Spring Break Hair

If you are one of those hard-working students about to head off to warmer climes to take a little pressure off for Spring Break...we've got some tips for you below.

But we haven't forgotten you Moms either—the ones praying for a safe trip for your kids (they are always your babies, we know) and feeling a little stress (which shows in your hair, too...) Stop in at Believe or a relaxing scalp massage, a cup of herbal tea, and a little deep conditioning of your own (you could use a little babying yourself).

Spring Breakers....read on:

Headed somewhere warm?

Sudden temperature changes can traumatize your hair. As the mercury rises on the thermometer, your cuticle (the outside protective covering of your hair) swells and opens, making it more vulnerable to environmental hazards. Your hair can get brittle, dry, weak and give up its color. Battle this with a spray on conditioner with sunscreen, like Chromastics Triorganic Leave-In whenever you are outside and deep condition with Chrosmastics Triorganic Extreme after every shampoo.

Hitting the beach

The sun wrecks havoc with your hair (and skin). UVA/UVB rays can result in extreme color fading and dryness, so much so that hair might split or breaks off with just a comb-out (and that's without even factoring in the use of a blow dryer or flat iron, which just compounds the problems).

Fine textured hair is even more vulnerable to the harmful rays of the sun. Here's why: there are three layers to our hair shaft; the cuticle (the outside), the cortex (the middle), and the innermost layer, the medulla. Fine hair lacks the medulla, which is why it's generally considered the weakest of all hair types, and why it needs extra protection from the sun. But if you must shake your mane in the sun's rays, remember to apply protective sun screen to both your hair and skin every hour—or more often if you go for a dip.

Speaking of dips

Salt from the Ocean or Gulf or chlorine from pools, can truly damage hair (I remember a light blonde from our high school swim team whose hair absorbed so much chlorine, it turned green!) Sand is no help either, acting as a natural exfoliator, rubbing against your hair shaft, making it rough, damaged and—again--stripped of color. The wind off the water finishes the job—drying your hair that same way it dries your clothes when they are hanging on a line.

How to rescue your hair

Wear a hat! Not only will you protect your hair shaft, but your scalp is one of the first places to get sunburnt, causing pain, itching, flakes and dried out roots. Run some Aestelance Butter into your hair before you stick it under the hat (the heat will help the healthy oils sink deeply into your hair's cuticle.)

Remember to reapply sunscreen to your hair (and skin) every hour—more often if you are swimming or perspiring heavily.

Rinse your hair with clear cool water immediately after swimming.

Use a ph balanced and sulfate-free shampoo like Aestelance After-Swim.

Deep condition after every shampoo.

Take it easy on the alcohol. Too much isn't good for your skin or hair or decision-making ability.

Make an appointment at Believe as soon as you get back. You don't want to be heading back to school until we've had a chance to look at your hair and scalp's condition and do some repair work ourselves.

Be safe, be smart and, from all of us at Believe, have a great Spring Break!

Fight Thinning Hair at Believe

Did you know that more than 50% of men have what is called male pattern hair loss by the time they are 50? Or that 30 million women face hair loss or hair thinning problems themselves? Hair growth (and some loss) is a natural cycle, but infection, chemicals, ill health and even medication can disrupt that cycle and the results can be devastating. If you are one of the sufferers of hair thinning or loss, here's some information we at Believe hope you will find helpful:

How Hair Grows

Hair grows in three different cycles: anagen, catagen, and telogen. About 90% of the hair on the head is in the anagen, or growth phase, which lasts anywhere from two to eight years. The catagen, or transition phase, typically lasts 2-3 weeks, during which the hair follicle shrinks. During the telogen cycle, which lasts around two to four months, the hair rests. Only about 10% of your hair is in transition or resting at any time. Mostly it is growing—about 6 inches a year is the average.

Are You Losing It?

