Biotin For Hair Growth

Real quick..I'm procrastinating my Fashion Week post..

I started feeling like my hair was thinning. Moving to a new city is fun but also stressful. Stress, diet change, medications, aging can all be causes of thinning hair. Hair loss can also be caused by clogged pores in the scalp from waxy shampoos/conditioners/products. I've also found that more flexible scalps (not tight) have thicker hair. So moisturizing your scalp with stimulating/minty conditioners can also help like Pureology or ColorProof Hydrateing line in the purple bottles. Anyway..back to business. One lifestyle change you can make is adding more biotin to your diet. The only negative I've heard from a professional waxer and a few of my clients is that not only does it make your hair grow faster and fuller it also makes all of your body hair grow more. So..pros/cons..I'm not planning to stay on it forever..But, for the time being I'm adding biotin to my daily routine. 

Hair Tip of the Day

Biotin is a vitamin that is found in small amounts in numerous foods.

Biotin is used for preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight loss. It is also used orally for hair loss, brittle nails, skin rash in infants (seborrheic dermatitis), diabetes, and mild depression.

How does it work?

Biotin is an important component of enzymes in the body that break down certain substances like fats, carbohydrates, and others.

There isn’t a good laboratory test for detecting biotin deficiency, so this condition is usually identified by its symptoms, which include thinning of the hair (frequently with loss of hair color) and red scaly rash around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Nervous system symptoms include depression, exhaustion, hallucinations, and tingling of the arms and legs. There is some evidence that diabetes could result in biotin deficiency.

www.webmd.com

Biotin Side Effects

• Acne. Getting too much biotin in your system increases your risk of developing cystic acne on the chin and jawline. The reason why this occurs is unknown, but it is found that the acne fades a few weeks after you stop using biotin supplements. Make sure you take doses of biotin that are less than 2500 mcg or less each day and drink plenty of water while using biotin supplements to reduce your risk of developing cystic acne. You may need to experiment with different doses until you find the amount that works best with your skin.
• Allergies. Allergic reactions to biotin are not common, but they are still possible. People that have known allergies to vitamin B12 cobalamin or cobalt tend to be allergic to biotin as well. If you are suffering from an allergic reaction to biotin you may feel nausea, develop an itchy rash, tightness or pain in your chest and swelling of the throat and face. If you start to develop these symptoms call your doctor for help immediately as some of these developments can be fatal.
• Miscarriage. If you are taking high doses of biotin while you are trying to get pregnant it can increase your risk of suffering a miscarriage. The reasoning behind this is not clear, and no tests have been performed on humans to better determine the likelihood of this risk. Talk to a medical professional before taking biotin while pregnant to ensure your safety.
• Interactions. Biotin negatively interacts with anti-seizure medications and medications that help lower cholesterol, causing these medications to work less effectively. While biotin is helpful in regulating your metabolism and blood sugar levels, it can have a distinct effect on the overall blood glucose level in your body. If you are taking medications like cholesterol medication or anticonvulsants or treating a condition like diabetes, taking biotin can have an impact on your symptoms. It is rare that people have a life-threatening experience while taking biotin. There is only one recorded case where a woman that suffered from heart and lung condition known as eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion developed life threatening conditions while taking vitamins B5 and B7 at high doses. After she stopped using these supplements her symptoms stopped. It is currently not known what role each of these vitamins or the combination of the two had in her symptoms.

Biotin Benefits

Although taking too much biotin may have potential side effects, biotin is one of the most vital nutrients in the B-vitamin complex, helping you promote growth and overall health. This nutrient carries carbon dioxide in the tricarboxylic acid cycle or TCA cycle. This helps your body convert protein, fat and carbohydrates into glucose energy to promote a better functioning metabolism. Biotin also helps you maintain the look and health of your hair and nails, preventing them from becoming brittle and dull. Diabetics find that biotin can help them manage their symptoms, as do those that suffer from depression or high cholesterol. Biotin can help you metabolize carbohydrates more effectively, helping you to manage your blood sugar levels.

www.md-health.com

Fashion Week Day 1

Fashion Week is like Christmas to me. The excitement of backstage..fast paced..drama like a family..new clothes..everything is a bit over the top..lights, cameras, new and old friends..exactly like Christmas..right?

I've been a part of Fashion Weeks backstage for 7 years beginning with Portland Fashion Week in 2007. Portland Fashion Week is the 3rd longest running show after New York and LA beginning in 2002. I began my working with Eric Nelson founder of Sidlab who was the first major hair sponsor for the show. In 2010 and 2011 in their 9th and 10th year running I had the honor introducing Pureology  to the production as a major sponsor and becoming the solo lead stylist for the week managing teams through Pureology. Each night I would have a different Pureology salon working together backstage to create the looks. My team would change the hair between each set possibly 6 times in a night...That means fast hands, sharp eyes, and a well thought out plan. I love every second of it. Christmas for hair!!

