Does your hair become “immune” to hair products? May 14, 2012

 

Do you ever feel like at times that your hair is just not jiving with the same products that usually work great on your hair?  There are two different factors as to why it feels that your hair products may not be working as well as they once did.  One factor is good old mother nature.  Weather plays a huge role on our hair, not only how our hair reacts but how the products we use on it react as well.  During the hot dry humid months our hair can get extremely dry so try switching it up and focusing on moisturizing products.  Another factor is that all these products we put on our hair can cause major build up.  To get all the excess product build up off your hair you should use a clarifying shampoo whenever you feel the need.  Lather loves Nioxin’s Clarifying Shampoo to really get all the environmental grime and product residue off your scalp and hair follicles.  You can use it as often as you like and it will really make a difference to the overall health of your hair and how well your products work on your hair.

The Heat is Coming! May 1, 2012

So the hot humid heat is coming along with many pool and beach days which is great for relaxing and spending time with friends and family, but not so great for your hair.  One trick to preserve your healthy hair are deep conditioners.  The hot humid weather is going to create frizz and your hair being wet and the salt is going to really dry it out.  There are great deep conditioners that you can buy and do your self at home, Lather loves Sebastian Drench deep-moisturizing treatment.  This amazing product provides hair with deep intensive moisture retention.  It is great for normal or damaged hair and makes it feel conditioned, silky, moisturized, and healthy.    This product is great to use at home as often as once a week and it is also great to pair it with a salon deep conditioner as well.  It is great to alternate with at home treatments and salon deep conditioners because after applied the deep conditioner “processes” under heat which opens up the cuticle of your hair to really let the deep conditioner penetrate in.  Lather knows the importance of a deep conditioner especially during the hot humid months in the south and offers $10 deep conditioners every Tuesday and offers Sebastian Drench deep-moisturizing treatment for your at home in-between visits.

 

It’s all about the eyebrows April 13, 2012

So your eyebrows can really make or break the way your face looks, they offer definition and frame your eyes; and they really can not be ignored.  It’s hard sometimes, you get caught up in the daily grind of going, going, going and then one day we look in the mirror and it seems that your eyebrows are taking over you face, not a good feeling!  Everyone has different shaped eyebrows that accentuate certain facial features so the shaping of a persons eyebrows is very individualized.  To find your brow’s starting point, all you need to do is hold a thin makeup brush against your nose.  The point where the brush touches your brow is going to be your starting point.  As for your brow’s end, tilt the same brush from your nose diagonally until it lands on a point at the corner of your eye.  Then according to your face shape, size, and features your eyebrows and then be shaped to accurate your face.  In the image you can see exactly how to get the right shaped brows based on your eye shape and how much of a difference it can make.

There  are numerous different ways to keep your eyebrows in shape.  There is the traditional tweezer method, threading which is done with a pure, thin, twisted cotton thread, and waxing done with hot wax and wax strip.  With tweezing you are only getting rid of one hair at a time which can be time-consuming and you can also get easily carried away.  Then there is threading and waxing which get rid of multiple hairs at one time so it is more time effective and also offers a cleaner line.  Threading is gaining popularity lately but some say it can be more painful than waxing or tweezing so it may take some time to get us to.  Then there is waxing which is extremely popular because it is quick and the pain is more minimal.  Which ever method you prefer eyebrow shaping is a must, so no more excuses!! And that goes for you men too, your eyebrows need to be trimmed up as well. Everyone needs to be keeping up with nicely framed polished eyebrows, it really does make a huge impact on how your face looks.

Dry Shampoo April 4, 2012

 

OK so if you haven’t heard about dry shampoo get ready because it’s amazing!!  We always have clients obsessing about washing their hair everyday but in all actuality it is better to not wash it everyday and dry shampoo can be a great quick fix to help get you through the in between days.  You are probably asking yourself, well why shouldn’t I be washing my hair everyday?  The reason is that your hair is a fiber and like say a wool fiber, the more you wash it the worse it is going to look.  The longer, thicker, curlier, and more processed the hair the longer it can go between washes.  But if you have fine unprocessed hair with little to no body then your hair probably tends to get pretty oily so it really does need to be washed everyday.  The best rule of thumb is to just go as long as you think you can without washing your hair; shampooing three or four times weekly is plenty.

