Courtesy of Junebug Weddings
Relaxed Hair Health, a year in review
I can not believe that its been nearly one year since I posted my very first entry. This year I began my journey with intentions on bringing health back to my hair. One too many visits to the Dominican Salon left my hair thin and damaged. Even now, one side of my hair is longer than the other. Worst of all, my hair was in dire need of strength.
I made some great finds this year which have really helped to turn the state of my hair around. Most notably, I found and fell in love with my new relaxer of choice, Affirm Fiber Guard which is unlike any relaxer I've ever experienced. Not only did I find a fanstastic relaxer, 2008 was the year that I became aquainted with liquid shea oil. Unlike the solid version of shea, this liquid just melts into the hair covering it with softness and sheen.
But lets not forget my most wonderful find yet, the infamous L'Oreal Hair Fixer. Folks this product does for my hair what no other product could do. Those of you who frequent my blog may have noticed a theme of me experimenting with several hair strengtheners in search of just the right one. I've tried Chi Keratin Mist, Aphogee 2 minute reconstructer but none compares to this magnificent product. I am amazed at how much stronger and healthier my hair looks.
Since it appears as if I've solved my dilemma this year, I will move on and take on another challenge. Once I've completed Hair Fixer series, my focus will shift from strength to silkiness. My ultimate goal is to own a head of thick, strong, shiny, silky hair that looks so fabulous, people around me are forced to do a double take.
I have put out my intentions and now I wait for it to come to pass. Ultimately, I'd like to be more adventerous with my hair trying out different ways to showcase my tresses. Long ago, I thought that my hair would not be strong enough to withstand any excessive manipulation but not any more.
Today, my hair has been given a second chance and I plan on taking full advantage. Will I finally reach midback? You betcha! Will my hair be the envy of everyone around me? Abso-freaken-lutly!
Will 2009 be the best year ever!???? Stick around and find out.
L'Oreal Hair Fixer review part III
This past Saturday marks the third installment of my Hair Fixer experiment. Like the last wash, I opted to follow the instructions and omit conditioner from my wash routine. This go around, I experienced a noticeable decrease in the amount of hair I lost while detangling each section during my rollerset. I was extremely excited to see the difference in hair loss because, to me, this was undeniable proof that my hair is becoming stronger.
Not only does my hair look and feel better, I can comb and manipulate without fear of unnecessary breakage. I also notice that though my hair feels stronger, it doesn't have that "loaded with protein" feel that you get with some products. My hair still moves and feels supple. All this without using conditioner. Can you believe it?
I'm stoaked to say the least. I've searched long and hard for strengthening products and so far this on ranks highest compared to what I've tried to date. If the Hair Fixer continues to work its magic on my hair the way its been going so far, I'll be reaching my hair goals in no time.
Until next time!
Not only does my hair look and feel better, I can comb and manipulate without fear of unnecessary breakage. I also notice that though my hair feels stronger, it doesn't have that "loaded with protein" feel that you get with some products. My hair still moves and feels supple. All this without using conditioner. Can you believe it?
I'm stoaked to say the least. I've searched long and hard for strengthening products and so far this on ranks highest compared to what I've tried to date. If the Hair Fixer continues to work its magic on my hair the way its been going so far, I'll be reaching my hair goals in no time.
Until next time!
L'Oreal Hair Fixer review-part deux
I apologize for the delay in updating everyone on my progress with L'Oreal Hair Fixer but my work life balance has been all screwed up lately. I first used Hair Fixer just before heading out of town for a week on a business trip. When I returned, everything was so backed up that I immediately hit the ground running to catch up with all the work I missed. Long story short, I allowed nearly two weeks to pass before I had a chance to nourish my tresses with a much needed wash and set.
When we last spoke, I vowed to stay true to the directions on the label and forgo conditioning my hair. Let me tell you that I was seriously thinking of renigging on my promise considering how long I went without a wash. Instead, I decided to put extra effort into my pre-poo in hopes of compensating for my conditioner-less wash. My intentions were to leave the conditioner and oil in my hair for a little longer than normal but instead, I went a full 24 hours before actually washing.
I washed my hair as normal but instead of conditioning, I prepared the Hair Fixer mix as instructed. When I used the product last wash, I poured the mix all over my hair trying desperately to distribute the liquid evenly throughout my hair. I didn't do an adequate job of distributing evenly so this time I was taking no chances. I decided to use the solution on every section of my hair as I detangled, just before I rolled the section. So essentially what I did was part each section, spray my leave-in, detangle, then add a couple of drop of the Hair Fixer to every section.
Once the hair dried, I noticed that my curls were more defined than normal. It was almost like I used a light setting lotion during the set. Next came my beloved shea oil which did a great job of adding a bit of moisture and shine to my freshly washed hair. All and all, I think my hair is just a bit more stiff then a normal wash and set. Don't get me wrong, my hair still has movement and feels silky to the touch. As a matter of fact, my husband came up to me and asked "why does your hair look to shiny?" By looking at my hair and touching it, you absolutely can not tell that I did not use conditioner during my last wash. I do think that my 24 hour pre-poo with a protein conditioner was overkill so next time I'll opt to use a moisturizing conditioner like a Suave cheapie conditioner
So, I'm still impressed with the results I'm experiencing with this product. With each application I am constantly looking on how I can improve on my overall experience. Every tweak and adjustment that I make in my use of this product will be documented...rest assured.
Until next time my friends, thanks for visiting and may all of your healthy hair wishes come true this holiday season.
When we last spoke, I vowed to stay true to the directions on the label and forgo conditioning my hair. Let me tell you that I was seriously thinking of renigging on my promise considering how long I went without a wash. Instead, I decided to put extra effort into my pre-poo in hopes of compensating for my conditioner-less wash. My intentions were to leave the conditioner and oil in my hair for a little longer than normal but instead, I went a full 24 hours before actually washing.
I washed my hair as normal but instead of conditioning, I prepared the Hair Fixer mix as instructed. When I used the product last wash, I poured the mix all over my hair trying desperately to distribute the liquid evenly throughout my hair. I didn't do an adequate job of distributing evenly so this time I was taking no chances. I decided to use the solution on every section of my hair as I detangled, just before I rolled the section. So essentially what I did was part each section, spray my leave-in, detangle, then add a couple of drop of the Hair Fixer to every section.
Once the hair dried, I noticed that my curls were more defined than normal. It was almost like I used a light setting lotion during the set. Next came my beloved shea oil which did a great job of adding a bit of moisture and shine to my freshly washed hair. All and all, I think my hair is just a bit more stiff then a normal wash and set. Don't get me wrong, my hair still has movement and feels silky to the touch. As a matter of fact, my husband came up to me and asked "why does your hair look to shiny?" By looking at my hair and touching it, you absolutely can not tell that I did not use conditioner during my last wash. I do think that my 24 hour pre-poo with a protein conditioner was overkill so next time I'll opt to use a moisturizing conditioner like a Suave cheapie conditioner
So, I'm still impressed with the results I'm experiencing with this product. With each application I am constantly looking on how I can improve on my overall experience. Every tweak and adjustment that I make in my use of this product will be documented...rest assured.
Until next time my friends, thanks for visiting and may all of your healthy hair wishes come true this holiday season.
Adrianne Palicki
Curly Medium Hairstyle
Suitable for:
Face shapes: oval, oblong, square, diamond
Hair texture: thin, medium
Hair density: medium, dense
Styling:
Maintenance: high
Time: 30+ mins
Techniques: blow dry, hot rollers
Products: mousse, wax, smoothing shine, lacquer
Celebrity pictures for women - LXV
Chloe Mortaud
Miss Albigeois Midi-Pyrenees, aka Chloe Mortaud, has been elected Miss France 2009
Miss Albigeois Midi-Pyrenees, a young student in international trade, was elected Miss France 2009 on Saturday evening at Puy du Fou (Vendée). Mortaud Chloe, 19, succeeds to Bègue Valerie, who was not present on the shelf to put the crown.
She is the 62nd Miss France and the first winner representing the Albigensian Midi-Pyrenees.
L'oreal Hair Fixer-Here's what I think
During one of my last visits to Sallys's I picked up a box of Ineral L'oreal Hair Fixer. I've never even heard of the product before but I am a sucker for any hair product showing a picture of a damaged hair strand repaired after using it. I kept the hair fixer locked away in my hair product closet (yes I said closet) until today's wash. My intentions are to chronicle the results I experience from consistenly using this product once a week for the next six weeks.
