Spring is all about renewal and rebirth so now would be a good time to schedule that deep trim or cut. Adding layer or face framing bangs is also great way to update your look without a drastic cut. Lastly, you might want to try a new semi permanent rinse to experiment with color without the long term commitment.

Spring also brings more opportunities to be outside. People tend to spend more time in the park, at cafes or just walking around enjoying the nice weather. However, you want to be mindful of how the change in weather will affect your hair. Sun, wind and rain can be quite harsh on textured hair.

Here are a few additional tips that have helped me keep my hair healthy during the warmer seasons:

1. Suncreen

During spring, we all head outdoors to take advantage of the warm weather. Opt for hair products that contain sunscreen to protect your tresses from UV rays. Phyto makes a line of sun protecting products that can your hair healthy and strong.

2. Wind

In your purse or workbag, carry a light silk scarf to protect your hair during windy days. Before heading outside, pull hair back and tie it down tightly with the scarf. When you get to your next location, your hair will be tangle-free and polished.

3. April Showers

No one wants to get caught in an unexpected thunderstorm. I like to carry an “emergency bun kit, which is a sandwich bag containing an elastic band, a few bobby pins and plastic hair net.

Unlike an umbrella, the kit can be easily stored in your purse or bag. When it rains, I just loosely pin up my hair and cover my head with the plastic rain bonnet.

It may not be the most stylish look but my hair is always frizz free and stylish for work, networking events or happy hours. With the unpredictable April showers, the “emergency bun kit” can save your day.

4. Heat

During the warmer seasons, people tend to rely more on using heat to style their hair. Just remember to deep condition weekly, use daily moisturizer and heat protectant to keep your hair healthy and strong.

taken from : http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2009/03/31/spring-hair-tips

Posted Mar 31st 2009 11:41AM by Gennifer Miller
Filed under: I Am My Hair, Hair Apparent, Life and Style

It’s like I’m a whole new person.

Honestly though, aside from the luxury of a good massage, I’m not really a fan of the spa experience. I like what I get out of it, but I don’t particularly like the pretentious environment or the pressure sales at the end. I’m not very good at the soft whisper and light movement that seem to match the tranquil music and mild mannered estheticians.

Spa treatments aren’t something I indulge in often, but you can achieve some pretty close results at home. I’ve collected some DIY spa treatments. I’ll try things out as we go and let you know what I think.

Today, we’ll start with your head (well, actually your hair) with a deep condition, and in the coming days work our way down to that perfect pedicure.

Deep conditioning The occasional deep condition can go a long way toward healthier hair, especially if yours is exposed to color, straightening, or perm treatments.

Most regular conditioners add moisture.

This is very important for your hair, but it isn’t the only thing it needs.

You’ll want to add protein if your hair is in need of a little reconstruction.

Today I tried this homemade deep conditioner recipe.

After the break I’ll let you know how it went.

What you’ll need

1. 1/2 avocado

2. Small jar real mayonnaise

3. Shower cap or plastic wrap

4. Towel

What to do

1. Mash up 1/2 an avocado with one small jar of real mayonnaise.

It should turn a minty green color

2. Work it into your hair. Focus on the tips if that’s where you have the most damage

3. Put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in plastic wrap

4. Wrap your head over the cap or plastic with a warm damp towel – you can just toss a damp towel in the dryer for a few minutes to heat it up

5. Let sit for 20 minutes

6. Rinse After waiting the 20 minutes, I took off the towel and my hair was plastered to my head.

I couldn’t imagine how it would rinse out, and expected it to be all matted and gross.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t at all.

It washed out like a quality conditioner.

What I’d do different next time

* I think my hair needed more product. If you have longer hair it might be worth doubling the recipe.

* I would have made sure the avocado was mashed thoroughly. Mine had a few chunks and that probably got in the way.

* I would also apply less to my roots. It got pretty greasy, and my ends could have used that extra oil.

* The smell is pretty intense. You might want to use a perfumed shampoo when washing it out to cover the smell.

Overall, I’d say the first DIY spa experiment was a success.

My hair feels great and it only cost me $3.

I’d really recommend giving this one a try. Take a look through the gallery for pictures throughout the process. Grab a magazine and a cup of tea, or some girlfriends and a bottle of wine.