Everyone loses between 50-100 strands each day. You lose even more—up to 250 strands--on the days you wash your hair (No, don't stop shampooing! You'll lose the hair anyway and, in the meantime would have to suffer from oily, lank hair.) But you might notice a more than usual amount of hair on your pillow in the morning or stuck in your comb or brush. Men's hair seems to recede from their forehead or crown. Women may notice thinning on the top third or half of their scalp (you may actually see that your part is becoming wider or you are seeing more of your scalp when you pull your hair back). If thats the case, you might want to make an appointment with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may take blood work to make sure your thyroid is working properly and that you don't have another autoimmune disease. You'll be asked about your family history—did your mom, grandmother or Aunt Bertha have this problem of hair thinning or loss? The doctor may look at your scalp with a magnifying lens to see if your some of your hair follicles are thick while others are thin— a tell-tale sign of female pattern hair loss called androgenetic alopecia, a condition that happens to 50 % of women, particularly if you are in your 50's or 60's. Skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis might also be the cause, as may stress, dramatic weight loss, physical trauma (like surgery or a long illness). You may just be taking too much Vitamin A. Be sure to be thorough when listing your history with your doctor and follow his or her other recommendations.

What You Can Do Yourself

Take it easy on dyes and chemical treatments (follow your Believe stylist's advice—we always keep a close eye on the state of your scalp and hair). Beware of towel drying too aggressively, blow drying too hot or too close, overuse of flat irons and stay away from bad brushes (we have a great selection of good brushes at Believe.) And while you are waiting for your new healthy hair to grow in, we have a little secret to share: XFusion Hair Building Fibers. These all-natural Keratin “hairs” bind to your existing hair to make your hair look thicker and fuller instantly.

Here's how XFusion works: Shake the product gently over thinning areas. In seconds, thousands of tiny color matched hair fibers intertwine with your own hair. They are “magnetized” with static electricity so they stay securely bonded and in place all day and night. XFusion lasts through rainstorms, windy conditions and even all that sweating you do at the gym. It even works well with all your favorite hair products (and even hair transplants!)

XFusion can't be detected, even from two inches away and gives natural looking fullness and thickness that lasts till your next shampoo. It is a safe effective product and one we are happy to sell at Believe. Come by for a consultation and a demonstration of how XFusion can be used to solve your thinning or hair loss problems. We are delighted to help.

Believe Clears The Air

My mother used to say, “You have to suffer for beauty” (she was usually dragging a brush through my tangled hair at the time). What she said still holds true—especially in the salon business. The truth is, the products we use to make your hair more beautiful could actually make all of us sick unless we cleared the salon's air of all those noxious smells and potentially harmful chemicals.

So we did! Believe Beauty Lounge is proud to announce we have installed the Restorer™ Salon Air Cleaner to make sure the air in our salon is clean, crisp and healthy.

The Restorer uses filters specifically designed to target particulates and the most harmful chemical and gas odors—like those that occur during processes like hair coloring, perms, highlighting and straightening. The Restorer pulls contaminated air through the bottom of the unit. Impurities are then replaced as the air passes through specialized filter media before it is released back into our salon. Simple, yet effective and it makes our stylists, our customers and even the local health department happy.

Here's why we installed a commercial grade air cleaner: Though we love our home air purifiers, they simply aren't strong enough, nor their HEPA filter large enough to do the job in our salon. You see, traditional filter media effectively captures airborne particles, but it doesn't reduce gases and odors. That's why our Restore unit uses activated carbon filter media that has been specially treated to adsorb gases. Adsorption (with a “d”) is not to be confused with absorption (with a “b”). During absorption (with a “b”), one substance is taken into another – for example, a sponge absorbs water. However, adsorption (with a “d”) involves collecting or drawing a substance to the surface – much like a magnet. By adsorbing gases, a specially treated activated carbon filter reduces the amount of gases in the air, along with their related odors.

Salons are a true little laboratory of gases like Formaldehyde – used in hair straightener and nail hardener, Phenylenediamine (PPD) – used in two thirds of all hair dyes, Sodium Hydroxide – used in hair relaxers and Ammonia – used in hair dye –a pretty noxious brew, but the Restorer gets rid of these potentially harmful pollutants.

Featuring a 360 degree exhaust, the Restorer uses a particulate filter, which removes 99.98% of airborne particles down to 0.1 micron, which is three times better than ordinary HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) designs and, best of all, the Restorer never sleeps—it works 24 hours a day to make sure out salon's air is as clean as a whistle.

Now at Believe, you won't suffer the side effects of pollutants you'll still find at most other salons-- like headaches, eye irritation, respiratory problems or drowsiness...and if you've got allergies to any of the chemicals used in the beauty industry, Believe is now even more welcoming. Make an appointment to stop by soon. You (and Mother Nature) will notice the difference immediately.

