Keritan Fibers Fill In Areas Where Hair is Thinning

Instantly Thicken Thinning Hair and Part Lines

XFusion Keratin Hair Fibers are made of natural keratin protein that interlock with your existing hair to hide and transform fine, thin or thinning areas. 

Your stylist can apply the fibers for you or you can do it at home. Also great for part lines, covering extension tracks and touching up roots between hair color appointments.

• Instantly fills in thinning areas
• Makes fine hair look instantly thick and full
• An easy root touch-up between colorings
• Conceals hair loss
• Easily washes out with shampoo.
• Available at Boston Cutters Salon for Color

XFusion is not a powder to be applied by brush. It is a fiber you spray or sprinkle on thinning areas in layers, building up a healthy, thick looking seam, part or area that is indistinguishable from your thicker hair. Talk with your stylist about the best color or custom blend for your hair color.

One typical sign of aging is thinning around the back of crown and your parts. As hair thins, more of the scalp is visible increasing the appearance of thinning. These fibers stay put, interlocking with your hair and creating a natural, healthy look of thicker hair.

XFusion Keratin Fibers resist wind, rain, and perspiration for long-lasting results in all conditions.

Available in nine shades that can be mixed to match any hair color, Keratin Fibers work for all hair types and textures.

Cover Those Rebel Gray Hairs

Why does some gray hair resist color and fade quickly?

At first it was just a couple of silver strands here and there. 

And then, over time, more strands. Then strands turn into locks, and locks into patches and then one day there is more gray than color.

It's not unusual for the gray to be most noticeable around the roots giving hair a thinning appearance because the gray is light and your scalp may be fair also.

Box colors and even some salon colors won't really fully cover the gray, or the color fades quickly over the gray hairs giving you fading roots which again may emphasize or give the appearance of thinning hair.

 

 

Why does hair turn gray?

This article from Scientific American explains it this way.

"Melanin, a chemical produced by specialized cells within each hair follicle, is responsible for giving hair color. Different types of melanin are responsible for different types of hair color-eumalinin for brown or black hair and pheomelanin for yellow or red hair. The type of melanin an individual has is controlled by pigment cells that are, in turn, determined by genes. As we age, the pigment cells at the base of our hair follicles stop producing melanin; without the chemical, our hair turns white. The body has no central source for melanin, such as a gland; the chemical is produced for each strand of hair: This is why hairs tend to go gray individually."

Why does some hair color fail on gray hair?

Hair that has turned gray is coarser and wiry, making it difficult to drive color into the hair shaft.

The color chosen is not formulated for resistant gray shades while the ends continue to soak up color because they are more porous.

A trained professional can formulate and apply the correct color with the correct strength of cream developer.  Starting at the roots and adjusting for any previously colored ends, protecting those ends from build-up or discoloration of pigment.

Color that REALLY COVERS gray hair and lasts! It's Real!

 
Professional color have now developed color lines will give you "absolute" coverage and no fading. Timing,  application and lighting is essential to achieve that natural blending from roots to ends.

Finally there is a real solution to color resistant gray hair. Drop me a note or call the salon and I'll be happy to book a consultation so that you can make an informed decisions on which color is best for the results you want.

Inspiration For a Color or Cut Makeover

Ready to go icy-white or platinum?  Maybe a blush pastel would be the next thing to try. Your whole head or highlights, tipping or balayage your ends. Color accent your fringy bangs.

The list goes on!

Your options are endless, when it comes to color blending long or short hair. Product choices can be permanent or temporary. You can go from dark to light gradually - which is best for all types of hair.

Gray hair can be enhanced to have a more finished brighter look instead of the haziness that has dulled out your natural hair color.

We all need some inspiration to move forward when it comes to our tresses. We always feel good when we wear the right new outfit. Hair is just sitting on your head ready and waiting for a change!

Do Supplements Affect Thinning Hair, They Might!

Supplements for stronger, healthier hair

The subject of using supplements or vitamins to improve the condition of your hair used to be a more controversial subject. Now that multiple research studies have been conducted with small groups over a period of weeks and months, there is anecdotal evidence that some supplements may affect specific aspects of hair health.

