The list of hair disasters we often do to locks is almost infinite. Those who are addicted to experimenting with homemade hair trimming and coloring can tell us a lot about the unfortunate results of various beauty sessions. However, there’s no need to shy away of sculpting adventures, just make sure you keep these 6 simple tips to fix hair disasters at hand.

1. Choppy Bangs Disaster

• Don’t panic if you’ve trimmed your fringe and happened to cut it too short. There’s a stylish and quick fix for your beauty disaster. Brush your bangs to the side and use a cute bobby pin to secure the locks. In order to keep locks in the perfect spot, apply a tiny amount of styling cream with an oily texture. This formula will soften the locks and makes styling way more easy. Finish up styling your bangs with a blow dryer to seal the effect of the styling cream.

2. Dry Hair Disaster

• Lifeless locks can ruin your look, especially if you over-use the blow dryer and other heated appliances. In order to solve this beauty disaster, it is highly recommended to apply a leave-in-conditioner on your tresses.

  Leave at least 5 minutes for the formula to penetrate into the depth of your hair follicles. Keep in mind the fact that the crown section dries the fastest. Therefore, start the drying process with the lower strands and leave the delicate areas for the end. This secret will help you keep frizz at bay.

3. Oily Hair Disaster

• Greasy locks scream for a lifesaving beauty fix. In order to preserve the revitalized condition of your tresses all you have to do is use a conditioner.

  The secret to success is in the way you’ll apply this common hair care product. Work your way up on the strands and make sure you massage the conditioner into the locks uniformly. If your hair is extremely greasy, skip applying any conditioner on the roots. An extra tip would be also to keep away of frizz serums and hot-oil treatments along with combined shampoos.

4. Super-Fine and Limp Hair Disaster

• In order to bring out the most of your super-fine strands it is important to pay special attention to styling. Besides using volumizing products, it is also important to keep in mind the fact that it is highly recommended to towel-dry tresses first and then start the blow-drying process. Furthermore, you can also boost the volume of your locks by tying your strands in loose braids or a bun before going to bed. Apply a tiny amount of mousse on your hair beforehand and notice the dazzling result of your beauty session in the morning.

5. Overprocessed Hair Disaster

• The solution to this hair disaster is super-simple if you’re ready to take up the fight against deterioration. Hair gurus recommend the use of organic coconut oil, yogurt and egg masks to restore the flawless condition of your tresses. Massage the hair pack into your locks to take full advantage of the revitalizing effect of natural recipes. In addition to this beauty ritual you must also apply a tiny amount of olive oil on your dry and frizzy strands. Do this at least twice a week to repair the harsh damages.

6. Blonde Hair Gone Green Disaster

• Blonde hair is extremely vulnerable. Therefore, it is a must to pay attention to your shade. Excessive exposure to the rays of the sun along with chlorinated water can do great damages to your hair color. Once the disaster happened, you can use ketchup to restore the fabulous shade of your tresses. Massage ketchup into your hair and leave it on for 25-30 minutes, finally rinse it off with tepid water. The red pigments will neutralize the green ones.

Throughout special events and occasions, when the parties are back to back, who has time to wash and restyle each day? If you take a few precautions, you can extend the life of your blowout for days.

• Make a fresh start.  Tell the stylist you want your style to last. The scalp and hair should be shampooed and rinsed thoroughly so hair feels clean—not slippery. Work a dime-size blob of conditioner through the ends only; heavy moisturizers weigh hair down.

• Choose products wisely. Creamy pomades and shine serums should be used sparingly. If you must use a silicone serum to tame frizz, apply it to the hair shaft rather than the roots. It’s fine to use mousse or volumizing spray near the scalp—these contain alcohol, which can actually help absorb excess oil. Use half the amount you normally would to avoid buildup, which can make hair look dirty.

• Protect yourself. When you are washing your face and applying creams, pull your hair back off your face tightly to ensure that skin-care products don’t touch the hairline.

• Perk it up. At the first sign of grease, spray your part and hairline with an aerosol dry shampoo. Brush the product through your hair vigorously, because it can leave a white residue. To boost limp hair, spritz a volumizing spray at the roots, then blast with a blow-dryer for lift. Tame strays with a straightening iron.

The difference between semipermanent and permanent hair color is how long you want the color to last and how much of a change you want.

If you’re looking to subtly deepen your natural hair color or add a layer of color (such as a red tone on brown hair), a semipermanent color is your best option. Keep in mind semipermanents darkenhair. Because they don’t contain ammonia or peroxide, semipermanent color can’t lighten hair.

Semipermanent color washes out over a period of time (six to 12 shampoos, depending upon the formula), so if you don’t like the color you don’t have to live with it for too long. Another benefit of semipermanent color: Because the color is temporary, you won’t have to deal with noticeable roots.

