Lifestyle

I would be lying if I said I looked forward to wash day. The thought of spending 3-4 hours dedicated to taming my springy coils doesn’t excite me in the least bit. In order to give my hair the TLC it truly deserves, I usually schedule nothing before or after I decide to wash. If I rush through, or skip out on one step (like properly oiling my scalp), I will surely be paying for it later. Dealing with a dry scalp or tangled hair is no fun, not to mention it can be painful, which is why I have to take my time when combing through my coils. After washing, conditioning, moisturizing and detangling, comes the process of drying my hair, which usually takes the most time. Depending on the style, I usually split my hair into eight equal parts and then blow it out with a Gold N Hot Professional Styler and Hair Dryer with the help of a Denman brush.

Due to various hair types, Oprah’s hairstylist Andre Walker made a hair classification system,which has since been adopted by many other stylists. According to his chart, my natural hair, which almost comes to my shoulder, is a 4c — and most of the time, my curls have a mind of their own. And although I love my coiled curls, my shrinkage can easily make me look like an extra on a Soul Glo commercial, so blow drying my hair is my easiest go-to.

I will be the first to admit that I am always looking for better techniques to dry my hair. So I reached out to celebrity hairstylists Kendall Dorsey and Takisha Sturdivant-Drew — who have collectively worked with Anne Hathaway, Yara Shahidi, Solange, and Ashley Graham to name a few — for ultimate hair drying hacks for every hair type.

Straight

Kendall Dorsey: Although it is straight, you always run into the issue of flyaways, or dull-looking hair if not treated right. One important tip is always to make sure when the hair is wet to close the cuticle (which you can do by washing it with a blast of cold water at the end). This helps add shine. Use a paddle brush to get a sleek look, like Olivia Garden’s Paddle Brush, and a quality hair dryer, like a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, so that the hair dries quickly.

I just worked with Lizzo on her album and used a 42 in a straight-haired wig. A wig needs to be treated like your own hair, it needs love. So just like straight hair, I made sure to use a quality shampoo and conditioner. I used évolis shampoo and conditioner the night before the shoot, this gives it that beautiful, soft, aerated feel. Then, I made sure to dry [the wig] using a Dyson on the cool shot setting to keep the hair sleek and ensure it would lay flat against the head. I then like to section with a flat iron (one of my favorite quality irons is the by Gina Excel Infared Flat Iron) to really emphasize the gleam and keep the hair sleek and smooth. Then, I like to finish off with Oribe Superfine Hair Spray to keep the hair fresh and moving.

Takisha Sturdivant-Drew: When drying straight hair, add a dime-size amount of heat protectant (Matrix’s Style Link Prep Heat Buffer Thermal Styling Spray) to the palms of your hands and rub it throughout the hair. Second, it’s always best to start from the ends with a comb attachment and work your way to the roots to smooth the hair out straight. Halfway through drying, add an oil serum to the hair for a beautiful shine, then continue to dry the hair.

Wavy

Dorsey: My favorite way to dry wavy hair is hand styling — all you do is make an S-shape with the hair and scrunch it, then just squeeze it (tight) for 5 to 7 seconds under a diffuser, and it’ll give it a loose wave. When I release my hand, it sets and sits. While holding that S-shape, you put the hair dryer over it, and it gives you that Carrie Bradshaw full, wavy hair. Also, wavy hair can be tricky, each head is different, but wavy hair needs product and one of my secret weapons is dry shampoo. It’s light, gives just enough hold for wavy hair, and secures the look.

I just worked with Solange on the cover of her album, When I Get Home, that dropped last week. [On] that wavy hair look, I used the Hot Tools 1’ Marcel Iron, and I created a slight natural looking wave using a crimping format. The hair was then brushed out with an Olivia Garden Paddle Brush, and used a light mist of Dove Dry Shampoo, which gave it the hold and texture we needed.

Sturdivant-Drew: On wavy hair, I like to leave some mousse (Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam) in the hair because it keeps the hair light and free. Most of all it adds volume. Then, I take my Dyson dryer to diffuse the hair for a messy texture on medium heat.

Curly

Dorsey: Curly hair is one of my favorites to work with, but it can get very frizzy and dry looking, so we always need to make sure we keep the moisture in. For curly hair, first I like to shampoo and condition with a quality shampoo and conditioner, like Pravana Itense Therapy conditioner — it gives the hair a nice drink of moisture. Then, I detangle the hair section by section (depending on the severity of the curl or frizz situation) and use my curly hair secret weapon: a diffuser. For curly hair girls, it’s your best friend. Depending on the hair, I like to dry curly hair upside down with the diffuser and shake out the strands. This lets the curls loosen and naturally fall back into place. Additionally, use a clarifying treatment once a week to remove buildup and make those curls bouncier!

Sturdivant-Drew: I like to add Hask’s Controlled Curls Hair Defining Spray to the hair to keep it in place but to also make sure it’s not a hard finish. I put the blow dryer on low heat to finish off the style — I’ve used this technique on Kerry Washington.

