January 19, 2012
 Photo credit to NewBeauty.com
Curly hair is sometimes tough to manage, especially depending on the time of the year. Each person with curly hair is different, what works for some, might not work for others. The best way to determine which styling concoction that works for you is trusting your stylist and educating yourself. Below is a great article from NewBeauty.com that is very informative about what products not to use, and what types of products to use on your curly hair!
Key ingredients for fighting frizz in curly hair
Frizz is synonymous with curly hair. It’s a common occurrence because the hair becomes too dry and separated and seeks out moisture, but it can be caused by a variety of factors. A humid environment, heat damage and improper brushing can all cause frizz.
Since curly hair requires extra moisture, shampoos and conditioners that hydrate are a must. Nourishing ingredients need to be present in order to repair the intercellular elements. However, you don’t want to add extra weight to curls, so you have to make sure the formula you choose isn’t too heavy. The most important thing with curly hair is to create a barrier to lock out moisture and keep your curls in place so they maintain their shape.
Smoothing ingredients like glycerin, essential fatty acids, silicone, aloe vera, vitamin E, resins and gums tame frizz, while calcium and magnesium fuse the protein chain together to lift and define curls.
To prevent frizz, don’t use products with alcohol, which can dry out curls and cause them to seek out hydration. Also avoid volumizing shampoos and conditioners, which can loosen and separate the curl and encourage frizz.
Related: Control frizzy curls
March 25, 2011
Our bodies are constantly exposed to internal inflammation as a means of defense against infection. A key part in the formation of wrinkles is inflammation, which causes elastin and collagen to deteriorate and eventually collapse. Although inflammation is a part of how the body naturally heals itself, it may cause premature aging of the skin. Some foods, like processed sugars and unhealthy fats and oils, are natural pro-inflammatory agents. Others, listed below, are known to reduce the effects of inflammation and are a delicious way to get a youthful glow.
Spices: Certain spices such as ginger and tumeric are natural anti-inflammatory agents. They contain phytochemicals, which can repress the proteins that lead to gene mutations, decreasing the incidence of inflammation.
Good fats and oils: Foods like olive oil, nuts and avocado contain heart healthy fats that help regulate cell metabolism and suppress inflammation.
Salmon: A top anti-inflammatory, salmon as well as other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed are necessary for cellular repair.
Brightly colored fruits and veggies: Fruits and vegetables not only act as a source of antioxidants but they also contain phytochemics that buffer and regulate gene expression.
Vitamins: Foods and supplements containing vitamins C and E and minerals can help the body combat the damage created by free radicals.
October 18, 2010
Some of the most common hair woes, like excessive oiliness or dryness, can be alleviated with a combination of the right foods and, of course, the right hair products. Since hair grows from a skin follicle, it’s inevitable that oil is produced. But just how much sebum ends up on your scalp and trickles down the strand is due to genetics, the condition of your scalp, and your intake of certain foods. While hormones play a part, hot and spicy foods can cause your body temperature to rise internally, which gets released through pores in the scalp. Another cause for oily hair is excess consumption of sugar and fat.Since oily hair is directly related to an oily scalp, it’s best to cut out any foods that encourage the overproduction of oil. You may want to try incorporating more raw foods and healthy oils into your diet to counteract the effects of saturated oils. Look to include foods like complex carbs, olive oil, sushi, fresh fruits and vegetables.Dry hair, on the other hand, can be due in part to a lack of vitamin A, which is essential to the induction of the genes that control the process called keratinization. If you’re not getting enough vitamin A or the right proportions of it, your hair can become dry.Load up on foods rich in essential fatty acids and healthy fats. Foods that are high in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, like linoleic acid, will ensure proper hydration to the hair. Fish like tuna, salmon and trout, as well as flaxseed and walnuts, are great choices. Stay away from processed foods, and make sure you drink one or two liters of water each day to keep hair supple.Keep in mind, any dietary changes will only affect new hair growth—chances are you won’t see a noticeable difference for at least three to six months.
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Photo credit to NewBeauty.com