The great thing about an at home spa experience is that it is exactly what you want it to be. Next I’ll be testing out a homemade face mask.

taken from : http://www.diylife.com/2007/10/10/diy-spa-treatments-deep-conditioner/

A: Keep your hands looking great with these at-home manicure tips from nail technician Chonya Alvarez from The Spa at Saddlebrook in Tampa.

1. Start by removing old polish. For natural nails, use a nonacetone remover.Try Cutex® Essential Care™ Advanced Nail Polish Remover Pads.

2. File nails to desired shape. What looks modern now is a shortish nail,straight across the top with rounded edges. File your nails in one direction starting at the edges and moving toward the top.

3. Soak in soapy water for a few minutes to soften cuticles.

4. Dot a cuticle cream on the cuticles and rub in. Try Creative Nail Design Sea Therapy Cuticle Eraser.

5. Use an orange wood stick (available in drugstores) to push back cuticles.Be sure not to cut your cuticles, which can cause infection and damage the nail.

6. Massage hands with a hand lotion for extra moisture. Try Creative Nail Design Solar Silk.

7. Wipe nails with a damp cloth to remove excess oils.

8. Apply a base coat. Let dry for one minute. Try Creative Nail Design Sticky.

9. Apply two coats of your favorite color. Always apply polish by starting on the side of the nail. You should be able to cover the nail in three stokes, one on each side and one in the middle.

10. Apply a top coat. Try Creative Nail Design Speedy. (Remember: If you use a fast-dry top coat, your polish will not last as long.)

source : http://www.marieclaire.com/hair-beauty/how-to/tips/manicure-do-it-yourself

manicure at home

No need to pay salon prices for a manicure. Use these at-homeNo need to pay salon prices for a manicure. Use these at-home tips to get polished in minutes!Chipped polish and ragged hang-nails got you down? Get compliment-worthy hands at home with these tips from esthetic expert Marie Scalogna, owner of New York City-based Spa Chicks On the Go.

taken from :http://just-for-mom.kaboose.com/your-gorgeous-manicure.html

• If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
• No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
• If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
• Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
• Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.

Use Salon Products and Tools

There are thousands of nail products on the market today and knowing which tools you need to properly buff your nails can be tricky. However, if you visit your local beauty store you will need to pick up only a few products. First, a handheld nail buffer is essential on your list of supplies. These look similar to emery boards; however they have several different colored panels and appear more like a foam block. You may also want to grab a few bottles of colored polish or OPI polish in French white if you’d like to give yourself a French manicure.

Before Filing or Buffing…..

Before you start filing away at your nails, there are a few things you should do first. Be sure to remove all old polish with a gentle finger nail polish remover. Look for those without acetone for the gentlest results. After getting rid of the polish, soak your hands in warm soapy water for ten minutes. This will soften your nails and skin to allow you to not only buff your nails better but also remove the unwanted cuticle areas. You can make your own homemade hand spa by filling a large bowl with warm water and adding a small amount of scented bath oil to the water. After soaking your hands, be sure to dry them completely.

Buff Nails the Right Way

To begin, grab your nail buffer and file your nails as you normally would (rounded, square or oval). With the roughest side of the buffer, start to buff your nails. Use a gently side-to-side motion when doing this. The main purpose of this phase is to smooth out any major ridges your nails may have. Next, use the next roughest side of your buffer and repeat the process. This will further work any ridges out of your nail area. To finish the buffing phase, utilize the smoothest part of the buffer to polish your nails until they shine.

Be sure not to be too rough when you are using the first few sides of the buffer. These are meant to only be used gently on the nails. Being too aggressive can lead to a split or chip in the nail, which is almost always difficult to repair properly.

Tips for Professional Salon Results

After you’ve successfully buffed your nails, consider taking your homemade manicure to the next level. Grab your favorite lotion (with or without sun block) and a pair of clean cotton gloves (socks will work if you don’t have gloves). Lather your hands in the lotion, put them into the gloves and wait for ten minutes. When you pull your hands out, wash and dry them well. You will find they are incredibly natural and soft! Be sure to wipe your nails well, apply a top coat of polish and begin painting them in your desired color. Allow the first coat of polish to set and apply another thin coat. Finish with a top coat and allow it to dry.As you can see, getting beautiful nails doesn’t necessarily require an expensive trip to the salon. So, instead of spending money on artificial acrylic nails this season, consider taking the natural route and doing your nails and toe nails yourself at home!

taken from : Jenniferbrown22