Search Results: Cozy Friedman
Once upon a time there was a little curly girl who liked to play with her aunt’s miniature Avon lipsticks. These were samples handed out by the Avon Ladies to customers so that you could “try before you buy”. Today we rely on swatches in the Avon catalogue that are helpfully labelled Warm, Cool and Neutral so that we can choose the shades that suit us best and avoid the mistake that 10-year old me made of wearing yellow eyeshadow and bright pink lipstick – together.
Maybe your first trips to the adult world of makeup involved your mom’s bottle of Chanel No. 5 or a furtive swipe of your older sister’s Russian Red lipstick from MAC. Most of us start with an experiment with someone else’s makeup.
Whether or not you are allowed to wear makeup when you start junior high or high school is a decision your parents will have to make with you. Because I attended a Catholic junior high with a dress code, Bonne Bell lip smackers and Love’s Baby Soft perfume were all I was allowed to wear when leaving the house.
The most important thing you can do for yourself in your teen years is to start a good skin care routine. It’s especially important now when your skin is prone to blemishes and breakouts. Not only will it lay the foundation for beautiful skin into your elder years, it will help fight off the breakouts.
Use a mild cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle or Bioré Shine Control Foaming Cleanser. Avoid scrub products with crushed apricot shells. These can break the skin and spread infection if you’re in the middle of a breakout period. Today’s scrub products use tiny plastic microbeads that are smooth and won’t tear your face.
If you have acne, try to keep your hands off your face. The dirt that your hands pick up as you go about your day sticks to skin oils when you touch your face and sits there clogging pores.
Remember, too, that acne is not caused by diet – it’s adult hormones producing that oil. A healthy diet doesn’t hurt, however, and try to drink more water to flush out toxins.
Don’t pick!!! I know how tempted you must be to squeeze pimples and blackheads, but I can tell you from personal experience that doing so leaves scars. These last years longer than teen acne and are more difficult to get rid of.
If you feel you need a toner after cleansing, use one without alcohol. Witch hazel is a popular alternative to commercial toners that is inexpensive and available everywhere. Toner is not a necessary step in cleansing, though many people like it to help remove every trace of cleanser.
Most people find that they can get through acne breakouts using over-the-counter products. The companies with the widest range of readily available acne-treatment products are Bioré, Neutrogena and Noxema. Proactive is available through infomercials and their website. Persistent and severe or cystic acne usually requires medical intervention. Your doctor may prescribe a topical treatment, or medication, or a combination of the two.
Even oily, blemish-prone skin requires a moisturizer, however, the lightest versions you can find are best for your face during these years. Neutrogena’s Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment is an oil-free moisturizer that also helps to reduce breakouts. During the day, use an oil-free sunscreen like Neutrogena’s Healthy Defense or Coppertone Oil Free Faces Sunblock. Sunscreens can be used instead of moisturizer.
Which brings us to colour!
Youthful skin should never be completely covered. Even if you are having a serious breakout, the solution is not to slather yourself in foundation in an attempt to hide the blemishes. Using the wrong colour or type of concealing product will only draw attention to the things you’d like to hide.<
Find a foundation or concealer that matches your skin exactly. This is one place where you should not skimp on cost, however, most good foundations are expensive. Last year, L’Oréal came out with a drugstore product that makes it easier to match your skin tone without using up a week’s allowance. True Match comes in a wide range of warm, cool and neutral tones from light to dark. It also has companion concealer and powder. For more information on hiding blemishes, see my May 2005 column.
Use a light hand when applying colour makeup. A beginner shouldn’t be using every product in the beauty arsenal. Start with clear or light shades of mascara, barely blushing cheeks and clear, glossy lips.
In addition to Bonne Bell, which has been around since the 1930s, several companies now market makeup lines specifically for teens – Annabelle from Canada, Caboodles Cosmetics, Jane Cosmetics, N.Y.C., Rimmel from the United Kingdom, Tru and Wet N Wild. The Body Shop has reasonably priced products in flattering skin tones, Avon has the Mark line, in addition to some incredible bargains in their regular line,and Maybelline is known for its youthful image. In department-store lines, Clinique was the teen-friendly line that I started out with, and MAC is the cheapest of the high-end brands.
