5 Beauty Mysteries Revealed!

Things that make you go hmmm…we all like to ponder life’s oddities. It seems whenever we ask  “did you ever notice …” to someone, and they excitedly respond “Yes, all the time!” it forms an instant bond and stimulating conversation. Of course, there are all types of topics that have coincidences and strange occurrences, but for now, let’s explore some mysteries that have baffled our beauty routine.

1) Your hair always looks really good the day of your salon appointment to change it. It never seems to fail. Lackluster locks, lifeless hold and dull color, miraculously become shiny, stylish and receives compliments all day when you have that appointment for a cut and color! You even think of cancelling it because of the reversal of fortune. Why does this seem to happen? Not just once, but almost always?
Reason:
It’s just coincidence. Your hair has come out looking good other days also, but because of the apprehension before the big change, you see yourself in a different light that day. You kind of hesitate and wonder if you should keep it and play it safe, but your style will let you down again- it’s only a one day thing. Book that appointment!

2) Coloring hair is supposed to be so damaging, so why does hair look shiny and oh-so-healthy right after you color it? You want color, lots of it! But the warnings are abundant to avoid color processing as it damages hair. This doesn’t make sense.
Reason:
Research experts and color pros explain the lucky-for-us chemical reaction this way: Those dyeing hair a deeper color will have shine since dark hair reflects light and covers signs of damage; going blonde can also add glossiness. The color molecules that cover the hair shaft during the process create a reflective surface.
Makes you want to run out for color now, doesn’t it? Be careful- it’s when you don’t take care of those chemically-charged locks that the damage takes over, and the shine goes away. Too much color will also damage hair. Read more color info here .

3) Your perfect coif turns to an unruly mess when it’s humid or rainy. You worked hard to perfect the style, and you look fantastic! Then you head out in humid weather, and end up looking like a different person- not in a good way. Either your cool waves go stick straight, or your smooth look becomes a frizz fest. Sure, you’ve tried the anti-frizz creams and humidity control sprays, but they’re just a band-aid. What gives?
Reason:
Since humidity is really water in vapor form, it is naturally attracted to the dryness that is your hair. Coarse hair expands with a frizz result, and fine hair absorbs weight and falls flat. When we battle frizz, we can make it worse. Combing and styling hair after the vapor hits makes it frizzier. You know this already, right? But oh, we try, because we are frizz fighters!
Also, overly dry locks will take in that moisture vapor even more. Keep hair well-conditioned to avoid an overreaction to this weather foe.

4) You were born a pretty redhead, but nature has you as a permanent blonde. Now you have to pay to be the auburn beauty you once were. That’s just not fair! Can it be reversed?
Reason:
It’s a science lesson. Hair has different mixtures of eumelanin (brown-black pigment) and pheomelanin (red-yellow pigment). So you may not still be the carrot-top you were as a toddler because pigment levels fluctuate due to genetic influences from your parents early on, then later by hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Can’t fight science!

5) Why does your hair look nicer when away at a hotel? Ahh…vacation! You can style hair easier, get shine and volume; you even wish you can bottle that hotel water. Or maybe you’re just going crazy and nothing is different. Hmmm…
Reason:
There’s something in the water-literally. Different cities have various chemicals and minerals in their water. Hard water (high in minerals) and soft water (low in minerals) produce different reactions to hair and hair products. So depending on what kind of water you have at home, the water type at hotels will react differently than what you’re used to- in a good or bad way. Soft water leaves residue so products won’t rinse out easily; hard water won’t lather well so you might shampoo twice.

There you have it- at least now some mysteries are solved. You can scratch your head a little less often. There will always be odd occurrences and topics to ponder, but that’s okay. (Read about hair myths here: blogs.empire.edu) It lets us learn, talk, and connect. And that’s what we’re here for!