Last Spring, I chopped off nearly ten inches of the hair I had so painstakingly grown out for two years. It was a bit drastic, and I wept for my lost locks for days. But, it was a much-needed change. For me, Spring is about reinvention. Even though I trim my hair several times a year, the Spring appointment with my stylist is the one where I experiment with new lengths, shapes and colors. After the last remnants of winter have faded away, I embrace a new look, a new season and a way to set the trend for how I plan to look for the rest of the year.

For those of you that, like me, have grown weary of your signature coif, there are dozens of trends you can try out in the Spring 2010 season. However, before you arrive at your salon with a ripped out magazine page of Reese Witherspoon’s new haircut, you must keep one important detail in mind – your face shape. Thousands of ladies each year are on the receiving end of a disastrous haircut, not because their stylist was snip happy with the scissors, but because they didn’t realize how different their bone structure was from said actress in the magazine photo.

So, ladies, before you venture out to reinvent yourself, here’s a quick breakdown on how to choose the right cut for your face type. You don’t want to spend the rest of the summer in a ponytail hiding the catastrophe that is your new hair ‘do.

Although there are dozens of face types, the four most common face shapes are: long/oval, round, heart and square.

If you have a long/oval shaped face (think Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Beckinsale, Giselle Bundchen):

Those who have long/oval shaped faces are lucky in that they can pull off a number of hairstyles. The key though, is to create the illusion of width in order to draw attention away from the length of the face.

To create width:

-       Never part your hair down the middle; it will make your face appear longer than it actually is. Part your hair to the side to soften your look.

-       If you have wavy hair, put down the straightening iron. Wavy hair adds volume to the face and again, gives an illusion of width.

-       If you have naturally straight hair, try longer, side swept bangs to break up the length straight hair adds to your face.

How much to chop off:

-       Try to avoid excessively long hair, but if you must grow it out, kept the front layers much shorter than the ones in the back (think of your hair as a V shape). The shorter layers will frame your face and you will still have the length to play with at the back.

-       Long/Oval faced girls look great with bobs. Because the hairline hits right at the chin, another illusion of width is created.

-       As we said earlier, go for side-swept bangs, or even blunt bangs at the eyebrow as they give an illusion of width by creating a break in the face.

If you have a round face (think Renee Zellweger and Drew Barrymore):

Round-faced women generally have softer features that need to be angled with the right cut. It is important to create a style that gives the illusion of having a longer face and slightly sharper features.

To create length:

-       The more to the side that you part your hair, the more it will draw attention to your face shape. Try to part your hair in the center to create an illusion of length. If you absolutely hate a line down the center of your hair, then part your tresses slightly off center but no more than that.

-       If you have long hair, ask your stylist to give you long layers that start below your chin. Anything shorter than that will draw attention to the width near your cheekbones and temples.

-       If you have short hair, have your stylist take weight off near the ends to give you a softer, wispier look. The volume should be near the top of your head, not at the bottom.

How much to chop off:

-       Round-faced girls tend to look better with longer cuts as the length draws attention away from the width of the face and defines the features.

-       Stay away from any blunt cuts or bangs, as they will make your face look rounder.

-       If you want bangs, stick to ones that are side-swept. If you absolutely MUST have straight bangs that sit on your forehead, make sure they are wispy and light and not heavy and blunt. See that they sit slightly below the brows to give a lengthening effect.

If you have a heart-shaped face (think Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Love Hewitt):

Women with heart-shaped faces are the luckiest of the bunch, as most hairstyles they choose will work with their bone structure. Because your face is widest at the forehead, the key is to create volume near the bottom of the hair rather than at the top.

To create volume near the ends:

-       If you love short hair, try out a chin length bob with layers that fall near the ends rather than near your ears. You will rock a blunt cut.

-       If you are a fan of long hair, ask for layers that fall at or below your cheekbones.

