HAIR COLOR CHART

When it comes to hair styles, there are so many different options today to make changes.   You can change your color, add highlights, add bangs, add layering and even add length or thickness with hair extensions.  Makeovers are becoming more and more popular as television shows such as ABC’s Extreme Makeover outline how a makeover is done and drastic changes that can be done.

Hair stylist, Gia Wood of Salon D in Dallas, Texas specializes in makeovers and hair extensions and is considered Dallas’ makeover specialist.  She has hundreds of clients locally and many clients that fly or drive in to Dallas for her services.  One of her clients flies all the way from Spain just to get her hair done.  Gia says, I find that clients who are willing to drive or fly that far just to get their hair done are the biggest compliment and the proof of my success.

So what is this makeover fuss all about?  Gia explains that most of her clients have either been the victim of an inexperienced stylist or have simply not thought enough about the change in hairstyle they wanted and they are now stuck with something they hate.  Gia adds, Most of my makeovers include color correction, which can be highlights, color, gloss or all of the above.  Makeovers also include a haircut and style, along with makeup application.  The total process can take around 4 hours to complete.

Gia says, “When dealing with color correction, the first thing every client asks me is ‘…how damaged will my hair be after a color correction?’” Believe it or not, color correction is not as damaging as it used to be.  The old way of stripping hair color out with bleach is history.  Modern day products allow hair stylists to remove ‘artificial pigment’ only, meaning that it will not open, damage, or split the cuticle of the hair in any way.  This allows hairdressers to remove the most intense colors from hair, and allow it to be re-colored in the same appointment time.

Gia will also offer suggestions for change in color and style to fix any problems a client reports with their hair.  For example, if a client has a brassy blonde color, I will suggest a bleach highlight or an ash toner to offset the brass color. She explains.

Getting a successful makeover depends on the experience of the stylist.  Gia further explains, My previous clients and even new clients trust my experience level and let me do what ever I feel like with their hair.  Most of the time when I’m doing a makeover, I am usually correcting another stylist’s color or haircut.  I usually ask my clients what or who they would like to look like and to give a firm example of what they like and don’t like.  And, even if a client loves the way her hair looks, they may be looking for a change to further improve their hair style.

Photos of styles the client likes are very helpful to hair stylists.  Gia adds, Clients and stylists have different vocabularies.  For example, Bangs.  There are a thousand ways to wear bangs.  Gia recommends bringing at least three photos of the hair style you want so your stylist does not get confused.

Gia also keeps a computer at her work station to look up hair styles online (such as a past hair style of a celebrity) if a client does not have photos or cannot remember certain styles they like.  The computer eliminates the need for bulky portfolio books.

Once the client and I have decided on a style and color, Gia explains, We discuss what it will take to get the clients hair to that hair style.  Most of the time the exact cut and color are achieved in one day.  But Gia mentions that some clients that are growing their hair out may take several months and appointments to reach their overall goal.  Human hair extensions (human hair extensions are attached directly to the natural hair) are also an option for clients that don’t want to wait for their hair to grow out.

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When deciding a hair routine, you first have to determine you hair type.  Hair texture is an important part of determining how your hair is cut, how you wash it and even what types of gel or mousse you need to use.

If you have fine hair, cutting in long angled layers around your face, leaving the rest at shoulder length.  Color will add an appearance of volume, but if you aren’t a fan of hair coloring, you can try highlighting the top layers.  You may have to wash your hair a couple of times a day, especially in the summer heat.  Use a deep cleaning shampoo to get out any oils that might weigh your hair down and make it flat.

If your hair is dry, you can use a gloss to add moisture to the ends.   Try a protein-based volumizer and work it into the base of the scalp.  Pin you hair about 2 inches from the hairline and let it dry.  This will make you look like you have extra volume and height on top.

Wavy hair must have layers.  Length isn’t as important.  Layers keep the hair from getting to big.  Shampoo only once a day and use a silicone based gloss or gel or mousse instead of an alcohol base product.  These alcohol base products tend to dry out your hair.  You can pin it up in the day and let it loose at night.