Create Your Own Show-Stopping Style

Even though we are still talking about Angelina’s leg, she wasn’t the only one to strike a pose at the 2012 Oscars.

Actresses decked out in designer gowns dazzled the eye and their hairstyles helped us remember that The Academy Awards is all about star power.

Here are three trends we noticed and how to get your humdrum locks to look Hollywood glamorous:

Old World Wow

Some actresses, notably Penelope Cruz and surprisingly young Miley Cyrus showed off ‘dos that wouldn’t have been out of place in the ‘30’s or ‘40’s when Harlow’s platinum curls lit up the screen.

Penelope Cruz went with a subdued roll, very different from the usual bed-tousled look she usually sports, for where her long hair looks uncombed and sexy. The understated roll is reminiscent of a young Grace Kelly.

Here’s how to get the look:

• Start with dry hair and a small amount of voluminizing mousse, like Argan Oil Voluminizing Mouse at the roots.
• To give hair texture and curl, set Hair in steam hot rollers, rolling hair straight back from the head. Use smaller rollers in the back to give a tighter curl and then pin hair underneath to achieve the bob.
• Mist with Iden Fast-Drying Hair Spray With Bee Propolisand then back comb and tease at the root. Brush out finger waves into place and set with White Sands as a finishing spray.

Miley Cyrus achieved a grown up star look by having her long hair cut into asymmetrical lengths, and parting the hair slightly to the side. Volume mousse was used at the crown before blow-drying the top smooth, barrel rolling individual segments with steam rollers, teasing under the left side curls for volume and pinning the right side curls behind her ears to show off some fabulous dangling earrings. Finally, the curls were sprayed with a sure hold finishing spray like Aestlance Super Spray.

Bodacious Buns

Buns were another trend seen often on this year’s red carpet…with young Emma Stone and funny woman Tina Fey taking home the honors. Both began with a ponytail, though Emma Stone's twisted bun had a deep side part. For anti-frizz, her stylist would have used a product like Chromastics Serum that also brings out hair’s shine. The ponytail was then separated into five sections, with each wrapped loosely around the base of the ponytail and pinned. The bun was finished with extra hold hairspray like Iden Finish and, while duplicating the look, you may want to use a misting of Aestlance Lustre for extra shine.

Tina Fey’s beautiful bun began with voluminizing mousse like Aestlance Foam being worked through hair and drying the hair upside down for maximum volume and texture. Hair was then finger-coaxed into a loose ponytail and pinned under, then secured with extra hold hairspray. Such a deceptively simple style drew attention to Tina’s beautiful face.

Rooney Mara’s severe bun was created much the same, except hair was drawn flat against the head and tightly bound into a ponytail before a severe bun was created, the better to accompany her truly dramatic straight cut bangs.

The other hairstyle trend was Side Swept Hair, shown off by George Clooney’s Goddess, Stacy Keibler.

Her golden waves were side parted with the right side, a bit of lift applied to the crown with mousse while drying, and then her hair was drawn back on the right side (depending on your hair’s texture, you may have to secure it with a hidden pin), pulled over the left shoulder and gently curled at the end’s with an iron. Holding spray that doesn’t add stiffness is vital to this look

Taking time and care to craft a hairstyle (instead of leaving your hair loose and flowing) seems to be the rage this year. Why not create your own Oscar award-winning look for your upcoming occasion? Make an appointment at Believe and we’ll show you how.

Scalp Massage: The Magic Touch

Some things in life should be indulged in as often as possible: Afternoon naps, molten chocolate lava cake, fragrant bubble baths, the sound of baby laughter and scalp massages.

At Believe, we know about the healing power of the human touch, which is why we not only give a short massage every time we shampoo your hair, but are happy to provide longer scalp massages with aromatherapy oils and conditioning products like Aestlance Oil Complex..

Besides feeling absolutely wonderful (try it on your partner after a hard day of work or your child after a big test and you'll see what we mean), scalp massage has plenty of other benefits.

