Hair By Morgan Minneapolis Salon and Hair Extensions

Volume 2, Issue 7
More "Tools" of the Trade - Part III
Need a new comb?  Or brush?  Admit it, when you’re really in need of a hair styling implement you will use just about anything you can quickly and easily lay your hands on.  When faced with the vast array of choices, whether at your salon or at a beauty supply store, most of us are swayed by how a comb or brush actually looks, not on what it will do for us.  We’ll go over some of the basics of combs and brushes so that you are better informed and can make a good choice.  Always ask your stylist for his or her advice.  They are your hair-care experts and will always steer you in the right direction.

Combs: Combs are used to separate each hair to allow the brush to actually reach your scalp. They help unsnarl your hair and are used for parting. A comb should be made of hard rubber, wood, or bone.  Unless they are exceptionally blunt, metal combs should not be used. The teeth should be perfectly smooth, set well apart, and the tips should be blunt enough that they will not injure your scalp. Most combs have a coarse end and a fine end.  Usually you will use the coarse or wider toothed end to untangle and comb your hair.

Plastic combs are the most commonly available, unfortunately they have a seam where the molds came together which will snag your hair cuticles, damaging your hair.  Plastic combs also allow for a tremendous buildup of static. Combing your hair polishes each strand, massages the roots of your hair and strengthens the shaft of your hair.

Cleaning your comb is an often overlooked chore, but the accumulation of hair products will leave refuse in your hair.  Use alcohol or very hot water and shampoo. Soak the comb for about ten minutes, scrub with an old nail brush or old toothbrush until it is completely clean.  Rinse and air dry.
Brushes: Brushes are designed to remove any particles of dust or dead scalp matter that are on the surface of your scalp. While most of us do not spend as much time as women in days past brushing our hair, it is an important way to keep our hair healthy and shiny. The right brush should be chosen based on our hair type.

Your bristle choices are either synthetic or natural.  The best brushes use natural fiber, typically boar’s hair.  If you cannot find natural fiber, be sure to check the synthetic fibers and ensure that they will be gentle enough to use on your scalp without damage.  Run the brush down the skin of the inside of your forearm. It should feel firm and smooth.  If it scratches, don’t buy it, it will damage your scalp.

Round brushes give you curl and hairstyle definition.  The small the diameter of the brush, the tighter the curl.  Smaller round brushes are beneficial for shorter hair, larger for longer hair. Some round brushes have a ceramic base that helps to set curl in your hair.

A vent hair brush with a hole in the base allows air to pass through to allow for faster blow drying.  They boost volume and can detangle your hair.
Paddle hair brushes are great for straightening hair that is medium to long, smoothing as you go. This brush encourages your hair to lie flat and is excellent for nonlayered hair.

A cushion hair brush is designed for daily brushing, and it will massage your scalp.

Help with Planning Menus

Do you ever stand in front of your refrigerator and have NO idea what you’re going to fix for supper?  We all have trouble preparing meals because of our busy lives and because we haven’t planned ahead, it becomes a chore.  Here are some tips:

•    Set aside a little time each week to plan your menus. Always start with family favorites or meals that will use up food you already have.
•    Write down the meals on the calendar. Include side dishes.
•    Make a list for the items you do not have on hand.  Then STICK to your list!
•    Establishing this as a routine will make mealtime less stressful.

Online Donations of Household Items:

Have a bunch of household items that are still in good condition, kitchen items, clothing, etc?  Having trouble finding someone to come and get them?  The Vietnam Veterans of America has pickup in 30 states.  Go to their site online and see how your donations can help these veterans.
http://www.clothingdonations.org/faq.htm

To Tell the Truth On Lying
Did you know we actually teach our kids to lie?  We really don’t intend to do it, but a study done at Penn State University found that almost all kids lie: a whopping 98% of them. The same percentage of kids know that lying is wrong.   Where did we go wrong?  Most kids admit to lying to avoid punishment.  The study shows that most kids observe their parents telling lies all in the name of being polite and not wanting to hurt someone’s feelings. Tattling is perceived to be a bad thing, even though it is telling the truth. Kids also lie to us because we ask them to admit their behavior rather than just pointing out that a certain behavior is inappropriate.  We need to be very careful about the lies we tell.  If it is a white lie, explain it.  But also explain how a different type of lie can actually hurt relationships and damage communication.

" Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop."