Iconic Celebrity Hair Colors

By Grace Gold

Elizabeth Taylor – Dark Brunette

What would “Butterfield 8” be without Taylor’s smoldering brunette locks? With legendary lavender eyes and trademark tousled waves, the actress ensnared the love (and diamonds) of seven husbands, as well as the once-in-a-lifetime starring role of Cleopatra.

Get The Look

“The hotter the water in the shower, the quicker the color will fade down the drain,” says San Diego stylist and salon owner Jet Rhys of Taylor’s rich hue. Try to keep rinses closer lukewarm, especially the week following a fresh color, and cold rinse when possible to close the cuticle and amp up brunette shine. Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray contains sunflower seed extract to prevent fading from shampooing and sun rays, while silicone and panthenol lock in color and gloss.

Lucille Ball – Bright Red

As comedy’s grand dame, Lucille Ball was just as renowned for her fiery red locks as she was the comical situations she tripped into every week with gal pal Ethel on the popular 50’s sitcom, “I Love Lucy.” “Once in his lifetime, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead,” Ball once famously said—though it was truly an entire country that fell for the famed jokester.

Get The Look

“Lucy’s fabulous vibrant red works best on alabaster skin,” says Rhys—and the warm hue looks especially vibrant with blue and green eyes. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Crème in Light Reddish Blonde #94 combines color with fruit oil and avocado conditioners for a vibrant finish.

Christie Brinkley – Blonde

This life-long blonde is best known for a three-peat: scoring a trio of back-to-back Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers, plus snagging musician-hubby Billy Joel after the two met on set of his music video, Uptown Girl. The couple may have parted ways in 1994 (with two more husbands to get the same heave-ho), but the supermodel’s sunshine locks power on.

Get The Look

Wheat and butter blonde looks best on complexions touched by gold, says Rhys, though the shade is prone to turning brassy due to the process of oxidization. To preserve color, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner like Alterna Bamboo UV+ Color Protection Vibrant Color Shampoo, which is free of stripping sulfates and sodium chloride, and strengthens hair with pure organic bamboo extract and Kalahari melon.

Helen Mirren – Champagne Gray

From stage to screen, this royally-anointed dame has given award-winning performances as epic characters ranging from Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III in “The Madness of King George.” Most brilliantly, the Oscar winner has done much of it in blazing gray locks—transforming the shade from what was once hidden as a sign of aging by Hollywood actresses to a symbol of pride, beauty and strength.

Get The Look

To strike a blended gray shade, go for a pale ash blonde base to maintain a hint of color, and then tone with gray, like a fifty-fifty mix of Wella’s White Lady and Silver Lady toners, says Canale. The resulting shade is perfect for light to medium skin tones, with deeper skins needing a stronger proportion of gray. “Avoid all serums and waxes when you style, or else you’ll turn yellow,” adds Rhys. Instead, try Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo to add volume and texture while maintaining the pristine shade.

Diana Ross – Black

From electric lead singer of Motown group The Supremes to the incarnation of cultural legend Billie Holiday in “Lady Sings the Blues,” Ross is beloved as one of the first African American stars to turn naturally textured hair into a stylish statement. Is it even possible to imagine this star without her trademark halo of curls and slash of black kohl that seemed to define the entire era of disco?

Get The Look

Skin tone is key for a shade so rich, and is best worn by deeper olive to dark skin tones with an undercurrent of mahogany. If applying the color yourself, be particularly careful to apply the shade precisely behind the hair line to avoid difficult-to-remove staining, says Rhys. Try Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Color Blend Foam in Black, for a drip-free formula that provides full coverage color exactly where you place it.

Julia Roberts – Dark Auburn

When Vivian Ward transformed from downtrodden Hollywood prostitute to sophisticated socialite in “Pretty Woman,” her wardrobe, makeup and manners changed completely—but her flaming red locks did not. Could it be the secret behind Roberts’ command of the day’s highest paycheck price for an actress (no doubt adding to her estimated $140 million fortune) or the force behind her record-breaking 11th nomination as People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People in the World?