If you are experiencing thinning hair or see an alarming amount of hair in the shower or tub, have areas where your scalp is more visible including around natural parts, or shed hair periodically, you may be concerned as to whether all your hair is eventually going to continue thinning. 

“The causes of hair loss in elderly women may be multi-factorial. 

Among 100 adult women with diffuse hair loss in one study, probable causes were determined to be psychological stress (30%), fever (33%), abortion and delivery (21%), trauma or surgical operations (13%), and hypothyroidism (10%). More than 50 percent of women had more than one likely cause of hair loss while a cause could not be determined in six percent.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509882/

What To Do When You Notice Thinning Hair

The first thing you should do if you notice your hair is thinning is to speak with your physician. Hair loss can be a symptom of other conditions, including thyroid function, and vitamin D deficiency. It is important you rule out other conditions, and discuss with your doctor whether hair vitamin supplements are safe or might conflict with other medications.

While thinning hair and increased hair loss may be a normal and natural sign of aging, if there is an easy fix your doctor can help you with, jump on it before you lose more hair unnecessarily. As we age, lost hair is not alway replaced so keeping your hair healthy should be a priority.

When we talk about supplements that may improve the strength, volume and shine of your hair, there are three supplements that have been evaluated in research studies including, biotin, silica (or silicon), and Silicon is the second most abundant element on Earth, and the third most abundant trace element in human body. It is present in water, plant and animal sources. On the skin, it is suggested that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis and activation of hydroxylating enzymes, improving skin strength and elasticity.


Biotin can promote thicker hair growth and nice long nails

Silica is a vital property of collagen, the chemical that's responsible for strong and healthy hair, skin and nails. Silica should only be ingested in it’s edible form and can also be injected through food, some brands of mineral water, and herbal supplements like Horsetail. Silica is often recommended for prevention or treatment for adults with osteoporosis.

Herbs like Horsetail should be used with caution as it is a powerful diuretic and may not be suitable for individuals with advanced diabetes, kidney, bladder or other medical issues. Again, always talk to your physician before adding supplements and herbs as they can have power effects and possibly conflict with other medications you may be taking.

Research Studies Show Improvements

 “In 1972, two studies by two different research groups showed that silicon was an essential element in chickens and mice.16,17 These experiments demonstrated that nutritional deficiencies of silicon led to skeletal deformities such as abnormal skull and long bone structures, as well as malformed joints with cartilage poor content. Thus, an important role of silicon in bone mineralization was demonstrated.

After that, several studies showed silicon participation in different mechanisms, with positive results associated with higher concentrations of this element in the blood in patients with osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, skin aging and fragile hair and nails.” 

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC493827

This article was composed by guest blogger Rebecca Yeaman

COLOR! Not Sure What to Do?

At some point we feel it is time to change our hair color! Maybe it's the changing of a season or the job or what worked before isn't right now. For a long time you got lots of compliments, but now it's boring and routine. Could it also be your haircut? When comparing old pictures you realize that you haven't changed your hair cut or color in years?

If you can answer YES to one or more of the comments below, you need professional input to help you see the bigger picture and get started liking your hair again.

     - Not ready to make a major change or commitment to you hair color, maybe a subtle adjustment.
 
     - Don't want to see roots every five weeks?

     -Nervous about picking a box of color off the shelf at the grocery store? Been there done that!

    - Not sure if you want a lighter or darker tone or just a blending.

    - Can't decide whether to grow out your natural gray color, and how to accomplish that, without  
      going into hiding for the next six months.

Hair color and techniques for applying color have changed. Warmer blonds, creamy whites and platinum can be blended into natural or gray hair.  Makes a big difference in how you feel about going out in public. Framing the face with a lighter shade is a perfect option to add softness with out obvious streaks.

Severe Itchy or Flaking Scalp? Is it Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Dealing with dandruff (aka seborrheic dermatitis)

Seborrheic dermatitis is considered a type of eczema and commonly appears on the upper back, nose or scalp. On the scalp, it may appear as light dandruff or as a larger dry patch of flaky skin and may also cause itching. Other signs include:

• Redness on the skin or scalp,

• Moist, greasy or swollen skin,

• Light crusty flakes,

• Skin feels itchy or burns.

People of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis including infants where it is called “cradle cap”.  More men than women report having seborrheic dermatitis, but anyone can suffer one or more attacks.

The fungi that contribute to outbreaks belong in the yeast family No one knows what causes or triggers for seborrheic dermatitis, but it is not contagious. No one can catch it from touching you.

Treatments and cures for severe dandruff

There is no "cure" for seborrheic dermatitis, but treatments are available. Your physician or dermatologist will examine the affected areas, determine the cause and prescribe a topical or oral treatment. 

To reduce the frequency or length of an outbreak, avoid harsh chemicals on your hair. Keep hair moisturized. 

Ask your doctor about medicated shampoos to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis on the scalp. These shampoos work by reducing the number of yeast living on your scalp.

Always consult with a physician and have an appointment so your doctor can visually inspect and possibly take a small sample of dandruff from your scalp to properly diagnose your condition.

Never self-diagnose or use untested treatments which could have unexpected and potentially harmful side effects.

Dandruff What to do About It

Overview:

Everyone has dandruff--at least some form of that pesky, itchy, flaky annoyance occasionally or on a more regular basis. It can become frustrating when the flakes become obvious on that favorite dark shirt or sweater, let alone the feeling you want to scratch your head raw to get relief.

Theses flakes on your scalp are a natural shedding of skin that happens all over our body. By ignoring these obvious symptoms and annoyances you are allowing the scale to build up and become itchy.

The culprits causing this malfunction of the scalp are  usually found in our daily routine:
   
Hairspray, gels, mousse, dry shampoo and conditioners can all leave a residue clogging oil and
    sweat glands that are working 24/7 trying to evacuate toxins from our body!

    Shampoo has thickening agents that leave a coating that may not be noticeable at first, but
    combined with sprays and gels clog the pores blocking those natural salts and oils from
    traveling down the hair shaft where they belong.

Treatments and Cures:

   
    First: Try switching shampoos by alternating with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove chemical build up on the hair and scalp. Shampoo more often at least twice a week. More often is better. This washes away chemicals and toxins like chlorine.

    Second:  Use conditioner only on the ends keeping it off the scalp. Leave-in conditioners are perfect for long tresses.

    Third: If you feel dry patches try a coconut or olive oil treatment. Warm the oil in the microwave and apply to those areas for twenty minutes. Shampoo it out with a quality shampoo.

    Fourth: Dandruff shampoos with a zinc base are very effective and not stinky like tar shampoo or drying to the hair ...followed by a dandruff conditioner.

If your scalp itch persists after following some of these suggestions it maybe time to check with a dermatologist. It might be eczema or psoriasis.

 

 New Trends In Hair Color!

You may have noticed a big trend in hair color is to intentionally dye hair roots a darker or several darker shades than the rest of your hair.

This two-tone trend is sometimes referred to as “ombre” while darker or two-tone ends are often called “balayage” in the professional world of color.

You’ll see both of these trends on this year’s red carpets.

Balayage, is also known as hair painting. The contrasting hair color is painted on to create a graduated, natural-looking effect from end to root and is all about creating beautiful blends of multi-dimensional color. This technique is sometimes only applied to hair below the roots creating amazing highlights, while the crown or roots may be a darker complimentary color.

Before

Ombré is a very popular trend in hair color you’ll see everywhere right now. Open any magazine and nearly every celebrity has some degree of Ombré recognizable by hair that is darker at the root, and blends into a lighter shade as it reaches the ends. 

It is very important to use an experienced colorist for either or both of these techniques as choosing the right tone for your skin and matching the various colors can take a wrong turn. In other words, “DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME” unless of course you are willing to live with the results, good or bad.

After

Take a look at this before and after to see how the right color and colorist can turn gray into WOW!

