posts tagged as: beauty
Lustrous Locks
Everyone desires to have a full, healthy, head of hair. Not only do ‘shiny lustrous locks’ add a lot to your beauty profile, they also reflect a lot about your overall health.
Many people mistakenly think that hair-health only involves their topical and outer routine. In actuality, having lovely hair mainly involves having a balanced lifestyle, healthy diet, and general good health.
There are many facets to consider when addressing your hair health. Assess your individual lifestyle and see which areas you might need to enhance to create changes. Treatment is very specific to the cause. General hair-care-tips outlined below should be followed by everyone.
Below are some basic guidelines to get you started:
HAIR LOSS CAUSES:
1) Hormones: Male pattern baldness is associated with testosterone and heredity. Women who experience unusual baldness can also have a problem with testosterone. Women can also experience hormonal changes during pregnancy that cause hair loss and changes during and after the birth. Undiagnosed hypothyroidism is a big cause of hair loss, especially in women. Have your hormones checked if you suspect that the above are the cause of your hair loss.
2) Sudden Weight Loss
3) Anemia: Iron deficiency is more common than most people think. If you are a menstruating woman and have long periods, consider getting additional iron in your diet and supplementation if necessary. This is one cause of hair loss that is more common than others.
4) Lack of Sleep and Chronic or Severe Stress
5) Skin allergies: Some skin problems effect the scalp and can cause general or patchy hair loss.
6) Chemical allergies: Many commercial shampoos have toxic ingredients and detergents that many people react to in the form of hair loss. These also can strip the hair and scalp of natural oils. This also applies to hair colors and dyes.
7) Intestinal Parasites, Malnutrition, Malabsorption: Infection with parasites can cause malnutrition since the micro-organisms are eating from your food source. Malnutrition and malabsorption in general can come from many causes. A few are: side effect of medications, consuming too much processed foods, over eating spicy foods, not eating enough food, anorexia, and other intestinal and digestive disorders.
8) Side-Effect of Medication or Chemotherapy
9) Over exposure to chlorine or other environmental pollutants
10) Poor Circulation
11) Severe illness or recent surgery
12) Heredity
***Thinning hair and sudden hair loss can be symptoms of a serious disease. If this applies to you, visit your doctor for more thorough analysis and specific treatment.
GENERAL HAIR-CARE TIPS:
1) Circulation: Increase circulation to your scalp. Many yoga postures can assist in this. You can also use a slant board or massage your scalp daily with your finger tips while washing your hair or during the day. There are many essential oils that can be put into your shampoo or as an occasional treatment to help to increase circulation. Rosemary essential oil is one of the best choices.
2) Brushes and Combs: Use natural bristled brushes and wide toothed combs. Stay away from nylon bristles. Be gentle when combing/brushing your hair, especially when it is wet. If you have tangles, use a wide toothed comb and detangle from the bottom up.
3) Hot and Cold: Do not ever put hot water on the crown of your head. Try to avoid this area if you blow-dry your hair or use a cooler setting. Protect your hair and scalp from the elements. Severe cold weather or hot sunshine can dry your hair out. Use extra conditioner, do intense conditioning, and occasional oil treatment to keep moisture in. Make sure to massage your scalp after lengthy ‘hat-wearing’ as the scalp. Hats protect the scalp from the elements but also can create reduced oxygen to the scalp which can produce itchy scalp and other problems.
4) Diet and Digestion: Avoid soda, over consumption of alcohol, processed foods, spicy foods, meat with hormones, and overeating. Make sure you are getting a balanced diet of whole foods and vegetables that you can digest. More is not better! Don’t overeat! Make sure that you are having healthy elimination of what you eat and that you get checked for nutritional deficiencies if you believe there is cause for concern. If you are vegetarian, take extra care to get enough protein in your diet.
5) Nutrients: All nutrients need to be in balance for healthy hair. The most important ones are: Zinc, IRON, Biotin, B-Vitamins, Essential Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Primrose, Etc..) and Silica. Make sure you are getting proper amounts of these from your diet. If not, consult an appropriate source about the right supplementation for you.
6) Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling Products:
-Use natural hair products as often as possible. Alternate shampoos and conditioners to prevent build up. Even natural shampoos can be stripping so try to not wash your hair everyday and do nourishing scalp treatments with oil or intense conditioner at least 2x month and more often if your scalp is dry or flaky.
-Use natural leave in conditioners if you blow dry your hair to maintain moisture balance and protect your hair from heat damage. There are many different types to try. A spray leave in is better if your hair is thicker and a lotion leave in is better to create volume if you have thinner hair. One trick is to put the leave in conditioner in your hair and let your hair dry naturally, this will allow the hair to absorb the moisture. My current favorite leave-in-conditioner is: Giovanni: Vitapro Fusion Protective Moisture Leave-In-Hair-Treatment.
- Make sure to change your hair care routine with the seasons and according to different destinations you travel to. Indoor heating in the winter can dry out hair and requires very different hair products than a vacation in a humid climate.