Get The Look

“Julia’s variations of rich auburn and maple tones always makes it look like the sun is following her,” says Rhys. Best for light to peaches ‘n cream complexions, the key is to look for an auburn shade that has depth, like Samy Fat Foam Hair Color in Medium Reddish Brown.

Five Best Winter Hair Secrets With Jet Rhys, Celebrity Stylist

 


by Chrissy Lorenzo

Jet Rhys, owner of Jet Rhys Salon in San Diego and stylist to the stars (Clive Owen, Elisha Cuthbert, and Matthew Perry, to name a few) knows a thing or two about hair care. She’s been featured in publications such as Harper’s BazaarCosmopolitanElleVogueand InStyle. She is also one of the creative geniuses behind the styling of national television and print ads featuring to-die-for tresses for Pantene, L’Oreal, and Revlon. Here, Jet shares her must-have products and best winter hair secrets, from easy tricks for avoiding hat head and static cling to ways to protect your hair from harsh wind and chilly temperatures. Plus, she gives us her very own at-home recipe for healthy locks, as well as her favorite budget buys.

1. Pick the right time of day to suds up. Who knew? “Washing hair at night during the cold months can reduce dry scalp and itchiness,” a common problem with winter hair, explains Jet. “Allowing the hair to rest overnight during sleep can help natural oils to form, protecting both the hair and scalp from harsh winter air.”

2. Combat the elements with a natural, DIY treatment. Jet’s favorite at-home recipe to add to our hair regimen? “A great DIY rosemary and honey mask treatment to combat the dryness.” says Rhys. This winter hair secret helps your locks in three important ways: “This conditioning mask blends honey for shine, olive oil for moisture, and essential rosemary oil to jump start hair growth.”

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp of warmed olive oil
  • 4 drops of essential rosemary oil

Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl and apply to towel-dried hair. Then, place a plastic cap on your head and let it sit for 20 minutes.

When you’re done, Jet says, “Shampoo, rinse, voilà! Instantly hydrated hair!”

3. Your styling tools matter. ”When you wake up, use a natural bristle brush to pull oils through the ends of hair and help reduce fly-aways; I love the Sephora Collection Boar Detangling Brush ($24, at Sephora).” The YS Park Carbon Tiger Brush 580, $58, precisionshears.com, is another favorite pick of Jet’s: “The bristles smoothly grab the hair while the short bristles create gleaming shine throughout the hair.”

4. Avoid hat hair. If your hat doesn’t fit right, try this winter hair secret: “Check the size of the hat,” says Rhys. “You should be able to fit two fingers between the hat band and your hair because most hat hair is caused by wearing the hat too tight.” How do we keep our hair from turning into a matted mess post-hat? “I suggest spraying some frizz controlling hairspray on dry hair before wearing your hat out.”

Get rid of static cling: “Add Aussie Hair Insurance Leave-in Conditioner Spray ($3.99, drugstore.com) during the winter months. This prevents dry, parched hair and helps avoid static electricity.”

5.Use the right products for dry locks. Products that hydrate your hair are a must in the winter months: “Try a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as Davines Melu ($19.80, drugstore.com). This anti-damage line is great to coat the scalp and hair naturally with olive oil to reduce fly-aways!”

Jet Rhys‘ best budget-friendly pick for quenching dry, winter hair? “I have always loved Infusium 23 conditioner ($6.99, drugstore.com). When I see very damaged hair, this is my go-to product; I have seen it repair the most severe dry hair with a few applications!”

Don’t forget: Before you pull out that hot flat iron, use a heat-protecting spray to save locks from damage. Tsuya Pata Treatment Spray, $15.29, amazon.com, is Jet’s pick: “I love the hydrolyzed silk–it adds gloss and shine.”

How Can I Keep Dry Shampoo From Clogging In The Bottle?

by: Petra Guglielmetti

I’ve posted about how annoyed I get when pumps refuse to suck up the last couple inches of body lotion. Well here’s a similar nagging issue one reader Tweeted us about–have youever encountered this problem (if so, we have fixes for you!).