I began my routine as I usually do by pre-pooing with Tigi Dumb Blonde conditioner and Alma oil. I bought Tigi years ago because I thought it would be a super potent conditioner for chemically treated hair. I was not impressed with Dumb Blonde for deep conditioning but it turned out to be an absolutely fabulous for my prepoo treatment. I may actually repurchase for this reason. Anywhoo, after washing in the shower, I proceeded to mix a variety of conditioners together in a small bowl in preparation for my deep conditioning. It was then that I decided to read the Hair Fixer instructions to verify if the product should be used before or after the conditioner. Much to my surprise, the instructions state that conditioners should NOT be used when using the fixer (apparently using a conditioner may coat the hair and limit the ability of the product to penetrate the hair shaft). We're even discouraged from using conditioning shampoos.
I thought long and hard about whether I should even use the Hair Fixer this go around. My conditioner mix was ready for use and I could not get myself to just throw it away. I decided to be a bad girl and use the conditioner even though I had been forbidden to do so. Twenty five minutes later I proceed to compile the ingredients from the kit. The box consisted of six tablets, one for each application,an applicator bottle, and a bottle of clear solution. As directed, I placed one of the tablets in the applicator bottle and poured the liquid solution over the tablet to the fill line. Once filled, I shook the contents for several seconds until the tablet dissolved. After preparing my hair repair brew, I began to apply the mix to my hair in sections until I'd used the entire portion.
After setting and drying, I assessed the state of my hair to see if the hair fixer made any difference. Let me tell you folks, so far I am really liking what I experienced. Usually, after removing my rollers, I experience mild breakage as I loosen my curls. Today I can honestly say that my breakage was definitely minimized. My hair feels much stronger even though I didn't fully follow the instructions. I did a quick search online for reviews and most people have experienced great results. I'll update you all with my progress after each of my six applications. Next use, I'll bite the bullet and (gasp) skip out on the conditioner to see if it makes any positive difference. According to some info I found online, the hair is supposed to improve progressively with each application. If this product delivers on its promise, its definately worth its weight in gold. I paid around $8.50 at Sally's so it comes out to around $1.42 per application. Not bad for what it claims to do for the hair.
BTW, the product can be used on damaged, thin, or normal hair.
For those of you interested, here's the full description of the product.
Description:
Enhanced formula with added restructuring molecules and amino acid complex gives hair intensified repair and enhanced protection to the hair fibers. Provides greater strength and resistance to external aggressions. Hair is more manageable, softer, smoother and shinier.
The Hair Fixer rebuilds and restructures damaged hair. Each application penetrates the cortex and actually restructures the hair fiber with large, strong molecular bonds. This forms an inner network of strong new bonds that reinforce weakened linkages. The more damaged the hair, the deeper the Hair Fixer penetrates.
The Hair Fixer strengthens and conditions chemically processed hair. Any chemical or coloring process alters the structure of the hair. The Hair Fixer contains amino acids that help to reinforce and protect the hair, so it maintains its strength and elasticity through any chemical process. It works instantly and remains in the hair; each application adding to the good work of the previous one. So hair becomes stronger... with shine, manageability and a naturally beautiful appearance.
The Hair Fixer builds volume on thin hair and helps thin hair stay strong as possible and look as thick as possible. You can actually see and feel the hairs full, firm finish. Hair has more body and volume... it looks thicker and fuller.
The Hair Fixer is easy to use and is not rinsed out, so the substantive benfits stay in the hair for maximum effectiveness. There is no greasy or sticky feel. One formula suits all your clients needs.
Loreal Ineral Hair Fixer Includes:
(1) Loreal Ineral Hair Repair Lotion 4oz
(1) Applicator Bottle
(6) Loreal Ineral Hair Repair Tablets
(1) Easy to Follow Instruction Sheet
Ingredients
Lotion: Water, Dimethylol Ethylene Thiourea, VP/VA Copolymer, Polyquaternium 4, Amodimethicone, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Monosodium Citrate, Polyquaternium 11, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydroxyethyl Oleyl Dimonium Chloride, Magnesium Acetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Sulfate, Trideceth 12, Aspartic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Stearic Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Simethicone, Green 5, Alcohol Denat., FIL (D3333/1).
Tablets: Corn Starch, D&C Green 5, Dimethyol Ethylene Thiourea, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Sulfite, Stearic Acid.
OMG! I think I have Trichotillomania
As part of my morning Hour of Power routine, I normally listen to some personal development audio or pull up an inspiring clip from youtube. This past week I've been watching videos from a guy who works with people with unusual fears or complexes and frees them from their own behaviors. One of those videos feature a woman who has trichotillomania, or an obsessive compulsion to pull out her hair.
It gets worse, because she's been pulling out her own hair for years, she's actually developed some bald spots that she cleverly has to cover with hair thickening aids. Not only does this poor woman unconsciously pulls out her hair, she actually eats it afterwards! As they described her story, the showed some video of her reading a book when she suddenly begins to play with a small portion of hair near the back of her neck. When asked if she feels pain from pulling her hair out, she responded by saying that because she's been doing it for years, her brain understands what she is about to do and numbs the area so that she feels no pain.
O.k. so now I start panicking. Why? Because I have developed a habit similar to her (no..I..am..not..eating..my..hair.) Usually on drives home, or when I am sitting at home in front of the computer, I begin to "detangle" by hair with my fingers.
There's nothing wrong with detangling with our fingers, in fact, in Long Hair Learning 101, we all learned that detangling with our fingers is much more conducive to protecting our lengths. The problem with me is that when I detangle, something deep down inside expects to see a shed hair or two in every small section. I examine every hair lost during the process ever so closely to verify if the casualty was the result of shedding or breakage. If the hair was shed, I smile secretly knowing that I just saved myself the heartache of what could have been much worse in the long run. If the hair was broken, I curse my heavy handedness and move on to another section in search of more shed hairs.
Take a look at this expert from an article:
Gary R. Gaffney, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, explains that other, less dramatic features that fall short of hair pulling are associated with trichotillomania, including examining the hair root, twirling it off, and pulling the strand between the teeth.
You are probably thinking..."there's nothing wrong with that, you're just making sure your hair stays healthy." The problem with my little "habit" is that I do it at the most in opportune times. Looking back, I think the process is more therapeutic then hair related. The reason why I say that is because while I'm driving home, I usually have a million thoughts running through my head and I'm probably not consciously thinking about what I am actually doing. I sometimes even detangle my kitchen area when I am sitting in a business meeting Who knows? I am actually be pulling my hair out and not even know it!
The other night while "detangling" in front of the pc, my husband walks by the room and goes "why are you pulling your hair out?" I quickly respond by saying, "I'm not pulling my hair out, I'm detangling." I then proceed to discount his the quality of his vision for wrongfully accussing me of such an obsurd behavor (but what if he's right?)
When I am really detangling my hair, like before a visit to the Dominican Salon or something, I stand in front of a mirror, I break out my extra large comb and I take my time to carefully work out the shed hairs from the ends up. Yes, I do examine the shed hairs but I don't put as much emphasis on the individual hairs as I do the finished product. When I'm engaged in the mindless detangling,on the other hand, I run my hands down the length of the shed hair to verify the cause of loss. When I'm involved in an official detangle I quickly asses the hair with a quick glance and only verify when a glance isn't enough.
Since I am probably reaching that grey area that lays somewhere between presenting lots of information and babbling, I end this post with some good news. If I do have trich, I don't have it that bad, I've seen some pictures online and believe me, it ain't pretty. I don't think I have trich but knowing what I know, I've decided to consciously avoid my behavior before any thinning or baldness occurs (thank God I have no thining or bald areas unlike most trich sufferers). I used the technique featured in the youtube video and it seems to be working. Going forward, whenever I detangle, I will avoid doing it when I'm not completely focused and only conduct the activity in front of the mirror where I can remain in the present moment.
What do ya'll think...am I crazy?
I am so over airdrying (and Mane & Tail product review)
Alrighty....as part of my winter hair care routine I decided to give air drying another chance. Well I'm here to tell you that I failed miserably. Not because the airdrying process itself was bad, but because there were certain obstacles that I just could not overcome. Over the course of my air drying journey, I was able to defeat the dryness and brittleness that once plagued my airdryed hair. I even felt hopeful once I found my beloved shea oil which kicked up my airdrying results to the next level. But alas, I was not willing to combat the most stubborn of my airdrying enemies- tangles!
Because of my deep seated fear of combing wet hair, I would constantly end up with a mass of stubborn tangles once my hair dried. Add to that the fact that I was nearly three months post my last relaxer. I had an inch or more of curly new growth that basically wrapped itself around other hairs when shed. Not to mention that fact that I was minimizing most of my combing action in an effort to avoid excessive breakage. Long story short, I found myself unknowingly creating dread locks while avoiding excessive manipulation.
