Monday, March 30, 2009

Monday, March 23, 2009

Monday, March 16, 2009

Dry Hair Treatment

Dry hair has got to be one of the most common complaints for both men and women. There’re a number of reasons for this common occurrence.

  • Climate
  • Chemicals
  • Diet
  • Genetics

The normal content of moisture in an average persons hair is approximately 10%.

Once the content of your hair’s moisture drops below 10%, it is suggested to start applying a daily moisturizer. Now, I know what your thinking, how will I ever know if my hair’s moisture content drops below 10%? When you start to notice that your hair is overly dry, it’s a good indication that your hair has dropped below the desired level of moisture.

The leading product manufacturers produce moisturizers that include an ingredient called "humectants". This ingredient replaces moisture that has been lost as well as attracts moisture and helps hold it in the core of the hair follicle.

A home remedy that works wonders on dry hair is Safflower Oil. It contains essential fatty aids or EFAs, which is a great natural moisturizer. The procedure is very easy to follow...

  • Wash and dry your hair as you normally would
  • Apply a few drops of Safflower Oil to your dry hai
  • Start with the tips and work your way up
  • Leave the oil in your hair to be absorbed as the day goes on

Of course our body produces natural EFA’s, which is called sebum. The only problem is with longer hair, the oil isn’t able to make it’s way down to the tips and therefore all of the hair isn’t able to get naturally moisturized, as GOD intended.

Whether you rely on the major product manufacturers to supply you with your moisturizing solutions or you go the old home remedy route, dry hair isn’t the end of the world, although it may seem so at the time. A proper hair care regimen will conquer any problem that may arise, even dry hair.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Washing Your Hair

When you think of washing your hair, you wouldn’t consider it to be a very difficult thing to do. You might even think it’s quite easy. Some of us approach washing our hair as a mundane task that we have to do a couple times a week. We’ve done it a million times, how hard can it be, right?

It’s not that it’s hard, it’s that if not done properly, we could mistakenly be doing more harm than good. We have to remember how delicate our hair is. It doesn’t matter if you have the thickest and strongest or thinnest and weakest hair one strand of any hair-type is extremely fragile. So handling our hair, especially when it’s wet, should always be done with the utmost care.

So you ask yourself, ok what is the right way to wash my hair?
Here are a few rules to live by when it comes to washing your hair...

  • De-tangle your hair before you wet it.
  • For best results, use warm water to thoroughly wet your hair. By doing this you will open up the hair cuticles and in turn be able to wash all the oil and dirt away.
  • Gently rinse your hair with your fingertips to remove any products you may have in your hair.
  • Pour a generous amount of shampoo in your palm, rub your hands together and apply the shampoo to your scalp.
  • Gently massage the scalp with your fingertips and make your way down the hair, but not down to the tips. As shampoo will dry your hair’s ends.
  • After you finish washing your hair, thoroughly rinse with cold water to seal the cuticles, which will also add an extra layer of shine.

Don’t be surprised if you need to wash your hair twice. If your hair is dirtier than normal, the first wash will be just to wash off the dirt and oils. The second shampoo is when you actually get to treat your hair to all the shampoo has to offer. Don’t be afraid of letting the shampoo sit in your hair for a couple of minutes. Give it time to do what it’s designed to do.

After shampooing and thoroughly rinsing your hair, gently squeeze out any excess water off your hair. Remember your hair is at its weakest point when it is soaking wet, so be gentle.

Now it’s time for the conditioner. Apply a generous amount, depending on your length, to the hairline, middle and ends of your hair.
Depending on how much time you have, let the conditioner set for up to ten minutes. After, thoroughly rinse your hair until it is completely free from any excess conditioner, unless it is a leave-in.

This procedure is pretty straightforward but yet very effective if done properly. Maintaining beautiful hair takes time and patience. With an effective routine, you’re bound to have that luscious, sexy hair you’ve always dreamed of.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Tools of the Hair Trade

Using the right tools in any trade makes a world of difference. In the hair industry, using the right tools will ultimately give the most desirable end result. It can make a huge difference between a hair disaster and a flawless haute-couture hair show.

Don’t worry having the right tools aren’t reserved just for those in the hair industry. These tools of the hair trade are easily found in your local beauty supply stores.

Brushes and Combs...

  • Paddle Brush – Best used with long hair and straightening curly hair. To protect your hair from unnecessary damage, look for a Paddle Brush that have a rubber base and bristles that are made from nylon or a natural material.
  • Round Brush – Very universal brush. Use it to flip out your hair, role it under, or while blow-drying, you can use a Round Brush to help create volume. Round Brushes that are made with natural bristles are gentler on your beautiful hair and will help keep your locks as healthy and strong as possible.
  • Vent Brush – The specific design of the Vent Brush adds volume to any hair type while blow-drying by allowing air to pass through the brush.
  • Wide-Tooth Comb – The good old’ fashioned Wide-Tooth Comb. This brush is your best friend when you need to de-tangle your hair. If your hair is weak, this comb is great because the wide teeth minimize damage while having to necessarily comb your hair.

Hair accessories are time savers. Whether you’re in a rush and don’t have time to style your hair, hair accessories can save the day. Such as...

  • Hair Clips
  • Barrettes
  • Hair Pins
  • Hair Bands

A spray bottle is a very handy tool that you want on hand at all times. It will help with those problematic areas. When just a spritz of water will do, there’s nothing better than a spray bottle. The bottle doesn’t have to be fancy any bottle will do the trick just fine.

Heating Tools...

  • Blow dryer – You can call it a magic wand! A blow dryer can help transform you hair from bleak to chic. Use it to dry and style, style and make magic appear.
  • Curling iron – To get those curly, bouncy curls, a solid stainless steel curling iron is exactly what you need.
  • Flatiron – Whenever you see that hair that’s silky smooth and pin straight, 9 times out of 10 a flatiron was used to achieve such a flawless look. The flatiron is the perfect tool to finish off your style. Giving your hair that sexy runway look.

Whatever tool you decide to use, remember there’re no rules just suggestions. Get creative and go for it. Unleash that inner diva that’s burning inside.