Want a longer-lasting option? Consider a demipermanent color which, like semipermanent color, deepens and intensifies your natural color but won’t lighten hair. The difference is demipermanent color lasts 12-26 washes, depending on the formula.

If you want a more dramatic change (two or more shades darker or lighter than your natural hair color), a permanent coloris a better option.

Permanent hair color contains a blend of peroxide and ammonia and removes pigment from hair while also depositing new color.

Looking to cover gray hairs? Permanent color is the way to go.  It won’t wash out and instead has to grow out. You’ll need to re-touch roots every six to eight weeks.

Aveda introduces its new hair care line, Invati. We here at Elements now carry, the new and very green products that are especially developed for thinning hair, dry scalp and hair loss. The hair care line is said to reduce hair loss by 33% in just 12 weeks and is 97% natural. Save for daily use!

3 steps, 3 products, Aveda is tapping into a market for those who seek a natural solution for their thinning and hair loss problem, while also giving relief for dry scalps.

Made with the revitalizing Densiplex complex, ( a mix of selected herbs, turmeric and ginseng ) the shampoo, conditioner and scalp revitalizer are developed with modern scientific technology with Aveda’s famous Ayurvedic ingredients.

Step 1 is the Exfoliating Invati Shampoo: Gently exfoliates and cleanses the scalp. By unclogging the pores and removing excess sebum, the hair renwal is stimulated by leaving the scalp clean and fresh. $24.00

Step 2, Invati Thickening Conditioner: soy protein, sugar beet and arginine with organic kukui nut oil for fabulous shining hair. The conditioner works from the inside out, penetrates the shaft for thicker hair. $24

Step 3, The Scalp Revitalizer: A mix of vitamin E’, turmeric and ginseng. Developed to speed up the process by using this product twice a day, stimulating the hair follicles by massaging the revitalizer in circular motion directly onto the scalp. $60

Powerful technology meets mother nature, the new Invati hair care line by Aveda. Available now at Elements Spa & Salon.

Come to experience Elements. Stay to discover Refuge…

Elements Spa and Salon brings Yoga and Pilates Refuge to Waikiki starting this February. Classes are to experience Hatha Yoga and Pilates (mat).

Price – $10 per class or purchase Elements package for $75 or more and receive one free Yoga or Pilates class.

Time – Sundays (starting February) 6:30pm to 7:30pm

2/5 – Yoga

2/12 – Pilates

2/19 – Yoga

2/26 – Pilates

Location – Elements Spa and Salon – 1726 Kapiolani Blvd,  Ste 206 (2nd floor).  Honolulu Hi 96814.   Text or call 808-381-9618 for more details.

You probably see all sorts of shampoo or conditioner ads that claim to fix split ends, but let’s start by acknowledging the fact that the only way to fix split ends is to cut them off. You can’t mend split ends, but you can trim them away and give the hair a chance to grow out again under more favorable conditions.

Preventing Split Ends

On the other hand, you can prevent split ends to some extent by keeping your hair from drying out. The main causes of split ends are time and dryness. Drying and aging hair tends to become brittle and break: keeping it in good shape can hold split ends at bay longer than usual, so treating your hair with kindness is a good rule.

Ethnic Hair can be prone to more split ends

African American women often have a tougher time keeping the split ends away: their hair tends to be thinner and fragile, easily damaged. Keeping breakage to a minimum involves avoiding heat, permanent or straightening fluids and daily styling with irons or hair driers. Coloring hair weakens its structure and makes it even weaker, so that women with black hair who want to use colorants run the risk of thinning their hair or winding up with bald spots.

African American hair demands extra gentle treatment and frequent conditioning with rich emollients such as shea butter or coconut oil. These natural remedies are also ideal for keeping the scalp healthy. Keeping Black hair in its natural state is healthiest—forget straighteners or colors and your hair will be stronger and shinier. Tight braids can also damage your hair and may even damage the roots, which can cause you to lose your hair in places, so keep it loose as possible. If you must color your hair, go for henna, which smoothes the hair shaft and deposits the color atop the hair instead of opening the cuticle and adding the color inside the hair. Henna doesn’t last quite as long as chemically-based permanent colors, but it actually makes hair healthier when you use it: other colors make it weaker.

No forever solution to stop spilt ends for occurring

Eventually, all hair will develop split ends if it isn’t cared for properly. Most hair experts recommend getting a trim every 6-8 weeks, so ends don’t have a chance to dry out and split. The beauty of your hair really shows when it’s shiny, glossy and thick. Keeping the tips trimmed is protection from further damage: split ends tend to work their way up the hair shaft as it sustains further damage over time. The solution to split ends is to act quickly: don’t skip the trip to the salon, or get your hair stylist to teach you how to trim your own hair if you don’t like to go in that often.

