HELOISE: Silver hair is turning yellow

Dear Heloise: To one, who has beautiful premature gray hair, I need your advice! I also started getting gray early. From dark brown to silvery gray, I always got many compliments. I never needed to use any special products. However, within the past year, it has been turning yellowish. I have tried different bluing shampoos, but nothing seems to really help. I am 62 and live in Florida (but keep my hair covered when in the sun). I need help quick!

A Reader, via e-mail

Thank you for the nice compliment. Having been “silver” since an early age, I do have some firsthand hints! Many factors can cause hair to start yellowing. It could be hard water, water that has a high iron or rust content, old plumbing in your house or buildings (i.e., rusting pipes), product buildup or even too much exposure to the sun.

The bluing shampoos are one way to counteract the yellow, but since you have tried them, it sounds more like a water issue. You may have to become a detective to find out.

Heloise

P.S.: I use the bluing shampoo full strength every third or fourth time and leave it on for three to four minutes. Other times I mix a tablespoon or so with my regular shampoo.

Dear Heloise: I finally found a way to wean myself from running the water while I brush my teeth, and my sink is cleaner as a result. I ran the water because I hated to see the toothpaste drips clinging to the sink. Now, I just insert the drain plug, fill the sink up a little and use just enough water to catch the drips. That actually works better than running the water, and when done, all the drips go down the drain.

Little things like this can be like get-well cards for Mother Earth.

A Reader, via e-mail

Yes, it can, and every little effort can help! My hint: Keep a microfiber cloth (or other cleaning cloth) on a hook under the sink. Just grab and wipe the sink when done.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I found a great way to dust either cloth or vinyl lampshades. I bought a lint roller a while back for $1 at a dollar store, and I forgot that I had it. When I came across it, I thought that might work for dusting my lampshades.

It was great, and no scattered dust. There were 75 sheets on a roll; great bargain!

Jerri in Florida

Jerri, pleated lampshades can be cleaned easily using an old, clean makeup brush or a small, clean paintbrush.

Heloise

Dear Readers: When rinsing a small portion of berries under running water, instead of reaching for the giant colander, I grabbed my grater, set the berries on top, ran the water and let them drain. Small gadget for a small job.

Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate