ladies Pantene Celebrity Stylist and Global Ambassador, Danilo, has his hands on on a regular basis.  Now it's your turn.  He'll be at the Walgreens Pop Up in NYC's Times Square this Saturday, July 20th offering free consultations!  Ladies, I've had my hair done by him before and it's a treat!

Event Details: Saturday, July, 20, 2013 12pm-4pm Walgreens, 1471 Broadway New York NY 10036

Appointments are on a first come, first serve basis.  If I were you I'd get there early and wait!  It's well worth it.  Especially if you have somewhere to go on Saturday night.

He'll be using Pantene products that help fight the elements like:

o Daily Moisture Renewal Silky Moisture Whip o Volume Root Lifter Spray Gel o Smooth with Argan Oil Shine Serum o Ultimate 10 BB Crème

Also, for those of you who can't make it, I'm giving away a Pantene Weather Prep Kit and will have an interview up on the site with Danilo next week so you, too can have all of the tools and tips to style your hair in all types of weather.  To enter, leave a comment below about how humidity affects your hair, register here so I know how to find you and RT the giveaway on Twitter.

*This is a sponsored post by Pantene, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

How to Rock Dirty Hair

Did you know that people with thick hair should only be washing their hair 2-3 times a week? Even if you have fine hair, a wash every other day is the right amount. While this may be what’s healthy for your hair, it can sometimes result in undone, messy looking styles. I spoke with Stylist, Jan Marie Arteca who works at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC, about the best ways to wear your hair, well, dirty.

Mistakes: 

One of the biggest mistakes women make when sporting dirty hair? “Wearing a center part,” says Arteca. This kind of part attracts can reveal an oily scalp. Another major mistake that I myself am also guilty of, is not brushing your hair.  I know I think it sometimes makes my hair look messy chic. When in reality, it just looks messy.

Products: 

The obvious product choice for dirty hair is dry shampoo. It can save your hair for a day or two longer. Arteca recommends Serge Normant Dry Shampoo. Texturizing spray also works like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.

Style:

“The thicker the hair, the more options you have to style it,” explains Arteca. This ranges from anything from curls to braids. For finer hair, she recommends deep side part ponytails, buns, or any sort of braid. I personally like to pull my hair into a side braid when my hair goes a day or two unwashed. Braids keep my texture from looking greasy and with it to the side I avoid a too-sleek part. Hair accessories are also a major help. A headband can cover up almost the dirtiest of looks.

Also keep in mind that dirtier hair is easier to style than slick clean hair. If you’ve been dying to sport some beach waves, curl it when it’s a day or two dirty and shake out for a waved look that’ll stay in.

Accessorize at the beach

  With beach season in full swing, beach hair is a major topic— whether it be products to use or beach friendly up-do’s.  I've been obsessed with head scarves and have some suggestions for dressing up your seaside look with some affordable beach inspired hair accessories to compliment any style.  Check them out.

Head Wraps: Head wraps like this Knotted Southwestern Headwrap ($3.80, Forever 21) are huge this beach season. They give off a laid-back bohemian feel even if you aren’t so laid back or bohemian. They work great on the beach because they look great any which way your salty-hair falls.

Chain Wraps: If your looking for a less laid back and more formal look for the beach, chain wraps are a great addition. We’ve seen the body chain trend come and go, so now its time to take it on in a similar more subtle manner. You will feel like a beach goddess with something like this delicate one ($12.00, Urban Outfitters).

Hair Clip: This is simple yet fantastic for long beach days. I never step on to the sand without one. It looks great in dry or wet hair. You can wear it with every strand of your hair clipped back into it or let your long locks flow out the top. There are cuter designs like this France Luxe Small Couture Jaw clip ($26.00, Nordstrom) but a simple black one will do the job all the same.

Bun Wraps: These serve as a sort of ponytail holder for topknots. Only they’re 10 times cuter. These wraps hold you hair a bit looser then a ponytail holder, which makes for a great messy beach look and won’t cause split ends. Free People has a wide variety available in many different colors ($18.00, Free People).

How to Eat Your Way to Healthier Hair

Believe it or not it is possible to eat your way to healthier hair... and skin... and nails.  I'm was addicted to Viviscal, which are hair growth supplements (and actually stopped taking them because Bob was growing like cray), but after talking with Dr. Jessica Wu, author of Feed Your Face, I had to share what I learned about how your food choices affect your hair and complexion.  It's intriguing and really makes sense.  After all, we are what we eat. How is it possible to eat your way to healthier hair?

Although the hair that grows out of your head is dead, the living part of the follicle is very much alive and needs the right nutrients.

Nutrition plays a major role in the look and feel of your hair, so it’s important to eat the right diet to help your scalp grow thicker, stronger, healthier hair. If your diet is deficient, your hair may notice your hair becoming finer, thinner, and even lighter.  In addition, your strands will be weaker.

I tell my patients to make sure they eat protein as well as certain vitamins and micronutrients that have been shown to help grow thicker, healthier hair.

What ingredients should we look for and why?

Protein:  hair is make of keratin, a type of protein.  Eating protein will provide your body with the amino acids it needs to produce strong hair.

Iron: Low levels of iron can cause anemia, one of the most common causes of thinning hair in otherwise healthy women.

Zinc: Zinc is essential for producing keratin, so those with low levels of zinc may have finer, sparser, weaker hair.

Can you recommend some foods with these ingredients in them?

Protein is found in meat, poultry, eggs, and tofu.  If you’re on the go or need a snack in between meals, KIND Almond Walnut Macadamia with Peanuts + Protein bars provide a great option.  Each bar contains 10 grams of protein, and it’s delicious.

Turkey, clams, chicken liver, and red meat are excellent sources of iron. Pumpkin and sesame seeds, lentils, and spinach are also good sources of iron.

Peanuts, cashews, dark chocolate, and oysters are great sources of zinc. Again, if you are on the go, try a KIND Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidant bar.

What exactly should we expect from our hair?

Healthy hair is thick, bouncy, and shiny.  It should feel soft and flexible, and be easy to style.  Hair can also help protect you from UV rays.  The thicker your hair, the more UV protection it provides.

Will eating these ingredients/foods also affect our skin and nails?  

Nails, like hair, are also made of keratin, so eating these foods will help you grow strong nails.  Collagen, which makes your skin firm, is also a protein, so I advise my patients to eat plenty of protein to fight the aging process.  I also recommend eating zinc for firmer skin, since zinc helps build strong collagen and elastic tissue (which makes your skin more resilient).