Beauty School: How To Protect Your Hair From The Elements

Hi everyone,

A bad bad hair day shouldn’t just be blamed on the type of hair you have, but what the weather is or even where you live. Different climates can have different effects on hair depending on heat, moisture, and other natural factors. With the seasons rapidly changing, here are my tips for beautiful, healthy hair, no matter the weather!

How to protect your hair from…

Cold, Dry Air: Cold, crisp air can cause hair to dry out and become brittle. It can also lead to static strands, so make sure to keep them moisturized. Another tip is to stay inside after washing your hair until it fully dries during the colder months, as wet hair is more prone to breakage.

Wind: While winds-wept hair can have a perfectly tousled effect, wind-blown hair is a totally different story. Too much exposure to those breezy fall days can increase tangles and knots, leading to unruly hair. Quick fix: tuck your hair in your sweater until you get in doors, or use a silk scarf as a head wrap.

Humidity: The more water vapor there is in the air, the more humid it will be. Excessive humidity is uncomfortable and takes a toll on hair. Humid weather causes strands to absorb more moisture and can actually CHANGE THE LENGTH and look of your hair.

One way to tame the effects of humidity, and the frizz that often comes with it, is to rinse your hair with cold water instead of warm in order to seal the cuticle. It will then lay flat instead of flying upward and out of control. Bonus: hitting your locks with a blast of cold water will also make it look shinier and sleeker!

Rain: Rain often has similar frizz-ifying effects, and it can also cause hair to flatten out and become limp. To keep hair looking smooth post-rain, PREVENTION suggests hydrating your hair prior to exposure, so the moisture from the rain doesn’t move up your strands. If you’re afraid of limp, lifeless hair, try a sleek up-do such as a bun or a low-maintenance braided look, and carry a comb in your purse just in case.

Sun Damage: If your hair feels out of control or lackluster after a summer of sun exposure and dry weather, I suggest undoing some of the damage by returning moisture and nutrients to your tresses. 

How do you deal with the elements? What does the climate you live in do to your hair? Share your stories in the comments!

<3 Mindy

Brow Basics: 4 Differents Ways To Fills Them In

Hi everyone,

There’s no doubt about it – brows are having a serious “moment” right now.  Unfortunately, not all of us are born with Cara Delevingne’s bold brows…but that doesn’t mean we can’t fake it! Today, I wanted to share a guide to all the different ways to fill in your brows so you can find the best one for your unique set.  Read up, and consider yourself a bonafide brow expert afterwards :)

1.) Brow pencil: This is one of the most basic ways to fill in your brows.  Brow pencils come in varying shades of light brown to black and have a waxier formula than eyeliner pencils.  This allows them to go on naturally and smoothly, without the risk of harsh lines.  Use short, light strokes to fill out your brows and soften it all out with a stiff brow brush or spooly (I saved you the extra step and added a spooly tip to the other end of EM’S DEFINING BROW LINER :)

2.) Brow powder (or matte eyeshadow): For a softer look, reach for a brow powder or matte eyeshadow that’s lighter than your natural eyebrow color.  Tap an angled brow brush into the powder and trace the outline of your brows, using light strokes.  To prevent the color from running or fading, brush a layer of clear brow gel or mascara on afterwards to seal in the look.

3.) Brow gel: Brow gels help keep unruly brows in place.  Clear brow gel is great for those of you who already have thick brows, but need extra taming.  Tinted brow gel adds a hint of color to your brows while shaping them.  ANASTASIA has great brow gels that tint your brow hairs, not your skin! Another way to tame your brow gels is to use VASELINE - here's how.

4.) Brow pens/markers: This is probably the least-used brow method, but it can do wonders if you use it correctly! Like lip pens, brow pens usually have a felt tip that distributes pigmented color on your brows.  Some people are afraid to use them (after all, it can kind of feel like you’re drawing on your brows with a marker!), but the tint isn’t as opaque as you might think.  The great part about brow pens is their staying power – usually only makeup remover or oil will make them budge! Use feathery strokes like you would with a brow pencil for a naturally filled-in look.

And finally, if none of these methods work or you, perhaps you just need to combine them.  A lot of girls use a brow gel after applying brow powder for a more defined look, or brow powder after brow liner to soften out the lines.  Experiment and find the best method for you!

For more on brows, check out the posts below:
VIDEO: BROW 101
LIGHT VS. DARK: WHICH EYEBROW COLOR IS BEST FOR YOU?
UNCOVERED: EYEBROW THREADING

<3 Mindy

photo credit: IVAN GAVAN/GETTY IMAGES AT PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND FASHION SHOW