Dandruff

Dandruff is an annoying and embarrassing scalp condition. The scalp sheds off an excessive amount of dead cells. It is accompanied by itching and can spread to the eyebrows, neck, and shoulders. What causes dandruff cannot be exactly pinpointed. However, there are external and internal triggers related to the appearance of dandruff.


Internal causes are pinpointed as poor diet, stress, hormonal imbalance, allergies, heredity, and physical exhaustion.

External causes are weather conditions, improper use of hair care products, and infrequent or insufficient hygiene practices.

The discovery of fungi that thrives on the scalp has led to the development of better scalp and hair care formulations that have shown to be effective in minimizing or controlling dandruff; and despite the several anti-dandruff shampoos available, there is no cure for the condition. It can only be controlled or minimized.

The frequent use of the same dandruff shampoo becomes ineffective. It is advised to switch shampoos when the shampoo is not giving the desired results. Dandruff sufferers should also take into account weather conditions. Dandruff is a chronic condition. It comes and goes and is severe during the winter months and eases off during warmer weather.

Contrary to belief that dry scalp tends to grow dandruff; oily scalp can set off the dandruff. An oily scalp is the ideal environment for the Pityroporum ovale. The discovery of this fungus has led to the development of a shampoo formula that has yielded better results in the treatment of scalp condition caused by the fungus.

Traditional medicated shampoos for dandruff use ingredients like salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ciclopirox or ketoconazole. These components reduce the presence of Malassezia yeasts on the scalp. These are also helpful in easing seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Hair care products or shampoos containing coal tar are effective though for psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

When using medicated shampoos, leave it on the scalp longer than the regular shampoos. Wet the hair and apply the dandruff treatment shampoo and massage well unto the scalp. This should be left on the scalp for 10 minutes before rinsing well. A conditioner will help keep the hair soft, but rinse the hair thoroughly.

There is herbal preparation especially for flaky and itchy scalp. These alleviate irritation and redness caused by dandruff. The herbal dandruff shampoos are fortified with aloe and eucalyptus extracts; the formula is gentle on the scalp and hair and can be used daily. The shampoo leaves the hair soft and manageable.

There is no hard and fast prescription to prevent dandruff. The regular use of anti-dandruff formulations can keep the problem under control. Exposure to excessive heat or the frequent use of blowers and hair dryers should be avoided to prevent the escalation of the problem.

If the dandruff persists despite the shampoo treatments and manifests severe flaking, scaling, or redness and itching, it is time for medical therapy. The dermatologist will determine if the dandruff is caused by ringworms or psoriasis and recommend special ointment or scalp solutions.

Holiday Sparkle

In Christmas 2009 hair and makeup trends are all about sparkle from hair accessories, to shiny metallic eyes here’s how to look great for the holiday season.

When finding the perfect Christmas hairstyle try adding something simple like a headband, ribbons, or hair pin for extra glam.

Curls and waves are also perfect for the holiday season and let’s not forget the glamorous look of updos perfect for showing off those new holiday earrings.

Have fun during the holidays and talk to your stylist about your events and outfits so that she can help you select the perfect style for your holiday parties.

Happy holidays from Muse The Salon in Tampa Fl.

Color Trends for Fall

Fall is often the season when many turn to rich dark colors for hair tones but for fall 2009 blonde seems to be a favorite for many. Red is still a very popular shade from summer 2009 so basic hues ranging from  blonde to the red family are what’s in for this fall 2009.
And, just because these colors are in doesn’t necessary mean that you have to leave the fall basic colors. Rich harmonies of dark browns, brunettes and chocolates are a favorite for the fall season. It’s all about trying colors that work best for your skin tone and mixing it up every now and then with highlights and low lights for a more modern vibe. As the seasons change and the colors of summer fade, your hair doesn’t have to. Check out our exclusive hair color specials to keep your vibrant color all year round. Whether you need a touch up to cover a few grey streaks sneaking in, or an all over service, we are proud to offer world-class service for your locks. 813-258-2558

Chlorine Water and Hair Care

Chlorine water is bad enough for all hair types, especially blonde hair. The chlorinated water in pools can turn blonde-colored hair greenish - not a pretty sight to say the least. So what can you do to swim carefree?


• Purchase products that protect your hair from chlorine before heading out to the pool, wet hair under the shower and coat with a special leave-in UV conditioner. This acts as a barrier against both chlorine and the sun's harsh rays.

• Be sure to rinse hair out in clean water immediately after swimming.

• Use a shampoo especially formulated to remove chlorine from your hair such as Matrix Essentials Alternate Action Shampoo. This will work to take the chlorine out as well as prevent it from turning green.



The summer months are supposed to be full of summer parties by the pool; instead of donning that silly bathing cap, try protecting your hair and treating your hair before and after the swim. These tips will help to keep your hair beautiful and shiny all summer long no matter how many hours you spend in the chlorine.