Fat pencils designed to give a quick swipe of colour are ideal. They’re usually sheer in texture and fool-proof to put on. Maybelline’s Cool Effects Shadow/Liner Pencil in Peach Daquiri will suit many eye colours. MAC’s Shadesticks stay on all day, even if you have very oily eyelids, and Avon’s Big Color Eye Pencils are regularly discounted. You can use gloss at this age and there are many products available that are designed to add shine to highlight features other than lips. Try Caboodles Go Glam Glitter Eye Gloss.
Maybelline has been the go-to company for mascara for decades. Great Lash is the best-selling mascara in the world, but their Lash Discovery mascara features a small wand that is great for beginners. Avon Waterproof Wash Off Mascara really does wash off with soap and water. It also goes on quite easily as it’s thinner than most mascaras. One coat darkens nicely.
You probably won’t need to wear blush often, but if you do, try to find a powder that goes on sheer in light tones of peach, pink or plum depending on your skin tone. Clinique makes a sheer cheek gel in several different shades and Avon’s Tint ‘N Go is in a push-up tube.
Bonne Bell’s Lip Smackers are widely available and come in a huge variety of flavours – including the one I bought religiously 30 years ago – Dr. Pepper. Other products to try: MAC Lip Glass, Maybelline Shiny-licious Lip Gloss; and Rimmel Star Dazzlers Lip Gloss.
When you’re ready to move on to more complicated looks, try to get a lesson. Makeovers are always free at Sephora and if you ask them to show you what they are doing every step of the way you’ll learn some great tips. Every Clinique location has one or two “All About Eyes” clinics every year and they will gladly demonstrate techniques. Be brave and experiment with colour.
Your teen years are your time to shine as you head into the wonderful world of makeup!
She may not have won the American Idol title, but finalist Nadia Turner was the clear champion when it came to hair.
Turner’s signature curly ‘fro made her stand out among the tens of thousands of wannabe Idols who auditioned at sites across the country, and she was one of a few hundred to earn a trip to the Hollywood rounds. From there, her hair and sultry rock/blues vocal stylings launched her into the top 32, and she later garnered enough telephone and text-message votes from American Idol viewers nationwide to advance to the final 12.
Her eighth-place finish was lower than she might have hoped, but by making the top 10, she earned the right to go on a nationwide tour this summer with the other Top 10 finishers. After she’s done touring, Turner hopes to continue pursuing singing and acting.
Her first stop of the summer, however, was Charlotte, N.C., where she and the others — minus wavy-haired winner Carrie Underwood and rocker runner-up Bo Bice — sang the national anthem at the Coca-Cola 600, a race on the NASCAR circuit.
NaturallyCurly.com caught up with Nadia as she enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend festivities in Charlotte. She hadn’t lost her highlighted ‘fro — in fact it was bigger and better than ever!
‘I’ve been getting lots of compliments on it,’ said Turner, an 28-year-old Miami native. ‘Lots of celebrities I’ve met have told me they love it.’Turner didn’t have much time to chat about her hair routine and her journey to naturalness, but NaturallyCurly.com tried to get in the important questions. Although I was just one person in the restricted crowd of about 100, she immediately smiled when she saw me. After all, we were members of a natural-haired sisterhood!
The Idols had a packed weekend — the finalists arrived in Charlotte on Saturday, May 28 and were immediately shuffled to a photo opportunity with NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip in Concord, N.C., the site of Lowe’s Motor Speedway. That evening, they performed at Speed Street, a downtown Charlotte street festival held in conjunction each year with the race.
The next day it was back to Concord, where the Idols toured the NASCAR garages and met other drivers. They ‘raced’ driver Greg Biffle in a computer simulator and had a few seconds to chat with media and fans before performing the national anthem at the start of the race. I managed to get a quick picture with Nadia though. Too bad we had to take it so fast that I wasn’t given a cue to look at the camera!
Along with Turner, fans had the opportunity to meet Anthony Federov, Constantine Maroulis, Anwar Robinson, Scott Savol, Jessica Sierra, Nikko Smith and Vonzell Solomon. American Idol host Ryan Seacrest also traveled with the group.
Turner said she first went natural when she was in college because she just ‘woke up one day’ and wondered why she was spending so much time and effort straightening her hair.
She spoke about her days as a straightie during an American Idol broadcast as well. During the show’s 1990s ‘theme night,’ Turner said she spent much of that decade with straightened hair. There are pictures of the straight-haired Nadia on the Miami Dolphins website; she was a cheerleader for the football team during the 1996 season.
