We all have heard the old saying, 鈥淏londes have more fun.鈥� But is it really true? Whether it is or not, most dark-haired women want to try being a blonde at least once in their lives. And why not? We should be able to try any color of hair we want at any age. But how do we get the results we want? Do you have to bleach out your hair prior to dyeing it the color of your choice?

As usual, with most of life鈥檚 difficult questions, the answer to our ultimate question is; it depends. There are several factors to consider when changing the color of your hair. Here are a few things to decide prior to answering our bleach vs. no bleach question:聽

Do you have dark hair and want to go to a lighter shade?

If so, you will probably need to bleach out the color in your hair. Think of your hair follicle like a glass of water鈥� when it鈥檚 full of water, you can鈥檛 add more. Now think of the water in the glass as the color in your hair. We need to remove the water or the color before you fill it with something else (a new color). The only way to change your hair color to a lighter shade is by emptying the glass and starting again.聽

Or if you have colored your hair a darker color, just putting a light color on top won鈥檛 make it go any lighter. If you want a red color and have dyed it dark, it won鈥檛 look any different unless you lift the color out.

Do you have light hair and want a darker shade?

In this case, do not have to bleach your hair prior to coloring it. Your water glass (or your hair) does not have to be emptied. Your hair will take the darker shade over your lighter natural color.

If you have never colored your hair, and you want it just a few shades lighter:

If you’ve never colored your hair and have virgin hair that you would like to be just a couple levels lighter than your natural color, you can use permanent color with a higher developer to bump your level up a few shades. Your hair should not need to be bleached prior to coloring. 

So now that you know if you need to bleach your hair or not, if you do require bleaching, it is important to know if your hair can handle the process of bleaching without ruining your hair.

Is Your Hair Healthy Enough to Bleach?

Prior to starting any hair color process, especially bleaching, you need to assess the condition and health of your hair.聽 If your hair has been colored or bleached several times in the past year to 18 months, you should probably wait until your hair has had more time to heal from all the stress that coloring and bleaching causes. Or if your hair is having any issues, such as frizziness, dryness, and breakage, it is best to wait or to leave the bleaching to your professional colorist, who can look at your hair and tell how well it will take the bleaching process.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How hydrated is my hair? 
• Is it coarse? 
• Does my hair feel dry and brittle?
• Are my ends split?
• When was the last time my hair was colored, bleached or received an in-salon service?

Your answers should determine whether or not to move forward with coloring your hair, calling your stylist for an appointment or waiting until your hair is healthier.

Maintaining your Hair After Coloring and/or Bleaching

One of the most important parts of coloring/lightening your hair, whether you do so at home or at a salon, is how you treat it after the fact. If you want to keep coloring your hair, you must follow all that processing with special care to heal the damage it causes your hair.聽

鈥淗aircare is key, both pre and post-color,鈥� says Shvonne Perkins, expert colorist. Perkins is also a fan of deep conditioning, and says that if a hair mask isn鈥檛 doing the trick on its own, 鈥淗it it with a blow dryer to ensure the hair cuticle is soaking up all the nutrients to rehydrate your hair.鈥�

Perkins is also a fan of hair glosses to keep color looking brand-new. 鈥淧eople often color their hair too frequently because they see it getting dull when they don鈥檛 necessarily need a permanent color,” says the expert colorist. “Glosses are a great way to freshen up your color without causing any damage.鈥�

Here are a Few More Tips to Keep Your Hair in Top Shape After Coloring:

1. Use shampoos and conditioners for color-treated hair

Using a sulfate-free shampoo for color-treated hair and/or formulated for damaged hair can decrease some of the damage from coloring your hair.聽

2. You should also try to avoid frequent shampooing. 

You can try using dry shampoo on the second or third day after you wash your hair. Abstaining from washing helps to restore some of your hairs鈥� natural oils & keeps your color from fading too fast.聽

3. Use hair masks and deep conditioning treatments

These products can restore moisture to your hair. This helps with the straw feeling your hair gets when it is over processed and dried out. You don鈥檛 have to visit a salon to purchase one. Your local drug store probably carries many different types of hair masks and deep conditioning products.

4. Watch the heat settings on your styling tools.

Any kind of heat can cause excessive damage to your hair. Using your curling or straightening iron and a blow dryer daily can dry your hair out, causing it to be brittle and feel like straw. So it is important to watch the heat settings on the tools you use. 

Conclusion

So now that you know whether or not you should bleach your hair prior to coloring and how to take care of your hair after the coloring process.聽

But the most important thing to remember is taking care of yourself should be a priority to you. You cannot be there for everyone and everything in your life without making your own care a precedence. This includes taking care of your hair. So don鈥檛 skip coloring and caring for your hair because you feel it is a luxury you shouldn鈥檛 indulge in. Consider it paramount for your own self care!

Learn more about what color does to your hair on our聽8 commonly asked questions about coloring your聽hair post.

The post Do You Have to Bleach Hair Prior to Dyeing It? appeared first on 海角社区.

Are you considering a color change for your hair? Are you looking to add highlights, go darker or maybe try a new trend like a balayage? What better way to pamper yourself than treating yourself to a whole new look. With that being said, life can be demanding of our time and it can sometimes be difficult to put ourselves first. It鈥檚 no wonder you want to know how long it will take to color your hair?

The Short Answer

Coloring your hair in a salon by a professional stylist on average can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, and can even extend to as long as 8 hours depending on your hair鈥檚 condition, length, natural color, and intricacy of service. So let鈥檚 take a look at all the considerations when choosing to color your hair to answer your question in more detail.

