Youthful Hair in 5 Easy Steps

A lot of people with thinning hair think, Well, now I have to do a lot to it to make it look better.   

So they get a perm, or they buy a special brush and give their hair a hundred strokes a

day. But none of that is worthwhile. 

Here are a few easy hair-care changes that you can begin today: 

 The less you handle your hair, the less damage you'll cause!
Rather than brushing hair a hundred strokes a day, aim for the opposite: Brush your hair as 

little as possible. And choose a brush with broad-based bristles — they don't snag hair. 

 Shampoo at the roots!

 Shampoo can actually damage the hair shaft, roughing up the cuticle!  Instead, gently rub 

shampoo into your scalp, work it into a lather, and, when you're ready to rinse, run it through 

the rest of your hair with your hands.

Condition after every wash!
This step makes locks nice and smooth. If you hair seems too oily after then just apply it only 

on your ends. In fact, conditioner doesn't have to go near the roots since they have enough of 

hair's natural conditioner.

Stick to a routine!
Caring for your hair isn't a one-shot deal.  With every wash, you need to repeat and use a 

daily or deep conditioner and a treatment or styling product.

Wear a hat in the sun!
The pigment in your hair helps stop UV damage by absorbing radiation. Your best defense against
the sun, which also fades hair color, is to cover up with a hat, scarf, or umbrella. But if that's not
possible, apply a leave-in conditioner with sun protection when hair is wet.

Got your 1st Gray?

Don't pluck! While there's no truth to the old wives' tale (that pulling one hair will cause three to

sprout), removing those bad boys will not help in the end.

Gray is tricky: Wear it well, and you could be unforgettable. But play it wrong, and you risk looking

like a (great-) grandma. Despite the challenges, lots of women do go natural — and love it. 

Would you consider being one of them?

Judith, age 56: "Gray doesn't look great when it's too wild, so I blow mine straight every day."

Louise, age 45: "To keep my hair shiny, I follow shampoo with a cold water rinse."

 

Ruth, age 55: "A good cut goes a long way — people stop me on the street to compliment my hair."

Nancy, age 44: "I colored my hair long ago, but now I enjoy my gray — it's part of me."

Meet Malena

 Malena Aleyanez, 49, Before

• Lives in Union City, NJ
• Thinks blondes have more fun

Her Problems
Malena isn't too mature for long hair, but overprocessing had left her locks straw-dry and
unmanageable. And the color was way too light, making her look pale.

Malena Aleyanez, 49, After

Why This Cut Works
  This sexy bob brings out her gorgeous bone structure. As for color, the beauty is in the contrast.

What You Can Do
Take a good look in the mirror. Does your hair color mimic your skin tone? If so, you may look
washed out, especially in the winter. Choose a base color that's at least two shades darker than your
skin tone, even if your hair is blond. If you crave a lighter look, go for highlights.

Meet Maryellen

 There's no denying it: Your hair and face change as you get older. And so should your cut, because

falling into a hair rut will age you faster than you can say, "I'll take a Dorothy Hamill." 

"Finding the right cut and color can give a huge boost to your overall appearance", 

says Mark Eubanks of Mark Christopher Salon.

Maryellen Hays, 60, Before

• Lives in Middletown, NJ
• Says her hair is thick with cowlicks

Her Problems
Maryellen's hairstyle was too severe. A long bob with bangs can be flattering, but 

her particular cut lacked shape and movement. She opted to cover her gray, but the dark,

one-dimensional brown that she chose framed her face too starkly, as did her too-thick bangs. 

 In her words: "I looked like a mushroom!"

Maryellen Hays, 60, After

Why This Cut Works
Softer bangs combined with length at the nape and fullness at the crown flatter her oval
face and really bring out her cheekbones.

What You Can Do
Remember that flat-against-the-head rarely means pretty, unless you're 16. We all need a little lift
around our faces — from layers, styling, or color — to get that extra zing.

All you need to know about Brazilian Blowouts

Q. Who is the best candidate for the Brazilian Blowout?

A. A good candidate for the Brazilian Blowout is anyone who has frizzy, damaged or processed hair.

The MC Salon team has performed the treatment on every hair type (fine/course/frizzy/curly), as

well as hair that has been permed.  In doing so, we have found that everyone can benefit from the

Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment.

Q. What kind of look will you get from the Brazilian Blowout?

A. The hair will be left totally frizz-free, shiny, effortlessly manageable and with plenty of body and

bounce. There will still be the option to wear hair curly/wavy (depending on the hair type) and the

freedom to blow dry hair smooth and straight in a fraction of the time invested prior to receiving the

treatment.

