By Casey Carter
To some people, hair is just the stuff on your head. To others, your hairstyle can immediately make or break your mood. For the latter of us, power stylist Elana, from the famed New York Paul Labrecque Salon, has a handful of key tips to nurture, protect and even grow out your locks.
Sustain your Color
After spending your hard-earned money on highlights, try these tips to prolong your color.
– As a rule of thumb, the closer you stay to your natural color the longer you can get away with your roots looking obvious. I like to suggest going two shades lighter or two shades darker to keep color looking natural and healthy. In the summer you can always add a few more highlights towards the hairline that are three shades lighter for that bright blonde effect.
– If you know you are going to be in the sun and you are starting to get roots, put some fresh squeezed lemon juice into a small spray bottle and lightly mist your roots for a sun boosting effect. Just don’t go overboard!
Throw a Mask On It
It’s crucial to hydrate color-treated hair with a weekly mask, particularly one with hydrating oils. If you can’t splurge on a professional mask, look to your kitchen cabinet. Pick up a few bananas and mix four teaspoons of honey and olive oil with the bananas and massage into the hair. Wrap with plastic or a plastic cap and sit for 30 minutes, then shampoo it out.
Blow-Drying 101
Everyone loves a bouncy salon blow-out, but it’s easy to recreate at home.
– Begin with a product appropriate for your hair type to help protect from heat damage.
– Pre-dry your hair. If you want more body, flip your head over while pre-drying and get those roots dry and lifted. This will also decrease blow-drying time.
– Next, split hair sections in two and pull each section to one side of your head.
– Always use the smoothing attachment that comes with the blow dryer for a more polished look, and aim downwards to seal the cuticle.
– Repeat this until you get to the top. It’s crucial that you really make sure your roots are 100% dry; if they are even slightly damp, your hair will either a) fall flat b) frizz up or c) look undone within an hour of blow drying. Get them dry as a bone, and you’ll have a blow-out that lasts!
Hair Growing Myth Busters
It’s a myth that cutting your hair makes it grow faster. However, trims will make hair look healthier, because there’s nothing more unappealing than long hair with ratty ends. If you’re trying to grow out your hair, talk to your stylist about your desired end result. Growing out your hair takes time, as the average rate of hair growth is 1/2 an inch per month. As your strands grow, I recommend the following:
– Get regular trims every 8-10 weeks
– Invest in a good Boar Bristle brush
– Avoid over-styling and excessive heating tools
– Add weekly conditioning treatments to your regimen
– Don’t brush hair when wet; use a wide toothed comb and be extra gentle. Hair is more prone to breakage when wet.
– Don’t rub vigorously with a towel; just squeeze and blot dry.
Be sure to check out Casey’s awesome blog, CaseyCulture!
