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 29, 2011
For many of us, hair irons are like coffee, we can’t start the day without it. New research says that damage caused by hair irons can actually make hair frizzier and curlier resulting in a straightening cycle that can eventually cause hair to appear thin and dull.
Although hair is very strong, high heat, like that from a flat iron, will damage the cuticle of the hair, or the hard outer protective coating on each strand. Repeated straightening can cause the cuticle to breakdown altogether. This starts as split ends but can eventually reach all the way up the hair, resulting in the strand breaking off. More and more women are reporting signs of hair loss but, the truth is, their hair is just breaking off due to their flat iron addiction.
We know what you’re thinking, “But I use heat protecting products on my hair!” According to experts, although heat defense products do partially reduce the damage, your hair is still affected if you iron your hair every day.
So what should you do if your hair has been damaged? First of all, lay off the iron for a little while. Treat frizz with a trim instead of reaching for the iron. Sleeping on silk pillowcases can help prevent frizz and split ends by locking in hair’s natural oils. Try using boar bristle brushes that don’t contain metal prongs and use lots of conditioner!
Do any of you have straightening tips? What do you do when you’re taking a break from your flat iron?
September 4, 2010
With as much humidity as our hair endures over the summer, you wouldn’t think it would end up dry and brittle, would you? Yet many women are currently walking around with damaged hair that’s screaming for a little TLC.
It’s not necessarily the humid air that wreaks havoc on our lovely locks — it’s our time spent outside enjoying the weather. Chlorine and salt water also have a major effect on hair. Signs of summer-damaged hair include dull, lifeless strands that won’t hold a style or overly frizzy locks that seem fried. Your tresses may be dry on the ends or oilier than usual at the scalp. Or your color may have faded, changed or become brassy. All of these conditions are signs that the days of summer fun have taken their toll.
To repair the following ailments, read below:
Dry hair: Shampoo with a moisturizing treatment. Add a drop of the gentle shampoo, rinse and reapply treatment until hair is noticeably soft. In order to lock in the moisture, leave hair wrapped in a shower cap overnight and wake up to silky smooth hair.
Frizzy hair: In order to tame frizzy hair, it’s necessary to reapply a leave-in-conditioner at least three to five times a day for two days. Maintaining consistency with this treatment will help re-balance hair and control frizz. To keep hair frizz-free and stylish, gently work a finishing cream into damp or dry locks.
Brassy hair: It’s best to use a shampoo specifically for color-treated hair that contains natural pigments to match hair. Look for one with a blue/violet booster added to cut brass.
Green or chlorine damaged blonde: Chelating shampoos can cut the green color. Chlorine damages hair, therefore it needs extra protein and a moisture balancing treatment. Slather a conditioner on to the hair; for better absorption, cover it with a shower cap and blast your head with a hairdryer for five minutes. Rinse and repeat this treatment two more times for best results.
Limp, lifeless locks: Cleanse hair and scalp well, apply a strong, protein-based shampoo. The protein will increase tensile strength and give hair added shine and luster.
Breakage from too many tight ponytails or braids: Be nice to your hair! Cool it with the too-tight ponytails (especially while sleeping — wear hair in a loose ponytail at the nap of the neck in bed), cut your dead ends off and be sure to fortify your strands with a moisturizing, protein-packed hair treatment.
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Photo credit to NewBeauty.com