Here are just a few of the wonderful thing a good scalp massage provides:

• Improves blood circulation (a stress-constricted scalp blocks blood flow to hair roots).
• Provides deep relaxation of not just the scalp but the whole body loosens up.
• Builds stronger hair roots which helps to encourage new growth and aid in stopping hair loss.
• Protects from environmental toxins as massage strengthens the hair's follicles.
• Adds moisture to the hair and conditioning to the scalp, enhancing hair's texture and diminishing breakage and split ends.
• Increases shine and body to hair.
• Speeds up replenishment of hair's natural oils after a dry winter or sunburnt summer.
• Moves those natural oils (sebum) to the ends of hair without potentially harmful over-brushing.
• Helps discourage dandruff, eczema and flaky, itchy scalps.
• Lifts the spirits and gets rid of depression, insomnia and stress.
• Regulates the thyroid and may help balance body temperature.
• Adds a glow to your facial complexion.
• Eliminates chronic headaches and even migraines.
• Minimizes chronic eye strain by helping your eyes relax.

Scalp massage is also credited with increasing mental clarity and making you more creative! Now confess, your shoulders felt a bit more relaxed just reading this...so don't wait. Call us at Believe and make an appointment for a scalp massage. We can't wait to run our fingers through your hair.

Achoo! Believe Looks At Allergies and Your Scalp

If you hate winter, you probably are in Seventh Heaven about now. We seem have missed the Snowmageddons of year's past and Spring, it seems, is right around the corner. But one of those harbingers of Spring has come a little early and you may be suffering already.

With the unusually warm winter, flowers may be showing up in your yard and trees are already starting to bud. Along with all this beauty comes pollen and, if you suffer from pollen allergies, you may already have felt the itchy eyes and stuff nose or...even worse, the pollen may trigger eczema of the scalp.

Eczema is a group of chronic skin disorders that affect the hands, scalp, face, back of the neck, and skin creases of the elbows and knees. It can run in families, but it may occur for no known reason or may be caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods, clothing, lotions, soaps, plants, topical medications or yes, pollen.

Signs and symptoms of eczema may include itching, small bumps that look like blisters, and thickened and scaly skin and when eczema is found on your scalp (and may be hidden by your hair), the flakes may fall and look like a bad case of dandruff.

Here's a few things you can do to cut down on the pollen and treat the eczema (without running to the doctor):

• Keep the windows of your house and car closed.
• Eat foods (or take supplements) rich in Vitamin C, a natural antihistamine.
• Take off your clothes outside of your bedroom before turning in for the night.
• Wash your hair before putting your head on the pillow (or failing that, at least wipe down your hair with a wet cloth.)
• Use shampoo and conditioner made from natural ingredients (like Aestelance that we sell at Believe.) They are less likely to trigger an attack.
• Buy some local honey and use it on oatmeal for breakfast and in tea several times a day.
• Wash your pillowcases often with natural soap (like any of the ZUM line carried at Believe.)
• Bring your laundry inside. If you hang washing on the line, make sure you hang your washing by mid-morning and bring it in before early evening, otherwise you're importing lots of pollen into your house.
• Use a natural rinse like apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts. Dilute either one in equal parts of water and wash your scalp and hair with the solution. Leave the solution on for at least 30 minutes. Then, rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly. with cool water. You can do this up to twice a day for a few days until your scalp eczema is gone.
• A little Vaseline in your nose will trap the pollen and wearing a head scarf or hat on high pollen count days can cut down on an allergic reaction before it happens. (Check http://www.zyrtec.com/for a daily count in our area.)
• When your scalp is clear, schedule a conditioning treatment at Believe to help restore moisture.
  And if you are in the neighborhood, stop by for one of those cups of tea. At Believe, we love you even if you sneezy, itchy and red-eyed.

Believe Loves CB's I Hate Perfume

Christopher Brosius is an odd fellow. We admit it. But he is a talented odd fellow. It seems Christopher was born with a natural nose--a rare gift that allows the owner to have a heightened sense of smell that is exactly on target...like a singer with a perfect pitch. He has elevated perfume to an art form. You might say that Believe Beauty Lounge is one of his art galleries, where we showcase his works of art--CB Perfumes.

Christopher considered becoming a scientist when he was a child. We are glad he didn't because we would have missed his innovative scents that have won awards, been featured in museums and are worn by some of the planets most interesting people (which makes his perfumes perfect for Believe customers.)

A natural nose comes in handy if one is a gourmand food taster, a world-class vintner or a legendary perfumer. Christopher Brosius is the latter. His company is named CB I Hate Perfume.

In 1992, Christopher moved back to his parent’s farm in Pennsylvania and, while there, read a life-changing book, “ A Natural History Of The Senses.” The chapter on scent so captivated him; he began making some scents using essential oils. He soon branched out into trying to replicate scents in nature that inspired him…like the smell of freshly turned earth in his garden. He made a perfume that replicated that scent. It was a smash success when it was introduced at a New York department store.

