This hair color is to dye for

Dear Rissa, 

My mother is in her late 60s. Every time she uses a hair dye, her scalp and the surrounding area become very irritated — they turn red, become very itchy and have a burning sensation.  This condition persists for several days.  For years, she has tried several hair dyes, including the herbal types, but the outcome is still the same. She really wants to color her gray hair but has become quite apprehensive because of the adverse effects. What hair dye can she use?

Ana

Did you know that like skin, our hair receives its color from melanin? The change in our hair color from dark to white or gray occurs when melanin ceases to be produced and new hair grows in without pigment or color. For most people, that’s when we start seeing gray and white hair when we reach our 30s or 40s. Only a few lucky people still produce enough melanin in their 70s to enjoy their natural hair color.

Men and women today no longer need to be dependent on salons to color their hair. There are now many hair dye products that give so much ease, simplicity, and convenience of application. I highly recommend you try Kolours Dual Conditioning Hair Color with added vitamins E & B5 (available in 22 shades in leading department stores, drugstores, personal care stores, and supermarkets). Manufactured by proudly Pinoy company Splash, a local leader in personal care products, Kolours is specifically formulated for the color and texture of Asian hair. Compared to European and American hair, Asian hair is generally darker and thicker, making it more resistant to coloring. The unique formula of Kolours allows the product to penetrate properly, giving you marvelous color from root to tip.

I had never tried coloring my own hair at home, but I had long been considering a change in hair color so I tried Kolours. I was pleasantly surprised to find how incredibly hassle-free and convenient it was — and fast, too! I did it on my own without any help. The product features a drip-free formulation for easy application. It’s also infused with vitamin E and B5 to give you vibrant and healthy hair. I must admit I was wowed by the results — I loved how my hair was transformed into a deep beautiful brown color! Now, I don’t think I’ll want to go back to dark hair that’s harsh and unflattering. I’m happy with the beautiful color of my hair. It also feels super soft and shiny! I used to wear my hair in a ponytail all the time, but now, I really enjoy letting my hair down. Yes, beautiful hair color can be achieved successfully in the comfort of your own home.

You will especially like it for your mother because Kolours is dermatologist-tested safe and effective. When I tried it, it did not give any burning sensation or irritation to my scalp. I myself am quite sensitive to hair coloring and the few times I’d go to a salon, my scalp would feel irritated and very mahapdi. The skin on my forehead near the hairline would even start to break out. But with Kolours, I did not experience any of that. While I had the cream on my hair, I felt as if I simply had a thick leave-in conditioner on. Your mother could also be allergic to the products she was using. It’s always best to first do a skin patch allergy test before using a product.

If your mother does not feel confident coloring her hair on her own, you can also consider going to J.F. Lazartigue (located at Level R2 of the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell). They offer Colouring Emulsion for grey hair. This non-damaging permanent color does not contain ammonia or peroxide and covers 100 percent of grey hair. The interesting thing about this product is it doesn’t prevent you from perming or straightening your hair. You can still style your hair the way you want.

Rissa

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How To Tame Wild Hair

Dear Lucy,

My hair is so buhaghag. I run daily and I do not exactly live in an air-conditioned house so I really cannot go without shampooing my hair daily. What is this girl to do?

Corina

I know what you mean. Wild and poufy hair can make everyone, except a little child, look disheveled and untidy.

Some tricks you must try:

 • Shampoo in the evening. By the time you wake up in the morning your scalp’s natural oils will have coated your hair, thus making it manageable and weighty.

• Touch up frizzy spots with leave-in conditioner or you can also apply shine-enhancing serum.

• Use one of those shampoos that promise to straighten hair and make it silky after washing. There are some good local brands that actually work.

• This is my favorite trick: I use conditioner first before I shampoo. I don’t do this on the roots though because it weighs my hair down too much. One inch after the roots is a good place to start. Comb it through with a wide-toothed comb (I always keep one in the shower area). Shampoo your hair on the roots and let it trickle ever so gently down the length of your hair such that it never feels too squeaky clean no moisture is left. My hairstylist, Jas, of Hairworks Salon taught me that.

And when, for one reason or another, you cannot do any of the above, bring yourself to Evita Peroni and get yourself a couple of their gorgeous headbands and head scarves. Thanks to them, bad hair days are not so bad actually. While you’re at it, they have lots of other irresistibly cute hair accessories, too.

Lucy

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Say Goodbye To Dry Skin

Dear Ms. Tingting,

My problem is my dry skin, accompanied by flaking and itching. Kindly give me advice on what’s best to do.

Ms. Gel

The combination of the frigid, dry air outside and the even drier heated air inside buildings makes the season a nightmare for those with dry skin. Stay away from harsh cleaners and hydrate the skin as much as possible.

I recommend a soapless cleanser like Cetaphil, followed by a very moisturizing cream with high lipid content.

Look for a product with silicone, shea butter, or petrolatum, moisturizers that cover the skin with a film so that water can’t escape. Try Darphin Aromatic Renewing Balm. If a balm is too heavy for you, opt for a lotion with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin.

Try Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. Also, if you use products with retinols, give them a rest in cold months, as they can exaggerate dryness.

Tingting

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.