Several Issues to Consider Before Coloring Your Hair

These are some of the things you must consider when thinking about dyeing your hair either on your own or when using a professional stylist.聽

鈥� Desired look

鈥� Your hair鈥檚 starting point

鈥� Hair鈥檚 density and condition

鈥� Products used鈥� Technique application to achieve end results

The Condition of your hair

Before coloring your hair, you need to assess the condition of the hair first. Are your ends dry? Does your hair have damage from using styling tools with heat? Have you colored your hair before? How long has it been since the last time you colored your hair? These are just a few of the questions a stylist would ask prior to coloring your hair. If you are doing a DIY color job at home, these are questions to ask yourself.聽

If you have colored your hair within the last 3 months, you need to take extra precautions to ensure you do not damage your hair further. If your hair has split ends or is extremely dried out, you may want to consider getting it trimmed by a professional or getting a moisturizing treatment at home or at a salon. Coloring your hair can cause some damage, so it is important to know how much damage your hair already has prior to coloring.

What Color is Your Hair Now? What Color Do You Want it to Be?

If you have black or very dark hair naturally and you want to lighten to a blonde shade, this can be a very detailed process that is best handled by a professional stylist. Dark hair requires bleaching prior to coloring. You must bleach all the color out of your hair and then apply your new color. Bleaching all the color from your hair can cause damage and breakage to your hair if not done properly, that is why you should speak with a salon professional before attempting to do this yourself.聽

Most stylists would not suggest you lighten your hair at home. So if you are trying to color your hair at home, you may want to start your coloring journey with a color that is close to your natural hair color.

What is the density and texture of your hair?

Take an individual strand of your hair, does it feel soft like thread (fine), a little fuller like string (medium), or tough almost like a piece of twine (coarse)? This will help you determine your hair鈥檚 natural texture and your hair鈥檚 ability to absorb hair color. Now put your hair in a ponytail. Does your ponytail feel wide and difficult to wrap your full hand around it or kind of thin feeling? Can you easily see the partings on your scalp or when in its natural state, it’s hard to see your scalp at all?聽 This is your hair鈥檚 density. The denser your hair, the longer it will take to color your entire head and the more product you will require.

When talking about texture, keep in mind, coarse hair tends to be more difficult to color than fine hair and may require additional time for your hair to absorb the color. This type of hair also requires a significant amount of conditioner after shampooing to get it feeling soft and easy to manage. If you use too much conditioner on fine hair, it will be limp and have no volume.

Is your hair curly, straight or wavy?

The picture above is an example of different types of curly hair. Curly hair can be very porous and/or very thin. Curly hair is very individual but normally is more delicate than straight hair. Therefore, it can be damaged easily. It is recommended to pay attention to the curl pattern of the hair. If you see damage to the curl pattern or lots of split ends in your hair, it is better to wait on coloring your hair until it is in better shape with less damage.聽

Heat can also cause a lot of breakage to curly hair. So if you plan on coloring your curls and you use a heated styling tool (like a curling iron or hair straightener) on a regular basis, you may want to do deep conditioning and moisturizing treatments prior to & after coloring. It is also smart to stay away from heated styling tools if you are trying to strengthen your curls prior to coloring.聽

If you are not sure if your curly hair is in good shape or not, it is always best to check with a professional hairstylist before trying to color your hair yourself. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and this is definitely true when it comes to coloring hair.

Bleaching vs. Dyeing Your Hair

The main difference between bleaching and coloring hair is that bleaching involves stripping your hair of its natural or previously colored hair while coloring can only lift your natural hair color. Both will change the color of your hair but it’s important to understand the knowledge and chemistry revolving hair color products.

If you have very dark hair and want it lightened to a much lighter shade, your hair will require a bleaching process prior to coloring. Bleaching involves using an oxidation process, which uses hydrogen peroxide to remove the color from the hair shaft.聽

The bleaching process can cause detrimental damage to your hair if not performed correctly. This is why you should always consult a professional stylist if you want to remove the artificial color out of your hair. Salon professionals have tools, products, and knowledge that can help minimize damage and save the integrity of your hair.

The Cost Comparison

Most home hair color kits are usually under $20. However, unless you have very short hair, you might want to purchase more than one kit. This will ensure you have enough product to complete the coloring process. It is better to have more products left over than to not have enough.

If you go to a professional stylist at a salon to color your hair, it could cost on average anywhere from $80 to $300 for the process. If not more depending on what needs to be done. Although this is a great deal of money, it’s money well spent considering a professional has the knowledge and experience to color your hair to your desired color or explain to you what will be achievable on your visit.聽

When considering cost, it is important to think about how much maintenance and upkeep your new color will need, to continue looking its best.聽 On average you will have to return to the salon every 6-8 weeks for maintenance. Although there are current trends with less maintenance required such as a balayage, that may extend your necessary appointments. Your budget, schedule, and flexibility all play a vital role in choosing the appropriate trend and color for you.

How to Maintain Your Hair鈥檚 New Color

No matter whether you color at home or at the salon, there are certain things you can do to keep your hair color looking natural and vibrant in between coloring sessions. Here are just a few suggestions to help you keep your new color looking great:

• Avoid shampoos and conditioners with sulfates. Cleansing agents with sulfates can be too aggressive on colored hair and can cause the color to fade faster than normal. Instead, look for sulfate-free products.聽

• Turn down the hot water. Hot water can cause your hair鈥檚 cuticle to swell and open, which causes the color molecules in your hair to follow the water down the drain. This is especially true if you color your hair red or any vibrant hair color such as: blue, pink, purple, orange, etc.

