Getting right for the new year



It's a new year, and many people have chosen to make new year resolutions such as; a better body, clothes, a better car, but what about better hair? You hair is a part of one's appearance, so why not make a resolution to have better hair? Here are a few tips to get you into gear.



1. Start off with a fresh trim

Dry and split ends can hinder the health of your hair. Getting rid of dry, split and ragged ends will not only make your hair look better, but it will rejuvenate the overall heath of your hair. It also makes detangling and styling easier.



2. Evaluate your beauty products.

Get rid of any hair products that contain the following; sulfates, parabens, petroleum oil, and mineral oil. Although some people claim that these products do not hurt the hair, they certainly don't help your hair! Getting rid of products such as these can save you from hair difficulties.



3. Invest in natural/organic and quality hair products.

Organic/Natural hair products can work wonders on the hair, this is natural/organic products focus upon nourishing the hair, not just styling it.

Quality products, such as professional salon brands are also help your hair become more manageable and achieve better results when styling your hair. Take the time and do some research to find out which products are best for you.

If you are on a budget, you can make your on home made products, there are many websites and books that contain recipes which can get you started.



4. Maintain the proper moisture and protein balance for your hair.

This takes practice and observation of your hair. Hair that does contain the proper balance can lead to breakage. Remember that hair that's too dry needs moisture, and hair that's too mushy, or easy to break needs moisture. Look for products that are specifically labeled "moisture" or "protein" to assist you in making and keeping this balance. Alternate between both moisture and protein is a good start.



5. Deep condition at least once a week.

This can make a world of difference in regards to hair health an style. Deep conditioning adds strength, suppleness, and overall beauty to the hair.



6. Take a multi vitamin.

Taking a multi vitamin will give your hair a much needed boost in the health of your hair. Taking a vitamin specifically for the growth and nourishment of your hair is recommended.

Review: Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner

 Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner



Desert Essence Coconut Conditioner is a rinse out conditioner that assists dry hair in retaining moisture.

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract*, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut Derived), Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Coco Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut Derived), Dehydroacetic Acid, Cetrimonium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate (Fruit Derived), Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum) * Certified Organic

 

Let me start out by saying that this conditioner is an absolute MUST in every one's hair care routine regardless of race or hair texture! This conditioner is rich, smooth, and it gets the job done! I have been purchasing organic hair products for a while, and other than a few exceptions, I have been deeply disappointed in the results that they gave me. I started to feel as if I could not achieve exceptional looking hair with organic products, but this conditioner has proven me wrong!

 

The consistency of this conditioner is thick and smooth, and it smells like real coconuts, light and airy, not like the cheap manufactured smell that is usually pumped into cosmetic products. After rinsing my hair with water, I parted my hair in the middle, and began to apply the conditioner from the ends, up to the roots . What an experience! As I finger combed it through, from the bottom up, it assisted me in detangling my hair. My hair was well moisturized and nourished. It was like I could feel the conditioner glide through my hair! This conditioner has amazing slip too ! I always let the conditioner sit in my hair while I wash up my body and face to let the conditioner set in, but with this conditioner I felt the moisture seep into my hair upon first applying it. As I rinsed it out, my hair felt; moist, soft, silky, and protected without feeling weighed down or leaving a waxy film behind. The biggest plus for me was that upon rinsing my hair, it felt as if I has just had a deep conditioning treatment. Rinse out conditioners have never given my hair that feeling, not even salon brands.

 

This product is great for when you was your hair and don't have the time to deep condition! This product is a must for those with dry, curly, or stressed hair. It's also great for cowashing to ensure moisturized, shiny, and well behaved hair. It's contains no silicons, sulfates, or parabens, and it's 100% vegan!  It can be difficult finding organic hair products that make your hair look and feel great, but when using this conditioner, I can rest assured that it takes care of my hair from the inside out!

 

Pros:

• Thick
• creamy consisitency
• does great with detangling
• leaves hair moisturized, soft and silky
• doesn't leave hair weighed down, waxy or filmy 
• works well with different hair types
•  wonderful smell
• 100% vegan
• reasonably priced at $7.99 (prices vary)

 

Cons: none (wish it came in a salon sized bottle, but that's not really a con).

 

Will I repurchase: Yes

 

Overall Grade: A +

The importance of sulfate free shampoo

Shampoo is obviously important to cleanse the scalp, but some shampoo's can be drying to the hair and scalp. When purchasing a shampoo, try to purchase one that does not contain Sulfates. This is because sulfate strip your hair of natural oils, causing the hair and scalp to dry out thus making frizzy and dry hair.

How do you know if your shampoo contains sulfates?

If it has any of these ingredients described on the back of the bottle; these are the main sulfates commonly seen in shampoo:

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
TEA Lauryl Sulfate

Your best bet is to buy a shampoo that clearly state that they contain: NO SULFATES
Not to worry, the hair care industry is listening to the demand for non sulfate shampoos.
Here are some to list a few:

IMPORTANT NOTE:  When choosing a shampoo, always try to get one the says "moisturizing" on it!

 

Organic Brand (my other favorite) :

Desert Essence Organics Coconut Shampoo

Drugstore Brand:

L'Oreal Everstrong Hydrating Shampoo

 Salon  Brand:

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo (one of my favorites)