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I have very long hair. Hair that reaches to the small of my back and often becomes trapped in closed car doors. The number one question I get asked is “Is your hair real or do you have extensions?” (The answer is no, I do not have extensions, these long locks are all mine!) Often time followed by “How did you get your hair to grow so long?” How my hair came to be as long and healthy as it is, takes more than a few words in a passing conversation to answer. Read on for all of my hairs care tricks and tips! Going to a Professional Hair Stylist is a Non Negotiable. I am lucky to have one of my best friends as my stylist. I see him every four weeks for a trim and color. While this might not be feasible for anyone on a tight budget, seeing your stylist every six to eight weeks is necessary. Having your hair trimmed regularly is crucial to achieving long hair goals. If your hair is long but is damaged with several inches of ratty split ends, what’s the point? Regular trimming of the hair helps maintain health ends. Once a hair splits it causes damage further up the strand. Countless times people have said to me “My hair just doesn’t grow”. When I then ask when the last time they had a haircut was, the answer is always something like “ Well it’s been at least a year”. Hair does not just stop growing, it’s just splitting off and damaged which makes it appear to not be growing. At home box color is a bad idea. I have seen people layer permanent color, over permanent color, wreaking havoc on their hair and not understanding why it is so damaged. Coloring should be done by a professional. What shade you are coloring your hair can also make a difference. If you are lightening your hair and bleach is involved, this will weaken the strand and dry out hair. I color my hair darker, which is a deposit of pigment, far less damaging. My Go-to Products and How I Care for my Hair at Home I shampoo my hair only once a week. On days I am not shampooing I use a shower cap to keep my hair dry and protected. Prior to stepping into the shower I spritz one pump of Acure Dry Oil Body Spray in Citrus Ginger into the palm of my hand and run it through the ends of my hair. This product is loaded with nourishing oils like Coconut, Olive and Argan. It absorbs quickly and protects my hair while shampooing. My all time favorite duo is Acure Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner. This color-safe pair is sulfate free and 100% biodegradable. Moroccan Argan Oil + Argan Stem cells, CoQ10, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Pumpkin Seed Oil repair and nourish dry and color treated hair. I use shampoo only at the scalp. After rinsing out my shampoo, I apply my conditioner and clip-up my hair on top of my head. I leave my conditioner on until the end of my shower. When rinsing out my conditioner I use a wet brush to comb out my hair. I do not comb my hair after stepping outside of the shower, as doing so disturbs the wave formation. I use Acure Leave-In Conditioner after I towel dry my hair and throughout the week on the ends of my hair if they are feeling parched. Just like the shampoo and conditioner, this leave-in product contains healthy Argan Oil and Stem Cells. To get away with washing my hair only once a week, I rely on dry shampoo to refresh my style and to absorb excess oil at the scalp. Acure Dry Shampoo is talc-free, instead utilizing Organic Cornstarch and French White Clay to keep hairstyles grease free. I rarely heat style my hair. I only use a curling wand if I have a special event to attend or if I am being photographed. My hair really only gets blow dried or has a heat tool touch it once a month, by my stylist when he cuts and colors my hair! I get away with this by washing my hair at night and going to bed with it wet, up in a loose bun. My hairstyle has many layers cut into it and this lends to/ compliments my wavy hair texture. I like a more tousled hair look, as I spend far too much time on my makeup every day, to want to spend more than one minute styling my hair. I never brush my hair. I only reach for a brush to untangle any knots at the nape of my neck due to friction from my clothing or to change the part in my hair. I also never sleep with my hair down. Tossing and turning roughs up the cuticle and snarls hair, therefore my hair is always pulled up at bedtime. Reaching hair goals is a combination of doing a little bit less in the terms of washing, brushing, and heat styling and more about being gentle, while still relying on nourishing hair care products.     Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.

Now that it is officially Fall, we've got pumpkin on our mind. From Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks to Pumpkin Pie flavored candles and everything in between, pumpkin has exploded over the past few years. But did you know that pumpkin has some great benefits for the skin as well? To prepare your skin for the cold harsh weather, add skincare products with Autumn's star seasonal ingredient - pumpkin to your fall regimen. Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten and smooth the skin. Peter Thomas Roth - Pumpkin Enzyme Mask This face mask will surely get you in the fall spirit. Exfoliating pumpkin enzymes work with alpha hydroxy acid and aluminum oxide to brighten up dull skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten and smooth the skin. ACURE - Ultra-Hydrating Body Wash Organic Argan Oil, Organic Pumpkin, and cell boosting Argan Stem Cells in this body wash deeply condition and hydrate your skin. Leaving your skin smooth, soft and smelling great, you'll never want to get out of the shower. Zinc in pumpkin seeds is brilliant for acne sufferers. Zinc will help control the hormone level and oil production, as well as assist with healing of the skin. Murad - Transforming Powder Dual-Action Cleanser & Exfoliator Keep pores clear for smooth, blemish-free skin with Salicylic Acid and Pumpkin Seed Extract. Unique, water-activated powder transforms to effectively cleanse and exfoliate without over-scrubbing. Pumpkin is packed with fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to brighten and smooth the skin. Peter Thomas Roth - Clinical Peel & Reveal Pumpkin Enzyme, a natural exfoliator, sweeps pore clogging dead skin cells while Alpha Hydroxy Acid resurfaces your skin. Aluminum Oxide clears your skin of the toughest dirt and oil deposits, leaving your skin refreshed and polished. Pumpkin is excellent for use on all skin types, but especially if your skin is damaged from environmental conditions such as overexposure to the sun. ACURE - Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner Provides lasting moisture to even the most dry and damaged hair leaving it soft, manageable, and ready to rock. Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil - high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, adds shine. Locks in moisture, repairs damage, and strengthens follicles. Have you incorporated pumpkin into your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below.