By Jon Charles of Jon Charles Salon, Mpls.
Ready to revamp your hair color? Let's make a change! Summertime lead us down a course of blonde, blonder ... Read more
by Josi Wert Javinsky
Okay, so we are all in a pinch. Who has found themselves using the almost black-bananas when you used to toss those (just put ... Read more
Top 5 Bets for Women Who Don't Want Cosmetic Surgery
by Deb McLeod
More and more, the women around you have features that are creeping back up. That is, the breasts aren't so saggy anymore and the facia... Read more
Everyone knows about 'mom jeans,' but 'mom hair' is just as prevalent on most blocks. The permanent ponytail that is so easy and convenient, the outdated, frayed scrunchie pulling back unwashed locks or the baseball cap pulled down low to hide another bad hair day.
If you've jettisoned your mom jeans to Goodwill, it's time to show your hair some good will, too, by updating your look. Great hair doesn't have to take a lot of time or cost a lot of money - the following tips can help you turn mom hair into a hot hairstyle!
• If you've had the same style, the same color and the same length for as long as you can remember, it's probably time for a change. Ask your stylist for a free consultation and consider trying a conditioning treatment to moisturize, strengthen, add shine and help protect your hair color from the sun.
• To switch up your look, consider a new all-over color or highlights to brighten you up, or try one of the biggest hair trends of the year--bangs.
• Pulling your hair back is not forbidden, but if you always do the same ponytail or the same braid, try a different twist. Pull hair to one side for a side pony or consider a messy bun with some decorative hair pins or combs, a simple French twist or even pig tails. Any of these options are fun ways to uplift your do. Your hair will say thank you, because when hair is frequently pulled back in the same spot, it tends to cause breakage. By moving the position of your ponytail and using fabric-coated binders this will promote healthier hair.
• If you find yourself reaching for a hat to cover up unwashed bed head, instead try lightweight scarf or a stylish headband. There are a number of headband options--leather, fabric, metal--that never go out of style and also help to pull hair back in an updated trendy way.
• Consider adding texture, the newest term for perms, to update your look in a way that requires little maintenance and styling. We are not talking about the perms of yesterday that leave your hair fried. Today's texture treatments actually nourish your hair to make it easier to manage and some are temporary so you don't have to worry about growing it out.
Ultimately, your life as a mom matters more than your hairstyle, but even simple strategies can make your hair look healthy and stylish.
Mary Jo McGinnity is the regional director of education for Fantastic Sams of Minnesota. With more than 100 salons in Minnesota, Fantastic Sams offers affordable hair care for the entire family including cuts, color and texturizing services.
Plus Tips to Keep Your Colored Locks Looking Their Best
By Mary Jo McGinnity, Fantastic Sams
Colored or natural, long or short, curly or straight - your hair has a personality of its own. As a matter of fact, the color of your hair can color how others see you. Following are some traits associated with different hair color types as well as some general advice to maintain different shades and keep your colored locks looking their best.
If your hair is blonde...
You've probably been asked if you have more fun and heard your share of dumb-blonde jokes. Others might see you as warm and cheerful. Since kids generally have lighter hair than adults, blonde is sometimes perceived as youthful.
Natural blonde hair is often thinner and requires deep conditioning and overall maintenance. However, blonde hair does not necessarily mean high maintenance. Those who color their hair blonde can keep it looking beautiful by alternating full color appointments with shorter salon visits to freshen up "new growth" areas by applying partial foils to the roots or directly around the face.
If your hair is brunette...
People often view you as someone who is reliable, intelligent, and serious. The length of your brown hair also makes a difference - longer hair is sometimes seen as more fun-loving.
As a general rule, brown hair is the easiest to maintain, particularly if it does not entail covering up gray. One way brunettes can save time and money to maintain their luxurious brown locks is to get "demi-permanent" color in between permanent color treatments. Demi-permanent color, which is not permanent yet won't wash out, provides a quick way to freshen up color and keep hair healthy.
If your hair is red...
It's probably colored - less than 5 percent of the population has natural red hair. Redheads are often portrayed as opinionated, fiery, independent, and passionate. Today, red hair color is more popular than ever, as an all-over color or as a way to add dimension to other hair colors. When you think of red, don't think of merely Lucille Ball or Marcia Cross. Red can equate to a multitude of shades from strawberry blonde to brunettes with papaya or apricot shades that exude warmth.
