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13 stylist-approved tricks for having the shiniest hair ever

<p><strong>Rinse with cold water</strong></p> <p>Perhaps you’ve heard that cold water helps constrict pores. Well, it has a similar effect on your hair. According to stylist, Stefani Padilla, cold water seals and smooths the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and adding shine. After using shampoo and conditioner, finish with a blast of cold water.</p> <p><strong>Give gloss a try (at the salon)</strong></p> <p>At your salon appointment, ask your stylist for a gloss treatment. “A clear gloss, with a little gold colour in it, delivers the ultimate shine,” says colourist, Will Francis. “I like to leave it on for at least ten minutes.” The way the light reflects off hair post-gloss makes it look super lustrous.</p> <p><strong>Minimise heat styling</strong></p> <p>Heat styling can wear away hair’s cuticles, so it becomes dry, frizzy and breakage-prone. Padilla advises giving your hairdryer and flat iron a rest in favour of air-drying, at least a day or two a week.</p> <p><strong>Invest in an ionic hairdryer</strong></p> <p>Of course, there will be occasions when you want a bouncy blow-dry. So it’s important to invest in the right type of tool – specifically an ionic blow-dryer, which dries the hair faster than alternatives and helps reduce static. One major blow-dry mistake that may be sabotaging your style? Ignoring the nozzle attachment. It’s there for a reason and that’s namely to smooth strands and enhance shine.</p> <p><strong>Blow-dry like a pro</strong></p> <p>Remember, it’s not just about the tool, but how you use it. Be sure to hold the hairdryer a few centimetres away from your head to moderate heat damage. “Always blow dry from root to end – in the direction of the cuticle,” says celebrity colourist, Michael Canalé. “Keep the brush moving while doing so. The continuous, fluid motion smooths and flattens the cuticle, resulting in shiny hair.”</p> <p><strong>Opt for protective products</strong></p> <p>When it comes to heat-styling, you already know that protecting your tresses is a must. But what you might not realise is that pollution and UV rays also damage hair. The right formula can shield against heat and environmental damage.  A nourishing oil “is great because it protects hair from thermal stress, UV, colour fade and environmental aggressors. I always use it on my clients,” says Francis.</p> <p><strong>Slather on some oil</strong></p> <p>Restore radiance with a nourishing oil. Use it as a weekly treatment (massage into scalp and strands) or smooth a few drops daily on the ends to enhance hydration and sheen. Padilla recommends using a lightweight oil, like a nutrient-rich jojoba oil infused with shine-boosting rosemary, protective Ayahuasca plant essence, and moisturising vitamin E.</p> <p><strong>Up your omega intake</strong></p> <p>Certain nutrients are shown to improve hair health – chief among them omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. “Your body needs these to produce lustrous locks, from the inside out,” says Padilla. Load up on fish, like mackerel and sardines. Don’t love seafood? Consider a fish oil capsule. Other omega-rich foods include walnuts, flaxseeds (and oil), avocado and tofu.</p> <p><strong>Shampoo less frequently </strong></p> <p>You’ve certainly heard this before, but it bears repeating… stylists are begging you to stop shampooing your hair every day. Washing less actually preserves shine by allowing natural oils to do their job, according to Francis. Try to limit cleansing to two or three times a week, and make sure you know how to properly wash your hair.</p> <p><strong>Use a clarifying shampoo - in moderation</strong></p> <p>Clarifying hair is important to avoid build up, which can deplete the shine. Want squeaky clean strands? Consider adding a clarifying shampoo into your rotation once a month (but not weekly as it can dry out your tresses). When it comes to picking the right formula, Padilla recommends steering clear of chemicals and sulphates, which can strip the hair as well as open the cuticle. “The key to shine is to keep cuticle closed and protected,” she says.</p> <p><strong>DIY an apple cider vinegar rinse</strong></p> <p>Another in-shower, shine-booster is a weekly apple cider vinegar rinse – it’s basically a DIY version of a clarifying shampoo. Combine two tablespoons apple cider vinegar with one cup water. After shampooing, saturate strands. Rinse thoroughly, and follow with conditioner on the ends only. “The citric acid in the apple cider vinegar dissolves root build up and any other follicle-clogging bacteria that dulls the hair,” explains Canalé.</p> <p><strong>Try a weekly treatment</strong></p> <p>Topical hydration is so important to maintain hair’s natural gleam. “I suggest my clients use a treatment or mask once a week, as a self-care ritual to heal and preserve hair health,” says Padilla. To use, simply massage into the scalp and pull through dry hair. For maximum hydration, keep it on overnight and wash out in the morning. The natural oils in these formulas lock in moisture and make hair shiny.</p> <p><strong>Brush daily</strong></p> <p>Channel your inner Marcia Brady. Well, not quite. While you don’t need to brush your strands 100 times, Padilla does suggest daily brushing. “Brushing pulls natural oils from the scalp down into the hair, which acts as a natural moisturiser,” she says. Be sure to choose a brush with natural or boar bristles, which are a gentler and less damaging alternative to metal and synthetic.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/beauty/13-stylist-approved-tricks-for-having-the-shiniest-hair-ever?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Beauty & Style