Q. Can I still receive a Brazilian Blowout if I have highlights and/or color?

A. Yes! The Brazilian Blowout will actually improve the health of color-treated/highlighted hair by

conditioning the hair while sealing the cuticle for enhanced color, reduced frizz and radiant shine.

Q. Is the Brazilian Blowout going to make my hair straight?

A. If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and

healthy. If your hair is very curly, it will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural

wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant

shine.

Q. How long does the Brazilian Blowout last?

A. The Brazilian Blowout will last for 10-12 weeks. 

Q. Can you apply the Brazilian Blowout directly on top of other relaxers and strengtheners?

A. Yes. The Brazilian Blowout actually works best on chemically treated hair, and helps to improve

the hairs condition by fortifying each strand with essential amino acids.

Q. Will my hair lose volume if I receive the Brazilian Blowout?

A. No, your hair will not lose volume as a result of receiving the Brazilian Blowout. Your hair will

maintain its natural volume and you will still receive great bend and memory when blow-drying

and/or using a curling iron.

Q. Can you color your hair the same day you receive a Brazilian Blowout?

A. Yes, however, you must color your hair prior to having the Brazilian Blowout smoothing

treatment.

Book your Brazilian Blowout today! 919.239.4383

Hair accessories aren't just for kindergartners

Hair accessories aren't just for kindergartners or the JV cheerleading squad anymore. In fact,

accessories are having a huge moment, showing up everywhere from runways to the red carpet, with

top models sporting barrettes and A-list stars wearing headbands to the Oscars. 

But when you're past your pompom days and not a celeb or a sunken-cheeked model, can you wear

hair accessories without looking like Shirley Temple?

Yes!

The key is to wear the right hair accessory with the right  hairstyle. Need some inspiration -- but don’t

have the time to get sucked into Pinterest? We did the dirty work for you. Take a look at these

gorgeous Pinterest photos of the best hair accessories to wear when you're over the age of 30.

 

 Wrap a head scarf around a bun 

The best part about this accessory is that you already have it. Any silk or cotton scarf with a pretty

floral pattern will do for the warmer seasons, but go for a softer hue and subtle pattern for fall. Tie

your hair into a ponytail then, wrap your hair around the elastic, pinning it into a large bun 

Tie a ribbon at the end of a braid

When you think ribbon, do you have a cheerleading flashback? Us, too. But this picture is proof that

you can wear ribbons tastefully.  Using ribbon adds something playful to your hairstyle without going

over the top. You can do a French braid like this one, or braid just the upper half of your hair, tying

the ribbon at mid-length. 

Use a wide barrette on a ponytail

The barrette is the new fall hair accessory. And it's an easy way to punch up your basic

 go-to ponytail.

Wear two headbands with an updo

I love the idea of wearing two headbands! Place the two thin headbands a couple inches apart, and

tease your hair at the crown so that the bands are separated with volume. Also, avoid headbands that

are glittery or have rhinestones.  Go for chic but not girly, pull your hair into a high ponytail, twist

into a messy topknot, and pin in place. 

Accent the back of your hair with a bow pin

OK, so we admit most bows scream Minnie Mouse -- 

but they don't have to as long as you wear them discreetly.

Go retro with a bandana

A bandana worn as a headband reminds us of the "Rosie the Riveter" poster, but this version is less

factory girl and more fashion girl thanks to a modern twist.

Pin your hair to the side

Using multiple bobby pins is great because it's a simple way to accent your hair without trying too

hard. We recommend wearing your hair down and curling it in one-inch sections. Using a one-inch

curling iron, wrap your hair away from your face to create loose waves. Then use a few gold or silver

bobby pins to clip bangs out of the way, or create a small side twist from your off-center part.

Need more suggestions? Book your appointment today at Mark Christopher Salon!

919.239.4383

7 useful tips to get the best hairstyle over 40

No matter what book I read or course I follow on style and beauty especially for women over 40, they

all say the same. It’s crucial to have a haircut that suits you. It can make a huge difference to your

appearance. Here are some tips on how to get the best hairstyle over 40.

 Bangs are your friend 

I have always been a fan of bangs but as you get older they become even more important. Not only

can they hide your wrinkles but they can also cover up a receding hair line, a long forehead and also

bring a youthful appearance to your face.

 Colouring is your best friend too

Although you can choose to go grey, if you like to have a youthful appearance, then it’s usually better

to colour your hair. It’s critical of course that you select the right colour! As a general rule the older

you get, the lighter your hair usually becomes. Of course there are exceptions of women who look

smashing with dark hair, but most older women will look better going a tint lighter.

Make sure your hair moves!

If it’s all too stiff, it will look forced and a bit - old lady.

 Look after your hair! 