Hair that is colored red can be more difficult to maintain. Like all hair that has been colored, reds should be protected from the sun or tanning beds. Like brunettes, maintenance of red hair can be eased by using demi-permanent hair color in between permanent applications.
If your hair is gray or white...
You give off an image of wisdom and maturity, regardless of your age. Sooner or later, almost everyone gets gray hair, whether you keep it or not is up to you and your stylist.
Camouflaging entails adding some color to better blend the gray and reduce the new growth line. Others who embrace their gray can lighten and brighten their hair with a regular treatment to bring out the best in their silver locks.
Mary Jo McGinnity is the regional director of education for Fantastic Sams of Minnesota. With more than 100 salons in Minnesota, Fantastic Sams offers affordable hair care for the entire family including cuts, color and texturizing services.
If you are dreading taking off your socks and bearing your feet, or can't stand how your hair feels after you style it, you're suffering from the end-of-winter challenges that face women every year. Winter is tough on the skin, the nails and the hair, and recovering from that can be hard.
Here, then, are some tips to giving your hair, skin and feet a little respite from the ravages of winter.
Hair
First, remember that much of how your how behaves has to do with how you treat it. You can do much during the winter to keep hair healthy, like conditioning regularly and giving it a break from harsh treatments whenever possible.
But this isn't about being regretful for things not done in the past. We're trying to make things better in the sunny (read: summer) future. Consider these options:
♣ Go to the salon and pay for a deep conditioning treatment. Yes, times are tough, and this might seem like a luxury, but for the cost of a few coffees, you can have soft, shiny and silky hair again. Seems like a bargain, doesn't it?
♣ If you don't want to go the salon route, you can do a deep conditioning treatment at home, or you can try a serum that is of good quality. Use a small amount each day and apply strand by strand for best results.
♣ Finally, in the summer, your hair will dry quickly. See if you can lay off the blow dryer for a few weeks (or even take a break every couple of days). Even better? Lay off the curling iron and flat iron. Give your hair a break from the heat damage, because applying heat like that to already damaged hair is a recipe for hair distress.
Skin
Your skin takes a beating in the winter. Particularly if you live in a cold, harsh climate, skin is battered and often dry at the end of winter. But restoring its youthful and supple luster isn't impossible.
To get your skin into summer shape quickly, consider these tips:
♣ Skip the hot baths, which are harsh on your skin. Instead, opt for a quick shower under warm (not hot) water.
♣ Use a good quality lotion all the time, not just when your skin feels dry. Even in the summer, when you think your skin has been restored somewhat to its natural condition, use the lotion with consistency. This will help your skin stay moist when winter rolls around again.
♣ Find a few extra pennies in the budget and buy a good quality gentle soap, not the cheap and drying soaps that are inexpensive and plentiful. The difference in cost is really just a few cents but the impact to your skin is significant.
♣ Finally, use a cortisone cream on any red, dry patches of skin you have. For those little itchy annoyances, the plain lotion won't be enough. You need the cortisone to really make a difference.
Nails and feet
Your cuticles are dry and cracked and, unfortunately, so are your heels. Fixing the feet and hands becomes high priority when summer rolls around.
♣ Get a manicure and a pedicure. Many women find that they can get just one or two pedicures a summer and keep their feet looking great in between. But nothing will replace having that professional treatment on your feet at the beginning of summer. When you also come away with a new manicure, your hands will be refreshed, moisturized and your cuticles will look healthy.
♣ Use lotion regularly on your nails and hands and find one that's for the nails specifically. These often have a proprietary mix of ingredients that are designed to moisturize and protect nails as well as skin.
♣ Buy a product (like a Ped Egg) that will slough the rough patches from your feet and make them sandal ready. If you use the Ped Egg regularly during the summer, you will dispel the idea that summer must come with rough heels. Your heels can stay smooth and attractive instead.
With a little planning, and some investment of time and money, you can restore your skin and hair to healthfulness after a dreary and harsh winter.
"I Have a Closet Full of Clothes But Nothing to Wear!"
