We asked our BV readers on Facebook and Twitter to send in their burning beauty questions, which ranged from hair thickening methods and coloring relaxed tresses to rocking eyelashes like Janet. Then got top experts to provide the best answers.

@almondiva asks: I would love to have Janet Jackson's eyelashes. I am already rocking the short hair.

Celebrity makeup artist Malika James of MJ Faces in Atlanta says:

Janet's false eyelashes are very spiky. No matter what look she's sporting on the red carpet she always has a spiky eyelash. To achieve a similar look, I recommend 7 Lash strip from MAC Cosmetics. Strip lashes are good if you want to go out to the club or dinner with friends because they are temporary and offer the option to take it off at night. If you want something a little more permanent, try individual eyelashes. Those lashes are guaranteed to stay anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending if you get permanent or semi-permanent lashes. You can also get individual lashes that are spiky.



@dwilloughby26 asks: What can I use on my hair to make it thicker on top?

Veteran hairstylist Susan Laws of Laws Concept Salon in Chicago says:

I have found that heredity plays a big part in whether hair is thick or thin. I ask my clients about their diet. If one doesn't eat enough fresh green vegetables and drink enough water, the hair becomes dry and brittle. To treat, I recommend a vitamin that includes biotin. This is necessary for cell growth--for hair and skin. Biotin is found in a lot of cosmetics and health products but cannot be absorbed through the skin and nails therefore it should be taken internally.


@Eagleisi asks: Can you color your hair if you also relax it?

Trichologist Donyelle McBride of McBride Hair Replacement and Salon Services in Hartford, Conn., says:

If your hair is healthy then yes, you can color and relaxed hair. A rinse or semi-permanent color only can be used the same day of relaxing. A permanent color may be used three weeks after relaxing. If you really want to know your hair's health and how well it will absorb color do a porosity test before coloring your hair. Pull out a strand of your hair and put it in water. If the porosity is good, the hair strand will float. If the porosity is bad, the hair strand will absorb the water and sink. Good porosity is when the hair's cuticles are closed or flat, protecting the hair strand. Poor porosity is when hair cuticles are open and applying any chemical will open cuticles more, creating over-porous hair. Dull, dry hair, no matter how much oils are applied to it, is an example of poor porosity. If you have porous hair, get a semi-permanent or rinse until your hair is healthier and can better withstand to a permanent color.