Hair “Toys”: Grow Your Hair With Style!

We all know the benefits of protective styling. We also know that the main goal of a protective style is to protect the hair, shield the ends. But if you’ve been wearing protective styles for a while, you definitely know that it can become a little boring. Little changes can minimize the challenges and keep you motivated. No matter what your protective style is, there’s an accessory to jazz up even the dullest looking French braid, chignon, French roll, or up-do. A good hair accessory can add personality or character to a hair style.

Barrettes or hair clips are a great way to create a simple, sleek look especially good for really short hair. With the recent explosion of hair accessories, you can find them in any shape or style. Hair pins or bobby pins are wonderful accent pieces that nestle well into a sleek and sexy version of the French twist. Pins aren't just for grandmothers anymore! They are easy to wear and will turn your simple hairdo into a fun and flirty look. Go for a retro look by wearing three in a row with a side part to give hair a slight “wave” pattern. Scarves worn around the head like a head band, is a look anyone can pull off. It adds color and excitement to any outfit and is a great way to keep hair off your neck or face in the warmer months. Pull all the hair back or leave a little bang out, it doesn’t matter how you do it. You simply can’t go wrong with a great scarf!

Longlocks.com offers the widest array of hair sticks; from sterling silver to art deco, their sure to have something to fascinate the most discriminating tastes. Use hair sticks to add intrigue to your French twist or bun or braid. You can even find inexpensive hair accessories at your local Claire’s Boutique, in malls across the U.S. Available hair accessories range from plastic banana clips to Celtic hair sticks. Adding a little pizzazz to your protective style can be as simple as adding a flower clip, trendy hair sticks, rhinestone covered bobby pins, stylish scarves, classic snoods, satin ponytail holders or headbands, or jeweled combs. The possibilities are only limited by your creative imagination! So get started building your “hair toy” inventory today!

Keep Your Grey Healthy & Vibrant!

Grey hair is no longer synonymous with old and matronly. Whether snow white, partially grey, or silvery streaks, grey hair is making its mark in the world of beauty and fashion. If you want to keep your grey, try to use a hair shampoo and conditioner that is targeted especially for grey hair. Grey hair can look yellow or greenish on some people. To neutralize the yellow color and leave your hair shiny and beautiful, try using a greying shampoo that contains a violet based color, instead of your usual shampoo. But don't overdo it! Many of these products can leave a purplish or blue cast. When hair turns grey, the protective cuticle thins out, which can make strands coarse and prone to breakage, because there are few natural oils in our hair. Keep tresses soft and healthy by doing the following:

• Choose a moisturizing shampoo to soften and smooth grey hair and make it appear more lustrous.
• Wash hair with a formula geared for grey hair once a week to counteract yellowing caused by sun, pollutants, hard water, and smoke. Try AVEDA Blue Malva Shampoo & Conditioner for Gray Hair, Clairol Shimmering Lights, or Jhirmack Silver Brightening.
• Leave-in conditioners and moisturizers will soften coarseness.
• Apply a clear gloss or glaze monthly on grey hair to coat the cuticle and boost shine.
• Opt for gels and mousses that are clear: The dyes in colored style products can tarnish grey hair. Check out Ouidad Clear Control, AVEDA Witch Hazel Light Control Holding Spray, or Paul Mitchell Illuminating Shine Spray.
• Avoid excessive use of heat from curling or flat irons as this may cause hair to become yellowed or brassy looking.
• Deep condition the hair regularly with moisturizing conditioners to help maintain optimum moisture levels. Many moisture products contain ingredients like spirulina, algae extract, jojoba, avocado, safflower, lecithin, or bee pollen/honey.
• Maintain a protein-rich diet to help fortify and protect thinning or weak hair and look for hair products with strengthening ingredients like keratin, panthenol, amino acid, or wheat protein to give vitality and elasticity to the hair.

So don’t let your grey be dull and lifeless! Follow these simple tips to flaunt beautiful, lustrous grey hair at any age.