Hair Color Woes and Fixes. What to do if your hair color is wrong.

Common hair color mistakes are, well, just too common. Hot lines get claims like: “Help, I tried to bleach my black hair blonde and it’s orange.” Or, “I put crazy colors over my bleached hair and the pink won’t come out.”

Most problems come from overdoing it. Change your color too often, combine color with perms or straighteners or make extreme color changes, and you’re making hay.
If your color is all wrong or too-dark, put in this quick fix:
Mix:
Two ounces of shampoo — preferably, a cleansing product or one that removes build-up.
Two ounces of 20-volume stable peroxide. (This is not the hydrogen peroxide you cleanse cuts with; it’s especially for using with color and is sold in beauty supply stores.)
Powdered bleach—1/4 scoop.
Apply:
Using an applicator bottle or bowl and brush, carefully apply the mixture to color-gone-wrong as you watch in the mirror. The moment the mixture changes color (about 5 minutes), rinse well.
If you have the opposite problem: hair that hasn’t lightened enough, either your hair is too dark to go blonde in a single step or your product and timing was off. Whenever you go from light to dark or vice versa, rely on a professional. Ditto for repeat coloring.
Summary:
But if you’ve just ‘gotta do it, call the hotline number on the side of the color box before you color, tell all about you’ve done to your hair in the past, and get help.

Then, you won’t have to spend your time reading stuff like this, frantically hoping for a solution to Bozo orange hair that’s breaking off in handfuls.

And remember, do not save on cosmetics! Cheap cosmetics can't be good for you in any way!

Short Hair Hair-Dos. Make Cute Curls On Short Hair!

Make Hair-Do on Your short Hair!

In order to successfully create pin curls you must have enough hair length and volume to be able to wrap the hair at least one revolution into the shape of a classic pin curl. You will also need enough hair to hold the salon clips securely in place.

Pin curls can be done randomly without any set pattern but the results will be random as well.

For a very finished set it is important to layout a carefully constructed pattern, use uniform sections of hair in each pin curl and wraps the curls in multi-directions.

In some cases if the hair is too short to wrap in one revolution to create a pin curl it might be possible to get better results with a small barrel curling iron or small hair rollers.

However, when short hair is long enough, a pin curl set should be tried because it can offer such a unique and beautiful finished style.

Follow the steps below for a quick pin curl set:

1. Wash and towel blot well to remove excess moisture. A good pin curl set requires hair that is damp but not too wet. (Conditioners will soften hair. If you prefer a firmer set, skip the conditioners if appropriate for your hair.)

Keep in mind that a gel will hold tighter than a mousse but that fine hair would work better with a mousse and medium to thick strands might work best with a gel. For a compromise mix gel with a light styling cream.

2. Use a comb with a long tail to help separate hair into neat sections.

3. Separate strands into 1/4 to 1" uniform sections in the areas of your head where you want the pin curls. (The larger the sections the softer the curl. The smaller - the tighter.)

4. Take individual strands and wrap strands tightly around your finger. It is important to have the proper tension when wrapping. Curls wrapped too loose will not produce the best curls.
Do NOT use traditional bobby pins to secure pin curls which will cause creases in the finished pin curl.

5. Continue to create pin curls until finished. Spritz finished pin curl set with water so that all of the curls dry to a uniform finish. If desired, spritz with a setting spray after misting with water for a firmer hold.

Sit under a hood dryer or use a diffuser on slow, low heat to help speed up the drying time. Ideally, let hair completely air dry or sleep overnight on your set.

When a pin curl set is allowed to air dry or is kept in the hair overnight, the curls are deeper, tighter and will last longer.

After you remove pin curls but before you style them, mist with a good hairspray. Let spray dry and then use fingers to tousle and arrange new curls.
Finish by applying a drop or two of shine serum in the palms of your hands and then brushing over the top of your newly tousled style. For extra hold, spray with a firm holding hair spray.

Straightening hair.

• Straightening: A strong chemical, usually sodium hydroxide, is applied tot he hair and combed through. The hair is forced to remain straight with the wait of the chemical and the combing. The hair is then rinsed of its straightener and neutralized to maintain its desired shape - straight. My brother does this. hehe Don't tell him I told you.
• Relaxing/Relaxer: Normally people think of a relaxer as a straightener but there is a difference. A relaxer can be used to straighten, reduce frizz or for smoothing out curls. It doesn't necessarily mean to completely straighten the hair.
• Texturizing/Chemical Blowout: A relaxer is comb through the hair and left in briefly to loosen the curl pattern. The hair is straightened slightly which makes it appear longer and improves manageability.
• Soft Curl Perm: This is a two-part styling process using a thio-type relaxer to reshape the hairs natural curl. The relaxer is applied and the hair is combed straight making it flexible and more manageable. Then the hair is rinsed and rolled onto perm rods to create a new curl pattern. The thio relaxer is reapplied and and the hair rinsed yet again and neutralized allowing the hair to assume the shape of the rods. Thus, creating a new curl.

Regular Care Of Hair. Some Pieces of Useful Advices.

