Tips for Coloring Thinning Hair

Ready to hit the bottle? With a few precautions, coloring thinning hair can be safe -- and may even protect the hair shaft from breaking.  There's a myth that permanent hair-color is damaging, but that's only true if you bleach your hair or if you use the color incorrectly.   Meanwhile, semi-permanent colors that are acid-based may protect around the hair cuticle, and acid-based colors may coat -- and protect -- the hair. Follow these tips to give thinning locks a healthy new hue.

Skip the Bleach.  You're most likely to damage your hair if you make a drastic color change requiring bleach, such as going from jet black to blonde. If it's properly applied, regular hair color shouldn't be a problem.

Check the Contrast.  Choose a hue that's close to the color of your scalp. It will draw less attention to thin tresses. There’s less contrast between skin and hair tones to draw the eye. Also, as you ages, having lighter hair around your face makes you look younger and softens your features.

Consider Salon Color.  Professionals will have more access to a variety of options and higher-end coloring agents. Your stylist’s experience with color is important, too.  Ask about vegetable-based dyes, cellophanes, and hennas, all of which are gentle options for thinning hair. Also, ask your stylist about products that are ammonia- and peroxide-free. And avoid bleach.

Rules for Do-It-Yourselfers. 

• Check the label: Choose brands with less than 20% peroxide, and don't bleach thinning hair.
• Think temporary: Use semi-permanent color, if you can. If it doesn’t cover your stubborn greys, apply permanent color at the roots and semi-permanent on the rest.  Beauty Care Choices has great temporary colors from top professional brands.  Click here!

Marbled Nails....How to

You are not going to believe how easy this is! 

1.  Using a Q-tip, apply a thin layer of Vaseline on skin around nail.  This is not essential, but it does make it easier to clear away unwanted polish.

2.  Fill a small cup with cold water.  Add a few drops of each color polish you want in your marbling.  The polish will float on top, creating swirls.

3.  Dip each finger and make sure the polish sticks to your nail. Let dry, then clean edges.  Finish with clear top coat.

Want new or seasonal colors to try this.  Visit our Nails web page.  With over 600 colors, you'll find exactly what you are looking for and we make it easy with our color sorter option!  Seasonal - think orange + dark brown + white for Halloween or orange + yellow + brown + crimson for autumn.  

Godefroy...for great eyebrows and lashes easily!

We often give tips about how to define your brows or apply mascara.  Now I want to introduce you to another way to keep eyelashes and eyebrows looking great without daily effort.  They are products from Godefroy.

28-day mascara is permanent eyelash tint that is a safe and gentle gel formula that delivers rich, long lasting color that lasts up to 4 weeks! It takes less than a minute to apply and is Cosmetology Board approved. The tint color is black.  You do one eye at a time and brush on like mascara, applying first the colorant and then the gel activator.  You can do both the upper and lower lashes.

Instant Eyebrow Tint comes in four shades (light, medium and dark brown and natural black) and takes about two minutes.  If you have stubborn grey hairs, it will take slightly longer.  Each kit contains three applications.  The color will last up to six weeks.  We say six weeks because eyebrow hair tends to recycle...hairs fall out and new ones grow.

Godefroy also has a lash curling gel and tint colors for beards and mustaches!  Take a look!

Why use a heat protectant?

Let's be honest - no one rolls out of bed in the morning with flawless hair. Most of us go to great lengths to achieve a hair style that makes us look and feel our best.  There is, also, a far better chance of having a successful day if we feel good about ourselves first. So Glam On!

We do pay a price for our styling.  Hair really takes a thrashing from the beautification processes we use like blow drying, straightening, curling, or crimping.  And, if we do this almost daily, it will leave tresses seriously damaged. The constant heat exposure will cause the Keratin proteins, which give hair its strength and elasticity, to break down.  This results in evaporation of  vital moisture from the inside of the hair. The outer surface (cuticle) of the hair cracks, frays, and frizzes. Pigments, which give hair color, can also change as a result.  Not to mention if you happen to heat style on wet hair, the steam will blast through your hair's structure, destroying it.

