Ask Mehrzad

I just moved to Canada (Toronto) from Iran and a friend of mine showed me one of your beauty articles. I loved it, it helped me a lot. I speak English very well, but I want to know if you ever write in Farsi because it is easier for me to read.  Also, could you explain the different ways of hair removal? I shave my legs and I want to see what other different techniques I can try. 

You will love Toronto. I was there a few years ago and I loved the people and the streets. Even though I speak and read Farsi, it is very hard for me to write in Farsi about beauty and personal styles.  I guess there are many words in the world of fashion and beauty that I can’t translate to Farsi and it will take me days to type in Farsi. Tell you what though, feel free to email me, and I will give you my phone number. You can call me and ask your questions, and I can answer you in Farsi. Now let’s go to your question about hair removal tips.  Waxing is one way of hair removal which is low cost and can be done at home or by a professional. The hair won’t grow back for a few weeks, but you need to let the hair grow out before waxing again. Bleaching facial hair is very popular in United States especially hair on the upper lip because it can make the hair look invisible.   Electrolysis is permanent, but I hear is expensive and painful. Laser hair removal is another option, but it does not work on light hair and is expensive. Threading that has been used in Iran and other Middle East countries for ages is a new trend here (especially in California). There are many stores at different malls who offer hair removal threading. I have done it a few times and it was very painful, but don’t go by me because I am a baby when it come to certain pains.  Good luck and let me know if this information has helped you.

My 13 year old daughter wants to wear make up and I don't want her to look like her friends. They are her age and they wear heavy make up. How should I talk about this to my daughter?

I understand your frustration. I too have a son who just turned 16 and I am enjoying his teenage years with all its complexity. I love seeing him blossom to this wonderful young man. I believe teenagers need more love than any other time in their life, and regardless of how frustrated we get as parents we should show how much we love them at all times. And we have to give them enough space so that they can figure out their interests and passion.  You need to understand that your daughter may be facing a lot of peer pressure, hormonal changes, and she is exploring different ways to discover herself. So, instead of arguing with her about make up, meet her halfway by teaching her the importance of skin care, and how taking care of her face will help her have a flawless complexion and a healthy skin in later years in life. Start her off with a mild cleanser to wash her face, and then apply a light moisturizer before putting on makeup.  Perhaps you can take her to a department store and buy her a nice lip gloss and mascara, and have the makeup artist at the cosmetic counter teach her how to apply a light and age appropriate makeup. And last but not least, please tell her about the danger of sharing her friend’s makeup (Multiple bacteria could spread from sharing lipstick and mascara. Cold sores could be caused by the herpes virus.) and comb (The friend might have some problems such as dandruff, lice, and nits in the hair and it will transfer to her hair.)