The Importance of a Reconstructor

Many of us, especially those who chemically treat their hair with relaxer, color, and heat have had to deal with one of the scariest words in the hair care vocabulary; DAMAGE! Damaged hair can show itself in many ways; breaking hair, brittle, shedding, and split ends. If this sounds like your hair, listen up! Here is the road to recovery..

If you know your hair is damaged, it's best to use a reconstructor.

What is a Recontructor?
A reconstructor is a product that helps repair and bring the hair to a better state of health.

Who needs a Reconstructor?
Women who relax, color, or use direct heat on their hair use this method to deter the chance of hair damage. Reconstructors strengthen the hair, this is why they are so important for those who constantly manipulate their hair. Those whose hair is not chemically processed, but manipulate their hair everyday, with brushes, combs can benefit from a light reconstuctor.

How often do you use a Reconstructor?
This depends on how damaged your hair is.

*If your hair is extremely damaged (such as hair breaking off to the touch, mass amounts of hair in your comb or brush, hair that looks like straw); once a week.

*For moderately damaged hair, apply reconstructor once every 2 weeks.

* Slightly damaged hair, once a month, or every 2 weeks.

Note:
*If you are using heat more then once a week, relaxed or natural, you should probably use reconstructor.

* Those who are not relaxed, but manipulate their hair on a regular basis (brushing, combing, using heat) could use a reconstructor about every six weeks.

IMPORTANT: After using and washing out the reconstuctor, you MUST deep condition immediately with a moisturizing deep conditioner.

Here are some examples of some good reconstructors from:



Nexxus Emergencee Polymeric Reconstructor

(Heavy)

Best for hair that is:

*extremely damaged

*color treated

* heat damaged

* over processed

* severely breaking

*severely shedding

*extremely brittle

*relaxed



Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor

(Moderate)

Best for hair that is:

* moderately damaged

* exposed to regular heat

* relaxed



* color treated

* breaking and/or shedding

*dry





Rusk Calm Guarana & Ginger 60 Second Hair Revive

(Light)

Best for hair that is:

* normal

* manipulated everyday by brushes and combs

* hair that feels "rough" to the touch

*dry

*brittle

*natural









Oils and how they can benefit your hair



Oils and have a long history in regards to hair health. Oils have been used to enhance the beauty of hair for centuries all over the world! Many people consider oil to be a natural remedy for hair in despair. Every hair type can benefit from using oil, you simply have to find the right one for you. Here's a quick overview on the oils that I prefer based on my experience, your hair might like them as well.

Coconut Oil

Women in Fiji and India have used coconut oil in their hair for hundreds of years. This because coconut oil assists in giving hair density and shine. This oil can be added to conditioner for deep treatment for damaged hair. The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. Reducing protein loss helps prevent split ends, and hair breakage. Adding coconut oil to conditioner, and sealing your ends with it can make an overall difference in the health of your hair. This oil can be heavy, it's best for thick hair. If you choose to leave it in your hair, use it sparingly to avoid greasy hair.

If you are unfamiliar with sealing your ends check tip #3 in the post Back to school Basics of hair care



Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed Oil is great for fine hair. It contains omega fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish the hair. Because of it is a lighter oil, it doesn't weight the hair down, or make it too greasy. This oil can be used on all hair types whether your hair is; thick, thin, dry or oily. It leaves the hair super shiny and strong, prevents dry and/or brittle hair. 

Avocado Oil

This oil happens to be my new favorite, it's packed with vitamins; A, D, B6 and E. It also has protein and amino acids which assists in strengthening the hair. This oil also contains Folic acid which is necessary for healthy hair growth. It's said to work as a natural sunscreen for the hair by protecting it from the suns rays. Avocado Oil nourishes dry and damaged hair, which is great for those who have chemically processed and/or color treated hair.



Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is the lightest oil out of all of the oils that I have tried. It's the closest to the natural oil we already contain in our skin. It's odorless and  non-greasy, great for those with thin or fine hair. Many hair products contain jojoba oil because it works well on the scalp by preventing and treating dry and brittle hair. It's also known for treating dandruff and psoriasis. In my experience, it's a great oil to use on freshly washed hair because it's so light.

Whether your hair is curly or straight, oil can bring new life to your hair. Each of these oils listed nourish and protect your hair. Remember that it's best to apply leave in conditioner and/or moisturizer to your hair before applying oil, this ensures that your hair is moisturized, sealed, and protected from damage. The oils in which I have mentioned can be purchased at your local grocery store or health food store. When purchasing an oil, it's best to buy one that is 100% pure, to make sure your hair is getting all the benefits that the oil has to offer.