Scientific Proof That Bad Hair Days Are Bad For Your Health
Bad hair days are a bummer; that much we can all agree on. But according to one psychologist, they're also bad for our health: Vivian Diller, Ph.D, recently wrote an article for the Huffington Post about how a bad hair day can negatively affect your mental health and your overall well-being.According to Dr. Diller, "how we feel influences how we look and vice-versa," and your looks can also affect your personal, social, and professional lives. It seems shallow, but if we're all being honest here, it rings true: If you see someone looking messy and unkempt, you're likely to think negatively about them. And if you feel unattractive on any given day, you feel worse. Dr. Diller actually goes one step further to break down the role hair plays in our lives, from developmentally (thick, lush hair is considered a sign of good health and virility) to aesthetically (your hair is one of the top three features — after height and weight — that people use when describing you).
So, what does that mean for your mental health? When your hair looks crappy, you feel crappy, which can lead to feelings of depression or sadness. Conversely, something as simple as a good hair day can make you instantly feel good about yourself and influence your interactions with those around you. So, if you're feeling down in the dumps, getting your hair did might legitimately turn your frown upside down. (HuffPo)
Do you agree with Dr. Diller's assessment or do you think it's a load of hooey?
Photo: Via Pantene
The Head-To-Toe Guide To V-Day Hotness
Let's put the BS aside for a second and just be frank: Valentine's Day is about looking H-O-T. To save you time and prepping agony (don’t pretend like you actually enjoy that bikini wax), we asked the beauty pros at the Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa in NYC to give us their ultimate get-ready guide for V-Day.
From how to create bedhead-worthy waves to an at-home mask that will make your skin glow like you’ve been gettin’ busy, here are six tips you need to follow, to make your honey weak in the knees.
If It's Lovin' That You Want, Try These V-Day Dress & 'Do Pairings
Sexy, sweet, flirty, romantic: There are so many choices when it comes to how you're going to style yourself on February 14. Fortunately, there's a dress and a 'do to fit every mood. We've narrowed down some of our fave duos to help get you inspired when it comes to your own ensemble. Whether your attached or flying solo this V-Day, one thing's for certain — you're going to look irresistible.
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Ricci
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Ricci
6 Shockingly Easy, Insanely Cool 'Dos To DIY
We head to ASOS when we're in need of a seriously stylish find on a cheap budget — their convenient free shipping, hassle-free ordering, and stellar runway view make things super-easy — but we can't say they're on our hit-list for beauty tips. Well, looks like the e-retailer wants to be a one-stop shop for all of our needs: The latest copy of the ASOS magazine features some pretty righteous hairstyle DIYs that had us staring slack-jawed at our screens for a good five minutes.
The intricate coiffs made it seem like these 'dos would take hours to achieve, but when we read the how-tos, we found they were actually pretty easy to create. Click through to learn how to score these sweet styles for yourself.
Photos: Via ASOS
The intricate coiffs made it seem like these 'dos would take hours to achieve, but when we read the how-tos, we found they were actually pretty easy to create. Click through to learn how to score these sweet styles for yourself.
Photos: Via ASOS
Man Buns: Hipster Hot Or Just Plain Strange?
Okay, we're not embarrassed to say that we go weak in the knees for that shaggy, grown-out hair that hipster men can cultivate so well. After years of the "metro" aesthetic, shows like Bored to Death, and all things Williamsburg seeping into the national consciousness, men's hair, in general, is longer. So long, in fact, that it necessitates some means of getting it out of your smokin'-hipster-man face. Hot weather, functionality, and FDA health codes all contribute to rise of a new and slightly confusion trend: the man-bun.
After all, no one wants to pull out a long blond hair from their vegan organic burdock-root-and-shiitake soup, because that’s nasty, no matter how gorgeous the hair-shedder is.
So, what’s the consensus on man-buns? We have to say, we're torn: On the one hand, Olivier Theyskens pulls the high-on-the-head bun off better than most of the chicks we know. On the other hand: If we see one more bun comprised of hipster dreadlocks, we are going to have to resist the urge to buy a razor and slice it off. But enough about us? What are your thoughts on the trend? Weigh in in the comments. And in the meantime, we just have to hope that the boys don’t figure out that irresistible beauty secret of high bun = no shower. (New York Times)
Photo: Via New York Times
So, what’s the consensus on man-buns? We have to say, we're torn: On the one hand, Olivier Theyskens pulls the high-on-the-head bun off better than most of the chicks we know. On the other hand: If we see one more bun comprised of hipster dreadlocks, we are going to have to resist the urge to buy a razor and slice it off. But enough about us? What are your thoughts on the trend? Weigh in in the comments. And in the meantime, we just have to hope that the boys don’t figure out that irresistible beauty secret of high bun = no shower. (New York Times)
Photo: Via New York Times
The Tucked-In, Turtleneck-Assisted Bob: Would You Try It?
