Helpful Hair Tips

So, yesterday I got my first real hair cut in years. Yes, YEARS... I couldn't even remember the last time it was officially cut by a stylist.  So needless to say, I needed a change.  My hair has looked pretty much the same since I can remember. I didn't want anything too drastic.  I wear clip-in extensions when I really want some Va-va-va-voom, but I wanted something simple for an everyday healthy hair look.  I was a little nervous at first, but my stylist Lizzy was so nice and knowledgeable, it put my nerves right at ease.  She gave me some helpful tips along the way.  Here's what I learned:

• When a hair strand becomes grey, it drops it's pigment molecules all at once and the entire strand then becomes grey as a result.  That's why you never see a grey hair strand that is half your regular hair color and half grey. 
• When you wash your hair with shampoo, the shampoo strips all of the oils from your hair (both the good oils and the dirt).  So excessive shampooing can be damaging.  In fact, if you can skip the shampooing part all together that's even better.  Hot water will open the strand enough to clean the dirt but leave some of your natural hair oils.  After conditioning, rinsing with cold water will seal the strand again. 
• Sprinkling baby powder on the hair to absorb the dirt then rinsing out with warm/hot water to release the dirt can be a healthier alternative for the hair versus shampooing. 
• Try to go as long as you can before washing your hair, for me that was a week.  But it can be different for you depending on your hair type and lifestyle needs (ie. if you sweat frequently while working out, swim frequently, etc.).
• Consult a knowledgeable stylist when considering making changes to your hair.  I was very set on getting a lot of layers put into my hair, but that would have made my hair actually appear shorter.  I was pleasantly surprised that a couple of layer changes strategically placed would give me the same desired effect I was looking for.

 I am not claiming that all of these tips are exact for your hair, but just some things to think about and maybe spark conversation with your own stylist.

Thanks to Lizzy at Platinum Salon, NYC! I now have a fringe bang and the bouncy hair I was looking for.

xoxo Nic