So let's counter the damage with education: Why use Thermal Protection?

Thermal protection can make a dramatic difference in minimizing heat damage.  It contains helping ingredients such as natural oils that have low thermal conductivity, meaning they coat hair fibers, allowing heat to transfer slowly. A good thermal protectant will:

• Allow for hair to be more manageable and touchable.
• Add moisture to your hair, preventing the loss of natural moisture.
• Form a barrier over the cuticle on the hair strand,  minimizing heat damage.
• Smooth the cuticle on the hair shaft; making hair less porous and,  therefore,  less likely to frizz in humidity.

Here's how to choose Thermal Protection:

Look for products that contain Argan oil, Coconut oil, or Olive oil, as these oils have nourishing properties that protect hair and condition. Once you have the right product for your hair, always read the directions. The most common directions will recommend that you spritz or use a dollop of thermal protectant on damp hair before blow drying and using heat tool styling.

Tested and True Tips:

• Allow some air dry time if possible.
• Switch it up and blow dry with cooler air, it may take longer but it closes the cuticle and leaves hair shiny.
• Give hair breaks from heat tool styling.
• Separate hair into smaller sections when using heat tool styling, to minimize the number of passes through the hair.
• Set heat tools to the lowest setting to avoid maximum damage.

Happy Thermal Protected Heat Styling!

Click here to find your best Thermal Protectant while they are on sale!

Make-up Brush Guide

Many cosmetic products come with a small "applicator" brush, so why invest in good make-up brushes?  First, these small applicators do not give you the control you need.  They also do not usually stand up to repeated use.  A good make-up brush, designed for a specific purpose, will let you achieve the look you expected from the product.  Quality make-up brushes are an investment you really want to make if you want to apply your cosmetics like a pro!  Below are the must-have brushes you need to blend, highlight, and contour your face to perfection.

Blush Brush
It pays to invest in a blush brush, because once you find the right one, it does it all. This domed bristle brush picks up and deposits blush to define, contour, and shade your cheeks. Simply apply the brush in a circular motion to the apples of your cheeks. 

Blending Brush

This brush is essential for dusting eye shadow along the create of your lips since the flexible bristles make it easy to blend colors and soften line.  A blending brush with a narrow tip will give you more control over specific areas of your eyes.  One that is too rounded can overemphasize your make-up, giving you the black-eye effect.

Concealer Brush

A great concealer brush can be the MVP of your makeup bag since it tackles your worst problems in one step: blemishes, scars, brown spots, broken capillaries, and under-eye circles. The best brush for the job is one with a tapered head and bristles that are both firm and flexible for extra precision.

Contouring Brush

This is your best brush for highlighting and sharpening your features.  Whether you're using wet or dry products, select this angled brush to sculpt your cheekbones with a soft finish.  It can also be used to enhance the brow line and narrow the face.

Foundation Brush

Avoid that streaky finish when applying foundation.  A good foundation brush will give you more even coverage and a smooth, pore less finish.  Make sure to look for one with a domed head and densely packed bristles, especially if you are dealing with dark under-eye circles and fine lines.  It's also perfect for applying face creams and serums.

Highlighter Brush

With it's feathery texture, it's made to sweep highlighter, blush or bronzer over your cheekbones.  The key is to keep your touch light so it doesn't look overdone.  T

he brush should be soft, but substantial enough to pick-up the powder in the first place.

Powder Brush
This is a staple of any make-up bag.  It helps you set your face with powder after you've applied foundation and sweeps away extra make-up without messing with your carefully crafted look.  Buy a large, dense and fluffy brush with a tapered head.

Lip Brush

If you've never used one, you'll wonder why once you've tried it and never want to apply color straight out the tube again.  It helps you color in the lines for a smudge-proof pout and also works for mixing formulas.  Look for a brush with a tapered point and soft bristles for each application.

Spoolie Brush

This is the best trick for achieving fuller, more organized eyebrows.  The angled brush smoother and defines brows with powder and the spiral end tames those crazy hairs after you wake up.  the spoolie also doubles as a wand for removing mascara clumps and separating lashes.