-       Try to avoid any really choppy haircuts unless your hair is super long. Choppy layers should fall much below your chin as you’re trying to create volume near the chin area.

-       You look great with both side-swept and bangs that sweep the brow.

How much to chop off:

-       Go ahead and play with whichever length of hair you like. Heart-shaped faces look great in bobs, shoulder-length and long hairstyles.

If you have a square face (think Salma Hayek and Rosario Dawson):

Ladies with square faces generally have strong jaw lines. Cheeks and jaws are generally the same width or near the same width as the forehead. The key to choosing a hairstyle for square faces is to soften the angles of the face.

To soften your features:

-       Keep your hair wavy or curly if you can. The natural body will help soften your jaw line.

-       Try to stay away from any choppy or blunt hairstyles, as they will draw attention to your jaw.

-       Stick to hairstyles that are soft and airy, with wispy layers that start at or below your cheeks to soften the angles.

-       Try to avoid blunt bangs. Longer, side-swept bangs actually soften your face so go for those.

-       Part your hair to the side to additionally soften your features.

-       Avoid severely pulled back ponytails. These will only draw attention to your square bone structure.

How much to chop off:

Women with square faces tend to look best with longer hair. Try face-framing layers and side-swept bangs. If you must have short hair, make sure you have a little wave or curl in your hair to counteract any harsh attention to your jaw line.

If you’re not sure what face type you have, ask your stylist to help you out – after all that’s what they’re there for. Hopefully you have a stylist that will caution you if you’re going against what will look good with your face type. If not, time to shop for another one – I recommend yelp.com!

Good luck ladies, I’ll be back with an update after my own Friday haircut appointment!

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Photo Credits:
http://www.sessionmagazine.com/beautiful-hair-styling/
http://socialitelife.celebuzz.com/archive/2007/09/21/sarah_jessica_parker_experiences_death_by_flower.php
http://www.myhairstylingtools.com/blog/2009/10/
http://www.realistichair.com/store/index.php?cPath=21_25
http://www.thefashionablehousewife.com/02/2010/valentines-day-outfit-ideas/

Below is a contributed post by fellow blogger, Leia. Along with her best friend, she currently runs a fashion site from London that regularly updates readers with the latest high fashion looks and must-haves. As she was one of our first followers here at Lipstick Masala, I am honored that she has kindly taken the time to share some of her favorite beauty techniques with us. If your hair is suffering from winter woes, this post is for you! Leia has outlined some fantastic tips and tricks that have left her hair beautifully thick and silky. Check out her fabulous site over at http://hifashionsl.blogspot.com/!

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For most of us, winter has finally arrived. Whether you love the season or the cold makes you depressed and homesick, one thing is for sure: winter wreaks havoc on your hair! Wind, dry air, and central heating can cause dryness and split ends. Here are some of my tips for keeping your hair luscious when the temperatures drop.

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Deep Treatments

Extreme cold can suck the moisture out of your hair: combat this by applying deep conditioning treatments to keep your hair soft and healthy! Some ideas…

1) My favorite store-bought conditioner is Lush Henna & Jasmine Fluff Eaze (Click HERE for link) It smells divine and makes my hair feel amazing!

2) To add extra moisture to your usual conditioner, add some honey. I roughly use the proportion 1 part honey/2 parts conditioner. Make sure you mix the two before applying it to your hair. I know it sounds sticky but it’s a quick fix and works really well!

3) If you have a bit of extra time, why not consider making your own hair treatment?

Natural Hair Treatment

- 1 tsp olive oil (or whatever you prefer: almond and coconut also work well)
- 1.5 tbsp yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp coffee (optional, but it brings out the dark tones of brunette hair)
- 1 egg

If you’re worried about egg smells, you can add a drop or two of some essential oil (e.g. rosemary, lavender – whatever you like!) Mix the coffee with boiling water, add the oil and honey, and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. When it cools, add the egg and the yogurt. Apply to your hair and leave on for as long as you like – then rinse and shampoo!