• Use a deep conditioner once a week. Coloring your hair can cause your hair to dry out and look frizzy. A deep conditioner will lock in moisture to keep your hair hydrated and looking its best. By using a hair mask once a week, you can keep your strands moisturized and your hair color looking vibrant.

• Let your hair air dry. Skip using your hairdryer as much as you can. Using a hairdryer too often can cause excessive dryness and cause the color to fade quicker.聽

• Follow all the after-care suggestions and product recommendations given to you by your salon professional.

Conclusion

As you can see, the time it takes to dye your hair varies according to the many factors we have discussed. But you should take as much time as you need to decide which coloring route to pursue.聽

The most important thing to remember is that taking care of your hair should be something that enhances your life and makes you feel good about yourself. Spending extra money and time to see a professional can absolutely be worth every penny if it promotes your self-confidence. Talk to your stylist about your budget and come up with a hair plan that fits your needs but doesn’t break the bank. No matter the route you choose, it should make you feel good about being you.

Learn more about what color does to your hair on our聽8 commonly asked questions about coloring your聽hair post.

The post How Long Does It Take to Dye Your Hair? appeared first on 海角社区.

Highlights, lowlights, balayage, acid bright. There are so many options out there for coloring your hair now. How do you decide what look is best for you? There are as many questions to consider as there are color possibilities when it comes to dyeing your hair. But when you consider changing your hair color, it is important to examine the required upkeep of the color you choose. So you ask, 鈥�How often can I dye my hair?鈥�

The Answer

The answer to this age-old question requires considering many factors. But the short answer is about every 4 to 8 weeks to touch up the roots from an overall hair coloring job. But if you have had just highlights, lowlights, or balayage coloring, you can recolor as the shades grow out from your hair. However, it is important to examine all the factors involved in coloring your hair to keep in its best possible shape.

Here are some factors to consider when you think about how often to dye your hair:

Discover the Overall Condition of Your Hair

The condition of your hair is a very important factor to consider when planning to dye your hair. Damaged, brittle hair will not take color or bleach well and even cause your hair to disintegrate if it is already in very bad shape. 

So how do you know if your hair is unhealthy? Here are a few tests that can help you discern the health & shape of your hair:

Do a Follicle Test

To understand if your hair is healthy overall you need to check your roots first. Just do this:

• Pluck one strand of hair but make sure to grip it as close to your head as possible to have the root still attached to the hair.
• Examine the follicle. The normal root end of a strand should be bulb-shaped, so if you see this, your hair is healthy. If it鈥檚 skinny and without any bulb shape at all, your hair is weak and needs care.

Do a Sink or Float Test

Healthy hair is solid while damaged hair absorbs liquid quickly. To perform the test, do this:

• Pluck a few strands of your hair from different parts of your head
• Drop the strands into a glass of water. Completely healthy strands will float, relatively healthy ones will go down a bit, and damaged ones will sink entirely.

The Feel Test

Feel the condition of your hair cuticle to see if it鈥檚 damaged or not. Do this:

• Clamp a hair strand between your index and middle fingers.
• Slide it through your fingers, from the top to the root. If it is rough and uneven, your hair is damaged. If it feels smooth, it鈥檚 healthy.

What are the Different Types of Hair Color?

Hair color can be permanent or semi-permanent. Permanent hair dye, including bleach, will have to be grown out of your hair rather than washed out. Hair grows about a half an inch a month so if you are unsatisfied with your permanent color results, you will be waiting a long time for it to totally grow out.聽

However, semi-permanent hair dye will gradually fade with each wash until eventually, it will all fade away. Semi-permanent hair color is ammonia-free but it does have a small amount of peroxide to slightly lift the outer hair cuticle so that the pigment can take hold without lightening your natural color. As long as the hair cuticle is properly restored to its naturally flat and closed position (Follow the directions on the box), you should be able to safely re-color your hair as often every few weeks. Also, if you鈥檙e unsure about coloring your hair, you may want to start with a semi permanent dye to test out how pleased you are with the results.

There is another factor that will influence how long your hair dye lasts too.聽 How you maintain your hair color can have a significant effect on its longevity.

How to Maintain Your Colored Hair

No one wants to spend lots of money and time on getting their hair dyed and then have the color fade in a matter of weeks. Getting the color you desire is only half the battle when it comes to dyeing your hair. If you want your color to last as long as possible, here are a few rules to follow after you color your hair:

• Don鈥檛 wash your hair for 72 hours after coloring it. 

The color needs time to settle into your hair. So stylists suggest waiting 72 hours or longer to wash your hair after coloring it. If you absolutely cannot wait that long to wash your hair, try using a dry shampoo in between washes.聽

• Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and conditioners

Sulfate cleansing agents tend to be too aggressive for colored hair and will cause your hair color to fade faster than if you use sulfate-free products. Make sure to use color-safe products that are less harmful to your hair. Look for products with ingredients like natural oils, collagens, and proteins that will deeply condition,聽 and strengthen your hair鈥檚 outer layer.聽

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Any type of coloring can dry out and cause damage to your hair. So it is important to re-hydrate by using moisturizing conditioners and masks to help your hair recover from being dyed. Using a deep conditioner once a week will keep your hair color looking new & vibrant.聽

• Minimize the Heat

Excessive heat can also cause damage and dry out the hair shaft. So, skip the blow dryer and let your hair air dry whenever possible. If you use heated styling tools on a daily basis, make sure you prep your hair with a heat protector spray beforehand to avoid further stress and damage to the hair cuticles.

