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.

Bobbing Into The New Year With Believe

It was the Roaring Twenties when the bob first made its appearance. Young flappers shortened both their skirts to their knees and their hair to chin length and declared their freedom from a lot of other rules, too. (Thanks to our grandmothers, we said goodbye to corsets and to asking our men to give us our opinions. We claimed the rights to our own bodies and the vote. We broke free of the drawing rooms and began to demand our place in the boardroom. The bob hairstyle went perfectly with our new freedoms and so it is today. Busier than ever, with jobs and family responsibilities weighing heavily upon us, the sleek, elegant and easy bob is turning up everywhere and may be the perfect hairstyle for 2012.

Bobs can be cut with straight or side parts, to ear or chin length or even longer, can be worn sleek or curly, sharply angled or asymmetrical, with or without bangs, ear length or much longer, the bob style haircut has stood the test of time and is here to stay. Bobs are easy-to-manage, as they can be washed, dried and styled in minutes and you are out the door, looking fabulous.

Chin Length Bobs

Cutting the hair off at the jaw, giving you a chin length bob allows your Believe stylist to make you look downright sophisticated. Thus bob may be slightly shorter in the back with subtle layers and bangs can fringe your forehead. (Remember, sideswipe bangs make full faces look slimmer and longer.) Or your Believe stylist can cuts the layers evenly all around or be fuller at the top and narrower at the ends. If you’ve got an unlined forehead (whether naturally or with a little "help”, you can show it off with your hair parted in the middle and no bangs obscuring your noble brow.

Short Bobs

If you hair is flyaway, baby fine or even thinning, a short bob can create the illusion of fullness. Your Believe stylist will cut layers into a blunt style, actually “stacking” the layers to make your hair look more full-bodied and voluminous. Not quite reaching the jawline, short bobs can even be slightly shorter in the back and you can choose bangs on your forehead. If you want to divert attention from your fuller face, ask you stylist to sweep your bangs to the side. 

Long Bobs

If you are taking the plunge from long hair to a short bob, consider this a safe way station along the way. Bobs cut longer than your chin can ease you into shorter hair without you dying of shock and look great on round or oval faces as they lengthen the look of your face.

Angled Bobs

Angle Bobs are great as we get older and for those with thicker hair. The look softens the aging face and is perfect for people with thicker hair. Your Believe stylist will cut your hair to the jaw and tapered it in layers. If such textured layers are stacked in the back, this style will even help solve a fullness problem.

Wavy Bobs

Although the Believe stylist will cut your bob evenly all around your head, you can add waves and curls for variety or, if Mother Nature gave you them naturally, you’ll find this look basically maintenance-free.

Other Types Of Bobs

Highlighted bobs can accentuate different portions of your hair by the virtue of using several different color highlights. Spiky bobs can be cut very short in the back and have a fringed neckline to soften things up. For an Edgier bob, your Believe stylist will make edgy uneven cuts to help bring out the rock star in you. Or try bangs cut straight across your eyebrows for that Cleopatra look (it worked for Elizabeth Taylor) and if you are feeling a little Mad Men, you can always flip the ends of your new bob outward (Shades of Doris Day.) Come into Believe and we’ll get you some products to help your “do” stay done like Volume by Aestlance, La Brasiliana Ricci for texture or Butter by Aestelance for a smooth sleek finish.

If you are unsure which bob is for you, stop by Believe and we will consult with you about the shape of your face and which bob will set it off perfectly, so you can step into 2012 looking sexy and sassy. Nobody’s going to mess with you this year! (Again, Happy New Year from all of us at Believe.)