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5 Tips to Keep Your Hair Healthy, Shiny and Voluminous

<p><span>As time goes on, everything about our hair starts to change. From the texture and thickness to style and colour, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a part of your identity. Fortunately, with the help of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/" target="_blank">Hairhouse</a>, we’ve put together a list of five hair tips to keep your hair healthy, shiny and voluminous. </span></p> <p><strong>1. Find hair inspiration</strong></p> <p><span>There are great hairstyles for every age and with so many celebrities dawning new looks, it’s easy to find a hairstyle that would suit the recent changes to your hair. </span></p> <p><span>Once you’ve found a style that suits you and your lifestyle, make sure to bring pictures to your salon so they understand what you want to achieve. </span></p> <p><span>It’s also important to keep an open mind and understand that the style you want may not work with your hairs new texture and thickness. </span></p> <p><span>Finding inspiration is also great for finding a hair colour you like.</span></p> <p><strong>2. Invest in nourishing treatments</strong></p> <p>It’s typical for the texture and thickness of your hair to change dramatically over time. By investing in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/hair/haircare" target="_blank">nourishing haircare</a>, you can keep it looking soft, shiny and voluminous. For example, hair masks like the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/Pure-Sacred-Mask-250mL" target="_blank">Sacred Mask by Pure</a> give your hair an intense restorative treatment with nourishing ingredients like Argan Oil and Shea butter to restore, soften and strengthen all hair types.</p> <p>Additionally, hair oils such as the crowd-favourite <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/Elixir-Ultime-Original-Oil-100ml_2" target="_blank">Elixir Ultime Original Oil by Kerastase</a> keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.</p> <p><strong>3. Add warmth to your hair colour</strong></p> <p><span>With exposure to everyday elements, skin can start to lose its natural warmth. With a change in skin tone, the colour of your hair can wash out your skin. Instead, try adding warm, creamy tones to your hair that are soft but illuminate and brighten your skin tone. In addition, adding warmer tones to your hair makes it appear more voluminous. To discover which colour suits you best, Hairhouse offers a complete range of <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/hair/haircare/colouring?order=custitem_b2c_top_seller_rank:asc" target="_blank">semi-permanent or temporary home colouring products</a>, or visit your nearest <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/salon" target="_blank">Hairhouse salon</a>.</span></p> <p><span><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844529/hairhouse-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ea6fcd628f77422e8df396fdd12704e0" /></span></p> <p><em>Image: Supplied</em></p> <p><strong>4. Short is trendy</strong></p> <p>It seems that when you start to reach a certain age, you need to cut your hair short. While some might try to avoid this time, short hair is actually quite trendy. Short haircuts can enhance bone structure and draw attention to your best features by framing your face with styles like bobs, pixie cuts and fringes. Short hair also requires less maintenance and can add a youthful and modern look with more and more celebrities choosing to go short.</p> <p><strong>5. Choose volumising styling tools</strong></p> <p><span>The best way to add volume is by using the right <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/hair/electrical" target="_blank">electrical styling products</a>. Choosing the right products can also impact how long the volume lasts. A great option is heated hair brushes like the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/Revlon-One-Step-Hair-Dryer-and-Volumiser" target="_blank">One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumiser by Revlon</a>. The 2-in-1 electrical styling tool is a great way to achieve volume and shine with minimal effort. In addition, curl wands like the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/Curl-Stick-V2.0" target="_blank">Curl Stick V2.0 by Muk</a> is excellent at adding all-day volume for all hair lengths and thickness. </span></p> <p><span> </span><span>Adjusting to your new hair might take time, but with the help of these tips, you’ll feel confident and like your old self in no time. </span></p> <p><span>For more hair products or to speak with an expert hairstylist about what works for your hair, visit Hairhouse online or <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hairhouse.com.au/stores" target="_blank">find a store near you</a>.</span></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Hairhouse.</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Police highway patrol controversially given shiny new BMWs