How to find the right stylist

Looking for the right hair stylist can seem like a never-ending story and it can be a traumatic one for many. Through my years as a stylist I have seen many cases in which a client will sit in my chair terrified because of previously bad experiences. It then becomes my goal not only to give them the best possible service but also to help the reprogram their mind so that they can enjoy their time in the salon.



Going to see your hair dresser should not be a fearful or questionable experience, this is a time in which your hair and your confidence should be enhance. Your stylist must be willing to listen to your requests and answer any questions you may have. To help you find a stylist who will suit your needs try this tips:

• Ask

Find someone with a hair style that you admire and a ask them the name of their beauty salon and stylist. Most people will be eager to tell you, whether the experience was good or bad. Ask also how long they been seeing their hair dresser, how consistent the experience has been and if they would recommend it to a friend.

When I began doing hair most of my clientele was build on referral, this fuel me to want to become better and better to exceed my clients expectation. - You can also find reviews of beauty salon in the Internet, Merchant circle and City Search are a great tool. Do your homework.

• Research their level of education

Yes, this is very important, like any other field, school will only gives you the basics, a great hair dresser must be willing to invest in his/her ongoing education, he must be willing to keep up with the beauty industry and at the same time share that knowledge with his/her clients.

• Schedule for a consultation

Any great hair dresser should always schedule enough time to do a full consultation with a first time client. Even if the client just wants a trim, the consultation should cover any aspects and concerns regarding your hair.

• Budget

this is an area of concern to us all; make sure that you pick a salon and
price structure that you are comfortable with, so you are able to maintain your hair on a regular basis

• Location

It is easier to maintain a look if you can get into and out of the location with ease and in relatively good time.

• Atmosphere

Not all of us are comfortable in every surrounding. Pick your salon carefully as you will have to spend a lot of time there and you should be happy with your investment and at ease enough not to feel rush or uncomfortable.

• Service Quality

This encompasses a variety of issues. Do trust your stylist but remember that you are the customer and you are in charge of you look ultimately; communicate effectively, don't be shy.

• Experience

Remember years, in most cases, do count. You want to pick a well- established brand and company. Someone who has preferably been in the industry for over 5 years at the least. There are exceptions of course, if a stylist has been doing hair for under five years the she/he should have completed at least a year of training under a master stylist. Do not be afraid to inquire about background education and such.


Finally after you do find the right salon and stylist, enjoy your time in the salon, trust her judgment, be loyal and have fun.



M.Ponce

Keeping your color beautiful

Time for something new and appealing! One of the easiest and quickest changes to your personal appearance that you can make is a new hair color. Why not take advantage of a prominent feature and revitalize your hair with new coloring that provides a new and dashing look to set you apart from the rest of the crowd. A new shade of hair color can provide a bold and fresh look that has everyone doing a double take, and saying, Who is that beautiful woman?


Remember that in order to look beautiful, a little bit of effort is required. Otherwise, the beast will emerge. No one, or at least no one in the mainstream of things, wants to parade around with orange hair. Several strategies may help you with your selection of hair color. A natural look means a natural beauty so be sure to do your homework before opening the bottle with the magical potion.
Whichever change in hair color, it is probably best to visit a professional rather than do it yourself. Remember to talk in details during your hair color consultation, use pictures if necessary.

Now that your hair is colored, here are some tips to keep it beautiful.


•Be sure and buy specifically formulated shampoo and conditioner that will help rather than harm your color treated hair.

•Remember that daily conditioning is not simply to make your hair more manageable, but also to revitalize the shine and beauty of your hair.

•Avoid chlorine by avoiding pools.

•Keep exposure to the sun to a minimum, since it can cause the coloring to become dull and less vibrant.

•Nothing lasts forever and hair color is no exception, so enjoy what you have. Play a little and have fun! For your free color consultation call 813-258-2558

7 Tips for Good Hair in a Bad Economy

1.Regular haircuts prevent breakage, split ends and other damage. If you can’t afford the top stylist you regularly see, book an appointment with a junior person he or she has trained.


2.Don’t be shy about asking for discounts or special offers. Be sure you’re on your salon’s mailing list so you know when promotions become available.

3.If you feel strongly about coloring your hair, choose a shade no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural color. Or choose a demi-permanent color that blends the gray and makes it less noticeable. Either will reduce the appearance of re-growth and buy you more time between salon visits.

4.If your hair is dry or damaged, olive oil is a great at-home conditioner. Apply for 15 minutes before shampooing once a week or once a month, depending on the condition of your hair.

5.Using a lot of mousse, gel and other products can make your hair dull. After washing your hair, apply apple cider vinegar (it won’t leave an odor when it dries) and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing. This removes all of the residue from your hair, closes the cuticles, and balances the pH.

6.If you absolutely can’t afford to get your hair cut, spend a few dollars on headbands, combs, or barrettes to keep the hair off your face. This will look much neater and stylish.

7.Another option if you can’t allocate the money for a haircut is to volunteer at a salon that offers training classes for staff. They always need models and the stylists always work under the supervision of a master stylist. It may seem risky, but you’ll always be consulted before the cut is done and someone will be there to fix things if it’s not what you want.