Soon he was creating scents from many things in nature and his next choice, Snow, was also wildly popular.

In 2003, 70 of Christopher’s scents were included in the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum’s Triennial exhibition. It was the first time that a major art museum recognized that scent was designed.  

Christopher relocated his studio to Williamsburg in Brooklyn, opened the CB I Hate Perfume Gallery, and began trying to capture every possible pleasant scent. 

True, some are scents that have never been seen as perfume scents (like the award-winning Snow) but each helps the wearer discover their own unique expression of self.

Asked to sum up his work in only three words, Christopher said,
"Scent is life.” He continues, “ The sense of smell is our first link to the world around us. It reminds us of what (and who) we love. Smell is perhaps the most complex sense we possess and none of the other senses can touch us so profoundly. Not even music can stir the mind & heart so powerfully.”

With his perfumes, Christopher hopes to help each of us achieve the essence of our individuality. “Scent is always individual,” he says. “Your sense of smell is one of the most unique things about you – more individual than your fingerprints, the shape of your ear, the pattern of your retina. Your sense of smell is one of the most important factors that define you as YOU. The way you respond to any scent is unlike anyone else’s – no one remembers what you do, no one feels what you feel. There is a reason you remember certain scents so fondly. Scent is the record of your own special life – it’s your experience."

No animal-derived ingredients are used in Christopher’s perfume, nor is alcohol used, as he believes it evaporates too quickly. Some of Christopher’s perfumes, using lighter ingredients like citrus and jasmine, do wear off sooner than ones with stronger ingredients like sandalwood or leather, but his perfumes are so concentrated, only a little is needed. (Also because natural ingredients are used, if properly stores, the perfumes don’t lose or change their smells even years later.)

CB I Hate Perfume scents can also be used by either men or women and Christopher encourages layering of scents to create the perfect scent for you.

Christopher sums his work as a perfumer up this way:
“Perfume is an art that shows us who we can be if we dare – an invisible portrait of who we are.”

We are proud to support Christopher in his mission to help each of us recognize how we are totally unique and are delighted to carry CB I Hate Perfume scents at Believe Beauty Lounge. Come and discover your scent at Believe

Let It Glow, Let It Glow, Let It Glow

True, it has been warmer than usual this winter (the second warmest since they started keeping weather records, we're told) but it hasn't been warm enough to hit the beach and keep up that lovely bronze color you sport in the summertime. If you're like most of us, about now you are beginning to resemble Casper The Friendly Ghost.

To add insult to injury, it has been just cold enough to demand the heat go on and, here in the Northeast, that means overheated rooms and dry (sometimes peeling) skin. Pale and flaky—not a good look for anyone.

Not to worry, here at Believe we have the perfect answer: Dr. Dennis Gross' Skincare Alpha Beta® Glow Pads—quite a mouthful, but then they pack quite a wallop. In one single step, these presoaked towelettes exfoliates that dry flaky skin, tightens your pores, gets rid of blackheads and leaves behind a golden streak-free glow (that even helps fade existing sunspots!) That's quite a list of talents for one little pad—but it works. This anti-aging self-tanner contains Active Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin), Microencapsulated DHA, and Soy Proteins that delivers color deep into skin to prevent fading through surface exfoliation.

Alpa and Beta Hydroxy Acids transform your skin from that dull winter texture to that radiant and glowing skin we all associate with summertime. This miracle product can even save money by cutting down on your need for foundation and concealer. Check out some before and after photos here: http://www/dgskinccare.com/pdf/glow_pad_information.pdf

The Alpha & Beta Glow Pad are odorless, streak-free and packaged for ease of use at home. One swipe gives you glowing, customized color. Increase the numbers of swipes to make the glow an even deeper color. (Wash your hands after using or else your palms will glow like they just got back from the Bahamas.) With AHA's and potent antioxidants, your skin gets younger-looking all the while people will be wondering when you found time to take that Caribbean vacation. Let them wonder. It will be our little secret. Come into Believe now and get an Alpha Beta Glow Pad for free to try out. We are sure you are going to love this product (and we know it is going to love your skin.)

Eyelash Safety First At Believe

According to an article recently published in The Chicago Tribune, growing longer eyelashes by using pharmaceuticals might be downright dangerous.