<p>Police highway patrol units in Australia are set to replace their Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore pursuit cars with a fleet of shiny new vehicles from BMW.</p> <p>With local production of the Falcon winding up last year and Commodores reaching the end of its current line, Victoria Police Highway Patrol is moving to source specialised foreign vehicles to carry out highway police work in the future.</p> <p>Highway cops in NSW and other states are expected to follow suit, with BMW one of the few car manufacturers still designing vehicles specifically for police work.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-video"> <p dir="ltr">Victorian Police are getting some flash new wheels! They’re replacing their current cars with luxury BMW 5-Series Highway Patrol cars. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sun7?src=hash">#sun7</a> <a href="https://t.co/fDusqj7ecr">pic.twitter.com/fDusqj7ecr</a></p> — Sunrise (@sunriseon7) <a href="https://twitter.com/sunriseon7/status/910234371277205505">September 19, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>Victoria’s Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said the BMW cars were a perfect fit, meeting the operational requirements for highway patrol vehicles.</p> <p>“BMW is the only company to date that has been able to provide a factory fitted ‘police pack’ making the commercial agreement an extremely attractive value for money decision,” said Assistant Commissioner Fryer.</p> <p>The BMW 530d vehicle retails for $120,000, however it is understood that the police have sourced a cheaper model with most of the luxury features of the car removed.</p> <p>The new BMW vehicles will reportedly only be used by specialised highway patrol units, with officers on general police duties set to continue to drive standard vehicles sourced from manufactures like Toyota, Hyundai and Volkswagen.</p> <p>What are your thoughts? Do you think highway cops should be using BMWs? </p>

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8 essential nutrients for healthy hair

<p>As we age, it’s natural for hair to start thinning, become brittle and change texture. While we can’t necessarily stop this from happening altogether, simply adding a few hair-friendly nutrients can help your locks appear more luscious than ever.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Protein</strong> – Your hair is made of protein, therefore the more you eat, the stronger your hair will become. Protein deficiency can cause your hair to become dry, brittle and weak, or potentially lead to hair loss. Lean meats, eggs, legumes and nuts are all high in protein.</li> <li><strong>Iron</strong> – Low levels of iron can lead to anaemia, which in turn can prevent the supply of nutrients to the follicle. This disrupts the hair growth cycle and can lead to hair loss. Leafy greens and red meat can provide you with your daily dose of iron.</li> <li><strong>Vitamin C</strong> – Not only can this vitamin boost your immunity, but it also helps iron absorption and boosts production of collagen – the protein responsible for strengthening the scalp. To get some vitamin C, grab a handful of berries, eat an orange or enjoy some sweet potato.</li> <li><strong>Omega-3</strong> – Fatty acids like omega-3s provide the oils that keep our scalp and hair hydrated. Include oily fish, avocado, pepitas and walnuts in your diet to boost your omega-3 levels.</li> <li><strong>Vitamin A</strong> – This vitamin is essential in the production of sebum, the naturally-occurring oily substance which acts as a conditioner and promotes a healthy scalp. Without sebum, dandruff and dry hair may become a problem. Orange- and yellow-coloured vegetables like carrot and pumpkin are particularly rich in vitamin A.</li> <li><strong>Zinc and selenium</strong> – Zinc and selenium deficiencies can cause hair loss and dry out your scalp. Go for wholegrains, oysters, beef and eggs to get your fill of both.</li> <li><strong>Vitamin E</strong> – Vitamin E is ideal for repairing sun damage to our hair, as well providing it with protection. Nuts are your best bet in upping vitamin E intake.</li> <li><strong>Biotin</strong> – Eating too little biotin can make your hair brittle and dry. Boost your mane’s health with biotin-rich foods like wholegrains, liver, egg yolk, soy flour and yeast.</li> </ol> <p>Tell us in the comments below, how do you keep your hair healthy and luscious?</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/03/reasons-why-your-hair-is-thinning/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>4 reasons why your hair is thinning</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/02/10-homemade-dandruff-cures/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Try these 10 dandruff remedies from your pantry</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/02/hairstyling-tricks-for-thin-hair/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Hairstyling tricks for thin hair</strong></em></span></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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Ice cubes are the secret to shiny hair