Also, it is smart to turn down the temperature of the water when you wash your colored hair. Water that is too hot causes the hair cuticle to open up which makes the color molecules in your hair fade much faster. Washing in lukewarm to cool water will keep your hair in much better shape.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different elements to consider when deciding when to color your hair. Your hair is a part of your overall health and should be treated like you would treat any other part of your body that has acquired damage. If you broke your leg, you would not try to run a marathon the next day.聽

This is why it is important to assess the condition of your hair before deciding to color again. If you do find that your hair is showing signs of major damage, it is best to wait. While you may not want to, waiting and trying some of the conditioning processes we suggested can heal the damage and give you much better results when you decide to re-color your hair.

With a little knowledge, preparation, and care, you can have beautiful, healthy colored hair.聽

Learn more about what color does to your hair on our聽8 commonly asked questions about coloring your聽hair post.

The post How Often Can You Dye Your Hair? appeared first on 海角社区.

If you have ever had your hair colored or done a DIY color job, you know how wonderful it feels to have a brand new vibrant hair color. It can truly transform your attitude and make you feel really great about yourself. And we all deserve to have that self-confidence. But does hair color cause damage to your hair or to your overall health?

Yes. Unfortunately, hair Color damages your hair. When you dye your hair it lifts the cuticle, altering the hair in a way that will never completely revert back to it鈥檚 natural virgin state. However, the hair that grows from your scalp will grow out normally so only the hair that has been dyed is affected.

But remember the benefits of this damage are that you have a beautiful new hair color and your hair may also be a little fuller and voluminous. However, your hair may need to be trimmed or cut a bit sooner.

Like many things in life, the real damage comes over time when you dye your hair repeatedly. The big damage from hair color is cumulative (as in the number of hair colors/processes performed and the age of the hair, heat styling, etc). In other words, progressive coloring for many years may cause serious damage to your hair if you do not take action to address the damage it has incurred from years of heat, coloring, UV rays, etc.

So How Does Color Damage Your Hair?

To really understand the hair coloring process and what causes the damage, we must take a look at each type of hair color and how they work exactly.

Permanent Hair Color:

If you are using a permanent hair dye, the outer layer of the hair shaft (the cuticle) must be opened before permanent color can be deposited into the hair. With the cuticle open, the dye reacts with the inner portion of the hair (the cortex) to deposit or remove the color.聽

Most permanent hair coloring products use a two-step process. First removing the original color of the hair and then depositing a new color. This is the same process used when lightening the hair except a new colorant does not have to be bonded to the hair shaft after bleaching.

Ammonia is the alkaline chemical that opens the cuticle. This allows the hair color to penetrate the cortex of the hair. Ammonia also acts as a catalyst when the permanent hair color comes together with the peroxide. Peroxide is used as the developer or . The developer removes pre-existing colors. Then peroxide breaks in the hair, releasing sulfur. This is what causes the characteristic odor of hair coloring products. 

After the melanin (color in your hair) is removed, the new permanent color is added to the hair cortex. There are also various types of alcohols and conditioners may also be present in hair coloring products. Conditioners are used to close the cuticle after dyeing to seal in and protect the new color.

Temporary Hair Color:

Temporary or semi-permanent hair colors deposit dyes onto the outside of the hair shaft. Also, small pigment molecules slip inside the hair shaft, using a small amount of peroxide or none at all.聽

In some cases, several colorant molecules enter the hair to form a larger complex inside the hair shaft. Shampooing removes temporary hair color as you wash your hair or expose it to water. Temporary or semi-permanent products don’t contain ammonia. This means the hair shaft isn’t opened up during processing and the hair’s natural color remains once the dye washes out.

Lightening Your Hair:

Bleach is used to lighten your hair. The bleach reacts with the melanin in the hair, removing the color through an irrevocable chemical reaction. The peroxide used for the bleaching process is extremely drying to hair and is the reason why colored hair can take on a straw-like texture. The bleaching process oxidizes the color molecules. The melanin is still present, but the oxidized molecules are colorless.聽

However, bleached hair tends to have a pale yellow tint. The yellow color is caused by the natural color of keratin, a structural protein in hair. Also, bleach reacts more with the dark eumelanin pigment than with the phaeomelanin pigments within the hair. So some gold or red residual color may remain in your hair after lightening. Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most common lightening agents. The peroxide uses an alkaline solution, which opens the hair shaft to allow the peroxide to react with the melanin.

So now that you know all about the hair coloring process, what can you do to repair the damage it causes?

Tips to Help You Repair the Damage from Coloring Your Hair

Over time with repeated coloring sessions, the structure of your hair changes. It will become weaker and more prone to breakage. The more damage your hair incurs, the less color it will hold.聽 That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important to prioritize repair if you color your hair.

Here are some tips to help you reverse the damage that coloring causes to your hair:

1. Lower the heat settings on your styling tools.

Heat can cause excessive damage to your hair. Using your curling or straightening iron and a blow dryer daily can dry your hair out and cause it to be brittle. So it is important to watch the heat settings on the tools you use. Turning down the heat just a few degrees will make a difference in the damage these tools can do. 

2. Use hair masks and deep conditioning treatments

These treatments can restore moisture to your hair. This helps with the straw feeling your hair gets when it is overprocessed and dried out. Your stylist can suggest and apply a treatment. But you don鈥檛 have to visit a salon to get one. Your local drug store probably carries many different types of hair masks and deep conditioning products. 

3. Trim your split ends

When the ends of your hair begin to split, the hair will begin unraveling from the bottom up, leading to a dull, broken, frizzy mess. The easiest thing to do when you notice the ends of your hair splitting, is to visit a salon for a trim. This will leave your hair in much better shape and it will look much healthier. Regular trims to your hair can also help your hair growth. 