Making its way around the blogosphere of late, the tucked-in bob is a look that might seem more like an accident than a legitimate hairstyle at first glance, but we can't help but be a little charmed. It's insouciant, irreverent, and a little haphazard.
But then again, it also looks like a pain to keep intact (if you're the type to, you know, move your head). Is this a trend reserved for those few seconds where your street style photo is being taken, or will this take off as a cheeky way to fake a bob? To the comments, with your thoughts!
Photo: Via Christian Dior Pre-Fall
You Totally Got This: 4 Easy Braids For Rookies
While some girls learn to braid hair by practicing on their dolls, others learn by practicing on their, um, horses. Like Audra Billingsley, who loosened up her fingers by working with ponies. That’s right; Before becoming a sought-after Miami hair pro, Billingsley was known in her hometown of Walla Walla, Washington as the best mane artist around. True story.
And with a resume like that, who better to talk to about perfecting the braid than Billingsley? We caught up with the Sean Donaldson Salon stylist and had her teach us how to master 4 simple braid styles. Her techniques are so easy that even a rookie can duplicate the twists. So make like Billingsley and pony up, and click through our step-by-step tutorial. Then, get ready to give Miss Conrad a run for her money.
And with a resume like that, who better to talk to about perfecting the braid than Billingsley? We caught up with the Sean Donaldson Salon stylist and had her teach us how to master 4 simple braid styles. Her techniques are so easy that even a rookie can duplicate the twists. So make like Billingsley and pony up, and click through our step-by-step tutorial. Then, get ready to give Miss Conrad a run for her money.
Banish Braids: 2012's Must-Try Hair Trends
Last year we saw some of the most amazing hairstyles — ombré, feather extensions, pastel hues, braids galore — and they left us wondering how 2012 could ever beat it in the tress trends game. Well 2011, consider yourself served: Judging from the spring ’12 runways, it’s going to be one helluva year for hair.
From punked-out bangs to retro twists, we asked Tresemmé celebrity stylist Jeanie Syfu to dish on the cuts and coiffs that are going to be major for the next 12 months. Check out her picks and get inspired to switch up your (hair)style.
Botox For Your Hair? Yes, This Is Seriously A Thing
Okay, don't freak out just yet. It’s not like hair stylists are injecting Botox into people’s heads. Although for a time there, some did think the filler could help with hair loss. But that’s not what this particular Hollywood secret is about. In the same way that Botox helps smooth out wrinkles on your face, HairBotox takes the damaged strands and smooths out the surface of your locks — hence the Botox reference. And now that the rejuvenating product has made its way to Miami salon RikRak, you can try it out for yourself. How does it work, you ask? The process starts with a clarifying shampoo, making sure your strands are extra-clean, with zero residue. The HairBotox product is then applied to the hair, section by section, which should take approximately 45 minutes. Once the hair has absorbed all the protein and antioxidants, it is then washed with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and styled as desired.
The promises are similar to the offerings of Keratin treatments: silky, smooth, frizz-free hair. But this product is actually eco-friendly and 100% formaldehyde-free — meaning, no scary gas mask required.
Where: Available at all RikRak Salon locations; Price starts at $150 and increases depending on length and thickness of hair.
Photo: Courtesy of RikRak.
Tame Your Mane With These Easy Tips (Plus, A DIY Dry Shampoo!)
By this point in the season, your locks have been through a lot — dozens of updos and blowouts for holiday parties, painfully drying heat styling, and luster-zapping winter temps. But all is not lost! We've got some expert tips for maintaining the prettiest hair possible, thanks to Jeremy Buchanan, co-owner of one80 salon. Here's what you need to do to redeem your healthy tresses:
1) Get Your Locks Out of the Winter Doldrums
"Warm up your color. For example, go with an amber brown or butterscotch blonde instead of golden highlights. With cool hues, slightly darken the roots and middle, then lighten the ends so the color goes from dark to light but still keeps the same cool tones."
2) BFF: Banish Flakes Forever
"The key here is getting your scalp really clean. My tip for salon-like results at home is to apply conditioner to ends first and then apply shampoo to roots with the conditioner still in the hair. Make sure to use enough shampoo to thoroughly coat your scalp. Massage and let sit for 3-5 min. Then rinse both shampoo and conditioner thoroughly. Shampoo formulations these days are typically very gentle and take time to work."
3) Fight the Frizz
"Moisturizing is critical to getting you through the winter. Use a daily leave-in conditioner (or if you already do, upgrade to a cream leave-in for extra moisture in the winter). If you are already using a cream leave-in and you still feel like your hair is too dry, increase it a quarter-sized amount at a time. Also, don't towel-dry your hair — squeeze and pat with a towel instead, and use an ionic dryer."
