Rocking the same LBD on the seasonal party circuit demands a slew of fresh looks above the neck. We rounded up 100 of the best coiff-inspiration shots Hollywood’s finest has to offer.
BY LAUREN LEVINSON
When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that count -- it’s what you put in your body, too.
By Hilary Parker
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
"Lather, rinse, repeat" may be standard advice, but shampoo and conditioner alone won't give you the healthy hair you crave. For the most luxurious locks possible, you'll need to step out of the shower, and into the kitchen.
"Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. "If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body -- inside and out."
If you were born with fine, thin hair, you'll never have rope-thick tresses -- no matter what you eat -- but a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can make a difference, say nutrition and hair experts.
And beware of dietary supplements often marketed to thicken hair or make it grow faster. They may backfire.
"Even though you can find beauty supplementson the shelves of most stores, try to get the nutrients you need from foods whenever possible," Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist in Vallejo, Calif., tells WebMD. "In rare instances, excess supplementation of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, has been linked to hair loss."
Read on for the 10 top foods that should be the foundation of your healthy hair diet.
Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon
When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.
"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."
Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.
Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables
Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.
Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.
Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans
Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?
Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.
Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.
Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts
Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.
Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.
Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.
Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry
Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.
"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.
Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.
Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs
When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.
Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains
Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.
Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters
Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?
The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.
If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.
Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.
Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.
Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.
The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair
When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.
"An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy," Giancoli says.
If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.
"Crash diets can affect the hair cycle," Mirmirani tells WebMD. "Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet."
Taking good care of your hair isn't rocket science! It is a simple phenomenon that involves patience and faith. The same goes with choosing the right hair color. The fundamentals of hair coloring requires you to stick to shades that compliment your skin tone, figure out if your tresses look better with highlights and then decide if you can do it all by yourself. The trick is to select colors that you are naturally drawn to. Remember that hair colors enhance your look, boost your self confidence and allow you to carry yourself gracefully. Eye color plays a big role in determining what hair tone you should get. Several precautionary measures need to be taken before going in for a coloring session such as wearing hand gloves for protection. If you think that your scalp is damaged or sensitive, wait for a day or two before coloring your hair. Continue reading below to learn more about some hair coloring tips, how to color your hair and what to do before and after.
How To Color Hair
For example, if you wish to be blonde, consult your hairstylist before doing it. This should be a relatively painless procedure if you have virgin dark brown hair. Choose a good quality hair color product. Choices are available in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary varieties.
Pay attention to the instructions that come along with the product as all brands are not same and they require different amounts processing time. Be sure to perform the suggested 'strand test' to determine the exact requirements for your hair to get colored.
Put on the protective gloves and mix the hair color solution. Most of the dyes need you to add the color formula to a developer and shake.
Apply this mixture on dry hair starting from the roots. Work your way down to the ends of your hair. Make sure that you part your hair into sections so every strand is covered with dye.
Tie your hair on the top of your head with a clip and use a plastic cover to secure it. Begin the timer by referring the results of the strand test you conducted earlier.
After the indicated time has passed, rinse your hair until the coloring product is completely removed. The water must run clear at the end.
What To Do Before And After Coloring Hair
Before you begin the coloring, make it a point to wash your hair. Use a shampoo that removes the pollutants lodged in your hair.
Do not condition your hair as this could interfere with the dye bonding on to your hair.
Wait for atleast a day before you bleach or use permanent dye on your scalp. This because the head may sometimes be soft and sensitive and application of these chemical may cause hair damage or dry hair.
Follow the mixing instructions exactly as given. If you are a beginner, use protective gloves and an old towel.
To keep the dye off your skin you could rub a creamy gel like, petroleum jelly, around the hairline. It is advisable not to get it on the hair unnecessarily as this bothers the coloring process.
To make the colors last longer, rinse your hair in a lemon-based solution immediately after the dyeing process as this helps the color to last longer and also raises the strength of your locks.
Another tip is to add two spoons of your hair color to a regular conditioner after each dose of shampooing. Leave it on three to five minutes and rinse it with warm water. This replenishes the color that was washed out. Remember to bleach your hair roots.
Coloring your hair is one of the easiest ways to change and update your style. It also makes your hair look healthy and shiny. Unique hair colors give you the freedom of sporting an individualistic style statement!
Readers share what works for them when it comes to hot, humid days!