Talk to your stylist about how these techniques will look on you with your style. 

Either look amazing on long hair but can also make an angled bob look fresh and contemporary. Regardless, as in any remodel, including your hair, talk to a professional.

Have questions about these techniques on your hair or thinking of going for a new style, give me a call at Boston Cutters Salon for Color at SE 17th and Hawthorne at (503) 239-7529. 

                                                                           

Why you should resist the temptation to cut your own bangs

Trimming your own bangs can lead to prolonged suffering

I think most of us have been there. Your hair is growing out from a cut, and your bangs are starting to:

1. Poke you in the eyes
2. Get in your food all the time
3. Developing a cowlick from hell
4. Half your bangs are curving to the left

And then one morning as you’re rushing through your standard routine, temptation strikes. You glance at the utility scissors, and the next thing you know, you’re reaching for them, and snip snip snip.

Now your bangs are shorter but they are still going in different directions and now there is no way to pretend they’re not the wrong kind of curvy and there is no more bangs to cut. All you can do is live with it until they grow out again.

What went wrong?

Typically when we cut our own bangs, we cut too much hair so that as it grows back it really doesn’t want to go down. It wants to go “over” to the side with the other hair because that is where it would be if we hadn’t chopped it so short. It’s like a plant reaching for the sun, but it’s on your head front and center.

Resist the urge - Put the scissors down

Let a professional cut your bangs. Did you know at Boston Cutters Salon for Color we trim your bangs for a nominal fee. We “get’ that you need your bangs cut in between color and style. It only takes 15 minutes so it’s not a big time commitment, and trust me/us it’s worth it because we are hair whisperers. We know what hair wants to do. We understand your hair’s behavior, good and bad, and how to work with it.

I’ve heard your tales and seen the results and they’re not as pretty as we keep trying to convince ourselves they are. Let us do our job and keep your bangs obedient and of course fabulous.

Want to be sure we can fit you in? Give us a call today.

Boston Cutters Salon for Color 503-239-7529

Chemicals in Water Changes Hair Color and Texture!

Taking a trip to the pool, hot springs, cabin, camping this summer? All these destinations have one thing in common. You will be submerging you hair into unknown waters! Hard water from unfiltered wells, sulphur, chlorine, sea salt, the list of minerals can go on with ways to play havoc with your hair and skin. Pack the appropriate shampoos and conditioners and treatments to get a head start on your maintenance.

Some Suggestions:

Clarifying shampoo: Good to keep on hand and use once a month to remove product build-up on scalp and     hairshaft.  Joico KPAK Clarifying Shampoo works really well without drying out ends.

Color  balancing shampoos:  Tressa Watercolors have ten shades that keep your salon color from fading with the right amount of color pigment. They come in shades for blondes, red heads and brown tones to keep brunettes from going brassy or that faded red/orange color.

Leave-in conditioners: A must before jumping in the pool or soaking in the hot tub and mineral pools at the hot springs.

These products protect and maintain your color, condition and scalp.

Marrakesh Oil: Soft Frizz Free Hair Without the Weight

I've got exciting news about a wonderful product called Marrakesh Oil, or as I call it the Frizz Killer.

Made from Argan and Hemp oils, you can apply it to either damp or dry hair. The elixir comes in three formula's each with its own scent.

My salon clients often tell me they avoid hair treatments that come in the form of an oil.

If you've experimented with leave-in conditioners you know how some can flatten your hair leaving it heavy and thinner looking. Many women tell me they don't use leave-in products or use oil therapy because they are concerned it will weigh their hair down.

One of really nice things about this product is you only use one or two drops. Pump out a drop onto your finger and apply lightly to ends, crown or all over for total frizz control. You'll see extra shine and softness which is so important for treated hair, and it's COLOR SAFE!

When we are shampooing our hair we're also washing the natural oils away leaving it dry, brittle and frizzy. We can add these natural oils back into our hair without the fear of flattening it. If your hair is very thin and fine, this might not be the product for you, but even clients who are experiencing naturally thinning hair that comes with age, report it didn't weigh their hair down but did make it soft and touchy.

