Hair's the Scoop

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It seems that hair color remains as controversial as skirt length and facial piercings, with yet another school having issued a suspension for an eccentric 'do.

Assuming parental approval, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Hair is simply a form of self-expression, and a relatively harmless one given the options available to teens today. There are far more pressing issues in our education system that could use the time and attention...

What do you think? Should schools have a say in a student's choice of hair color?

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I've never been anywhere quite like Houston, Texas. From the kindness of Houstonians to the size of their margaritas, everything is amplified. And hair is no exception.

As soon as we pulled into the gate at IAH, my limp locks took on a life of their own. A touch of red lipstick and light foundation, and I could have been mistaken for a member of KISS. Seriously, the level of humidity was just incredible.

If you live in (or travel to) a similar climate, prevent "the puff" with one of these simple, frizz-fighting tricks:

Soak It Up
When using a smoothing serum, the key is to apply the product to soaking wet hair, then dry the ends with a towel.

Sleep It Off
Washing your hair at night, then air- or blow-drying before bed can help add texture and reduce excess volume by morning.

Wrap It Up
If you're tight on time, wrap your hair into a braided chignon. It's chic and easy to do. To tame shorter tresses, use a wide headband or scarf.

For additional tips on how to tame frizz, click here.

Have any humidity-fighting secrets of your own? Do share!

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I should preface this post by stating that I'm an accessories addict.

I currently own a catalogue of pricey pieces and— though I adore every brooch, band and random clip in between— they tend to spend more time in my closet than in my hair. That said, the maximum I've ever been able to justify spending on my little "problem" is about $150. And the last time that happened, a friend made me begin a rehabilitation program (a.k.a. stop spending and start sporting what I already own).

Now, under the unflattering fluorescent light cast by our economy, even the most Amex-happy of addicts can see that such luxuries have to have more than just an enticing sparkle or celebrity endorsement. You'd think that brands would also understand this, but then there are always those that act as the exception to the rule.

Case in point: this recent collaboration between Mischa Barton and Stacey Lapidus. How they plan to sell such uninspired headbands for as much as $200 apiece is beyond me...

What's the most you've paid (or would pay) for a hair accessory?

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Attention all hair care addicts: Spa Week has arrived!

From April 13th-19th 2009, spas in the following states are offering an assortment of luxurious conditioning and scalp treatments, waxing, threading, laser hair removal, and eyelash services for only $50 a pop:

Arizona
California
Colorado
DC
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia
Washington
(& Canada!)

Visit SpaWeek.com for a full list of participating businesses in your area, services offered, and applicable restrictions.

Have you already taken advantage of Spa Week? Or tried one of these hair-apies recently?
If so, we'd love to hear your recommendations/warnings!

TotalBeauty.com

Stylists— and well-tressed women— across the states are fuming about TotaBeauty.com's recent ranking of "The 13 Worst-Hair Cities" in America.

In the article, the online beauty portal ranks the cities they feel are the worst for your locks to live in, with Corpus Christi, TX topping the list. "Everything is bigger (and more humid) in Texas … coming in at no. 7 for most humid cities, "The Sparkling City by the Sea," also has hard water and only a handful of hair salons."

In fairness to TotalBeauty, the ranking system is based on the worst conditions for your locks (not on which cities have the worst sense of style per capita). And with many of these cities citing record levels of humidity and pollution, it's not too difficult to make the connection to hair health.

But what do you think? Is the article accurate, or are such rankings an insult/unfair?

Polka Dot Images/Jupiter

While dirty tresses hold a styling advantage, there's a fine line between a healthy-looking sheen and an Exxon-Valdez situation. 

5 ways to lift limp, oily locks:

KEEP IT SHORT.
Resist the urge to keep your locks at a length longer than your shoulders, as oily hair can separate and look stringy. Oily hair also tends to be fine, so be sure to layer your look for body and movement.

LATHER UP.
Oily hair should be shampooed daily, but try to avoid aggressive cleansers as they can dry your scalp and kick-start oil production. Instead, opt for gentle, naturally-based shampoos and remember to only condition your ends.

AVOID THE IRON.
Think of a flatiron as a spotlight, and use it wisely. A board-straight— or slicked-back— style can make oily hair appear even more so, so keep your tresses textured and loose. Also, you might want to consider air-drying your hair, as heat activates your sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands.

CHOOSE WISELY.
For oily hair, it's best to avoid shine serums, pomades, and heavy styling creams. Instead, opt for products that help balance your hair type. Thickening sprays, lightweight gels, and volumizing mousse are all great options to experiment with.

SOAK IT UP.
As a quick fix, dry shampoo (or a small amount of talcum powder), blotting papers, or even translucent facial powder at the roots can help lift excess oil. Just be sure to apply sparingly, and brush out any evidence.

Source: Photos.com/Jupiter

Just like anyone in the service industry, salon staff generally appreciate a gratuity if you're pleased with their efforts. But who do you tip? How much should you leave? For answers to these awkward questions, I've asked Andi Steloff, Salon Manager of Sally Hershberger Los Angeles, to give us her insider opinion:

Should one tip the owner of a salon?
Tipping the salon owner is not expected & typically clients do not.

And how much should we leave for our stylist/colorist?
20% is standard for both the colorist and/or stylist that works on you.

For their assistants?
Color assistants receive $10 at the least, but if they work for a busy colorist they usually receive $20. Stylist assistants receive $5 unless they give an exceptional shampoo service or apply a treatment, then they receive $10.

At some salons, clients are offered additional services such as food/beverages and coat check. What amount do you feel is fair for these staff members?
Occasionally, our clients will tip the individual who serves them a beverage; if so it's usually $2. We do not require a "coat check" person at our salon, so therefore they typically do not tip the person who escorts them to the changing room.

Now that you've read what we have to say, what are your thoughts on tipping etiquette? Do you believe in a standard percentage?

Source: Creatas Images/Jupiter

According to reports, "one-third of women [in the U.K.] would prefer to eat less than cut their beauty spending."

Of course, this study was conducted before the world economy took a tumble. Whether you're residing in a prestigious penthouse or living with multiple roommates in a suburb somewhere, the current state of things has likely changed the way you spend your beauty funds.

Lucky for our locks, however, cutting costs doesn't have to mean sacrificing style or hair health. Swapping products, at-home treatments, and extending salon-styled 'dos are all great ways to be frugally fabulous.

See below for links to some of my favorite tips and tricks from top celebrity stylists:

> Edward Tricomi shows us how to achieve a salon-style blow-out at home.
> Straightening ethnic hair has never been easier, thanks to Ted Gibson.
> Sally Hershberger discusses why budget-friendly haircare products are where it's at.
> Ace at-home hair color with tips and techniques from Rita Hazan.
> Jeanie Syfu explains how to achieve a red carpet-worthy updo for under $10.
> A MIZANI expert shares his secrets for long-lasting curls.