Hair Care Tips and Giveaway From Celebrity Colorist Marco Pelusi

Reese Dane for The Makeup Examiner

Winter 2014 has not been kind to us and the frigid temperatures have an affect on our hair. So, what’s a girl to do? Well if you’re fortunate to have a friend like Marco Pelusi - you seek his expertise! The Makeup Examiner caught up with Marco and found out about the proper way to keep our locks looking luscious - not just for the winter - but also all year round. On top of Marco’s gracious advice, he’s going to give away hair care products to one lucky TME reader! Read on to learn the best way to take care of your hair and how to enter the giveaway!

Good, solid hair care begins before we wash, shared Marco from the Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood. He recommends that before you step into the shower, make sure that your hair is free of tangles by giving it a gentle brush through.

The Makeup Examiner: Is there an ideal water temperature for washing hair to keep it healthy, shiny and manageable?

Marco Pelusi: Shampoo your hair with warm water, followed by conditioner and a cool water rinse to close the hair’s cuticle (the outer layer of the hair).

How does water quality affect hair health?

The fewer minerals in your water, the better off you are. I recommend a showerhead filter. Hair products are an issue as well. Try to find products that have the minerals removed. Often times it's referred to as deionized water.

How often should you shampoo, condition and deep condition your hair?

If you have color treated hair, shampooing less is preferable. It’s really an issue of cleansing your scalp, which most likely doesn’t need to happen as often during the winter months. As for conditioning, this should be done after each shampoo to replace moisture. And to keep hair healthy and manageable, deep condition once per week during the winter months.

What are your thoughts on pre-shampoo conditioning?

I don't like to clog up clients’ bathrooms with too many products. Just find a good solid shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner, and you'll be fine.

What is the most effective way to deep condition our hair? In or out of the shower?

I think it's important to set aside time outside of the shower. Apply a deep conditioner to your hair, get out of the shower, apply a plastic cap, and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. For better penetration of the deep conditioner, wrap a hot damp towel over the cap or sit outside in the sun in the warmer months to add heat.

Getting back to shampooing, should you lather shampoo in your hands first or apply the product directly to your hair and scalp?

Work a little lather in your hands first and then apply to the hair and scalp.

Should you comb hair in the shower?

I'd recommend waiting until you're out of the shower. As to not comprise your hair and cause breakage, apply a leave-in conditioner prior to combing your hair.

Are there any hair products or hair tools that are bathroom essentials?

• A wide-toothed comb
• A plastic cap for the very end of your shower on the days when you deep condition
• Marco Collagen Color Guard Haircare, which is a restorative system to prevent premature color fade and create a positive therapeutic environment for the hair and scalp
• Marco Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner is an excellent choice once you're out of the shower to allow you to comfortably comb through your hair

The Makeup Examiner has tried every product in Marco’s Hair Care line and has not found one that isn’t wonderful. Marco Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard made it into the TME Makeup Vault! Aside from being products that really work, all of Marco’s products are filled with organic ingredients and are cruelty-free! Although the Marco Pelusi Hair Studio is located in West Hollywood, you don’t have to fly to LA to get Marco’s amazing products, just visit the Marco Pelusi Hair Studio online.

Now, for the giveaway! One (1) lucky reader will win one (1) Marco Color Health Shampoo with Collagen Color Guard and one (1) Marco Color Hydrate Conditioner with Collagen Color Guard valued at over $50. Are you ready to win? To enter, email BeautyGiveaway1@gmail.com with the Subject Line: Marco Pelusi Winter Hair Care Giveaway! Don’t forget to include your name and address! Giveaway ends Sunday, February 23, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). For complete terms and conditions, visit TME Rules.

©2014 Yvonne P. Mazzulo, a.k.a., The Makeup Examiner. All rights reserved.