4) Do you suffer from dry scalp? Try this…
- Massage some oil into your scalp
- Prepare a bowl of conditioner and brown sugar. After shampooing the oil out, scrub the conditioner/brown sugar mixture into your scalp
- Rinse
(Make sure you use a weak conditioner with the brown sugar if you’re prone to an oily scalp or if you don’t usually use conditioner on your scalp).

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Protect Your Hair

We often forget to protect our hair from the brutal wind and dry air. Personally, I look ridiculous in hats! So I wear a knitted snood: it doubles to keep you warm and to keep your hair from flying all over the place. Also consider putting your hair in braids and buns or tucking it into your coat if you just can’t deal with hats!

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Limit Heat Styling

I know you may be addicted to your blow dryer or flat iron; winter is shaadi season and you want to look your best! But this is the time to treat your hair gently. If you simply must look perfectly primped, consider using rollers instead.

- Use big velcro rollers for loose waves. If done properly, it can look like you have just had a blow dry. Comb your hair while it is damp (be very gentle, your hair can break easily when wet) and roll up separate sections. Once you have had a bit of practice, it only takes 10 minutes. I usually leave them in overnight, but you can just take them out in a couple of hours when your hair is dry! For more defined curls, put the rollers in when your hair is quite damp.

- Wrap, snap & go (click HERE for link) curlers are great for messy, tight curls, and are really comfortable to sleep in, as well.

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Static Control

I’ve never tried this myself, but I’ve heard that if you suffer from static or flyaway hair, you should rub your hair between two dryer sheets.

Happy holidays, everyone, and don’t forget to treat your hair well this winter season!

The fishtail braid has been making it’s rounds for a few months now – Fergie rocked the look at the VMAs and the Teen Choice Awards, Diane Kruger at the premiere of Inglorious Basterds. Runways from Milan to New York have displayed the fishtail as the hairstyle of 2009. But, if you didn’t jump on the bandwagon this summer – don’t worry, it’s not too late. The hairstyle is continuing through the Fall, and it’s not even remotely as hard as it looks.

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For a great how-to, check out the video below. It’s not entirely entertaining, but the instructions are pretty clear. Stylists on camera always make everything look easy and any attempt to recreate at home usually ends in disaster. This video was created by an everyday woman just like us, which gave us the assurance that we could do it too!

The great thing about the style – it’s for every hair type and length.

If you have lots of layers that tend to stick out with the standard braid, this technique is for you – the method of twisting will incorporate your layers into the braid.

If you have short hair, start the braid at the scalp and then tie the rest up.

And if you have long hair, well you can do whatever you please.

Have you tried the fishtail braid? Do you love it or hate it? Let us know!

Do you have wavy hair? Don’t know quite what to do with it sometimes because it’s neither curly nor straight? Then this one is for you. I received an email recently from a reader, let’s call her “A”, asking for advice, and I wish to turn the question to you, my lovely readers. Below are my reply and suggestions, but as this site is a forum for discussion, both Lipstick Masala and “A” would love to learn from all of you. What are the products you love and swear by? Do you just flat iron because nothing else works? Share what products have worked for you so we can all prevent the dreaded “frizz ball” look!

“A”’s Dilemma:

With wavy, sometimes frizzy hair that is both thin and silky, “A” has struggled with what to do with her tresses after a shower at the gym. Blow-drying her hair is not always convenient, so she pulls it into a wet ponytail, a look she isn’t too keen on, especially when she goes out with friends after her exercise session. She asked what product she can use in a pinch that will allow her to simply “wash and go.”

Lipstick Masala’s Response:

Dearest A,

I completely understand your pain – I always longed for the tresses of my sisters, that required no product, no blow dry, just a simple wash and go. But, I was blessed with the wavy gene – neither here nor there – and I spent a significant part of my time at college tying my hair up because I was too lazy to deal with the hassle. It was only a few years ago that I finally found the right products that would allow my hair to look great without any effort – but be warned, my path includes embracing the wave, which some desi girls are reluctant to do.

