I’ve been getting a lot of questions on the radio and on my blog about how to deal with thinning hair and hair loss. Remember: Heredity has a lot to do with hair growth and loss, but there are many things that we can do to help our bodies act the way we want them to. First of all, it is important that you use a natural boar bristle or mixed bristle brush (Janeke) which will help to stimulate cell activity on the scalp and helps to bring your natural oils from the root to the tip. Scalp massage and even acupuncture can also be great ways to stimulate the scalp and hair growth. You should take hair and skin supporting supplements like Folic Acid and Biotin on a daily basis (high potency). Be patient with the supplements. You won’t see results immediately as they will need to build up in your system before they reach effective levels.Talk to your dermatologist to find out if there are any medical recommendations for you. Finally, make sure that you are eating many fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins like fish and tofu. While supplements are great, nothing compares with getting real nutrients directly from the source.

On this week’s Beauty Talk we discussed a number of great products which I would like to highlight again here. GHD ceramic flatirons are amazing and they have a thirty minute automatic shut-off timer which is great if you tend to leave your hot tools on accidentally. We also talked about Does-It-All by Bumble and Bumble, an excellent working hairspray which leaves hair malleable and allows it to be easily brushed out. Brushing your hair with strong hold hairsprays can lead to breakage and damage, so it is very important to know what you are putting in your hair. We also got a number of great testimonials from people who have been taking Biotin supplements to support hair growth. One person even noticed that her eye lashes became fuller. All in all, it was a great show and we had many wonderful people call in with interesting questions and comments. Thanks for another fun show, I’m already looking forward to next week.

I had the pleasure of sharing Monday’s Beauty Talk with my sister, Vinnetta Scrivo. Our focus was on Halloween hair and make-up ideas. Halloween does not have to be about scary make-up and blood. It can be a great opportunity to explore your more glamourous side by emulating the hair and make-up of your favorite beauty icons like Marilyn Monroe or Sophia Loren. This is a time to take risks and to try new things.

False eyelashes are great beauty enhancers and can add that extra wow-factor to your look. Many fine department stores have “lash bars” and if you purchase lashes there, they will apply them for you. Sephora carries special Halloween make-up kits which are just wonderful for the occasion. They include all the items you will need to create specific looks (Witch/Vampire, Doll/Fairy and Cleopatra/Peacock), as well instructions on how to apply the make-up. Vinnetta also gave us some great fall/winter beauty tips. Taking a hair, skin and nail vitamin is a great way to help protect your skin from the harsh, cold weather that will soon be upon us. Taking a flax seed oil supplement (Omega 3) also helps to lubricate your body from the inside out.

Tune in next week (Monday between 4-5 PM ET on Sirius Satellite Radio) for another great Beauty Talk.

The focus of this week’s Beauty Talk was skin and we had the pleasure of having Dr. Francesca Fusco from Wexler Dermatology in New York on the program. She shared great tips on a wide variety of topics, including: soothing Rosacea with cold milk compresses and putting ice cubes in your mouth to help calm the heat that can cause redness; skin treatments which can (glycolic peels) and cannot (laser) be done during pregnancy (always check with your obstetrician first!); preventative skincare for younger skin.

In our final segment, I discussed ways in which to handle unwieldy curly hair in young children. The key is not to shampoo too often. Comb a leave-in conditioner through hair at night and rinse in the morning. For more great tips, listen to Beauty Talk on Sirius next Monday from 4-5 PM ET.

This week I welcomed Bonnie Kyle, the Director of The Spa at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, www.peninsula.com. Bonnie and I shared wonderful ideas on how to create your very own spa experience at home.

Last week while staying at the Peninsula Beverly Hills I had the opportunity to visit The Spa. I enjoyed a wonderful facial, body treatment and massage. The oxygen facial was the perfect remedy for my skin after traveling on an airplane as was the body massage. The anti-cellulite body treatment called Espresso Limon Slim and Fit by Epicuren was also fantastic. It started with dry body brushing to bring toxins to the surface of my skin. Then a mixture of espresso extract and oil of lemon was applied and I was and wrapped in a mylar blanket to keep my body heat enclosed. This allowed my skin to sweat, releasing water retention and over all creating the ultimate detoxifying experience. The service and luxury at The Spa was exceptional and calming. My skin still feels smooth, plump and healthier than ever.

To create your own spa experience at home:

Start with a hot bath, add one cup of Epsom salt (can be found at any drugstore), and 8 to 10 drops of an invigorating essential oil. Eucalyptus and Rosemary are my favorites. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes, then with a natural bristle body brush or loofah, scrub your skin with back and forth motions until it is slightly pink. Body brushing is a wonderful detoxifier and helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite, as well as remove dry and flaky skin. I like to apply a clay mask to my face while soaking for 20 minutes and sip chilled water with a wedge of lemon. When you get out of the tub, gently pat yourself with a towel without completely drying your skin. Massage a relaxing oil all over your body. You can create your own body oil by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil into a base of jojoba, apricot seed, or almond oil. Oil is far superior to body creams, and will leave a luminous sheen to your skin.

