Christopher Stephens Beauty Blog

The Hair Raising Statistics

Hair and fingernails are made from a strong protein called keratin. This hard protein is also present in animal hooves and skin. With both hair and nails, the only living, actively growing part is located underneath the skin.

Hair and fingernails both grow out from a matrix. In hair, this matrix is known as the hair follicle. Cells grow out from the matrix, and older cells eventually are pushed out by newer cells growing in. The newer cells cause the older cells to become compacted, and as the cells are further removed from their blood supply, they form keratin proteins and begin to harden into the hair fiber, or nail, that we see.

Fingernails grow approximately 1/8 inch, per month. Toenails grow slower than fingernails, at a rate of about 1/16 inch per month. Hair, on the other hand, grows at a much faster rate: roughly ¼ to ½ inch per month, or up to 6 inches per year.

For both hair and fingernails, growth rates are affected by season, gender, age and heredity. Hair and nails grow faster in the summer months than at any other time of the year. Men's hair and fingernails typically grow faster than women's hair and fingernails; pregnancy and old age are the exceptions to this rule. Fingernails grow fastest on the hand that is used most often. Pinkie nails grow the slowest; the index fingernail grows the fastest.

Several factors can slow hair and nail growth, including disease, hormonal imbalances (typically menopause, in women) and natural aging. Additionally, poor blood circulation, malnutrition and some medications can slow down the growth rates of the hair and nails.

What Your Hair Color Says About You

 

Natural or color treated, your hair color affects how the world sees you... and how you see yourself!

Believe it or not, a lot of our self-image is based on the perceptions of other people. Regardless of your arguments of individuality, you partially view yourself through others' eyes and act accordingly. That's why the color of our hair tends to stereotype us. Here's the deal of what that means for all of you redheads, blondes and brunettes. I also have tips on how to keep your hair looking shiny and gorgeous, whatever the color.

 

All You need To Know About Curly Hair

For those of you with curly hair, you'll admit it can be both a blessing and a hassle. When your curls look good, they really look good. But all it takes is a slight change of weather and you've got frizz problems!

It's true, curly hair can sometimes need a bit more care and attention than straight hair to keep it looking its best. Hairstyle.com has curly hair information and advice, hairstyles for curly hair and curly hair care tips that will have your locks looking their best.

It is important to understand your hair - once you understand what works with your curly hair, you can really enjoy your hair and learn to love it.

 

What do you do for your hair in the winter?

 

Top Ten Women's Haicuts of All Times

It's no secret that many of us take our beauty cues from celebrities. Recently a poll from hair company Goody officially confirmed it by counting down the six most popular celeb-inspired hairstyles. We've added a few iconic styles of our own to make up the 10 best hairstyles of all time — some of which still work today. Such as...

 

 
  

“Treat” Me Right

René Furterer

has chosen Carthame for its moisturizing properties.
 
Native to the East, Carthame, a specific species of thistle, is recognized for its nourishing virtues. Carthame oil is extracted from its seeds. It has a high content of essential fatty acids and nutrients necessary for healthy and beautiful hair. The combination of Carthame oil and a specific moisturizing complex, with vitamin B5 and deep-cleansing essential oil of orange, helps moisturize and protect dry scalp and hair.

Looking For Quality Grooming, Guys?

 

Woody's Quality Grooming makes products without compromise, by focusing on only the finest quality ingredients to cleanse, nourish and protect. Woody’s is directed at the man who is looking for a simple, comfortable daily regimen that offers basic, no-frill products that smell good and get the job done.

Woody’s was developed with the collaboration of celebrity barbers and stylists. Their hard work and keen insights into what grooming products a man needs in his daily routine helped create the Woody’s of today.

Authenticity, community and integrity are values that inspired our brand and we believe we can make a difference for our customers and community because…when you’ve got Wood, it’s all good.

One of their great products is their Shampoo for Normal to Oily Hair and Scalp; you can s

tart the day with Woody's paraben-free Daily Shampoo. Its fresh minty-grapefruit fragrance will awaken and stimulate your senses. It's enriched with Woody’s special blend of ProVitamin B5, Aloe, Ginger and Vitamin E to soothe and protect with Proteins and Amino Acids to help build body and strength. Your hair and scalp will thank you!

Peace, Love, and Shampoo!