Finally, while strolling down the aisle of my local Sally's beauty, I decided to ask for help. You see, I am the do it yourself kinda girl who normally avoids special aids and tools to get the job done. Under a normal frame of mind, I would have easily blocked out an hour or so to undergo the painstaking task of detangling my knots. But this time I was desperate. Before leaving the store , I asked one of the African American female employees for a recommendation on a good detangler. After thinking for a few moments, she used a lifeline and asked her AA female counterpart. I could hear their brains working as they desperately were searching for the answer. Finally, a Hispanic male, who overhead the conversation from the stock room, came to the rescue with his Mane and Tail recommendation.
"Of course! Mane and Tail," I thought to myself, they make pretty good quality products so I had no problem giving it a go.
I used this product on dry hair which had not received a thurough detangling in weeks! You could just imagine the pain I went through. The pain wasn't so much physical as it was mental. I kept thinking, about how much hair I would lose during the process. At any moment, I could have easily given up, whipped out the scissors and commenced to proceed with the big chop.
In all my frustration, a glimmer of hope came in the form of the Mane and Tail. That stuff loosened my shed hairs like nobody's business. I was extremely pleased to say the least. This product definitely receives my recommendation. What I appreciate most about this product is that I was able to get the job done with little casualties (breakage) to my hair. For those of you seeking a detangling aid (and I believe that we all should have one) Mane and Tail is for you.
(Muchas gracias Sally's guy!)
Because of my deep seated fear of combing wet hair, I would constantly end up with a mass of stubborn tangles once my hair dried. Add to that the fact that I was nearly three months post my last relaxer. I had an inch or more of curly new growth that basically wrapped itself around other hairs when shed. Not to mention that fact that I was minimizing most of my combing action in an effort to avoid excessive breakage. Long story short, I found myself unknowingly creating dread locks while avoiding excessive manipulation.
Finally, while strolling down the aisle of my local Sally's beauty, I decided to ask for help. You see, I am the do it yourself kinda girl who normally avoids special aids and tools to get the job done. Under a normal frame of mind, I would have easily blocked out an hour or so to undergo the painstaking task of detangling my knots. But this time I was desperate. Before leaving the store , I asked one of the African American female employees for a recommendation on a good detangler. After thinking for a few moments, she used a lifeline and asked her AA female counterpart. I could hear their brains working as they desperately were searching for the answer. Finally, a Hispanic male, who overhead the conversation from the stock room, came to the rescue with his Mane and Tail recommendation.
"Of course! Mane and Tail," I thought to myself, they make pretty good quality products so I had no problem giving it a go.
I used this product on dry hair which had not received a thurough detangling in weeks! You could just imagine the pain I went through. The pain wasn't so much physical as it was mental. I kept thinking, about how much hair I would lose during the process. At any moment, I could have easily given up, whipped out the scissors and commenced to proceed with the big chop.
In all my frustration, a glimmer of hope came in the form of the Mane and Tail. That stuff loosened my shed hairs like nobody's business. I was extremely pleased to say the least. This product definitely receives my recommendation. What I appreciate most about this product is that I was able to get the job done with little casualties (breakage) to my hair. For those of you seeking a detangling aid (and I believe that we all should have one) Mane and Tail is for you.
(Muchas gracias Sally's guy!)
Celebrity pictures for women - LXIV
Claire Danes
Gebhardt, a senior at Belton's University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, felt her performance waver as she watched tears stream down actress Claire Danes' face while she portrayed an outcast, autistic savant for the upcoming biographical HBO movie "Temple Grandin."
As Gebhardt walked off the set, she said she "felt awful" about the rude comments her character was scripted to say. But she knew it was her talent that had gotten her the role as an extra in the film and so close to the actress she has admired since she watched Danes' performance in the 1996 film "Romeo + Juliet."
"I'm sorry Claire. I didn't mean to make you cry," she lamented after explaining that it was from observing the actress and soaking up the whole experience that brought her dreams to break into the movie business even closer to reality. And it made the years of studying for her major in performance studies worth while.
Is your hair feeling a little under the weather? Maybe this will help.
We've all been there. Experiencing the feeling of dread and disdain that creeps up within us when we know the inevitable has to take place.....
We fight it every step of the way but we know that in the end, we must come to fully accept it......its time for a trim.
To me, trimming our ends is very much like taking much needed medicine. Just like taking your medicine, you require a trim once the symptoms start to show. Just like any sickness, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person but overall, the signs are pretty much the same.
Dry, brittle ends
I'm not talking about "you should rub some moisturizer in" dry, I'm talkin about "your ends give you splinters" dry. If you find that all of your moisturizing efforts are rejected, its time to take extreme measures. Remember that one of the habits of beautifully haired people is to always assess the state of your hair and to determine what actions you need to take. Like taking your medicine, you want to catch the problem early and knock it out before things get worse. Ends that won't behave are a sure sign of a need to take action.
Consistent Breakage
It never fails, whenever I am experiencing consistent breakage that can't be influenced with the help of even by finest hair products, I know its time for a trim. Once I've done the deed, I'm able to miraculously run my fingers through my hair and glide the comb through with the greatest of ease. I'm thinking this has something to do with the strength in numbers theory. Think about the cord, individually the strands are weak yet together, they are able to withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure. If we allow our ends to remain uneven, we are essentially putting the hair at risk of more breakage. That's never a good thing. Think of breakage as a symptom. The more severe the symptoms, the more in need we are of taking our medicine. Avoidance will only lead to further pain and suffering.
So knowing what you know, it only makes sense for you to take a moment to allow it all to sink in. Like doctor who has delivered difficult news to her patient, I'll take a moment to answer any of the myriad of questions that may be running through your head.
Q: Can't I just wear protective styles so I don't have to trim?
A: Perhaps, but if you've allowed the damage to run rampant, you will only be hiding damaged ends. Much like a cancerous infection, you should consider whether cutting out the damage is your only choice. If you chose to hide the problem, you may not be getting to the root cause of the issue. Once you get tired of bunning, you will still have damaged, uneven hair.
Q: What if I deep condition on a weekly basis, will that help?
A: Again, it depends on the level of severity of the damage. If you are not experiencing positive results with deep conditioning, you will have to consider your other options.
Q: What about all the length I've gained? I don't want to loose it.
A: You are probably losing length as you wait around for your ends to get better. Excessive breakage means that you are losing length. You are not doing yourself any favors by allowing the pain to continue. Trimming now will actually help you to retain length in the long run.
Q: How much will I have to trim?
A: You should trim as little or as much as your hair requires. Like taking medicine, when you start feeling better, you can adjust your dose. As you begin to trim, analyze your ends. Do they look and feel healthier? You should always start with the lowest dose and increase as required rather than overdosing from the beginning.
Take care of your ends and your ends will take care of you. Believe me, taking your medicine won't feel good right away but soon you'll find that you can once again experience the spring in your step you once had.
**side effects include: thicker healthier ends, reduced breakage, fuller hair, increased instances of compliments, and a greater feeling of self-esteem.****
We fight it every step of the way but we know that in the end, we must come to fully accept it......its time for a trim.
To me, trimming our ends is very much like taking much needed medicine. Just like taking your medicine, you require a trim once the symptoms start to show. Just like any sickness, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person but overall, the signs are pretty much the same.
Dry, brittle ends
I'm not talking about "you should rub some moisturizer in" dry, I'm talkin about "your ends give you splinters" dry. If you find that all of your moisturizing efforts are rejected, its time to take extreme measures. Remember that one of the habits of beautifully haired people is to always assess the state of your hair and to determine what actions you need to take. Like taking your medicine, you want to catch the problem early and knock it out before things get worse. Ends that won't behave are a sure sign of a need to take action.
Consistent Breakage
It never fails, whenever I am experiencing consistent breakage that can't be influenced with the help of even by finest hair products, I know its time for a trim. Once I've done the deed, I'm able to miraculously run my fingers through my hair and glide the comb through with the greatest of ease. I'm thinking this has something to do with the strength in numbers theory. Think about the cord, individually the strands are weak yet together, they are able to withstand hundreds of pounds of pressure. If we allow our ends to remain uneven, we are essentially putting the hair at risk of more breakage. That's never a good thing. Think of breakage as a symptom. The more severe the symptoms, the more in need we are of taking our medicine. Avoidance will only lead to further pain and suffering.
So knowing what you know, it only makes sense for you to take a moment to allow it all to sink in. Like doctor who has delivered difficult news to her patient, I'll take a moment to answer any of the myriad of questions that may be running through your head.
Q: Can't I just wear protective styles so I don't have to trim?