First and foremost, get your hands on a great mousse. Yes, I said mousse. I know the word sounds scary, but don’t worry, the mousse of today is not the same as the product your mother used back in the 80s when it was first invented. Today, you can find any formulation to suit your hair type – extra body, volume, firm, curling, root lifting – the list is endless. If you have wavy hair, look out for one that is curl defining. You won’t end up looking like Goldilocks, but it will hold onto the body you have in your hair and give it frizz-free definition.

The problem with many mousses is that they can become crunchy, and that is not sexy in the least. After many failed experiments, I’ve come across a mousse I love and swear by – Finesse curl defining ($3.79, drugstore.com). Why is it my favorite? The Finesse product is a silk and soy protein formula to make hair soft, plus fights frizz, combats humidity, and never goes sticky or stiff. If you can’t get your hands on finesse, then experiment with different mousses, there are plenty enough out there that at least one will work for you. I would, however, recommend staying away from the Garnier Fructis version – I looked like I had wet hair all night and when I touched it, my strands were stiff, not Finesse-like soft.

Here’s how to use it: Towel dry your wet hair and after shaking the mousse can, spray about a palm sized amount in your hand. Quickly finger comb it through the bottom half of your hair (remember, very few hair products should go above your ears, especially if you are oily). Now, open your palm at the ends of your hair and squeeze upwards towards your scalp (known as scrunching). And then, simply air dry. The warm summer air will leave your hair looking beach wavy without frizz. If you are still worried about frizz, spritz a little of this on for extra shine.

The Finesse should work for both thick and thinner hair, and is actually great for all hair types (included curly and even straighter hair) but if you feel you need a little extra for your fine tresses, pick up a bottle of the Tigi Curls Rock Curls Amplifier. A friend of mine with silky, wavy hair swears by this product. Simply work through your wet hair and go.

Finally, did you know that you don’t have to completely wash your conditioner out? This is a tip I got from my stylist: if you need some product but don’t have any at hand, leave a dollop of conditioner in your hair (the regular conditioner you use after washing, not spray-in). The conditioner will help to fight frizz while giving a little control to your wavy hair. It’s great for humid weather!

These products work wonders in the summer time, but when the weather starts getting cooler, try not to go out in the cold with wet hair or you’ll risk a cold ,or worse, crunchy hair. If you still want to go wavy, just use a diffuser attachment like THIS one on your hairdryer (works the same as scrunching but with heat).

Hopefully one of these will be the answer for your post-gym shower. If not, I’m sure one of our other readers will have a solution! Just remember – there is always a product out there that will work for your hair, it’s just a matter of fine tuning, don’t settle for less than the best!

Love,

Lipstick Masala

Now, as a product of the eighties, I tend to doubt anything natural. My first inclination was to tease my mother and say “ewwww, mom, like, we have companies to MAKE that stuff for us now.” A lot of magazines will also tell you there are no proven benefits to using natural ingredients versus manufactured products. But the truth is, the advice of our mothers and grandmothers do hold a lot of merit. They didn’t have the luxury of free Kérastase treatments and blowouts – their techniques evolved from generations before them and were based on traditional and Ayurvedic medicine and/or an innate understanding of the human anatomy. Upon researching the effectiveness/science behind using yogurt in one’s hair, I realized our mothers were really onto something.

Yogurt (or yoghurt for our lovely ladies in the UK) is high in lactic acid, and has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties. The yogurt works to stimulate hair growth and fight dandruff by acting as a natural cleanser that tightens and clarifies the pores on your scalp. The protein properties help to strengthen and moisturize your hair and to tame persistent, pesky fly-aways by smoothing your strands. The creamy consistency and antibacterial ingredients help to soothe your scalp and reduce any itchiness. Finally, for those living in tropical areas – yogurt masks are incredibly cooling! Even if the Revlon mask that you picked up from CVS promises to accomplish the same, isn’t it better to try something completely produced in nature first, rather than with ingredients you can barely even pronounce?

