Carrie Schwebl is 2009 graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, and now works as a personal stylist at Nordstrom.
Whether you need a little fashion advice, want to update your wardrobe or are looking for the perfect gift, Carrie is here to help! Just think of her as your fashionable best friend. We’re very excited to have her as a regular contributor here at mycollegebody!
Our stylist, Jess, of Alexander’s Salon (163 Newbury Street, Boston) answers all your questions related to proper hair care during the winter months. Read up! You may be surprised by what she has to say.
Q: Is there really a difference between the different brands of hair straighteners? A lot of people argue that CHI’s are the best…what’s your opinion for the best, but still affordable option?
A: There ARE differences between straighteners. For instance some flat irons get hotter than others and most people want the flat iron that gets the hottest, but that’s not always best for your hair. What most people don’t know is it’s not always what you have but it’s how you use it. In the beauty industry, it’s always about technique. In my opinion, it is best to have a strong flat iron as well as seek the advice of a trained professional on how to use and achieve your desired look.
Q: How ofte
n should I straighten my hair? Will it get damaged if done everyday?
A: Straightening your hair everyday will damage your hair. Too much of anything is not always good and you shouldn’t apply all that heat to your hair, as it will cause damage in the long run. I would only suggest using a flat iron twice a week.
Q: What should I do when I start to see my hair becoming dry/brittle?
A: When you start to see your hair feeling dry or damaged you should use a deep conditioning treatment or any type of moisturizing product. You should always try to put back what you take out of your hair to keep it balanced and healthy. I would recommend Nutri Mask by Jas. It works wonders on the hair, especially dry and color treated. If your hair is damaged, this would be a great time for you to seek advice from your stylist as to which product would work best on your hair.
Q: What products, if any, should I put on my hair before straightening it?
A: Before I apply any heat to my hair I put a thermal protector and a leave-in conditioner if needed. This is to protect your hair’s cuticles and helps to cause less damage. You should also put in a serum throughout your hair to keep it silky and shiny; however, use sparingly.
Q: Now that it’s cold outside, does my hair really tend to get dryer, and if so, why?
A: It’s true that during the coldest seasons our hair becomes dry due to the dry air and the lack of natural oils being produced. Your scalp is skin just like your face and hands, and so it will become dry. Without your own oils it’s hard for your hair to stay hydrated.
Q: How should I treat my hair now as opposed to how I treat it in the summer?
A: During the winter months, you should use serums or any products that hydrate the hair, but be careful not to use too much because everybody’s hair is different. For decisions like this it’s best to ask a professional.
Q: Why do so many women choose to go a shade or sometimes several shades darker during the winter? What is your opinion on this trend and what’s the right way to do it?
A: In my opinion, going darker in the winter is the best way to go. The lack of exposure to the sun prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating our hair cuticles. The sun’s rays are what opens our hair cuticles and removes the melanin, which cause our hair to lighten. Melanin is what gives us the color of our skin, and also what gives us our natural hair color. Once it is removed, our hair lightens. In other words, without exposure to the sun, your hair cannot lighten on it’s own. So if you’re looking for a natural look you should go with something darker, or even a shade close to your natural color. For women with blond hair, you don’t have to become brunette to look natural, just tone it down some. However before doing anything, once again you should always consult with a professional.