A: Perhaps, but if you've allowed the damage to run rampant, you will only be hiding damaged ends. Much like a cancerous infection, you should consider whether cutting out the damage is your only choice. If you chose to hide the problem, you may not be getting to the root cause of the issue. Once you get tired of bunning, you will still have damaged, uneven hair.
Q: What if I deep condition on a weekly basis, will that help?
A: Again, it depends on the level of severity of the damage. If you are not experiencing positive results with deep conditioning, you will have to consider your other options.
Q: What about all the length I've gained? I don't want to loose it.
A: You are probably losing length as you wait around for your ends to get better. Excessive breakage means that you are losing length. You are not doing yourself any favors by allowing the pain to continue. Trimming now will actually help you to retain length in the long run.
Q: How much will I have to trim?
A: You should trim as little or as much as your hair requires. Like taking medicine, when you start feeling better, you can adjust your dose. As you begin to trim, analyze your ends. Do they look and feel healthier? You should always start with the lowest dose and increase as required rather than overdosing from the beginning.
Take care of your ends and your ends will take care of you. Believe me, taking your medicine won't feel good right away but soon you'll find that you can once again experience the spring in your step you once had.
**side effects include: thicker healthier ends, reduced breakage, fuller hair, increased instances of compliments, and a greater feeling of self-esteem.****
Sedu ??? What is it.......
by Daniel
The Sedu hairstyle is simple, very straight, shiny and silky looking hair. This style is very easy to achieve to those who already have straight hair and is possible for those who have very curly hair.
How do I get the Sedu Hairstyle ?
You get this style by using a ceramic flat iron. You don't need a "specific SEDU flat iron"
The term "Sedu" is really a brand of flat iron. However this style can be created by using any ceramic flat iron.
The "Sedu" term happened to be an easier way of describing very straight hair. Sedu is the popular term that people associate with what Sedu really is.
Before the flat iron it was very difficult for people who had curly hair to obtain straight hair.
Chemical straightening used to be the only way for most with curly hair to get it this straight. The flat iron has reduced the amount of money spent on chemical straighteners. Sedu hairstyles are much cheaper than chemical straighteners. You're still able to achieve other styles without permanently being straight all the time.
Now you can achieve straight hair in half the time..
No more standing in front of the mirror with a blow dryer and round brush to get the straight hair you want.
Other considerations:
Another nice thing about the Sedu hairstyle is that is one of the most inexpensive ways to do your hair as this mentioned earlier is something that is very easy to achieve. Then again if you're just afraid of doing it wrong then by all means speak to your stylist about achieving the Sedu hairstyle.
"Original" Chi and GHD are among the best ceramic flat irons that you can use alongside the Sedu flat iron if you choose to spend the money on one to achieve the Sedu hairstyle.
If you're going to spend the time and energy to achieve the Sedu hairstyle don't waste your money on a cheap ceramic alternative that is going to ruin your hair in the end. Spend the extra money and buy a good professional grade ceramic flat iron.
IMPORTANT
ALL IRONS will damage your hair when used "DAILY"... but buy buying professional grade ceramic irons will reduce the possibility of damaging your hair even more. Professional irons have the technology to reduce maximum damage to your hair.
For more information on topics related to hair please visit http://www.the411onhair.com
The Sedu hairstyle is simple, very straight, shiny and silky looking hair. This style is very easy to achieve to those who already have straight hair and is possible for those who have very curly hair.
How do I get the Sedu Hairstyle ?
You get this style by using a ceramic flat iron. You don't need a "specific SEDU flat iron"
The term "Sedu" is really a brand of flat iron. However this style can be created by using any ceramic flat iron.
The "Sedu" term happened to be an easier way of describing very straight hair. Sedu is the popular term that people associate with what Sedu really is.
Before the flat iron it was very difficult for people who had curly hair to obtain straight hair.
Chemical straightening used to be the only way for most with curly hair to get it this straight. The flat iron has reduced the amount of money spent on chemical straighteners. Sedu hairstyles are much cheaper than chemical straighteners. You're still able to achieve other styles without permanently being straight all the time.
Now you can achieve straight hair in half the time..
No more standing in front of the mirror with a blow dryer and round brush to get the straight hair you want.
Other considerations:
Another nice thing about the Sedu hairstyle is that is one of the most inexpensive ways to do your hair as this mentioned earlier is something that is very easy to achieve. Then again if you're just afraid of doing it wrong then by all means speak to your stylist about achieving the Sedu hairstyle.
"Original" Chi and GHD are among the best ceramic flat irons that you can use alongside the Sedu flat iron if you choose to spend the money on one to achieve the Sedu hairstyle.
If you're going to spend the time and energy to achieve the Sedu hairstyle don't waste your money on a cheap ceramic alternative that is going to ruin your hair in the end. Spend the extra money and buy a good professional grade ceramic flat iron.
IMPORTANT
ALL IRONS will damage your hair when used "DAILY"... but buy buying professional grade ceramic irons will reduce the possibility of damaging your hair even more. Professional irons have the technology to reduce maximum damage to your hair.
For more information on topics related to hair please visit http://www.the411onhair.com
Shea oil, a mo' betta butta!
I'm spending this week in Atlanta visiting friends and family. I came to Atlanta armed with powerful intentions. Among them was my desire to stumble upon some hair goodies unique from those I can find back home. While browsing the local shops and stores, I quickly realized that Atlanta is probably the translation for "Land of Shea Butter." Everywhere I went I found some form of shea butter which is a good thing because I recently rediscovered the awesomeness of this nut.
I first purchased shea butter about a year and a half ago and quickly lost interest. That's because the butter was hard and difficult to work with. Then summer came along and slowly my shea butter began to soften. I remember the day that I first dipped my finger into the soft, buttery, creamy, shea. I could hardly believe that this was the same product that I nearly threw away just months before.
So here I am in ATL and my very first purchase within hours of my arrival is shea butter. I'm talkin' the natural stuff in a container with no label. Fast forward a few days and I find myself in a natural food store in front of their massive shea butter collection. This time I'm drawn to a bottle labeled "shea butter oil." I couldn't believe my eyes. Is it possible that I could have the softened form of shea at my disposal year round?
I sampled the oil with my fingers and simultaneously experienced sensations which only surface during late night hours with my significant other. The feeling was incredible. It took only a millisecond before I swooped up two bottles and proceeded quickly the register.
Even now as I type, I'm having visions of using this product when I air dry. My friend and I were caught in a down pour as we strolled the streets of the Little Five Points Shopping district. Needless to say my hair got wet as we ran to my rental car. A feeling of fear and dread came over me as I contemplated what my hair would look like as it dried. I had no scarf to tie down my hair, I also had no blow dryer. What I did have was my liquid shea.
As soon as I arrived at my friend's place I quickly made a beeline to her bathroom with shea oil in hand. The first experience using this product on my hair was magical. The consistency of this product was unlike other oils I have. Liquid shea is opaque and thicker than any other oils. I would describe it as a creamy oil. It feels extremely rich and moisturizing to the touch and my hair seems to love it.
My hair was damp when I used it last night so the oil acted as a sealer on top of the water. This morning my hair feels extremely moisturized. I'm also experiencing less breakage as I run my hands through it. Needless to say that I am a very happy girl. In fact, I'll be stopping by the marketplace today and picking up another bottle (or two).
Long live liquid shea!
I first purchased shea butter about a year and a half ago and quickly lost interest. That's because the butter was hard and difficult to work with. Then summer came along and slowly my shea butter began to soften. I remember the day that I first dipped my finger into the soft, buttery, creamy, shea. I could hardly believe that this was the same product that I nearly threw away just months before.
So here I am in ATL and my very first purchase within hours of my arrival is shea butter. I'm talkin' the natural stuff in a container with no label. Fast forward a few days and I find myself in a natural food store in front of their massive shea butter collection. This time I'm drawn to a bottle labeled "shea butter oil." I couldn't believe my eyes. Is it possible that I could have the softened form of shea at my disposal year round?
I sampled the oil with my fingers and simultaneously experienced sensations which only surface during late night hours with my significant other. The feeling was incredible. It took only a millisecond before I swooped up two bottles and proceeded quickly the register.
Even now as I type, I'm having visions of using this product when I air dry. My friend and I were caught in a down pour as we strolled the streets of the Little Five Points Shopping district. Needless to say my hair got wet as we ran to my rental car. A feeling of fear and dread came over me as I contemplated what my hair would look like as it dried. I had no scarf to tie down my hair, I also had no blow dryer. What I did have was my liquid shea.
