A Hairy Debate

Thursday, October 5, 2006

Robert Novo, a raved about hairstylist in Chelsea, NYC, recently cut my friend Nikki’s hair and gave her the following pearl of wisdom.

He said, shampoo is very important and that using the wrong shampoo is like smoking-- it can kill you (or technically your hair) over time. Thus, no more Suave for her.  After all, shampoo and conditioner do more than just clean your hair, the right products can also restore it and add nutrients to your locks.

Generally, I tend to use the higher end stuff too (Biolage, Redken, Bed Head) while occasionally slumming with Garnier Fructis for some variety and when traveling. My shower rack, when it just held my stuff, contained six shampoos and three conditioners. I like to mix it up and keep my hair guessing so it doesn’t become dependent or limp from one brand--I was told that was important.  

Yet, shampoos aren’t miracle workers either. According to Pat Veretto at About.com, in most cases an inexpensive shampoo can clean your hair effectively and, if you add your own little touches to their contents, they will often work just as well. She writes that “We sometimes forget that generations long gone washed their hair, just as we are doing, and they didn't have the choices we have today, they made their own.”

Her readers and other online tips that I found recommend trying the following tips for better hair results:

• Adding tea tree oil to shampoo can help rid your scalp of dandruff. Pour a dollop of shampoo into my palm, then add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil, mix them together, then shampoo it in. If I do this once a week (sometimes less) it can keep flakes away and also helps get rid of styling buildup.
• Give your hair a drink by mixing a splash of vodka in with your shampoo. It somehow makes your hair shiny. Yet, the night after drinking vodka your hair can look like a matted  mess ;)
• Experts say shampoos for colored hair are just another way for companies to make money. They suggest using a gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo instead of the pricey specialized shampoos.
• It’s also been said that mixing a raw egg into shampoo can help strengthen your hair (just don’t use hot water to wash it out, otherwise you’ll have an omelet in your hair).
• You can use bananas as a conditioner
• Add strained rosemary leaves tea to your shampoo for added shine and color (brown hair), while chamomile is good for blondes.
• Here is a quick way to make your own spray on conditioner and it works just as well as the brands that are on the store shelves. All you have to do is mix 1 part of your favorite conditioner with 5 parts water. Pour it in an empty hair spray container and spritz it on instead. Best for fine, oily, or limp hair.
• More recipes
  
  

PS: I just joined a co-ed softball team, wine club (reds only) and am taking weekly tennis lessons. I'll let you know how it all goes. So far my Softball skills are rusty (haven't played since high school) and my tennis skills are non existent. I can serve with accuracy, but If I hit the fuzzy green ball like a baseball bat and it propels out of the court one more time, I swear...

Celeb Sighting: Saw Barry Watson from 7th Heaven and What About Brian the other day during lunch at Don Antonio's. My coworker was the one that spotted him though.