@Charley931 tweeted Beth and I to ask: How can she keep dry shampoo from clogging inside the bottle? She owns two different kinds (one from Big Sexy Hair, one from Victoria’s Secret) that she can no longer use due to clogging, and the issue started after just a couple uses.

I’m not a dry shampoo user but I know it’s super-popular these days. Tons of my friends swear by it, as do the hairstylists I interview for stories–so I asked around and found the following tips for keeping dry shampoo from clogging.

From hairstylist Joshua-Myles Ristaino:

“I’ve experienced the same issue with dry shampoos! Partly I think it is a manufacturing issue, and the nozzles on most of the luxury brands are a bit too small. Also, most people don’t realize the humidity in the bathroom can gunk up the materials in dry shampoo. I have the best luck with the Naturia Dry Shampoo from René Furterer, which has a wider opening in the nozzle for less buildup. Or, better yet, switch to the Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with oat milk in a squeeze bottle. It offers more control and gentler application (like little clouds!) allowing you to get closer to your root.”

From hairstylist Jet Rhys:

Two tricks that she says work like a charm:

* Tilt the can sideways with the nozzle under the faucet and let water gently run over it. Pull it in and out of the water stream a few times until the clog loosens.

* Swipe a Q-Tip in some Vaseline, tissue off any excess and place inside the nozzle hole. Work it in there a little, then use the other end of the Q-Tip to clean the nozzle out. “The slipperiness of the petrolatum works like a charm!” Jet says.

From Paul Perez of Sally Hershberger salon in Los Angeles:

“Make sure you shake dry shampoo in between each spray, and only spray in quick bursts. Once you’re finished, rinse the nozzle under warm water so the bottle will be un-clogged next time you go to use it.”

Instant Hair Makeovers

Stuck in a hair rut? With these simple, celebrity-inspired ideas and pro tips, you’ll abandon the faithful ponytail holder forever.

Try ombré hair color

Why it works: Two words: low maintenance. Ombré means gradation in French—hair starts out dark at the roots and fades to a lighter shade on the ends. And since it mimics the natural grow-out process, you can go at least four months between color appointments, says Jet Rhys, a San-Diego-based stylist. Translation: you’ll save time and money. Brunettes such as Mila Kunis love the skin-brightening look, but Rhys says the technique can be done on any hue.
How to get it: This is one look you should leave to the pros, says Rhys. “It’s an art.” Make an appointment with a trained colorist (set up a consult first to be sure), who will hand paint lighter tones from your mid-shaft to tips.

 

Give yourself a bouncy blowout

Why it works: After the extended popularity of what Rhys calls “Real Housewife” hair—flat at the root with big, over-styled curls—it’s a refreshing change to ditch the curling iron and go soft and bouncy. “It’s more grownup and luxurious-looking,” says Rhys. And dare we say, regal? It’s the Duchess of Cambridge’s trademark style.
How to get it: You don’t need a royal hair treatment to get Kate’s look—just some Velcro rollers. Starting with damp hair, massage your roots with a volumizing mousse such as Biomega Up All Night Volume Foam, $20, aquage.com. Blow-dry using a shine-infusing boar-bristle brush. Once dry, wrap two-inch sections of hair around two-inch Velcro rollers, placing the rollers sideways—a trick that creates a looser wave, says Rhys. After 15 minutes, mist rollers with hairspray and remove. Flip your head upside down and scrunch at roots. Flip right side up and smooth with your hands.

 

Braid your hair

Why it works: The braid is the new ponytail—only when it’s full of texture like Diane Kruger’s sexy plait, no one will think you’ve just come from the gym. It’s the perfect second—or even third—day hairstyle, says Australian-based hairstylist Kevin Murphy. The secret: it works better on dirty hair, which is less slippery and has more natural texture.
How to get it: “Rough up” dry hair by scrunching in a texturizing spray such as Kevin.Murphy Anti.Gravity.Spray, $25, KevinMurphy.com.au . Create a side part and smooth the pieces around your hairline with a brush. Gather all your hair to the side opposite your part and start braiding at your jawline. Secure with an elastic band. Loosen the braid by giving it a gentle shake. It shouldn’t look too perfect.