As soon as I arrived at my friend's place I quickly made a beeline to her bathroom with shea oil in hand. The first experience using this product on my hair was magical. The consistency of this product was unlike other oils I have. Liquid shea is opaque and thicker than any other oils. I would describe it as a creamy oil. It feels extremely rich and moisturizing to the touch and my hair seems to love it.
My hair was damp when I used it last night so the oil acted as a sealer on top of the water. This morning my hair feels extremely moisturized. I'm also experiencing less breakage as I run my hands through it. Needless to say that I am a very happy girl. In fact, I'll be stopping by the marketplace today and picking up another bottle (or two).
Long live liquid shea!
How to Get Prom Hair Styles
by Kelly
A prom is a special event for the teens and is an occasion for them to dress up well and sport an attractive hairstyle. Apart from the typically traditional styles, new prom hair styles are created every year. Remember to choose a hairstyle that suits you the best and enhances your features. A well done prom hairstyle contributes to your beauty and makes you look confident and attractive on the prom night. A prom hairstyle should be such that it is part of your overall makeup, face and dress. It should suit you and you should be able to carry it well. The color and hairstyle is different for each person and cannot be universalized. Hence it is important to plan well and experiment ahead so that you look and feel good with the prom hairstyle you settle for.
Since proms are classical in nature, tradition forms an important norm and hence punk hairstyles are ruled out. Classic prom hairstyles can be created best by professional hair stylists.
Sedu prom hairdos which are the norm with celebrities are widely preferred by the youngsters. In this hairdo after washing the hair it is dried with a hairdryer and then straightened with the help of the Sedu flat iron. This contributes to the sheen and texture of the hair and makes the hair more manageable.
Different prom hair styles can be sported depending on your style and personality. Some women may prefer popular updos. The messy updo is elegant and fresh and is popular with the young Hollywood. This hairdo sports long bangs which are side swept and are colored with rich highlights. The sides are styled towards the centre of the head and fall into cascades down the neck.
The other prom hairstyles can include the traditional bun, the French twist or a more complex form of a pony tail. The others may favor traditional flowing style by leaving it open. This style can be accessorized by various hairpins studded with precious stones or diamonds.
The Half down/Half up prom hairstyle is ideal to show off straight hair. They are quite simple to style and give a formal look without much fuss. The wrap style is another hot prom hair do if you have straight and shiny hair. French braids are also much in demand fro straight hairs.
Different kinds of ponies are also rocking for a prom night. The hair can be tied up in a high ponytail with the help of a jeweled ponytail holder. Few strands of hair can be pulled out to create a spiky and soft look.
The ballerina bun prom hairstyle is elegant and stylish. It is suitable for shoulder length hair while the Nape Knot is sensual and best suited for hair that is below the shoulder length. The knotted hair style suits medium to longer hair length and is a popular prom hairstyle.
A number of styles can be created from the base hairstyles. While grooming the hair into wraps, braids or rolls, the hair can be styled in any direction with the help of pins or blax bands. In addition a lot of jewels and color can be used for creating that magical look.
About the Author
Kelly is a hair care expert, who regularly blogs on hair loss and hair care remedies.
A prom is a special event for the teens and is an occasion for them to dress up well and sport an attractive hairstyle. Apart from the typically traditional styles, new prom hair styles are created every year. Remember to choose a hairstyle that suits you the best and enhances your features. A well done prom hairstyle contributes to your beauty and makes you look confident and attractive on the prom night. A prom hairstyle should be such that it is part of your overall makeup, face and dress. It should suit you and you should be able to carry it well. The color and hairstyle is different for each person and cannot be universalized. Hence it is important to plan well and experiment ahead so that you look and feel good with the prom hairstyle you settle for.
Since proms are classical in nature, tradition forms an important norm and hence punk hairstyles are ruled out. Classic prom hairstyles can be created best by professional hair stylists.
Sedu prom hairdos which are the norm with celebrities are widely preferred by the youngsters. In this hairdo after washing the hair it is dried with a hairdryer and then straightened with the help of the Sedu flat iron. This contributes to the sheen and texture of the hair and makes the hair more manageable.
Different prom hair styles can be sported depending on your style and personality. Some women may prefer popular updos. The messy updo is elegant and fresh and is popular with the young Hollywood. This hairdo sports long bangs which are side swept and are colored with rich highlights. The sides are styled towards the centre of the head and fall into cascades down the neck.
The other prom hairstyles can include the traditional bun, the French twist or a more complex form of a pony tail. The others may favor traditional flowing style by leaving it open. This style can be accessorized by various hairpins studded with precious stones or diamonds.
The Half down/Half up prom hairstyle is ideal to show off straight hair. They are quite simple to style and give a formal look without much fuss. The wrap style is another hot prom hair do if you have straight and shiny hair. French braids are also much in demand fro straight hairs.
Different kinds of ponies are also rocking for a prom night. The hair can be tied up in a high ponytail with the help of a jeweled ponytail holder. Few strands of hair can be pulled out to create a spiky and soft look.
The ballerina bun prom hairstyle is elegant and stylish. It is suitable for shoulder length hair while the Nape Knot is sensual and best suited for hair that is below the shoulder length. The knotted hair style suits medium to longer hair length and is a popular prom hairstyle.
A number of styles can be created from the base hairstyles. While grooming the hair into wraps, braids or rolls, the hair can be styled in any direction with the help of pins or blax bands. In addition a lot of jewels and color can be used for creating that magical look.
About the Author
Kelly is a hair care expert, who regularly blogs on hair loss and hair care remedies.
My (work in progress) airdrying routine revealed!
In last post, I explained some recent changes to my hair routine including the decision to airdry for the duration of the winter season. I made certain to clarify the fact that I once swore off air drying for the rest of my days.
Why?
Because my hair would always end up looking all crazy....
Because I could never get my ends to look right....
Because the middle of my head would dry days later than the rest of my hair....
Because the middle of my head would tangle into a million knots....
Because I could never really produce any type of decent style as the result of an airdry....
Because I never analyzed the airdrying process and how to perfect the results.
For the longest time, airdrying for me meant having to sport tangled unattractive hair until my next wash. Then came the day I realized that this was not the way to live. I knew in my heart of hearts that airdrying could mean healthier lengths. So I had to find a way. It was an absolute necessity!
Over the past few weeks, I've played out various scenarios in my mind of how I can create a decent result from air drying. Some of the scenarios I've tried have worked well. Some of the others were not as I had envisioned. I'll take you through my thought process. This may take a while so go grab a cup of hot cocoa and make yourself comfortable...
For me, the biggest obstacle to decent results was my inability to tame my ends during the drying process. My method of choice was as follows: After washing and conditioning, I would comb the hair back into a ponytail (while damp). Because of the fragile nature of the hair while wet, I used a (very) large tooth comb. I would then grab the loose ponytail and pull the hair up towards my crown and pin to the back of my head. Then I’d grab a satin or silk scarf and tie it around my head as a means on managing the new growth. After a few hours of drying, I would remove the scarf, take down the ponytail and use the cool blast setting to help dry the middle section of my hair.
This picture is when I airdry with one ponytail. Here I've pulled the hair up towards the front of my scalp and secured it with a bobby pin.
In this pic, I actaully parted my hair down the middle and created pigtails. This is one side, the other side of my hair looks exactly the same. Whenever I chose to airdry in pigtails, I pull the hair up towards the sides instead of straight up the middle. When I do it this way, the center of my hair seems to dry a little quicker. Once the hair is secure, I tie a silk scarf and go on my merry little way.
Both of these pics were taken while my hair was still damp.
This method has some obvious pluses and minuses:
Pluses:
+: My once wild and crazy new growth became as tame as a little lamb.
+: I spent much less time then I would have if I were to rollerset the hair.
+: The hair set in a relatively straight pattern. I didn’t have to flatten the big hair I normally experienced with a rollerset.
Minuses:
-Because I dried the middle section of my hair with a hair dryer, the sleekness I created with the satin scarf was compromised. In other words, the middle (and back section) would poof out depending on how moist it was when I loosen the ponytail.
-The large tooth comb I used did not allow for ample detangling power before tying it down. This meant that I still had to contend with viscous tangles later on in the process.
-I never used any direct heat tool once the hair was completely dry, in most cases, I would end up with straight hair in the front and sides and textured hair in the middle and back sections.
I have since modified my routine in order to increase effectiveness. What I’ve done as of late was to create two pigtails instead on one ponytail. With pigtails, I can detangle the two halves more easily in effectively. Once I’ve created the pigtails, I take the loose hair from one side and pin it to the other side of my head and vise versa. What I aim to do with this step is to have the loose hair pinned neatly to my head so that it has some structure in which to dry. It’s the structure that helps to create straighter hair.