The Benefits of Wardrobe Consulting
By Julie Burton
How often do you look at your clothes hanging in your closet and recite the words, "I have nothing to wear!"? Or, "I can't believe I spent $200 on THAT!" Well, according to wardrobe consultant Lisa Rubin it really does not have to be like that.
For more than 24 years, Lisa has been designing wardrobes, providing personal shopping services, performing closet analyses, and presenting corporate seminars. Her clients are geographically and professionally diverse and include leaders of Fortune 500 companies, and large and small businesses, attorneys, accountants, doctors, television anchors, national politicians and numerous other professionals.
Regardless of a client's clothing size or budget, Lisa is committed to helping her clients assemble the essential wardrobe to instill confidence in career and lifestyle. Lisa ensures that her clients will spend their money wisely by utilizing the clothes they do have, and filling in missing holes in their wardrobe. The end result is that Lisa's clients have closets that are organized in a way such that getting dressed can be done with ease and confidence not with frustration and self-doubt. And yes, clients spend a little more money on the front end, but in the long run they make smart purchases that will pay their dividends over the years by having quality, versatile clothing that will last.
So, how does the wardrobe consulting process work?
The first step is to call or e-mail Lisa (612-747-6695 or lisa@wardrobeconsulting.net) to set up a time to chat on the phone (and this is free). Then if you choose to move forward Lisa will explain her fee structure and you will agree on a plan. The first thing that usually happens is that Lisa will come to your house for your closet analysis.
Now, before she gets to your house, you do have some homework. And here is the assignment:
You have a 1, 2, 3 system for your clothes in your closet:
1's are pieces that you absolutely love and cannot live without. These pieces have no snags or stains.
2's are the practical, functional pieces that work with your 1's: blouses, shells underpinnings, etc. These items also have no snags or stains.
3's are everything else: impulse buys (with tags still on), a pair of pants you've had since high school, a Christmas sweater that grandma gave you, items that are stained or snagged but you feel guilty getting rid of because you paid too much money for them...basically, items (including shoes) that you haven't worn in a whole year and clothes that you KNOW really shouldn't be in your closet.
You need to be in the right mood to do this: a decisive mood. If a 3 comes into your head, do not have a discussion with yourself about it. Just put it in the 3 pile. P.S., A little note about jeans. According to Lisa, "No matter how expensive that pair of jeans is, if they don't look good on your "tush," forget it, get rid of them!"
There is a fourth optional pile for those who have had significant weight fluctuations, have been pregnant in last year or are currently pregnant, or are undergoing a career change.
So, at that point, when the 3's have already left the scene, Lisa comes in and takes a look at your ones and twos to figure out what you really have and what you need. She makes a list of what you need to supplement your wardrobe including belts and other accessories. She will actually put post-it notes on your clothing to remind you of what goes with what.
Lisa will then take that list, your budget, and your size and will hit the stores. She will pre-select items for you and you will then meet her at designated stores where you will try on the items and she will help you decide what works and what doesn't. A "shopping coach" is what Lisa likes to call herself. When your appointment is complete, you will have a well-rounded, sensible, form-fitting wardrobe that you will look and feel good.
Moms who are on limited budgets, much of which goes to clothe and feed their children, need to be "thoughtful" and deliberate about their own wardrobe. Hiring a wardrobe consultant can be extremely helpful because if you have a very well thought out wardrobe, which does not mean expensive, you will have something for every function. Yes, you will pay Lisa a fee to help you fine-tune your wardrobe but it is a cost-effective (and time-effective) way of accomplishing your goal: establishing a wardrobe that really works for you.
"Moms do need to spend money on their 'uniforms,' whatever that may be," Lisa says. "All of my clients are moms and 90% are working moms. You have to look your part. I want you to look good and professional at work, and have the 'cute mom' look on the weekends.
Lisa's Top 10 wardrobe MUST-HAVES:
1) Black suit (pant and/or skirt)
2) White Blouse
3) All-occasion black dress
4) Perfect fitting jeans
5) 3 underpinnings (shells, camisoles, and or dressy t-shirts) in your favorite colors
6) Black pants
7) 2 pairs of black shoes, 1 high heel and 1 low heel (one could be a boot)
8) 1 additional pair of pants to mix-n-match with black
9) Sneakers
10) Black purse
There is an 11th item that actually should be number one, according to Lisa, and that is UNDERGARMENTS. Lisa is a huge proponent on spending a little more to get high quality undergarments. "An outfit can be ruined if you can see panty lines," Lisa says.
