Hair brushing tricks to keep your tresses looking purdy.

You might think you’ve got the whole hair brushing thing mastered, but you’d be surprised at the (many) ways you might be damaging your locks—and not even know it. Let’s take a hair brushing refresher course, shall we?

Here are 6 hair brushing rules you should never break:

1. Use the right brush

“You should really do your research and find the right brush for your hair type,” says Susonnah Barklow, editor of NaturallyCurly.com. “You might even find that no brush is best for your hair! Several ladies use their fingers in the shower to detangle and nothing else.” And when you do brush, focus on quality over quantity: Just massage your scalp, carefully get rid of tangles, and mosey on with your day.

2. Brush from tip to root

Brushing your strands from top to bottom can cause snags and breakage. “Instead, you should brush your hair in sections, starting from the ends and slowly working your way up the hair,” says Barklow. “If there’s a really nasty knot, it’s best to use your fingers to get rid of it.”

3. Brush before washing

Because your strands are weakened when wet, they’re more prone to tangle. To prevent mats and snarls, start a pre-shower hair brushing ritual before hopping in.

3. Dry your hair before brushing

“Hair is at its most vulnerable when it’s wet and breaks easily,” says beauty expert Julie Allseybrook. “Brushes are harsh on hair at the best of times, and brushing when wet can lead to split ends, permanent damage and breakage.” If you just can’t resist, use a wide tooth comb to detangle wet hair—and when blow drying, use a vented brush, which has fewer teeth.

The exception to this rule is if you’ve got curly locks, in which case you should do the opposite: Comb when wet, not dry.

4. Take your time with tangles

We’re all famous for ripping out tangles as aggressively as if it were an Olympic event. The time has come for us to put on our big girl pants and treat our hair with respect. First, ditch the paddle brush and detangle using a wide tooth comb and detangling product. If you’re detangling wet or damp hair, apply a conditioner with plenty of slip, and if dry make sure to apply a detangling cream.

5. Clean your brushes on the regs

“Just like you wash your makeup brushes, you should wash your hair brush once a week,” says Allseybrook. “The bristles get clogged up with hair and product buildup, and you’re brushing this back into your hair.” Ick. Allseybrook recommends removing any hair caught in the bristles, then running the brush under warm water. Work shampoo into the bristles, creating a foam, then rinse it off completely and towel dry. Voila!

6. Avoid static

Going overboard with hair brushing can lead to static. To avoid the frizz factor, spritz hairspray on your brush to keep flyaways on lockdown.

What are your go-to hair brushing moves?

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Hair brushing image via Shutterstock

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Hair plopping doesn’t exactly sound glamorous, but it’ll make your strands look so amazeballs you won’t even care.

Fact: Accepting your crazy-curly mane for what it is doesn’t make maintaining it any easier. (Like, at all.) Fortunately for you, there’s this thing called hair plopping that’s been making a splash. It’s a super easy, super convenient hair drying technique that tames your hair, puts the kibosh on frizz and boosts volume—no styling damage required.

All you need to get the job done is a t-shirt or terry cloth towel that’s designed specifically for hair (regular towels draw out too much moisture and are rough on the hair’s cuticle, hence all the frizzies).

Here’s how to become a hair plopping boss:

Step 1

Once you’re out of the shower, scrunch out the excess water and apply your usual styling products—leave-in conditioner, styling mousse, cream, gel, whatevs. You’re now ready to get your plop on.

Step 2

Lay a long-sleeved t-shirt or towel on a flat surface, with sleeves closest to you (if applicable, obvi). Lean over and place your head against the surface, and position your hair so all your curls are positioned in the center of the towel and on the top of your head, a la Marge Simpson.

Step 3

Take the far edge of the shirt or towel (where the bottom of your strands are) and flip it over your head to the nape of your neck.

Step 4

Take the sleeves of the shirt or sides of the towel and start twisting them away from your face. You should now have a big twist on each side of your head.

Step 5

Carefully stand and twist the rolls toward the back of your head into a bun. Secure the bun with a hair tie.

Step 6

Leave on for 20 minutes, or however long it typically takes for your hair to dry. Once you’ve removed the shirt or towel, make sure not to touch the curls while they’re still wet or all of your hard work will have been for nothing.

Here’s a handy infographic from Naturally Curly in case you need a visual:

Before you know it, your curls will be the spirally beauties you always knew they could be. Swoon.

Have you ever tried hair plopping?

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Curly-haired woman image via Shutterstock

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Hair rules to follow that will leave you looking all fine and stuff. (Promise!)

