Have a hair or beauty questions? Let us help you find the answer. Ask here for your pro advice!
BELINDA & FRANK GAMBUZZAThis styling duo own and operate Salon Studio Visage in Knoxville, TN. Belinda is know for her color expertise, and Frank excels in cuts and styles.
CARMINE MINARDI
Co-owner of Minardi Salon in New York, Carmine has worked on hundreds of celebrities, housewives and professional women.
DANIEL KEANE
A veteran educator, designer, editorial and platform artist, Daniel also currently serves as Academy Director for Italy Hairfashion.
SUZIE BONDA well-known pro in the color world for over 19 years, Suzie is also the owner of salon Perfect 5th in Mooresville, NC.
BETH MINARDI
In addition to being the co-owner of Minardi Salon in New York, she is a Joico color spokesperson for Vero K-Pak Color.
SOPHISTICATE’S HAIRSTYLE GUIDE
In our 33rd year of publishing, we’ve featured thousands and thousands of fabulous tress looks, talked to celebrity hairstylists, worked with top experts in all things hair and have learned a thing or two about what makes a woman look beautiful. We can help!







HI my name is alyssa and i need help with my hair. I have a perm and the only thing i know how to do withit is to wet it and srunch it with mousse or gel please help me!
Hi, Alyssa!
Have you picked up your copy of the March 2011 issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide yet? We think you’ll love “The French Collection” feature on page 20—it offers detailed information on styling some naturally curly coifs.
I was just wondering if teasing your hair really damages it? I have been asking around and looking it up and I keep getting mixed responses…thanks
Hi, Alyssa!
We’re working on an answer for you—stay tuned!
Hi, Alyssa!
The art of teasing/backcombing the hair is an invaluable tool to hairdressers. If done properly, it won’t create terrible damage to the hair; however, the act of teasing is done by pushing a comb or brush against the grain of the cuticle and can cause roughness to that cuticle if done on a frequent basis. You can, of course, help the condition of your hair by doing regular conditioning treatments on it using a leave-in conditioner. Also, make certain you invest in a good comb specifically tailored for backcombing. You will also want to avoid ‘teasing’ the ends of your hair and focus more towards the base. Also, as a side note, you must be extremely careful when you ‘take down your teased’ section of hair so as not to damage.
Hi, I have hair that’s goes just past my shoulders. I’ve been trying to grow it out for about a year now but I’ve had almost no luck. I used to flat iron my hair every single day. Now I try to do that as little as possible and i use protection (heat spray and leave in conditioner). I don’t wash my hair everyday. I deep condition my hair at least once every two weeks. I just don’t know what I’m doing wrong. My hair used to be long and now I just cant get it to grow fast at all. I’m kind of desperate and I honestly hate how it looks without the flat iron but I’ve pretty much given that up anyway. Please help I’d appreciate it so much.
Hi, Jasmine!
We’re consulting with our experts. Check back soon for an answer!
Hi, Jasmine!
When did you get your last haircut? With all that has been done, you need to make sure the dry split ends are taken care of first. Then using both protien and moisture conditioning products to add moisture and strengthen your strands. There are many people that have had success with their hair and nail growth with vitamins (particularly B vitamins and Zinc).
Hey i have midback long hair and when i began to grow it out it was very healthy but in the past few months it changed. It used to be very thick but then when i’d take showers some of it would fall out and this has continued and im worried about it. Its getting thiner and i was wondering if you know what could be wrong with it? Also i do style my hair most of the time and it is colored.
Hi, Kali!
Try relieving some of the stress put on your hair by taking a break from heat styling and making sure to take some time in between color sessions. If the hair loss persists, you may want to consult with your physician.
I have really thick, coarse, frizzy hair. I need a cut for my hair type but nothing I choose is right. Any suggestions?
Hi, Jennifer!
Layers will take away some of the bulk, but you should also consider a haircut that complements your face shape. Those with oval face shapes can wear any style! Need some inspiration? Check out the February 2011 issue with Christina Aguilera on the cover and look for women with face shapes like yours.
I have a medium length, dark, thick hair. I’m trying to grow it out, but it’s just so thick. What can I do to make my hair thinner?