 

Create a sweeping side part

Why it works: Simply changing up your part tends to have a “hey, did you get a haircut?” effect. Make it a deep side part like Emma Stone’s and you’ll also add a touch of elegance to your look. It’s the perfect, no-fuss special occasion ’do. Anyone can pull it off, but this style is especially flattering for wide and heart-shaped faces, says Murphy, because it softens a wide-forehead.
How to get it: Part your hair while it’s still wet, lining it up with the highest part of your eyebrow. Apply a smoothing lotion such as Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector Balm, $4.11, GarnierUSA.com, and blow-dry hair upside-down using the nozzle attachment (to concentrate the air flow) and a big round brush. Once it’s dry, flip hair back over and brush down while it’s still warm, locking in smoothness, says Murphy.

 

Cut full bangs

Why it works: There’s no easier way to make a dramatic change than by cutting bangs. Naomi Campbell’s brow-grazing, face-framing fringe is super-flattering for all face shapes: it calls attention to cheekbones, creating the illusion of more prominent ones, explains Murphy. Anti-aging bonus: Bangs instantly hide forehead lines.
How to get it: Ask your stylist for bangs that are slightly longer on the sides—they should hit the top of your cheekbone. (If you have a long face, Murphy suggests keeping them slightly shorter in the center so more forehead shows.) To get ’em smooth and straight, blow-dry your fringe as soon as you get out of the shower. Keep the greasies away by spritzing the underside with a dry shampoo, such as the purse-sized Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo Spray To Go, $7.50, Sephora.com.

 

Get a “skinny” cut

Why you’ll love it: It’s named for its sleek, face-framing look, but we’re told Jennifer Aniston’s sexy mid-length bob also has the power to slim a round face. “It’s all about reducing the weight of the hair and adding movement,” says Rhys. And unlike more jagged, choppy layered cuts, this style has layers that fall nicely around the face, making it incredibly simple to style.
How to get it: Ask your stylist to “point cut” your layers—a cutting technique that removes bulk and softens blunt edges. To style, blow-dry your hair upside-down, using your hands to swirl hair in a circular motion—clockwise, then counter-clockwise. “This helps keep the hair smooth,” says Rhys. When it’s just about dry, flip back over and finish drying with a paddle brush (no round brush here).Give ends a piece-y look with texturizing cream. Try Sally Hershberger Wreck and Roll Texturizing Cream, $12.50, drugstore.com

Great Hollywood Hair

Jet Rhys is a stylist, a colorist, a salon owner and an educator. She has been featured in AllureHarper’s Bazaar, W Magazine and SELF. Her motto is
“Look, study and attack.”

 

It can be hard to stay real in the bright lights of Hollywood. So many stars rely on drastic styles, heaps of extensions and unsuitable color choices to keep up with the trends. Here’s how some celebrities embrace their natural beauty.

Naomi Watts has always kept a very soft and feminine touch to her hairstyles. I absolutely love that her hair is always a bit tousled and sexy for a glamorous just-rolled-out-of-bed look. She keeps her hair color close to natural, which looks subtly golden and sunny, and — most important — healthy. Watts is a wonderful inspiration for women with fine, limp hair because she really finds a way to add volume and texture — without looking overdone.

To get the look: Start by applying a volumizing mousse all over hair, focusing on the root area for lift. Blow-dry hair upside down to create volume from the roots to the ends. Use a large-barrel curling iron to add soft waves. You can wear your hair down or pin a few pieces up for a classic Watts updo.

Eva Mendes is the definition of sultry. Her rich, golden hair color brings out the radiant glow of her skin, and her bombshell hairstyles add to her sex appeal. She uses hot tools to switch from silky straight to big and bouncy curls. Be sure to protect your hair if you are a hair chameleon like Mendes. Remember to deep-condition your hair weekly to add moisture back into dry ends, and always use a thermal-protection spray before using a blow-dryer, flat iron or curling iron.

To get the look: Start by applying a volumizing spray for control and lift just at the roots. Then, apply a thermal-protection straightening balm through ends to tame frizz and add shine. Blow-dry hair, running your fingers through your tresses until they’re 80-percent dry. Then use a boar-bristle round brush to smooth ends with soft waves.