"Twist the front sections of your hair back into a high ponytail, and then take the ponytail and put it in a messy bun. Add a cute bow or flower to dress it up!" --Alicia, 27, Eden Prairie, MN
"Wear your hair in a messy high ponytail. It keeps the hair from sticking to you in the heat and keeps it out of your face, but still looks cute!" --Kiery, 26, Orlando, FL
"Over the summer I don't like putting products in my hair, so to tame my wild curls I braid my hair into many braids while it's still damp from a shower. I sleep with the braids overnight. In the morning I undo them and end up with beautiful beachy waves!" --Nattalie, 24, Bulverde, TX
"A cute summer hairstyle is pigtails with a cute little bow on the side. It's very girly, yet chic!" --Kristin, 30, Orange, CA
"When it's too hot to blow-dry my hair, I scrunch it. I take gel or mousse and scrunch it into my hair, then I put hairspray over that for extra hold. It gives you the beachy look!" --Alyssa, 25, Walnut Creek, CA
"While my hair is still wet, I brush it out and spritz it with hairspray. Then, to leave it looking shiny and healthy, I towel-dry it slowly, starting from the bottom and working my way up to the roots. It works wonders with girls who have relaxed hair!" --Kayla, 24, Johnstown, PA
"A low side ponytail with loose curls looks great on a warm summer day, and it's a simple hairstyle with a touch of elegance. Headbands and jeweled hair accessories also give a chic look to any hairstyle." --Mary, 24, Leawood, KS
"My favorite summer hairstyle is two loose braids. They won't get messed up when you go swimming!" --Leandra, 24, Lancaster, NY
"I like to wear girly ribbons and bows during the summer!" --Laurel, 23, Hoover, AL
"I like to keep my hair straight and natural. I use anti-frizz spray to tame flyaways and water-based wax to style my hair." --Cindy, 28, New York, NY
"I have curly hair, so I believe the summer is the best time to show it off! I use Herbal Essences' volume line to keep my hair big and shiny, and the Samy Fat hair products for frizz. My hair comes out perfect in the end!" --Nashally, 26, Malden, MA
"I love the half-up style. It keeps you cool, but you still look stylish. I use ponytail holders (in fun colors) and put the top half of my hair up. Then I straighten my bangs and the little pieces of hair that stick out. I also curl the bottom ends." --Ashley, 25, Ellsworth, WI
"I love getting out of the shower, brushing my hair, and leaving it down to air-dry. It gets nice and wavy — perfect for summer!" --Cristal, 26, Duarte, CA
"I love to wear my hair down and straight with a cute hat." --Jacqueline, 26, Conyers, GA
"My favorite hairstyle for summer is a messy bun. It cools you down and looks cute at the same time!" --Lauren, 25, Jeanette, PA
"My favorite summer hairstyle is the traditional and classic ponytail. I tie a brightly colored elastic around the ponytail that offsets my outfit for the day and jazzes up my hair. Then, I might take a fine-tooth comb and pull out a few strands, so they frame my face. It looks chic and playful!" --Michelle, 24, Climax, MI
"My favorite summer hairstyle is to wear my bangs French-braided to the side, so they don't get sweaty." --Jordi, 27, Tiption, IA
"My favorite summer hairstyle is natural, wavy beach hair — it's unique because no one else's hair dries the exact way yours does! To get the style, mist salt spray (water and salt combined) over hair after letting it dry naturally." --Celia, 24, London, England
Our tips on how to manage your hair while camping….
Dry skin to combination/ don’t wash hair just spray roots with moveable hairspray and tease/ keeps volume and oils from distributing and flattening volume.
Finger through a leave in conditioner or curl cream to increase moisture and curl or wave on ends only to keep volume.
Marsha Marsha Marsha…. Yes brushing the natural oils through the hair and redistributing them throughout makes for natural well kept locks.
Buns and braids in the heat of course keeps you cool and dry also braids can be undone in the morning to release amazing waves and volume.
Pin curls before bed or during the day and release, creates natural looking waves and curl. Section into one inch sections of 95% dry hair and twist around finger pin with bobby pin close to scalp.
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Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
27, Eden Prairie, MN
"I love the half-up style. It keeps you cool, but you still look stylish. I use ponytail holders (in fun colors) and put the top half of my hair up. Then I straighten my bangs and the little pieces of hair that stick out. I also curl the bottom ends." --Ashley, 25, Ellsworth, WI