Hi, Caitlyn!
Try a new haircut with lots of layers. Layers are in and not only do they look fabulous, but they also take away some of the thickness.
I have really thick, black hair. I want it really long, so i went out and got clip in hair extensions. The color matches perfectly, but I have a hard time blending them due to the thickness of my hair and the cut, maybe? I don’t know, what can I do to blend them easier?
Hi, Caitlyn!
Visit your salon and express your concerns to your stylist, who may recommend a new haircut and be able to match your haircolor to the hue of the extensions. If you decide to buy clip-in extensions from your local beauty supply store, don’t be afraid to ask the sales person for help to match your natural color to the shade of the extensions.
Hi,
Thank you for your suggestion to use serum on my hair to prevent frizz. I took your advice and my hair looks great!!! No more frizz. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Becky
Hi, Becky!
Thanks for the lovely comments and glad we could help!
hey, i just have to thank you a lot! i asked what kind of hairstyle and cut i should get and i am absolutely in LOVE with it! i actually cut off four inches and got layers like i wanted and my hair looks amazing! thank you sooooo much for lettng people comment about things like this and giving us the many hair tips we need also i love your magazines i think you should have selena gomez or emily osment as your covergirls. just saying
Hi, Taylor!
Thank you for the kind words and great suggestions. We love Selena Gomez and Emily Osment, too and have featured them in our magazine on a regular basis. We’ll keep your suggestions in mind!
I have long hair that I’m growing out to donate. When I decide to finally cut it, which will be around summer time, I want to do it short like Pinks but I don’t know if it will look right on me. I also want to go blonde but not sure what color blonde is best. I have a round or oval shaped face, hazel brown eyes with flakes of green in them, natural brunette, and light beige almost fair skin color. Do you think I’ll be able to pull it off and what shade blonde would look best?
Hi, Jenna!
We’re checking with one of our hair pros. Stay tuned!
Hi, Jenna!
First of all, congratulations on your decision to donate your hair! This is a wonderful gift to give somebody. As for what to do with your cut and color, it sounds as though you would be able to pull of Pink’s haircut with your features. For the blonde, try a blend of two or three shades, done in lots of fine foils with a base blonde in between. In the meantime, keep your hair healthy and conditioned. Good luck!
i really like the look of scrunched hair but my hair can never hold the curls? do u have any idea what products i should use and how to scrunch my hair correctly???!!!!!
Hi, Mae!
After you wash your hair, gently towel-dry strands to remove excess water. If your hair has a hard time holding curls, prep damp hair with a dollop of mousse and really work the product throughout your tresses. Start blow-drying your hair using a round brush to create a curved silhouette. Then divide your hair into small sections and wind each strand around a small curling iron. As soon as you release the hair off of the curling iron, spritz the curl with a bit of hairspray and repeat the process all over. For an even tighter curl, try pinning each curl and let them set for about 30 minutes to create bouncing spirals.
Great post, I look like your post.
Using a good hair salon is key to great hair care. You can do to guarantee that you always receive the best hair cuts, latest professional techniques and stellar service is to choose the right hair salon. I am working on a hair extension project and your insight would help a lot !
Hi Baltimore Hair Specialist!
A hair extension project sounds really cool. What’s your plan? We’d love to hear about it!
Hello -
As I was reading through the various posts here. I read yours and it has really hit a nerve.
Finding the right salon.
I have posted my problems just this morning and I am so frustrated. Any suggestions/advice about seeking out a new salon/stylist in the Orlando area? I have been researching for awhile and read many reviews. I had a horrible consultation with one salon in Winter Park, Florida – rude as she can be. Then was referred to another one, in which I went to yesterday….please keep in mind I needed someone to “correct” as best they can my uneven, crooked layers. Well, now there are addtional issues this stylist has created ! PLEASE HELP !
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Thank you.
I used to have thick hair but now my hair is thinning. I don’t know if its due to stress or styling products. What is the best way to make hair thick again and not shed so much?
Hi, Maddie!
We’ll have an answer for you soon–checking in with our experts!
Hi, Maddie!