That perfect haircut of yours won’t last very long unless you take care of your tresses—but don’t worry, a little TLC goes a long way in keeping your hair (and scalp!) happy and healthy. Best of all, these hair rules won’t take up a ton of time; you’ll be able to seamlessly add them to your current morning routine.

Below, 7 hair rules that will keep your strands so fresh and so clean, clean:

1. Pat your hair dry
Not going to lie: That whole aggressive towel-dry move guys do? Hot. However, hair is weaker when wet, so going overboard with your technique will inevitably cause breakage. To avoid damage, pat dry instead.

2. Nix over-washing
If you’re only going to follow one of these hair rules, make it this one: Figure out what your ideal shampooing frequency is and stick to it. For example, if your hair tends to be dry or coarse, washing it on the regular will make it even drier, so you’ll want to limit washing your hair to once or twice a week.

3. Let it dry naturally
Let your hair dry naturally or use the cool setting on your blow dryer. Using the hottest setting may blast your hair into submission, but it will also leave it frizzy and damaged.

4. Be picky about your products
Use the best products for your hair type, not just whatever’s lying around the bathroom. After all, a healthy scalp equals healthy hair. Being picky doesn’t mean you’ll end up using as many products as we do (pffft!)—there are plenty of brands that offer hybrid products for guys who like to keep it simple (such as Joe Grooming).

5. Invest in a good brush
If you want styling versatility, make sure you’ve got a good quality brush on hand. Invest in a brush that has natural, rubber or wood bristles for added oomph.

6. Master your stylist appointments
Nobody likes crowded salons where your stylist is clearly distracted. To make sure you score the exact cut you’re looking for, ask for an appointment during a time when salons tend to be less busy, such as early morning or just before closing.

7. Keep it simple
You don’t need a bajillion products to keep your hair looking studly: Just invest in a solid shampoo, conditioner, and a water-based pomade for styling. It will help keep your hair moisturized and controlled without looking too “Mad Men.” (You know, unless you’re into that sort of thing.)

What hair rules do you follow?

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Hairstyling tips that’ll make the whole aging thing look like it’s not happening.

Okay, so there’s not much we can do about fine lines, wrinkles or those pesky grays – but we can do something about how we style our hair. How we deal with our ‘do is one of the most inexpensive and simple anti-aging tricks out there (crazy, but true). One wrong haircut or bad color choice can take you from looking like you stepped out of a time machine to looking like it landed on top of you.

Here are 8 common hair mistakes we all make, and easy hairstyle tips to score a younger look:

1. You’re sporting a blunt haircut

If you’ve got heavy, bulky-looking fringe or your hair is cut all one length, you’re depriving your ‘do of movement – this not only makes your hair look blasé, but the blunt edges accentuate your fine lines and wrinkles. Add layers to your hair to soften your look and remove bulk, and go for a feathery fringe to highlight that wonderful face of yours.

2. Your updo is too tight

This is one of those hairstyling tips that brings me back to the ’90s – back when we’d tie our ponytails so tight we’d give ourselves a headache. We may have been able to get away with it then, but now this updo will draw attention to every fine line you’ve collected since. Always make sure your ponytails and top knots are loose and soft. To borrow from Monica Geller, it’ll make you look “breezy.”

3. Your hair is frizzy

Letting your frizz flag fly can give you an equally “frizzy” looking appearance. Always make sure your hair is getting enough moisture through deep conditioning – especially this time of year.

4. Your hair is too straight

On the flip side, going crazy with your flat iron may be too harsh a style on a more mature face. Soften things up with waves – you don’t have to go full on beachy waves or anything, just enough to get rid of the structure and hardness to give you a more natural look.

5. You styled your hair like a 12-year-old

You’re not Anne of Green Gables: You’re a grown-ass woman. When you wear tween-looking hairstyles like pigtails or a halo braid, they do nothing but highlight the fact that you’re not a tween. Luckily, being a tween sucked so it’s one of those hairstyling tips that’s easy to follow.

6. Your hair color is one note

Whether your locks are too bleached, too goth, or somewhere in between, if your hair is one solid color it’ll make you look older. To give your hair the most dimension, bring a few pics to your stylist of hair colors you like, along with a few you don’t, and let them take care of the rest.

7. You have major split ends

Trim your tresses a minimum of every two months. To stretch your time between trims, indulge in regularly nourishing your hair with hydrating masks and deep conditioners.

8. Your hair is flat

When your hair lacks volume, it also lacks life – this is especially true if your hair is thin and fine. Nix hair straightening products and hot tools from your repertoire, as they’ll add damage and dryness to the flatness. (Oy.) Focus on using texturizing products to amp up the volume, but keep it simple: The less products and tools to weigh down your ‘do, the better.