Latisse®, for example, a drug that can treat the (new) medical condition "inadequate eyelashes," has a few unpleasant side effects. It may grow excessive hair in places you don't want (or expect). It could turn your blue eyes brown. It could darken your lower eyelids, giving your raccoon eyes. And it might make your eyes red and itchy.

So for about $100 a month, you get longer eyelashes (at least till you stop using the drug) but unless lost your eyelashes from chemotherapy, Latisse may not be worth the risk of its side effects.

Commercials aimed at a general audience make the product seem more like make-up than a powerful prescription drug, Consumer Reports associate editor Jamie Kopf Hirsh wrote in Adwatch.

The Food and Drug Administration warned the manufacturer, Allergan, that promotional materials on the drug’s Web site omitted or minimized certain risks.
 




"The Latisse commercial embodies pretty much everything that’s wrong with direct-to-consumer advertising," Kopf Hirsh wrote.

Hirsh doesn't just mean using celebrities such as Brooke Shields to sell prescription drugs, or manufacturing a need by "taking a legitimate medical condition and broadening its definition to the point where it could apply to almost anyone." The commercials also downplay dangers while promoting the drugs as lifestyle enhancers.

Kopf Hirsh wrote, "Unlike other consumer products, like refrigerators or toasters, drugs have side effects—sometimes nasty ones."

In his article "Lashing out at Latisse", science blogger Abel Pharmboy  points out that the drugs used for eyelash enhancement have a very good purpose for being—they help lower the interocular pressure in the eyes of glaucoma patients.

The FDA does not recognize "cosmeceuticals" as a product class but stepped in because cosmetics companies were selling unapproved drugs. About the same time, Allergan, manufacturer of the Lumigan brand of bimatoprost, sought approval for a product called Latisse, comprised of the same compound, but applied to the eyelash line with a sterile brush rather than into the eyes as ophthalmic drops. The FDA regulates this latter product because it was approved to treat hypotrichosis, the lack or paucity of eyelashes.

Nevertheless, it was clearly being sold as a cosmetic, judging, if from nothing else, that their advertisement used Brooke Shields.

In the FDA's ongoing surveillance of promotional claims for approved drugs, Allergan received a warning letter from the agency in 2009 citing several offenses. It appears that the company was judged to have underemphasized the risks of the drug in changing iris color, causing darkening of the eyelash line, or in growing hair on other parts of the skin where the drug might be accidentally applied.

The company does appear to have responded to the FDA letter. The following text is now displayed prominently at the bottom of the Latisse.com:

Important Safety Information

If you are using prescription products for lowering eye pressure or have a history of eye pressure problems, only use LATISSE® under close doctor supervision. May cause eyelid skin darkening which may be reversible, and there is potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent. There is a potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with skin surfaces. If you develop or experience any eye problems or have eye surgery, consult your doctor immediately about continued use of LATISSE®. The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness.

If all of this sounds a little scary to you (it does to us), please consider a safer route to gorgeous lashes that we offer here at Believe: eyelash tinting.

Vegetable-based dye (black, brown, blue, gray or a combo to suit your complexion) is used to make your pale lashes dark and bold. A patch test is performed to make sure you have no allergies. When that is done, upper and lower lashes both are painted (this takes about 15 minutes), then the dye sets (penetrating for about five minutes).

When the dye is washed away--voila! Darker lashes!

The color lasts for 3-5 weeks and means you'll have glamorous eyes around the clock. If you have light lashes, not a minute to spare in the morning or an active lifestyle (skiing or snowboarding anyone?) lash tinting is perfect for you. Best of all, it is safe (even for contact lens wearers.) After getting your lashes tinted, say goodbye to streaks, smears, or raccoon eyes.

Give us a call at Believe to set up an appointment for lash tinting (or we’ll be happy to add on the service to your next hair appointment). Get perfect lashes to frame those windows of your soul.

 

Glaze or Gloss: Believe Helps You Shine

The exhausting holidays are behind us. You are back to your stress-filled job. Even winter—with its cold winds and overheated rooms--has finally made an appearance and your hair shows all the changes. It may be getting dry and brittle, but most of all, it is getting dull. What to do to bring out the shine? Try a gloss or a glaze.

