Welcome to the New Reality
Hello beautiful! I truly hope if you are reading this you are safe and healthy. In addition, I pray you are not one of the few believing the Coronavirus pandemic is a hoax to impeach Trump. Today’s Ask the Pro Stylist question was to be published yesterday. But, as our country’s numbers change drastically from day-to-day I sat on it. Because our new reality is uncertain moment-to-moment, staying beautiful is relevant to preventing the spread of Covid-19.
In Need of Hair Advice
At present, I am on disability due to Tennis Elbow of my right arm. As such, I am not only out of work, but unable to cut the hair of family and friends. In addition, it is unbelievably difficult to type this. But, this information needs to be reiterated. Knowing this, my son’s girlfriend wants to learn how to cut her own hair. Understanding, we need to maintain social distancing (and my inability to do hair) I gave her advice to hold her over during this difficult time.
Social Distancing
Social Distancing assists in flattening the curve and the spread of the virus. I am fortunate enough to work for a corporation that understands this concept. As a result, Ulta Beauty temporarily closed all stores and salons. I feel for privately owned salons. However, staying open violates this CDC recommendation. I don’t care how much you wipe down the chairs or even wear masks. Inevitably, we are too close in proximity when supplying a beauty service. So, STOP!
Beauty Comes from Within
As I have written previously beauty begins within. Your hair and skin are an output of your health and nutrition. Hydration, healthy food, pro and prebiotics, biotin, exercise, no tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption are necessary to glow from the insideout. However, I also have a few tips to deal with roots, nails and split-ends.
Best Hair Mask
Don’t cut your own hair. Masks and treatments are only Band-Aids for split-ends. But, they can hold you down until salons can safely reopen.
Often, I receive compliments about my hair; the color and texture. Yes, I am a hairstylist. However, I take excellent care of my locks. The advice I give is the advice I follow. I give my hair a break when not working, which we aren’t doing right now. I wash 2 times a week. and use a hair mask once a week. Additionally, I only color professionally and I get haircuts every 3 months. You can wait a few months for a trim. My favorite mask is from Wella.
Creating a Hair Mask at Home
If you have used up your favorite hair mask, apply an abundance of any conditioner at home. Shampoo, condition, comb through, tie up and leave on all day until you rinse later. You can also try milk and honey for hydration. Add a little flour to thicken. For intense moisture include olive oil. However, apply only to ends and avoid the scalp entirely.
Home Hair Coloring
Seriously, DON’T succumb to the drugstore box of hair color. Be patient! Because with a little luck and following the CDC guidelines, salons will open when it is safe. Where are you going anyway? When you run to the grocery store wear a hat. Apply mascara on your roots to cover gray. And hey, you might like the new silver look or the shadow root!
I am pretty sure Madison Reed is doing very well right now. While I don’t agree, at least they have people to call and recommend at-home hair color. But, do not call or write me. My answer is in the first line of this paragraph; NO!
Eyelashes, Nails, Eyebrows
OMG, imagine having to tweeze your own eyebrows! If you have a good technician, then your line is there. Just clean it up, pulling in the direction of the hair growth. Your natural lashes need a break from the glue used in eyelash extensions. Apply olive oil lightly to your lash line to organically moisturize.
Finally, use cuticle oil on your artificial nails to keep the natural nail hydrated. Do not bite them or peel them. If they start to lift, trim with a clipper and use a clear nail hardener to protect them. In addition, teach your kids how to polish your toes or to do anything from above. They might find a passion for the beauty industry. Besides, what else do they have to do?
Happy Styling!
My tips for staying beautiful during this Coronavirus pandemic will hopefully keep you from making more hair disasters at home or inadvertently spreading this disease. If you have a question, a product for review, or want information on hair appointments and career opportunities, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com. Until then, happy styling, but most importantly, stay safe and healthy!
©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part therein without prior written permission and consent from the author.
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A writer, author, NY & NJ State licensed cosmetologist, store and salon manager, beauty educator and executive school director, Deirdre Haggerty has been actively involved in the hair and beauty industry in New York & New Jersey for over 30 years.
Now get online help to pass your licensing exams in any of the states throught the country. Send Deirdre an email for more information regarding an online tutoring sesssion for the written and practical exams at asktheprostylist@gmail.com.
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