There are several techniques used to make a yogurt mask – they usually vary in the ingredients added. The three listed below are the most basic methods used in South Asia as relayed by my mother and her friends:

1) Simple Yogurt

This is the easiest and least messy/time consuming method. Simply whip some plain yogurt in a bowl with a fork (this helps with ease in application) for use on dry hair before showering. The amount depends on how long your hair is. Starting on the left side near your ear, part your hair and rub the yogurt into the exposed scalp. Part your hair again an inch higher and apply the yogurt to this area. Continue the process until the yogurt has been massaged into your entire scalp. Brush on the remaining yogurt to the rest of your hair from roots to ends. Leave the yogurt in for at least an hour but no more than two – make sure to do this on a day you don’t need to be out and about. You may then rinse the yogurt out with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo. Conditioner is optional.

2) Yogurt and Egg

Perform the same method as #1, but this time when whipping yogurt, add an egg (the white part helps with strength and the yolk increases the shininess of the hair). This method also requires you to wear the mask for at least an hour, but no more than two. Make sure to wash your hair out with tepid water – you don’t want to end up with scrambled eggs in your hair from heat! Use a mild shampoo – by mild I mean a basic shampoo for normal hair that is not specifically clarifying, moisturizing or a dandruff shampoo – you’ll be negating the effects of the yogurt mask.

3) Yogurt and Mustard Oil/Olive Oil

This method is slightly different than that of the ones above in that it can be applied either before or after shampooing, but is recommended more as a conditioner rather than a mask. Whip some yogurt and add one or two tablespoons of either mustard oil or olive oil, whichever is more readily available. After washing hair with a mild shampoo, apply this conditioner and leave in for about 15 minutes. Make sure to have more parts yogurt than oil so you don’t need to reapply shampoo to get this mask out of your hair. If you feel you have used too much oil, you may shampoo again, but the idea is to have a little oil that is indiscernible remaining your hair to condition your strands.

Finally, there is the Western version of the yogurt mask that has appeared in magazines in the U.S. and U.K.. This technique asks you to blend yogurt along with pulp from fruits containing natural oils that soften your hair. These include avocados, mangoes, cantaloupe and most frequently used, bananas. If any one of you uses this method, we’d love to hear your techniques and results.

One last note: All the ladies I have asked about yogurt masks have advised that this is a beauty technique only to be used in the warm summer months. Yogurt has intense cooling properties and brings down the temperature of the body when applied on the head for long periods of time. This may sound like an old wives’ tale, but trust me, there really is something to the idea of “cooling” and “heating” foods. Therefore, pull out this mask when the weather turns warm (like now) and try to avoid using it in the winter.

Photo Credits:
http://www.merrittsforhair.co.uk/
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/healthy-living-article/herbal-remedy-ayurvedic-treatment/462331
http://www.diwinetaste.com/dwt/en2004107.php
http://www.carspace.com/guides/How-to-remove-Egg-from-your-Car
http://www.recipetips.com/glossary-term/t–33531/mustard-oil.asp
http://uk.fashion.popsugar.com/2125586

Hair companies have begun en masse to market a product known as “dry shampoo,” basically a glorified form of baby powder that soaks up the oil in your hair/roots upon application. Although the concept has been around for a while, women everywhere have started to spend upwards of 30 dollars on single bottles of this product. After a brief discussion with a group of brilliant ladies on Twitter, I was inspired to pull out my sources to find the best of the wide range of dry shampoos.

