Q & A with Bella Stylist Boy, Part III (Graying and/or Aging)

Q:  What is the best solution or recommendation to combat each sign of aging hair?  Why do each of these occur?

A:

1. Texture: Change in texture to either wiry or fine and wispy can be caused by either health or hormonal factors.  For wiry textures, it is important to provide a more refined moisture base so it is able to penetrate the coarser texture.  For fine, wispy textures, it is imperative to keep the scalp as healthy as possible.  Introduce lighter moisture to the hair while still adding fullness through the use of styling products.
2. Thinning: Diminished density should be addressed similarly to the fine, wispy change in texture mentioned above.  Your stylist can also camouflage lack of density by using color to create the optical illusion of fullness.
3. Dullness: Surface dullness tends to occur more with a wiry change in texture.  It can be caused by two things: the coarser texture makes it more difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair and since it is no longer a smooth surface, the reflective quality is lost.  Blow-drying hair more smoothly and adding a shine product to your regimen can help solve this issue.
4. Dryness: Increased dryness is caused by the changes occurring on the scalp and hair due to the body’s decreased ability to produce moisture.  A change in diet, such as increasing your intake of omega acids, and the use of a hydrating shampoo, conditioner and treatment based on your particular hair type can alleviate this issue.
5. Brittleness: Fragility and breakage occur as aging reduces the integrity of the hair structure.  Unfortunately, this problem is unavoidable, but can be eased through the use of products that will strengthen the hair.
6. Graying: Gray hair occurs as the body quits producing melanin, which gives hair its color.  Be sure your stylist alters your color formula as your natural color and texture change.

Q:  What is the difference between chronic and temporary hair loss?  What are the causes of each?

A:  Chronic hair loss is the result of a variety of ongoing problems that render the body incapable of efficiently absorbing nutrients.  Temporary hair loss is attributed to illness, thyroid, seasonal changes, medication, stress, pregnancy or menopause.  A third category of hair loss is hereditary; although this is not preventable, it can be slowed with the proper diet, lifestyle and products.

Q & A with Bella Stylist Boy, Part II (Graying and/or Aging)

Q:  What hair style trends are best for making you look 10 years younger?

A:  Two silhouettes should be taken into consideration – the outer shape of the hairstyle and the shape created around the face.  Don’t be misled into thinking you need to go shorter as you age – this is not always true!  The overall rule should be to avoid accentuating any problem areas you may have.

Q:  What is your most important recommendation to mature clients for keeping their hair in good condition?

A:  Always see a professional for your color services.  They will know which colors to use to create shine, dimension and to accentuate hair quality.  Also, be aware of how your hair is changing and make adjustments based upon its needs.

Q:  What regimen do you recommend for clients with thinning hair?

A:  I highly recommend Phyto products because I use them myself and see results.  The important thing is to address the needs of both the hair AND the scalp.  Phytolium Shampoo and Treatment will address both of these by removing excess DHT from the scalp and boosting circulation and hair growth.

Q & A with Bella Stylist Boy, Part I (Graying and/or Aging)

Q:  What are your hair/hair product “dos” and "don'ts"?

A:  Hair typically takes one of two routes when aging – wiry texture or thinning out.  Do change your styling products as these changes occur.  While all aging hair needs moisture, thinning textures also benefit from styling products that add volume.  Don’t think one product will do the job; there is no single product that effectively moisturizes and creates volume!

Q:  Which anti-aging hair products can you not live without and why?

A:  For starters, Phytodensium Shampoo and Phytobaume Volume because they give hair a healthier, fuller texture without that “product” feel.  For moisture and shine, I love to supplement this duo with Phytokeratine Shampoo and Phytobaume Repair.

Q:  Which ingredients should you look for to maintain aging hair?

A:  This is a tricky question.  I recommend focusing on decreasing the quantity of damaging ingredients you use.  One major way to accomplish this is to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.  Don’t be concerned if a product contains alcohol; some alcohols are necessary to prevent the formation of bacteria and to dry certain styling products.

6th Annual Cut It For a Cause

Don’t miss Bella Bethesda Salon’s 6th annual Cut It for a Cause campaign benefiting Locks of Love! This year’s event will run from Sunday, February 9th through Saturday, February 15th and offers a complimentary haircut and blow dry to any guest willing to donate at least 10 inches of hair.

We are so thankful to everyone who has participated in years past and to those participating this year. Such a simple gift will provide a child with restored confidence and normalcy. Thank you from the Bella Bethesda staff for your kindness.

It's not too late to help us top last year's total of 753 inches! Call 301.718.9111 today to make your reservation!

Handle with Care: A Guide to 365 Days of Great Hair - Dry or Oily

Washing

Oilier textures can feel grateful for their built-in defenses from winter dryness.  Even so, each shampoo should stretch a little further for both oily and dry hair.  Try Redken Clear Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner as your regular moisture duo.  This pair is great for all hair types as it is color safe and will not weigh hair down.

At Home

A leave-in treatment is essential for all hair types this time of year.  Apply Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Treatment Spray to damp hair prior to styling.  This multi-tasking product leaves hair healthy and static-free.  On in-between days, try Pureology Dry Shampoo and Condition to absorb excess oil at the scalp and add shine and moisture to ends.  

In Salon

A Pureology Hydrate Hydra Whip treatment delivers what all hair types need most this time of year – moisture.  Not only is this treatment affordable and time effective, but it also adds shine and improves movement and manageability. 

Handle with Care: A Guide to 365 Days of Great Hair - Thin or Thick

Washing

All hair types – whether thick or thin, fine or coarse – will benefit from boosting the moisture content in their daily shampoo and conditioner.  Thicker densities try Phytospecific Rich Hydration Shampoo and Phytobaume Repair.  Thinner densities try Phytoapaisant and Phytobaume Hydration.

At Home

Hats may keep you toasty warm, but can make any hair texture fall victim to static and flatness. To calm static and add shine to dull winter hair, add Pureology Cuticle Polisher after styling. To add oomph to limp roots, try Redken Quick Tease. 

In Salon

To purify and balance a dry, itchy scalp, ask for a Phytopolleine treatment.  The botanical blend will restore healthy scalp conditions.  To replenish moisture on the scalp or ends, try a Phyto Huile d’Ales treatment.  This will restore softness, suppleness and shine to dehydrated strands.

Handle with Care: A Guide to 365 Days of Great Hair - Curly or Straight

Washing

While lower dew points take humidity off the table, curly girls must still remember to hydrate.  Supplement your regular hydrating shampoo once a week with Phytonectar, a treatment shampoo that gently cleanses, nourishes and revives thirsty hair.  Phytolisse Mask can be used every time the hair is shampooed to help fight frizz due to dehydration. 

At Home

Apply a smoothing serum like Phytolisse Serum when hair is either damp or dry to control frizz, add shine and create a polished look; this product can be used on both curly and straight textures.  For a soft, long-lasting curly look, try Phyto Curl Energizing Cream.  This product not only defines and separates waves, but also moisturizes and protects hair.  

In Salon

Curly hair is naturally more susceptible to dryness and tends to get especially parched this time of year.  Ask your stylist for a luxury Nigelle treatment to infuse moistures back into hair.  For hair in need of extra nourishment, pair this with the Noiraudepro treatment to strengthen and repair any areas in need of some extra TLC.