Hi Lisa,
Q: I always blow-dry my hair and I like to have it looking soft and full. However, I have been using a flat iron on my hair afterwards or the next day to get a smooth look. What other options do I have for finishing my hair?When I go to my salon supply store it is overwhelming because there are so many choices. I want to know what you would recommend for me to use on my hair other than a flat iron.
Carol Byrnes
Seal Beach
Dear Carol,
I always recommend that you should try to shampoo your hair every other day. Therefore, it is good that you are doing this.
There are many tools that you can purchase to help you style your hair at home.
Hair curlers and hair wavers are popular styling tools. They add flair to any hairstyle by changing the layout of the hair.
Adding curls or waves throughout the hair can give you a totally different look.
This you can do on almost any length of hair.
Hair setters, which are curlers that heat up before you place them in your hair, also perform the same functions as hair curlers.
However, they are meant to be quicker to use and will give you a similar result but in a shorter time frame.
They come in different sizes for producing different types of curls.
Also, a curling iron could work.
There is a good selection out there. Remember that the smaller the iron, the smaller the curl will be.
You should use a product that will protect your hair against heat such as IT A 10 Miracle Shine Spray. It is wonderful for adding shine to strengthen your hair and protects your hair against heated tools.
I hope this helps you make some decisions. Remember, it’s always good to change your look no matter how small and to have fun with it.
Thanks, Lisa
Kiddies Corner
Dear Lisa,
I am a busy mum of two boys and a girl. Their ages range from 3-10 years. I need some advice for their hair.
The last time my husband took the boys to get it cut, they came back with a “buzz,” which I did not like. What do you recommend for the boys?
Meanwhile, my girl has long, straight hair that seems to hang around her shoulders. Her friends are now all getting a little more concerned about fashion, so what do you think could work?
Emily Leon
Seal Beach
Hi Emily,
For children’s hairstyles, keeping things simple usually lasts until they turn 11-12 years old. From then on, they seem to have ideas of their own on how they want their hair to look.
As parents, we just have to make sure it works for them. However, for younger children, parents still have a great amount of influence regarding how hair should be worn or cut.
There are some cute options available.
Because children are so active, both boys and girls hairstyles that are easy to manage and will not get tangled up easily are great everyday options.
Boys will usually have an easier time in managing their hair. Wash, use some gel and they are good to go.
If the hair is short, it works great. However, we are seeing more young guys now opt for longer hair. There are some great surfer-looking haircuts that are many different lengths so there is an alternative to the buzz for boys.
Young girls hairstyles take a little more effort to maintain at that age.
Children at this age are more concerned about playing rather than socially fitting in with the crowd.
Hairstyles do not need to be up to the minute in the latest fashion. Hairstyles need to be simple and easy to manage.
For girls, it’s about making sure their hair has a good shape.
They should have their hair trimmed when needed. Keep it one length. At this age, it can work as you also have the option of putting hair in a ponytail for sports, school, etc.
You can also add some layers and this as well would work great.
So, again, the key is, making it easy to get them ready with little work.
Thanks, Lisa
Got a question for Lisa?
Lisa Brown Northrup is a freelance hairstylist based between Seal Beach and Sunset Beach. She currently heads up her own company, Brown Sugar, which specializes in all aspects of hair color and cutting for weddings and just about all other hair and beauty needs.
Northrup is an award-winning stylist in her hometown of Dublin, Ireland. She has won such awards as the L’Oreal Color trophy and Hairdresser of the Year twice. She looks forward to answering your questions regarding hair and beauty. E-mail her at brownsugarsealbeach@live.com.