I’ve also included a final step to my airdrying process that helps address the thick hair issue that I experienced in the middle and back of my hair. Caruso steam curlers. Please be warned that if you use the steam curlers on damp hair, you will only end up with damper hair. The hair shaft will continue to swell as the moisture is absorbed and you will experience frizz. If you chose to use any type of steam related curlers, YOU MUST WAIT UNTIL THE HAIR IS COMPLETELY DRY.
If steam curlers are not your thing, you can also choose some of these other setting options:
•Large flexi rods to create large curls or to bump the ends.
•Satin covered sponge rollers (again your hair must be 100% dry or frizz will happen).
•The low setting of your flat iron.
•Large Pocahontas pigtail braids.
•Bantu knots
•You can wrap your hair
•You can place your hair in a bun (before bunning, you want to thoroughly detangle and moisturize; otherwise, you may be causing more issues when your shed hairs and your tangles meet.)
My airdrying routine is still a work in progress but I am confident that I can tweak and adjust the routine to create the results I want. Those of you who have managed to put together a process that works, leave a comment and share!
Why?
Because my hair would always end up looking all crazy....
Because I could never get my ends to look right....
Because the middle of my head would dry days later than the rest of my hair....
Because the middle of my head would tangle into a million knots....
Because I could never really produce any type of decent style as the result of an airdry....
Because I never analyzed the airdrying process and how to perfect the results.
For the longest time, airdrying for me meant having to sport tangled unattractive hair until my next wash. Then came the day I realized that this was not the way to live. I knew in my heart of hearts that airdrying could mean healthier lengths. So I had to find a way. It was an absolute necessity!
Over the past few weeks, I've played out various scenarios in my mind of how I can create a decent result from air drying. Some of the scenarios I've tried have worked well. Some of the others were not as I had envisioned. I'll take you through my thought process. This may take a while so go grab a cup of hot cocoa and make yourself comfortable...
For me, the biggest obstacle to decent results was my inability to tame my ends during the drying process. My method of choice was as follows: After washing and conditioning, I would comb the hair back into a ponytail (while damp). Because of the fragile nature of the hair while wet, I used a (very) large tooth comb. I would then grab the loose ponytail and pull the hair up towards my crown and pin to the back of my head. Then I’d grab a satin or silk scarf and tie it around my head as a means on managing the new growth. After a few hours of drying, I would remove the scarf, take down the ponytail and use the cool blast setting to help dry the middle section of my hair.
This picture is when I airdry with one ponytail. Here I've pulled the hair up towards the front of my scalp and secured it with a bobby pin.
In this pic, I actaully parted my hair down the middle and created pigtails. This is one side, the other side of my hair looks exactly the same. Whenever I chose to airdry in pigtails, I pull the hair up towards the sides instead of straight up the middle. When I do it this way, the center of my hair seems to dry a little quicker. Once the hair is secure, I tie a silk scarf and go on my merry little way.
Both of these pics were taken while my hair was still damp.
This method has some obvious pluses and minuses:
Pluses:
+: My once wild and crazy new growth became as tame as a little lamb.
+: I spent much less time then I would have if I were to rollerset the hair.
+: The hair set in a relatively straight pattern. I didn’t have to flatten the big hair I normally experienced with a rollerset.
Minuses:
-Because I dried the middle section of my hair with a hair dryer, the sleekness I created with the satin scarf was compromised. In other words, the middle (and back section) would poof out depending on how moist it was when I loosen the ponytail.
-The large tooth comb I used did not allow for ample detangling power before tying it down. This meant that I still had to contend with viscous tangles later on in the process.
-I never used any direct heat tool once the hair was completely dry, in most cases, I would end up with straight hair in the front and sides and textured hair in the middle and back sections.
I have since modified my routine in order to increase effectiveness. What I’ve done as of late was to create two pigtails instead on one ponytail. With pigtails, I can detangle the two halves more easily in effectively. Once I’ve created the pigtails, I take the loose hair from one side and pin it to the other side of my head and vise versa. What I aim to do with this step is to have the loose hair pinned neatly to my head so that it has some structure in which to dry. It’s the structure that helps to create straighter hair.
I’ve also included a final step to my airdrying process that helps address the thick hair issue that I experienced in the middle and back of my hair. Caruso steam curlers. Please be warned that if you use the steam curlers on damp hair, you will only end up with damper hair. The hair shaft will continue to swell as the moisture is absorbed and you will experience frizz. If you chose to use any type of steam related curlers, YOU MUST WAIT UNTIL THE HAIR IS COMPLETELY DRY.
If steam curlers are not your thing, you can also choose some of these other setting options:
•Large flexi rods to create large curls or to bump the ends.
•Satin covered sponge rollers (again your hair must be 100% dry or frizz will happen).
•The low setting of your flat iron.
•Large Pocahontas pigtail braids.
•Bantu knots
•You can wrap your hair
•You can place your hair in a bun (before bunning, you want to thoroughly detangle and moisturize; otherwise, you may be causing more issues when your shed hairs and your tangles meet.)
My airdrying routine is still a work in progress but I am confident that I can tweak and adjust the routine to create the results I want. Those of you who have managed to put together a process that works, leave a comment and share!
My devious plan to kick up my hair growth this Winter
Next week will make two months since I've last relaxed. Right now I'm battling a ton of new growth. Its been said that hair grows fastest in the warmer months than at other times of the year. I've decided to keep charging towards my goal this fall/winter by taking purposeful actions to keep the growth a comin'.
Last year I suffered some major set backs with my hair. This year has been all about rejuvenating the health of my hair. Next year will be the year of beautiful hair!
So how am I gonna get there?
I've decided on three actions.
Winter for me means dry itchy scalp. My dandruff is unbearable. One of my chosen remedies for this issue is coconut oil. I read online about the anti fungal properties of this oil and decided to implement this new way of using coconut oil right away!
Not only does rubbing the oil on my scalp help curb my dandruff woes, I'm also subjecting myself to a soothing scalp stimulation at the same time. And we all know what scalp stimulation leads to boys and girls.....growth!
I especially focus on the front areas of my scalp because my of seborrheic dermatitis which can cause dryness and peeling around the hair line. I've massaged my scalp with the oil several times a week for the past several weeks and I already can tell the difference in the new growth and with the flaking.
My new job has me on the road for most of the week. Because of lack of structure, I fell off the vitamin wagon hard. When I worked at an office, I would pack healthy meals and salads for lunch. Now I'm on the road grabbing what I can or eating the decadent food from a nearby restaurant. I'm slowly adapting to life outside an office by pickup up some healthy foods and convenient snacks, but I was struggling to get back to the days when spinach was a staple for me.
I decided to take decisive action in the form of liquid vitamins. No longer will I have an excuse not to take my vitamins. Now I only need to take a capfull of the liquid nourishment once a day. At my previous job, I could pop my vitamins in the privacy of my office. Now many of my lunches take place in a group format. No one would believe that I could consume upwards of seven pills at a time simply for the sake of my overall health. With my liquid formula, I simply pour a little into my drink or I take a spoonful at breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I still consume some pills, but with the liquid vitamin, I can miss a day or two of taking the pill form of my vits, without feeling guilty all over. Not to mention the fact that supplements in liquid form are far more readily absorbable in the body than vitamin pills.
Last but not least, I've stepped back from my weekly rollersetting routine and shifted to more frequent washings and air drying. The reason for taking this action was two-fold. The main reason was because of my ever growing dread for the amount of time a full wash and set required. The other reason I am on a rollersetting hiatus is because I wanted to round out my growth increasing actions with more frequent washes. Its only logical to conclude that the more often I wash my hair, the more growth I could experience. More washing means more conditioning, more conditioning means more moisture, more moisture means less breakage. Along with the increased levels of moisture, my frequent washings also subject my hair to further instances of scalp stimulation as I rub in my
scalp treatments in with my finger tips.
Airdrying is not my method of choice for styling. I need to clarify that statement by saying that I once loathed airdrying. This new (and temporary) wash routine has forced me to come face to face with my enemy and find a reasonable compromise. We are not where we need to be but we've come a long way from our shaky beginnings. Airdrying, for me means less hair loss during the wash (because of the reduced level of manipulation) which is why I decided that I had to make peace with this styling method. The time I save by airdrying is also a huge plus for me which makes it possible for me to wash twice a week instead of weekly.
These shifts in my hair world are relatively minor but I am extremely confident in the outcomes arising from the changes. Its all about asking yourself if what you are doing now will get you to the results you want. For me, the answer was no so I decided to take action. Once I'm where I need to be, I'll once again shift and evolve with my hair.
Thanks for listening.