Turner said she’s had few problems being ‘accepted’ with her natural hair, and believes it worked to her advantage when auditioning for American Idol. On the program, she showed that her natural hair — which is 4A in texture — could be versatile as well. Who could forget the mohawk (or was it a ‘frohawk?”> she showed off on the 1980s theme night?
She said she swears by Paul Mitchell products, particularly Paul Mitchell’s ‘The Cream,’ to keep her hair looking great. The Cream is a leave-in conditioner that both moisturizes and provides styling benefits. Like most curlies,Turner said her biggest hair challenge is maintaining moisture, so she’s always looking for products to keep her hair from becoming dry and brittle.
I made sure to hand her a Curl Ambassador card and told her to check out the product section. Maybe she’ll spend some of her American Idol earnings at CurlMart! The American Idol tour kicks off on July 12 in Sunrise, Fla., just minutes from Turner’s hometown. The tour concludes in Syracuse, N.Y. on Sept. 10.
Q : I live in Flushing, NY, and I would love to get some hints on how to avoid the frizz. I would like some helpful hints.
Torch : Curly hair naturally goes curly because the cuticles (scales”> are always open. Some curls are frizzier than others as the cuticles are opened wider. Straight hair cuticles are closed and lay flat against each other. The trick to controlling the frizz in curly hair is to allow the cuticles to dry in a closed position. You will notice when your hair is wet it is never frizzy, as water easily fills the open cuticle gaps and immediately stops the frizz. Until now there have been two options: either glue the cuticles shut with sticky gels or weigh them down with heavy greasy oils. The magic behind Curl Keeper is when used properly it will seal each cuticle during the drying process without using silicones or other waxy ingredients. Learning to control your frizz with a water-based product such as Curl Keeper will make living with curly hair, even in a humid climate, more manageable.
Q : I would like some advice on getting bangs. I don’t have them as I have curly/wavy hair. It is layered but I feel I need some hair on my forehead. I am a little leery about change but how would l ask someone to do it. I have a problem finding a good hairdresser. My hair is pretty long and I want to keep it long. Also, I have a wedding next week. I am conservative and I like to put my curly hair in the updo. Thanks! Jackie Sinke
Torch : You are absolutely right to be leery of bangs. Having bangs is quite a commitment. Because you have a combination of both wave and curl you must be aware that your hair will seldom fall the same way or in the same place twice in a row, especially in the humid months of summer. However, if a few curls are carefully selected and cut shorter around the face, it can make a refreshing change that is not as big a commitment as having full bangs. Face framing could be the change you are looking for. Remember not to cut the pieces too short as curly hair shrinks as it dries. So dry your hair first in perfect frizz free curls before the cutting begins. Your stylist should carefully snip individual ringlets at the desirable lengths around the face. NOTE: curly hair styles better when it is cut uneven.
Q : I live in Callander, ON, about four hours north of Toronto. I have medium-length curly, fine hair and have rarely been happy with how it looks. Could you please give me some information about your new salon, including services, fees, location, and length of time to get an appointment? Thanks so much! Denise
Torch : Our Curly Hair Institute is an environment where it is possible to focus exclusively on the needs of curly hair. Complete with styling salon, training facility and photo studio, we have the space to host seminars and curl classes. Curly hair has so many different personalities that it needs a specialized environment to conquer all the problems related to taming those out-of-control curls. The Curly Hair Institute is a place where people will feel comfortable no matter how difficult they think their hair is. We make it a priority that everyone understands how to master the art of controlling their own hair. We are located at 85 Sheppard Av. West, just west of the Yonge/Sheppard subway station. We are also happy to provide complimentary parking and extended, flexible hours. Call 416-362-1068 to book an appointment.
Q : I have brown curly hair (loose curls”> that is just past my shoulders. I am dying to do something new with my hair, but I don’t know what. I have had it long and I have had it short, it seems like those are the only two options I have. Also my hair has been super static-y lately and quite frizzy in the back. What do you suggest I do? Thanks!! Jackie
Torch : The most important fact to understanding your hair (loose curl or wave”> is that if you cut your hair too short you will lose all the curls and waves. Keeping your hair length longer makes it easier to achieve any form of bounce. Now I don’t mean growing your hair past your shoulders or even having all your hair one length. Just long enough for a wave to form a curl when you are able to squeeze a curl in your hair while it is still wet. There are hundreds of variations of layering curly hair to help enhance curls to create more volume. Check to see which one your hairstylist would use on your hair. Careful consideration must be taken as the wrong technique could create havoc with your style.I suggest the first lesson is to learn how to style your curls to their full potential. Avoid using product that coat the hair or add any waxy feel. Learning to style your curls is the first step, before looking for the perfect cut.
