BellaSugar

Definition: Eumelanin

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:21 -0800

Simply put, melanin is pigment, but there are two types of melanins that give hair color its own distinctive coloring. I already gave you the scoop on pheomelanin, the pigment that produces red and yellowish strands, so let's move on to eumelanin. As you might have guessed, eumelanin gives skin and hair black and brown coloring. Therefore, people with darker skin tones will have more of this color-determining substance.

There are two different types of this pigment: black and brown. The smaller amount of brown one has, the lighter or more ashen blond the hair will be. In turn, the higher the amount of brown, the darker or more brown the hair will be. As for black eumelanin, in high quantities, it's what makes the hair black. But in lower levels, it's responsible for causing the hair to become gray. So now you can dazzle your friends, giving them their own custom "hair reading," all thanks to your expert hair color knowledge.

Definition: Pheomelanin

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:02:24 -0800

Simply put, melanin is pigment, but there are two types of melanins that give hair and skin its distinctive coloring. Let's start with pheomelanin, which lends reddish tones to the body.

While pheomelanin can be found in light- and dark-skinned people, females tend to have more of this type of pigment in their skin than men do. Hence, you'll often notice a slightly more pink or reddish quality to a woman's body. Also note that pheomelanin is more concentrated on the lips, nipples, and girly parts.

Even though we all have at least some pheomelanin in our hair, if you're a redhead, you're loaded with it, as it's what is responsible for imparting those fiery reddish tones to your locks. But don't forget about blondes, however, as pheomelanin, thanks to its yellowish tones within, works to determine the pigmentation of golden-haired beauties, too.

How to Choose Eyeglasses by Your Hair Color

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:00:44 -0700

Recently, I made my yearly - OK, it's been more than a year - trip to the eye doctor. I've worn glasses for about 14 years now, and from one "trendy" frame to another, I've had lots of different looks. Since some were good, and others I'd prefer to forget, that was the inspiration behind this series of posts on choosing eyeglass frames. Since we've already looked at face shape, eye color, and skin tone, for the final installment of this series, let's look at how your hair color can help guide you when making a choice between those funky green shades or whimsical yellow specs. To check out some tips, just keep reading.

Is Sun-In Back?

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:41 -0700

Raise your hand if you've tried Sun-In. My hand is raised - and so were my mother's eyebrows when I tried several squirts of the hair lightener back in junior high. My locks transformed into a rusty orange tone, and it wasn't pretty.

It always seems that everything old is new again. Remember how crimped hair was so well-represented at 2009 Spring Fashion Week? Well, if that wasn't old-school enough for you, word is that everyone's favorite low-cost beach spray, Sun-In ($5), is making a comeback. My advice - unless your hair is already blond or lighter brown, head to the salon for any and all attempts at lightening your hair. You know, unless you totally dig a carrot top.

Hair Color How-Tos: Brighter Blondes

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:00:20 -0700

For the past week, I've been providing tips on how to keep your hair color looking fresh and fade resistant. I've covered redheads, brunettes, and raven-haired beauties.

And now, let's finish this series off by featuring tips for blondes. It's debatable whether or not blondes have more fun. Whatever the case may be, hair that's highlighted, lightened all over, or completely natural, has special needs of its own. Check out my advice when you read more

Go blue: This tip works for both natural and "bottle blondes." A blue- or violet-hued shampoo will help counteract unwanted brassiness and brighten light tones. Try Lush Daddyo Shampoo ($9 to $27).
You're golden: Or, perhaps you want to brighten the warmer, golden tones in your hair - Quantum Glistening Golds Shampoo ($4) should do the trick.
Be a softie: Since blond hair is so light, chemicals from water and product buildup can cause hair to dull and yellow more noticeably. A water softener can help take away the blah. Try Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System ($95) to perk up hair.
Herb rinse: For a natural approach, use chamomile to refresh your blond tones. In a non-metal saucepan, add several chamomile tea bags to about two cups of water and boil for about a half hour. Let cool. After washing your hair, rinse the chamomile through your hair several times. You can do this by dunking your hair into a sink filled with the liquid.
Fast fix: If your roots are starting to show or you are in-between colorings, fix that problem fast with a mascara-like highlighting pen, like Claudia Stevens Hair Highlighter in Gold ($4) or Claudia Stevens Hair Highlighter in Beige/Light Blonde ($4).
Deep condition: If you're lightening your hair, it's probably in need of a weekly deep conditioner. I like Aveda Color Conserve Strengthening Treatment ($26 to $68). For a more budget-friendly option, try Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner ($7).
Shine, shine: Blond hair often lacks shine. Bring back the healthy glow with a shine and color enhancing product such as Ken Paves Health Boost Up Color Drops in Honey ($40) or Ken Paves Boost Up Color Drops in Platinum ($40).

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Beauty Byte: Brunettes Are Better Paid Than Blondes

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Are you shocked? In a survey of 6,000 people, it was revealed that two times as many brown-haired ladies work in positions that pay between £45,000 and £55,000 (that's around $59,360 to $72,550) than blondes or redheads do.

The study, which was compiled by the folks at Garnier Nutrisse hair color, also concluded the following. Brunettes are. . .

More apt to be taken seriously.
Thought to be the most intelligent, according to 76 percent of the survey takers.
Thought to be the most genuine, said 81 percent of those surveyed.
Preferred in long-term relationships, backing similar data by British hairstylist Andrew Collinge.

Color psychologist Anjula Mutanda tells the Telegraph, "Some hair colors tend to darken naturally with age and so brown hair can be associated with confidence and self-awareness." Of course, this should be taken with a grain of salt. Look at the light-haired Sarah Jessica Parker in Garnier's ads. I'm guessing she's making more than the average brunette. Oh, and don't forget, it's quite possible that blondes have more fun, anyway.

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Whose Long Blond Loose Waves Do You Like Best?

BellaSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 12:00:48 -0800

Last night at the Broadcast Music Inc. Country Awards in Nashville, Jessica Simpson, Sheryl Crow and Carrie Underwood all showed up with different variations on the same hairstyle. Do you like this long blond soft wavy 'do with the bangs brushed back and given some volume, with long side-swept bangs or without bangs altogether?

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Do You Prefer Julianne Moore as a Redhead or a Blonde?

BellaSugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:59:58 -0700

Are redheads an endangered species in Hollywood? First Nicole Kidman lightened her locks, and now Julianne Moore has gone blonde. Which hair color do you prefer on her?
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Does Dyeing Your Hair Blond Really Make You Look Younger?

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:00:37 -0700

This is one of those things I always hear, and a lot of women, like Anna Wintour here, do seem to opt for blond as they get older. I always assumed women go blond in their 40s and 50s because it's the easiest way to cover gray, but I've heard some vague evolutionary biology stuff thrown around, too, where people say that blond = youth. Because babies have lighter hair than adults, generally, blondes read as more fertile and youthful. But I just don't see it. It seems to me that a flattering shade is a lot more effective than just going lighter, and tons of babies are born with beautiful black hair. What do you think? Is there some truth to this, or is it all pseudo-science and no substance?

Love It or Hate It? Queen Latifah's Blonde Hair

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:00:54 -0700

Wow, who is this blonde bombshell? Could it be Queen Latifah? Indeed it is! Her Majesty strolled the red carpet of last night's Hairspray premiere showing off a new blonde look. (I guess Carmen Electra isn't the only actress who was inspired to change her look for the event!) What do you think of Latifah's hair?