Locks and Lashes: will my hair turn green, makeup and sensitive skin, sunscreen and moisturizer, stage makeup tips

LOCKS AND LASHES, June 2008, by Angelina Gina Pirrera, Melissa Villa, Stephanie Senater and Julia Hofer

Will my hair turn GREEN?

Dear Melissa,
I just started dying my hair for the first time this year and someone said if I go swimming in the summer it will turn green! Is this true, and if so, what can I do???
~ Chelsea, 14

Excellent question Chelsea!
What causes hair to turn green is not the chlorine, it’s the exposure to hard metals dissolved in the water. The metals are oxidized by the chlorine and then bond to your hair, causing the greenish hue. Chlorine however, WILL cause hair pigment to lighten. Colour-treated hair will fade. Lightened, permed or relaxed hair, is porous and tends to absorb more chlorine, making it weak.

To prevent green locks and protect your hair, wet it with fresh water and a leave in conditioner before going swimming. This will prevent a lot of chlorine and hard metals from being absorbed. Wash your hair right after swimming with a shampoo formulated for swimmers followed by a good conditioner. Comb hair with a wide tooth comb, then let it dry naturally. Limit blow drying and curling irons, they can further dry out the hair. Have fun!
~Melissa

Makeup and sensitive skin...

Dear Julia,
My Mom and I have been trying to find makeup that is more all-natural since I have very sensitive skin. Most of the health-store stuff is just too expensive... how can we pick a regular brand and not pay an arm and a leg?
~ Shanees, 13

Dear Shanees,
It’s a very smart idea to use all natural makeup products! If you are blessed with clear skin, you don’t even need to use foundation. Otherwise, the most natural form that also claims health benefits for your skin is ‘mineral’ makeup. Finely milled minerals are buffed into the skin with a wide, dense brush in circular motions. It gives luminosity and natural glow to your skin. Mineral makeup doesn’t contain preservatives,synthetic dyes or fillers like talc, so it is less irritating to sensitive skin.

For eyes, rather than buying mascara, invest in a good eyelash curler that will make your eyes open up. I also recommend that you avoid products with fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, soap or lanolin as they may dry and cause irritation to the skin. Always read the labels and look for ingredients that have calming properties. The fewer the ingredients, the better. It’s very important is to never share your makeup with others and to keep your brushes and beauty products sanitized.And remember, less is more!
~ Julia

Sun screen & moisturizer... how much and where?

Dear Stephanie,
Is it true that if you wear foundation you don’t need sun screen? And as for moisturizer, can you use the same stuff for your face as you use for your body?
~ Alina, 14

Hi Alina,
It is absolutely NOT true! Wearing foundation only covers and evens out your skin, it does not protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. The trick is to first apply a face moisturizer that has a high SPF (I would recommend 20 to 30), wait for the moisturizer to dry and then apply the foundation. There are foundations now that have sunscreen in them. They are becoming quite popular and easy to find!

As for applying the same moisturizer on your face and body, I don’t see the problem. I myself do it all the time but some people like to wear a special face moisturizer with SPF because they are usually less greasy and absorb faster then body lotion. But like I said, it’s no big deal... you can definitely wear the same stuff on your face that you use on your body.

Protect yourself from potentially harmful UV rays. If you do it will help you maintain healthy and youthful skin as you age.
Stephanie

Stage Makeup Tips

Dear Angela,
I’m helping out with the makeup for our end of year production at school and someone said you have to LOAD IT ON so people will see it in the audience. Do you have any theatre makeup tips for me?
~ Beth, 15

You’re right Beth!
The theatre is a great place to see some of the most exaggerated makeup but that doesn’t mean it’s thicker or heavier, it just means the colours used for stage makeup are more intense then regular street makeup.

The key to good stage makeup is to make the character’s facial features visible from a distance without loading it on.

Try this: Always think of the audience’s point of view while applying. Stand back when you’re done to check if the characters features (brows, eyes, cheeks, lips etc.) can be seen from afar. If not, try using a stronger colour and remember to be very careful when applying makeup on others; start clean, don’t double dip and always sharpen lip and eye pencils before using them.

Good luck with the production and have fun!
~ Ang