Hi Miss Leyn,

I’m a silent reader of your blog and I check for updates daily. I am writing to you to seek advice for my hair. My hair is long and my problem is, it’s a bit wavy and it looks dry. Gusto ko magpa-rebond but I’m really afraid to try anything or any procedure on my hair. I’m afraid na it will look too thin and too flat sa taas. I wanna know if there are products that can really help me straighten my hair and make it shiny, healthy and thick. I’m patient with products naman as long as it works. My hair used to be really healthy but I don’t know what happened na it ended up like this. I said na I want my hair thick so that if magpa-rebond man ako, I’ll be more confident na it won’t look too thin and flat.

My friends have been suggesting na bumili daw ako ng rebonding products sa drug stores and do it na lang at home rather than in a hair salon but I’m still afraid to try. Sabi din nung iba horse shampoo daw if I want my hair thicker and healthy-looking. Do you agree? If you know products that are effective, please suggest some. And what shampoo to maintain it? Btw, I also have dandruff. I really hope you can help me with this.

Keep inspiring people. Thanks a lot.

Ann

Dear Ann,

Bakit puro kayo ’silent’ reader ng blog ko? Meron bang loud reader? Wenk. Okay, first I need to be straightforward that I’m no hair expert. I also depend on products and treatments for my hair maintenance. Pero I’ve been experimenting with my hair since then until I finally got the style I wanted and treatment that I needed.

• Rebonding can really make your hair look flat. The problem is, may binabagayan ang straight and flat style. It usually depends on the structure of your face. For round and fuller face, volumized hair is better. If you’re unsure about rebonding, try the relax treatment. It also straightens the hair but not as harsh as rebonding.

• With your case, avoid using rebonding products from drug stores especially if you haven’t tried them yet. Your friends may have recommended specific products but remember that our hair types are different. Fine or thin strands are sensitive with chemicals and rebonding products are usually chemical-based so you have to be careful.

• I haven’t tried Mane and Tail shampoo. It sounds funny to use horse shampoo but even my friends told me that the brand is effective. You have nothing to lose if you try this for weeks since it’s just for cleansing the hair. Try to use different shampoo brands and see what’s right for you.

• You can’t achieve shiny and thick hair overnight. Celebrities with perfect and volumized hair undergo expensive treatments. They do not just rely on cheap shampoos they endorse on TV ads. So if you want to have beautiful hair instantly, spend on having your hair treated at quality salons and ask for hair consultation.

• Just in case you decided to have your hair relaxed, change your hair style first. Have it layered from inside and leave the top part as is so it looks thick. Side-swept bangs or full bangs can also add volume to your hair.

• With regards to dandruff, I think you need to change your brand of shampoo. If dandruff shampoos don’t work, try other brands with salicylic acid because it helps remove dead skin cells on the scalp.

Here are other entries about hair products in case you’re too lazy to backread: [1,2]

There are many factors why the quality of your strands changed. Pwedeng dahil mas exposed ka na sa araw unlike before. You might have tried certain products that made your hair brittle so you’re now more prone to hair fall. But seriously, if you’re that conscious about your hair, you need to seek advice from a dermatologist or hair stylist (wag sa mga parlor sa kanto ha). Whatever method of treatment you choose to follow, it is important to be persistent. All methods take time. When you discover which treatment is right for you, be sure to follow through with recommendations.

Don’t get frustrated, just be patient okay?

Love Lots,

Leyn

hi sosyalera,

ive been an avid reader of your page and im a cancer survivor. gusto ko sana patulong sa problema ko. kasi after chemo, 3 months tumubo narin ang hair ko, about 3 inches na ngayon at nahihirapan ako paano ko ito aayusin lalo na pag lumalabas ako with friends and going to church. i tried using headbands and hair clips, pero parang nakakasawa na ung laging ganun na hairstyle. gusto ko din sana itry ung scarf pero di ko lam kung pano ito gagamitin na babagay sa akin. gusto ko din sana magpa hair extension pero hndi ko alam kung san ba maganda at kung pwede ung hindi nman ako mamumulubi sa presyo.

thanks in advance and GODBLESS.

- cancer survivor

Dear cancer survivor,

I’m glad that you survived the condition and this is my first time to receive a question about post chemo so i’m quite amazed. Hehe. Well from what I know, hair strands start to grow back at least 6 weeks after your last chemotherapy. The newly grown strands are not yet as strong as your natural hair so as of now, I am discouraging you to undergo any kind of hair treatment (like extensions as you mentioned). You may want to hold off on having chemical processes like perms or coloring because your hair is still fragile and scalp is very sensitive.

Please use gentle shampoo (parang baby shampoo) and conditioner for your hair. You have to be patient because it’s safer to wait for your hair to grow longer than experiment. Your case is sensitive so it’s better to consult a dermatologist/hair specialist about the right products for your scalp. Taking Vitamin E can also help.

Fashion-wise, try collecting fashionable scarves you can use to accessorize. A colorful scarf can add life to a plain looking dress.

And here are some scarf styles that you can do. Practice makes perfect:

One disadvantage of using scarves is it easily falls off and you need to use a hair pin to stay it on place. But I find scarves more fashionable than using headbands and clips.

Just don’t feel uneasy about your look. Example, Emma Watson carries the same look (perhaps even shorter than your hair) with her new hairdo. It looks good on her because the details of the cut draw attention to her lovely eyes. So if the length of your hair is long enough to have it styled, it’s okay to cut your hair and look for short-hair styles that complement your features – eyes, cheeks or jawline.