What go-to hairstyling tips do you love most?

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Beauty means many different things to many different people – it is truly in the eye of the beholder. However, it seems we all listen a bit more closely to what celebrities have to say about the matter, down to the most detailed of makeup, skincare and hair tips.

And, there’s no denying, it’s all for good reason. Celebrities depend on their looks for fame, money and notoriety, and with that comes a huge knowledge base concerning the best hair, makeup and skin tips, products and therapies. Here are 15 quotes, suggestions and other heresay from our most beloved celebrities about their prized skincare, makeup and hair tips.

Skincare tips:

1. Crème de la Mer has long been touted by celebrities as the crème de la crème of, well, la mer of beauty products. It has a cult following, including Christina Applegate, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Marcia Cross. Two ounces will cost you a whopping $295, but it may just be worth the investment.

2. Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence will cost you $65 for 4.1 fluid ounces, and an aroma reminiscent of a bouquet of the freshest, purest flowers will follow you all day long. Jessica Alba labels this

3. Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o told Glamour, “I use avocado oil and Hawaiian kukui oil on my face. I like to keep things natural, simple, and straightforward.”

4. “If my skin is dull or I have red spots before a big event, I sweep raw lemon over it, to make it brighter. It stings a bit, but it’s not at all harming. It’s my favorite thing.” – Scarlet Johansson, Marie Claire.

5. “I just use natural grape seed oil from the grocery store on my face as a moisturizer. After the shower, I pat it on, and then I’ll use it throughout the day and at night. I pretty much smell like grape all the time.” – Emma Stone, Style.com

Makeup tips:

1. “The only brand of makeup I use these days is 100% Pure. It’s been around for years. The brand makes every single product you can imagine, and they are all legitimately 100 percent pure. But if we’re doing a photo shoot and we need something colorful, I’ll use Tarte. It’s the most mainstream brand I’ve found that still takes that extra step in the right direction.” – Shailene Woodley, Natural Health

2. Kate Hudson revealed to Daily Makeover that she takes the painful route, dunking her face in an ice bath to give a boost to her glow.

3. “I apply two to three coats of mascara. To finish off my look I apply lip balm if I want a more natural look, or a tint or lipstick in a shade of red if I want to make more of a statement – the red also brightens my complexion instantly. If I need a little more coverage I sparingly use RMS concealer where required.” – Miranda Kerr, Kora Organics

4. “I wear a lot more glitter around the holidays so I’m always wearing different glitter nail polish or fun metallic eye shadow. It’s the holidays—everything is more twinkly and celebratory.” – Blake Lively, Harper’s Bazaar

5. “I use the ColorScience Primer, which is mineral-based, so I don’t get zits anymore.” – Maria Menounos, Allure

Hair tips:

1. “Hair-wise, I love using coconut oil as a treatment and apple cider vinegar for shininess—you put on a little bit in the shower as a rinse, and then wash it out. It stinks a little, but then you use conditioner and the smell goes away.” – Miranda Kerr, Into the Gloss

2. “Once a year, we all still get together and put mayonnaise in our hair for old times’ sake.” – Zoe Saldana, Refinery 29

3. “I use shampoo and conditioner from Living Libations. It’s an amazing company based out of Canada. I also use their Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever to wash my face, and I like the Lavender Poetic Pits underarm essential oil blend.” – Shailene Woodley, Natural Health

4. “At the moment I prefer a low braid or a high topknot, as they both require little time and effort but still look feminine and polished.” – Miranda Kerr, Kora Organics

5. “My hair is always better in California than it is in New York, so I got a big water jug and I filled it with ocean, which is probably a really bad idea, but I would put it on my hair, and, actually, it worked. It’s salt and it’s water and it makes your hair a little crunchier and holds it a little better.” – Blake Lively, Style.com

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Elastic hair ties are always there for us when we need them – but they leave our hair looking blah with a side of womp, womp.

Okay, so you’re totally fed up with your elastic hair ties and you have been for a while. But when you’re in a rush to get ready in the morning, styling your hair is the first beauty routine out the window.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of alternatives to your oh-so-boring, oh-so-plain elastic hair ties that will spruce up your hair in seconds:

Image: Anthropologie

1. Bow Tie Pony Holders

While you’re still throwing your hair up like you would with an elastic hair tie, these Bow Tie Pony Holders bring a touch of color to any outfit. Best of all, they come in a set of two!

Image: Nordstrom

2. Claire Cuff Ponytail Holder

The Claire Cuff Ponytail Holder‘s clever cuff houses an elastic on the inside, giving your ponytail an instant upgrade.