 

What ever your hair type may be dry shampoo is a must!  It is great to get you through the in between days so you are not washing your hair as much, which leads to healthier hair.  Major bonus-everyone wants healthier hair!  It is also really great for post workouts, if you just have to run into the store really quick before going home.  It just takes a few sprays or dabs of powder and voila your hair is looking better just in case you run into anyone important.  Or if you have to get ready in a hurry and don’t have time to wash, dry and style your hair skip the first two and put some dry shampoo on the oily parts of your hair and then style however you would like and you are all set to go.

 

Dry Shampoo is truly a miracle in a bottle and is a must have in your hair arsenal.  At Lather we carry two different types of dry shampoos one is KMS Hairplay Makeover Spray which is an aerosol and it comes out as kind of a white powder spray that can be rubbed and blended into darker hair if needed.  The other product that we offer is Keratin Complex Dry Shampoo.  The Keratin Complex is in a powder form that you brush into your hair and the main difference between the two is that the Keratin Complex comes in three different colors, white, blonde, and brunette.  Since there are three different colors to choose from there can be less blending with the Keratin Complex Dry Shampoo.  Either way you go both of these products are great dry shampoos!

Thinning Hair March 8, 2012

 

Thinning hair can be an extremely embarrassing topic for clients to talk about even to their hair stylist; however, it is very important to talk about your problems and concerns openly so that your stylist can recommend the proper products and solutions for your hair type.  Luckily there is entire line of products that is formulated to help thinning hair and has shown proven results.  Nioxin is the #1 stylist recommended thinning-hair brand in the US and the customized range of hair and scalp products is proven to deliver noticeably thicker, denser-looking hair.

 

One of the unique things about Nioxin is that it focuses on 5 different effects for thicker fuller hair.

1. Reduces Hair Breakage: Have you spotted a receding hairline, thinning crown or a wider parting? Thinning hair is often only recognized when styling reveals an increasingly larger proportion of the scalp. NIOXIN is designed to make hair strong, healthy and thicker-looking.

 

2. Delivers Denser Looking Hair: Does a lot of hair remain in the basin after you’ve had a shower? Or in your hairbrush after brushing? Both can be signs of hair breakage. Nioxin reduces breakage by smoothing and protecting the cuticle – the outer layer of the hair shaft.

 

3. Amplifies Hair Texture: Does you hair lack fullness and body? And do you find that conditioners often weigh it down? Several factors, including age and cuticle damage, can cause hair to become thinner. NIOXIN increases the fullness of individual strands of hair, ensuring it is healthy, vibrant and looks radiantly thick.

 

4. Strengths Hair Against Cuticle Damage: Does you hair look dull and lifeless, and have split ends?  Has your hair lost its vibrancy and health? Cuticle damage, where the outer casing of your hair becomes rough and frayed, and can rob your hair of its natural beauty. NIOXIN’s blend of ingredients strengthens individual hairs against cuticle damage, and protects against styling and the elements.

 

5. Cleanses Excessive Sebum: Do you suffer from an oily scalp and hair?Or, alternatively, is your scalp dry and itchy? Both can point to excessive production and build up of sebum – a naturally occurring substance that contributes to greasy hair. NIOXIN thoroughly cleanses the scalp, removing excess sebum and helping hair maintain its vitality.

 

 Here at Lather we carry an abundance of Nioxin products; everything from shampoo and conditioners, styling products, and even vitamins specialized specifically for hair growth.  If you are experiencing any problems with hair loss, thinning hair, breakage, or scalp build up we highly recommend the Nioxin line.  If you are unsure of exactly what your hair type needs you can always meet with your stylist or stop in and we can walk you through it.

Unveiling our new Wella Products June 21, 2011

 

As a Wella Salon we are very excited to unveil the new Wella Brilliance Styling Line.  This line is specifically designed for color treated hair to help enhance your hair’s brilliance while providing alluring softness.  Advanced ingredients work with your hair’s unique needs for great results.  You will be able to see the antioxidants and diamond dust protecting your color and giving shine, the triple-blend technology creates an irresistible smoothness, and the fine fragrances leave your hair smelling great.  We are offering the whole Wella Brilliance Line here at Lather so stop by and pick it up and achieve your instant fabulous hair. 

Also don’t forget about our weekly specials of $10 shine glossing or deep conditioner on Tuesdays and $10 off any highlight service on Wednesdays.