4. Use the correct shampoos and conditioners & use them less often.

Using a sulfate-free shampoo for color treated hair & formulated for damaged hair can help to decrease some of the damage from coloring your hair. Sticking with shampoos that contain natural origin ingredients will also help repair your damaged hair.

You should also try to avoid frequent shampooing. You can try using a dry shampoo on the second or third day after washing to help restore some of your hairs鈥� natural oils. In addition, washing your hair with lukewarm or cool water, and then finishing the shampoo process with a shot of cool water can reduce the damage that hot water causes. Hot water opens up the hair cuticle, but cool or cold water can help damaged hair by closing up the hair cuticle. This causes the hair shaft to lie flat, resulting in shinier, smoother hair.

Conclusion

So the answer to our question is yes, dyeing your hair causes unavoidable damage. However, when you know how the hair color processes and the damage that can be incurred, you can arm yourself with the knowledge and products it takes to repair the deterioration caused by coloring.

Learn more about what color does to your hair on our 8 commonly asked questions about coloring your hair post.

The post Does Hair Color Damage Your Hair? appeared first on 海角社区.

Hair and Beauty trends are ever-evolving. This is no less true when speaking of men鈥檚 grooming and hair care, especially during the last two years when many had to adapt to the lifestyle changes that accompanied the pandemic. According to 海角社区 educator and cosmetologist Tairica Ryals, recent trends in men鈥檚 haircare can be widely attributed to life in quarantine.

Keeping it Long

Ryals said that when men started returning for haircuts after quarantine, she found that many of them had actually become partial to their longer hair. While Ryals definitely recommends keeping it shaped up, she finding that longer cuts on men have definitely made somewhat of a comeback, especially for younger men.

鈥淚 guess with not going to school or not being in school, they didn鈥檛 worry about their hair,鈥� Ryals said. 鈥淪o now they鈥檙e leaving more length on. They鈥檙e doing more shear cuts and fewer clipper cuts.鈥�

Pompadour

The go-to cut for men who have grown fond of their long hair is pompadour. A pompadour is created by keeping the sides and edges of the hair short, but keeping the top of the head longer and swept back. This still provides the look of a voluminous hairdo but eliminates the shagginess longhair typically has. Pompadours are a clean-cut, business-friendly way to style long hair on men.

Longer Beards

In addition to longer hair, Ryals said that men have also gotten comfortable with longer beards and have come up with better ways to maintain them in the last couple of years.

鈥淪ome of my clients, during quarantine, they were able to let their beards grow out,鈥� Ryals said. 鈥淎 lot of them ended up liking their beards, but they didn鈥檛 know how to take care of it.鈥�

Beard Care

With the proper care, Ryals said that men, and their wives and girlfriends, agree that beards can be quite appealing. Many types of oils and conditioners have been produced to make facial hair softer, smoother, and tamer than ever before.

鈥淏efore guys would come and just get a touch-up and stuff like that,鈥� Ryals said. 鈥淏ut now clients will ask about or I鈥檒l refer them to beard washes, beard conditioners, beard brushes, beard oils. They are really putting a lot of maintenance into their beards right now.鈥�

For men who have been waiting for the right time to allow their hair and beards to grow, 2021 is an ideal time to start.

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll, please visit聽

The post Men鈥檚 Grooming & Haircare Trends appeared first on 海角社区.

Summer is fast approaching and we know you鈥檙e gearing up for serene, poolside days and long hours beneath the sun, so it鈥檚 important to be mindful of how this season can take its toll on your skin. Like a good friend helping you apply sunscreen before a day at the beach, 海角社区 has you covered with vital skincare techniques to keep your skin vibrant and healthy all summer long.

Before you fully achieve that highly sought-after sun-kissed glow, keep in mind that your skincare routine will require a few changes as we transition into the warmer months, according to esthetics educator, Abby Ealy. Winter often leaves skin dull, dry, and flaky. If you don鈥檛 already, Ealy suggests adding a daily or weekly face exfoliate to your routine to erase dead skin cells. Be sure to replenish your skin with a daily moisturizer as well, which will combat additional dullness.

Sunscreen will now become a crucial step in your skincare regimen, according to Ealy. 鈥�For spring and summer, SPF is a must,鈥� she says.

Even if you aren鈥檛 particularly active outdoors, you will still experience increased sun exposure this summer, so it鈥檚 important to always have SPF handy and even make applying it part of your morning ritual. If you鈥檙e someone who likes to wear tinted moisturizer, BB, or CC cream, you should select one that has SPF included. Fortunately, you have a wide variety to choose from, as many brands do include this.

If you find yourself in the mood to treat yourself this spring and summer, vitamin-infused facial masks are a great option, Ealy says. The vitamins act to brighten and restore nutrients to your skin. To take your pampering a step further, consider meeting with a licensed esthetician to discuss a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. These treatments will make your skin shine on a whole new level.

For anyone looking to keep up with the summer trends, Ealy says “lashes and brows are the way to go…A lash lift and tint are awesome,鈥� she says. 鈥�Also, brow lamination will keep brows in place.鈥�

The summer is a great time to invest in these treatments, as they make getting presentable before going out a lot easier. For those who live active lives and find themselves bouncing from one activity to the next, make-up routines can become a hassle. These treatments allow you to wake up with your lashes and eyebrows already in perfect condition. Lash lifting pushes lashes upward, making them appear more enhanced in shape. Brow lamination is similar in that it accentuates and evens out eyebrows.

With these tips and tricks in your summer skincare toolbox, we know you鈥檒l be ready to stroll the beaches and hop on a carnival ride with your cotton candy in hand. We hope your 2021 summer is one for the books.

