Relax Damaged Hair

Although hair relaxers can be a cause of damaged hair, some feel that with a relaxer their hair is straighter and thus more manageable. Fortunately, there are gentle relaxers available that have conditioning botanicals and can be used on damaged hair, however, they can still cause damage if used incorrectly. Damaged hair is typically brittle, porous, split and very fragile, so great care must be taken when using a relaxer.

Instructions

1. Deep condition your damaged hair one week prior to relaxing it. If your hair is particularly porous, use a conditioning treatment that contains protein or keratin--these ingredients will strengthen and help protect your hair.

2. Purchase a relaxer that is gentle yet effective. These typically cost a bit more than normal relaxers, but they are the best option for damaged hair. Good choices include Phytospecific Phytorelaxer (use Index 1, which is for delicate hair), Elucence Gentle Relaxer and Soft & Beautiful Botanicals Relaxer. No matter what the texture of your hair is, do not get a relaxer formula that is for "coarse" hair, also known as a "super" formula--it is too strong for fragile hair and will cause further damage.

3. Thoroughly read the instructions on your relaxer, and check the box to insure that all of the elements, including the relaxer base, activator, shampoo, gloves and mixing stick, are included.

4. Perform a hair strand test as per the instructions for the relaxer you are using. Those with damaged hair cannot afford to skip doing a strand test--this will determine whether your hair can tolerate even a gentle relaxer.

5. If your hair does well with the strand test, proceed to apply the relaxer. Leave the relaxer on for two to four minutes less than the shortest recommended time. For example, if your relaxer suggests leaving it on your hair for 12 to 15 minutes, only leave the relaxer on for eight to 10 minutes.

6. Wash as much relaxer from your hair as possible with lukewarm water after the allotted time has passed--do this before shampooing. Gently shampoo your hair, and then use the included reconstructing conditioner. Do not skip this step, as your damaged hair will need the conditioning.

7. Roller set or allow your hair to air dry. If you plan to blow dry your newly relaxed hair, apply a heat-protecting serum, blow-dry cream, or split-end protectant while your hair is still damp. If you are going to flat iron your hair, apply a heat-protecting or flat-ironing serum while your hair is still damp.

8. Avoid relaxing your hair again for at least eight weeks. You should use a deep conditioner at least bi-weekly until your hair returns to a healthy state.

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1930'S Women'S Hairstyles

In the 1920s, the popularity of the bob gave hairstylists a new status as women demanded frequent trims. The bob lost popularity in the 1930s, ushering in an era of longer, more feminine tresses. However, hairstyles kept the attention gained during the era of the bob, as women continued visiting salons and hair care innovations occurred, such as the development of shampoos for dry, oily, and normal hair; refinement of hairdryer settings; and improvement of permanent-wave machines and curling irons.

Finger Waves

The finger wave, or water wave, originated in the 1920s and was often used to create a curly look for the bob. However, finger waves were also used with longer styles, and the technique survived into the 1930s. Victoria Sherrow, author of "The Encyclopedia of Hair," describes how wet hair was styled, one side at a time, into a series of waves set in place by six to ten combs or pins and covered until the hair dried, resulting in defined waves. The style was so named because each wave is shaped by the stylist's finger and ends up roughly finger shaped.

Pin Curls

Pin curls were an easy way to achieve curly hair at home. Women twisted sections of damp hair into spirals and then either tied them close to the scalp with bits of rags or secured them in place with bobby pins, then covering them with a cloth, cap, or hairnet and leaving them to dry before removing the pins or rags. This was often done just before bedtime, allowing hair to dry overnight for curls in the morning. One famous wearer of pin curls was Shirley Temple, whose mother styled her hair every night to maintain her trademark mop of blonde curls.

The "Blonde Bombshell" Look

In 1931, Jean Harlow starred in the romantic comedy "Platinum Blonde," launching a nationwide mania for her bleached-blonde locks, which many of Harlow's female fans copied by dyeing their hair with peroxide. Although the platinum-blonde look was not for everybody, other haircolors, such as rose and mauve, became popular.

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Do A Victorian Bun

A classic Victorian bun can still make a fashion statement in the 21st Century.