A curly hairstyle will warrant long hair, but ask for a blunt cut to keep you hair from getting too big.  Wash your hair every couple of days, and use a heavy conditioner and don’t rinse it out too completely.  You’ll need the extra moisture.  Same goes with using alcohol based mousse and gels.  Use silicone-based products to keep you hair from drying out.

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The number one thing that you can do to guarantee that you always receive the best hair cuts, latest professional techniques and stellar service is to choose the right hair salon. Granted, that is easier said than done. With hair salons on practically every street corner, narrowing down your options to find the right hair salon can be confusing.

Getting a referral to a hair salon by family and friends could be a good way to begin your search. But do not stop there. As you may already know, no two hair stylists take the same artistic approach to their work. That means that a particular stylist or hair salon may do a fantastic job on your Cousin Suzie’s long layers and still not be quite able to pull off your short textured crop. That does not mean that your cousin’s hair salon is inferior in any way. It just means that you need to find a hair salon that is more suited to your particular style and needs.

The easiest way to find a hair salon suited to your needs is to ask people with hair styles similar to what you want for a referral to their hair salon. These may be people you know or complete strangers that you see while you are out shopping. Do not be shy. If you see a cute style that you have been unsuccessfully trying to achieve, ask the person which hair salon they go to. You may never get a chance to do so again.

Another thing that you can do to make sure that you choose the right hair salon is to schedule a consultation. A consultation allows you to “feel out” a hair salon before making a commitment to a stylist that you may regret. During a consultation, you can observe the different techniques that the staff at the hair salon is using and how they interact with their customers. A consultation also gives you the chance to vocalize what you want and receive feedback from a professional, all before the first snip is made. Most hair salons also have a portfolio that you can look through of before and after pictures, which can give you a sense of what kind of work do.

During your search for the right hair salon, there are some red flags that can be easily detected that can warn you of impending disaster if you choose a particular hair salon. Here are just a few:

Dirt and grime. A clean hair salon is mandated by the state, but some salons still tend to push the envelope where cleanliness is concerned. Look for sanitary procedures such as the use of clean combs and brushes, sanitary neck strips and a clean work station. If a hair salon feels dirty, do not frequent it. Look at it this way, if the stylists of a particular salon do not take enough pride in their hair salon to keep it clean, why would they take pride in the work they put out the door?

 Professionalism.

The hair salon is a professional place, and you should feel like you have stepped into a den of luxury not one more suited to the Saturday nightlife. Again, it’s all about pride. Professionals who take pride in their work will strive to create the right atmosphere for their customers.

Communication.

Communication is vital in a hair salon. Observe how the stylists interact with their customers. That is how they will interact with you.

In the end, it may take a little trial and error to find the right hair salon, but you can make your search easier by following the above advice. Always keep in mind, though, that choosing the wrong hair salon is not a death sentence. Simply brush yourself off and keep looking.</p>

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Before seeking the services of a hair replacement center, it is important to understand some basic information about hair loss and what can do about it.

Hair Loss Background

Approximately 95% of the estimated 60 million men and women in the United States who experience abnormal hair loss suffer from a hereditary condition called androgentic alopecia. This is the gradual loss of hair that usually begins somewhere between 30 to 40 years of age in men and is essentially a cosmetic disorder, which is relevant because most health insurance plans will not pay for cosmetic care. In women, the onset of hereditary hair loss usually does not occur until after menopause.

The incidence of androgentic alopecia is highest in white males but can also be found women, Asians, and African Americans. Usually, the thinning hair begins in the frontal area and progresses back over the head. In general, the growth transition begins with large, thick healthy hair, then progresses to thinner, shorter, indeterminate hairs, and finally, short, nonpigmented vellus hairs cover the area sporadically. During this transition, the patient may notice more shedding than normal. Some shedding is natural, as up to 10% of a person’s hair so prone to shedding at any given time. Lab studies can be done to determine whether the hair loss is genetic or caused by other sources.

