Beyond trying to finally perfect our eyeliner, there are still so many beauty quandaries that plague us all.
Things like: Are eyelash extensions worth it? Can I pull off bangs? Will Ryan Reynolds ever call me back? Okay, so maybe that last one wasn’t related, but these following hair questions certainly are.
To get the answers to your most frequently asked hair questions, we turned to hair experts Michelle Farley, Nelson Chan and Marshall Lin.
Help! I Cut My Hair Too Short. How Can I Grow It Out Fast?
“Massage your scalp whenever you can to stimulate hair growth,” says Nelson Chan, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Nelson j Salon. “And take supplements that contain vitamins A, B (biotin), C, D, E and ingredients that stimulate hair growth, such as iron, zinc, and Reishi mushrooms.” [Editor note: Our Collagen Beauty Glow and Glow Collagen Shot contain biotin.]
I’m Thinking About Getting Bangs, But I’m Not Sure If They’ll Suit Me. How Can I Tell?
“Traditionally speaking, a woman with a long forehead was keen on getting bangs because it created a good balance for the face,” says celebrity hairstylist Marshall Lin. Lin. “Well, traditions are long gone now. Everyone and anyone want to pull off bangs these days. The best thing to do is communicate with your hairstylist, so that they can create the best bang style based on your face bone structure and eye bone shape. Here's a tip: try a fake bang to see how you feel about it. That way, you can get an idea before you commit.”
Michelle Farley, a professional stylist and beauty industry educator, adds that face shape matters. “Wide foreheads do ok with straight across bangs, little foreheads do better with side swept that elongate the face. If you have a cowlick in your hairline, bangs are going to be a battle, so you may want to avoid.”
RELATED:How to Wake Up with Hair That's Perfectly Styled
I Have Color-Treated Hair That’s Really Damaged. How Can I Fix It While Also Preventing Fading?
“Use a hair mask and heat protection before any type of heat styling such as MOROCCANOIL Perfect Defense Heat Protectant,” says Chan. “Using a color depositing conditioner is also very good way to refresh hair color every time after shampoo.”
Farley also recommends an HAU Hair Pack. “It’s an incredible vitamin sheet mask for hair … it’s unlike anything I have ever used as a second-generation stylist, product junkie and educator. It protects the color from fading and adds more richness, shine and vibrancy.”
What Are Some Hair Tricks Women Can Use to Look and Feel Younger?
“In my perspective, women feel and look younger when their hair feels lighter, healthier and not too heavy,” says Lin. “The number one thing a woman needs is confidence, so choose a hairstyle that will make you want to show off your face and neckline. Any style that weighs hair down or covers your face won't be the best option.”
Another way to keep your hair looking its best is by implementing Vital Proteins products into your beauty routine. Our Collagen Peptides is a great place to start if you’re new to collagen products since it’s flavorless, odorless and easily dissolves in hot and cold liquids.
I’m So Over Frizz. How Can I Manage it, once and for all?
“Frizzy hair needs more love and care,” says Chan. “First use pre-shampoo oil or treatment on hair before shampooing. Instead of conditioner, go for a deep moisturizer or mask. Using a leave-in hair smoothing conditioner is also a must. If you air-dry your hair, you need to find hair styling cream that can give you the perfect hold and remember not to touch your hair until it hair dries completely. If you want to blow dry and heat iron your hair, I strongly recommend using a heat brush or hot rollers for curls. There is a lot less heat and this is easier on hair.
“Last, braiding your hair when it’s damp and taking the braids out when hair is dry will give your hair very beautiful curls without frizz.”
What Kind of Haircuts Work Best for Curly-Haired Girls?
“For curly hair, avoid getting a haircut with razor, it will make hair more frizzy and dry,” says Chan. “In general, curly hair needs layers so long to short layers will work well but the best kind of haircut for curly hair is to cut hair dry and cut it using a ‘freehand’ technique, meaning the stylist should not use any comb. This will allow curls to move naturally and become easier to style.”
Additionally, Lin says to find the best cut for your face. “Some women are overwhelmed with their curly hair, so they try to control it instead of working with it. The best haircut should be based on how your hair falls. Curly hair has multi-volume so design the haircut to balance that volume. The result should feel airy and light.”
Dry Shampoo Is Such a Life Saver for Me, But How Can I Ensure I’m Using It Properly?
“Section your hair into three different sections: middle part and two side parts,” advises Lin. “Apply dry shampoo to the root and start to massage your scalp gently. I like to apply a very light dry shampoo right after a blowout. This way, when the weather starts getting humid or your hair gets greasy, the dry shampoo will immediately suck up those oils. Make sure you're not applying too much, and don't apply even more if you feel your scalp is already full of it. It's very easy to create build-up.”
Lin’s favorite products to use? “I recommend Ouai Dry Shampoo, Living Proof Dry Shampoo and a product from Pai-Shau called Texture Dust. It's not a dry shampoo, but it's a non-aerosol powder that amplifies volume and gives your hair life on day two or three of your style.”
What Are Some Ways I Can Hide My Dreaded Split Ends?
“First, avoid creating more split ends and try sealing them,” says Chan. “Thoroughly brush out any hair tangles before heat styling. Using a soft bristle brush when blow drying hair and combing hair with a fine tooth comb before flat ironing hair will help split ends appear less visible. Hot rollers are very good for styling hair and keeping split ends away. Using heat styling tools can help split ends look better and smooth, but only when they are carefully used on hair.”
I’m Seeing a Ton of Dandruff. Is My Only Option Dandruff Shampoo?
“The main cause of dandruff is dry scalp and build-up,” says Lin. “When you feel dry hair/scalp, you apply a ton of products into it without a good cleansing. You get a lot of build-up from the products, dirt from the hair, body oil – your scalp can't breathe! Moisturizing and cleansing your scalp is essential. Dandruff shampoos work, but daily care is more important. First, use a cleansing shampoo that will remove all the build-up, then use a mask or a sensitive scalp treatment. Do this once a week and rinse with cool water. I recommend BriGeo Hair Charcoal and Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo and Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub.
How Can I Make My Blowout Last?
“It's all about process and products,” says Lin. “For heat-styled curls, I have my clients flip hair upside and turn the blow dryer on high heat, but at a low speed. I diffuse directly on the scalp but use fingers to massage, which helps to separate the hair. Spray dry shampoo and flip your hair back. Finish off with your hairdryer on cold at a low speed and adjust the hair back into place while the hairdryer cools down your scalp. I love Pai-Shau Royal Abundance Mousse cocktailed with Pai-Shau Style Souffle for serious volume and frizz protection.”
My Hair Got Totally Fried in the Summer Sun. How Can I Restore It?
“Sun and heat will really take a toll on your hair texture and color and will leave your hair extremely dehydrated,” says Lin. “Hydration and restoration is the key for your hair's cuticle. I highly recommend Pai-Shau's Replenishing Hair Cleanser, Replenishing Cream Conditioner and Supreme Revitalizing Mask.”
Farley adds: “Again, HAU Hair Pack is the most amazing repair treatment available. It moisturizes and repairs ends, adds shine and volume and nourishes the scalp with premium skin care to balance scalp moisture. My clients love to do packs to protect and repair color, scalp, prevent chlorine, sun and saltwater damage.”