There is a difference between the two (though some companies use the terms interchangeably on their products). A gloss sinks into your hair's cuticle and adds shine and can add color. (Glosses can also help correct a bad highlighting job). A gloss is more permanent than a glaze since it absorbs into the cuticle of the hair shaft, lasting two-four weeks.

A glaze coats the top of your hair –the shaft itself—with shine (like glazing a donut) and is semi-permanent, lasting about two weeks.

If you want to put a shine on your hair, a clear glaze will do the trick. But if you want to jazz up your color or highlights, go for a gloss.

We offer both at Believe and they are color products we “believe” in like Chromastics.

First we wash your hair with a Chromastics Clarifying Shampoo to prepare the hair and give you a heavenly scalp massage to help release your natural oils and rehydrate your hair (and refresh your soul). After the glaze is shampooed out, a moisturizing conditioner like Agadir Moisture Masque will be applied, left to sink into your hair's cuticle and then rinsed well.

Then it is time to apply the gloss or glaze, both of which are applied just like conditioner, from scalp to ends and left to work its magic for 10-20 minutes (Some products are even heat-activated) and then rinsed out.

Both glazes and glosses help colored hair retain its vibrant color and can even be used as subtle highlights in dark hair, making your hair “shimmer” underneath lights. If you have light-brown (or mousey brown) hair, a red glaze can bring about fabulous results. The glaze will not only bring depth and highlights to your hair, but your hair will shine copper under lights or in the sunlight.

The use of color-protecting shampoos and conditioner like Semi Di Lino Color Protection at home will make the effects of the glaze last longer. These products are 20% of this week at Believe.

Glazes are FREE this week at Believe when you book an appointment to get Single Process Highlights and a Cut, so make an appointment and come in to see how adding shine to your hair can help add a little spring to your step during the dreary winter months.

What’s The Buzz at Believe?

Products Spotlight: Iden International Products

We knew bees were hardworking, worked well as a team and produced some of the sweetest stuff on the planet—honey—but did you know bees are great health practitioners too?

Honey bees produce “Bee Proposis” which contain phytotonizides, a substance comprised of natural immunity factors which help protect their hive from bacteria, infection and decay. This same substance can be used to internally stimulate the human body and give it natural resistance to disease (as it is a natural antibiotic.)

Iden’s line of natural hair and scalp therapy products make use of those protective and nourishing properties supplied by Bee Proposis (thanks to our yellow and black buddies), combine them with Vitamins A, B complex and a host of herbal additions to promote healthy hair, scalp and skin. Iden, committed to using only the safest ingredients with proven benefits, makes use of the natural antioxidants and antibacterial qualities of these ingredients to restore, heal and protect.

Besides Bee Propolis, which also provides natural sun and UV protection, Iden products also contain:

• Aloe Vera- Native to the Arabian peninsula. Naturally soothes skin irritation and reduces inflammation.
• Apricot Kernel-High in vitamins E and B17. Contains omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids.Naturally softens and moisturizes.
• Birch Bark-A botanical source of betulin, a natural anti-inflammatory. Traditionally used to treat skin irritation.
• Black Currant-Rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, a very rare essential fatty acid. Also high in vitamin C.
• Borage-Herb originated in Syria. A botanical source of gamma-lioleic, oleic and palmitic omega acids.
• Carrot Seed-Botanical source of vitamin A and antioxidants to protect hair and skin.
• Chitosan-Naturally derived polysaccharide compound. Locks in moisture for all-day hydration.
• Copaiba-Native to the Amazon rainforest. A botanical source for anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Evening Primrose-Helps soothe skin irritations. Contains high levels of gamma-linolenic and hydrating properties.
• Flax Seed-Consists of approximately 55% alpha-linolenic acid and is the most widely-known source of omega 3.
• Grape Seed-Rich source of bioflavonoid, a powerful antioxidant. Natural emollient for hair and skin.
• Hemp Seed-Contains proteins and amino acids.Helps strengthen, and increases elasticity and volume.
• Jojoba-Similar to scalp's natural oil. Acts as a natural humectant and locks in moisture.
• Marigold-Naturally soothes skin irritation. A rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants to protect the skin.
• Olive Fruit-High in antioxidants and vitamin E. Moisturizes and nourishes dry hair and skin.
• Perilla-Edible herb of the mint family. Botanical source of alpha-linolenic acids rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Pomegranate- Native to the Himalayas. Contains natural antioxidant properties to protect hair and skin.
• Tea Tree-A potent antiseptic native to the Northeast coast of Australia. Traditionally used to treat dandruff/scalp conditions.
• Wheat Protein-Naturally moisturizes, strengthens and repairs hair. Adds body and fullness.