Marrakesh Oil posts the following on their website:

PRODUCT CONTAINS NO: ANIMAL TESTING, ANIMAL INGREDIENTS, ALCOHOLS, PARABENS, GLUTENS, DYES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, THC, PETROLEUM, PHTHALATES

Most reviews of Marrakesh Oil report that they LOVE the scent but occasionally some report they find it a bit strong, but not unpleasant. I have it in the shop so you can come by and have a whiff to see what you think. I find the scent exotic, sultry but not overpowering,  you decide!

Stop by Boston Cutters Salon for Color on the corner of S.E. 17th & Hawthorne Blvd.

The Lob, perfect long layering.

Boston Cutters Salon for Color on Hawthorne

2016 is definitely the year of the Lob, the possibilities are endless!

The Lob comes is endless sizes, shapes and colors. It is a matter of how much you want to layer
your locks.

You can to keep your hair as long as you like. Layering corrects that flat shape in the crown and around your face.  Shaping and tapering straight hair builds volume whether you layer just two inches or eight inches. It is aways a surprise to see how much natural wave or curl can be achieved with the right product and scrunching while drying with or without a blow dryer.

Curly hair may not need volume, layering and finger curling (or twirling) while drying with a diffuser sets those waves so they don't frizz. Finishing with a shine serum or curl cream keeps your layers stay soft and in place.

The Lob is a great way to experiment with multiple color choices. It doesn't take a lot of time or expense to have a hint of highlights blended into those layers to show them off.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM GOING BRASSY

Love your bright highlights when you walk out of the salon? What happens? Why?

As your highlights start to grow out so does that cool ashy blond color fade. A number of things may contribute to this fading color. Swimming, water with chemicals in it, shampoo, conditioner, styling aids with yellow pigment can wear down your blond and leave a brassy, dull yellow that takes on a flat look, not what you want!
       
You can protect and maintain your preferred color and neutralize the dull yellow before it starts by using a blonding shampoo.

Try blue, silver or purple shampoos and conditioners. It is best to start using a blonding shampoo soon after your salon visit, using it twice a week. If it has been a month or more you could use it 3-4 times at first then back off to twice a week depending on how often you shampoo. Let the shampoo or conditioner sit on your hair for 5 minutes if possible depending on your shampooing frequency. You should see a difference immediately.

I have found a few that I like and recommend, Matrix So Silver,  Schwarzkoph Silver Shampoo,  Joico Color Balance Blue, and Tressa Violet Wash.

Clients Love The Fact That I Keep Detailed Appointment Records!

I keep detailed notes for each client.  Call it my little black book of hair.

The notes can include dates of service, color formulas, style goals, color correction records, and physical details of illnesses or other conditions that can affect hair growth or loss. 

I also capture client feedback. These notes become a tangible track record of hair services over the years.  The records help in a variety of ways:

1. As hair becomes gray, adjustments must be made to formulas to offset the changing     consistency of texture and color.
2. If color build-up has occurred, such as by use of home color kits, two or three stages of correction may be necessary over the course of multiple appointments.
3. If a client has a wedding or special event, and desires a certain style, we will select a photo representing that look and help them work toward the correct length and color to achieve it.
4. When metabolic or physical conditions affect hair growth, I explain why it is happening and note improvement in hair textures, colors, or retention.

Reviewing these notes prior to an appointment and reminding clients of previously stated goals is a perfect way to make the most of our valuable time together in the salon.

Transform Your Gray Hair into Rich Browns or Warm Blonde

When I have a client who wants to color their gray hair, I always ask about their color changes through the years. Their hair may have been a dark brown with clear peachy skin tones, but that has now changed. Before graying your natural hair color had a variety of color tones that were shades of that natural color that reflected light and never looked flat and dull. So the question is "how to create that same subtle blending?"