I’m a Huge Fan Taylor Lautner: Jet Rhys Makeover



Sara is finally ready to meet Taylor Lautner! It’s time for the finale of I’m a Huge Fan: Taylor Lautner — the big interview. Before sitting down to chat with the Abduction star, Sara is off to pick out the perfect dress at The Back Room San Diego and get her hair and makeup done at
Jet Rhys Salon. Now that she looks amazing, Sara has to pull from everything she has learned about Taylor for a one-on-one, sit-down chat on behalf of PopSugar. In case you missed it, watch I’m a Huge Fan, Part One and Part Two at Comic-Con. Now, enjoy the I’m a Huge Fan finale, and check out Taylor in Abduction in theaters now!

 



 

11 Ways to Reinvent Your Look

Revamp your wardrobe, makeup, hair and more with our quick tips 

 

1  There’s something about the turn of a calendar year that makes everyone crave dramatic change, especially when it comes to physical appearance (you know, the whole “New Year, New Look” thing). But you don’t have to lose 20 pounds, dye your hair red or max out your credit card at the mall to reinvent your image—smaller changes can add up to a big impact. Here are 10 almost-effortless ways to update your appearance for 2009. They’re quick, inexpensive, and unlike the many trendy diets the season brings, require nearly zero willpower. Read on for the tips.

 

 

2  Part your hair on the other side

Been parting your hair the same way for as long as you can remember? Experimenting with a new look can be as simple as flipping it to the opposite side of your head. The simple switch can add new volume at the roots and alter the way the front sections frame your face. “Changing your part is an especially great way to get long hair out of a rut without sacrificing any length,” says San Diego–based hairstylist Jet Rhys. If your hair is strongly “trained” in its usual direction, she suggests this trick: Move your part before bed using a comb and a bit of styling cream, then put on a wide, no-slip elastic headband. Slip folded tissue beneath the band to keep it from leaving crease marks in your hair. When you wake up, your new part will stay in place without flyaways. Or, buy some hair-setting tape and use it to secure the hair beside your part while you sleep.

3 Accessorize to your advantage

Don’t buy a whole new wardrobe—just make people think you did, by updating the items that get noticed the most, like your handbag. Accessories are also a cost-effective way to update your closet’s contents because you can wear them day after day. This year, look for pieces made from faux crocodile leather and other exotic “skins,” says New York–based handbag designer Rebecca Minkoff. To make your outfits appear more high-end, choose a handbag that has brass hardware instead of silver; it looks expensive and is a bit more unexpected. Or, to make clothes feel more fun and modern, try one of the glossy black patent-leather clutches or shoes currently in stores. “Patent always adds a little pop to an outfit,” Minkoff says. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive.

Pictured: Rebecca Minkoff “Simone” clutch; $185

4  Don’t red lipstick

Don’t be scared off by its boldness—the truth is, red is one of the most universally wearable lipstick shades, and it’s a classic way to add both impact and femininity to your look. “In general, reds that are more blue-based are flattering on all skin tones, and they make your teeth look whiter to boot,” says James Boehmer, international lead makeup stylist for NARS Cosmetics. When shopping for one, trust your instincts. “Choosing a red lipstick is like choosing a great piece of jewelry—you should go for the one you’re immediately attracted to,” Boehmer says. If you’re really unsure, buy a shade that’s widely known to be universal; Boehmer recommends NARS Jungle Red, which “is neither too warm nor too cool.” Not ready to commit? Try on the look with a great drugstore pick like L’Oréal Colour Riche in True Red.

5  Modernize your manicure

Your nails may seem like minor details, but they say a lot about you. For example, oval-shaped tips painted with pale-pink polish are pretty, but a little predictable. Try this of-the-moment twist instead, and watch your nails suddenly spark attention: Instead of rounding off the tips, file them straight across and then round off just the corners, creating what manicurists call a “squoval” shape. When it comes to color, the chicest choices right now are warm brownish-beige shades, like Essie “Buy Me a Cameo.” Or, try one of the new palest-gray hues, such as OPI “Moon Over Mumbai,” which is soft and subtle, but still thoroughly modern.