A Facial for your Scalp November 18, 2010

You’ve probably heard of microdermabrasion–the latest Hollywood skin care trend to hit the mainstream market.  Microdermabrasion has been dubbed “an instant facelift.”  The process diminishes the appearance of blemishes and fine lines and unclogs pores by buffing away the top layer of skin.

Enter Nioxin Scalp Renew…an in-salon scalp Dermabrasion Service (or the facial for your scalp)!

Why, might you ask, would you want a facial for your scalp???  I mean, no one really sees your scalp (except for you, you brave shaved-headed men).  BUT, strong, healthy hair begins below the surface of the scalp, and new hair strands can’t grow out of clogged hair follicles. 

Nioxin Scalp Renew is just like microdermabrasion for your scalp–it removes build-up from products and the environment on your scalp and unclogs hair follicles.   The process allows younger skin cells to surface and can increase cell renewal by almost 40%.  Immediately after the process you’ll notice that your scalp is squeaky clean and that your hair is more shiny and bouncy.

This is what Nioxin has to say about the ingredients in their product:

“The exfoliants in the product are found in the beta hydroxy acid known as salicylic acid, which is derived from willow bark.  Beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble, so it can easily penetrate the follicle pore and exfoliate the build up of dead skin cells from inside.

Alpha hydroxy acids utilize exfoliants derived from fruit and milk sugars such as glycolic acid, produced from sugar cane and lactic acid, produced from milk. Alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only and are used to concentrate on thickened, sun/photodamaged skin, lifting the dead cells from the epidermis making room for regrowth of new skin.

Enzymatic exfoliants help dissolve dead skin cells and other follicle-clogging debris and contain botanical enzymes such as Aloe Vera and trimethylglycine that help increase skin moisturization, hydration and resilience.”

This natural anti-aging treatment is the first of its kind in the hair industry, and the application process is quick and easy.  Your stylist will divide your hair in to sections and apply the product all over your head.  Then he or she will massage the product in to your scalp, and you will feel a tingling, cooling sensation.  The processing time is about ten minutes, and then your stylist will shampoo and style your hair as usual.  Repeated treatments will result in less hair breakage and thicker, stronger, shinier hair.

To get the maximum benefits, Nioxin recommends that clients get the in-salon treatment once every 30-45 days to accelerate the removal of stubborn scalp and follicle debris, skin cell build-up, and excessive oil.

So indulge your scalp!!  You put your scalp through a lot, and it deserves to be pampered…

Beat The Heat With Buns! June 24, 2010

June 2010 — It is HOT out there! It may be “only June,” but around the Triangle, temperatures are already in the high 90s. Everywhere you look, people are pulling their hair up to get it off their necks. And sometimes the results are…less than attractive. Want to do that without looking as if the heat is making you lose all sense of style?

Think “bun.” Buns are cute, stylish ways to put your hair up and make it look as if you want it that way. Trust us: Once you’ve worn a cool, crisp bun, you’ll continue to want to!

Buns don’t require special hair care equipment to achieve a great look. All you need are bobby pins and an elastic hair tie. Headbands, flowers and other accessories add a bit of finish and flare, but the simple bun is a look unto itself.

To create a bun, gather all your hair at the desired place on your head (near your neck, high towards the crown, etc.) then twist it until it coils around itself. Put an elastic band around the base to secure it.  Then place bobby pins around the edges bun to shape and secure it.

Once you’ve mastered the basic bun, you’ll want to try more intricate variations, such as the classic ballet bun in which you put your hair in a pony, then separate each piece and tuck it back behind itself. There’s also the loose, “messy” bun. You can also do a weaved bun.  All of these variations create an elegant look that will keep you cool.

So – stop waging war between your hair and the heat. Show our Southern summer who’s boss and put your hair up into a beautiful bun that won’t frizz no matter how humid it gets! Of course Lather Hair Salon’s stylists are always available to create your summer bun for you. Just give us a call at 919-792-0715.

Summer Hair for Summer Heat – Big & Messy Are Back! April 19, 2010

Hot weather is quickly approaching and your hair is probably reflecting it.  Here are a few key words to keep in mind for a great style in the hot, humid weather:

Teasing, Braiding, Curling, Waving, and Messy Updos.

This year, big, messy, hair is in and sleek, flat hair is out.  This makes maintaining fashionable hair much more manageable when the humidity is working against you.  In the humid weather, hair tends to frizz and curl.  If you are trying to wear stick-straight hair, this could definitely hinder your look. But since “big” is in, the humidity gives you tons of texture.