Over coloring from touch-up to touch-up can create that dull flat color that lacks softness, luster and shine and movement so often seen from home color application. When applying color it is hard to keep it just on the roots, I prevent this from happening by applying a protective product so the color pigment does not build-up creating that artificial look.  I very carefully blend some color where needed.  While the color is processing I monitor every section to create that blending effect. Our hair was never one solid color, it had a lighter shade around the face and darker in the nape because the texture and porosity varies all over our head.

The wrong color can make you look tired and bland, but the right color can make you look fresh, vibrant and much younger.

Protect your tresses with a UV protector

Hot weather, sun, water activities can really take a beating on your tresses, long or short.
There are some great UV products available for skin and hair.  Here are a few suggestions.
 Just like your skin, hair needs daily moisturizing.  Add a drop to the palms of your hands and run through your ends, even if you are just pulling your hair back in a knot or ponytail!

PLANNING THE PERFECT HAIR STYLE FOR YOUR WEDDING

One of the biggest decisions to make after selecting your dress is how to wear your hair.
Will you be wearing a veil, hat, or some type of accessory like a hair band, clip, comb or fresh flower?

If your hair is at least shoulder length an up-do can be created into a chignon, twist, braid or ponytail. Half up in a chignon, half down in loose curls. Anyone of these can give a sophisticated or romantic look.

Short hair can be swept up on one side with comb and hair jewelry. The right accessory can add that dramatic or romantic look placed just behind the ear, a half hidden barrett or a carefully matched extension.

Plan your hair color and haircut appointment at least one week before the big day. Bring a photo of your dress, any hair accessories and pictures of hairstyles you are considering.

Find a stylist who will take the time to try different styles and ideas, this is not the time to feel rushed!

Add Shine and Repair Dry Thirsty Ends!

One of my favorite products I reach for when I start working with long hair, especially before a color application, is BC Repair Rescue-Sealed Ends. I smooth out the cuticle layer immediately with a small amount applied to the dry ends even before brushing through. Dull dry ends start feeling better instantly. After the color service is complete I apply it again.

This intensive cream/serum seals and prevents tangles and split ends. perfect for everyday on straight, curly or frizzy ends. If you flat iron your hair and want to freshen up the next day this restores the shine and smooth feel.

I always have Sealed Ends in stock. Please stop by the salon for a sample and I will show you how to
apply it, takes only a minute!

Lighten Up, Going from Dark to Lighter Tones

Time to Lighten-up?

Have you been a medium or dark brown color fighting gray roots for so long that you're feeling a little bored and trapped in the same old touch-up routine, and don't know what to do?

There are very subtle ways to lighten up that one solid color, with transitional highlights. I like to weave very fine strands of a lighter color throughout your hair giving a dimensional look that catches light and makes the hair look fuller, shiny and healthier.

There are techniques to accomplish this no matter the length or thickness of your hair. These highlighted strands show off the natural waves of curly hair or the sleek look of straight hair.

The greatest benefit about this technique is that there is no touch-up commitment! It grows out gradually and subtly or can be done again to lift your over all color another shade each time achieving that lighter brown color.

Hair trends for 2015

Every year haircuts and colors take a swing in new directions.  It might be something totally new and fresh or it may be revisiting and revising a past popular trend with a new twist to freshen it up.  This year is no different!  

These are four main color trends that seem to be picking up momentum this year.

The Rombre --  'The red  ombre'   Adding  a red overlay on top of faded ombre from last year is a wonderful up-date to deepen and enrich ombre hair.  Or adding an amber glaze over faded ombre ends to produce a shiny rich deep caramel blonde.

Highlights -- Bold ribbons of color and contrast return from the 90's compared to blended all-over subtle color. Many ways to achieve this effect.  It might be the new vivid colors like amethyst, copper or plum.  Or a few strands along the hairline in two shades lighter than your natural color.

Babylights --  For blonds only.  Very fine highlights all over the head with lighter pieces at hairline to create that natural sun-kissed color of a child's hair.

Men's lowlights --  Subtle blending in natural browns to look a lot less gray.

Not ready to make a major change? There are ways to ease into a new look with a plan of action.  A consultation is a great way to learn possible options, look at color swatches and style magazines.