<p>We've long been told about the benefits of a cold rinse when you're washing your hair, but it could go even further than that, according to a new home-grown innovation.</p> <p>Treating your hair with sub-zero temperatures can improve its strength, condition and shine, said Timothy Allan of New Zealand's Locus Research. </p> <p>Allan's company has developed a hair conditioning system you keep in your freezer, and they say it can reverse the damage of heat styling and chemical processing. </p> <p>It looks like hair straighteners, and you use it in the same way, but it's exactly the opposite. Once the Inverse system is cold it can stay below zero degrees for up to an hour. </p> <p>"Heat does style your hair, but the problem is it's destructive to keratin", Allan said. </p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/25251/ice-straightener_497x280.jpg" alt="Ice Straightener" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Cooling the hair right down "effectively locks in moisture", he says, which means "in the real world your hair is more manageable and has more definition". </p> <p>Inverse was developed after founder and Kiwi hair stylist David Roe started experimenting with ice as a treatment, when his wife experienced surprising results after washing her hair with ice-cold water.</p> <p>Inverse's manufacturers say it changes the fibre of the hair itself, making it smoother and helping curls fall in groups. </p> <p>"I wouldn't call it an instantaneous effect", said Allan, but the "science matches up with the results". </p> <p>As Allan points out, the beauty of this is that everyone has a freezer. Colour us intrigued. </p> <p>Will you be washing your hair in cold water after reading this? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stuff.co.nz.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/how-to-curl-your-hair-with-balloons/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How to curl your hair with balloons</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/07/why-women-are-ditching-the-hair-dye/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>60-plus women are ditching the hair dye</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/06/the-trick-to-washing-hair-more-effectively/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The trick to washing hair more effectively</span></em></strong></a></p>

Beauty & Style

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4 herbs to give you shiny healthy hair

<p>As you age, maintaining your hair's health means that you need to maintain all-round good health as well as maintain a good hair-care regime.</p> <p>Diet is the foundation of healthy hair – you need vitamin B complex, vitamin A, calcium, silica, iron, zinc, protein and also unsaturated oils or fatty acids. As is the norm, you’ll also need plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, water and about eight hours sleep each night.</p> <p>Even after taking the most sensible measures, hair loss in inevitable. However, the right herbs could be what your diet is missing. Here are four common herbs that can be used to help to keep your hair healthy (and also have intoxicating scents).</p> <p><strong>1. Lavender</strong></p> <p>The oil of Lavandula angustifolia is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-septic. Lavender oil stimulates circulation in the scalp, strengthens new hair growth, and helps to balance the natural oil production of the scalp, making it a popular choice for people of all skin types. As an added bonus, lavender oil is also a natural insect repellent for protection against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and head lice.  It can also soothe symptoms of stress and headaches.</p> <p><strong>2. Basil</strong></p> <p>Basil is rich in magnesium, an often overlooked mineral that is essential for hundreds of chemical processes within the human body.  When applied to hair and scalp as an herbal rinse, basil also acts as an anti-inflammatory, strengthens your hair against breakage, and improves circulation in the hair follicles. This can eventually help to stimulate growth.</p> <p><strong>3. Liquorice</strong></p> <p>Glycosides, triterpene saponins, and flavonoids naturally occurring in licorice root work to nourish the scalp and heal damage caused by fungal infection, eczema, environmental allergens, and chemical exposure.  To make a licorice root cleanser, add one tablespoon of dried licorice root to three cups of boiling water.  Allow the roots to steep for an hour or more on low heat (simmer.)  Strain and cool the infused liquid to room temperature before applying to hair and scalp.</p> <p><strong>4. Mashmallow</strong> </p> <p>We bet you haven’t heard of this one! The roots of Althea officinalis, or the common marshmallow, contain lauric acid. This is the medium chain fatty-acid that is present in coconut oil, which gives the fruit its outstanding list of health benefits. Marshmallow root is also rich in mucilage, a natural hair detangler. To harness its benefits, boil dried marshmallow for about fifteen minutes, then strain to extract mucilage, which can then be combined with your favourite natural conditioner.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/02/how-to-make-your-own-facemask/">How to make your own face mask</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/10/age-defying-hair-tips/">6 tips for healthy hair that defy aging</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/02/tips-for-manageable-summer-hair/">How to keep your hair manageable in the heat</a></em></strong></span></p>