Breakage and Frizzy Hair Texture is Not from Split Ends!

Don’t mistake frizzies for split ends. If your hair looks frumpy or frowsy, the ends might be just fine, but the hair shaft is roughed up from humidity in the air or dryness from harsh shampoos. If you’ve had your ends trimmed but still see a fuzzy halo around your hair, try using one of the new hair smoothing treatments. Usually consisting of a solution of dimethicone, these smoothers add a gloss to your hair that makes it shiny and more manageable. They don’t really do anything to nourish or improve your hair, but they coat the hair the same way furniture polish makes your tables look shiny, and they wash out with each shampoo.

Available in an endless variety of styles, brooches are versatile accessories that can give your outfit that extra touch. Contrary to what you may think, brooches don’t have to be something that you pin on a sweater and call it a day. You can rock a brooch in an unexpected way with these creative suggestions.

1. Accent a Headband

   Bring some life to a fabric headband by simply attaching a brooch. Smaller brooches look elegant when placed off to the side, while large brooches make excellent centerpieces. If you want a gypsy inspired look, attach a brooch to the center of a turban headband.

2. Create a Necklace

   Combine a brooch with a short scarf to create a one-of-a-kind necklace. The secret is in the placement – connect the ends of a scarf with a brooch, and you have an instant necklace. You’ll look artsy and unique with this interesting take on accessories.

3. Compliment a Hat

   Whether you’re wearing a beret or a floppy hat, attaching a brooch will top your outfit off. Choose a brooch that harmonizes with your clothing, whether it be through coordinating colors or similar motifs. This will give you a flowing wave of style from head to toe.

4. Style a Scarf

   If you want to add a little flair to your outfit, pin a brooch at the end of a scarf. Pay attention to the balance of patterns, colors and prints; simpler brooches go well with floral or plaid scarves, while ornate brooches are more appropriate for solid colors.

5. Intensify a Hairdo

   Who says a brooch has to be pinned to items? You can mix it up by using it as a hair accessory. When you’re done getting ready, carefully attach the brooch to your hair for a fresh new look. You’ll look glamorously vintage if you wear one with an uptight bun, or classy and elegant with a low, sleek ponytail.

Whether you get caught in a downpour or a three year old throws your favorite shoes into a swimming pool, at some point your shoes will have water damage. The important thing is to know how to save your shoes from water damage. It can be done.

Take these easy steps and you have a great shot at making sure your favorite pair of boots or loafers live to walk another day.

1. Cleaning the Insoles of Shoes Damaged by Water

The first thing you want to do when your shoes have water damage is to remove the insoles (assuming your shoes have removable insoles). If you think they can take a spin in the washing machine then give it a shot, but if they’re just wet, hang dry them in the laundry room. Never put them in the dryer though. We don’t want any direct heat on any part of the shoes.

2. Removing Dirt and Mud from Water-Damaged Shoes

The next thing you need to do is to remove any dirt or mud. Take a stiff brush and clean everything off of them. If it’s mud, you might have to dab and then wipe them down with a rag first, and then really use the brush to get inside of the nooks and crannies. Especially where the leather meets the sole. That is a prime area that dirt and residue will gather.

3. Dry Soaked Shoes with a Newspaper

After you have them somewhat free of any dirt or grime, get a newspaper. Wad up smaller pieces and then stuff your shoes full. Yes, even use the sports page — don’t be bashful. The newspaper will draw out any moisture in your shoes and attempt to save them. Again, we don’t want any direct heat on any part of the shoe so don’t put them over a heater or in the dryer. It will dry out the leather and lead to cracking and ruin the shoe.

Now, have a little patience and let your shoes dry on their own — they’ll be good as new in no time. If you have sneakers that are really dirty and nothing else works, I’ve been known to throw them in the washing machine for a spin. I figure a good pair of running shoes has one good wash in them.

If you have nice leather or suede shoes, make sure you are protecting them with a suede or leather spray before going out into any harsh weather. That will make cleaning and getting them back to normal a snap.

Unfortunately, the neck seems to age faster than any other part of the body, and while there are some definite reasons for it, most of them are neglect. Here are some ways to slow down the aging while making the throat appear years younger.