That’s all! Stay happy and healthy.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Dear Ms. Leyn,

Hi! Gusto ko po ilapit sa inyo ang problemang ito dahil alam ko pong ikaw ang makakatulong sa akin. I’m 16 years old incoming college freshie. Iniisip ko pong magpasemi-kalbo. Babae po ako. Hindi tomboy as in straight girl po ako. Hirap po kasi ako ihandle ang buhok ko. Babagay po kaya sa akin kung magpapakalbo ako? oval po ang shape ng  mukha ko. medyo malaki po yung noo ko. gusto ko po talagang magpakalbo. if ever bagay po sa akin, saan pong salon kaya ako pwede magpakalbo? maraming salamat Miss Leyn! More power to your blog.

Sincerely,
sanakalbo

Dear sanakalbo,

I even e-mailed you to ask if you’re serious. Lol.

I’m not in favor of your idea because I’m a sucker for long hair style particularly for girls. So to make this short, I’ll suggest the side shaved style instead (just like Rihanna’s. See image below). With this hairdo, all you have to think of is to manage the upper part which is easier than maintaining a long hair. You just need gel and hair mousse for maintenance. Also, this hairdo is in this 2010.

But if you insist to make yourself look bald, I think you can try any salon. There’s no specific place that specializes in shaving people’s heads. Lol. Shaving your hair will be easier for the haircutter than styling it.

Oh well, good luck.

Love Lots,

Leyn

Hi!

I got a peek at your blog and since I’m desperate, I decided to email. Anyway, my college graduation is coming up, this Sunday to be exact. I already have a dress and my problem is with the hair and makeup. Due to some school traditions, our graduation won’t be held in airconditioned places and it will be held only in our field. My problem is that with the weather these days, I’m afraid my hair and makeup will be completely ruined and melted once I get up on the stage and I’m one of the last to be called. Any tips and suggestions? I love the natural makeup look suggestion in one of your posts by the way so I’m opting for that one. Much love and thanks in advance.

Areej

Dear Areej,

So all in all, your concern is how to maintain your hair and make-up during the graduation rites, right? I’m gonna make this short for you. I’ve already answered an email about graduation hairstyle and just like what I’ve suggested, go with an up hairstyle but make sure you can still wear the cap. If you’re gonna be able to fix your hair neatly with spray or mousse, it will be in place even for long hours. Come up with styles like these:

For make-up, (though I’m uncertain which post you were referring to) I always advise simple and natural looking make-up that will blend with your true skin tone so the colors won’t look smeared when you perspire. The secret for fresh looking face all day is to use quality make-up. So test the brands you’ll use and practice your look. Mineral make-ups are better and skin-friendly. Avoid stick concealers and use liquid foundation as base make-up because sticks are more prone to melting.

Bring a small pouch in handy with oil film, face tissue and blush brush. When you do retouches, use a brush instead of a sponge for an even application of powder.

Just make your aura simple and tidy so you can easily maintain your look the whole day. Congratulations!

Love Lots,

Leyn

Good day leyn!

I became your avid fan ever since I learned your website. I always read your post and try to become updated.   But if I’m not mistaken, there are only few articles which talk about hairstyles specifically for students. I want something fashionable but would not resemble the trendy ones. I believe that hairstyles and fashion should not be seasonal that’s why I look forward to hip look but classic one for my hair makeover.

I wish you could suggest and make articles regarding hair styles which have low maintenance because most college students like me commute in public jeepney. Anyway, I have a diamond-shape face, with dark complexion. God Bless! Hope you can help. thanks a lot.

-Mea-

Dear Mea,

Thanks for being an avid reader (let’s just put it that way, hehe) of this site. And yes, there are only few posts about hairstyles since most e-mail senders have issues with clothing.

You’ve mentioned that you prefer classic hairstyles that’d go with your student lifestyle. I hope the suggestions will somewhat help you because I’ll be naming the usual hairdos though low maintenance for commuters like you.

As I always mention on my previous posts, you should first think if your hair type can manage the hairstyle you desire. Again, short hair is better with fine strands unless treated. To being with, Bob hairstyle is recommended for short length. I know that’s one “in trend” hairdo but the layered form of bob cut will make you look younger instead of the straight trimmed.

If you choose shoulder length hair, add texture to the ends to avoid it looking buhaghag. Ask the hair cutter to trim from the inside and make the ends thinner but maintain the volume from the top of your head up to the lower ear. This cut fits your diamond shaped face. Though for me, shoulder length is more prone to fly away ends and your hair tends to shape by itself especially when you use pony tails.

Well I think the most low maintenance hairdo is still the down straight style. Yes, long hair may tend to get messy when you commute but you can tie it and style on occasions. (This applies to girls with naturally straight hair).

I’ll give a tip on how to tie your hair – instead of just using the usual pony tail, practice teasing up the front part of your hair and clasp it with a clipper. I use a hair spray/mousse to hold the teased part and it’s effective in maintaining my hair to look tidy all day. Because I got used with this style, I can do this in less than 10 minutes.

Dye your hair after you have decided on the type of cut if you really want to have a “hair makeover”. To go with your morena complexion, avoid hair color that has copper, red and rusty shade and pick natural light brown. Ensure that the color will turn out right because most hair color products have a tendency to look rusty. Just stick with these colors instead:

Anyhow, I only cited a few because I always want to give realistic advices. Hehe. It’s really hard to keep a clean and prim hair (particularly for commuters) so also invest on improving the hair quality so you can effortlessly fix it.

Oh well, I hope you you’ll have a successful makeover!

Love Lots,

Leyn