Taking hair care is in fact much the same as taking skin care. An effective hair care discipline involves cleansing, toning and conditioning routines carried out with religious regularity.

1.Care Of Oily Hair And Scalp Condition:
The principle of care for oily hair and scalp condition is the same as used for oily skin condition. The routine aims at removing the excess oil and to exfoliate skin cells which clogs up and suffocate the hair follicles in our scalp. The emphasis is laid on cleansing and toning routines. Since the hair has to be washed as frequently as it gets dirty and oily, a natural shampoo on a formulation of herbs such as amla, shikakai, trijla is ideal. Massaging hair and scalp is important for the well being as well as good growth of the hair. For dry hair, scalp massaging with oil is recommended. For oily hair massaging with toning lotion is suitable.

Home-made Cosmetics For Oily Hair:
A.Take some dry soap nuts(reetha) and soak them in water overnight. Mash them in the morning and strain the soapy solution. Add a tsp of shikakai powder and wash your hair.If you are unable to make the shampoo cleanser at home, use this infusion recipe.Prepare it and mix in the shampoo you use.
B.To make the infusion, boil two handful of mint leaves in one and a half glass of water for 20 minutes. Strain the solution and mix in a 300ml bottle of shampoo.

Toning Lotion For Oily Hair:
Mix a tbsp of Malt Vinegar in a glass of water.Add a pinch of salt in it.Use 2 tbsps of it on your scalp and massage it with your finger tips twice a week.Leave the lotion on for one hour.Rinse with cool water, brush and set your hair.

2.Care For Dry Hair:
Dry hair tends to be thin and rough.It is susceptible to tangles, damage, breakage and split ends.The primary aim is to replenish the oil and the moisture in the hair.

Home-made Cosmetic Care For Dry Hair:
Below are given few natural recipes that are time-tested.

The Gentle Cleanser:
Beat an egg in a cup of the skimmed milk.When the foam becomes consistent, rub it into the scalp. Leave it on for 5 minutes.Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Carry out this routine twice a week.

The Protein Conditioner:
Beat one tbsp of castor oil, one tbsp of glycerine, one tbsp of cider vinegar and a tsp of mild herbal shampoo.Apply it on scalp and leave it on for 20 minutes.Rinse with clear water.

A Special Massage Oil Toner
Buy a bottle of castor oil or coconut oil. Add a tsp of lavender essential oil in it.Heat a little and massage it gently on your scalp at night. Rinse or shampoo it out in the morning. Follow this routine at least twice a week.

Intimate Hair-do

To shave or not to shave the genitals?

Actually, this question is not so important as many people think. If you cannot decide whether you should get rid of hair on your genitals simply ask your partner's opinion. Tastes as well as sexual preferences differ. Different people love different sex positions, different sex toys, different activities. The same is about genital's appearance. To shave or not to shave? Your partner will answer this question.
Have you find out that your partner does not want to see any hair on the area under your pants? Than shave it off, but do that properly in order to avoid injuries and unpleasant sensations.
Generally speaking intimate women's shaving does not differ much from men's one. The only difference is that men should be more careful as they are more likely to injure tender and vulnerable genital skin. Let us begin with ladies.

Intimate Women's Shaving
Step 1
Put the razor away. You do not need right now. First of all you must cut the hair with help of usual sharp scissors. Cut as much hair as you can. This must necessarily be done, otherwise your shaving will turn into a real torture. You don't want to shave for hours and suffer from pain, do you? Than first cut the hair with scissors!
Step 2
After you have cut off long hair ends, get ready for shaving. This must be done in order to soften the skin and avoid possible irritation. There are a few ways to achieve the necessary effect. The best one is to take a warm bath, because warm water perfectly steams out and softens skin and hair. Another way is to take warm shower giving a special attention to the area you are going to shave. After the bath or the shower properly rub yourself down with a towel and wait for a while to let your body dry.
Step 3
Put on your genitals a considerable amount of shaving cream. Keep in mind that man's shaving cream is not suitable for this purpose. If you did not manage to find a special woman's cream (however, this is very doubtful, because there are lots of special intimate shaving creams for different types of skin), than take the softest men's cream, but make sure it is non-perfumed! Never use soap for intimate shaving! Shave your genitals slowly and gently in the direction the hair grows. Perhaps you will need more than one shaving to make your skin completely smooth. Do not hurry and do not make too rough motions.
Step 4
Make sure you have shaven off everything you wanted and thoroughly wash your genitals with warm water in order to remove shaving cream and hairs.
Step 5
Now you have to care for your skin. Soft baby oil can work wonders! It will keep your skin smooth, tender and will prevent it from pimples.

If you have a sensitive skin, than a cream with aloe vera and vitamin E will suit you best. Indulge your pubis and inner part of lips with cream or oil after each shaving.Attention: if you are going to have sex after shaving and plan to use a condom, than wash away oil or cream before making love. The fact it that oil affects latex and thus diminishes its protective properties. By the way, for the same reason you mustn't use any oils or oil containing lubricant for the same reason.

