MaryElise.com :: Beauty > Hair Q&A Archive

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April 2005

Question: I wash my hair every morning, and I've noticed it is often dry and my scalp itchy. Is it possible that I've been washing it too often? – Cindee V., Kansas City, KS

Answer: Great question! Many women could solve the majority of their hair problems simply by how often they wash their hair. By washing it every day you are stripping the hair follicle of it's natural and essential oils. There is no need to wash it every day, and as you've experienced your hair has become brittle and your scalp dry and itchy as result.

Limit washing to two to three times a week, as your hair acclimates to this process, you will notice the shine and texture increase and your hairs appearance will drastically improve. However, to successfully boost the appearance of your hair overall, you need the right products. Afraid of oily, greasy hair as a result to the limited washing? Don't be, your hair will adapt and make use of it's natural oils to supply vibrancy to your hair. Rather than drying out your scalp and forcing your scalp to produce an overload of natural oils, there will be a balance necessary for gorgeous tresses. - Mary Elise

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February 2005

Question: I've heard it's bad to have a hair dryer on your hair too long, but how long is too long? – Kylie H., Maui, HI

Answer: Kylie, the rule is, wait until hair is about 80% dry, then proceed with the hair dryer. To help speed up this process, squeeze your hair dry once you hop out of the shower. Then, flip your hair over, and quickly rub it with a towel for about 15 seconds.

While you're waiting for it to dry, you could pick out your outfit or apply your make-up. The great trick about waiting until it's 80% dry, is that your make-up won't melt off from the extensive heat of the dryer. Always remember, be careful with your hair, it can break and damage very easily, so be attentive to the care you are giving it, at all times. - MaryElise

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December 2004

Question: Lately I've noticed that I'm losing a lot of my hair, whether it be in the shower, when I rake my fingers through my hair, or when I take my hair out of a ponytail, it feels like I'm going bald, and I'm only 23! – Losing it in Louisville

Answer: First, take a look at your eating habits, are you feeding your body what it needs? Are you eating regularly? A good diet is crucial if you want to sport a beautiful mane. Try picking up a hair/skin/nails vitamin complex, they're plenty fantastic options on the market! Next, make sure you're being gentle with your hair, don't use brushes after you wash it, revert to a wide-toothed comb. Use leave-in conditioner, and be careful with hair elastics. Often times, elastic hair bands are to blame for hair loss because they twist, tangle, and snag hair quite roughly. Beware of the metal clasps used on hair elastics, those play as the venus fly trap for your tresses. But remember, every time you lose a hair, there's another one growing in it's place, so don't worry yourself, well, bald! - MaryElise

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August 2004

Question: While in the shower, I make sure to use a great shampoo and conditioner. However, once I get out of the shower, my hair loses that softness almost immediately. What sort of routine should I have for once I'm out of the shower? – Debbi H. Providence, RI

Answer: First, find a great leave-in conditioner. Even after conditioning in the shower, your hair needs those additional nutrients and a great product that will seal in the moisture. Spray generously all over hair, from your ends to your roots. Then, gently comb through your hair, working the comb from bottom to top, so you are not tugging on your hair. It's crucial to be gentle when brushing wet hair so that it does not break or knot up. Never use a brush on freshly washed hair. - MaryElise

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Question: My hair is in horrible condition from coloring it at home for the past few years. I have stopped and am now preparing to seek a professional colorist. I would like to know how often I should be washing my hair? It’s in such bad shape, I feel like it’s hopeless! – Julie X. Santa Fe, NM

Answer: No need to worry Julie! Many women have this problem and wonder what the solution is. It’s great that you have stopped and are looking for a professional colorist! When your hair is damaged from excessive coloring, and often times not nearly enough conditioning in conjunction with the coloring, you should only be washing your hair 1-2 a week. Your hair is dry, brittle, and liable to break, you need to conserve the hair’s natural oils and allow it to condition itself. Along with that you should be doing deep conditioning treatments each time you wash your hair. Get a great protein enriched conditioner, and let it sit on your hair while you’re in the shower for about 10 minutes. Keep up with this routine and you’re hair will begin to restore back the strength that it has lost. - MaryElise