Older hair can get thinner and look dull. Make sure that you use some good hair conditioners 

and a mask on a regular basis to nurture your hair and make it shine!

Try something completely different

If your hair is thinning or you just want to try something completely new you could consider

 hair extensions or synthetic clip on's.

 Don’t part you hair in the middle

It looks more severe and highlights those parts of your face that are not symetrical. 

Part you hair to the side of your face that you like the most.

Find the best hair stylist and build a relationship 

Find a hair stylist with a strong opinion, someone that understands your personality and

someone who can give you ideas. It’s great to keep your hairstyle updated by changing it every now
and then so it doesn’t become stale. A good hair stylist will definitely help with that
- which is why Mark Christopher Salon is the best place for you. 

Our stylist work with you to help find the best style for you!

919.239.4383

  

Fall Makeup Trends

Perhaps inspired by True Blood, Twilight, and all things vamp-fever, blood red 

is having a major moment. 

The easiest glam-goth way to wear wine is on nails—just apply two coats of Lancôme Vernis in
Love Polish in Rouge Reglisse to make sure it's opaque. For a more daring take, try it on your
lashes. To keep it from looking like you’ve come down with hay fever, stick to neutral shadow and
just include the dark red on the tips of your lashes; try Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara in
Burgundy.

 

Try a bold shot of dark emerald on your tips like Essie's Stylenomics . For eyes, a palette of green is

versatile enough to flatter many skin tones. Try Tom Ford's Eye Shadow Quad in Sahara Haze ,

using the lighter neutrals shades like cream or pale gray on your lids, and reserving a swipe of khaki

green for your crease. 

 

 

For a high-octane smoky eye, apply Nars Matte Eyeshadow in Thunderball all around your eye,

smudge with a Q-Tip, and voila, drama. Gunmetal gray nails are back for fall and as usual Chanel hits

the right mark with Chanel Le Vernis in Vertigo.

 

There's a reason caramel and chocolate go so well together, and not just in your coffee or candy

bar—the colors are also meant to be together. Combined, they perfectly play off one another and are

especially good for bringing out undertones in your eyes.

 

True Crayola orange isn’t always the easiest makeup shade to wear, so the best way to incorporate the

hue is with orange-inflected pinks, making for a coral wash on cheeks or lips.

We're obsessed with this rich, pigmented hue. It’s a great alternative to plum for a manicure, 

and gives off an cool, downtown girl vibe. Cobalt lids are another great way to 

stand out during your night out. 

Is anything sexier than the illusion of nakedness? 

Try out the countless new fall products in nude. 

 

On Trend

 Fall is all about change—so it’s the perfect time to try these celebrity-inspired 

hairstyles for every length, texture, and occasion.

Heather Gray

 Gray hair isn’t just for the elderly. From silver tinged white to blue-tinted slate, smoky shades 

are a growing trend. This dappled version contains a range of ashy tones from powdery blue to 

dusky brown, swirling and scattering like clouds in a gathering storm. 

Long, softly layered tresses provide aflowing backdrop for the monochromatic look.  

Click through the style notes to see how to get your own shades of gray.

Step 1:

  As hair lightens it turns warmer, usually revealing gold and copper tones. To get a clear silvery

shade you must first go light. Ask your colorist for extra pale blonde highlights or a platinum ombre.

Step 2:

  Icy shades can be added all over or as an accent in small areas. 

A subtle hint of violet or blue keeps stony hues from looking geriatric.

Step 3:

  Cool tones tend to be less reflective, so smoothness and sparkle are extra important. 

Use shine luxe shampoo and conditioner and shine spray for a high sheen finish.


Via: StyleNoted

Fair Hair

It's that time of year again -  STATE FAIR hair!

In the Loop

 Not quite a ponytail, not quite a bun, this looped hairstyle is a simple way to achieve a polished look.

Shown on the runway at Carolina Herrera, this sleek loop is an ideal hairstyle for summer. The clean,

pulled-back element is extremely practical, but it has a touch of elegance. And on top of it all, it’s

incredibly easy to recreate. See the style notes to learn how to achieve this effortless look.

Step 1: Apply hair creme to damp hair. Use a comb to create a center part, then 

blowdry with a paddle brush, making sure to keep the part intact.

Step 2: Comb hair back behind ears and pull into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck.

 Secure with an elastic, but only pull the hair halfway through the elastic to create the loop.

Step 3: Pull a strand of hair out of the loop and wrap it around the elastic. Pin in place.

Via: StyleNoted

Feel the Chill

It's fall! Time to pull out your favorite boots and blazers! Here are a few of our favorite

 ways to wear scarfs this fall.  Which ones your favorite?!