What can be done about it?

Once the cause of thinning hair is determined, a hair replacement center can offer several viable solutions for hair restoration . If the cause is not genetic, changes in medication, diet, or hairstyle products may take care of the problem without any significant out-of-pocket cost to the patient. In the event the patient is loosing hair due to genetic reasons or the changes mentioned above do not create a regrowth of hair, other options are still available.

Surgery offers a couple of solutions. One is a scalp reduction. This is where a portion of the bald scalp is removed, and then the skin is stretch to cover the area of the scalp where the skin was removed. The other option is probably the most commonly considered option. Hair follicles can be transplanted from a donor or from thickly haired sections of the head. The main problem with hair plugs is covering the bald area with enough plugs to provide satisfactory results.

The last option is hair weaving. Hairpieces are weaved into the patient’s natural hair to create a prosthetic method of covering the baldness. While the hairpieces of the past were often horrendous failures, many of the modern prosthetics are indistinguishable from the patient’s own hair.

Conclusion for modern hair restoration technologies

Now that you have a general idea what to expect from a hair replacement center, you can more effectively prepare a list of questions for the doctor. You can also go prepared to ask questions about your family history, medical history, current medications, diet, and general hair care regime.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it is also an integral part of self-image. As such, concern over hair loss is a normal reaction and should not be taken lightly.

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There has been a great deal of progress in the field of hair replacement and restoration in the past few years. Surgical techniques have improved greatly from the days when hair replacement first began. All hair replacement techniques involve the use of your own hair; therefore, hair replacement candidates must have some healthy hair, usually at the back and sides of the head.

The process is a relatively safe procedure when performed by a qualified surgeon, however as with any surgery there are risks. Candidates must be checked for uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or skin that scars excessively, as these conditions may make healing difficult. Small pieces of hair growing scalp grafts are removed from areas of the scalp with healthy hair and are placed where hair is thinning. There are three major types of grafts: punch grafts, mini-grafts, and micro-grafts. Punch grafting takes about 10-15 hairs and places them in the scalp.

This was the first type of technique to be developed, and when first developed caused a patchy look in many candidates. The technique has been improved since the first days of being developed, and the new mini-graft technique has also been added as an option. Mini-grafts contain only 2-4 hairs per graft, and therefore look much more natural. Micro-grafts are still smaller grafts that contain one to two hairs each.

To maintain healthy circulation of the scalp, grafts are placed 1/8th of an inch apart. Local anesthesia is usually sufficient for these procedures, and several procedures are usually required to achieve the desired result. Post-surgery, a period of approximately 10 days of no sexual or strenuous activity is recommended, as strenuous activity may cause bleeding from the graft areas.

Of course surgery is a serious option, and often an expensive one as well. For those not wishing to undergo surgery for either reason, the option of non-surgical hair additions is often explored. Many professionals have developed techniques to add hair to existing hair on your scalp that look very natural. Weaves, fusions, bonding, cabling and micro linking are some of the techniques used to bond hair to the existing hair or scalp non-surgically.

Many jokes were made in the past about wigs and toupees, and they have gained an unfavorable light amongst many people because they were so obvious on the wearer. Today’s toupees and wigs are often made of real hair and are very well styled, causing them to look ore natural on the wearer. These hairpieces are held in place by affixing adhesive to the scalp and stay in place through vigorous exercise.

Of course you will need to seek a professionally made toupee in order to make it worth your while, and you should purchase at least two so that you can maintain them properly, servicing one while wearing the other. A professionally styled and fitted toupee is expected to cost upward of $600 to $1000 in today’s market. Of course no one wants to go through the embarrassment of wearing the obvious “rug” on top of your head, so if you are not willing to spend the money it takes to purchase a professional toupee then it is probably best to not wear any hairpiece at all.

