How to Prevent Split Ends

We've all dealt with them. Split ends are the worst. They make you hair look terrible and in the past, to get rid of them, you had to chop a lot of your hair off. The best way to get rid of split ends it so never get them in the first place, but just how do you stop them from happening? We have some tips for you:

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Avoid unnecessary chemicals

This sounds pretty logical, but sometimes we don't think of the most obvious things. Chlorine can damage hair, as well as getting a perm and home coloring. At Melange, we prefer to use the most natural products we can, making your hair even healthier. Of course, we can't always do that, like when you bleach your hair to go lighter, so remember that and try not to do too many hair processes that can make your hair dry and brittle.

Use hair-friendly accessories

Ditch the rubber bands and other accessories that cause breakage or pulling. There are so many new products on the market that work for the hairstyles you are going for, but are easier on your locks than some of the old ones.

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Be careful when brushing/combing

Don't be so rough on your hair. It isn't made of steel. Brushing too hard can cause damage. Teasing or back-combing can also damage it if you do it too often. Brushing or combing while wet can be damaging, since wet hair is stretchy and tangles can make you tug harder. Buy a wide-toothed comb and make sure to use a conditioner or detangler if your hair is prone to knots. This will help your combing be more gentle.

Get protection from the sun

Just like with your skin, the sun's UV rays can do bad things to your hair. If you're going to be out in the sun for a good chunk of time, make sure to spritz your tresses with some SPF for hair. You don't want to stop hanging out outside and skip getting your much-needed Vitamin D and exercise, just because the rays can dry out and strip your hair of its nutrients and moisture, causing split ends.

If you find you've already got a bad case of split ends, Melange is now offering the treatment add-on service that everyone is talking about! $25 and only a few short steps can help you achieve smooth and sealed split end-free hair. No more cutting all of your length off to stop creating more damage. This treatment is sugar based for a natural "no touch up" result that will have you putting down your hot tools and out the door quicker than ever.

Get Luscious Lashes

Everyone wants lust-worthy lashes, and you can get them. Soon, we'll be offering lash extensions for an easy way to get longer, fuller lashes. Minkys are lightweight and gorgeous, plus look just like your natural lashes. Wake up looking like a movie star, skip the mascara and feel like a million bucks (without spending it). Once we are offering this fantastic service, we'll send out a newsletter letting everyone know, including more info and pricing, so make sure you're signed up!

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In the meantime, let's look at some ways you can plump up your lashes until you can get your own Minkys:

When finishing your face with powder, add powder to your lashes before putting on mascara. This will bulk up your lashes and keep your mascara from clumping, too.

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Everyone has one of those cheapo eyelash curlers in the beauty drawer. Every few days – not every day or you'll cause breakage – make sure to curl your lashes to create more depth.  

Layer on your lashes. Using a clear coat or even a primer on your lashes before putting on mascara can add volume and make your mascara last longer.

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Trick everyone else's eyes by adding colored mascara to your makeup routine. Finish off with a black mascara on your tips and you've just made your lashes look miles longer!

Use an eyebrow brush to brush your lashes. This helps to fan out your lashes, so they don't stick together and look thinner than they really are. 

How do you make your eyelashes look longer or fatter?

Keep Your Hair Color Looking Fresh

You always want to look your best, and when you spend money to get your hair colored, it totally defeats the purpose if it doesn't last as long as possible. Sometimes things you do or use can make your color fade, which is not what you want to do. Instead, you'd like your hair to look fresh all the time, right? Here are some ways to keep that color bright and shiny:

Use a color-protecting shampoo/conditioner

There are so many great products out there now for color-treated hair. Some are tailored specifically for certain colors as well. At the very least, look for sulfate-free shampoos.

Avoid alcohol-laced products

Alcohol can strip your color, so make sure your hair care products like gel, mousse or hairspray do not contain this ingredient. One way to ensure this is to purchase any of the tons of all-natural products available now.

Skip washing your hair

Washing your hair too much can make your color fade more quickly. Cut back to shampooing just every other or every three days. Your natural oils are a great protection to your color and also saves you money on shampoo. If washing your hair less freaks you out, invest in a nice dry shampoo to spritz on your roots.

Use sunscreen

Sun has a way of fading pretty much everything in it's wake. SPF isn't just for your skin. Protect your color by picking up an SPF spray and add a layer to wet hair before spending  a significant amount of time outside in the sun.

Counteract chlorine

Even though it's wintertime, it doesn't mean you won't be heading to warmer climates and hitting the pool. Chlorine can really strip hair of a lot of stuff, including nutrients, moisture and color. Protect your hair by adding a few drops of baby oil to your dry locks before swimming and then immediately rinsing your hair with tap water when you're done. The oil acts as a barrier and keeps your color looking fresh and your hair healthy.