Iden offers an entire family of products and we carry many at Believe:

Daily Therapy offers maintenance for healthy hair and scalp. Bee propolis provides nutritional balance, and protects the hair and

scalp from daily environmental stresses and damage.

Hair Therapy focuses on nourishing and reconstruction of dry, brittle and damaged hair. Bee propolis delivers and abundance of amino acids and vitamins to revitalize nutrient-depleted hair.

Scalp Therapy offers a gentle and natural approach to scalp care and treatment, focusing on hair loss and thinning, and scalp issue like

dandruff. Bee propolis' natural antiseptic properties help to combat problematic scalp conditions.

Style Therapy offers a complete range of innovative styling products. Bee propolis provides natural antioxidants, UV & thermal protection to prolong hair color and guard against environmental stresses.

Skin Therapy is the natural remedy for dry, irritated skin. Bee propolis soothes irritation and its natural antiseptic properties help speed

healing. Daily use renews and protects sensitive skin.

Spa Therapy envelopes your senses with luxurious aromatherapy while anti-aging and energizing botanical complexes restore and strengthen your hair and skin.

We will be writing about these products often and will be delighted to recommend the one we know will be perfect for you. Come into Believe today for a free consultation. We’d love to see you.

Static Electricity: Avoid Getting Zapped This Winter

Winter is here (though in some places in the country, you wouldn’t know it) and with it comes dry air, overheated houses and the (literally) pain known as static electricity. Our hair stands straight up, our clothes stick in places we’d rather they not, and when we touch a doorknob, we get zapped.

There are ways to cut down on the nuisance, but first a quick look back to grade school science and what causes static electricity?

Atoms make up all physical objects and have inside of them electrons, protons and neutrons. Electrons carry a negative charge, protons carry a positive charge and neutrons are (as their name indicates) neutral. Opposite charges attract each other (just like some men and women we know) and like charges repeal each other. If all the charges are balanced, they become neutral.

Static electricity indicates that the charges are unbalanced and they build up on the surface of an article until they are discharged. One way that happens is by rubbing of certain materials against another. That action can transfer the charges --like if you rub your boot on a carpet, the extra electrons collect on your body, waiting to be released, say when you touch your doorknob or cat—then zap! You get shocked.

A cool way to demonstrate the attraction part of the principle (and amaze young kids) is to start a very thin stream of water flowing from a faucet. Run a plastic comb through your clean hair 10 times and bring the comb (slowly) close to the flowing water without actually touching it. The stream of water will bend towards the comb—just like magic.

Taking off your hat in the winter often causes your hair to stand straight up. Electrons get transferred from the hat to your hair and since objects with the same charge repel each other, your hairs are trying to back away from each other—that’s why your hair stands on end.

Okay, so now you know why static electricity happens, but what to do about it?

• Dry hair and skin adds to the problem. Come into Believe for a deep conditioning treatment at least once a month during this season when we are all heating our homes and offices.
• Use a daily conditioner like Iden Treatment to keep moisture in your hair. (Aestelance Butter can even be used on your dry skin—another catalyst for static electricity.)
• For a mid-winter treat, try a cup of heavy cream mixed with a teaspoon of lavender oil (tucked in a shower cap) as an overnight treatment.
• Switch from using plastic hair brushes to ones with natural bristles (we have a great selection at Believe.
• You may even want to spray a little anti-static spray on your hair brush before you blow dry (you can use the same spray on your clothes) like Aromatic Lotion Anti-Static Spray by Aestelance.
• In a pinch, wipe your hair (and the front and back of your panty hose) with a fabric softener dryer sheet.
• High quality hair sprays and gels like Iden Finish Spray and Hydrogel which we stock at Believe will help cut down on the problem.
• When it comes to your clothes—only dry them about 90% and then hang to dry.
• Sort natural materials from synthetics in your dryer or consider drying the synthetics entirely on a clothes rack.
• Try using vinegar in the rinse (the smell wears off as the clothes dry) but don’t mix it with bleach, else you might keel over from the fumes!)

Be sure to book that conditioning treatment at Believe right now to help make sure that your winter isn’t a hair-raising one.