Structured hairpieces as they are called are a semi-surgical approach that permanently attaches hair to the scalp by stitching the hair to the bald scalp. This procedure is not recommended, as it is a process that involves introducing a foreign material to the scalp. Most ethical surgeons do not perform this procedure any longer as they are generally deemed to be ethically inappropriate. If this procedure is recommended to you, get a second opinion from a trusted physician.

A much safer procedure is hair weaving, yet this can only be used if hair is thinning and large balding areas are not present. The process is also called hair intensification or hair integration. Strands of synthetic or real hair are braided or weaved into your own existing hair giving an appearance of a full head of hair.

This procedure does have its drawbacks, because it can make the scalp difficult to access, interfering with proper hair and scalp maintenance necessary for the health of your remaining natural hair, and this method can also stress existing hair since the artificial hair introduced through weaving is attached to it. This method is usually expensive, costing several thousand dollars per application, and being that because of the aforementioned drawbacks it can only be left in for a few weeks at a time it is usually impractical for the average person.

It is highly recommended that one seek professional assistance with these procedures from licensed beauticians or barbers, and have a patch test done to the skin if using adhesives to test for skin sensitivities. Extra care must be taken to maintain cleanliness of the hair and scalp when wearing added hair in order to maintain the health of existing hair and the scalp in general. Of course, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or are in the early stages of diagnosed alopecia areata then these procedures should be avoided as the hair they are connected to is likely to fall out as well. Either waiting for a period of time or obtaining a full prosthesis is recommended in these cases.

Yet still there is another type of treatment which is a spray of micro fibers made up of the same substance that hair is made of: keratin. If your hair is simply thinning, while you are investigating a more permanent solution to your hair loss problems or in the process of employing a particular process that takes some time, you can use these substances to cosmetically produce the appearance of thicker and fuller hair.

The substance is marketed under several different names, one such being Topik®. Being a temporary solution it is relatively inexpensive, and can provide some immediate aesthetic results to bolster confidence and optimism as you work on more permanent solutions.

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What do Faith Hill, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kate Beckinsale, Hillary Duff, Debra Messing and Beyonce Knowles have in common? (Besides being rich and famous!) They all have long hair styles that look fantastic!

If you are interested in getting the look of a long hair style, but you have very short hair, there is a solution for you – Modern Day Hair Extensions!  You can get these long hair styles in just a few hours and wear them for months at a time.

And hair extensions are not only for extending your hair.  They can be used to thicken up thin hair and also for adding highlights and lowlights to your hair style without chemical processing.  Some women are addicted to hair extensions and wear them continuously for years.

Hair extension methods have been around forever, but recent advancements in technology leave the consumer with MANY different methods of hair extensions to choose from.  There are methods designed to work with just about any type of hair and some methods can even improve the condition of your natural hair since your hair is protected by the extension hair.

Hair extensions are not a one size fits all.  Hair Resources has published Hair Extensions Guide-Get Instant Long, Full and Highlighted Hair Styles with Modern Day Hair Extensions specifically for the consumer who is interested in getting hair extensions.  Our Guide includes 27 (and counting) different methods for hair extensions.   Each method is explained with details, including average costs, maintenance, where to find stylists and important training requirements for each stylist.

Many other factors must be considered when selecting a hair extension method including the condition of your hair, your hair care maintenance habits and your budget , just to name a few.  The consultation with a hair extension stylist is VERY important to successful hair extensions.  Make sure you are prepared with the right questions.  We have included a list of what should happen in the consultation, what you should ask the stylist and what steps you should take after the consultation.  Yes, we give you homework!  Being beautiful is hard work!

“There is no other book that I have found with this much information.  I have learned so much about hair extensions and hair growth.”   Bernadene LeBert

So, if you are considering hair extensions, this guide is a MUST READ for you. It is very important that you do your research before you get any type of hair extensions.  We have already done all the research and it is now ready for you to read. So, save yourself valuable time and money by reading our Hair Extensions Guide before you get hair extensions.