Now before I get into the different options available, I just want to point out that I don’t condone this product for when you’re feeling too lazy to wash your hair, it should only be bought for use in a pinch. As the weather grows warmer, gals with oily hair tend to suffer from greasy patches even when they have just washed it the day before. It’s not healthy to lather up every day as you risk stripping your natural oils, so if you need a quick fix, dry shampoo may be your answer.
The most popular product on the market is the Bumble and Bumble hair powder. It used to be available in a loose form but the website now appears to only carry the spray version. Bumble and Bumble claims three uses for this product, including tinting your hair, dry cleansing and allowing for ease in styling by making the hair less soft and workable. The hair powder is available in blonde, red, white, brown and black for all hair types. However, upon a little research, this may not be one of the best products out there. For one, it costs $19 for only 1oz. I could use that amount in one spray on my thick Asian hair. Second, many users have complained the color from the hair powder not only stains clothes, but oftentimes ends up on one’s face while sweating. Greasy bangs or black-smudged forehead? I think I will pick the grease, thank you. Finally, it’s a pain to wash out and gets all over your bathtub. In my opinion, this product seems more hassle than benefit.

Now, before you run to your nearest store for the versions by Oscar Blandi, Toni & Guy or Ojon, there is a cheaper alternative available that works just as well if not better. The brand Batiste has been making a dry shampoo spray for several years. Yes, the can looks like it belongs on your mother’s dressing table in the 1980s, but don’t underestimate its fabulousness by the way it looks. It has a sweet faint smell that supposedly fades after a few minutes and is very simple to use. After spraying on your hair, make sure to brush it out to avoid the grey look that may occur on brunettes. Available at Boots for those in the UK, and on folica.com, amazon.com and at your local Sally Beauty Supply for those in the US/Canada (sallybeauty.com).

If you’re like me and can’t be bothered to go out and buy dry shampoo or don’t wish to spend $$$, you can also use baby (talcum) powder or cornstarch. I personally prefer baby powder, but apparently cornstarch is the healthier choice, as you don’t end up inhaling as much of the powder as with talc. Many dark-haired ladies don’t like using this option because it leaves their hair looking grey, however, there are techniques that can prevent you from looking like Indira Gandhi.

- Using a large, fluffy powder brush, pick up a little powder/cornstarch and get rid of the excess by holding the brush in one hand and tapping the handle with the other. Apply the powder to the greasy area in small amounts until the oil is soaked up.

- Turn on your hair dryer quickly and blow the excess powder out of your hair. If you don’t have a dryer handy, quickly comb your fingers through your hair and pat your head in a dusting off motion.

- Finally, whether you use regular baby powder or dry shampoo, soaking up oil causes your hair to look dull. Apply a little shine spray on your fingers and run quickly through your hair – but make sure to use very little and avoid the roots of your hair, especially if you have oily roots, or you will end up right where you started!

It sounds like an ordeal, but it’s really quite simple once you get the hang of it – although, try NOT to get the hang of it by making dry shampoo-ing a habit. Remember, desperate use only – at Lipstick Masala we try to promote good hygiene

**UPDATE** Twitter user @kirstieh has recommended Oatmilk Gentle Dry Shampoo Spray by Klorane, available at escentual.com and sephora.com. I haven’t tried this product out but I love anything natural with Oat so I will definitely be looking for this at my local mall. @kirstien says there is no chalky effect with the Klorane, check it out!

http://www.bollywoodgo.com/2009/03/nikita-anand-drools-over-malaika-arora.html
http://www.beautique.com/product/Bumble_and_Bumble/Bumble_and_Bumble_Hair_Powder_Brown.aspx
http://www.healthinajiffy.co.uk/batiste-dry-shampoo-150ml-p-4058.html
http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00avZEntCyYQzhM/Powder-Brush-with-Copper-Ferrule.jpg
http://cafeboys.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html

Photo Credit: flickr.com/kiran.198globe7

Most of us Desi girls flat iron our hair, including those who already have straight hair. I have no idea why we do it. It’s as if we were born with a genetic inclination to reach for the flat iron before going out. We know it damages our hair, we know that it makes us look like EVERY other Desi girl out there, but we don’t care, we continue to straighten through summer, winter, and split ends. Hopefully all you girls out there with CHIs (or GHDs for our British beauties) in hand are remembering to protect your hair with some kind of product or serum before applying 400 degrees of heat, if not – STEP AWAY FROM THE FLAT IRON!

