BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Neutrogena T/Gel Original Shampoo

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:00:52 -0800

If you have dandruff, you've probably tried just about everything to get rid of it. For reader Autumns_Elegy, the best in dandruff relief is Neutrogena T/Gel Original Shampoo ($9). Here's what she has to say about this classic product:

"I love T/Gel shampoo. It has a pleasant smell and you don't need to empty half the bottle to get a decent lather. I found that initially it made my scalp flake worse. . . [but] after two washes most of my dandruff was gone, and I'm now using it once a week with a scalp hydrating deep conditioner. Other antidandruff shampoos have just made it worse or have not had any effect at all, but T/Gel is the only one that seems to work. The price isn't half bad, either."

Do you have something to say about your favorite - or not-so-favorite - product? Just head over to the Product Reviews website, write up a review, and perhaps you'll be featured on this daily post.

Can This Copper Brush Cure Dandruff?

BellaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:00:33 -0800

Copper bracelets are supposedly great for arthritis and joint pain, but can a copper brush help cure dandruff? My sister, who has long suffered from this condition, wanted to find out. While I was scoping out the hair accessories aisle, she came across the Goody Styling Therapy Reduce+Dandruff Paddle Brush ($13). "Do you think this will work?" she asked with a tinge of apprehension.

Scientists now believe that dandruff is caused from the fungus malassezia, a pesky little microbe that lives on all of our scalps. While some people aren't affected by the critters, others are, with an itchy, flaky, and oily scalp often resulting. Goody's brush is supposed to kill those suckers - 88 percent of bacteria and fungi, they claim. To find out what my sis thought, read more.

Although we are still not quite certain about the purpose of the hole in the center bottom (is it a vent, perhaps?), my sister said the copper bristles felt really soothing to her scalp, like cool, tingly massage. While she didn't notice a major reduction in flakes or oiliness, her scalp itched a whole lot less, particularly when she used the brush every day. For the fact that it reduced her discomfort and was reasonably priced, she gives it two thumbs up.

Malassezia: Pleaz-a Leav-a

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:00:45 -0700

It's a lover of lipids, a seeker of the dark. It doesn't discriminate, and it overstays its welcome. Just what is this mysterious thing of which I speak? It's called malassezia, and it's now believed this pesky creature is one of the leading causes of dandruff.

It's a common misconception that dandruff is caused by a dry scalp or by poor hygiene, which is not the case. Dandruff is dependent upon three factors: sebum production, individual susceptibility, and microbe (malassezia) by-products.

Yes, this yeast-like fungi is present on everyone's scalp, and it loves the dark and damp atmosphere on the top of your noggin. Depending on your body chemistry, this microorganism will thrive on fats produced by your oil glands. Like a hungry houseguest who doesn't seem to leave, malassezia causes irritation and redness.

For dandruff relief, look for shampoos and conditioners with pyrithione zinc, an anti-fungal ingredient. Head & Shoulders makes an excellent variety of gentle, moisturizing products that include this ingredient - and they actually smell good. (Mr. Bella is way into his bottle.) With regular usage, you should be flake-free in two weeks. Keep in mind, if treatment is discontinued, the fungus will come back with its intrusive, ferocious appetite. No, thanks.

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A Quick Tip About Dandruff

BellaSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:11 -0700

Who knew that you’re likely to get dandruff when your hair is oily? I thought it was something that occurred in dry or dirty hair with an unhealthy scalp. Yet, according to Dr. David Kingsley (Ph.D. and trichologist), you can help reduce unsightly flakes by soaking a cotton ball in mint mouthwash and rubbing it on the affected areas. Do this when your hair is dry to absorb white specks and even some of the oil.

It is also a good idea to use a dandruff shampoo once a week until your scalp calms down and re-balances. I never would have thought about this, but hey, why not try it? Do you have any special dandruff-stopping tricks to share?

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Bellissima! Leonor Greyl Bain Traitant à la Propolis

BellaSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 09:37:19 -0700

I've said it once and I'll say it again: the French can make anything seem fabulous, even getting rid of dandruff. Thanks to the chic (and discreet) packaging of the Leonor Greyl Bain Traitant à la Propolis ($32)-a.k.a. gentle treatment dandruff shampoo-your hair and scalp get the attention they need for a healthy recovery and balance.

