[Lifestyle ★★★★]
(P1) I’m on the following life kicks: attempting to cook, lifting weights, arranging flowers (don’t ask), and almost exclusively air-drying my hair. The latter is mostly because I don’t feel like standing in a steamy locker room post-workout and sweating it out under a blow-dryer, and also just because I like to sleep. The lack of heat tools in my routine has actually taught me to embrace and enjoy my natural texture, but I’m not going to lie, I miss the super shine that comes with an indulgent, cuticle-sealing blowout.
(P2) Not ready to give up that extra hour in the AM, but longing for a dose of sheen, I reached out to a few pros to find out how I can get that smooth, shiny result I love while sticking to my air-drying kick.
(P3) For starters, I can’t just rely on my hair brush and the air anymore. I’m going to need to enlist the help of all the products that are taking up space in my bathroom, according to Kerastase Consulting stylist, Matt Fugate. “You have to use a little bit of product and you have to manipulate your hair beforehand,” says Fugate.
(P4) Fugate tells me this means applying product and then brushing my hair down with a brush like a Mason Pearson. This will lay the cuticle down and then the product will adhere to the cuticle, keeping it sealed.
(P5) As for what product to use? “Steer clear of heat activated products because they are going to weigh your hair down. Those polymers need to heat up for them to adhere to the hair,” he says.
(P6) Instead, Matt tells me to opt for super light sprays, like the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Oil, and leave in conditioners. I’ve been spraying the oil into my hair after my showers for about a week now, and not only does my hair look shiny, it feels way softer than it has in weeks.
(P7) Brian Zinno, Senior Education Director at Antonio Prieto Salon, also suggests testing out the Kerastase Elixir Ultime line, stating the styling creme is ideal for fine to medium hair and holds light-reflecting mica to give your hair a glow.
(P8) In addition, Zinno also suggests washing your hair with cooler water, which he says will help seal the cuticle. Hey, I can make the shower sacrifice if it means a better hair day.
WORDS: 392
SOURCE: http://www.health.com/beauty/air-dry-shine-tips
VOCABULARY: indulgent, cuticle, sheen, beforehand, mica
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly, summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- How do you dry your hair after taking a shower?
- What 3 things do you currently enjoy doing in your life?
- Which brand of products do you currently use for your hair?
READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:
- What are the 4 things the author enjoys to do?
- The author can depend on just brushing and air drying her hair. (T or F)
- What type of product should be avoided?
- What 2 products should consumers choose?
- Another tip is to wash your hair with very cold water. (T or F).
EXPRESSIONS or PHRASES:
What do the following expressions or phrases mean?
- life kicks (P1)
- longing for a dose of sheen (P2)
- taking up space (P3)
- steer clear (P5)
Image source: Photo: Getty Images http://cdn-img.health.com/sites/default/files/styles/small_850/public/styles/main/public/gettyimages-143746554.jpg?itok=0nldapca