“I’ve looked around and Mauritian women have some of the most beautiful hair I have seen in a long, long time” says Jon Raymond Thibodeau who is here on a consulting invitation for spas, hair salons and schools. This Canadian native is a celebrity, well known for his innovations and involvement in the beauty industry and as the owner of six hair salon franchises, a luxury spa and two professional training schools of esthetics and hairstyling.

“Whatever they are doing,” he says, “it shows”. While noting that it is probably due to a healthy lifestyle and eating, he’s also noted that unlike Canadian men, the men in Mauritius have very well styled hair and the way they dress is trendy. Highlighting in their hair also seems popular. After over 40 years in the beauty profession, Jon Raymond has seen a lot of over processed hair and it is refreshing to see natural healthy hair on both men and women.

When asked for an inside scoop on what we can do for our hair on a variety of financial budgets, Jon Raymond suggests the basics.

“Regular visits to a reputable hairdresser is the most important thing.” he suggests. “A hairdresser can analyze your hair and recommend the proper product for it”. Keep in mind that hair quality can change every few months whether because of climate, sporting activities, medication or stress. So a regular analysis will spot any changes and your products can be adjusted to improve your hair.

“Many advertisers try to make you feel that only professional products are the best for your hair, and I happen to disagree”. He uses the example of Avon, one of the largest successful cosmetics companies in the world. He feels that if their products were not good, why would they be so successful? Their chemists are on hand constantly developing new products. So there is nothing wrong with using some of the better quality products in the drug store, provided that you have had your hair analyzed. He finds that overall people use too much of these products.

<B>Give time to absorb & rinse thoroughly</B>

In the long run a more expensive professional product that you only use a small amount of will last longer, provide great results and cost you less than a cheaper, poorly made product.

Once you have a good product, give it time to absorb into your hair and whatever you do, rinse thoroughly! More problems are caused by hair not being rinsed properly than anything else. Remember too that if a product works great for your sister it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will do the same for you.

Another important tip is that when thinking of colouring your hair, you have to be committed. If you are willing to go to the salon consistently every 4 to 5 weeks for a retouch then go ahead and have your hair coloured. If not, don’t start, it doesn’t do anything for your look and it makes you actually feel more self conscious when regrowth occurs.

The final tip which Jon Raymond finds really has a big effect is to brush your hair with a boar bristle brush as you lie flat on your bed with your head hanging lower than your body. Give your hair approximately 50 strokes every night and your hair will benefit immensely from the increased circulation and the distribution of nourishment (oil from the sebaceous glands) to your hair shafts. “We all lose around 20 to 50 hairs every day which is normal, so don’t worry”, he says.

When asked about his striking baldness, Jon Raymond tells us that he lost most of his hair by the age of 27, as a result of male pattern baldness which is hereditary. For many years he wore and also sold hair pieces. Luckily for him the shaved style came into fashion and he’s taken advantage of it and said goodbye to his hairpiece.

It doesn’t stop him from appreciating beautiful hair when he sees it though… “Keep on doing what you are doing” he says to Mauritians…your hair is beautiful! And if you ever do decide to trust your hair to a professional, follow their advice as they are there to help you, that is what they are trained for! (You can visit with Jon Raymond Thibodeau at www.jonraymond.com!).