Preventing Static Electricity in Your Hair

In our last post we talked about preventing dryness in your hair in the winter months. This time we will talk about another hair problem in winter—static.

To understand why static affects your hair so much, you need to recall some of the basic stuff you learned in school about atoms, electrons, and protons. If you missed that particular science class, the Science Made Simple website explains it all very well. We’ll try to summarize here.

Basically, the electrons in the atoms that make up every living thing can move from one atom to another. When they do, they create a positive or negative charge in the atom. (A charged atom is called an ion—a term you have probably heard used in various hair styling products.) Electrons can be moved by being rubbed together, as in when you take off your winter hat or brush your hair. The transfer of electrons to your hair results in a positive charge. Because things with the same charge repel each other, the hairs try to get away from each other, resulting in flyaway hair.

Why is it worse in winter? According to Science Made Simple, summer air is more humid and the moisture in the air “helps electrons move off of you more quickly, so you cannot build up as big a static charge.”

Take all of this information together, and we can see how to reduce static.

Since rubbing increases the positive charge that causes flyaways, you can try to minimize actions like brushing your hair. You can also try a leave-in conditioner to help increase the moisture in your hair so when you take off your hat or scarf, there is less friction and less chance of flyaway hair.

Replenishing the moisture in your hair is also important for avoiding the dryness that makes static worse. For tips on reducing dryness, see our previous post Avoiding Dry Hair During the Winter Season.

Avoiding Dry Hair During the Winter Season

Winter doesn’t officially arrive until next month, but the recent chill has us thinking about the cold season and its impact on your hair.

Although the cold air and wind outside can deplete the natural moisture levels in your hair, the dry air inside can also stress your hair. A humidifier might help to some degree, but it is pretty hard to avoid the combined, harsh effects of chilly outside air and dry inside air.

One of the best things you can do for your hair is moisturize. Daily conditioners are a must, but an intense moisturizing mask is also a good idea. Depending on your hair type, you may need to use the mask as often as once a week. If you are uncertain which product to use, we would be happy to help you find the right one. Great Lengths has a range of high-quality products here in the salon. When you come in for your pre-holiday haircut, ask us which conditioning mask might be best for you.

Washing less often can also help reduce the effects of cold, dry air. We wrote about dry shampoo in a previous post. These products can help you cut back on the number of washings and maintain the natural oils in your hair, which, in turn, can help reduce dryness.

Winter amplifies the impact of everyday styling tools on our hair. Blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons—all can cause more damage to hair that is already dried out in the winter season. If you can’t live without your hair dryer or flat iron, try to minimize the risk with a product that coats and protects your hair from heat damage. Again, we would be happy to recommend one if you are unsure which product to try.

As for that other winter hair problem—static—we’ll tackle that in our next blog post.

Cozy Knits Are Just Right for Fall

Cozy Knits Are Just Right for Fall

The October issue of  Chatelaine includes a great article about “this season’s warmest runway trend”: knits. Photos featuring extra-long scarves and belted cardigans showcase a look that is at once stylish and practical.

How can you incorporate the knitwear trend into your wardrobe? Here are a few ways the pros are doing it.

Infinity scarves are very trendy and very versatile. An infinity scarf is circular. Instead of leaving you with two loose ends to deal with after you wrap the scarf around your neck, the infinity scarf provides a tidy look. Infinity scarves are available in a range of colours and fabrics. The Chatelaine article paired a chunky knit infinity scarf with a boyfriend jacket for a casual but chic look.

Sweater dresses are another option. Pair a dress with matching tights and set the whole look off with a pair of eye-catching boots. Riding boots are on trend this fall and are available in a wide range of great fall colours.

Layering is a definite trend this fall. You can pair a chunky knit sweater with an extra-long scarf and funky beret in complementary shades. A lighter knit cowl neck also looks great with a long cardigan. 

Cardigans of all lengths are also being shown cinched closed with a wide belt.

