Q: If I’m dying my hair for the first time, are there any precautions I can take to make the process less damaging?

A: Deep conditioning is the best way to ensure your hair will not get as damaged from the dye or bleach, depending on whether you’re changing your hair color lighter or darker, or getting highlights put in. No matter what you do, however, your hair will dry out a little. To deep condition, get a reconstructing conditioner, leave it in for at least 20 minutes, cover it with a cap and make sure you’re in a warm area (like outside) to ensure it works. I recommend deep conditioning a couple of weeks prior to dying your hair. Just remember: Dying your hair is damaging but repairable.

— Pat Thornhill
LaMae Salon and Spa       
4062 Flying C Road, Suite 47-49
 Cameron Park, 530-387-4101
 lamaesalonspa.wix.com/lamae 

Q: Is there a way to barbecue that yields less messy food, but doesn’t sacrifice flavor?

A: Grilling at home is different than barbecue at a restaurant. At many barbecue restaurants, they use slow smoking, or dry barbecuing, which means cooking the meat in a smoker for long periods of time without sauce—resulting in less napkins and mess! When grilling at home, chefs can use less sauce or marinade or use a rub, giving you the flavor of barbecue with no mess.

— Shelley Cobb
Back Forty Texas BBQ
3977 Durock Road, Shingle Springs
530-676-4040, backfortyshinglesprings.com