Renell Shorter - 8 Dermatologist Tips for Healthier Hair

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

Bad news for modern women: Many of today's common hair care practices are not great for hair follicles. "The types of alopecia we're seeing are different than what we were seeing 20 years ago because of the different types of processing that people are doing now," says Roopal V. Kundu, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, "Whereas in the '70s and the early '80s the hairstyles were more natural, these days there's a lot more crunched out styles in terms of perms and putting heat in the hair and keeping it straight, and a lot of tension."

We spoke with Dr. Kundu about styling practices that lead to damage and simple ways to improve hair health. Ready for healthier hair? Check out Dr. Kundu's tips:

1. Eat enough protein.

"The basic early advice is make sure you're looking at your diet, make sure you're getting enough iron, make sure you're not anemic, make sure you have enough protein in your diet. Iron and protein are really important for hair health. We always try to make sure people get adequate protein for whatever they're lifestyle is: If they're sedentary, they don't need as much. If they're active, they need more."
- Dr. Kundu

2. Get your vitamin levels checked and take supplements if need be.

"Iron levels are important for hair health. Women often develop iron-deficiency anemia because they aren't getting enough iron. Iron-deficiency anemia can also develop due to normal monthly menstrual blood loss. There are some generic vitamins that we recommend: Vitamin D, omega, fish oils, a generic multivitamin with iron. Biotin is great in terms of hair strength and preventing breakage."
- Dr. Kundu

3. Invest in silicone.

"There's no magic product or ingredient, but if you want to add a little more protection you can use silicone -based products. Silicone basically coats the hair, which adds a little more protection once you do any kind of stress to the hair. Check a product's list of ingredients and make sure silicone is high up on the list. Look for silicone or dimethicone, a silicone derivatives. Anti-frizz products usually have a silicone type of derivative. You can also try a leave-in conditioner, which also coats the hair."
- Dr. Kundu

4. Be careful when styling at home.

"The problem with people treating hair at home is no one else is looking. Often people will come in who have damage to their scalp that they didn't notice was there. Specific practices that can be problematic include straightening, processing, hair coloring, and heat. If you do those things at home, try to modify your hair care habits. So, try not to put heat on more than once a week, reduce the frequency of flat iron use, blow dry at a lower setting. It's about frequency and amount."
- Dr. Kundu

5. Never flat iron wet hair.

"Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage. Either air dry or blow dry out soft, with a low setting, and then put the flat iron on. You shouldn't put a flat iron on wet hair."
- Dr. Kundu

6. Do not leave products in for longer than advised.

"Some people think products will be more effective if they leave them in longer than they should. They'll be like, 'Oh it's tingling. That's great. It must be working really well.' That's when damage can happen."
- Dr. Kundu

7. If you feel pain while you're at the salon, it's time to find a new stylist.

"Hair styling shouldn't hurt. Any kind of scalp discomfort is abnormal. That's a very basic thing. A lot of people will come in and say, "It burned after a couple minutes of leaving it on, and then they came and washed it off." Any form of sensation can be a sign that the scalp is being damaged. If you suffer any kind of discomfort while you're at the salon, stop seeing that stylist. If you experience any burning, stinging, tingling, any kind of pain on their scalp after the styling is done, or during the process of it, you shouldn't go back."
- Dr. Kundu

8. Opt for looser hairstyles.

"Hair styling can cause problems in terms of alopecia. When braids or weaves are too tight, they hurt. Pain means it's too tight, it's pulling too hard. There's too much tension. Try to keep ponytails and braids loose, not as tight, to reduce the amount of tension on the scalp."

Renell Shorter - Prom Hairstyles

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

Getting ready for the prom evening! Proms are all the fun and excitement. The evening is laced up with fantastic music and great food to be enjoyed with your friends. No guesses that you would like to look the best in the whole gathering. You cannot afford to relax because every one at the prom night is going to give you a stiff competition. You have to have the perfect dress, shoes, make-up and not to leave out -- the perfect hairstyle. 

The 2005 prom hair styles are a blend of the classic hair dos and some funky modern hair styles. Your hairstyle depends on a number of things. First is the time of your prom. If it is an evening prom, then the hairstyle must go with the evening dress. 

You can pick your hair style from a number of prom hairstyles. The hairstyles are really sexy to give you an alluring look. The most popular of them is the up do hair style. In this style the hair are tied up tight on the top of your head exposing your neck. The naked neck gives you a sensuous look. 