Eyeliner Brush

A good eyeliner brush is a small, angled brush that's easy to grip.  You want it to create super sharp lines, but also be able to work with wet and dry eyeliners.

Apply eyeliner like a Pro!

Of all the cosmetics we may use to make-up our face, probably the most difficult to master is the eyeliner.  Below, we give you some of our best tips and tricks.  Even if you have avoided using eyeliner because it always ends up looking messy, these tips may help you create the sexy, gorgeously lined eye you've always wanted.

Eyeliner smudges so easily because the eyelids are the greasiest part of the face. Before applying makeup, reduce oily residue with an alcohol-free makeup remover. Then apply a light layer of foundation to even your base, and finish with a dusting of translucent powder over the lid. It will set the color and absorb oils throughout the day.  TIP: Skip—or cut back on—putting eye creams on your lids pre-makeup to avoid slippery textures later.

Any type of hard line on the face needs to be done perfectly or not at all. Messy liquid liner makes people look older and harsher. If you have rounder eyes, opt for powder and gel liners that will smudge enough to create an almond-shaped contour. Fine pencils and pens are ideal for more elongated or oval-shaped eyes.  TIP: Avoid dull or waxy points, and put pencils in the freezer for 30 seconds before sharpening.

Resist the urge to pull your lid taut when applying liner. When you let go, the line will look distorted. Instead, create your own eyeliner stencil by applying a piece of Scotch tape across your partially closed lid (press it on your arm first to make it less sticky). Then fill in the area below it, starting at the outer edges and moving inward.  TIP: Keep eyeliner on the top lid three times thicker than liner on the bottom. And for extra staying power, use waterproof gel liners on the bottom lash line.

Great makeup requires touch-ups, so be ready to reapply. When relining, maintain eye contact with the mirror as much as possible. Eighty percent of your eye makeup should be done looking straight into a mirror for the best results.   TIP: Dab blotting papers on your lids throughout the day to catch crease buildup without smudging your line.

A new you? Change-up your make-up routine with 3 little tips!

The best way to make a makeup change is to choose the feature you get complimented on most, and play it up with a color that's the opposite of what you normally wear. Like neutrals? Go for color. Like color? Try earth tone

For a modern take on luminous skin, try pearlized pink-sand shades on lids and cheeks. With a pale matte mouth, you'll look rock-club cool (and not too disco). Pair pink lids with a natural, understated face.


Instead of shading hollows of your face, switch to highlighting. Using paler hues, accentuate under the brows for a mini lift, and dust a lighter blush along the cheekbone to plump cheeks.

Copper - Cleanse your skin & get great benefits!

Copper was one of the first metals used in cosmetics.  In ancient Eqypt is was believed to give magical powers to those who wore it.  While that may not be true, it does help to prolong youth.  It's the new anti-aging ingredient.  Does it really work?  We did a little scientific research and here's what we found.

The Science:  Collagen is the main structural protein of connective tissue.  In humans this "glue" comprises between 25-35% of whole-body proteins.  Copper, in the form of bound peptides, stimulates collagen and elastin formation.  Both of these functions are essential in maintaining a youthful skin and in reducing the signs of aging.  the copper peptide GHL-Cu is abundant is young people, but is present in much lower levels in older persons. 

So, to answer the question...does it really work?  Yes!  That's the simple answer and there is lots of research to back-up the answer.  So the next question is what/where can I get copper benefits in skin care products.  Clinical CareConquer(Zit) MaskZit - Camphor Mask with Copper PCA is a top-notch copper-infused cleansing mask.  If you want to start care early Clinical Care's Conquer(Zit) ToneZit with Copper PCA is perfect for oily and acne skin types.

Eyebrow trends

Okay...we love fashion!  We love beauty and we like to think we are trendy!  But the new eyebrow trends have us a little baffled.  A well shaped brow can frame your face beautifully.  Since eyebrows do frame the face, making them stand out makes sense.  I'm just not sure I could achieve any of these looks, except the wavy ones....I do that automatically if I try to use the eyebrow pencil without my glasses on!  So, what do you think????

Created using eyebrow gel to keep them in place!