For more information about 海角社区, or how to enroll, please visit聽

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Your face shape is part of what defines your personal look, as well as what determines what hairstyles and cuts are most becoming on you. Those with longer faces should seek a hairstyle that will visually shorten or widen the face, balancing the length with shorter styles and volume through the sides.

Bangs (Medium to Long in Length)
Bangs in general will assist with the visual of shortening the face shape. Medium to long bangs are key as they will reduce more of the length. Another way to change the visual is through longer side bangs which add an asymmetry to the look that detracts from the overall length. In contrast, short bangs will draw attention to the long face shape.

Pixie Cuts
Pixie cuts are arguably one of the very best haircuts for long faces, as they instantly trick the eye into perceiving the face as shorter. To avoid adding any extra length to the face, be sure the pixie cut is not too top-heavy, as that could add height to your head. However, volume through the sides will help to add a wider visual which will in turn create balance. Opt for a slightly longer pixie cut that brushes in front of the ears, and you’ll showcase the true beauty of your face.

Bobs (And Lobs)
Lobs, and preferably bobs, are the most flattering on long faces when they’re textured around the sides of the face, visually widening the shape. Side parts and side highlights will also add dimension and width to your bob.

Long Layers
If your client desires long hair, there are ways to make it work. Incorporate as many layers as possible into the long cut. Long layers will create face-framing, particularly around the jawline which will give the more oval appearance. The layers will also widen the appearance of the face while still allowing you your desired length.

If you have any additional questions about finding the perfect hairstyle for your face shape, Empire Beauty school would love to speak to you by phone or visit with you in person at one of our local student salons.

Have you been considering a career in beauty, or perhaps taking your hair styling skills to the next level? 海角社区 offers several Beauty Programs, including our Cosmetology Program which will train you in all sorts of hair styling expertise, including coloring, cutting, texturing, and more. Schedule a tour today and meet with a Career Planning Specialist to see if Empire is the perfect fit for you. Visit us at or call 1-800-964-3635.

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For an elegant yet effortless hairstyle, many are opting for loose, windswept waves that can be styled for any occasion. For a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with family and friends, the subtle waves look casually beautiful worn down. To elevate the look for a more formal event, pin the waves loosely into an asymmetrical bun. The added touch of a small jeweled barrette or headband makes for a chic yet simple look.

While the money piece hair-coloring technique that made headway in the fall is still proving to be a favorite for many, a chocolate brunette hair color is expected to grow in popularity this winter as well.

To replenish moisture into dry, dull hair, an easy, at-home coconut oil treatment can add ample life to your locks. Coconut oil can be found at just about any grocery store near you. Simply apply to damp, warm hair in the shower and wrap in a towel for 30 minutes before rinsing. You鈥檒l find that your hair is stronger, shinier, and more hydrated after treating it with some coconut oil.

Since the covid-19 pandemic has brought about the need to wear facial masks and coverings, the bottom half of our faces aren鈥檛 really getting as much air time in our day-to-day lives anymore. For this reason, many have started applying dramatic winged eyeliner to accentuate the eyes and draw attention to the features that aren鈥檛 covered. For moments when a mask is not needed, a nude lip color offsets the bold eye makeup and creates the perfect balance. If you鈥檙e on the hunt for a new nail style or color to accompany your new winter makeup routine, you鈥檒l find that white glittered nails are growing in popularity and match the season quite well.

To combat dry, dead skin during the winter months, apply a vitamin C and E serums to your face. Vitamins C and E enhance skin in a myriad of ways including helping rebuild elasticity and defending skin from the outside elements. The healing properties of these serums not only help heal and repair skin, but they can also help by preventing the skin from aging too rapidly.

Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, Empire鈥檚 beauty professionals are wishing you soft, chocolate waves, vibrant, healthy skin and hair, glisteningly white nails, impeccably winged eyeliner, and everything else on your beauty wish list this year.

If you are interested in trying some of these Winter Beauty Trends, book your appointment at the 海角社区 close to you.

Or

If you are interested in learning more about a future in cosmetology, please visit .

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As temperatures are cooling down, new beauty trends are heating up.
is staying up-to-date on all of the cutting-edge styles expected to make an appearance in the Fall of 2020.

“The Money Piece” hair coloring technique is growing in popularity. This face-framing highlight is brightening yet warm and typically ranges from carmel to deep-blonde in color. While traditional highlights are distributed throughout a full head of hair, “The Money Piece” is reserved for the pieces of hair surrounding the face. For those that are ready for a hair-lightening change this season but still want to stick with a warmer color palette, “The Money Piece,” might be the golden look for you this Fall.

In the spirit of preparing their hair for the cooler months, many are also having keratin treatments done to infuse strength and shine back into their hair. Keratin is a protein naturally found in all hair. However, sun exposure, chlorine, salt, and other chemicals and activities can strip keratin from the hair over time. At the end of a long summer, many are choosing to restore this keratin back into their hair with the help of hair care professionals. Keratin treatments are beneficial to all hair types, so if your hair seems dull and frizzy from too much fun-in-the-sun, it might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a licensed professional to treat your hair with its own keratin spa day.

Brick-red lip and nail products are also in vogue this Fall, especially when paired with natural eye-make-up. This red strays away from the traditionally vivid, cherry-red, and is brownish in tone. The warmth and depth of this red make it the perfect shade for crisp autumn days.

The cosmetic development that has grown the most rapidly in popularity in recent months is eyelash extensions. While this technique must be done by a licensed specialist to ensure safety and quality, eyelash extensions have become a game-changer for many this year. Not only are they completely safe when done by a professional, but they are also taking the place of mascara. Waking up with long, silk, natural-looking lashes each morning means one less step in your beauty routine.