7) Relaxation and Sleep: I can’t emphasize enough how important getting proper sleep and relaxation is for your overall beauty including your hair! Often times it’s enough to just realize you are tense and remind yourself to ‘relax’ your scalp, and your scalp will ‘relax’. Sleep allows your entire body to rejuvenate and regulate. Since hair is a reflection of your overall health, the more adequate rest you are getting the more likely your entire system will reflect this. Take 5-10 minutes minimum during a busy day to lay down flat and relax. Rest is important for skin health too, and remember that your scalp is part of your skincare routine!
posted tuesday, november 8, 2011 by dr. karuna
tagged as: beauty
Big Bag- Little Game Changers.
The great thing about Big Bags is how much they can hold especially when one is running around the city from work to dinner etc. There are a few key items I believe every gal should keep in her bag that can be total game changers when it comes to ones upkeep throughout the day.
1) Goody Hair Spirals: these little gems are amazing because they make soft chignons, or really any other type of casual up-do’s so quick and easy. Plus, when you take them out they don’t leave any band marks and depending on your hair type, they might even create a nice bit of wave.
2) Mini Barber comb: I had always thought these were just for boys with short hair until Nina told me to get one to use on my bangs, which have a tendency to separate and do their own thing throughout the day, but with one little swipe the barber comb whips them back into place.
3)Dry Shampoo: Perfect for end of the day touch ups especially if you have a scalp that tends to run on the oily side like mine. Now I have tried practically every dry shampoo out there, and the winner hands down is Bumble and Bumbles Hair Powder (again recommended by Nina). It lasts way longer than any other dry shampoo. I can apply it once I’m good to go for the evening with out needing to reapply. It is available in brunette, Noir, rouge, and clear. This is fantastic because I found that dry shampoos tend to lighten my roots (which is not the effect I want with my dark brown hair). The brunette hair powder actually makes my hair look fuller, and gives it extra volume on top, which is amazing for me because my hair has a tendency to fall flat. The final bonus is that its available in a mini travel size, perfect to through in your bag.
4) Friction Stick by Bandaid: As soon as you feel friction forming/the start of a blister simply whip out this little stick and apply. The friction stick kind of looks and feels like a mini deodorant stick. It goes on clear and stops blisters by creating an invisible protectant layer. I have found it to be a super effective.
5) Mini lint roller: Because nothing ruins a beautiful outfit quicker than lint, hair or fuzz….
6) A few small safety pins: I love love safety pins, they are the best emergency clothing fixer up there is!
posted sunday, october 31, 2010 by trinity
tagged as: beauty, friction stick, hair spirals, Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder
Nina Luz Picon
Nina, is a very talented Hair & Makeup Artist who is the newest addition to Illumé . She is a true delight and does everything from salon styling, cutting and coloring, to house calls, to makeup applications/lessons and consultations. She’ll even make over your makeup bag for you. I picked her brain so you all could get to know her. Here are my Q’s and her A’s.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your approach/philosophy and why you love what you do?
A: We can’t live on the wash and go look alone. Nor do we have time in our rapid schedule to sit under a hair dryer for an hour daily (although it does come out sooo luxurious!) Yet we owe it to ourselves to maintain a balanced look that can be adjusted with our every occasion (or let’s be honest) emotion from day to night.
Being a part of the Cosmetology industry for over 10 yrs, I have worked with many types of clients. Women in the workforce, moms, models, actors, looking to alter their look without altering their personality. Under my guidance clients have flourished in understanding what works best for them. Getting trapped in routines gets the best of us, but as time moves on we must be aware and open to change.
The slightest details in a color palette for makeup or the proper hair product to maintain the look you desire will get you noticed and complimented. Your look will be polished and refined. We all know how renewed it feels to have a new cut but once home how do you style it? These are the consultations and tutorials that I walk my clients through that help messy air dried hair turn into a beachy waved goddess.
I believe in enhancing your natural assets and staying true to yourself. With a hair and makeup routine that organically fits we can bring the woman peering from the edge into the spotlight; glowing, confident and prepared.
Q: What do you think about Natural/organic/paraben free makeup and what brands out there do you recommend?
A: Do your best but don’t obsess. Everyone should be looking for the healthiest option available. Natural, organic, and botanical based lines are an intelligent choice- Bare Essentials/Minerals and Josie Maran are lines I use daily mixed in with some of my old school favorites.
Q: What’s your favorite hair product that everyone should have? What about natural hair products? Are there any you can recommend?
A: Hands down a conditioner- it can reconstruct, heal and enhance any hair texture to its optimal natural state. Phyto offers amazing conditioning masks and scalp treatments; keeping the scalp and cuticle nourished is key for shiny, luxurious hair that behaves.
Q: Do you have a quick general hair tip for bad hair days or when someone is in rush to get out the door?
