Have you ever noticed that sometimes your hair just feels weighed down, extra greasy, or just won’t behave itself? Have you been in a pool lately, and do you notice that it’s tough to comb through your hair? Well, maybe it’s time to clarify!

Stuff builds up on your hair, all kinds of stuff. Hairsprays, mousses, and gels; hard water and mineral deposits; chlorine and chemicals from swimming pools; even the waxes and moisturizers in some shampoos and conditioners can leave build up on your hair over time. This build up can cause hair to appear dull, heavy, greasy, and limp. A clarifying shampoo can help remove those deposits, give your hair a fresh start, and restore shine.

How often should you clarify?
The answer to this question depends on how much your hair goes through on a daily basis. If you use a lot of hair products or have very hard water you may find it helpful to clarify weekly or even twice per week. Swimmers that are in the pool everyday may need to clarify even more often. But, if you use minimal hair products or have soft water you may only need to clarify as little as every other month. I would say that the average person should clarify their hair 1-2 times per month.

How do you clarify?
Using a clarifying shampoo is really no different than using any other shampoo, with just a few tweaks. Start with a nickle to quarter sized amount of clarifying shampoo and work it into your scalp only with light massage for a good 60 seconds. Depending on the amount of build up and oils on your hair, the shampoo may not lather very much, but that’s okay. Rinse very well.

Next, take a smaller amount of shampoo (the more hair you have, the more you’ll need to use, but typically no more than a quarter sized amount) and work the shampoo through your hair. You should notice lots of suds. Now, let the shampoo sit all sudsy on your head for a minute or two (now would be a good time to shave your legs). Letting the shampoo sit will help release the product build up. Then rinse really, really well. If your hair is in particular need of a clarifying treatment, this step can be repeated.

Condition your hair as you normally do. You may need to use a bit more conditioner than usual, as the clarifying shampoo does not have moisturizers that your regular shampoo may have.

Which clarifiers are the best?
Most professional product lines have a clarifying shampoo as do many over the counter product lines. They all work very similarly. AVEDA carries a great clarifying shampoo (Shampure) that is gentle enough to use everyday and is color safe. Your hair stylist may have a favorite brand, or may be able to recommend a clarifying shampoo that will work best for your hair type and situation.

Can I clarify my hair if I color my hair?
Yes. However, using a clarifying shampoo on colored hair too often can cause your hair color to fade faster. So, it’s best to clarify colored hair no more than once a month and definitely do not clarify your hair within the first few weeks of a fresh color.

What if my hair is still misbehaving?
If you notice that the clarifying shampoo just isn’t working, especially if you’re a regular swimmer or have a lot of hard water build-up, it may be time for a stronger treatment by your hair stylist.

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.