To see the complete product line and for ordering go to Just4Beauty.com or you can come into Christopher Stephens Salon and Spa and save on shipping.

What Hair Color Says About a Person

 
Whether natural or color treated, your hair color affects how the world sees you... and how you see yourself. A lot of our self-image is based on the perceptions of other people. You partially view yourself through others' eyes and act accordingly. That's why the color of our hair tends to stereotype us.

Here's what that means for all you blondes, brunettes and redheads. We also have tips on how to keep your hair looking shiny and gorgeous, no matter what your hair color may be.

Red Hair

There are very few natural redheads - only 3 percent of the population is said to have natural, fiery locks. For centuries, redheads have had to fight stereotypes. For many, red hair atop a female head automatically conjured images of wild women, hotheads, femme fatales, and sexpots.

Redheaded women are often portrayed as strong, independent women. They are usually seen as feisty Irish "tough girls".

Red hair compliments brown which seems to be the color in fashion this fall and winter season. Brown hair with brown fashion can look dull, while red adds more depth and contrast. Red hair also seems to have more shine, which can make your hair look more healthy and beautiful.

Red Hair Care Tips

Accentuate the fire and shine of your red hair with color stay shampoo and hair treatments. The best way to stop color fade is by using products specifically designed for color treated hair.

Blonde Hair

Do blondes really have more fun? Perhaps they do. Blonde is perceived as a happy color that reminds us of sunny days at the beach and the playfulness of youth.

People see blondes as having more youthful vitality than other colors, and blonde hair can make you look younger as well. I think we’ve all seen the old lady that has matte black hair with white roots. Even an untrained eye can tell that this woman needs to have lighter hair to make her look better.

Q: What is the difference between a blonde and a shopping card?
A: The shopping cart has a mind of its own. 

She was so blonde; she stood staring at the frozen orange juice because it said "Concentrate".

Do we still think blondes are dumb? Many people say we don't anymore. The Dumb-Blonde jokes are old. Modern blondes are perceived as powerful, independent and of course, still very sexy.

Blonde hair tends to require a lot of attention to keep it looking glamorous and healthy, so blondes can give off the impression of high maintenance.

Brown / Brunette Hair

Brunettes project a grounded, stable image. Darker colors also denote earthiness. If you desire a more serious, sophisticated look, try a brunette hair color.

76 percent of American women think the first female president will have brown hair, according to Allure magazine.

According to a study into hair color and the intensity of attraction, 51% of men thought brunettes were more attractive. Brunettes were described as intelligent, independent and self-sufficient. Two-thirds of the men said that brunette women appear more stable and competent.

Women with medium-length, darker hair such as Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Garner are perceived as smarter and more fun loving.

No matter what your hair color is currently, if you are looking for a new hair color that fits you, or if you would simply like to maintain an existing color and are looking for a new salon with experienced colorists visit Christopher Stephens Salon and Spa. And for the best in hair care visit Just4Beauty.com.

 

The Starry Eyed Girl

Great stars and great hair-dos often walk hand in hand. While you may catch a glimpse of a star with a not so perfect hair-do, most of the time their hair is tamed and beautiful. Celebrities have a whole team of stylists and colorists working for them, but you can have beautiful hair if you follow some basic tips.

You get what you pay for: While bargain cutters will save you big bucks it doesn't mean you will get the best look. Often times with haircuts and colors you get what you pay for in terms of professionals. Those expensive professionals are expensive for a reason. If just any old hair stylist were to open a salon and start charging people $75 for a haircut, that salon would go out of business rather quickly. In other words, you don’t go to a fast food, burger joint when you’re looking for fine dining. When it comes to cutting and coloring your hair, leave it to the professionals and spend the extra buck to get the best look.

Sukésha Maximum Hold Hairspray

 

Have you heard of Sukésha Maximum Hold Hairspray? Sukésha Styling Products contain natural vitamins and proteins which nourish and protect the hair while you style. The range of products is designed to give a variety of degrees of hold in the form you prefer. Sukésha styling products can be combined to meet your needs. Sukésha Hair Sprays all contain Sun Protector and our exclusive Auxitricogenetic Action.

In 1985, Charles Frank began Chuckles, Inc., a company devoted to the research and production of professional salon products in New Hampshire.  With it came its first brand, Sukésha, the origin of beautiful hair.