There are a great many reasons as to why we lose hair. Some are genetic, some are stress-related and some can be from build-up on the scalp from improper use of products. If you are noticing an unusual amount of hair loss, you may want to check with your doctor for systemic issues first. As far as products that will increase your hair, try a bit of texturizing spray to pump up the volume. Spray it at the base before blow-drying and then lift the hair away from the scalp with the brush while drying.
Hi, I wanted to know what’ll help my hair. I have really thick coarse,frizzy, curly-ish(not really wavy or straight) hair. I usually keep it cut about shoulder length and in layers, but I really want to let it grow out and try a new wavy look. What products do you suggest I use? And what steps should I take to get the wavy look?
Hi, Sydney!
Check back soon for an answer from one of our experts!
Hi, Sydney!
With hair texture you’ve described, what happens often is that as it gets longer, it actually gets easier to manage and the curls lay more consistently. The added weight your hair gets from the additional length helps to lay the hair down more and make it more manageable. As far as product recommendations, you may want to try a mixture of products on naturally curly/wavy hair. A bit of leave-in conditioner and gel will also add a bit of molecular weight to help keep frizz under control.
My problem is that i have wavy to curly hair. And I love wearing my hair short n straight. The thing is I live in TEXAS and with all the humidity n heat. my hair tends to get frizzed,wavy and ends up looking nasty. Is there anything i can do or use to keep my style, n hair looking good? please help! i’m tired of going out and being embarrassed of my hair.
Hi, Sara!
We’re checking with our experts!
Hi, Sara!
Yes, we have lots of options with the great products out today. Start with a Keratin Treatment to keep frizz down and style every day using Kerastase Oleo Relax to straighten and add shine.
I really love your magazine!!! I have tried some of the hairstlyles for myself and I enjoyed all the styles I have chosen. The problem with my hair is that it is very frizzy. I use conditioner, but later on in the day, my hair will frizz up again. What can I do to stop the frizz? Also, my hair is very thin. Is there anything I can use on my hair so it doesn’t get thinner? I heard of something called viviscal for thinning hair. Has anyone ever heard of this product? I know medications, which I take, can make your hair thinner, too. Thank you for your help.
Hi, Becky!
Since you are taking medication, there is not really a product that can counter act the effects of your medication. As for the frizz, try using a serum to smooth your hair and provide protection from the humidity. You only need one pump of the product because it is concentrated. Apply it to damp hair, work it into the ends and scalp and blow-dry. When blow-drying, make sure to get most of the water out of your hair before you use a brush. If there is any dampness left in the hair, it will increase the probability of frizz.
I have a very round face and would like to get a new hair style. My hair right now is at my shoulders with some long layers and no bangs. Pretty boring!
Hi, Katie!
Check out the latest issue of Sophisticate’s with Katy Perry on the cover! You’ll find plenty of options to clip out, take to the salon and show your stylist.
tomorrow is picture day and i have no idea what i should do about my hair. my hair is 3 inches below shoulder-length, wavy, and layered. i like simple but elegant upsweeps and fairytale-curly waves. what should i do?
Ivy:
Pick up our anniversary issue, featuring Katy Perry on the cover, on newsstands now! Tons of fabulous ideas…
whats good to get hair spray out of the hair?i have white stuff all over i cant seem to wash it out …thanks so much have a happy day always ..
Hi, Francine!
Keep in mind, the more product you put in your hair, the more you may have to shampoo in order to remove the product and keep your strands clean and healthy. When you do wash your hair, make sure you also condition thoroughly. If your regular conditioner isn’t doing the trick, try using a leave-in conditioner as well!
hi would i be able to email you a picture because i think i have a rounded face but i dont know, i have thick brown hair and i have layers right now and the length is just a bit longer than my shoulders. i’ve had the same haircut for a while and just looking for something different. i like the longer hair. i also have semi curly/wavy hair but in some spots its straight what can i do to get the waves all around my hair that wont take to much time in the morning for school.i like miley cyrus and carrie underwoods waves and length. thanks.
Hi, Kelsey!
A medium-length style with lots of layers will complement your round face. Face-framing textures add a touch of softness. The cut also gives you plenty of styling options for wearing it straight, wavy or very curly. For the curly/wavy look you desire, use a curling iron. It’s fast and easy and you can change the look simply by the way you roll the hair with the curling iron!