Coily

Dorsey: Coily hair needs tender, loving care. When air drying coily hair — after you have cleansed, conditioned and detangled it — make sure you squeeze or shake the excess moisture from the coils, then make sure to use a microfiber towel, or even a t-shirt, to gently dry the coils. I like DevaCurls’ DevaTowel[because] it absorbs just enough water from the curl. If you want to add some heat to it, always use a diffuser. Instead of harsh, direct heat, the diffuser will spread the hot air to a bigger surface area. The force of a normal blow dryer also moves your coils around and can disturb the curl pattern. Use your dryer on a medium or low heat setting to avoid heat damage.

For product, I always combine a moisturizing product with a serum so that you can easily detangle your hair. Once detangled, add gel, like Olive Oil Styling Gel  for control and use the shingling method. (This method involves using a comb to spread product from root to end, stretching and smoothing hair in a downward direction.) This will allow you to achieve maximum curl definition and length.

Sturdivant-Drew: Conditioner is the way to go — and a heavy conditioner (Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner) at that. Being that coily hair is dry, it needs a lot of product to hydrate it and keep the shine. I only like to dry it on low heat, then let the hair air dry for a glossy, full look.

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Credit: https://edit.sundayriley.com/best-hair-drying-techniques/

Your Scalp Will Serenade You With Love Songs

With spring around the corner, make sure you have the best (and healthiest) hair possible with these three hair perfectors!

Tools of the Trade:  Protect that scalp from the drying winter air with NEW By Gina Excel Infared Blow Dryer: Engineered using exclusive infrared Smart technology. Introduces a new way to dry hair with steam heat coupled with Ionic technology. The Excel Infrared Blow Dryer efficiently dries each strand, and by limiting heat exposure it produces negative ions to limit frizz and infuses each strand with moisture to recondition hair.

Must-Use Hair Oil: Rich Hair Care Silk Oil Serum: Your INSTANT Hair Hydrator, Organic jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and olive oil lock-in moisture, while leaving hair silky smooth. This serum is ideal for those who brush their hair a lot as it reduces friction that can cause hair to break. It also smooths the hair cuticle and helps prevent knots. $12.99

Mask it up! Evolis Professional Reverse Treatment Mask. This mask conditions thirsty strands and enriches hair with a boost of antioxidants, restoring life. The REVERSE Mask enhances hair suppleness and protects against damage, while increasing shine and volume. $40

Credit:  https://www.christabellescloset.com/editor-faves-spring-into-spring-with-better-hair/

Runway hairstyles at Valentino during Paris Fashion Week were both exemplary and exceptional of the artistry on these runways as the last of the ‘Big Four’ neared a grand finish.

We’ve seen elements of these cuts throughout the four consecutive Fashion Weeks that began in New York before crossing the Atlantic for London, Milan and then Paris.

The hair for much of Valentino’s show was long and natural, parted down the middle with gentle wispy waves over the neck and shoulders. Colors were chosen from a natural palette of beachy blondes and caramels to creamy mochas. Tonal transitions were soft. The hair was gathered simply in back with braids or a twist. This was simple, chic and beautiful, a trend.

Then Valentino wove an elegant, understated, leafy filigree of gold through the braid or twist in back. It was a perfect match for the tunic dresses and strappy roman sandals.

For hair stylists, there is so much to work with on these runways. This is about the clothing that these top fashion designers are selling for the spring and summer next year, but the hair is trend setting, too, and, while we may have to wait for some of the styles to hit the racks, the hair is something that can happen instantly.

The fashion houses of Dior and Chloe also presented clothing lines with long, natural looking hair with beautiful shine and parts down the middle. Unlike Valentino, Dior and Chloe designers left the hair loose and unadorned, a simple, clean beautiful look.

Designer Elie Saab went with a more casual part nearly centered and with long, wavy, windswept locks in a relaxed look.

Balenciaga also went with long hair parted in the middle but in a very controlled, shiny finish to complement the contemporary, geometric shapes and lines.

The fashion house of Carven was something of an outlier with hair at Paris Fashion Week, going with a long, loose look at the ends but a double part and very shiny, slick-back treatment over the crown. There is always room for standouts and the double part is a young, handsome possibility for a controlled finish that went really well with the Carven line of bold, youthful colors, patterns and textures.

So, apparently, the center part and long, wavy locks are here to stay because if Paris says it’s so, then it is. This is ‘60s retro but a classic look that clearly accommodates a vast spectrum of fashion. Ask your stylist how to get it right. This looks easy to do but depends on healthy hair and shine with subtle, sophisticated coloring to create understated depth.

What we’re watching in Paris, of course, are the fashions for next spring and summer, but it was clear from shots on the streets of Paris that no one is waiting to change their hair, and I found myself thinking that this look is, indeed, a classic that can work for fall and winter, too, and it can be easily arranged with a braid, ponytail or bun on the run to change the look.