Braided brow

Wavy brow

Joico's New Insta-Tint Kits

Our last article dealt with hair bleached and tinted pastel.  But what if you are not ready to commit to the "hair colors trend".  Then, Joico"s New Insta-Tint Kits are perfect for you.  Joico's already put together three harmonizing Insta-Tint shades so you can't go wrong.  Below, they show you how to create a unique look using stencils.  Stencils are inexpensive...you can find them at any craft department...or you could make your own.  The kits are great, but if you are more adventurous, each shade is also available on its own...Insta-Tint Temporary Color Shimmer Spray.  Don't worry...they wash out easily!

Pastel Hues...Tips to keep it looking great!

Get your hair cut regularly.  Double processes wherein the hair is bleached and toned can often lead to damage, so it's imperative that you get your hair trimmed regularly.  A cut every six to eight weeks helps keep hair healthy and free of split ends, which can cause more damage.

Pastel hair has been on the rise for the past several years, and it's showing no signs of stopping. From pretty purples to bold blues to dramatic pinks, going with a milky bright shade in an unnatural hue is still totally on trend. There have even been a ton of sub-trends incorporating pastels, including underlights, opal hair, and colombre.

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Of course, just as with so many beautiful trends, there's one big thing you should know before going pastel: It's a truly tough style to maintain. If you're a low-maintenance beauty lover, it may not be the best pick for you. That said, there are some pro-approved tips that can keep your locks looking their best for as long as possible.

Prep properly.  Before you even head to the salon, there are steps you can take to ensure your locks stay pretty and pastel for as long as possible — and won't wind up unhealthy and dull.  We recommend doing weekly deep conditioning treatments for a month prior to a double process color service.  The healthier the hair, the better.

Go to a pro for your color. This may not be what you want to hear, but going to a pro is so wise when it comes to such a dramatic 'do.  An experienced colorist is going to give you more professional-looking results that are less likely to damage your hair, simple as that.

Choose your shampoo & conditioner wisely - and with assistance.  Proper aftercare is a must to maintain bright, shiny, vibrant hair.  What constitutes proper haircare? First of all, it doesn't involve playing a guessing game — you need to know whether you hair is simply dry or actually damaged.

If you are using a shampoo for damaged hair, but your hair is just dry, you could be doing more harm than good. If the reparative shampoo you're using is protein-based and there is already enough protein in your hair, you end up over-depositing the protein, making your hair brittle and more likely to break.  If your hair is simply dry, opt instead for moisturizing products.  TIP:  Rinse with cool or lukewarm water.  Hot water forces the hair cuticle open, allowing the color to seep out.  Cool water seals the cuticle and locks in your color, making it last longer.

Incorporate Dry Shampoo into your routine.  We're big fans of dry shampoo: Not only does it keep your style from getting shiny, it prolongs your time between washes, meaning you can keep your color looking vibrant and beautiful for longer. Rather than scrubbing your scalp with shampoo each time it gets a little greasy, spritz on dry shampoo.

Going Platinum? You'll need the right hair products.

One of the biggest celebrity hair trends: platinum hair.  Celebrities like Kristen Stewart, Kiley Jenner, Katy Perry and most recently Cara Delevingne have all experimented with the trend, and needless to say they all look amazing.

If you’ve decided to recreate the silvery hues yourself, you are definitely going to want some supplies to maintain your tone and strengthen your tresses. After hair is bleached, not only the color is changed but also the texture; hair that’s been bleached is extremely porous and fragile and you will absolutely need some products to nourish, hydrate and protect your new color from fading and your strands from drying out.

Purple-based toning supplies are vital to keep your color in check, and a must for maintaining platinum hues.  You need a product designed to deposit the right amount of purple and neutralize the brassiness, along toning the yellow hue out while providing a smoother feel and help with damaged, dry brittle hair. Look for one with nourishing ingredients like collagen protein, shea butter and argan oil – which will give you smooth, hydrated hair and provide elasticity to protect hair against split ends.  Keratage Silver & Blonde Mask  or Redken Blonde Idol Nourishing Mask will really keep the platinum true!