Lisa Rubin lives in Minnetonka with her husband and son. She also has a daughter in college.
Mention this article to Lisa and she will give you $50 off of your closet analysis.
Many of us don't want to forgo regular haircuts or give up coloring our hair even if we are pinching pennies. However, it is possible to stretch the time between visits to the salon--and your budget--yet still maintain that "fresh from the salon" look. To lengthen the life of your hairstyle, follow these simple guidelines for extending your color and haircut.
Longer-Lasting Color: If you love your rich red, bold brunette, or brilliant blonde hair color, there are a number of ways to extend your color to help you save money and recession-proof your hair:
• Try not to wash your hair for at least one to two days after leaving the salon - this gives color time to absorb into the hair shaft so it will last longer. During that time, drink more water than usual - not only will it help hydrate your hair, it will provide an added bonus for your skin.
• Wash with warm water instead of hot water to prevent color from fading.
• Don't wash your hair every day! You can still rinse your hair in cool water, but wash it every other day at the most - every time you wash your hair, the color fades slightly.
• Avoid color-stripping generic shampoos. Use professional color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to enhance and preserve your color.
• Use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush to avoid breaking your hair.
• Deep condition two weeks after your color, and at a minimum of once a week after to maintain strength, moisture and luster.
• Let your hair dry partially before using a blow dryer and use the lowest setting. Likewise, avoid overuse of heated styling products such as curlers and irons and remember to use thermal protectant to protect hair from styling appliances.
• Reduce exposure to the sun, salt water, chlorine and tanning beds--which all cause color to fade more quickly.
Cost-Cutting Style: A typical haircut lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks; however, there are a few tricks to make a haircut work harder and last longer.
• Work with your stylist to determine the best style for your hair type and face shape, even though your hair may grow longer with the cut.
• Alternate haircut appointments with shorter salon visits e.g., a bang trim, neck trim, to freshen up a cut and keep your style current. Many stylists offer these "touch-up" services for free or at reduced prices.
• If you go to an upscale salon for a haircut, try a more inexpensive salon in between visits or alternate between your regular stylist and a more affordable option.
• Use professional styling products to control your hairstyle as it gets longer.
• Use hair accessories to hold your hair off your face until you can get in for that cut.
There are a number of ways to keep your hair looking good for less. Most importantly, don't forget to consult your stylist for more tips on how to lengthen the life of your hair color and style.
Mary Jo McGinnity is the regional director of education for Fantastic Sams of Minnesota. With more than 100 salons in Minnesota, Fantastic Sams offers affordable hair care for the entire family including cuts, color and texturizing services.
Skin care needs change with the seasons. With winter drawing to a close and warm weather on the horizon, now is the time to think about updating your skin care regimen for spring.
The transition from winter to spring is probably one of the most remarkable in nature - and for people, too. Winter snows melt away to reveal spring buds, and bulky sweaters find their way back into closets in favor of lighter, freer attire. Your skin care regimen should also leave winter behind. Here are some tips for making the transition from winter to spring skin care:
* Exfoliate - No matter how diligent you are with winter skin care, some buildup of dry, flaky skin is almost inevitable thanks to heavier clothes and dry air. To leave skin smooth and healthy -- and to prepare for the warm weather ritual of hair removal -- use a good exfoliant in the shower. Don't, however, use strong, scrubbing exfoliants on the face, as they can actually damage skin and cause minute tears and abrasions on delicate tissues.
* Adjust your moisturizer -- Winter's dry air called for a stronger moisturizer, but warm weather brings increased humidity, which in turn can make you sweat and increase your skin's production of natural oils. Switch to a lighter moisturizer, one that is not oil-based, and that includes a higher SPF protection for the happy hours you'll be spending outdoors in the sunshine.