For a softer appeal, you can support a couple of locks down the bun. The bun can be the normal small round bun or a French twist. A French twist is considered to be classy and appealing. You can make a French twist yourself easily. Or ask your mamma for a little attention. All you have to do is to part your front hair and hold the back hair tightly. Then twist the hair upwards and fix the ends with a bobby pin. You can decorate the twist with hair accessories like jewels and flowers. 

The internet has total description of hairstyles. You can prepare a fun prom hair style following instructions on the websites. Also you can make formal prom hairstyles. The website has full demonstration of the prom hairstyles with photographs. 

You can also romanticize the evening with romantic hair styles. The most romantic hair style is the one with a lot of curls. The hairstyle can make you feel romantic. If you have natural curls then you are blessed. You can tie your hair up high and pin tightly leaving the curls to flow down. The people with straight hair can curl them up by using hot curlers. Straight hair have their own sex appeal. Long sleek and straight hair look really sexy but your hair should be in good condition. 

Short crop hairstyles are also in vogue among the prom hairstyles. The long and smoky waves are the taste of the season as well. You can make waves in your hair by applying light rollers for a shorter duration. A tight ponytail or letting them down are both good styles for smoky hair. 

Guys can enhance their sex appeal by a few highlights and the right gel to give a desirable look to the hair. Rock the prom with these hot prom hairstyles. 

Renell Shorter - Do You Need To Prepare For Menopause?

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

You’re probably asking, "Is there really a way to prepare for menopause?" The answer is yes and no. It’s not like you can go to your calendar and write "menopause" on September 22, 2025. It’s not that easy, although most women sure wished it was; however, although we may not know the exact date that menopause will begin, we can prepare for it by being informed and learning as much as possible about the subject. 

From the time of your first period until your 40’s, your ovaries produce estrogen in response to monthly follicle maturation. Both estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the monthly menstrual cycle and both are produced using male hormones. During her reproductive years, a woman’s ovaries produce more estrogen than testosterone. As menopause nears, the estrogen level declines while the male hormone levels stay about the same. Lacking former levels of estrogen to counteract them, hair growth on the face and oily skin may begin to crop up during the years right before menopause in some women. 

As Age Reach 40, Changes Happen 

A woman is born with approximately one half million eggs. Over time, that number decreases as some are reabsorbed back into the ovarian lining. As a woman ages get older, the number of eggs available for release also diminishes. As a result, from about age 40, a woman’s period will begin to change. 

In her mid-40s a woman becomes perimenopausal. The period of time from perimenopause to postmenopause can take 5 to 10 years. A full decade before you become menopausal, changes are happening in your body that begins to set the stage for the transition from reproductive to nonreproductive states. Up to 50 f women are beginning to experience hot flashes in the two-year period before cessation of menstruation. Menstruation at this time is also likely to be erratic. During this period a woman is considered to be perimenopausal. 

As soon as you begin noticing changes in your menstrual cycle, especially if you’re in your 40’s, you should consult with your gynecologist, who will probably want to run a battery of tests. One of the tests your doctor should perform is a blood test that will check your hormone levels. 

But change is certain. There is no predicting your own passage through menopause; it may be long or short, bumpy or smooth. Nor can you foresee the time when you will begin it. 

Whenever and however menopausal changes appear, it can be valuable to have information beforehand and while you’re experiencing menopause. Studies have shown that women who are prepared to take charge of their own health care tend to do best through the menopausal passage. Information can function as your survival kit as you negotiate your way through this very important change in your life. 

Renell Shorter - Gorgeous Hairstyles For All Hair Types

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

Just about every woman knows how to fix simple hairstyles like a bun, a braid or a ponytail.

If you can manage these simple (but usually pretty boring) hairstyles, then with a few twists on these well known hairstyles, you can have a gorgeous hairstyle that will turn heads.

A CUTE FLIP-THROUGH FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

For the first hairstyle I'll teach you, you start with an ordinary ponytail. I love this hairstyle, which is a really cute ponytail that is extremely easy to make. Make sure the ponytail you make is a high one. Loosen the ponytail just slightly so that it hangs a little lower.

Now, using your fingers, part your hair in the center, starting from your crown and ending at the nape of your neck. You should be sure to divide the hair underneath the ponytail as well as above it.

Then push your thumbs up from the nape of your neck through the part you've created in your hair. Hang your head upside down for a second, flipping your ponytail over. Hook your thumbs around the base of your ponytail and push it upwards to the nape of your neck.