Q : My question is the very basic one of what products to use in my hair to get that great curl definition. I have read many articles, etc on the the do’s and don’ts for curly hair. My problem with this information is that it is based on a much finer texture of curly hair than mine. It does seem that the ‘typical’ combination is curly hair with fine texture — I have curly hair with coarse/very heavy texture, and I have lots of hair ( I am from India”>. So, where do I go with this hair? I do believe I have a pretty good cut. Any advice on what I can do?? Thanks so much. Suri
Torch : The most important advice I can offer is to take your time in the preparing your hair BEFORE you do the blow-drying. The key to styling your heavy hair texture is creating lift at the root area of your hair (at the scalp”>. Do this while your hair is soaking wet and 100 percent detangled. Comb your hair while hanging your head over. Slip Detangler is weightless and 100 percent effective in removing tangles and shutting the cuticles. Focus your combing at the roots and comb opposite to the direction your hair grows. Curl Keeper will control all your frizz and keep your hair light and feeling clean.
Last month I was in Paris performing a show with my team and I noticed that there were a lot of reds and blondes – as well as combinations of the two. All the designers were trying to come up with new styles for haircuts and colors. But many times, what is considered trendy doesn’t necessarily look good on everyone. So please make your choices and decisions carefully to prevent becoming a fashion victim. Take time to research how you can adapt the latest trends to your hair. Take pictures to your stylist and have a consultation before your actual hair appointment. Your cut or style will be a success, you will feel good about it when you walk out of the salon, and you will have a fashionable style that compliments your hair’s texture and your face structure.
Q: I have yet to find a hair cut that compliments my hair type. I have slightly wavy hair that is thick, and medium in texture with a great tendency to frizz. I want your opinion on the best length, style of cutting, etc., to minimize frizz. I’m not concerned with emphasizing curl.My goal is reducing volume, defining what waves I have and possibly eliminating frizz. Thanks very much for your help and time.
— Temira
Christo: Every texture is unique and pretty in its own way. You just need to have the right style. The most important step is to care for you hair before you go to your stylist. Start by using a deep conditioner like Curlisto Deep Therapy Masque once every two weeks. That alone will treat the frizziness and dryness. Then visit your stylist to see what the best possible styles are for you — short, medium or long — while considering the texture of the hair and the structure of the face. If you hair is as thick as you described it, definitely texturize the inner layers of the hair to reduce volume. It can be done with scissors, but do not use a razor if your hair is really curly. As far as length goes, your hair can be sexy and fun regardless of how long it is. The longer your hair is, the less the volume your hair will have. The last step after finishing the cut is to ask your stylist how to style hair and what styling tools you’ll need. For example, we use Bio Gel Mousse on wavy hair to style and Unruly Paste for the finishing.
Q: I have just learned to love my curly hair. One of the biggest things I learned is not to brush or use small combs, and to be careful about breaking my hair strands. Unfortunately, I don’t have a hairdresser who really knows about curly hair, and when I went to get my hair colored they combed thru it when it was dry and they really pulled on it. She said that was the only way to get the color thru it. Is that correct? Is there a better way to apply color? (I am coloring over gray”>.Suggestions please!
Christo: You are right not to brush dry curly hair or to use any fine-toothed combs. Yet finger combs have very wide teeth. To get the best possible color, the team at Christo Fifth Avenue uses the following techniques.Wet the hair down, condition it and use Deep Therapy Masque for 10 minutes without heat.Rinse it out, towel it dry and squeeze the water out.Apply color for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo out; reapply Botanical Rinse and Deep Therapy Masque for soft, shiny curls. The hair will be as healthy as it was before coloring it.
Q: I have very thick, curly, frizzy and puffy hair. I tried gel and mousse but it doesn’t work and it makes my hair ‘hard’ and even bigger. I am tired of wearing my hair in a pony tail. I just want my hair to be smaller and not so curly. Please tell me what products should Iuse to get rid of the puffiness. I really need your help. Sylvia
Christo: Let’s get you off to a good start. First, ask yourself if you’ve been treating your hair the right way. If not, please follow these instructions:
Deep condition every other week.Shampoo your hair no more than once a week.Condition with a conditioner like Curlisto Botanical Rinse at least every other dayMake sure your cut is right for your curls.Make sure the styling tools you’re using are right for your curls. If so, make sure you’re using them correctly. If your hair is very curly, it may have nothing to do with the way you’re styling it, but you can make your hair smoother by following these steps.