Beauty & Style

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12 ways to use baking soda to get glowing skin and shiny hair

<p>Have you ever read the labels on your beauty products and wondered what on earth it all means? Well, a new wave of health conscious consumers are taking a step away from the chemical concoctions in their beauty cabinet and turning to the kitchen. You won’t believe their latest miracle beauty product: baking soda.</p> <p>Yes, the budget kitchen essential has a ton of uses beyond the benchtop. Allie White and the Mind Body Green team have done the leg work for you to discover how to use this product at home.</p> <p>Here are their top 12 ways to use baking soda in your beauty routine.</p> <p><strong>1. Hand softener</strong></p> <p>Ever kneaded homemade dough and wondered why your hands feel so soft? The answer is baking soda. It can be used as a natural scrub to combat dirt and odours. Mix it with warm water and rub it on your hands.</p> <p><strong>2. Hair cleanser</strong></p> <p>If you find your scalp left with product residue post-shower, try this hack. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with your shampoo and rub it vigorously into the scalp. It should help remove dirt, oil and residue.</p> <p><strong>3. Splinter removal</strong></p> <p>Remove a lodged splinter by soaking the area twice a day in warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda. It should fall out naturally as the skin softens.</p> <p><strong>4. Face exfoliator</strong></p> <p>Scrub off dry skin by creating this easy at-home exfoliator. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and massage it into your face in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat as necessary.</p> <p><strong>5. Hair brush cleaner</strong></p> <p>To ensure your hairbrushes aren’t a hotbed of oil and product residue, give them a natural clean once a month. Combine two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water. Rub it into the brushes then rinse and dry.</p> <p><strong>6. Sunburn soother</strong></p> <p>Tender skin will benefit from a soothing soak of baking soda and water. Draw a cool bath and add half a cup of baking soda. The water will help to cool down the area while the baking soda will soften skin.</p> <p><strong>7. Relieve itchy skin</strong></p> <p>According to the trial team at Mind Body Green, baking soda can help reduce discomfort from some allergic rashes. Mix a teaspoon with water to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. Be sure to contact a health professional if the rash persists.</p> <p><strong>8. Whiten teeth</strong></p> <p>The team at Dr Axe believe baking soda can be used as a natural teeth whitener. To give this one a go, simply create your own DIY toothpaste using a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of water. Rub it onto your teeth and let it sit for five minutes. Some claim that doing this once a week will help keep your teeth pearly white, but be sure to continue to brush and floss as usual.</p> <p><strong>9. Deodorise feet</strong></p> <p>Create your own foot bath by adding a tablespoon of baking soda to a bucket of warm water. The active ingredient should help remove bacteria and odours as well as soften tough skin on the heels.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/beauty-rules-to-break/"><em>The 4 beauty rules you’re allowed to break</em></a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/ways-to-style-short-hair/"><em>12 age-defying ways to style short hair</em></a></strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/how-to-blow-dry-hair-properly/"><em>6 blow-drying mistakes everyone makes</em></a></strong></p>

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