Once a good sized loop of hair is pushed through, grab it with your hand and pull it all the way through. Now turn your head right side up again and carefully comb your hair together just above the ponytail to make a neat finish.

A GORGEOUS TUCK FOR SPECIAL DATES AND OCCASIONS

This next beautiful hairstyle starts the same way as the flip through I just taught you... with a high ponytail. First you make a part down the middle of your head (like you did for the flip through) only you end AT the ponytail, leaving a good layer of hair under the ponytail untouched.

Then you pull the sections of hair apart above the ponytail creating a "pocket." Fold the entire ponytail up and gently tuck it down into the pocket, distributing the hair as even as possible.

Push the elastic ponytail band down into the pocket as well, so that it is hidden from view. If you find this to be hard loosen the ponytail a little more.

Now, just comb your hair carefully over the part you made earlier. Try using a bobby pin or barrette to pull your hair together just above the pocket. If your plastic band tends to show, a barrette will also help to hide it.

A SEXY HAIRSTYLE YOU CAN WEAR WHILE MOUNTAIN BIKING 

Yet another of my favorite hairstyles is one that is a variation on the braid, and is rightfully called "the rope." To make this hairstyle you start with a ponytail that you've divided into 3 even sections.

Twist the right most section of hair to the right, and cross it over both of the other sections. Repeat this, always twisting the farthest right section to the right and crossing it over the other two sections until your "rope" is the length you desire.

Then secure your hairstyle with a scrunchie or elastic ponytail band once you've finished.

Master these hairstyles and you'll never be stuck wondering what "do" you should wear today. But better yet, you won't be stuck with the same drab hairdo everyday. 

Renell Shorter - 10 Tips to Convince Everyone Your Spray-On Tan is Real

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

The hot weather’s here for real, and that means exposing arms and legs in order to keep cool. But not all of us can spend countless hours laying out, gently building up an even tan. The solution? Fake it. Avoid harmful sun exposure while still maintaining a golden glow with self-tanners, but be sure to follow these tips so no one knows it’s not all-natural.

1. Exfoliate: Yes, it’s a pain to take this extra step, but it prevents color clogging around areas where dry skin gathers, such as elbows and knees. Your tan will look more even and natural for this preemptive step.

2. Moisturize: Moisturizer is a must. Applying moisturizer first helps eliminate streaks or patchy tanning; especially around the ankles where uneven tan can be an obvious giveaway you’re faking it.

3. Wear a Mitt: If your tan looks flawless but your palms are bright orange, no one’s going to buy that you picked up that glow on a Caribbean beach. Pop on a mitt before you apply your self-tanner, and keep your palms a natural shade.

4. Select Your Shade: It’s tempting to opt for the darkest tone available and pretend your skin had the potential for 'Brazilian Bronze' all along, but your tan will never look realistic if it doesn't match your overall coloring. Go for the lighter option; you can always add more layers to build a deeper tone.

5. Build Gradual Color: If all of a sudden you go from pasty to caramel over night your co-workers are going to question the authenticity of your tan. Try a moisturizing gradual tanner, so no one is skeptical.

6. Don’t Sweat It: Working out can cause self-tanner to run or rub off in places if it comes in contact with your clothes. Trying to touch up places where tan has come off isn’t advisable; it looks uneven. You may have to do some corrective work in the shower by completely scrubbing off your tan and starting over. In the meantime, avoid wearing white to workout; brown patches on your clothing is not a good look.

7. Give It Time to Dry: Don’t rush to get dressed after you’ve applied your self-tanner. Not only will dressing too soon mess up your even look, it could also stain your clothing.

8. Don’t Forget Your Hands: When you’ve removed your mitt after application, be sure to put some tanner on the back of your hands too—there’s no bigger giveaway of a fake tan than one that stops when it gets to your watch strap. Applying hand cream afterward can also help keep things even.

9. ...or Your Neck: Make sure you blend your self-tanner into your neck and, if the product is safe to use on your face, it too. Don’t overdo the tan application, especially if you’re going to be adding makeup over it.

10. Don’t Panic: If you waken up and your tan isn’t quite as natural looking as you had hoped, don’t stress. Hop in the shower; a quick wash will help dull down any too-bright spots. If there’s still areas that are too intense, scrub at them gently with an exfoliating sponge. Still not budging? Dress strategically. A sandal with an ankle strap can easily hide a super-tanned heel.