- Use a conditioner every day.
- Shampoo once a week.
- Prepare wet hair with a leave-in conditioner like Curlisto.
- Repair Styling Cream.
- Mix a quarter-size styling lotion like Structura Lotion with a dime size of a gel like Control II, which has more hold. Apply to your hair section by section, with at least five sections.
- Use your fingers to comb it through. When the hair is almost dry, diffuse it and finish with a pomade like Unruly Paste. Apply the paste to your fingertips and run your palm on top of your curls. Spray with a hairspray like Structura Spray to finish it.
- Shampoo once a week.
Q: I have coarse, thick hair and no matter what I do and where I go, no one seems to be able to help me. I have had more than my share of ‘bad hair’ days. I can’t get my hair to do a thing except frizz, which makes me look like a bad perm. Can you recommend any help to me? — Sheri
Christo: Follow these simple step before you pay a visit to any salon.
- Use a deep conditioner every other week.
- Do not shampoo more than once a week.
- Use a lotion and a gel, applying a mixture of half an half.
- Apply the mixture to sections, starting at the bottom and going to the top. Diffuse it dry. Do not touch it while it’s drying. Use a dime-size dab of Finishing Pomade and smoth it out by twisting your hair into a ponytail. Your hair will feel soft and sleek.
Q: I am 16 years old, and I have a serious hair dilemma. I have A LOT of hair — possibly too much hair. It seems normal at the roots, but the ends are VERY dry. I wouldn’t say it’s exactly curly, it’s more wavy. I know you specialize on curly hair, but could you please help me learn how to tame my waves? They’re kind of looser at the top, but become S-shaped toward the bottom. I like my wavy hair, and I really don’t want to lose it. I just wish it was easier to handle. It’s driving me insane, so could you please help me? — Natasia
Christo: A mixture of hair types is very common. As a start, deep condition your hair once a week to eliminate the frizziness and dryness. As far as styling goes, use a styling lotion like Structura Lotion for wavier hair and Bio-Gel Mousse on less wavy hair. When you are diffusing your hair, scrunch your hair where the hair is less wavy, or pull on the hair where it’s wavier to match your texture.
Q: Is there a product that will keep moisture away from hair to prevent the frizzies? I start out great in the morning. But I live in an area where it rains a lot and as soon as humidity hits — frizz! I don’t even look like the same person sometimes! I get by sometimes by wearing a hat, but that is bad too because it flattens out the curls. — Linda
Christo: I would recommend one of our high-humidity gels, like Curlisto Control I or Control II, which stop your hair from frizzing. They also will provide you with great hold and strengthen your curls. They include ingredients such as hydrolyzed soy, protein, wheat protein, pathenol and more than 10 different botanical extracts. I also would recommend you use a hairspray like Structura Spray for even better hold and style.
Following is a list of herbs and natural ingredients featured in hair care products, particularly for curly, kinky or wavy hair. The list is derived from multicultural sources and is designed for all types of people with curly hair. An important thing to remember, should you try to create your own hair care products using herbs, is that most herbs are astringent, while many types of curly hair dry out easily. Herbs should be used with discretion (very small amounts”> or else irritation may result. ‘Protein-rich’ ingredients are good for many types of hair but counterproductive for hair that has been chemical relaxed. Finally, curly hair, especially kinky African-American hair types with a tight coil, is resistant to natural colorants — results will be subtle. Those with high percentages of gray should do strand tests, and this type of hair may also be highly resistant to natural colorants.