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Hair color correction is a big money maker in salons nationwide. The reason: over-the-counter hair coloring products have given consumers the impression that hair color is easy and extremely affordable. One look at a professionally-colored model on a commercial or glossy magazine page, and many people clamor to the closest drug store to purchase a $5 box of color with the hopes of receiving a $50 salon look.

The results are often disastrous, and it can take hundreds of dollars to correct a hair color problem that could have been prevented with just a tiny bit of knowledge and planning.

The most common problem seen with hair coloring at home and in salons is choosing a hair color that is too light for the natural shade of hair. Realistically, color can only lighten hair beautifully by a few shades. If you go any lighter than a few shades, you need to choose a high-lift product such as bleach or a professional highlighting system. Failure to do this often results in hair color that is much too brassy or even orange.

Word to the wise: high-lift hair coloring should only be performed by professionals. The controlled chemicals used in the process, if used incorrectly, can result in irreparable damage and/or chemical burns on the scalp and skin.

Another hair color mistake that is seen quite often is choosing a color that is too dark. Extremely dark hair color can be the most challenging to correct because dark color can actually stain the cortex (inner layer) of the hair, making it almost impossible to lighten. Again, avoid choosing hair colors that are more than a few shades darker than your own to prevent a costly cortex stain.

When it comes to choosing the right shade of hair color to use, pick tones and shades that flatter your skin tone. Choose warm shade of hair color (reds and warm browns) if you look best in warm-colored clothing such as reds, pinks and oranges. Choose a cool shade (beige, pale blonde highlights and neutral colors) if you look best in blues and greens.

As you can see, just a little bid of planning and knowledge can save you from costly hair coloring disasters. And by making an informed decision before you purchase hair color, you will not only save money, you will also save your hair from needless damage.

Hair color is a chemical, and every time you chemically process your hair, you damage it to some extent. The damage can be minimal, as is usually the case with high-end professional hair coloring systems, or can be extreme. And each time you use hair color to correct a problem, you are damaging your hair even more.

Here are just a few tell-tale signs that your hair has been over processed with hair color and other chemicals.

The hair is limp and dull, and no amount of styling can bring back its luster and bounce.

The hair color has faded dramatically, and you are left with brassy and banded hair color. (Banded hair color is evident by the sudden change of hair color along the hair shaft. For example: the hair may be dark until about 2″ from the scalp where it turns a brassy orange.)

The hair is extremely dry and brittle. When it is wet, it is almost impossible to comb it without causing breakage.

You can avoid damage to your hair caused by hair coloring by taking the same precautions recommended for choosing the right hair color. Choosing the right hair color reduces the amount of color applications, therefore, reducing the chances of your hair becoming over processed.

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Save money and give yourself a break from the chemicals found in most hair care products by using the following natural home remedies.

Tame your frizzy hair by rubbing coconut oil into your hands and applying sparingly onto your hair.  You don’t want to overdo it – too much will make your hair look greasy.  Shampooing your hair less frequently also helps with the frizzies.  Excess shampooing strips natural oils from the hair.

Rinse your hair with baking soda and water to rid your hair of shampoo build-up and styling residues.  Rinsing your hair with one juiced lemon and one cup of water is said to bring life and shine back to dull hair. Apple cider vinegar mixed with water will give your hair shine and bounce.

Add essential oil of ylang ylang to your shampoo, conditioner and styling agents as a hair rejuvenator and to stimulate hair growth.  Add patchouli to your shampoo if you have oily hair.

Rosemary is an effective hair tonic and conditioner.  Rosemary also helps retain color especially in dark hair.

Chamomile and lemon juice have a mild bleaching effect on hair.  Mix chamomile tea with lemon juice and use as a rinse to lighten hair.

For problems with dandruff, add rosemary and/or patchouli essential oils to your shampoo or mix with almond oil as a hair treatment for your scalp.

For hair loss, add horseradish oil, cedarwood, clary sage, and/or rosemary oil to your shampoo.  Also, Vitamins B, C, F, zinc, iron, copper and protein are essential for hair growth.  MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) is a natural source of organic sulfur good for treating hair loss.  Take MSM supplements or eat high sulfur content greens such as kale and watercress.

Drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of raw fruits and vegetables is probably the best way to achieving healthy hair.  What goes into your body is reflective on the outside including your hair.

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Just about every woman knows how to fix simple hairstyles like a bun, a braid or a ponytail.

If you can manage these simple (but usually pretty boring) hairstyles, then with a few twists on these well known hairstyles, you can have a gorgeous hairstyle that will turn heads.

A cute flip through for all occasions

For the first hairstyle I’ll teach you, you start with an ordinary ponytail.  I love this hairstyle, which is a really cute ponytail that is extremely easy to make.  Make sure the ponytail you make is a high one.  Loosen the ponytail just slightly so that it hangs a little lower.

Now, using your fingers, part your hair in the center, starting from your crown and ending at the nape of your neck.  You should be sure to divide the hair underneath the ponytail as well as above it.

Then push your thumbs up from the nape of your neck through the part you’ve created in your hair.  Hang your head upside down for a second, flipping your ponytail over.  Hook your thumbs around the base of your ponytail and push it upwards to the nape of your neck.

Once a good sized loop of hair is pushed through, grab it with your hand and pull it all the way through.  Now turn your head right side up again and carefully comb your hair together just above the ponytail to make a neat finish.

A gorgeous for all occasions

This next beautiful hairstyle starts the same way as the flip through I just taught you… with a high ponytail.  First you make a part down the middle of your head (like you did for the flip through) only you end AT the ponytail, leaving a good layer of hair under the ponytail untouched.

Then you pull the sections of hair apart above the ponytail creating a “pocket.”  Fold the entire ponytail up and gently tuck it down into the pocket, distributing the hair as even as possible.

Push the elastic ponytail band down into the pocket as well, so that it is hidden from view.  If you find this to be hard loosen the ponytail a little more.

Now, just comb your hair carefully over the part you made earlier.  Try using a bobby pin or barrette to pull your hair together just above the pocket.  If your plastic band tends to show, a barrette will also help to hide it.

A sexy hairstyle to wear whilst mountain biking?

Yet another of my favorite hairstyles is one that is a variation on the braid, and is rightfully called “the rope.”  To make this hairstyle you start with a ponytail that you’ve divided into 3 even sections.

Twist the right most section of hair to the right, and cross it over both of the other sections.  Repeat this, always twisting the farthest right section to the right and crossing it over the other two sections until your “rope” is the length you desire.

Then secure your hairstyle with a scrunchie or elastic ponytail band once you’ve finished.

Master these hairstyles and you’ll never be stuck wondering what “do” you should wear today.  But better yet, you won’t be stuck with the same drab hairdo everyday.

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There you are sitting at your dining room table with all those pictures of hair cuts spread out in front of you. Youve managed to narrow it down to a few cuts and styles for hair that look just like your favorite celebrity. Youre trying to decide whether or not you want those trendy hair cuts.

It makes no difference whether youre a man or a woman. Getting a great looking hair cut is important to your self image. Maybe youre looking at pictures of short hair cuts because youre thinking of going with a shorter look this time around. Bob hair cuts are always in style.

Maybe youre looking at long layered hair cuts because youve always worn long hair cuts and you dont want any changes to your signature style. Or, you wanna stick strictly with medium hair cuts because theyre more versatile.

I bet somewhere in those pictures hair cuts are a few celebrity photos featuring well coifed celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. Mens celebrity hair cuts are popular as well. Want Brad Pitts hair cut? Better cough up some bucks.

Whatever hair cut style you choose, remember to bring a photo of the hair cut with you along to the salon so your stylist can see exactly what you desire. Your stylist may wish to make adjustments based on what looks most flattering for your features.

Always ask for exactly the style and cut that you want. While you may not end up looking exactly like your favorite celebrity after your hair cut, hopefully you will walk out of the salon feeling like a star.

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