Whatever look you decide on, be sure to choose a style of knit that suits your frame. Chunky sweaters can overwhelm petite frames. Too many layers can also add unwanted weight to any frame. If you are concerned about appearing heavy, try thinner knits to achieve the layered look without all the bulk, and use a chunky knit as an accent.




References:

 HYPERLINK "http://www.chatelaine.com/en/photos/17169--fall-s-coziest-knitwear" Chatelaine

 HYPERLINK "http://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/trends/fall-fashion-riding-boots/s/3670/" Elle Canada

 HYPERLINK "http://infinityscarf.net/" Infinity Scarf

 HYPERLINK "http://theschereport.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/top-fall-2010-trends-1-sweater-dressing/" Sche Report

Dry Shampoo: Is It Worth a Try?

Dry Shampoo: Is It Worth a Try?

Ever heard of dry shampoo? It’s been in the news a fair bit lately, what with celebrities using it for everything from quick touch-ups to creating that just-right “rock chic” look. So, what is it and should you try it?

Dry shampoo, despite being all the rage of late, is actually an old idea—a very old idea. In fact, the use of powder in hair dates back centuries to Asia, where people used sprinkled clay to freshen their hair. Powders were used to colour hair in 18th century France and dry shampoos were sold in the early 20th century in the U.S. The popularity of dry shampoo surged in the 1970s, then dropped, but seems to be on the upswing again today.

Dry shampoos come in aerosol or powdered form. Unlike traditional shampoos, which wash away the oil from hair, dry shampoo absorbs the oil. You simply apply it, wait a few seconds for it to absorb the oil, then brush it away.

Does it work? The answer depends somewhat on your hair type. For people with very oily hair, a dry shampoo may not be the answer—by the time you apply enough of it to absorb the oil, you could be left with a significant amount of powdery residue. But for most people, dry shampoo is a great solution if you are pressed for time in the morning or want to refresh your hair after a long day.

If you are concerned about the impact of daily washings on your hair—whether your hair is very fine or excessively dry—you can use a dry shampoo to skip a day or two of regular washings. Just keep in mind that dry shampoos do not clean as thoroughly as wet shampooing. You may be able to forgo a traditional washing for a couple of days, but you shouldn’t give it up entirely.


Stop by Great Lengths Hair Gallery and get your dry shampoo today!



References:

 HYPERLINK "http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/scalp-care/tips/dry-shampoo1.htm" Discovery Health

SEARS MARKHAM

Jason and Lindsay made a return visit to the Sears Markham Winter gala on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, where they spent an evening with all of their VIP clients doing demonstrations and giving free consultations.

Take Advantage of Healthy Fall Fruits and Vegetables

Take Advantage of Healthy Fall Fruits and Vegetables

Living in Ontario, we have an abundance of delicious and healthy fall fruits and vegetables available to us. Squash, apples, pears, beets, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower—all are grown locally and all are available in October and November.

Looking to bump up your vitamin C intake? You might think that citrus fruits are the way to go, but pears, apples and cabbage are good sources of vitamin C too. Winter squash, carrots and sweet potatoes contain loads of Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Both vitamin C and beta-carotene are powerful antioxidants that help us fight disease.

Beet greens are another rich source of nutrients including lutein, which promotes eye health. 

When you hollow out your pumpkin this Halloween, be sure to save the seeds for roasting. They are rich in protein and a good source of iron.

And remember—maintaining a healthy diet is not only essential to your physical health and ability to fight illness (like the many cold and flu viruses that will soon be upon us); it is also essential to healthy hair and skin. Inadequate nutrition can cause dryness and a dull appearance in both skin and hair. As the saying goes, you are what you eat—if you are healthy on the inside, you will look healthy on the outside.

For more information on what’s in season now and the nutritional value of different foods, visit the  HYPERLINK "http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/index.html" Foodland Ontario website. It also has some great recipes.



References:

 HYPERLINK "http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/index.html" Foodland Ontario

 HYPERLINK "http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49" World’s Healthiest Foods