Last year I suffered some major set backs with my hair. This year has been all about rejuvenating the health of my hair. Next year will be the year of beautiful hair!
So how am I gonna get there?
I've decided on three actions.
Winter for me means dry itchy scalp. My dandruff is unbearable. One of my chosen remedies for this issue is coconut oil. I read online about the anti fungal properties of this oil and decided to implement this new way of using coconut oil right away!
Not only does rubbing the oil on my scalp help curb my dandruff woes, I'm also subjecting myself to a soothing scalp stimulation at the same time. And we all know what scalp stimulation leads to boys and girls.....growth!
I especially focus on the front areas of my scalp because my of seborrheic dermatitis which can cause dryness and peeling around the hair line. I've massaged my scalp with the oil several times a week for the past several weeks and I already can tell the difference in the new growth and with the flaking.
My new job has me on the road for most of the week. Because of lack of structure, I fell off the vitamin wagon hard. When I worked at an office, I would pack healthy meals and salads for lunch. Now I'm on the road grabbing what I can or eating the decadent food from a nearby restaurant. I'm slowly adapting to life outside an office by pickup up some healthy foods and convenient snacks, but I was struggling to get back to the days when spinach was a staple for me.
I decided to take decisive action in the form of liquid vitamins. No longer will I have an excuse not to take my vitamins. Now I only need to take a capfull of the liquid nourishment once a day. At my previous job, I could pop my vitamins in the privacy of my office. Now many of my lunches take place in a group format. No one would believe that I could consume upwards of seven pills at a time simply for the sake of my overall health. With my liquid formula, I simply pour a little into my drink or I take a spoonful at breakfast. Don't get me wrong, I still consume some pills, but with the liquid vitamin, I can miss a day or two of taking the pill form of my vits, without feeling guilty all over. Not to mention the fact that supplements in liquid form are far more readily absorbable in the body than vitamin pills.
Last but not least, I've stepped back from my weekly rollersetting routine and shifted to more frequent washings and air drying. The reason for taking this action was two-fold. The main reason was because of my ever growing dread for the amount of time a full wash and set required. The other reason I am on a rollersetting hiatus is because I wanted to round out my growth increasing actions with more frequent washes. Its only logical to conclude that the more often I wash my hair, the more growth I could experience. More washing means more conditioning, more conditioning means more moisture, more moisture means less breakage. Along with the increased levels of moisture, my frequent washings also subject my hair to further instances of scalp stimulation as I rub in my
scalp treatments in with my finger tips.
Airdrying is not my method of choice for styling. I need to clarify that statement by saying that I once loathed airdrying. This new (and temporary) wash routine has forced me to come face to face with my enemy and find a reasonable compromise. We are not where we need to be but we've come a long way from our shaky beginnings. Airdrying, for me means less hair loss during the wash (because of the reduced level of manipulation) which is why I decided that I had to make peace with this styling method. The time I save by airdrying is also a huge plus for me which makes it possible for me to wash twice a week instead of weekly.
These shifts in my hair world are relatively minor but I am extremely confident in the outcomes arising from the changes. Its all about asking yourself if what you are doing now will get you to the results you want. For me, the answer was no so I decided to take action. Once I'm where I need to be, I'll once again shift and evolve with my hair.
Thanks for listening.
Four Neato Ways to Incorporate Natural Oils into your Wash Routine
Picture perfect hair is the name of the game and plant oils are a critical factor in helping your hair reach its peak. Ever since I discovered natural oils such as jojoba, avocado, coconut, just to name a few, I've had a blast incorporating them into every facet of my hair routine. No matter how I decide to use these oils, I always get a fantastic result.
Here are some of my favorite ways of incorporating oils and the corresponding result of each method.
The Pre-poo!
The pre-poo is a staple in my hair routine. This method is a simple one of adding a moisturizing conditioner and oil onto dry hair before the hair is washed.
How-to tip for pre-poo:
Make sure that you take the time to section the hair properly so you can saturate the entire head of hair. Don't go using up your fancy $100 bottle of conditioner for this step, any old conditioner you got laying around will work fine.
How it benefits your hair:
This step adds much needed moisture to dry hair right off the bat. By pre-pooing, you avoid stripping natural oils from already dry hair. You're adding a layer of protection before harmful suds of a shampoo can strip your hair.
Another benefit of this step is the freedom of allowing conditioner/oil to treat the hair up to several hours before the actual wash. That's more time for the nourishing qualities of the oil to further penetrate the hair and work its magic.
Oil/Conditioner Mix!
When my hair is in need of a little umph, I mix a little oil with my deep conditioner. After the hair has been washed, I add a few drops of oil to the conditioner and run through my hair.
How-to tip for the Oil/Conditioner Mix:
Select the right oil for this step. Because you aren't shampooing it out (like with the pre-poo), you must gauge how heavy or light of an oil you want to use. Using a thick oil like castor oil, for instance, will give you a different result than if you use coconut oil. You also want to make sure that you use only enough oil to compliment the conditioner but not to overwhelm it. Make sure that you use more cream conditioner than oil in this step.
How your hair will benefit:
This step leaves your hair well conditioned but with a nice feel to it. You hair will feel as if it has an extra layer of protection. The oil will work to help seal in the moisturizing effects of the conditioner at the most opportune time, when the cuticle layer is open. It doesn't get any better my friends!
The HOT Oil Treatment!
This is a simple process which involves warming up an oil blend for use on the hair either just before or after the conditioner.
How-to tip for the Hot Oil Treatment:
Avoid using oil that is too hot. Please respect the fine line that exists between opening the cuticle layer using the right amount of heat and causing unintentional damage from searing your poor tresses with boiling hot oil.
How your hair will benefit:
This method is said to benefit hair which is extremely dry and damaged. The heat allows the oil to penetrate deep. The right kind of oil can help revive hair requiring a little more than a simple pre-poo.
The Oil Rinse!
The technique for the oil rinse is much like the oil/conditioner mix but instead of mixing your oil and conditioner, you are adding oil to the freshly washed hair after the conditioning step. So you wash, condition, then add a small amount of oil to the hair before rinsing the hair with warm water.
Oil Rinse How-to:
Just like the conditioner/oil mix, you should test this step out with various oils until you find the right one. Because you are not washing the oil completely out, you could possibly be left with oily (even weighed down) hair. On the other hand, if you plan on airdrying and need something a little extra to help combat dryness, this rinse may be just what you need.
How this will benefit your hair:
This process is said to have some amazing detangling properties. Not to mention the fact that you probably won't need to finish off your hair with oil in order to style it. As your hair dries, the oil will sink into the hair and help you create the perfect look. I also find that oil helps my hair dry a little straighter when airdrying.
With four separate ways to implement natural oils into your routine, you just can not go wrong. I probably would not use all four steps in one wash session. The most I would probably do is two at the most, the pre-poo and maybe one additional method if needed. You could even alternate methods each wash. Its whatever you fancy.
Remember to have fun finding the right combination for you and keep trying until you're are able to meet the needs of your hair.
Be Blessed!
Here are some of my favorite ways of incorporating oils and the corresponding result of each method.
The Pre-poo!
The pre-poo is a staple in my hair routine. This method is a simple one of adding a moisturizing conditioner and oil onto dry hair before the hair is washed.
How-to tip for pre-poo:
Make sure that you take the time to section the hair properly so you can saturate the entire head of hair. Don't go using up your fancy $100 bottle of conditioner for this step, any old conditioner you got laying around will work fine.
How it benefits your hair:
This step adds much needed moisture to dry hair right off the bat. By pre-pooing, you avoid stripping natural oils from already dry hair. You're adding a layer of protection before harmful suds of a shampoo can strip your hair.
Another benefit of this step is the freedom of allowing conditioner/oil to treat the hair up to several hours before the actual wash. That's more time for the nourishing qualities of the oil to further penetrate the hair and work its magic.
Oil/Conditioner Mix!
When my hair is in need of a little umph, I mix a little oil with my deep conditioner. After the hair has been washed, I add a few drops of oil to the conditioner and run through my hair.
How-to tip for the Oil/Conditioner Mix:
Select the right oil for this step. Because you aren't shampooing it out (like with the pre-poo), you must gauge how heavy or light of an oil you want to use. Using a thick oil like castor oil, for instance, will give you a different result than if you use coconut oil. You also want to make sure that you use only enough oil to compliment the conditioner but not to overwhelm it. Make sure that you use more cream conditioner than oil in this step.
How your hair will benefit:
This step leaves your hair well conditioned but with a nice feel to it. You hair will feel as if it has an extra layer of protection. The oil will work to help seal in the moisturizing effects of the conditioner at the most opportune time, when the cuticle layer is open. It doesn't get any better my friends!
