Skincare & Makeup Secrets For Long-Haired Women

Women with long hair have very different skincare and makeup concerns than women with short hair. We asked professional esthetician Heather Roldan for her secrets to helping women with long hair look their best.

LHL: Women with long hair often suffer from breakouts where their bangs or long locks make contact with their skin. How can we keep our skin clear?

HR: Don't fear, anyone can wear their hair down and not be concerned about messy breakouts on their hairline.

The most important step to maintaining a healthy complexion is to find the skin care regimen that works for you. What I suggest is to visit your local esthetician who can analyze your skin and recommend products that are best for your skin type.

One reason you may experience breakouts near your hairline is due to the excessive amount of heat and sweat that irritates the pores and increases the acid levels of your skin, your pH level. Once the pH level is off, a number of elements can produce a pimple, rash, or blackheads.

Often times I hear clients say, "I have excellent genes - my mother has great skin. I don't do anything to my skin, I'm very natural." Unfortunately, doing nothing to your skin can actually lead to damage: your skin's protective acid mantle can strip away, leaving your complexion excessively dehydrated and hypersensitive. You may notice a dull, gray complexion and clogged pores.

I emphatically urge everyone to find a Cleanser, Toner, Eye Cream, Serum, Day and Night Cream, a Gommage Exfoliate and Mask.
Every morning and night rinse your skin with your fingertips and a gentle cream-based cleanser, then softly rinse with luke warm water. Next, apply your toner with a spray or cotton ball. This is the "Key" to correcting your pH level and closing your pores. It's also a catalyst that helps moisturizers properly absorb into the skin, rather than just sitting on top of the skin.

Then apply an eye cream all over the eye lid and under the eyes. Many skin care lines have a specially formulated serum that can tighten the skin and assist with hydration.

Hydration is the next "Key" to diminishing a dull complexion and fine lines. Drinking water alone does not cure this problem; we must topically apply moisture as well. Apply a day and Night cream as recommended.

On a weekly basis, take some time to pamper yourself. First, exfoliate the dead skin off with a gentle exfoliate. After the skin is refreshed, use your serum and mask as directed, followed by your day or night cream.

Anytime you feel you have blackheads or pimples, let the professionals take care of it for you. Your esthetician can properly extract the clogged sebum without being too aggressive.
For gorgeous skin, it's important to be faithful to your skin care regimen. Clear skin will allow your natural beauty to shine through and keep the attention on your beautiful long hair!

LHL: Should women with long hair alter their makeup based on whether they're wearing their hair up or down?

HR: It's always best to enhance your best features and downplay your problem areas with makeup. You can also use makeup to dramatically compliment a natural style or updo.

When wearing hair up, I like to enhance the eyes with more dramatic makeup and use a subtle lip color or gloss. While wearing your hair down I would go for a dramatic lip color or gloss and softly enhance your eye with neutral colors and plenty of mascara on your lashes.

It's important to start out with a healthy complexion and plenty of skin moisturizer. Choosing the appropriate foundation, powder, and concealer is second. You should always choose a color that matches the skin tone on your neck. If you have red, blotchy skin, create a clean, even palate with a durable foundation. MAC Makeup is one of my favorite brands and has an excellent reputation for all skin types and looks.

Visiting your local makeup counter and asking for a complimentary makeup trial is always a good idea.
Makeup trends are constantly changing, so go with what feels comfortable for you but also don't be afraid to try something new.

Heather Roldan is a licensed esthetician who runs "Mobile Spa To You" specializing in customized in home spa parties in Southeastern and Mid-Michigan. Services include Facials, Massages, Skin Care Products, Glycolic Peels, Nails, and Waxing, Wedding Make-up. To schedule an appointment, please call 586-212-7279.