For a great clay mask try Yonka’s Masque 103 (for normal to oily) or 105 (for dry or sensitive). They both help to detoxify the skin, tighten pores and leave you with a purified clear complexion.

A simple hairband is a great compliment to any hair style. By wearing the hairband close to the hair line you can allow the hair to dry naturally and off the face - great for the summer when it’s too hot to blow dry. You can also wear a band further back, tease the crown, and pin the hair up into an upsweep. Hairbands can also hide roots. The band shown in the photo above can be found on my website at www.evasbeautystore.com, and is available in 5 colors.

Exfoliation for Flawless Skin

Exfoliation is an important part of any skin care routine. It helps to remove dead skin cells so that masks, serums and moisturizers can be fully absorbed into the skin. Be cautious of generic facial scrubs made from synthetic materials, as these can be too abrasive and harsh on the skin. These can actually scratch the surface of your skin! It’s also easy and economical to make your own scrub at home. Try this recipe that I found in Julie Gabriel’s book, The Green Beauty Guide.

Whisk together in a glass bowl 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 drops of rose oil and 1 drop of vanilla extract. Massage all over face and neck for 2-3 minutes and rinse with warm water and a wash cloth to remove any residue. Then tone and moisturize as usual.

All Natural Toner

This recipe is also from J. Gabriel’s book, The Green Beauty Guide. I love making my own toners from essential oils and mineral water. It’s best to store them in a glass spray bottle, rather than plastic.

Steep 3 organic tea bags in a mineral or spring water for about 10 minutes (you want it to be strong). Let the tea cool until it is luke warm, but keep it covered so that you preserve the steam. Once the tea is cool remove the tea bags from the water and add 5 drops organic tea tree oil, 2 drops geranium oil, 1 drop eucalyptus oils, 1 mg green tea extract, and 1 mg Acai extract. Store this soothing potion in the fridge for up to one month.

This week on Beauty Talk I discussed the difference between serums and moisturizers. These products have very different properties and work in different ways. Moisturizers protect your skin from environmental damange and maintain the moisture balance within the skin. They typically have some active ingredients that can be found in a serum, but only a small amount. Serums are 100% pure active ingredients that help heal hydrate and can resurface the skin. The molecular structure of these ingredients are smaller than a moisturizer and therefore can easily penetrate the top layers of the skin for a more profound result. Both are necessary in a daily skin care regimen. I suggest after cleansing and toning, using a thin layer of serum, followed by a thin layer of moisturizer and finish with a thin layer of sunscreen.

SUKI, an all natural skin care line that I carry in my salon and on my online beauty store, makes wonderful facial serums. Suki’s Pure Facial Moisture - Balancing ($32 at evasbeautystore.com) is made of 100% organic botanicals to balance the skin’s production of oil while hydrating. Suki’s Pure Facial Moisture - Nourishing ($30 at evasbeautystore.com) restores vitality and suppleness to the skin, while still allowing the skin to breath.

Organic Recipes from Julie Gabriel

Julie Gabriel’s book, The Green Beauty Guide, has some wonderful organic homemade beauty recipes that I believe can be easy and quick alternatives to some store bought products.

Hair Mask for Brunettes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon vinegar, ideally apple cider vinegar
Warm water, enough to make a nicely goopy paste (usually 2-3 tablespoons)
Method:
Whisk all ingredients into a smooth paste. Shampoo your hair, squeeze out the water, and apply the mask evenly. Keep it on for 2-3 min while you exfoliate, shave, or massage your skin.
Try avoiding to let the mask drip into the hair line, as it may stain your skin resulting in a Mickey Mouse face (those who dye hair at home know the risk; remove the residue by dabbing the stains with rubbing alcohol or vodka).
Rinse off and style your hair as usual.
You can multiply the amount of cocoa and vinegar according to your hair length.
Active ingredients: theobromine in cocoa, lactic acid in yogurt, acetic acid in vinegar

Check out Julie Gabriel’s book for more great recipes!

This week on “Beauty Talk” we discussed how eating natural whole foods have a positive have an effect on skin and hair. Foods high in antioxidants make your skin glow, your hair sine and your fingernails to grow stronger. Good skin is a reflection of a good diet, be sure you are getting all of the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that your body needs to be as healthy as possible.

How Vitamins and Minerals Effect Your Skin

Vitamin C helps to keep the skin tissue healthy. Some foods that contain this super vitamin are red peppers, strawberries, grapefruit, and collard greens.

Zinc can help minimize adult acne. Foods that are rich in Zinc include beef, oysters, lentils, and kidney beans.