Image: Nordstrom

3. Notched Chignon Stick

One of my favorite alternatives to elastic hair ties? Chignon sticks! They come in a wide variety of styles, and the Notched Chignon Stick stays securely in place (even with fine hair like mine).

Image: Ulta

4. Bobby Spins

So you want to put your hair up sans elastic – but if you were to use bobby pins, you’d never be on time for work again. Enter Bobby Spins, a hair-friendly invention that does the work of 20 bobby pins! You’ll be surprised at how many hairstyles you can create in so little time.

Image: Ulta

5. Bandette Hair Comb

This is another alternative I now refuse to live without: The Bandette Hair Comb allows you to score ah-mazing looking twists and ponytails with no stress on your hair. Cha-ching!

Image: Nordstrom

6. 3-in-1 Head Wrap

This 3-in-1 Head Wrap isn’t only retro chic, but versatile: Wear it as a simple head band, stylish head wrap, or you can remove the bow and use it to secure a ponytail.

Image: Nordstrom

7. Bun Wrap

If you’re in the market for an unexpected pop of color, this Bun Wrap will do the trick. Its hidden wire molds around a bun or ponytail and looks good doing it.

Image: Nordstrom

8. Hair Stick

You’re probably tired of chopsticks – or in my case, pencils – sticking out of your hair when you’ve had enough of your elastic hair ties. It’s time for an upgrade: This Hair Stick has class written all over it.

Image: Nordstrom

9. Scoop Hair Clip

For those with thicker hair or hair that tends to get a little unruly, this Scoop Hair Clip is the answer to all your prayers. Plus, it’s accented with polished studs to bring some edge to your look.

When you’re tired of elastic hair ties, how do you switch things up?

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Healthy hair is more than just a matter of what you put on it. Healthy hair is rooted deeper in the body, down to your dietary habits.

An overall nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle will promote hair growth and strength, but the following 8 foods and supplements are special in that they will especially cater to your hair’s needs. Put down the brush and look beyond shampoos and conditioners to give your locks the tender love and care it wants.

1. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are what help hair to grow long and luxuriously. You body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, so they must come from foods. Consuming salmon is just one way of getting your omega-3 fix. Three-percent of the hair shaft is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids nourish hair follicles and enrich cell membranes, which leads to healthy hair growth.

2. Oats

You’ll often see biotin supplements at the pharmacy labeled as some sort of hair loss remedy. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin of the B complex that encourages hair and scalp health. It produces keratin, which is what hair is made of. Biotin is  found in oats, making them an excellent food for healthy hair.

3. Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a palm plant grown along the Atlantic coast of North America. Its potency lies in its berries. The plant was originally used by the Native Americans as a food source and an herbal remedy for urinary tract infections. This herbal supplement is now commonly used to treat hair loss. Saw palmetto is effective when taken orally (meaning, don’t rub it on your head).

4. Green Leafy Vegetables

Iron is essential for hair growth. Researchers have noted a link between iron deficiency and hair loss. Up your intake of green leafy vegetables, which are rich in iron. The greener the better!

5. Sea Vegetables

Hypothyroidism, also known as an under-active thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormone. This can result in thinning hair. Iodine is essential in maintaining healthy thyroid function. Sea vegetables are rich in iodine and should be enjoyed regularly. However, excessive iodine can also damage thyroid function. Talk to your doctor about finding the right balance.

6. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain the antioxidant beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the small intestines. Vitamin A is essential in the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes. In this vein, it produces oils to sustain a healthy scalp. A healthy scalp is literally at the root of healthy hair.

7. Eggs

Iron transports oxygen throughout the body, including hair follicles. An insufficient amount of oxygen in the hair follicles contributes to hair loss. Eggs are rich in vitamin A, calcium, vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin B12 as well as iron. Not only are they nutrient rich to promote overall health but they provide the iron that healthy hair requires to grow.

8. Rosemary Essential Oil

Topically, rosemary oil is often used to treat muscle pain by boosting circulation. In this way it is also effective in stimulating hair growth. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner.

Image Credit: KendraMillerPhotography

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The summer may be a time to shine, but the season also poses a threat to the vitality of your skin, hair, and body.

Sun and heat exposure can make your skin flaky and pigmented, your hair dry, and your body sluggish. The following 5 summer tips to keep your skin, hair, and body beautiful are just what you need to keep in mind in battling the season’s elements.

1. Eat and Apply Antioxidants

According to research, antioxidants may very well be your skin’s greatest ally this summer. Antioxidants prevent collagen destruction, inflammation and wrinkles in human skin cells after continued exposure to UV-B, which is the skin-damaging ultraviolet radioactive rays.

You can get antioxidants from foods or from a topical solution. High antioxidant foods include berries, broccoli, garlic, green tea and tomatoes. If buying an over-the-counter topical solution, look for a serum that has a vitamin C content of 5-10 percent. Apply to a freshly washed face before moisturizing.

2. Exfoliate on the Reg

With exposure to the sun comes flaky, sometimes peeling skin. Instead of walking around looking rough and weathered, be sure to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells.

There is no need to buy an exfoliant when you can make one yourself easily and cheaply. Simply brew one green tea pouch in ½ cup of hot tea water and allow the tea to cool. Next, mix 2 tablespoons of the green tea with 2 tablespoons of sugar until combined, and then add 2 more tablespoons of sugar. Lightly rub onto the facial skin, exfoliating and protecting at the same time! Repeat 2-3 times per week.

3. Moisturize with Coconut Oil
 
Just as important as exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and reveal supple, smoother skin is to infuse skin with moisture and protect against the elements. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty-acid that fights off bacteria and viruses, and contains fats that moisturize and smooth your skin without leaving it sticky or feeling oily.

Virgin coconut oil is also a pure, unadulterated way to protect your skin without the toxins in store-bought moisturizers. Apply a light layer evenly across skin and face after showering. Its unique fat content allows it to withstand high temperatures, and thus fare well on your skin and hair throughout the day without changing chemistry and losing its effect.

4. Hydrate
 
You’ll never hear enough of this summer tip, but it’s always worth a reminder. Hydration is the key to staying energetic, healthy, and agile during the summer months. As the temperatures rise, so too do perspiration and the body’s loss of moisture. Be it through fruits and vegetables, juices and smoothies, or filtered water, choose to consume foods and beverages that have a high water content. In this same vein, limit your intake of dry, dense, sodium-packed foods that leach you of moisture.

5. Lighten the Load

It’s easier to get away with thick foundations and creamy lipsticks, blushes and eyeliners in the fall and winter months, but the summer heat can turn an otherwise flattering makeup job into a sticky, suffocating, acne-causing situation. With the heat, the face’s pores open up and are more receptive to whatever is applied on the skin. Foundations and creams can clog pores and cause acne. Instead, stick to a light, all-natural tinted products and let the sun slightly tint your skin tone and deem bronzers, blush, and other make-up essentials less necessary.

Photo Credit: Katerha

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You awake one day and witness the encroachment. It’s not as invasive as bed bugs or a foreclosure, but not as pleasant as eating pumpkin pie or selling a novel. And you are left to ponder your roots and ask the tough questions: Do I head the gray way of George Clooney and Jamie Lee Curtis?

Should I stay perpetually in the black like Cher and Dick Clark?

Since I’m only 30, can I rock the gray like Lady Gaga or will commuters my age give up their seats for me on the bus, believing I’m Grandmama Addams? It’s crazy and it’s kooky! The signs of age usually are.

It happens much sooner for those in families where premature gray is mapped in the DNA, and you either embrace your destiny (no chemicals or costly and bothersome salon appointments) or reverse it with highlights, dyes and tints.

Experts argue going gray ages you 5-10 years no matter what. Still, women who get off the bottle and let the salt and pepper season their style can appear chic gray goddesses at any age; and fellas can emerge distinguished silver foxes depending on how they sport the silver.

“A good haircut and keeping healthy makes the difference in the gray looking like you’re letting it go versus showcasing it,” observes Michelle Sandoval, educator and colorist at Di Pietro Todd Salon in San Francisco. “It also needs to be a pristine tone (no yellowing) and you should change make up and clothes from earth tones to cooler tones to make the gray work.”

Sandoval, who says women comprise 95 percent of her sizable clientele, believes gray should go with the anatomy, including skin tone. She finds that the color looks best on olive skinned people.

“I don’t think it looks the greatest on warm skinned people, peachy skinned, red heads, or people who have really warm brown hair, because the warmth in their skin and hair tends to make the gray look yellow and the gray makes their skin looked washed out.”

For those who decide to succumb, Sandoval offers a few tips to tress for success:

• Big swatches of gray or white work better than just a sprinkle
• To brighten dingy strands, use a violet-based shampoo about every third washing (i.e. Okara by Renee Furterer)
• Add lowlights to brighten the gray that is left and to create a bolder, more playful look

“Jay Leno is a good example of someone who went gray but maintained a bold look,” suggests Sandoval. “He used to be dark with a white stream and now he’s white with a dark streak. And it works. He looks good and his hair makes the same statement. He almost looks like a photo negative.”

Images: BLMurch; Vanity Fair; Addams Family; Jay Leno;

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