Article 24 hours March, 2006

GETTING IN SHAPE FOR SPRING? DON’T FORGET YOUR HAIR Warmer months are fast approaching and many of you are heading to the gym to improve your healthy appearance and looks. Crucial to radiating zest and energy lies with the health and fitness of your hair. Issues surrounding damaged or thinning hair and hair care products strike a common theme in the beauty industry on follicle robustness. Concern for the health and fitness of your hair, according to Jie, is a fundamental service of good hairdressing. Jie discusses healthy hair and shares some tips on good hair fitness. Says Matar, “Hair is a living and breathing organ requiring careful evaluation and management. Like other body parts, hair responds negatively or positively to the environment and lifestyle choices. Humidity, pollution, stress, food, alcohol, medications, colour, blow-drying and texturizing are all influential elements that effect healthy hair. Like a good workout regimen at the gym your hair requires a fitness plan as well. It starts with taking an inventory of your lifestyle, environment, routines and goals and setting a balanced plan of action to meet those goals. Plan to health, health to plan is a motto I follow with all my clients. Hair is always a work in progress. The internet, bookstores, friends, strangers and the beauty industry all provide resources for you to have intelligent and healthy hair.” Jie tips for good hair health and fitness

• Find the right hairdresser you are comfortable with and you can trust. A fitness instructor and a doctor are trained in the basic elements of body and organ health as a hairdresser is trained in the basic elements of healthy hair. Your hairdresser should be aware of your lifestyle, hair type and tastes and should train you to be aware of styles, treatments and home maintenance. If you’re not happy with the service, find another hairdresser whom better meets your needs. If you’re having difficulty finding a hairdresser-ask a friend or even a stranger with healthy hair.
• Don’t allow cookie cutter trends to dominate your hairstyle. Your style should reflect your hair type, bone structure and lifestyle. There is definitely examples of bad cuts that can ruin the health of your hair.
• Establish regular salon appointments every three to four weeks to keep up to date with cuts, colour and treatments.
• Establish a daily routine of care with shampooing and conditioning. Moisture, vitamins, and minerals are especially important for hair undergoing regular blow-drying and colour. Natural salon products are the best although drug store products will do. Check the bottles carefully for the right balance of natural ingredients.
• Ask you hairdresser or colour technician about intensive protein treatments, leave in conditioners and scalp treatments.
• Try not to overexpose your hair to chemicals or too much sun. Chemicals and the sun break and dry the hair.
• Remember Keep it simple and balanced