Photo Credit: www.the-planets.com

In any case, most of us with drier hair, or hair with oily roots and dry ends, feel as though we need a little extra something after flat-ironing to tame the frizzies and flyaway strands and most importantly to add a little more shine – who doesn’t love more shine? This is especially true in the winter. What most people don’t realize is that our hair is like our skin, it loses major moisture when it’s cold. That’s why our hair gets a lot drier and dull looking in the winter months. Just like we wear extra lotion in the winter months so our hands and legs don’t get chapped and ashy, we need to make sure we’re giving our hair the same additional care (masks, oil treatments etc). However, since most girls don’t know this little tidbit, their hair takes on a straw-like appearance or else just looks completely lackluster, particularly near the ends (like Preity Zinta to the right). There are many long-term solutions to this problem, but if you are going on a big date, a work event, or even just a get together at a friend’s house, you need a quick fix.

Now, there are several amazing products out there to use – I’m personally a big fan of Frederic Fekkai’s products, but as a poor student, I really don’t need to be splurging on his products right now. My favorite drugstore spray is a Frizz-Ease product by John Frieda. Now, I know the first thing you thought when I said that name. Hair Serum. Ew. Yes, we have all used John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease Hair Serum, and I agree – it’s sticky and causes your hair to look unwashed even though you just showered ten minutes ago. Don’t worry, that’s not the product I’m referring to. I’m actually speaking of the 100% shine Glossing Mist. It makes your hair soft and shiny and at less than $7 a pop, it’s heaven in a little spray can. I own about three of these bottles at a time and make sure I take it with me even when I travel abroad.

Photo Credit: www.johnfrieda.com

Now, let me issue a disclaimer – the Glossing Mist is not a cure-all for your frizz problems, you must use a product in your wet hair before blow-drying (we will soon recommend some that have worked for us). The Glossing Mist is what you call a “finishing product” which is applied to your dry hair after blow drying or flat ironing. It adds the “oomph” you wish for when you still feel like something is missing after your hair is done, and, boy, does it make your hair soft and silky!

Before you run out and try it, however, I would like to recommend a few changes in the directions they have written on the bottle. The Glossing Mist packaging says to “hold an 8-10 inches from head. Spray lightly and evenly to create an all-over, high-gloss finish. Reapply, as needed, to keep hair glistening.” Do not follow these awful directions! I tried this once and it was a DISASTER. I mean, I have pretty dry hair, and my head was an oil slick.

Here’s what I do instead:
- Spray the product directly onto your hands; the amount of sprays needed depends on how dry or how oily your hair is. I would recommend starting low and building up if you feel you need more.

- Then, tilt you head to your left side so that your hair falls over your left shoulder and run your fingers quickly through the left side of your hair from underneath, not from the top (like combing it out), from the nape of your neck to the ends of your hair.

- Tilt your head to the right and repeat to the right side of hair, again from the bottom out.

- For girls with oily roots, avoid your scalp as with any other serum or spray. The general rule of thumb if you have this hair type is to never apply a product above the tops of your ears.

- For girls with very thin hair, unless your hair is really dry, I’d suggest using very little product, or your hair may fall flat.

- If you have drier hair, once most of the product is off your hands you can smooth the outer side of your hair with what’s left on your hands and also add another spray if you need it for your ends.

Et voilà, instant shine. And as I said, oh so soft. You’ll be running your fingers through your hair all evening, just try to resist the urge.

P.S. Glossing Mist works wonders on curls too!