• A lot of women apply foundation to the neck area as well as to the face. If this is one of your habits, be sure that you don’t forget that it is there when you remove your makeup at night. It’s easy to do after a long night on the town and you can barely keep your eyes open. Believe it or not, a lot of people completely forget to cleanse the neck when all thoughts are on hitting the sheets. This is just another reason why necks often appear grey and dull. 
• A youthful neck also requires gentle exfoliation. This can be accomplished with a soft washcloth. 
• Use a sunblock on the neck area to protect it from the aging rays that can contribute to blotchy skin tones and age spots. 
• While this isn’t a permanent fix, applying moisturizer to the area, will definitely help to make the the wrinkles less noticeable.   A regular application of moisturizer will also prevent itching and dryness which is common in the neck area of someone with eczema. 
• You can relax the tension in your neck, jaw and face by simply pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth for a few seconds. Release and you should feel the tension drain away. 
• Try to eat as well as you possibly can. It is commonly accepted that refined foods like white flour, sugar and products made with them, tea, coffee, and soft drinks contribute to wrinkles, and premature aging. 
• What to do about turkey necks? You know what I’m talking about… the neck that suddenly has loose skin and lots of lines. Luckily, chokers are answer and there are so many to choose from. And in case you are wondering, they are always in fashion as they are so often updated.  A word of caution though… don’t wear the choker too tightly around the neck.

Of course you want to look your best on your wedding day — and your groom does, too! Prepare yourself and your sweetie by devising a complete regimen of hair, skin, and health care as soon as you start your planning. Some simple dos and don’ts will help you develop your beauty calendar.

• Never get a “new” haircut or change your hairstyle right before your wedding. Not only do you run the risk of “looking like a stranger in your own hair,” but you might wind up hating your new coif and feeling miserable on your big day.
• Getting a facial on the day of your wedding, or anytime close to it, is also ill-advised. Most professional facials involve rigorous cleansing methods that can leave skin looking blotchy, reddened, or even damaged for a few days to a week afterward. If you want a facial, schedule it at least a week or two in advance.
• Do not use tanning the day of or the day before the wedding.
• Wax facial hair in advance; this harsh treatment may cause temporary irritation and blotchiness on your otherwise radiant visage.

Facials, waxes, artificial tans, and drastic haircuts aside, there is no proper or improper way to pamper yourself on your wedding day. If you feel confident in your ability to style your own hair, apply your own cosmetics and do your own nails, there’s no need to make a trip to the salon. Of course, if you’re anything at all like the majority of brides, you’ll reach for the security of professional stylists come wedding day.

Hair, Beautiful Hair!

As a bride, you have choices. Of course, you can do your hair yourself, or you can hire someone to do it for you — live it up, you are the bride! Depending on who you select to do your hair on the wedding day, you may have to go to the stylist’s salon, or you can find a stylist to come to the comfort and convenience of your home/hotel. Whatever option you choose, pay attention to some basic hair dos:

• Make an appointment to consult with your hairdresser or hired stylist a few months before.
• Schedule a trial run. Bring your headpiece and ask the stylist to try a few options.
• Ask the hairdresser if he/she can come to you. How much extra would this cost? Do you have to pay more for work that runs over-time, and how much?
• Make sure the hairdresser knows exactly where and when to meet you.
• Wear a button-down shirt when getting your hair styled. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re going to have to cut yourself out of your favorite shirt, or ruin your hair pulling your shirt over your head.

Put on a Happy Face

Like your hairdresser, a professional makeup artist can help you feel more confident or give you a completely new look. Even if you’re already satisfied with your daily makeup selection and application skills, you may want to try something different for your wedding day. A professional makeup artist will ensure you have that wedding day glow without looking overly made up or overdone. It is important that you look and feel comfortable in your own skin. Ultimately, you want to look a little more glamorous. Here are some makeup dos:

• Schedule a consultation with a trusted makeup artist in your price range.
• Go in for a practice session (trial run), just so there are no surprises on the day.
• If you like the makeup application, make an appointment for the day of your wedding.
• Ask if the makeup artist can come to you? If yes, how much would this service cost?

Nails

Even if you’ve always considered manicures to be frivolous, you might want to make an exception for your wedding day. Well-manicured nails and beautiful hands are another part of the complete bridal beauty package. If your regular routine includes caring for your nails, and that is your preferred look, then you shouldn’t need any special attention — just make an appointment with your emery board! However, if you are interested in a little something extra, here are some options for beautifying your hands:

• A French manicure accents the white half moons at the tips of your fingernails and gives them a high buff. This option costs a little more but is well worth the time and expense.
• Acrylics provide real-looking nails. If you’re a biter, this is the way to go.
• A standard manicure shapes and polishes the nails.
• As for colors, stick with subtle shades such as sheer pink or off-white. Stay away from the fire-engine reds and the offbeat bright or super-dark shades; these colors might be fun for the honeymoon, but they would probably raise eyebrows during the ceremony.