Castor Oil
Natural Saponins (Suds”> Agave (Agave americana”>, Castille Soap (olive oil soap”>, Papaya Leaf (Carica papaya”>, Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis”>
Hair Softeners Burdock Root (Lappa officinalis”>, Castor oil (Ricinus communis”>, Chickweed (Cerastiu”> (Stellaria”> (Stellaria media m”>, Comfrey (Symphytum officinale”>, Honey, Hops (Humulus lupulus”>, Lime Flowers (Citrus aurantifolia”>, Linden Flowers (Tilia americana”>, Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis”>, Mayonnaise, Oat straw (Avena, especially A. sativa”>, Wheat Protein, Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus”> (P. serotina”>, Yerba del Negro
Body and Shine Aloe Vera (Aloe vera”>, Castor Oil (Ricinus communis”>, Eggs, Hops (Humulus lupulus”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Mayonnaise, Oak (Quercus”>
Growth and Nutrients Algae, Dulse (Palmaria palmata”>, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense”>, Kelp (orders Laminariales and Fucales”>, Kola nut (Cola acuminata”>, Lanolin (adeps lanae”>, Nori (Porphyra”>, Oak (Quercus alba”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>, Sage (Salvia officinalis”>, Walnut leaves (Juglans cinerea”>
Setting Lotions, Gels, Curl Definition Acacia (Acacia”> or (Robinia Pseudacacia”>, Egg, Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum”>, Glycerine, Gum Arabic (A. Senegal”>, Gum tragacanth (Astragalus gummifer”>, Icelandic moss (Cetraria islandica”>, Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus”>, Lanolin (adeps lanae”>, Lemon (Citrus limon”>, Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis”>, Orange blossom water (Citrus bigaradia”>, Vegetable Glycerin
Dandruff Birch (Betula lenta”>, Carrot (Daucus carota”>, Eucalyptus peppermint (Eucalyptus dives”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Lemon (Citrus limonum”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>, Sage (Salvia officinalis”>, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia”>, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris”>, Willow Bark (Salix alba”>
Fragrance Citrus: Orange (Citrus aurantium”>, Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi”>, Lemon (Citrus limonum”>, Jasmine (Jasminum officinale”>, Lime (Citrus aurantifolia”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon martini”>, Orange: Neroli (Citrus bigaradia”> Petit Grain (Citrus aurantium”>, Palma rosa (Cymbopogon martini”>, Sandalwood (Santalum album”>
Essential Oils and Fixed Oils For Alopecia (Serious Hair Loss”> Borage (Borago officinalis”>, Calendula (Calendula officinalis”>, Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus”>, Clary Sage (Salvia clarea”>, Cypress (Cupressus “>, Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Lemon (Citrus limonum”>, Palma Rosa (Cymbopogon martini”>, Peach Kernel (Prunus persica”>, Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum”>
Scalp Irritation Aloe Vera (Aloe Vera; Barbados aloe”>, Calendula (Calendula officinalis”>, Comfrey (Symphytum officinale”>, Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis”>, Frankincense resin (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae”>, Myrrh resin (Commiphora myrra”>, Pine Tar (Pinus and especially P. palustris”>, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia”>, Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana”>
Natural Oils, Waxes, Butter for Emollience, Softening, Shine Aloe (Aloe Vera; Barbados aloe”>, Avocado (Persea americana”>, Castor Oil (Ricinus communis”>, Cocoa Butter (Cocos nucifera”>, Hemp (Cannabis sativa”>, Mango (Mangifera indica”>, Neem (Azadirachta indica”>, Palm (Arecaceae”>, Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa”>, Walnut Oil (Juglans”>
Essential Oils/Fixed Oils For: Brittle Breaking Hair and Split Ends Birch (Betula lenta”>, Borage (Borago officinalis”>, Calendula (Calendula officinalis”>, Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus”>, Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile”>, Cocoa Butter (Cocos nucifera”>, Evening Primrose (Enothera biennis”>, Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Mango Butter (Mangifera indica”>, Parsley (Petroselinum crispum”>, Peach Kernel (Prunus persica”>, Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa”>, Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Essential Oils for Normal Healthy Hair Almond (Prunus dulcis”>, Borage (Borago officinalis”>, Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus”>, Evening Primrose (Enothera biennis”>, Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora”>, Parsley (Petroselinum crispum”>, Peach kernel (Prunus persica”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>
Avocado Oil