A Victorian bun, also known as the "Gibson Girl", became popular in the 1890's. A Victorian bun consists of the hair being piled high on the head to form a bun. The remaining hair around your head is puffed 2 inches away from the scalp, for maximum volume. Various tendrils of hair are pulled down around the face and at the nape of the neck to complete the hairstyle. With a comb and some hair pins, you can create a Victorian bun.

Instructions

1. Part your hair with a long-tail comb. Start at one ear, slide the comb around the back of your head, to the other ear. Pull the upper section up. Leave the bottom section of your hair down and clip it out of the way.

2. Tease the upper section of your hair to create volume. Separate your hair into 2 inch sections, as you work. Lift the first section. Use a comb or teasing brush. Start at mid-shaft and backcomb your hair. Allow the teased section of your hair to fall forward. Repeat this process until the entire upper section has been teased.

3. Smooth the upper section back. Use your comb or brush to gently smooth out your teased hair.

4. Remove the clip from the lower section of your hair.

5. Gather the upper and lower sections together. Pull your hair up to create a ponytail on the top of your head. Use an elastic to secure a loose ponytail. Slide the hair elastic away from your scalp, to loosen the ponytail. This will create the volume needed.

6. Pull down various pieces of your hair, around your face, above your forehead and at the back of your neck.

7. Twist your ponytail. Wrap the twisted hair around the top of your ponytail, to form the shape of a Victorian bun. Avoid wrapping the bun too tight. This would decrease hair volume. Secure the bun with hair pins.

8. Use a curling iron to create tendrils. Curl each of the small pieces of hair you previously pulled down in Step 6, with a curling iron. Smooth away stray hairs with a comb.

9. Apply hairspray to your hair, for a long lasting hold.

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Cut & Style Raquel Welch Wigs

Whether you are wanting an entire wig or simply an extension of the hair you already have, you will find it when looking through the Raquel Welch collection. When styling a Raquel Welch wig, you can do anything that you would do to your own hair. You can cut it, braid it, curl it, or put in a ponytail. You can also purchase hair pieces such as ponytails, extensions, and headwraps to give yourself even more styling options.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want a full wig or just an additional hairpiece. If you have short hair and you want it longer without having to wait for it to grow, extensions are the right fit for you. If the hair you have is not up to par with what you want your hair to be, a full wig may be the right choice for you.

2. Decide which cut is right for your face shape and choose one that you will feel comfortable in. If you're shopping online, the wig product description will often say whether the style is recommended for oval, diamond, square, heart, or circle face types.

3. Look for the color that you want your wig to be. As a general rule, people with warm complexions will look best with golden, rich brown, or redder hair colors and rich gold highlights. People with cool complexions will be most flattered by ashy shades of brown that give a warmer appearance.

4. Style as you would normally style your hair; depending on the style and cut of the wig that you ordered. Raquel Welch wigs can be heat styled up to 350 degrees. If your wig is made from synthetic hair, you will need to limit yourself to styling aids designed for synthetic hair wigs. However, many Raquel Welch wigs will only need a good shake and some finger styling to be ready to wear.

5. Wash your wig every 15 to 20 washes. If your wig is made from synthetic hair, you will need to purchase a special shampoo for this task. Squeeze out excess water gently and allow it to air dry before brushing or restyling.

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Gymnast Hairstyles For A Competition

Gymnast

Women's gymnastics is an extremely athletic and competitive sport. Young girls endure extensive training and practice to perform at their best. The ultimate goal in gymnastics is to be a part of the USA National Gymnastics team. Gymnasts must be in top shape and every aspect of their routines are detailed right down to their hairstyle, which is also very important, because their hair must be out of their face to prevent distractions and unnecessary mistakes.

Ponytail

The ponytail is a very simple hairstyle that even a young girl can do. This hairstyle keeps the hair out of the face so the gymnast can stay focused on the task at hand. You will see many young gymnasts with this hairstyle and a ribbon added to dress it up. If you really want to dress up the ponytail, you can add twists in the top. You can also add tiny colorful rubber bands to section off the hair in a pattern at the top before you pull it into a ponytail. This works well for short or long hair.

Bun

The bun is another simple hairstyle that is very popular among gymnasts. You start off with the ponytail, then twist the hair and wrap it around in a circle. You can secure the bun with bobby pins and add a cute scrunchy to match the gymnast's leotard. You can also implement some of the styles listed above to dress up the bun such as twists or rubber bands. Or, try braiding the ponytail before you wrap it around for a different look. The bun is difficult to do with short hair; however, you can add in hair extensions or a ponytail clip on hair extensions to create the bun.