 In 2013, I moved to San Diego for warmer weather and following my heart. This year I got to work backstage doing hair for Fashion Week San Diego with Joseph Anthony as my direct lead stylist as well as teams from Bryll Hair Lounge, Gila Rut a 2012 NAHA (North American Hairstylist Award winner), and Bellus Academy. I saw product backstage from Evo, Bumble and Bumble, a href="http://www.wella.com/">Wella
, and a few favorites here and there. This was the 3rd year Fashion Week San Diego has run. And, I'm excited to report the similarities and differences from each show. I love my new home in sunny California.

This week in the spirit of Fashion Weeks around the world which from my experience run Thurs, Fri. Sat. (sometimes Sunday) I will do a write up each day pertaining to Fashion Weeks local and around the world this Thurs. Fri. and Sat. Follow me in my Christmas Spring/Summer excitement!!

BEST SHOW according to The Wall Street Journal



"For models, Rick Owens has step dancers flown in from the U.S.- mostly African-American, whichmeans the show was also the most diverse. His collection, fitted for their sturdy athletic bodies, proved the Rick Owens woman can be broad and strong. It took a few moments to realize the dancers, whose strange expressions and poses seemed to poke fun at unsmiling models, weren't an opening act. But in the end, some guests and models were moved to tears." -Christina Binkley, Wall Street Journal

I have never seen every model showing a collection walk with such confidence, power, and emotion. There was no fear, no awkward strides, no zombies, no dear in headlights...just strength and talent...which is beauty...

Hairstylist Kira Pinski FB

Why is my hair flat?

Why is my hair limp and lifeless? Why is it dull? Why is it heavy? Why does it feel like I can't get it clean? This is a question I hear often in the salon and that I've experienced for myself.

I try a lot of different shampoos and conditioners on my  hair from friends and product companies. I know how I like my hair to look and feel so I'm sensitive to the slightest change. Recently I tried one of those conditioning shampoos/conditioners in one. The kind from the infomercial. I tried it for a week using it during the 3 times I washed my hair. I used a lot of it like the product suggests, and I think it did what it was supposed to. The conditioning cleanser kept my hair smooth, but lifelessly smooth, slightly dull with whatever it coated my hair with, and almost stringy with a slight greasy feel. As I continued to use it my hair felt less and less clean. This can even happen with Pureology hydrate which I use daily or other shampoos which are meant to cleanse gently. But, some do it in a way that you can feel the coating...This was one of those times...yuck..

There are many reasons...But, here are 2 of the most common.

1. REFRESH HAIR COLOR

With dark roots in blondes or dull ashy roots  in brunettes the hair can look dirty like when you have oily roots. Unfortunately, the top of your head is where the lights in restaurant bathrooms and office lights shine making overdue roots less attractive.

Fresh color also damages the hair slightly by roughing up the hair cuticle making each strand just a little bit thicker. Because it is also slightly less smooth and silky you can also style it easier...Especially blondes, if you have trouble getting your hair to curl put in a few highlights teasing the roots for volume will be easier and curls will last longer.



2. PRODUCT BUILDUP
 Almost every product will build up in your hair overtime, along with pollution from the environment, minerals from water, medications that grow out into your hair that are orally consumed. One way I've seen this visually is when a client gets a perm they hair will shed color onto the cotton around the hairline..You might see brown dye slip out, yellow vitamins/ medications, slight tones of green. Life builds up in the hair. A good practice is to use a clarifying shampoo like Pureology Purify or ColorProof Detox shampoo which have ingredients like baking soda, witch hazel, and tea tree which gently remove buildup. Just like exfoliating your skin this weekly or biweekly treatment will leave your hair feeling soft and more radiant by revealing what is underneath...Fresh, Healthy Hair. 

By clarifying the hair the weight of the world is literally lifted off of your hair leaving it as your open canvas. You can get more predictable results from your products for volume, smoothing/moisturizing, or shine. Products remain in the hair even after washing with a color safe shampoo because these shampoos are made to be gentle just cleansing the oils and product. Sometimes with these shampoos I'll wash my hair twice. Shampoo can be thought of like a dog bone shape. One side loves oil the other water. First you suds it in  to make it grab the oil then rinse it out. The shampoo flushes from your hair as the water loving side is drawn out. Like washing a dish sometimes you need to rinse it twice.

 

Mountain Laurel and her unicorn breath...

Enjoy these images from one of my latest shoots with photographer Josh Mitchell of Continuum Photography We did Fun Portraits..Kind of like Senior Portraits, but for adults who want to capture that youthful spirit, gifts, Fb/match profiles, fun memories...

The transformation began with the skill of makeup artist Cheriene Galley creating a beautiful face and styling the shoot with fun clothes/accessories and pieces from Laurel's closet.

We drove almost an hour to Julian Lake area..On the way Cheriene and I braided many different size braids of hair extensions to make a quick change from beauty in the woods to fierce Indian Ke$ha princess. My favorite quote of the day was when Laurel told me, "Your hairspray smells like Unicorn breath!!!", we all laughed. I love Pureology Strengthening Control which smells like vanilla, mandarin, and rose. It has keravis protein to strengthen and rebuild the hair during heat styling, zero residue which gives the hair incredible shine, and a no product feel hold...touchable soft hair. This day had so much magic!