As always, be open to change.

By Chrissy Callahan

New year, new you? Dyeing your hair a fresh new color is fun. But, let’s be honest: The whole coloring process can be pretty pricey and time-consuming, too. So, when you make a hair color change, you want to make it worth your while.

Keeping your color fresh can sometimes seem like an uphill battle, but with the help of the right products, your brand new hue can go the distance. Some of the top hairstylists and colorists rely on these genius solutions to keep their clients’ color fresh between appointments. Now, you can too!

BEST HAIR CONDITIONER FOR COLORED HAIR

1. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3, $28, Amazon

TODAY editors, writers and experts take care to recommend items we really like and hope you’ll enjoy! Just so you know, TODAY does have affiliate relationships. So, while every product is independently selected, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the revenue.

Also available at Sephora.

“A concentrated at-home treatment is a must for all color-treated hair. This one from Olaplex helps to restore hair back to a healthy state, reverses damage and strengthens the hair structure, so you can continue to color your hair without fear of further damage,” said celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey.

2. Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask, $28, Amazon

Also available at Sephora.

“This mask helps strengthen and moisturize, which helps prevent color from fading quickly. You should do a mask at least once every two weeks, or more if your hair is dry and damaged. Leave the mask on for at least 10 to 20 minutes to get the full benefits,” said Stephanie Brown, NYC Master Colorist at the Eddie Arthur Salon.

3. Julien Farel Vitamin Conditioner, $25, Dermstore

“The Keratin in this daily conditioner strengthens hair, while hyaluronic acid, honey and shea butter deeply hydrate without adding weight, which is something all color-treated hair needs,” Dorsey said.

4. COLOR WOW Color Security Conditioner, $24, Amazon

“This conditioner has eight translucent conditioning agents that will not dull or change the color makeup of the hair. It’s also perfect for detangling and smoothing color-treated locks. It strengthens the hair and prevents it from breaking,” said Gina Rivera, hairstylist, beauty expert and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.

5. Keracolor Color Plus Clenditioner, $21, Amazon

“This is great for clients who are taking a jump on the wild side of color (so your pinks, purples and blues). But, what is great about a product like this is that if you’re a brunette who turns unwanted warm all the time, you can use the silver or silver blue to help tone between color sessions. It’s also great to help with fading redheads! So it’s not just for ‘fun’ color,” Maynard Bolt said.

6. IGK Call Time Styling Primer, $23, Amazon

Also available at Sephora.

“Using a heat protectant before heat styling is very important if you want to maintain your color and prevent it from oxidizing. This styling product has a UV protectant and doubles as a detangler. It also has coconut oil and water which protect your locks from heat and the sun, keep your color from fading and keep hair soft and frizz-free,” Brown said.

BEST SHAMPOO/CONDITIONER COMBOS

1. Joico K-Pak Color Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner, $29, Amazon

“These products help target both moisture and protein-depleted hair, so they’re great on clients who use a lot of bleach/lightener. The key ingredient is the Quadra bond peptide complex that restores and repairs the hair’s natural layer. It allows for color longevity as well as reconstruction and hydration,” said Nine Zero One master stylist Amber Maynard Bolt.

2. Kerastase Reflection Chromatique Sulfate-Free Shampoo, $24, Amazon

Kerastase Reflection Chromatique Sulfate-Free Conditioner, $34, Sephora

Also available at Sephora.

“I have experimented and tested out a ton of products, and by far I have seen the best results for my clients with this shampoo and conditioner. They keep color vibrant and also lock in shine and moisture, so hair stays healthy, shiny and beautiful,” said celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, at Exclusive Artists, whose clients include Chrissy Metz, Mindy Kaling and Neve Campbell.

3. Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Shampoo, $15, Amazon

Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Conditioner, $7, Amazon

Kathleen Firth, stylist and owner of Raika Studio Salon in NYC, swears by Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde shampoo and conditioner. “For our blondies out there, this violet-tinted, color enhancing formula cools brassiness and eliminates warm tones, while also hydrating and adding shine. It’s great for blonde, white and silver tones,” she said.

BEST SHAMPOO FOR COLORED HAIR

Pravana Perfect Brunette Toning Shampoo, $14, Amazon

The Perfect Brunette Toning Shampoo

“Most brunettes’ hair color fades quite brassy from daily wear and tear. This shampoo is a great at-home quick fix because it consists of blue and green pigmentation that you can actually see when you squirt it out of the bottle. Any color expert knows that cool tones such as blue and green can cancel unwanted orange and red tones in the hair. All you have to do is shampoo and let it sit in your hair for a few minutes while it actively mutes out those unwanted warm tones,” said colorist Bianca Hillier of Andy Lecompte Salon.

Credit: https://www.today.com/style/12-best-shampoos-conditioners-masks-colored-hair-t147579