French Braid

The French braid is another hairstyle that is used often for young gymnasts. You can have one big French braid or you can have multiple French braids braided to the back of the head to keep the hair out of the gymnast's face. French braids offer a very classic, sophisticated look for young girls. You can also incorporate some of the styles listed above, such as the ponytail--French braid the hair into one or several ponytails, or take it one step further and twist the French braids into a bun.

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What Use To Sharpen A Haircutting Clipper Blade

Clippers often have plastic guards to protect you from the sharp blades.

Most hair clippers actually come with self sharpening blades, and much like scissors, are designed to sharpen themselves as they are being used. A dull pair of clippers, then, is a likely indication that your clippers have been damaged in some small way, or more likely, that they are in need of a thorough cleaning.

Take Apart

Take the clippers apart to get the bottom blade off so you can get a better look at what condition your blades are in. Most hair clippers will have two screws on the bottom of the blades, which hold the bottom blade tight against the top blade. Dirt and hair can sometimes get stuck between the clipper blades, negatively impacting clipper performance.

Clean

Wipe away any dirt, hair and other debris that you find lodged inside the clippers. Most clippers come with a small synthetic brush that is ideal for this purpose. A small brush will help to get hair and other materials out of any cracks and crevices. Make sure to get everything, as you want your clippers to be as clean as possible.

Rust

Inspect the blades for any rust that might have built up on them or on other exposed metal parts of the clippers. You can use rubbing alcohol and a cloth to help remove any rust that you find. Also look for any other damage to the blades. A dull pair of blades may be an indication of some damage done to the blades.

Oil

Apply a couple drops of oil to the blades and then put the bottom blade back on. Reinsert the screws and make sure everything is tight and back to how you found it. Make sure the clippers work, and that you didn't put them back together wrong. Gradually the clippers should self-sharpen themselves, and your blades will be as sharp as they ever were. Remember to regularly clean and oil your clippers, however, to prevent any future problems.

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Hairstyles Of The 80'S

Big hair defined the 1980s.

Hairstyles from the 1980s are largely inexplicable messes of bangs, hairspray and loud, obnoxious styles. With the invention of Music Television (MTV) and an explosion of irreverent, rebelling cultural icons -- from Michael Jackson to Madonna -- hair styles during the 80s often mirrored bold attitudes displayed on TV.

Why So Bold?

The decade of the 1980s was defined by the end of the Cold War, corporate growth and conservative politics. Cultural leanings during the 80s generally rebelled against the conservative mainstream and found expression in punk and carefree hair. Hairstyles also matched clothing -- generally patterned with bright, fluorescent colors. The 80s marked an era of experimentation and a happy-go-lucky spirit marked by courageous cuts and audacious grooming habits.

Female Cuts

Female hairstyles were often big and fluffy with lots of frizz and feathered locks. Perms were common styles with both loose and tight curls making curling and crimping irons standard devices in any bathroom. Bangs were wavy, vertical and sprayed heavily to remain fixed in position. Long hair was the rage for most women, with cuts generally falling just below shoulder level. Young women also wore pony tails to the side of their head as an added expression of a punk or carefree mentality.

Male Cuts

Men walking the conservative trend stayed with short, tight and un-dyed haircuts, often parted to one side. Short cuts often included a feathered touch, giving a fuller sense of body to the hair. Boisterous styles included long, poufy hair with sprayed bangs. Dark roots, contrasted blonde locks, and rat tails (thin strips of hair running down the back of the neck) were accepted as standard fare. Mullets (short hair in front, long in the back) were also popular with young men and super mullets made an appearance on a brave head every now and again.

The Influence of Music

The rise of hip hop music in the mid to late 1980s gratefully influenced African American hairstyles, particularly in men. Asymmetrical cuts -- standard flat tops, etc. -- made the style purposefully uneven, while high flat tops gave an extended, vertical look to a man's hair. Hip hop only perpetuated the persuasion music had on the style of male and female citizens alike. Incidentally, Caucasian males wore tall and spiked hair to match many musical pop rock and heavy metal celebrities.

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