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Definition: Eumelanin

BellaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:00:21 -0800

Simply put, melanin is pigment, but there are two types of melanins that give hair color its own distinctive coloring. I already gave you the scoop on pheomelanin, the pigment that produces red and yellowish strands, so let's move on to eumelanin. As you might have guessed, eumelanin gives skin and hair black and brown coloring. Therefore, people with darker skin tones will have more of this color-determining substance.

There are two different types of this pigment: black and brown. The smaller amount of brown one has, the lighter or more ashen blond the hair will be. In turn, the higher the amount of brown, the darker or more brown the hair will be. As for black eumelanin, in high quantities, it's what makes the hair black. But in lower levels, it's responsible for causing the hair to become gray. So now you can dazzle your friends, giving them their own custom "hair reading," all thanks to your expert hair color knowledge.

Definition: Pheomelanin

BellaSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:02:24 -0800

Simply put, melanin is pigment, but there are two types of melanins that give hair and skin its distinctive coloring. Let's start with pheomelanin, which lends reddish tones to the body.

While pheomelanin can be found in light- and dark-skinned people, females tend to have more of this type of pigment in their skin than men do. Hence, you'll often notice a slightly more pink or reddish quality to a woman's body. Also note that pheomelanin is more concentrated on the lips, nipples, and girly parts.

Even though we all have at least some pheomelanin in our hair, if you're a redhead, you're loaded with it, as it's what is responsible for imparting those fiery reddish tones to your locks. But don't forget about blondes, however, as pheomelanin, thanks to its yellowish tones within, works to determine the pigmentation of golden-haired beauties, too.

How to Choose Eyeglasses by Your Hair Color

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:00:44 -0700

Recently, I made my yearly - OK, it's been more than a year - trip to the eye doctor. I've worn glasses for about 14 years now, and from one "trendy" frame to another, I've had lots of different looks. Since some were good, and others I'd prefer to forget, that was the inspiration behind this series of posts on choosing eyeglass frames. Since we've already looked at face shape, eye color, and skin tone, for the final installment of this series, let's look at how your hair color can help guide you when making a choice between those funky green shades or whimsical yellow specs. To check out some tips, just keep reading.

Apparently, Blondes Take Longer To Primp Than Brunettes

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Goody Hair Care in the United Kingdom has conducted a recent survey of 3,000 women claiming that blondes spend take an average of six minutes longer to get ready than brunettes do. In fact, on average, it takes women with pale hair 72 minutes to beautify compared to the 66 minutes that it takes women with darker hair. How long does it take you to get ready? And, if you've been both a blonde and a brunette, have you noticed that one hair colour effected how quickly you got ready for a night out on the town over another hair colour?

To find out more fun facts about the beauty habits of blondes versus brunettes, just read more.

Leaving the house: Whilst brunettes are more likely to leave the house without any of their hair and make up being done, blondes spend excessive amounts of time showering, brushing their teeth, doing their hair, makeup and nails.
Beauty regimens: Brunettes can stray or vary from their skincare routines, however, three quarters of blondes stick to the same beauty regimen every day.
Who has more fun?The answer to this, whilst trite is blondes! At least in the UK, this study shows that blondes have a better social life than brunettes, as they go out more often. According to Goody’s Rose-Marie Jarvis, "We found that often it’s the time spent on getting ready that gives women a confidence boost."

Which Hair Colour Do You Prefer On Denise Richards?

BellaSugarUK — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:30:00 -0700

Actress and reality TV star Denise Richards was spotted at several events over the weekend with newly lightened hair. I'm not sure if the Summer sun has oxidised her typically blonde mane, or if she's going for the beachy, bleach-blonde effect, but her hair is looking brighter, whiter and more monotone than ever before. Below we also see her pictured with highlights, lowlights and with her hair dyed in more of her natural and warm brunette colour. Out of these three shades, which do you think looks the most flattering on Denise?

Which Hair Colour Do You Prefer on Lindsay?

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 04:30:13 -0700

Lindsay Lohan was so determined to get golden locks this week that she reportedly spent an impressive 11 hours in the Byron and Tracey Hair Salon in Beverly Hills. The actress looked nervous as her hair colour changed from her natural strawberry blonde tones. It is being implied that the change is for her upcoming film role in Dare To Love Me and Lindsay even suggested that she might have to cut it short too. Despite spending so long in the salon, she admits that she doesn't quite recognise her-platinum-self yet! I actually think that she pulls off golden tresses, but it what about you – which hair colour do you prefer on Lindsay?