Extensions are only one lash trend entering the scene this Fall. Eyelash perming and tinting are also on the rise. Not to be confused with hair-perming, eyelash perming is a much more delicate procedure that acts more as a “lash-lift.” Tinting can be very beneficial for those who have naturally blonde or fair eyelashes and want their eyes to pop a bit more without the application of mascara.

In summation, if you’re considering a seasonal makeover that will make a statement while also staying true to the current trends, replenish your locks with a keratin treatment, brighten-up your face with “The Money Piece,” put on the color of Fall with a brick-red lip and nail, and meet with a trusted professional that can enhance your eyes with beautiful, silk lashes. Fall is going to look stunning on you.

If you are interested in trying some of these Fall trends, book your appointment at the 海角社区 close to you.

Or

If you are interested in learning more about a future in cosmetology, please visit .

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We are bouncing into a brand new decade鈥� and like most of us, you are likely thinking of a few ways to enter 2020 with a new vision! At least the one in the mirror anyway!

If you鈥檙e thinking of a major hairstyle change for 2020, have no fear! Our expert staff of amazing 海角社区 educators have advice on how to choose a style that鈥檚 right for you!

鈥淚t鈥檚 really about digging down into the client鈥檚 daily routine.鈥� Says Mary Jan Betzler, Education Support Manager at 海角社区s in Indianapolis, Indiana. 鈥淲e teach our students to ask a lot of questions. Finding the right cut and style is about much more than just face shape.鈥�

Let鈥檚 say a very busy mom of 4 is looking for a new cut. Something that will require a lot of styling may be too much for her to commit to.

However, a young professional with a bit of extra time in the morning, might have the time!

鈥淭ime and effort is one of the key things to consider when choosing a hairstyle,鈥� says Betzler. 鈥淚f your client is not comfortable styling at home, you don鈥檛 want to give her a cut that requires a lot of effort to style.鈥�

And speaking of 鈥渃omfort level鈥�, take into consideration what is just too out there for you.

鈥淚 always ask my clients about their insecurities.鈥� Says Jennifer Outlaw, Education Support Manager at 海角社区 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 鈥淔or instance, I really don鈥檛 like my forehead, so I can鈥檛 wear my hair back. Being comfortable with your look is very important for everyone!鈥�

And don鈥檛 forget about texture.

鈥淭exture is one of those reality checks when it comes to hairstyles,鈥� says Outlaw. 鈥淵ou can add texture or smooth hair with chemical services, but it will more upkeep if your style requires a texture you don鈥檛 naturally have.鈥�

鈥淥ften, clients come in with a photo of a style they like.鈥� Says Betzler. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great way for me to see what type of cut they are looking for, however, it鈥檚 good to keep in mind that density makes a difference in how any cut will look. Thinner fine hair sits differently than thick hair.鈥�

So are there any hairstyles to avoid at certain ages? While there are no hard and fast rules, Outlaw does suggest some tips for more mature ladies as they choose a new do.

鈥淕oing a little shorter is always good as you age. More volume will help as many women tend to experience thinning as they get older.鈥�

Don鈥檛 be too 鈥渞igid鈥� with your styles, either says Outlaw. 鈥淎 little more textured is more forgiving. And when it comes to color, keep it lighter to blend the graying. If you choose to embrace your natural gray, a short, spunky style will keep it looking youthful!鈥�

Fill out the form on this page today or call us at 1-800-967-0047. You can even message us on  or !

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Dear Haircolor,

We love you. In fact, many of us can鈥檛 imagine a world without you. However, keeping you from fading can be a struggle. Luckily, we鈥檝e asked our expert educators at 海角社区s for advice on how to keep you shiny and beautiful for as long as possible!

Let鈥檚 start with the obvious. Shampooing. What you use and how often you do it, all make a difference.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very important to use a sulfate free shampoo that鈥檚 color safe,鈥� says Kay Mullins, an educator at 海角社区 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 a vibrant color, you can add pigment to your shampoo to keep the color brighter, longer.鈥�

鈥淟ike any chemical process, it鈥檚 true that coloring damages hair.鈥� Says Lu McCray, a student teacher educator at Empire in Savannah, Georgia. 鈥淎long with using a gentle shampoo designed for color-treated hair, you should avoid shampooing daily. Instead, opt for a dry shampoo in between.鈥�

鈥淒ry shampoos are amazing products.鈥� adds Mullins. 鈥淚t will absorb grease and keep your hair looking fresh so you don鈥檛 need to shampoo every day.鈥�

Additionally, McCray suggests using a deep conditioning mask to keep dry, dull hair healthy and shiny.

鈥淎nd many clients don鈥檛 realize the temperature of the water effects color.鈥� Says McCray. 鈥淵ou should always rinse your hair in lukewarm or cool water to keep the cuticle from opening all the way and releasing color molecules.鈥�

While we鈥檙e on the subject of water, it鈥檚 important to know what 鈥渢ype鈥� of water you鈥檙e working with.

鈥淥ur water in Phoenix is very hard, even for those on a well,鈥� says Toni Kinyon-Beck, an educator at 海角社区 in Chandler, Arizona. 鈥淚 recommend using a product like Crystal Clarifying Treatment from Malibu before every chemical service so you get the results you are expecting. These type of products remove mineral and product build up and prep your hair for color services.鈥�

Kinyon-Beck also says moisture is key to keeping color looking great. 鈥淔or my textured hair clients I am fan of Design Essentials Avocado & Almond. It鈥檚 sulfate free and is moisturizing for dry thirsty hair.鈥�

But what about the elements you can鈥檛 control, like the weather and the sun? Our 海角社区 educators say pay attention to your products and the season you鈥檙e in.