To Perm, Or Not To Perm: A Very Important Question!

More on perming: There are many types of perming techniques involving basically all the same types of strong chemicals. There are Alkaline perms which is a strong formulation using ammominium thioglycolate which is by far the strongest, longest lasting and the smelliest. They are the best formulation for very uneasy-to-curl hair or for creating a very tightly curled do. There are acid-balanced perms which contain a far gentler chemical called glyceryl monothioglycate. It has a lower pH and is good for fine, thin hair or hair that has been previously processed. It is also your best option for a natural, softer curling effect. These must be left on longer or processed with the help of heat sources, like those over-the-head driers you see at salons.

The techniques vary as well...

• Traditional Perm: This technique involves waving or curling the entire head of hair. Rods are usually placed horizontally but there are many configurations that can be done to obtain certain looks or for certain hairstyles or if you have a severe cowlick. This also depends upon curl (rod) size.
• Body Wave Perm: This involves larger diameter rods to create a softer wave instead of a tighter curl. It is a more natural look rather than the curlier types.
• Reverse Perm: This is a form of straightening naturally tight curls to a more relaxed wavy shape. Instead of a head full of tightly wound curls with this technique you receive softer larger curls.
• Spiral Perm: The hair is rolled vertically rather than horizontally resulting in ringlets or corkscrew-like curls. A lot of women with straight long hair get spiral perms.
• Root Perm: I don't believe in these if roots are permed only for volume or lift. They grow out terribly, but if it is for maintenance of a perm, that is normal. The rods are placed only at the root area to curl or give lift to that area only.
• Spot Perm: The rods are placed in certain areas only that need or body or a slight curl to better a style or make it more manageable.

To Perm, Or Not To Perm: A Very Important Question!

Most of us have had the memory of a bad perm. It is the equivalent of a mental scar, and a deep one at that. Do you have any idea how long it takes for one of these to grow out? I was scarred emotionall for many years (OK I am exaggerating) 'cause of a bad perm and 6th grade is not the time to get experimented on by your beautician great aunt. Yes, I said beautician. Egad! Here are some tips with which to educate the masses before they go down the same road I did. Also included: tips on straightening (relaxing).

• WARNING! Don't do this yourself, period. I mean it! If you do you run the risk of losing hair, damaging your hairshaft irreversibly and otherwise suffering for months to come. Go to a professional technician, some stylists still can't pull this off.
• Perming and Haircolor: Choose to Perm or Straighten the hair BEFORE you color! Besides, most stylists refuse to color (especially bleach) after a client has a perm. It simply damages an already damaged cuticle more so. Semi-permanent coloring is suggested.
• Perming by Definition: Your hair is tightly wound (depending on the desired result) around curlers of various sizes. A harsh chemical is applied to the hair to "pen the shaft (or to rough it up) and break down the rods in your hairshaft. Then a second chemical is poured on that actually closes the rods or makes the hair retain whatever shape it is in (the curlers). It is kept in for a bit to process and then rinsed out. They carefully unwind the curlers from your hair and you don't get to wash it for days. It is best to wait for as long as you can without getting it wet. Plus even though the formulas have been improved, it still stinks! Straightening works the same way but minus the curlers. They comb your hair straight and if it starts kinking up again they comb it some more, forcing the hairshaft to straighten in addition to the weight of the water and chemicals.
• Pre-Perm: Treat your hair to a few Clarifying shampoos beforehand (especially if you use a lot of products) to strip the hair of its greasy and sticky build up from products and hard water (mineral deposits) can prevent the perm chemicals from penetrating evenly.
• Haircut/Perm: Cut AFTER you perm. That way the style and cut will be designed with the new texture and shape (curl) of the hair. However, if you are going to go dramatically shorter then the stylist should cut your hair a little longer than the desired end result and then process, cutting after the perm is complete.
• Risks: First and foremost, these are chemicals. They can burn and irritate the scalp. Do not subject your scalp to chemicals if it is scratched, sunburned or whatever. Also, your scalp (if you're a woman) is more sensitive right before your period and it can absolutely drive you nuts to have chemicals on you scalp. You will be climbing the walls, itching your head with the point of a pick or comb. you run the risk of losing clumps of hair, especially if your hair is chemically processed prior to getting a perm. You can loose hair if the solution is left on to long as well.
• Processing Time: Beware of the stylist who does not use a timer for perms or forgets how long you have the chemicals in. Ask what time and how long it will be processing for and keep track yourself. Don't hesitate to alert the stylist when your time's up.
• Re-dos: How I wish this didn't happen. There are quite a few times that a perm or coloring does not take place. If your perm does not live up to your standards you should really wait a while before getting a new one (a re-do). You could REALLY damage your hair. It simply isn't worth it.
• Perm After-care: Take care of your hair. It is bad enough you cannot wash your hair until a few days afterward, the longer the better. Use a gentle shampoo, a stronger conditioner and protect your hair chlorine, the sun and excessive heat from curling irons and blow-dryers.

below: Scarlett Johansson & Beyonce Knowles