Meet My Hairstylist: Shelene Shaer of TANAZ Hair

This is an appreciation post dedicated to Shelene Shaer, my beloved hairstylist and friend.

I am the fussiest hair client in the world because it’s my crowning glory afterall! Shelene Shaer, owner of TANAZ Hair based in Ilovo, Sandton (Johannesburg, duh) has been part of my life for almost a decade. A DECADE. That’s like a marriage, right? Well, in my books, I consider it to be a life-long friendship. We’ve been through it all together, from life changes to career changes, great times, breakups and even tragic circumstances. She’s been by my side through thick and thin, always giving me the best advice, allowing me to vent and even calmed me down when I was having a personal crisis in her salon. Thankfully, all her staff know me well and treat me like a part of the family, so it’s okay.

But, let’s get back to Shel. There is no other person I would trust with my hair colour. I’m a natural brunette (you’d have never guessed, right?!) and she’s managed to take me to my desired shade of blonde. Sure, the regrowth is a bit of a pain but the condition always feels soft and looks shiny — and the length... well... it can be quite a challenge as I enjoy having my hair long. I loathe trims but Shel makes it work. I’m known for my signature fringe and long blonde waves and this woman is the genius behind the magic. Thank you for always putting my hair health first and being so patient, Shel. We finally got the colour of my dreams!

If you want to visit Shelene Shaer please visit www.tanaz.net or call (011) 786 2976 or email info@tanaz.net. TANAZ is based in JHB like I mentioned above

The Address is: 51 Corlett Drive, Illovo, 1716.

*Shelene flies down once a week in Cape Town to do her clientele there, so if you’re interested, please get in touch. Or if you have any questions please let us know.*

Follow Shelene on social media below:

Twitter: @TanazHBN or @SheleneShaer

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tanazhairbodynails

Instagram: @SheleneShaer or @TanazHBN

Sensitive Scalp? Read This…

I’ve never spoken about this before so what better way to break the ice than dedicate an entire blog post to it, right? I’m a huge fan of hair colour, as you all may have gathered, but the biggest concern when it comes to my ‘crowning glory’ isn’t finding the best colour-saving shampoo, conditioner or masque… it’s actually, my sensitive scalp.

There are so many factors that trigger or enhance scalp sensitivity; namely chemicals from hair products, food allergies, stress of any kind (this can be physical or emotional – which we all experience daily), sun exposure, intense cold, wind (damn that Cape Town South Easter) and hormonal changes that occur during your menstrual cycle.

Personally, my scalp feels particularly sensitive when I’m stressed and its usually accompanied by a cold sore on my lip. Hideous, but true. It’s tough when my hair is darker, as the flakes, although subtle, are visible and naturally, this makes me self-conscious. I’ve tried all the well-known ‘anti-dandruff’ shampoos on the market and to be quite honest, found that they made my scalp even worse.

Whilst browsing through one of the aisles in Clicks, I stumbled across the Eucerin Dermo Capillaire Calming Urea Shampoo, R110.95, gave it a bash and haven’t looked back since. It’s my go-to shampoo for when my scalp starts to itch and after just one wash, I already feel a change. This wonder-worker soothes the discomfort, thoroughly cleanses the scalp and leaves it flake free. It’s suitable for children too, over 3 years old.

Some Helpful Do’s & Don’ts (That I’ve Picked Up Over The Years)

DO: …wear a cap when you’re outdoors. It really makes the world of difference when protecting your scalp.

DO: …lightly apply sunscreen to the exposed areas of your scalp if you’re on the beach, etc. Sunburn + sensitive scalps = nightmare.

DO: …get an allergy test. Who knows, you could be consuming something that triggers your scalp sensitivity. Rather nip it in the bud!

DON’T: …scratch. I know it’s tempting, but it’ll make it worse. Rather wash your hair with the shampoo I just recommended.

DO: …eliminate hair products that aren’t working for you.

DON’T: …wash your hair more than twice a week if you have a sensitive scalp. I find that it just makes it worse.

Click here to purchase.