鈥淚t is important to properly prepare the hair for the seasons,鈥� says Mullin. In very humid times, weather proofing products like anti-frizz serums work great. In winter you may have to go to a more moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.鈥�

鈥淯V and visible light breakdown chemical bonds within the hair structure.鈥� says McCary. 鈥淗eat from sunlight and irons can also dry out hair and make it susceptible to damage by breaking.鈥�

Light and heat can damage the scalp as well, leading to hair loss over time. 鈥淒o what you can to limit light/heat exposure. Hats are great!鈥� says McCrary. 鈥淯se heat-protective products before applying heat to hair and deep condition often.鈥�

鈥淗aircolor is such a fun part of being a cosmologist!鈥� says Kinyon-Beck. 鈥淏ut it does take knowledge to be able to provide the shade your client is looking for and help them take care of it.鈥�

And as experts in their field, our 海角社区 educators have a few reminders about color and the science behind it.

鈥淎s educators we teach our students the importance of keeping their clients hair healthy.鈥� says Mullins. 鈥淪ometimes that means consulting a client with the news that the color they want might not be best for their hair. For example, many customers think 鈥渢his time I will go very dark and next appointment I鈥檒l go blonde.鈥� A responsible hair stylist needs to be cautious and inform the client of a healthier way to lighten their locks.鈥�

鈥淗air color does not disappear when you put another color on top of it.鈥� Says McCray. 鈥淚t takes a few appointments to go lighter in a healthy way. And be cautious with box color. It often contains metal fillers that can damage hair.鈥�

鈥淭he most vibrant colors may not (and usually are not) a one appointment service.鈥� says Mullins. 鈥淢any times it may take 3 to 4 highlighting appointments to get the hair light enough for the colors to pop.鈥�

And she adds, don鈥檛 always believe a color you see online or in a magazine is real. 鈥淎 lot of those very bright colors are artificial extensions. They can certainly be done on real hair, but the results take more time to accomplish and much more care to keep shining.鈥�

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Holiday parties, family get-togethers, nights out with friends鈥� whew. December gets busy! Need some quick advice on what鈥檚 hot and what鈥檚 not this season? No problem! 海角社区s is here to get you through the festivities in style.

Let鈥檚 start with the crown jewel, shall we? We asked Empire鈥檚 Education Team what hair styles are going to turn heads this holiday season!

Michael Rodinelli, Education Support Manager for 海角社区s in Louisville, Kentucky says get ready to rock those braids.

鈥淟ots of loose, soft braiding is on trend right now.鈥� Says Rodinelli. 鈥淜eep those up do鈥檚 low at the occipital area of the head for an effortless looking design.鈥�

Not sure where the occipital area is? We鈥檝e got you covered:

Vector Illustration Of Human skull lateral view with explanation

Loose is key for the season, but if you want to skip the braid, Empire鈥檚 Althea Hosler of Northeastern Pennsylvania says there鈥檚 a way to make a simple loose bun look ah-mazing!

鈥淎 low, loose bun in a relatively easy way to achieve a polished look.鈥� says Hosler. 鈥淢y favorite trick is adding a few sparkly pins or barrettes to make the style really stand out.鈥�

鈥淒on鈥檛 forget to pull a few pieces out to frame the face.鈥� Says Tammy O鈥橬eill, Senior Director of Educational Services. 鈥淓ffortless and fun is the look that鈥檚 in. By pulling those face framing pieces you鈥檒l soften the entire look into a cohesive style.鈥�

Alright鈥� we鈥檝e got this hair thing down! But what about nails? You guessed it. The bling shouldn鈥檛 just be on your barrette this year.

鈥淒ipped nails are a great way to get a long lasting manicure without the need for UV light that gel requires.鈥� says Rodinelli. 鈥淢any nail salons offer dip services, but there are also home kits you can purchase.鈥� So what is the hot color of the season? 鈥淪parkles. LOTS of sparkles!鈥�

Would it even be the holidays without sparkles? Hosler agrees they are KEY. But she prefers a slightly more subtle take on the trend.

鈥淎 nude color nail with sparkles added for embellishment will carry you through several weeks of events.鈥� she says. 鈥淚f you have multiple parties, particularly in a short amount of time, this look will go well with whatever you choose to wear.鈥�

Hair, Nails and鈥� makeup. Arguably the most subjective in terms of style, there are still a few standard rules to follow when glamming up for a night out.

鈥淚t鈥檚 in the fine details.鈥� says Rodinelli. 鈥淩eally take your time and be detailed in your work when applying your products. You鈥檒l likely be wearing more make up than usual, so making sure you blend and pay attention to details. Heavier than normal eye liner will give you that extra umph you鈥檙e looking for.鈥�

鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid of more sparkles!鈥� says Hosler. 鈥淗eavier eye makeup will give you a dramatic look. Adding sparkle liner will make it pop even more! You can also do a nude eye, and go with a red sparkle lip for a different take.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 easy to go too far with holiday make up.鈥� says O鈥橬eill. 鈥淗owever, a good trick is to stick to one color palette without being too matchy matchy.鈥�

And, O鈥橬eill says distributing color evenly throughout your entire look will help pull it all together.

鈥淧utting color evenly between accessories like jewelry, shoes and/or purse is key. Then match your lipstick or your eye shadow to that item.鈥�

Fill out the form on this page today or call us at 1-800-967-0047. You can even message us on  or !

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