Hair care tips: achieving volume, shine and style that lasts

By Joy Ross

Contributor

Lately, I have been hearing from newcomers to our area. Welcome to all, and thank you for reading. 

I’m going to reiterate some tips for the new readers and as reinforcement to my loyal readers and clients. Sometimes, you need to have some repetition to remind you. I know I do. 

Anyway, the upside-down triangle shape of the haircut is what needs to be achieved in order to bring attention to the eye and cheekbones. Just about any length is ok at any age as long as this shape is maintained. The right side up triangle is a don’t. It draws the eye to the chin and jowls, which is not really flattering on anyone over 12. 

The major complaint I hear daily is that you spend time drying and styling your hair to have it go flat in 15 minutes. The problem seems to be that everyone is styling too soon and stopping too soon. When your hair feels dry, it isn’t. There is moisture that hides between the hair. Don’t begin styling from the beginning. Put mousse, the only styling product that is critical for any lift, on the roots where you want volume. Then, blow, blow, blow the hair. No brush. Just blow the hair in the opposite direction of the way it wants to go. When the hair feels dry is when you use your brush to style the hair. This will get all of the hidden moisture out and keep your style in place. Hair will not hold any style if there is any moisture. 

A salon shampoo and conditioner are the most important things to keep your hair healthy and your color lasting longer. Inexpensive shampoo and conditioner are filled with wax and oils that take up room in the bottle but only build up on the hair. They may have a few good ingredients but will strip the hair of its nutrients and color. They may be less expensive, but they willingly cost the integrity of the hair. Less of good is better than lots of something not so good. 

Lastly for my tips in this article, I have no problem with tools like a flat iron or curling iron. They need to be used properly, but they are useful to achieve lots of the styles that are popular today. 

If you have regular trims, don’t color your own hair, and use good products you will continue to have shine and dimension. There is no positive in having long hair if it’s split and dull. Give up a restaurant lunch or two and have a professional cut and color. It will last longer, and you’ll look and feel much better. 

Joy Ross is the owner of Style It Salon. styleitsalon.com, 843-338-1530.