BellaSugar

James Corbett Talks Hair Color Trends For a Fab Fall

BellaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:02:40 -0800

Over the past 15 years, stylist James Corbett has not only amassed an impressive list of celebrity clients, but he's also trained with the best in the industry, including Beth Minardi, Warren Tricomi, and José Eber. Two years ago, he opened his own shop, the James Corbett Studio in New York, and now, he has some great ideas for fabulous hair color this season. You've already seen a few haircut trends for Fall, and now, it's all about perking your locks up with the right hues.
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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.

Do You Book More Appointments With Your Hairstylist Than Your Doctor?

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:00:52 -0800

A few years ago, I asked you how often you get your hair cut. The majority of you said that you go every few months, which was also the same response to how frequently you get highlights. When you add up all of the appointments you book with your hairstylist and colorist throughout the year, what does your magic number turn out to be?

Now, think about how many medical appointments you book throughout the year, from your primary physician to your dentist to your dermatologist. After all the math is done, where do you fall in the world of appointments? Are you more of a salon-goer, do you head to your various doctors with more frequency, or is it a little of both?

Ask Bella: How Do I Lift Black Hair Dye?

BellaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:01:19 -0700

Recently, a distressed reader contacted me about an unfortunate incident regarding a box of black hair color and the subsequent regretful results. Here's her story:

Three months ago I had an adult identity crisis and dumped a box of jet black dye on my naturally medium brown hair. Now I can't get it to lift out for anything - professionally or at home. Can you make a suggestion? I'm a 25-year-old woman and I look like a scene kid. It's rough.

There's no excuse for looking like a Brokencyde groupie. Lifting pigment can be a tricky endeavor, though, so you have to be careful. For my advice on helping this reader to lighten up, just read more.

Switch Up Your Color: Look Fabulous With a Radiant New Shade

Sponsor — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:00:01 -0700

Stuck in a hair-color rut? Thinking of trying a fresh shade on for size? Here are some great reasons to treat your locks to an exciting new hue.

Transform your image. New hair color lets you explore an alter ego, whether you’re looking for a dramatic change or just want to rev up your current hue. Always wanted to go platinum blond? Longing for fiery auburn locks? Think you should have been born a brunette? Now’s the time to try your dream shade.

Look 10 years younger. A hot new hair color can banish gray and take years off your looks. Make sure to pick a product that’s specifically formulated to cover gray. Superior Preference® offers fade-defying color that covers gray beautifully.

Update your style. You may keep an eye out for the latest fashion trends, but no stylish wardrobe is complete without the ultimate accessory - gorgeous hair color that flatters your looks and expresses your personality.

Go for the gloss. Nothing restores shine to lackluster locks like fresh hair color. Regularly coloring smooths hair’s surface, keeping it glossy, healthy looking, and vibrant.

Unleash your inner diva. Why settle for mousy, plain, or understated when you can be bold, vibrant, and outrageously stunning? Express your spotlight-stealing side with shades like luminous blond, rich brunette, radiant red, or warm cinnamon.

Drew Ditches the Black Tips

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:04:18 -0700

Most of you weren't loving Drew Barrymore's black tips when she debuted them earlier this month, but you have to hand it to the girl. She's definitely someone who can pull off the most extreme of styles. "This is the craziest look I've ever given her!" colorist Tracey Cunningham told InStyle. "I used clear foils and a stencil that I made out of paper to get everything to line up," she added. But, those distinctive black tips didn't last that long. At a press event yesterday for her new film, Whip It, the actress flaunted a shorter, all-blond cropped bob instead. This got me to thinking about my own fickle hair-color choices. I've had blond-streaked bangs one day, only to tint them intense red-violet the next. What about you? Do you tend to stick to one color, or are you more apt to switch it up?

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?

Do You Change Your Hair Color With the Seasons?

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Today marks the official first day of Fall. Do you feel a crispness in the air already? Here, in San Francisco, not so much, as we're going through a bit of a heat wave these days. However, every time we experience an official change of season, this get gets me to thinking about switching up the old hair color palette. So tell me: No matter the season, do you go lighter when the flowers start blooming in March, get your streak on when the warmer-weather rolls in, and/or go dramatically dark for the cooler months? Or is it just that you have your own hair color schedule?

Reader Review of the Day: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Conditioner

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

You might know that I'm a huge proponent of colored conditioners as a quick, inexpensive way to keep color looking fresh. Whether it's your natural shade you want to highlight, or your professionally dyed locks that need a boost, a good colored conditioner once or twice a week will perk your style right back up - or will it? Recently, reader Gooz1231 tried out John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Daily Conditioner ($7), and wasn't too pleased with the results.

This conditioner did nothing for me. It left my hair coarse and rough, and it certainly did not make my hair more "brilliant." You should pass up on this one!

Have you found the perfect colored conditioner? Tell us all about it on our Product Reviews website. Heck, tell us what you hate, too. We love to hear your unbiased opinions and humorous beauty tales. Better yet? You might even be featured here on this daily post.