 

6  Fake a salon blowout at home

You (or your mom) might have used Velcro rollers decades ago, and now they’re back in a big way. These classic styling tools are the easiest way to get the look of a professional blowout—without the $50 price tag. They’re also the perfect way to give hair oomph on days when you don’t wash it. Try misting dry hair with a little hairspray, dividing it into six to eight sections and rolling it onto self-grip rollers (medium ones if your hair is shoulder-length; large ones if your hair is longer). “Roll hair under, not over—you’ll create more volume this way,” Rhys advises. Hit your hair with a gentle stream of hot air from your blow dryer and let it cool while you do your makeup; then, unpin and gently finger-comb the sections together. “This is a fabulous way to get sexy hair with minimal effort,” Rhys says. If you don’t own a set of rollers, try the new versions that have an aluminum/ceramic core, which helps them hold heat for longer (We like Spornette’s Battalia Ceramic Thermal Rollers.)

 

7 Rediscover the pointy-toed shoe

The tapered toe fell out of fashion’s favor for a couple of seasons, but this season, it’s the shoe shape of choice. The reason pointy toes always seem to re-emerge on the scene? “There’s simply nothing as flattering to a woman’s leg than a pointed-toe pump,” explains New York–based shoe designer Donald J. Pliner. “A woman’s whole attitude seems to change when she’s wearing them.” That could be because of their unique ability to visually elongate the leg, especially when paired with wide-leg trousers or a sleek pencil skirt. To ensure that pointy shoes fit comfortably without pinching the toes, consider buying them a half size larger than your usual shoes, and look for a heel that’s under two inches. If you want to maximize the leg-lengthening effect, buy a pair in a color that’s close to your skin tone, like an ivory, beige, tan or brown hue.

 

8 Get your skin glowing

Foundation isn’t the most thrilling makeup topic, but it makes a huge difference to your overall look. To get the most flawless finish, take your application technique up a notch with Alcone Non-Latex Sponges ($2.50 for six). A favorite of makeup artists, the sponges smoothly blend color and create the illusion of a perfect complexion. “I can’t work without them,” says New York–based celebrity makeup artist Susan Giordano. “They never crumble, they’re washable, and the wedge shape makes it easy to get into corners,” like the inner zones of the eyes and crevices around the nostrils. Another trick makeup pros use to get clients’ skin red-carpet radiant? Add a couple of drops of skin luminizer to foundation (try Revlon Skinlights Instant Skin Brightener or Benefit High Beam); the subtle shimmer gives skin a youthful, dewy look, and by reflecting light, helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and other flaws.

 

9 Make peace with your closet

It’s not easy to part with items that have sentimental—or monetary—value. But if you only wear a fraction of the clothing in your closet, getting rid of the excess will help you rediscover classic items and determine what additions could take your wardrobe to the next level. Start by only pulling out items you’re sure you won’t wear again. Then, turn all the hangers in your closet so they’re facing in the same direction. Every time you wear an item, flip its hanger the other way. Got items you always say you’ll wear again someday? Make an effort to actually do so, and see if they still suit you. Resolve to remove any items that haven’t been worn by next New Year’s (those whose hangers remain un-flipped), and either donate them to charity, or in the case of expensive items, bring them to a consignment shop or post them for sale on eBay or Craigslist. You’ll find that having extra space in your closet encourages you to mix-and-match more, creating outfits that look brand new.

 

10 Play up your eyes in a whole new way

Deep-blue eye pencil is a great new alternative to basic brown and black—it’s just as subtle and versatile, but the blue undertones brighten the whites of your eyes, making you seem instantly less tired and more alert. Says Giordano, “This shade still has the depth of color you need to play up the shape of the eye but gives you a modern, sophisticated look.” Stick to navy or deep indigo hues, and smudge it subtly right into your lashline. “Steer clear of bright or baby blues, unless you want to look like you just stepped off The Love Boat,” Giordano advises. Try the Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil in Navy, or Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Navy.