4) Delay a Day With a DIY Trick
"If your scalp is really clean, you can go an extra day without shampooing — this is also a good trick to keeping dryness in check. Make your own dry shampoo with equal parts baking soda and baby powder. Take a container of baby powder, pour half into another container to save for later, then fill the baby powder container to the top with baking powder. Add a few drops each of yellow, red, and blue food coloring. Shake well and remove top to dry. Wait 24 hours and it will be ready to use."
10 Genius Tips For Growing Out Your Hair
Growing out your hair is probably the most awful thing ever. Alright, maybe we’re being a tad dramatic. But you’ve got to admit, it does kind of blow. All that time and effort, and you end up with nothing more to show for it than gross ends and awkward styling results (anyone who’s ever tried to get rid of bangs can attest to that one). While we can’t make the process painless, we can make it a little less miserable. Here’s our easy guide to getting long locks without going nuts.
1). Set A Goal
According to Aussie celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, it's important to have a goal in mind for what you want your hair to look like. This will help you determine a time frame for your growing-out phase. "At the most, hair can grow up to 1/2-inch per month, so you need to be patient," she says.
2). Make The Cut
Just because you are growing your hair out, that doesn't mean you can skip regular trims. Be sure that you're clear with your stylist about your goals, otherwise a trim could turn into a chop. "When growing your hair out, ask your stylist for a light 'dusting' of the split ends, and remind them that you are growing out your hair every time you go in," she says. Curly girls should ask their stylists for a soft, blended-layer cut (like Reese Witherspoon, above), so that the curls move together in the same way that they grow. Straight-haired girls should ask their stylist to trim their ends to help even up layers. Got bangs like Heidi Klum? Potempa says to trim up just the exterior of the back of your hair and allow the front to skip the trim.
3). Protect What You've Got
The most important part of growing out your hair is keeping it healthy — this will reduce split ends and damage, which translates to less hair that needs to be cut off by your stylist. Potempa says to always use a heat-protectant (we like Sebastian Potion 9) when styling, and to apply a split end product, like Aussie Split-End Protector, daily.
Photos: (Homepage) MCV Photo; (Above, from left) Getty Images; Via Soap.com, Drugstore.com; Matt Baron/BEImages
1). Set A Goal
According to Aussie celebrity stylist Sarah Potempa, it's important to have a goal in mind for what you want your hair to look like. This will help you determine a time frame for your growing-out phase. "At the most, hair can grow up to 1/2-inch per month, so you need to be patient," she says.
2). Make The Cut
Just because you are growing your hair out, that doesn't mean you can skip regular trims. Be sure that you're clear with your stylist about your goals, otherwise a trim could turn into a chop. "When growing your hair out, ask your stylist for a light 'dusting' of the split ends, and remind them that you are growing out your hair every time you go in," she says. Curly girls should ask their stylists for a soft, blended-layer cut (like Reese Witherspoon, above), so that the curls move together in the same way that they grow. Straight-haired girls should ask their stylist to trim their ends to help even up layers. Got bangs like Heidi Klum? Potempa says to trim up just the exterior of the back of your hair and allow the front to skip the trim.
3). Protect What You've Got
The most important part of growing out your hair is keeping it healthy — this will reduce split ends and damage, which translates to less hair that needs to be cut off by your stylist. Potempa says to always use a heat-protectant (we like Sebastian Potion 9) when styling, and to apply a split end product, like Aussie Split-End Protector, daily.
Photos: (Homepage) MCV Photo; (Above, from left) Getty Images; Via Soap.com, Drugstore.com; Matt Baron/BEImages
Reader Pickles: "How Do I Skip Shampoo If I Exercise Every Day?"
Emily emailed us with a beauty pickle that we know a lot of you guys have been wondering about: "You and many other beauty writers suggest that hair should not be washed every day because it's not good for the hair. However, I exercise every day and I always get sweaty when I work out. I can't avoid washing my hair every day because it gets dirty every day. Do you have any suggestions?"Fellow readers, if you have some advice for Emily on how to solve her sweaty pickle, leave your comments below. In a pickle yourself? Send your style dilemmas to advice@refinery29.com with a photo if applicable.
Photo: Maria Valentino/MCV Photo.
Tailor-Made Deals. Get Them Now!
-
From Paris, With Love: The 6 Exclusive Scarf Designs We’re Living In Until Summer
-
6 Flirty Polishes + 1 Nail Art Brush = The Ultimate Girl Crush
-
Come Hither Comfies: The Lust-Worthy Loungewear You, Your Wallet, And Your Valentine Will Love
-
Half Off The Ultimate Sexy Shapewear That’ll Trim And Tone Your Bod In Seconds
-
From Bracelet Stackers To Leather Earrings: Half-Off The Indie-Chic Jewelry Every California Girl Is Wearing
More Style At Your Fingertips