A: Spritz roots with dry shampoo (Klorane: gentle dry shampoo w/ oat milk) to absorb any dirt and oil; it will also boost tired strands & create texture. For longer styles or a polished finish; finger comb hair into a low off centered ponytail at nape of neck, twist around into a chignon (bun) secure w/ bobby pins. A chignon is the chameleon hairstyle; edgy, classic, fun; professional and you’re out the door.
Q: Do you have any tips for dry or damaged hair, or to prevent dry or damaged hair for those who are blow drying or straight ironing their hair on a regular basis?
A: Ironically the best way to conceal dry damaged hair from blow drying/ ironing is to use Heat! Investing in your tools is essential. Your blow dryer should have at least 1800 watts. The flat iron needs a ceramic plate. The higher the quality your tools the quicker the process the less time damaging your hair- be sure to use a straightening balm and heat protectant spray. ( ABBA thermal Protect Spray)
Q: What's a quick an easy make up trick to change your look from day to night?
A: Color & mascara: most day palettes are soft and neutral so to add a bit of POP for a night time look add a splash of color! A wash over your eyelids, a surprising lipstick or thicker liner all emphasize a more playful look. Mascara works as a beautiful eye opener at the end of a long work day- finish with a gloss that will catch light and plump lips.
9) Q: Is their a good way or simple way to test what color lipstick is going to look best on an individual?
A: Look at a palette. What jumps at you? Try that first and then you can tone it down or brighten it up. Instinct can always be adjusted to perfection.
posted tuesday, october 19, 2010 by trinity
tagged as: beauty, Inspiration, Interview, Nina Luz Picon, Hair and Makeup tips
Get Inspired
"The point is to look properly. See the colors: white, black, blue, yellow, red, green, purple. Look. This is your world! You can't not look. There is no other world. This is your world; it is your feast. You inherited this; you inherited these eyeballs; you inherited this world of color. Look at the greatness of the whole thing. Look! Don't hesitate - look! Open your eyes. Don't blink, and look - look further." - Chogyam Trungpa
Inspiration in life, creativity, health, love, fashion & style is key. This quote by Chogyam Trungpa is the epitome of what I think leads to all kinds of inspiration. I wanted to share it with you today and challenge you to get inspired, to look, I mean really look and see what moves you, what inspires you and how that inspiration ignites your own style, attitude and presence.
Remember the true words of Coco Channel- "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."
posted friday, july 16, 2010 by trinity
tagged as: beauty, Fashion, Inspiration
Distance Sessions
Interested in an Illumé styling session or health & beauty consultation but not available to meet with us in Nyc? Well, we are now offering ‘Distance Sessions’ enabling us to work with clients all over the world via Telephone and Web. For rates and details on how this all works email info@illume.me
posted friday, november 27, 2009 by illumé
tagged as: beauty, Fashion, health, Illume News
Not Just Any Manicure
Sunbathing and a nice Mani-Pedi pretty much go hand in hand. However nothing irritates me more than getting or giving myself a manicure and then having it go to ugliness 3 days later when it starts to chip. Thus for the past few years I have gone all natural on my fingernails.
However, recently I discovered CalGel. CalGel is a new honey like nail polish system that is actually strengthening to your nails and is free of harsh chemicals. It was first developed in South Africa in 1981, and was popularized in Japan a few years later.
It is amazing on many fronts: for one it dries instantly so when leaving the salon there is no chance of mussing up your fresh manicure. The solutions that are used with CalGel are hypoallergenic and do not have the offensive smell that traditional nail products have. It allows your natural nails to breath and it lasts for 3 to 5 weeks without chipping, peeling or breaking. The final result is an elegant natural look.
Not many nail salons carry it, and it can only be applied by a certified CalGel Manicurist. In NYC the salon that I recommend is Sakura, they do a lovely job. Michi Beauty & Hair Salon on the Upper East Side and Bellissimo Spa in the East Village also have CalGel certified manicurists.
posted monday, august 31, 2009 by trinity
tagged as: beauty, health, Manicure, eco friendly, CalGel
Kiss Me
I love long gorgeous eyelashes. I mean who doesn’t? I don’t however love raccoon eyes and that was my long running battle with mascara. No matter what kind I tried: waterproof, sensitive eye proof, a few hours into wearing it I’d have smudgy dark mascara eyes. That is until I found Kiss Me (tube it) Mascara. The original mascara invented to form tiny water resistant tubes around your eyes rather than painting on like most mascara’s. Once applied it binds to your lashes and does not smudge, run, clump or flake. I have been using it for years and I now enjoy long lashes with out the late day raccoon look, or eye irritation. The only weird part is when removing it (all it takes is warm water and a bit of pressure) it looks like your eyelashes are falling out! But don’t be alarmed it’s just the tubes that surrounded the lashes.
posted tuesday, august 18, 2009 by trinity
tagged as: beauty
Inspire
"Style has little to do with fashion, and everything to do with knowing who you are!"
