Hair By Morgan Minneapolis Hair Extensions

The Secret to Clean and Shiny Hair
In between salon visits, follow these steps for healthy hair. Brush your hair before washing.  This will get rid of some of the product residue applied while styling since your last shampoo and will help water to penetrate the shaft of the hair.

Never wash your hair with an inadequate amount of water.  Your entire head should be evenly wet prior to applying shampoo.  Use an adequate amount of shampoo starting with a grape-sized dollop then working the shampoo from the roots down to the ends.  Try not to bring the ends of your hair up to the scalp as this can cause tangling and your hair may not get as clean.

If you are using a specialty shampoo for a specific problem with you hair, it is often best to shampoo first with a general shampoo to clean your hair of pollution and other impurities, then use the one designed to treat your specific need, such as dandruff or seborrhea.  Ask your stylist for recommendations. Massage your scalp while shampooing, using only your fingertips.  Never scrub at your hair as this can weaken the roots.   Lather from the shampoo is a sign that your shampoo is working effectively.  The very best salon shampoos are not abrasive; they do not lift the scales on the hair shaft which can weaken it and make it more porous and prone to static.

Rinse the shampoo out of your hair thoroughly, focusing especially on the roots.  You will notice when you are shampooed at your salon, they really focus on the roots of your hair, and you should do the same at home. This is the only way to remove all traces of shampoo and keep your hair cleaner longer.  It also helps to remove dead skin cells on the scalp, which can be mistaken for dandruff.

The suggestion that you use cold water as your final rinse is actually not an old wives’ tale.  Using cold water for the last rinse actually smooths out the scales of your hair, making your hair especially shiny.  Pretend you’re Scottish, start with hot water, switch to warm water, and then a final cold rinse for a healthy head of hair.

Remember to ask your stylist for recommendations for the very best shampoo for your hair type and style you prefer to wear.  They are the experts when it comes to knowing hair products.  Knock off brands often promise wonderful results, but not all of them actually work as promised.

Nuts
Nuts are one of the healthiest foods we can eat.  It has been proven by research that those who snack on nuts have healthier weights, less body fat and a significantly lower risk of heart disease. These tiny powerhouses are packed with minerals that are essential to a healthy life, most specifically selenium and magnesium.  Some folks point out that nuts have a lot of fat in them, but the type of fat found in nuts is actually the type that is concentrated and specifically nourish our brains and balance our blood sugars.  Try to avoid nuts that have been adulterated with corn oil and BHT.  This changes the biochemical nature of nuts and makes them less healthy.  Look for more natural forms that have only one ingredient on the label: NUTS!  Nothing else. 

The Perfect Temp for Red Wine
Red wine is typically served at room temperature.  However, you may be surprised to know this is actually too warm for red wine. 

The reason red wine is served at a warmer temperature than whites is due to the aromatic elements in the red wine that vaporize at just the right temperature, which is 65°F. This is usually much cooler than our typical dining room temperature.  At temperatures of 68°F and above, the evaporating alcohol becomes the dominant compound and the resulting bouquet of the red wine is less appealing. 

Try cooling the bottle of wine just a little, either half an hour in the refrigerator or ten minutes in an ice bucket, especially the red wines from the Bordeaux and Burgundy regions.  Too much cooling, however, will make a smooth and round red wine taste hard and astringent if chilled to 50°F.   Light-bodied red wines, such as Pinot Noirs and Chiantis benefit from being chilled between 60° and 62° F.  The even lighter and fruity Beaujolais is best at 58° to 60° F.   Experiment and find the best temperature for your reds.