Beauty Myths and Facts

damagedhairWorking in the salon and spa industry for over half my life, I have been asked every question under the sun when it comes to beauty. My inquisitive clients have inspired me to compile my most asked questions from behind the chair.

My Most Popular Questions:

  1. “If I cut my hair, will it grow back thicker?”

Unfortunately, the long awaited answer is no.  Although, I always recommend cutting off wispy ends to give hair a thicker appearance. Ladies, please allow your stylist to take off the see-through, last two inches of your hair. It’s funny how attached we get to our length even if it doesn’t look healthy.

  1. “Are there products that will make my hair grow faster?”

If I could wave a magic wand and give you long goddess hair, I would! However, don’t dismay just yet. There is one proven thing that makes hair grow faster. Drum roll please…. Believe it or not, it’s stimulation of the scalp.  There are several different massage brushes that you may purchase like the Light and Massage Therapy Brush ($59.99).  Or better yet, tell your partner to help you out by rubbing your head at night.
Sharperimage.com

  1.  “Can my hair get used to a shampoo, causing it to not work as well?”

Many of my clients will tell me that they loved a particular brand of shampoo, but then it stopped working for them.  If you have noticed a change in your hair, its more likely to be a product build up. My suggestion is to try introducing a clarifying shampoo once a week to your routine. Here are some of my favorite clarifiers.

Sold in salons:

  • Bumble and Bumble- Sunday Shampoo
  • Kenra Clarifying Shampoo
  • Bed Head Recharge Shampoo
  1. “Will shaving the hair on my arms, legs, or face make it grow in thicker?”

No, but don’t do it, because it will appear thicker. When hair is cut or shaved it creates a sharp straight line. So as the hair grows out of the follicle, the edge is blunt (whiskers) as opposed to the natural softer point that precut hair has.  A better option is tweezing or waxing for the face. My absolute favorite tweezers are by Tweezerman, and they come in fun colors and designs. How cool is that! www.tweezerman.com/

  1. “Can facial creams slow the aging process?”

This is the long debated million dollar question. I have been to many skincare shows hosting products from all over the world. I’ve tried skin plumpers, emollient creams and hydrating gels. But the truth is, as we age our skin loses the ability to retain moisture.  Most creams are like makeup. They can moisturize and fill fine lines giving a more youthful appearance. However, only a cream with a proven active ingredient, such as Retinol or Hydroxy Acid can truly battle wrinkles. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a big believer in moisturizers, even the ones without a high dose of active ingredient. They do make your skin look and feel younger. They just are not what I would call a wrinkle warrior power product!

Most common active ingredients used in creams:

  • Retinol – Vitamin A compound (antioxidant) that stabilizes oxygen molecules that break down skin cells causing wrinkles.
  • Hydroxy acids- act as an exfoliant removing the top layer of dead skin cells revealing the more youthful new skin underneath.
  • Vitamin C-  Another popular Antioxidant used in creams and serums.
  1. “If I pull out a grey hair will ten grow back in its place?”

LOL Nooo. I have often wondered who made up this crazy fallacy. Remember, I am a hairstylist so I’m not huge on grey hair. There is no way  to increase the amount of follicles on your head or to make ten grow back in the place of one. Grey hair is just a roll of the genetic dice.  So if you have a few stray greys then go ahead and tweeze. Anymore than that, make an appointment with your stylist for COLOR!

Here’s a Stylist TipYou may want to start out with  just a few highlights to blend the grey, instead of full head color.

  1. “Does Preparation H remove puffiness under eyes?”

Hahaha Yes! Actually it does. This ointment has been a secret of beauty Queens and makeup artists for years.  It is true that this product has the active ingredient Phenylephrine; which temporarily constricts blood vessels. However, Preparation H was not designed for the eye area, and can cause irritation. Believe it or not, I have also heard of pageant contestants using the product on their upper thighs to tighten the skin during the swimsuit competition. Unfortunately the results only last for 24 hours.  Talk about turning into a pumpkin after midnight!

  1. ” If I apply cocoa butter or olive oil to my skin can I stop stretch marks?”

Many of my pregnant clients have slathered themselves with oils to ward off stretch marks. One of my clients confessed to me that after she showered, she rubbed her growing tummy with Crisco. She was convinced it would save her from the dreaded stretching skin. I wish this were true but it is just not. Stretch marks form below the top layer of skin, where the oil can not reach.

  1. “Does dabbing a lil’ toothpaste on a pimple make it go away faster?”

I know it sounds crazy but actually it does! We started doing this in high school. I don’t even remember how I heard about it. (Probably girls locker room)  most toothpaste contains menthol which will dry out a pimple. However, don’t go doing a whole toothpaste mask… there are many other products that will give you better results.

Recommendations:
Proactiv Blemish control Stick- Proactiv.com ($22.99)
Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel – Sephora.com ($16.00)

  1. “Should I brush my hair 100 strokes a day to keep it healthy”

Brushing your hair so many strokes can actually do more damage than good. While it is beneficial to brush the natural oils from scalp to the ends of your hair, you may be causing breakage.  If you use stiff styling products such as hairspray and then comb through it, you may be giving yourself a shattered end haircut. If you do not wear strong hold styling products in your hair, and are looking for a brush to distribute your natural oils,  I would suggest investing in a Boar Bristle brush. Folica.com – (varying prices)

To all our GLAMwarriors, I hope you found this informative. If you have any questions, or crazy beauty tricks of your own, please feel free to reach out to the GLAManator team. We would love to hear from YOU!

XO