I personally like to follow a rotation diet. It entails eating a variety of different healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. every day of the week, so that I’mt getting all of the essential nutrients my body needs. It’s not enough to just eat your favorite foods everyday, but it’s healthier to have a wide variety in your diet. To make sure you are getting all of the essentials for healthy beautiful skin, you can also take a multi-vitamin daily.

Healing Powers of Flaxseed Oil

The more I learn about flaxseed oil the more I am impressed by it’s power to heal and hydrate. Not only does this emolient oil hydrate the skin and hair, but it is a wonderful aid for digestion. The oil itself can be taken by capsule or by ingesting actual cold pressed flaxseed. You can add the latter to a smoothie, to your favorite salad dressing, or for the brave - taking two tablespoons with a juice chaser in the morning. You can also find pulverized flaxsee in a health food store and sprinkle it on salad, hot cereal or soup.

Product Pick of the Week

Alfaparf Illuminating Cristalli Liquidi ($32.00 or $15.00 at www.evasbeautystore.com) is an ultra-luxurious beauty fluid that instantly adds light, shine and softness to every hair type. Just distribute a few drops onto wet or dry hair. It’s anti-oxidant rich with vitamin E and linseed extract.

Natural and organic products that you find in your kitchen can often times make wonderfully nourishing skin and hair treatments. On Tuesdays show I shared some of my favorite natural beauty remedies…

Chamomile Tea for Under Eye Puffiness

Brew the tea in hot water, then cool the tea bags in the fridge. Lay on your back with tea bags resting over the eyes for 5-10 minutes. Chamomile will naturally and gently sooth and decongest the eye area reducing puffiness.

Vegetable Oil as Make Up Remover
Oil instantly removes make up in one swipe. It’s also gentle and Non-irritating.

Sugar as an Exfoliant
Sugar is more gentle than exfoliants found in most face washes and scrubs. The grains of sugar dissolve as you massage into skin. Mixing a teaspoon of sugar into your favorite cleansing milk will naturally remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing.

Jajoba Oil and Neem Oil as a Hair Treatment

Combine equal parts coconut oil, jojoba oil, and neem oil, and apply to dry hair before going out into the sun or swimming. Since oil and water don’t mix, I feel it acts as an excellent repellent from salt and chlorine. You can also add a dime-size amount (depending on the length of your hair) of your favorite sun block and spread that through your hair on top of the oil. Even if you’re not swimming, but will just be outside much of the day, you will still benefit from the treatment properties of this oil mixture. Just add a few drops and put your hair up or back into a ponytail. Keep in mind that the oil must be shampooed and conditioned out of the hair.

My Product Pick of the Week

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluid Extreme Corps 50+ Sunblock ($50.00 at www.evasbeautystore.com)

My absolute favorite sunscreen for the body is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB ultra protection sunscreen milk. Formulated for the body, it’s light weight and water resistant. Contains Mexoryl SX and XL filters.

Bringing your entire beauty arsenal with you when traveling can be cumbersome and unrealistic due to the stringent regulations enforced by the TSA. When traveling it’s important to streamline our routine and minimize the size of the beauty products we’re are bringing with us. Try getting travel sizes of your favorite products, or small empty bottles that you can fill with your regular products. There are some wonderful products on my website that make traveling easier, here is a link to my recommendations evasbeautystore.com. Also the Transportation Security Administration has a very helpful website that provides guidelines for traveling by airplane with your beauty products - no one wants their expensive cream taken by security at the airport because it’s not packed properlly!!

When traveling to tropical destinations we need to not only protect our skin from the sun but also protect our hair from chlorine and salt. Bain Apres-Soleil by Kerastase is a perfect shampoo for removing harmful substances such as chlorine, salt, and other deposits sometimes even found in well water. You can purchase this product by calling the salon at 212.677.7315. Also, if you’re planning to swim, apply an oil to your hair as protection from salt and chlorine. Oil and water do not mix, so the oil will act as a barrier on the hair until you shampoo - it won’t rinse out in the pool or ocean! Try using neem oil or jojoba oil, both found at your local health food store.

As a side note, there’s a great new extension process called Platinum Seamless extensions. Ron King, who owns a Bo Salon in Austin Texas highly recommended this new technique for those of you who are looking for natural ways to make your hair instantly longer!