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Love It or Hate It: Amy Winehouse Has A Yellow Streak

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:30:00 -0700

No, I'm not insinuating that Amy Winehouse is a coward, in fact, she's anything but a shrinking violet going to court yesterday in a fashionable Vivienne Westwood outfit to fight an assault claim against her. All I'm saying is that Amy's gone blonde! Typically, we see her hair dark and styled in an ultra-teased half up, half down bee-hive. However, it appears that she's added an orangey-yellow streak to the left side of her fringe. Do you like this look on the controversial singer, or would you prefer Amy to go back to black?

David Boyes/Dan Bozinovski/BigPicturesPhoto.com

Is Sun-In Back?

BellaSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:41 -0700

Raise your hand if you've tried Sun-In. My hand is raised - and so were my mother's eyebrows when I tried several squirts of the hair lightener back in junior high. My locks transformed into a rusty orange tone, and it wasn't pretty.

It always seems that everything old is new again. Remember how crimped hair was so well-represented at 2009 Spring Fashion Week? Well, if that wasn't old-school enough for you, word is that everyone's favorite low-cost beach spray, Sun-In ($5), is making a comeback. My advice - unless your hair is already blond or lighter brown, head to the salon for any and all attempts at lightening your hair. You know, unless you totally dig a carrot top.

Hair Color How-Tos: Brighter Blondes

BellaSugar — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:00:20 -0700

For the past week, I've been providing tips on how to keep your hair color looking fresh and fade resistant. I've covered redheads, brunettes, and raven-haired beauties.

And now, let's finish this series off by featuring tips for blondes. It's debatable whether or not blondes have more fun. Whatever the case may be, hair that's highlighted, lightened all over, or completely natural, has special needs of its own. Check out my advice when you read more

Go blue: This tip works for both natural and "bottle blondes." A blue- or violet-hued shampoo will help counteract unwanted brassiness and brighten light tones. Try Lush Daddyo Shampoo ($9 to $27).
You're golden: Or, perhaps you want to brighten the warmer, golden tones in your hair - Quantum Glistening Golds Shampoo ($4) should do the trick.
Be a softie: Since blond hair is so light, chemicals from water and product buildup can cause hair to dull and yellow more noticeably. A water softener can help take away the blah. Try Jonathan Beauty Water Shower Purification System ($95) to perk up hair.
Herb rinse: For a natural approach, use chamomile to refresh your blond tones. In a non-metal saucepan, add several chamomile tea bags to about two cups of water and boil for about a half hour. Let cool. After washing your hair, rinse the chamomile through your hair several times. You can do this by dunking your hair into a sink filled with the liquid.
Fast fix: If your roots are starting to show or you are in-between colorings, fix that problem fast with a mascara-like highlighting pen, like Claudia Stevens Hair Highlighter in Gold ($4) or Claudia Stevens Hair Highlighter in Beige/Light Blonde ($4).
Deep condition: If you're lightening your hair, it's probably in need of a weekly deep conditioner. I like Aveda Color Conserve Strengthening Treatment ($26 to $68). For a more budget-friendly option, try Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner ($7).
Shine, shine: Blond hair often lacks shine. Bring back the healthy glow with a shine and color enhancing product such as Ken Paves Health Boost Up Color Drops in Honey ($40) or Ken Paves Boost Up Color Drops in Platinum ($40).

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Beauty Byte: Brunettes Are Better Paid Than Blondes

BellaSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Are you shocked? In a survey of 6,000 people, it was revealed that two times as many brown-haired ladies work in positions that pay between £45,000 and £55,000 (that's around $59,360 to $72,550) than blondes or redheads do.

The study, which was compiled by the folks at Garnier Nutrisse hair color, also concluded the following. Brunettes are. . .

More apt to be taken seriously.
Thought to be the most intelligent, according to 76 percent of the survey takers.
Thought to be the most genuine, said 81 percent of those surveyed.
Preferred in long-term relationships, backing similar data by British hairstylist Andrew Collinge.

Color psychologist Anjula Mutanda tells the Telegraph, "Some hair colors tend to darken naturally with age and so brown hair can be associated with confidence and self-awareness." Of course, this should be taken with a grain of salt. Look at the light-haired Sarah Jessica Parker in Garnier's ads. I'm guessing she's making more than the average brunette. Oh, and don't forget, it's quite possible that blondes have more fun, anyway.

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