Essential Oils for Oily Hair Basil (Ocimum basilicum”>, Birch (Betula lenta”>, Borage seed (Borago officinalis”>, Cypress (Cupressus”>, Eucalyptus Lemon (Eucalyptus citriodora”>, Evening Primrose (Enothera biennis”>, Lemon (Citrus limonum”>, Peach Kernel (Prunus persica”>, Sage (Salvia officinalis”>, Sesame seed (Sesamum indicum”>, Yarrow (A. millefolium”>
Essential Oils for Dandruff Basil (Ocimum basilicum”>, Birch (Betula lenta”>, Cypress (Cupressus”>, Lemon (Citrus limonum”>, Lime (Citrus aurantifolia”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>, Thyme (Thymus vulgaris”>
Essential Oils and Fixed Oils for Dry Hair Avocado oil (Persea americana”>, Birch (Betula lenta”>, Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus”>, Cocoa Butter (Cocos nucifera”>, Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens”>, Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis”>, Lavender (Lavendula officinalis; Lavendula angustifolium”>, Parsley (Petroselinum crispum”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>, Sandalwood (Santalum album”>, Sun flower oil (Helianthus, especially H. annuus”>, Yarrow (A. millefolium”>
Scalp Stimulation Cayenne (Capsicum”>, Ginger (Zingiber officinale”>, Peppermint (Mentha piperita”>
Natural Hair Colorants Blonde Calendula (Calendula officinalis”>, Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile”>, Honey, Lemon (Citrus limonum”>, Mullein (Verbascum”>, Rhubarb (R. rhabarbarum”>
Natural Hair Colorants Auburn and Burnette Black Tea (Camellia sinensis”>, Catechu (Acacia catechu”>, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia; Cinnamomum z.”>, Clove (Syzygium aromaticum”>, Henna (Lawsonia inermis”>, Logwood (Haematoxylon campechianum”>, Tobacco (N. tabacum”>
Natural Hair Colorants: Red Alkanet Root (Alkanna tinctoria”>, Annatto Seed (Bixa orellana”>, Henna (Lawsonia inermis”>, Hibiscus (Hibiscum”>, Madder Root (Rubia tinctorum”>, Rose hip (Rosa canina”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>, Saffron (Crocus sativus”>
Blue/Blue/Grey Blackberry Juice (Rubus”>, Blueberry Juice (Vaccinium”>, Coffee (Coffea”>
Dark Brown and Black Henna (Lawsonia inermis”>, Hibiscus (Hibiscum”>, Madder Root (Rubia tinctorum”>, Quebracho (Aspidosperma quebracho-blanco”>, Rose hip (Rosa canina”>, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis”>, Saffron (Crocus sativus”>, Sage (Salvia officinalis”>, Sandalwood (Cymbopogon martini”>, Tea (Camellia sinensis”>, Tobacco (N. tabacum”>, Walnut (Juglans nigra”>
Colorants Used to Add to Color to Hair care Formulae Alkanet Root (Alkanna tinctoria”>, Annatto Seed (Bixa orellana”>, Madder Root (Rubia tinctorium”>, Vanilla Bean (V. planifolia”>
The saying is that the eyes are the mirror of the soul, and doesn’t every beautiful mirror deserve a great frame?
In a survey conducted for Cover Girl in 2003, 51% of American women revealed that if they could have only one makeup item, it would be mascara. (Source: Procter & Gamble”>
Do you like mascara?
Which mascara is up to you, of course (and we have had many a mascara topic in discussions here”>, but I wear the inexpensive stuff for the simple reason that this is the one cosmetic you should replace often (at least every four months”>. And, if you’re applying it properly, you will also use it up quickly.
Do you REALLY want to be spending $80-$100 per year on one product?
When starting a new tube, I put a strip of masking tape around it with the date I opened it written on it so I know when to get rid of it. However, mine usually don’t last that long, anyway.
I have found that the following method gives me almost clump-free lashes:
Remove the applicator from the tube and wipe half of the mascara off on a damp, fibre-free cloth. DO NOT ‘pump’ the applicator into the tube as this introduces air and bacteria.
Apply the first coat on the first eye. Refresh the applicator, do not wipe, and apply second coat IMMEDIATELY before the first one dries. Add more if you like.
Repeat on second eye.
When mascara has dried, if you have clumps, use a fine eyelash comb to separate.
If you curl your lashes using one of the old-fashioned torture devices, do it before applying mascara. There are new versions that are easier to use. If you’re using a heated lash curler (Sephora — $16 US, or Igia, approximately $10 US. Shoppers Drug Mart sells one in Canada for $24 Cdn”>, use it after adding macara.
Give your beautiful eyes the frame they deserve—lash out!
The complex hair shaft of kinky and curly hair requires more color and gray hair is very resistant. To top it off, hair grows 1/4-1/2” per month, making coloring hair a real challenge. Shown resistance, we have a tendency to reach for permanent color rather than gentle solutions—this can lead to damage, especially if relaxers or straighteners are also used. This article is written for those seeking natural ways to enrich graying hair. Botanical rinses work with existing color, providing subtle highlights, increased shine and youthful vibrancy without making permanent changes.
Red Hot Oil
Reddish highlights warm sallow skin and enliven dingy, gray hair. A rich red hue can be created from the roots of the herb alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria”>, extracted into oil. Red Hot Oil conditions dry hair and colors it simultaneously. Apply as a hot oil treatment.
1/3 cup alkanet root, cut and sifted
2/3 cup sweet almond, safflower or olive oil
Yield: two or more applications (depending on hair length”>
Shelf life: 1 year
Place alkanet root in sterile, dry jar with screw top. Fill jar with oil. Set in window. Steep 24 hours; swirl periodically. Warm 1/4-cup red oil; apply heated. Divide hair into four sections. Part hair 1/4” at a time and apply oil from roots to tip. Put on plastic cap; then wrap head in towel. Leave on 45 minutes, then
shampoo.
Flamin’ Red
The Catch Method
The catch method is a way of infusing hair with natural dyes using repeated applications. Place large bowl in sink or bath tub. Lean over the bowl. Pour herbal rinse over hair from pitcher. Squeeze rinse into bowl. Pour liquid into pitcher. Repeat application 10-12 times.
This recipe features madder root (Rubia tinctorum”>, a relative of alkanet root, which was featured in the previous recipe. Flamin’ Red works well on medium or dark brown hair. As a progressive dye, the color intensifies with repeated use.
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup madder root
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Makes: approximately 12 ounces
Shelf Life: use within 24 hours
Boil water. Add madder root. Stir; cover; reduce heat to medium. Simmer 30 minutes. Add vinegar then simmer 30 more minutes. Reduce heat to low; steep 1/2 hour more. Strain. Cool. Apply using catch method (see sidebar”>.
Henna
One of the strongest hair dyes is henna (Lawsonia inermis”>. People have enjoyed henna since the civilizations of Ancient Egypt. Legend holds that both Cleopatra and Nefertiti has lovely red hair. Henna brings out reddish highlights in the most resistant hair, including graying hair. Henna is not recommended on hair that has been dyed recently with commercial dyes; a chemical reaction occurs, turning hair black. Henna is also not recommended for hair that is more than 50% gray. To use packaged henna, follow manufacturer’s directions. Enhance the packaged henna as follows.
Henna Hints
- Shampoo hair first
- Enhance red tones by using cognac, red wine, carrot juice, cranberry juice, hibiscus tea or rosehip tea in place of water
- Tint and scent: add vanilla extract for scent or any combination of ground allspice, cinnamon or cloves for enriched brown tones (Limit spices to a teaspoon. Avoid use on abraded scalp or on sensitive or allergic individuals”>.
- To minimize brassiness, use strong black coffee, rosemary, sage or black tea in place of the water
- For body: add flat beer or hops tea in place of water
- Add mayonnaise to quench dryness
- Attract moisture with yogurt, sour cream, honey or molasses
- Follow up with a hot oil treatment to counteract dryness
Rosemary (Rosmarimus officinalis”> and Sage (Salvia officinalis”> Rinse
This is an age-old formula for blending gray hair into darkly colored hair. It works on the same principle as tea or coffee—staining; facilitated by the concentration of tannins.
1 1/2-cups distilled water
1 teaspoon each dried rosemary and sage
Yield: approximately 12 ounces
Shelf life: 2 weeks
Boil water; add herbs. Cover; reduce heat to medium. Simmer 20 minutes. Reduce heat to low; simmer 20 minutes. Turn off heat; steep 1 hour. Strain. Apply using catch method.
Alternative: use 3 cups strong coffee or black tea. To prepare: brew 3 tablespoons loose Assam, Ceylon, Oolong tea or three Tetley tea bags in three cups boiled water. Cool. Apply using catch method.
Tobacco Herbal Rinse
Tobacco (Nicotianna spp.”> rinse is one of the most effective ways of quickly staining graying hair. This rinse adds golden, auburn tones.
1 1/2 cups distilled water
1/4 cup dried tobacco
2 tablespoons vinegar
Yield: Approximately 12 ounces
Shelf Life: 1 month, refrigerated
Boil water; add tobacco. Reduce heat to medium low; cover. Infuse 40 minutes. Remove from heat; add vinegar; steep 20 minutes. Strain. Apply using catch method.
Herbal supplies
Bulk Henna and Herbs:
San Francisco Herb & Natural Food Co.
47444 Kato Road
Fremont, 94538
510.770.1215
info@herbspicetea.com
Packaged henna:
Health food stores and specialty markets such as Whole Foods and Sally’s Beauty Supply