Courtesy : http://www.womansday.com/style-beauty/beauty-tips-products/spray-tan-tips

Renell Shorter - Cosmetic solutions for hair loss

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

Many people suffering from hair loss prefer not to use the strong drugs and medications that currently form the best available treatment options. They may have tried a range of treatments but found they did not work or perhaps suffered unpleasant side effects. What options are left for such people, especially if they do not wish to consider surgery?

There are a number of solutions available but the final decision will be strongly influenced by the amount of thinning that needs to be covered.

1. Creative styling - this is perhaps the easiest option but its success depends on how far your hair loss has progressed. Slight balding can easily be camouflaged by careful grooming but attempts at covering large bald patches can end up looking ridiculous. One option for men with extensive thinning is to shave the head completely but this is not for everyone.

2. Hair cosmetics - this can include anything from hair thickening / volumizing products to dyes and fibers that blend with existing hair. Once again, these solutions really only work if the area of scalp to be covered is minimal.

3. Head coverings - seen by many as a last resort, wigs and hairpieces offer a further option. Once an object of derision, hairpieces have improved beyond recognition in recent years, although the price you are prepared to pay will determine the realism of the final result. Wigs come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from real or synthetic hair, but be warned the best ones are very expensive. 

Renell Shorter - Andropause and Hair Loss

Tips from Renell Shorter MS. RAE IS A LICENSED HAIR PROFESSIONAL AND EXTENSION SPECIALIST, SERVICING DALLAS, TX AND DETROIT, MI.

often go hand in hand. Imagine clumps of hair falling off your head, or observing strands of once healthy hair collecting in the shower drain. Maybe you run your hand through your hair and feel it thinning. It can feel daunting and quite scary. Typically, hair loss is a result of an imbalance of male testosterone hormone in the body. Instead of infusing the hair with healthy testosterone, enzymes break it down to a simpler form known as dihydrotestosterone.
An excess of this hormone has the effect of decreasing the size of hair follicles which eventually break down and make your hair fall off sporadically. The medical condition that is best associated with hair loss in Andropause sufferers is hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a by-product of decreasing levels of Human Growth Hormone, which is responsible for regulating our aging process.

Andropause sufferers’ hormones have a profound effect on the rate and consistency of hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (considered by medical circles the strongest, most potent form of testosterone) is responsible for building and growing body hair in men (at normal levels - an excess causes hair degeneration.) This includes body hair, pubic hair, head hair, armpit hair – any hair. DHT is directly produced in the skin, made to work by supporting enzymes that break it down for distribution throughout the body.

DHT levels are present more in certain areas of the body than in others – explaining why we may have a full crop of hair on our heads and little bushes of hair on our chests and backs. Realize, women also have DHT in their bodies but produce less of it. That explains why women don’t have body hair. Case in point: an excess of DHT is prevalent in Andropause sufferers, explaining the reason for hair loss. The enzyme used to break down testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is ¨over activated¨ - working too hard and too fast. This is the primary cause for this Andropausal condition.

As aforementioned, dihydrotestosterone is present more in certain areas of the body than in others. For this reason, men’s hair can fall into funny patterns. You know, the balding train station clerk you might have seen with more hair on his scalp than the top of his head. The shrinking of hair follicles as a result of the production of DHT is attributed to this. How hair grows is a wondrous thing in itself that needs to be recognized. Typically, hair grows at a rate of a quarter inch every 2 weeks.
Andropause sufferers have their ¨hair growth cycles¨ disrupted when there is erratic growth of some hair strands where ¨new¨ hair pushed ¨old¨ hair out.

Because Andropause is a period of hormonal imbalance, a lack of hormonal stability and poor homeostasis (holistic balance) in the body pushes things out of whack. If you want to maintain healthy strands of hair, one thing you can do is hit that stair climber machine fellas! Exercise reverses the aging process and may certainly reverse this symptom. There are also hair loss products that can help you recapture your hair.

Secondary causes of hair loss in men suffering Andropause is stress. More specifically, stress raises the levels of cortisol and cortisone (known as stress hormones) in the body. Eating non-nutritional foods also speeds up hair loss. Pretty much any activity that speeds up the aging process will speed up your hair loss. Stay away from caffeinated drinks, fast foods, and cigarette smoking to keep running your hands through your thick mane longer.

Participate in recreational activities to reduce stress and light up your life with a proper exercise regimen. If you’re suffering from this condition, don’t let it affect you in the least bit! Andropause should not serve as a punishment – rather, a realization of a future for the better.