California...I'm ready for more on location shoots!! It's beautiful here!!

Check out the photographer Josh Mitchell's picks at www.continuumphotography.com

Next week I'm posting how to solve heavy, flat, dull, hair that hangs like a helmet when it should be free, flowy gorgeous hair;) stay tuned... ( I have to write this to make my self create this post...It's a question I get so often from my clients in the salon..)


Hairstylist Kira Pinski FB

Hair Styles for Older Women

“We turn not older with years but newer every day.”  - Emily Dickinson

 

At the salon yesterday I was speaking with a woman in her 80's. She said this was not her original nose, but her new nose. She had to get some cancer removed off of it. Also, I've heard of people getting a new hip, a new knee, a new hair color...We are always changing and transitioning into something new. 

Age can bring confidence as we learn to accept ourselves and feel good in our own skin. Confidence allows us to take style risks that we might not have taken in younger years. Style risks are playful and youthful by nature:) It's important to remember to always have fun with who you are whether your look is playful, elegant, or always changing.

Here are some hair ideas that make me happy..

 NEW LENGTHS AND TEXTURE

NEW COLOR...

I like the color in Jane Fonda's natural hair color slightly brighter in the front and deeper at the base and near hear neck. It brightens her eyes and creates shadow to hide her neck while the wispy ends draw the viewers eyes out away from the skin creating a soft uplifting feel.

 

Bold Red

Playful Pink

Hairstylist Kira Pinski FB

Le Chauvinist

"There exists a substantial difference between being in style and having style."

Salvador J. Viesca, circa 1978

Last Sunday I met Salvador and found the coolest store while waiting for brunch at The Cottage. The wait was 1 hr 15 min, and well worth it for poaches eggs with carne asada and stuffed french toast with friends. (Salvador recommends the Eggs La Jolla or one of the specials).  Across from The Cottage is, Le Chauvinist, a men's consignment store. The only consignment store dedicated to men in San Diego.

I have a love of second hand stores, and can be found at the Buffalo Exchange a couple of times a month.  I love the adventure of hunting through second hand stores exposing me to a large variety of styles in 1 place. This has helped me to try on jeans and dresses from many different designers where you don't concentrate as much on making the 1 shirt you love try to look better in small, medium, or large. I find I can get a more unbiased view on fit. The outfit either makes you look good or it doesn't..Second hand, you can tell how it is going to wear. After the first wash will it stretch or fade...Probably not it's been worn before. Sometimes clothes are new with tags. It's a treasure hunt. You never know what you will find.

At Le Chauvinist, they have designer clothes as well as more casual pieces. I love their wall of new Panama hats from Equador. On their website they list some of what's in stock..ie. Burberrys of London wool suits, Nikon binoculars, Ferragamo Shoes, Hermes silk ties, Nordstrom basics. Some things are still pricey, but the items are hand picked for quality.

I probably spent almost the full hour at Le Chauvinist talking about how you could tell if shoes were handmade, trends in fashion, trap shooting, the history of La Jolla, family, society, Great Gatsby themed parties, weddings, fundraisers, how men find that women like when men dress up. I still remember when my friend Ashley and I were at the Prana yoga store open house in Portland a group of men walked into the store in suits with pocket squares, cuff links, ties, nice shoes. One even had wild dreadlocks, but in their suits they looked amazing. I found out they were all from the The Threads Count on 23rd ave.  (For some reason I like to think of it as The Count like Count Dracula or British Royalty.  Women are drawn to well dressed men.

Salvador reminded me of the quote, "The best accessory a woman can have is a well dressed man on her arm." I think I picked a good one;)

When we met...I was a unicorn...

How many of you wish you could say that... My friends know I love to carry this happy, unicorn spirit with me everyday, but Halloween 2010 I had the opportunity to be a unicorn for the day.

Josh Mitchell of Continuum Wedding Photographyand I actually met for the first time while we were both living in Portland. He was shooting a wedding...A Halloween wedding...(yes. only in Portland. and it was epic)  My friend wanted a herd of unicorns at her wedding...And, I was more than happy to be a unicorn with a magic star wand..Can we please do that again:)

Of course I did the brides hair as a unicorn:)

3 years later, I'm in San Diego...And, it seems I've turned into a model..Or, at least Josh Mitchell of Continuum Photography and makeup artist Cheriene Galley make me feel like a model.
These were a few of my favorite images..There were so many it was hard to choose!! I feel so welcomed to San Diego by my old/new friends:)

Yes, Portland. This is the Betsy & Iya Fremont Bridge Bracelet

home sweet home...

Check out my bio on the Continuum Website, Josh and Melissa know how to have fun and create amazing images that you will always treasure. Continuumweddings.com Thank you Josh and Melissa Mitchell