This shampoo removes any existing flakes from your scalp, prevents further microbial flora from forming and stops itchiness. Your head and hair follicles receive the proper botanicals necessary to condition and calm your irritated scalp.

It's gentle enough for daily use and it happens to also smell like a beautiful bouquet of flowers, unlike lots of other brands which tend to make chemical-smelling dandruff shampoos.

To use, shampoo hair twice. The first time washes away grease, oils and impurities and the second time helps treat your scalp. Be sure to shampoo hair for a total of five minutes and finish with a cool and thorough rinse.

For two more dandruff shampoo suggestions, click here.

Beauty Flashback: Dandruff Disaster

BellaSugar — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:00:42 -0700

Ballet instructors have enough to worry about without freaking out about dandruff. These and other important lessons will be learned in this earnest, hokey Head and Shoulders spot from the '60s.

Beauty Blooper: Faux Dandruff Disaster

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:00:18 -0700

Last night, some of the Sugar girls and I went out to celebrate a friend's birthday. It was a low-key affair, so I threw on a simple black sweater but decided to be a little more creative with my hair. I was experimenting with an updo with one of my new favorite products, Shu Uemura's Shape Paste, a fantastic sculpting paste that creates a workable hold. But as I found out that day, a little goes a long way. After several applications my hair looked wet, as if I had just stepped out of the shower.

I didn't have time to wash the product out, but luckily I remembered that I had some hair powder from Bumble and Bumble that would reverse the damage I had done. Since the powder I have is tinted white, I decided to spray a minimal amount and wear my hair down. When I left the house I thought my hair looked great. Unfortunately, I was at dinner when I noticed the white powder had crystallized and fallen on my shoulders, creating the illusion of bad dandruff. Not very appetizing.

Lesson learned: Next time I try out a new hairstyle, I'm going to make sure that I have enough prep time to accommodate for any disasters. Ideally it would be best to work out the kinks the night before.

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Got Kinky, Curly, or Wavy Hair? Read This.

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:00:16 -0700

As owner of Atlanta's Urbanbella salon and apothecary-style store, Keneesha Hudson has learned a thing or two about hair - particularly when it comes to kinky, curly, and wavy textures. That's why I consulted with the leading expert in the category on how to tame those unruly curls; and now, I have more of her helpful tips. No matter what kind of curl texture you've got, if your hair has some type of wave to it, this post is for you. Just read more.

Beauty Flashback: Rinse Away

BellaSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:30 -0700

This 1970 commercial provides so much insight into the polyester era's dating habits. Apparently, to snag a man, follow this woman's lead by obviously dropping your scarf on the ground. Susan here is all smoove-lovah until she thinks she might have dandruff. The horror! Fortunately, all you need to do is shampoo your hair outside of the shower, and then you'll be playing Drop the Kerchief all night long. Cue the sexy jams.

Five Beauty Uses For Yogurt

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:00:11 -0800

Not just yummy in your tummy (sorry, my inner five-year-old couldn't resist), yogurt's also quite nutritious for other parts of your body, as FitSugar likes to remind me. It's rich in protein, which can improve bones and also hair and nails over time. But, if you're not into eating it, there are plenty of other ways to benefit.

On your hands. Create a sweet soak by adding one tbsp. honey to a cup of plain yogurt. Added to the good of the yogurt, honey's a natural humectant to retain water to help keep the skin soft and smooth. Don't knock it 'til you try it as I loved spreading this cool mixture on my hands and rubbing them together . . . like I was a kid again playing with slime!

Get three more places to put that yogurt other than on your hands and in your stomach when you read more.

On your face. Spread plain yogurt on your face to tighten pores and cleanse your skin before rinsing with lukewarm water after 10 minutes. After all, this treat includes lactic acid – an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) – which is milder than other exfoliants but still rejuvenates your skin.
On your scalp. Did you know yogurt can be used as a conditioner? Simply bring a container of plain yogurt into the shower and rub it into your wet hair and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. The active cultures can relieve an itchy scalp and help combat dandruff in the process.
On your feet. If you even have any yogurt left after all the other ideas, you can mix in one-half cup of finely ground walnuts and use this as a scrub to improve the texture of your skin, relieving dry patches and calluses. The yogurt's adding moisture once again and the nuts help exfoliate rough spots. PS, while you're rubbing it on your feet, you're still treating your hands, too – bonus!

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