 

11 Get shiny, happy hair—instantly

Shiny, healthy hair makes your entire look seem more polished—and if yours doesn’t happen to be looking that way at the moment, don’t worry: There’s an easy way to fake it. Just call your salon and book an appointment for a glaze, a semi-permanent treatment that uses ingredients like silicone to smooth and shine each strand, without weighing hair down like shine-enhancing serums and sprays can. Or, to achieve a similar effect for less money, try one of the new at-home glossing treatments, like Frederic Fekkai Salon Glaze and John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze. These products are also designed to help enhance your hair color (especially helpful between dye sessions) and seal up hair’s dry tips to minimize the appearance of split ends between haircuts.

Avocados, tea and almonds lead the beauty-supplies shopping list

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but it’s also lurking in the grocery aisle. Put these supermarket superstars at the top of your shopping list and use our innovative tricks to sneak more of them into your diet — and your natural beauty routine.

Beauty-food safety: Before using foods or beverages on skin or hair, do a patch test: Prepare the item as suggested, swab a bit on the inside of your wrist, then wait 48 hours to see if you develop a reaction. If not, proceed.


1. Avocado

Eat it! Consider avocado the overachiever of beauty superfoods: It’s rich in protective antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help keep skin plump and smooth, says New York City dietitian Shari Bilt Boockvar, a registered dietitian. Eating the fruit can also help replenish the protective layer of fatty acids that surrounds skin cells, keeping moisture in and preventing dehydration, according to Dr. Jessica Wu, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Southern California Medical School and author of Feed Your Face. Get your avocado fix by using it in place of mayo on a sandwich, or whip half an avocado and add it to your smoothie or salad dressing recipes.

Apply it! ”An avocado face mask may help slow skin’s aging process,” says nutritionist Lisa Drayer, who points to a 2006 study published in Phytotherapy Research that found that applying avocado oil to skin can stimulate collagen and elastin production. Make an anti-aging moisturizing mask by pureeing a ripe avocado and mixing it with 1/4 cup sour cream, which has lactic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells. Spread over your face and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing with water.

2. Tea

Drink it! All teas boast skin-boosting antioxidants, but green and white varieties are especially good because they have double the antioxidants of black tea as well as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a type of antioxidant that “protects skin from damage caused by exposure to sun and pollutants,” says Wu. Sip up — but cook with the brew, too; it makes a great poaching liquid for chicken or fish.

Apply it! Tea is a natural hair-color booster that can function as a rinse to bring out highlights in dyed or undyed hair, says Jet Rhys, owner of the Jet Rhys Salons in San Diego. Chamomile revitalizes golden highlights in blond hair, black tea perks up brunettes, and berry or red teas add oomph to auburn or red hair. Prepare 8 ounces, let it cool, then saturate your strands with the solution. Put on a shower cap and wait for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse with water.

3. Almonds

Eat them! Going gray? According to Dr. Wu, almonds contain high levels of catalase, an enzyme that may help slow the graying process by preventing a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in follicles that can cause hair to turn gray. Almonds aren’t just a snack, though: Pulverize them in a food processor and add to waffle batter, or use as a crunchy coating for chicken.

Apply them! Go nuts for this exfoliating body scrub recipe from Kym Douglas, the author of The Beauty Cookbook: Grind 1/4 cup almonds in a food processor until superfine, then mix in 2 tablespoons organic virgin coconut oil to make a paste. In the shower, rub the skin-softening mixture over rough areas, such as knees and elbows, and then rinse with water.

4. Cocoa

Eat it! Cocoa has a high concentration of flavanols, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect skin from sun damage,” says Wu. Add a tablespoon of 70 percent cocoa powder to a cup of barbecue sauce for richer flavor.

Apply it! A no-cal way to get the skin-care benefits of cocoa’s flavanols: Use it as a bath soak, suggests Ginger McLean, spa director for the Spa at the Hotel Hershey in Pennsylvania. To do it, add 1/8 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, which also nourishes dry skin, and 1/3 cup instant fat-free dry milk to your tub.