When deciding how to style your hair, think about your natural texture.  If you have curly or wavy hair, go with that look.  Put some styling cream in it, such as Frizzstyling cream, so that your hair is protected against “frizzies” and your natural curls will stay in whatever style you choose.  If necessary, you can always enhance your look with a curling iron or waver.

If you have naturally straight hair, don’t worry. Your hair will still work for this look. Make sure you use a texture product like Whipped Crème by Sebastian.  Let your hair air dry instead of using a blow dryer and skip the flat iron all together. When dry, tease the top of your hair with a teasing brush to create volume. Don’t be afraid of it being too frizzy; the messier the better. The bottom of your hair is going to be tamer, or even straight.  Going with your hair’s natural texture, rather than fighting your mane, is going to make summer a lot less demanding.

If it’s too hot to wear your hair down, there are many more styles to choose from than just a ponytail.  It’s prom season now, so there are updo ideas everywhere. For inspiration, grab a copy of a teen magazine and look at the different styles that are “in” right now.  Pick your favorite and recreate a messy version of it. This will give you a casual, cute style. (Or, come in to Lather Hair Salon and let us do it for you!)

All types of braids are very stylish and multi-useful this year. You can put all of your hair in a braid to get it off your neck. You can braid just your bangs to keep your hair out of your face. You can sleep with wet hair in several braids to create soft waves in the morning. Use creativity when braiding because there are so many different styles you can create with just a bit of inspiration.

This year’s style choice is definitely working in our favor as we create fun, messy, yet fashionable styles. Bring on the heat! 

Look Gorgeous For Holiday Parties with Up-Dos and Other Secrets from Lather Hair Salon October 23, 2009

This holiday season is coming up fast and invitations for holiday parties are going out. For this fun but  busy time of the year, having an easy way of throwing your hair into a quick “party-do” is essential. Here are some suggestions from the stylists at Lather Hair Salon for creating dramatic, elegant looks in a flash.

The Messy Bun:

As soon you get home from work, school, or all those errands, turn on your curling iron. Wrap strands of your hair into a figure “8” around the barrel of the iron.  Repeat the process all around your head, especially in the front.  Leave pieces down, framing your face, and put the rest up into a low, loose bun.  (For a different look, the bun can be pulled to the side of your head.)  Pull strands from the bun and pin outwards to create that chic, “messy” look.

The Side Braid:

This style can be worn with a pony, bun, or with your hair down. Start with the front parts of your hair (either parted down the middle or on the side) and braid small sections (French or conventional), then pull them backwards and pin. You can also use this technique by simply twisting your hair, sans curling iron, and pin the strands back. This style looks great with either one or both sides braided.  For a bohemian look, make the braids loose and messy. For a sleeker look, make them tighter.

The Side Ponytail:

This look is great with loose curls or straight hair.  Wrap the ends of your hair around your curling iron to create long, loose waves.  Don’t worry about the top of your head as this will be pinned back. Leaving your bangs alone, tease the top of your hair for volume.  Smooth backwards and pull hair into a low, side ponytail.  Pull back any loose strands, or leave a few to frame your face.

Loose Locks:

For women who generally leave their hair straight, coming into a party with flowing curls is definitely a dramatic difference! To do this, take sections of your hair, spraying each with Sebastian Re-Shaper first, then wrap them around a curling iron.  After you’ve curled your whole head, run your fingers through the curls to break them up a little.  To create a soft wave, brush through with a hairbrush.

Accessorize:

Hair bands and pins are very popular this year. And they’re a super easy way to dress up a ponytail or change your day-time look.  There are different styles of bands: the “hippie” sort that tie around your forehead, the hard headbands that sit right behind your ears, and of course scarves, pins, and bows.  You can change your look by your choice of clip. 

All of these styles are quick and easy and will give you a fresh look for holiday parties. Be sure to condition your hair with a styling agent, such as Whipped Crème by Sebastian, and spray with a shine serum to give you a sleek, beautiful sparkle. If you are coming home from a long day at work or school, add some KMS Hair Makeover spray — a dry shampoo — to soak up excess oil.  Finish these styles off with a hairspray by Sebastian (loose hold to strong, depending on your style).  Throw on some lip shine and go!

Of course, another option is to run by your favorite salon to get a quick party-do. Lather Hair Salon welcomes walk-ins!