Beach Hair

As we get deeper into summer many woman ask how to get that sexy and natural “beach hair” look. If your hair is wavy or curly, try cutting shampoos to only once or twice per week and only rinsing and conditioning instead. This allows for more of your natural oils to remain in the hair, making it less frizzy. Apply leave in conditioner and as the hair starts to dry run through a few drops of coconut oil. The oil gives added moisture and great separation to the curls. If you hair is straight or fine and you’re looking for more texture, try using Surf Spray by Bumble and bumble*. This fantastic product is water based and infused with sea salt to give hair more volume. As the hair starts to dry, add a bit of the new Shape Paste by Shu Uemura*. Take a pea size amount, warm it in your hands, and apply to the root area throughout the hair. This gives more lift and volume than any hair spray. *These products are available at EVA SCRIVO salons by calling 212.677.7315

Beating Frizz in Humidity

This time of year many notice that their hair is more frizzy than normal. Humidity is not the only culprit: the sun, spending time at the beach, or adding a few more highlights for summer, can all compromise the quality of our hair. A few good tips to get rid of that “halo” of frizz are as follows:

1. A cold rinse after you condition your hair in the shower.

2. A clear colorless semi-permanent glaze. This will smooth the cuticle of the hair, creating a shinier, more reflective surface.

3. Invest in a boar bristle brush. Regular brushing with a good brush will stimulate the scalp’s natural oils, distributing them through the ends of the hair. Take a look at the brushes at evasbeautystore.com

Protect Your Hair from Sun

At this time of year it can be a real challenge to protect your hair and skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays. Did you know that up to 85% of UVA/UVB rays can penetrate through the clouds, even on an overcast day? UVA rays can even penetrate glass! It makes you realize how important it is to wear sun block on a daily basis, no matter what the weather is like. It is especially important to remember that on days when it doesn’t necessarily feel hot, you are still getting sun exposure. Unfortunately, in my own personal experience, as well as that of most clients, sun block clogs the pores causing breakouts. This can be avoided with the right sun protection products.

Dermol 1, 2, and 3

My product pick of the week this week are the Dermol Serums by Yonka. They are ideal for pushing extra moisture into the skin, to really penetrate to the deeper layers giving your skin ultimate hydration with out making your skin oily. Go to my beauty store at evasbeautystore.com to see which one is right for your skin type.

This week on Beauty Talk I welcomed special guest Patricia Wexler, M.D. an acclaimed dermatological surgeon who has a cutting edge, straight forward approach to skin care. We shared ideas on specific skin care concerns that tend to concern us in the summer months.

Adult Acne

Hormonal imbalances can have a huge effect on our skin. High levels of testosterone or irregular levels of DHEA can cause breakouts. If you do have imbalances in your blood, your doctor can prescribe something to regulate this and therefore improve the quality of your skin.

Laser Treatments for Scarring

There are several different types of laser treatments offered. The type of laser designed for hair removal is much different than the one designed for improving the texture of the skin. There is a laser called the Frazel Laser which is fantastic for smoothing out scars from acne. Make sure you find a dermatologist who is experienced and knowledgeable about laser treatments before booking an appointment.

Rosacea

Rosacea can be a hard condition to keep under control, and can especially flare up in the summer time. There are several components, when used together, that can be effective in controlling the inflammation, and can improve the quality of your skin.

1. Make sure to use a topical antibiotic prescribed by your dermatologist.

2. Also take an oral antibiotic to calm the inflammation from the inside, also prescribed by your dermatologist.

3. Intense pulse light therapy can be very effective when used along with the antibiotics. The advanced technology of this type of treatment can penetrate deeper into the skin that topical creams to smooth and calm the affected areas.

4. Try using products that contain peptides and botanical ingredients. You will find that these products are soothing to the skin rather than irritating which many perfumed products can be. The botanicals will feed healthy ingredients to your skin, creating a healthier complexion.

Sheer lips, smokey eyes and dewy skin are perfect for a glamorous look on hot summer nights. Some of my favorite products for creating this look are:

T. LeClerc’s Transparent Lipstick in Organza ($28). Its the perfect shade to add a bit of red to the lips, and the transparent formula allows light to show through so that it has a beautiful natural finish.

T. LeClerc’s Duo Eyeshadow in Prune ($28). Contains a deep purple matte color along with a complementary slightly iridescent color. This duo is perfect for creating a summery smokey eye!

T. LeClerc’s Liquid Eyeliner in Noir Intense ($24). Using black liquid eyeliner with a smokey eye adds intensity and depth. Use an eyeliner brush to apply a precise smooth line to the top and bottom lash lines.

When your makeup application is complete add just 1/2 drop of Yonka Serum to the top of the cheek bones to instantly brighten your complexion and create a fresh moisturized dewy look.

Allowing Your Hair to Dry Naturally

These are great ways to simplify our routine this summer by letting your hair air dry so that you can get out the door and enjoy the summer!

A cool rinse through your hair at the end of your shower will calm the cuticle of the hair to cut down on frizz.

Leaving a bit of your conditioner in hair rather than rinsing it all out will give the hair some weight, which is great for those with wavy or curly hair. It adds a nice texture and is the perfect consistency for letting your hair air dry.

Super White Teeth

Super Smile, available at www.supersmile.com, is my new favorite teeth whitening product. It contains a special kind of calcium peroxide that dissolves the proteins that make up the stains on teeth.