5. Yogurt

Eat it! Get ready to show off your pearly whites! Spooning up yogurt can help keep your grin gorgeous. “It has calcium and phosphorus that can strengthen tooth enamel and protect your teeth from cavities,” says Drayer. What’s more, varieties such as Greek-style yogurt are high in protein, which is an essential nutrient for the production of collagen, a fibrous substance that keeps your skin youthful looking, according to Wu. Score more daily dairy by replacing regular sour cream with fat-free plain yogurt in recipes for salad dressings.

Apply it! Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy that’s great for sloughing away dead skin cells and unclogging pores, says Wu. She suggests using full-fat plain yogurt as a mask: Apply a thin layer to clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also whip it into a protein-rich hair mask, says Rhys. Whisk together 1/2 cup full-fat yogurt, 3 tablespoons honey and 1 egg yolk. Apply to hair, put on a shower cap, and wait 15 minutes before rinsing and washing as usual.

6. Strawberries

Eat them! ”Strawberries pack the double punch of high levels of vitamin C and ellagic acid,” says Dr. Howard Murad, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA’s Geffen School of Medicine. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and acts as an antioxidant to prevent environmental damage. And a 2007 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that high intake of vitamin C was associated with a lower likelihood of wrinkles and skin dryness. Ellagic acid increases skin’s ability to hold moisture and, says Wu, has been shown to help fade dark spots caused by sun exposure. A new way to work the fruit into your menu: Add a touch of balsamic vinegar to pureed strawberries and use the mixture as a sweet sauce for grilled chicken.

Apply them! Studies show that both ellagic acid and vitamin C in strawberries help protect skin from environmental damage, so using strawberries as part of an at-home beauty treatment could be beneficial. Try this face mask recipe from Douglas: Puree the berries in a blender and mix in chilled full-fat plain yogurt and a squirt of lemon juice (it has antiseptic properties and may help to lighten dark spots). Apply the mixture to your face, leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse.

Boost Your Roots

A novel way to scrub your scalp

Styling product tends to build up on your head over time, weighing hair down. Clearing your scalp of excess product can help boost your hair’s volume. To do so: combine one tablespoon each of lemon juice and vinegar with your shampoo, massage the combo into your scalp, and leave it for five minutes, says Jet Rhys, hairstylist and co-owner of the Jet Rhys salons in San Diego and Solana Beach, California.

 

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Pretty Hair

Confession: We’ve written—and read—enough beauty articles to know how to give ourselves a darn good blowout. But some mornings, even we’re guilty of phoning it in. Here are the quick tricks we use to get gorgeous hair on the fly.

#1 Don’t feel like doing a complete blowout?

Just do the top layers; nobody will know what lies beneath.

#2 Style while you sleep

Before bed, twist your hair into three high buns and secure each with a scrunchie. (Yes, they’re totally passé, but trust us here: they won’t leave behind dents.) In the morning, unravel for Victoria’s Secret model-like waves, says Michael Shaun Corby, creative director of Alterna Haircare.

#3 Reactivate yesterday’s styling products today

Mist dry hair with water and blast roots with your blow dryer. Done!

#4 Freshen up limp hair with your fragrance

No joke. “Perfume is like the original dry shampoo,” says Australian-based stylist Kevin Murphy. Its heavy alcohol content dries up oily roots—and will make your hair smell pretty, too.

#5 Put a cap on frizz

To get smooth curls without piling on the products, slip on a hair net and scrunch the hair inside of net as you blow dry, says Murphy. The net helps to activate your natural curl while preventing flyaways and frizz.

#6 For a ponytail that has lots of sexy volume, create two separate ponys

Stack one on top of the other. It’s that easy.

#7 Get vintage-glam waves in minutes

Create a side part. Then use a curling iron just to curl the face-framing sections of your hair. Brush through and go!

#8 No time to shampoo?

Just wash and blow-dry your greasy bangs. This two-minute trick gives the impression of an all-over clean.

 #9 Give your layers a little bounce

Without all the fancy brushwork: Pull hair into a high ponytail, and then wind around two or three hot rollers. After a few minutes, let it all down and finger comb, says San-Diego-based stylist Jet Rhys.

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