The HOT Oil Treatment!
This is a simple process which involves warming up an oil blend for use on the hair either just before or after the conditioner.
How-to tip for the Hot Oil Treatment:
Avoid using oil that is too hot. Please respect the fine line that exists between opening the cuticle layer using the right amount of heat and causing unintentional damage from searing your poor tresses with boiling hot oil.
How your hair will benefit:
This method is said to benefit hair which is extremely dry and damaged. The heat allows the oil to penetrate deep. The right kind of oil can help revive hair requiring a little more than a simple pre-poo.
The Oil Rinse!
The technique for the oil rinse is much like the oil/conditioner mix but instead of mixing your oil and conditioner, you are adding oil to the freshly washed hair after the conditioning step. So you wash, condition, then add a small amount of oil to the hair before rinsing the hair with warm water.
Oil Rinse How-to:
Just like the conditioner/oil mix, you should test this step out with various oils until you find the right one. Because you are not washing the oil completely out, you could possibly be left with oily (even weighed down) hair. On the other hand, if you plan on airdrying and need something a little extra to help combat dryness, this rinse may be just what you need.
How this will benefit your hair:
This process is said to have some amazing detangling properties. Not to mention the fact that you probably won't need to finish off your hair with oil in order to style it. As your hair dries, the oil will sink into the hair and help you create the perfect look. I also find that oil helps my hair dry a little straighter when airdrying.
With four separate ways to implement natural oils into your routine, you just can not go wrong. I probably would not use all four steps in one wash session. The most I would probably do is two at the most, the pre-poo and maybe one additional method if needed. You could even alternate methods each wash. Its whatever you fancy.
Remember to have fun finding the right combination for you and keep trying until you're are able to meet the needs of your hair.
Be Blessed!
Come on everyone! Let's all do the upsweep!
I received such great feedback from my last post asking about the specific ways to do the upsweep. I'm happy to say that creating the upsweep is easier than you think. Creating the upsweep takes only minutes. You only need a couple of hair pins and you're on your way to creating a beautiful, no-hassle hair style.
I personally use the upsweep as sort of a "leftover" hairstyle. By leftover, I mean that I put my hair in an upsweep when a few days have passed since my last wash and I don't feel like bunning. Whenever I need to look stylish without putting in much effort, I go for the upsweep.
The reason why I call it the uspweep, is because the hair is not as structured as a prom hair or a bridal updo. The look is loose and casual. If every strand of hair is not perfectly in place, who cares!
So lets get started!
In my opinion, the finished product will look its best when the hair has some sort of curl pattern. How much curl does not matter. Loose curls, tight curls, it all depends on what you prefer.
You can use flexirods, satin-covered sponge rollers, steam curlers, pincurls, whatever.
If you want to be intentional in creating the finished look then you should use the right curling method in the beginning. For instance, if you want to create the look below, you might want to use flexirods for tighter curls before you sweep up the hair. Sometimes I might do a flexirod set, wear the hair loose for a day or two, then freshen up the look (when the curls no longer look as good) by creating an elegant upsweep.
For a look similar to Jessica Alba's you need to create looser, less defined curls. So I'd probably use larger curl creating tools like a Caruso steam setter or large satin sponge rollers.
When creating the upsweep, all you are doing is putting the hair in an updo that allows the curls to be on display. So you pull the hair up and secure the length with hair pins or a banana clip. Once you are done creating your upsweep, you are free to accessories as you please.
The most basic variation of this hairstyle is simply pulling the hair up and securing it in place. If you want to get a bit more purposeful, you can create a sidesweep with your bang or implement the use of a stylish head band. One of my favorite ways to doing this style involves creating a "hump" with the front section of my hair and securing the back. I never go wrong when I attempt this.
The look below is one that I sport regularly. Sometimes I don't even bother to create a curl before styling my hair like this.
I start by creating my bang (if I want one) the loosen up the hair just behind the bang to create the lift you see in the picture. I pull the rest of my hair up and pin it in place. What I don't do is leave the ends loose like you see in the second picture. I usually take the ends (the ones you see stick out), tuck them into the hair and pin them down.
Hair looks good, ends are protected!
Because the upsweep may require a little more manipulation than the simple bun, you want to keep a few things in mind.
*Use hair pins that go in and out of your hair easily without any chance of breakage. I always use these pins.
Another step I use to avoid breakage is finger styling. I rarely use a comb when creating the upsweep because I am not going for perfectly structured hair.
Whenever I am creating this style, I always rub a little coconut oil through my hands before manipulating. This step is crucial because the oil protects the hair and adds shine.
Like I said before, having some sort of curl in the hair helps with the overall look but if you are on a low manipulation hair diet, may I suggest pincurling the hair with your hands the night before as an alternative to curlers, rollers, and such. One thing you definitely want to do is avoid direct heat at all costs (do not even think about breaking out your curling iron for this style). Direct heat is so unnecessary because of the myriad of other ways you can curl your hair. If you want, you can create the style without the curl. It's up to you.
I tried to make a video but I'm technologically deficient and have no idea how to convert the video from my digital camera to a format I can post on this blog. In the mean time, I've linked a couple video tutorials to help provide a visual.
This is a one minute video demonstrating how to pin the hair into an updo.
In the next video, the style is a bit more intricate for those of you who are a little more adventurous.
Best of luck ladies!
Let's share a toast to Fabulous hair!
I personally use the upsweep as sort of a "leftover" hairstyle. By leftover, I mean that I put my hair in an upsweep when a few days have passed since my last wash and I don't feel like bunning. Whenever I need to look stylish without putting in much effort, I go for the upsweep.
The reason why I call it the uspweep, is because the hair is not as structured as a prom hair or a bridal updo. The look is loose and casual. If every strand of hair is not perfectly in place, who cares!
So lets get started!
In my opinion, the finished product will look its best when the hair has some sort of curl pattern. How much curl does not matter. Loose curls, tight curls, it all depends on what you prefer.
You can use flexirods, satin-covered sponge rollers, steam curlers, pincurls, whatever.
If you want to be intentional in creating the finished look then you should use the right curling method in the beginning. For instance, if you want to create the look below, you might want to use flexirods for tighter curls before you sweep up the hair. Sometimes I might do a flexirod set, wear the hair loose for a day or two, then freshen up the look (when the curls no longer look as good) by creating an elegant upsweep.
For a look similar to Jessica Alba's you need to create looser, less defined curls. So I'd probably use larger curl creating tools like a Caruso steam setter or large satin sponge rollers.
When creating the upsweep, all you are doing is putting the hair in an updo that allows the curls to be on display. So you pull the hair up and secure the length with hair pins or a banana clip. Once you are done creating your upsweep, you are free to accessories as you please.
The most basic variation of this hairstyle is simply pulling the hair up and securing it in place. If you want to get a bit more purposeful, you can create a sidesweep with your bang or implement the use of a stylish head band. One of my favorite ways to doing this style involves creating a "hump" with the front section of my hair and securing the back. I never go wrong when I attempt this.
The look below is one that I sport regularly. Sometimes I don't even bother to create a curl before styling my hair like this.
I start by creating my bang (if I want one) the loosen up the hair just behind the bang to create the lift you see in the picture. I pull the rest of my hair up and pin it in place. What I don't do is leave the ends loose like you see in the second picture. I usually take the ends (the ones you see stick out), tuck them into the hair and pin them down.
Hair looks good, ends are protected!
Because the upsweep may require a little more manipulation than the simple bun, you want to keep a few things in mind.
*Use hair pins that go in and out of your hair easily without any chance of breakage. I always use these pins.
Another step I use to avoid breakage is finger styling. I rarely use a comb when creating the upsweep because I am not going for perfectly structured hair.
Whenever I am creating this style, I always rub a little coconut oil through my hands before manipulating. This step is crucial because the oil protects the hair and adds shine.
Like I said before, having some sort of curl in the hair helps with the overall look but if you are on a low manipulation hair diet, may I suggest pincurling the hair with your hands the night before as an alternative to curlers, rollers, and such. One thing you definitely want to do is avoid direct heat at all costs (do not even think about breaking out your curling iron for this style). Direct heat is so unnecessary because of the myriad of other ways you can curl your hair. If you want, you can create the style without the curl. It's up to you.
I tried to make a video but I'm technologically deficient and have no idea how to convert the video from my digital camera to a format I can post on this blog. In the mean time, I've linked a couple video tutorials to help provide a visual.
This is a one minute video demonstrating how to pin the hair into an updo.
In the next video, the style is a bit more intricate for those of you who are a little more adventurous.
Best of luck ladies!
Let's share a toast to Fabulous hair!
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