* Update your makeup for the season -- Just as your makeup changes palette from season to season, so should the physical qualities of your makeup. Use a lighter foundation, perhaps substituting a powder foundation for liquid. Replace your moisturizing lipstick or lip balm with a lighter gloss that won't leave lips feeling weighted down or oily. Put away those cream based eye shadows for lighter powders that won't clump or run in warmer temperatures and humidity.
* Glow smart, not risky -- Nothing says spring like a healthy glow, but traditional tanning achieved by sunbathing or going to a tanning salon can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. Instead of getting a glow the risky way, opt for self-tanners. Today's sprays and creams can help you achieve an even, natural-looking tan without exposing your skin to harmful ultra-violet rays.
* Put the brakes on breakouts -- Warm weather means more fun in the sun, but it also means more sweating and more chance for acne breakouts. Ditch harsh chemical remedies or over-the-counter options that just don't work in favor of a more natural way to control breakouts -- heat. A simple hand-held device, ThermaClear, "zaps" pimples and blemishes quickly and easily, even in their earliest stages of development. A two-second application of heat can clear blemishes up to four times faster, sometimes in as little as 24 hours.
* Eat for your skin's health -- You probably already know to avoid oily and fatty foods that can contribute to skin problems. But don't forget to eat positively for your skin's health as well. Take advantage of warm weather's produce bounty to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are good for your skin, like leafy greens and antioxidant rich fruits and berries.
* Survey your skin -- Just as you visit a general practitioner or gynecologist to take care of your internal health, you should have an annual skin exam by a dermatologist. If you haven't already had a complete skin survey, schedule one as the spring begins and repeat again at the same time next year. Your doctor will catalog all your natural beauty marks, moles and variations in skin tone and compare from year to year to ensure none change. Changes in natural blemishes can herald a more serious problem. Early detection has been cited as one of the most important ways to effectively treat skin cancer.
Some women swear by olive oil facial cleansers and they may be very good for someone who has excessively dry skin, but the oils are not actually cleansing ingredients. If you follow the recommended use for an olive oil facial cleanser, you will use warm water, a clean cloth and you'll massage. It is the massaging that loosens dirt and dead skin-cells, but if you have any excessive oils, they won't be removed in this manner.
There are multi-ingredient olive oil facial cleansers on the market. You just need to learn about the other ingredients in the bottle before you begin to use it. If you want something gentle, but a little more effective, you might want to look for tea tree oil. It has antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Of course neither a single-ingredient olive oil facial cleanser nor tea tree oil will foam.
Any of the ingredients can be combined with foaming agents, but if you see ethylene oxide listed on the label, proceed with caution. It is known to cause the formation of cancer-causing Dioxane during the manufacturing process. Even some of the so-called "natural" products contain it. Manufactures should test completed batches for this contaminant, but most of them don't.
Unless you have very dry skin, an olive oil facial cleanser is not the best choice. If you do have dry skin, your problem may be more than just the cleansing products that you are currently using.
All cleansing agents cause some dryness and should be followed by a safe and effective moisturizer. Some cleansing agents are more drying than others. If the daily products that you are using contain ethanol, methanol or other petroleum based alcohols, then they are causing a lot of your problems. If the moisturizer that you use contains petrolatum, it isn't actually moisturizing your skin.
Olive oil facial cleansers will help you get your skin back in condition, but follow up with an excellent day cream and a rejuvenating night cream. The ingredients to look for include Functional Keratin and grape seed oil for the daytime, Functional Keratin and avocado oil for nighttime use.
There is only so much that an olive oil facial cleanser can do. For those of you who have some oily spots, they can make the problem worse. There are some active elements in olives that are good for your skin's health. They include vitamin E and essential fatty acids, but extracts from olives are better ingredients than the oil itself.
Skin experts suggest the inclusion of olive-extract in body lotion, but they normally don't recommend olive oil facial cleansers. They do recommend a bi-weekly mask that contains clay extracts and macadamia oil, which is luxurious and penetrates deeply. It also prevents the clay from drying out on your skin.
Now, you know a little more about the alternatives to an olive oil facial cleanser. Find out more about what the experts have to say about your skin's health. You'll find that olive oil facial cleansers are rarely on their list.
Jami Goode researches effective anti aging skin care products that protect and promote good health. Visit her site at http://www.radiant-and-clear-skin.com/ to discover the skin care products that Jami recommends.
