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.

Preparing your hair for Winter

It's getting cold outside, you have your coat, hat, scarf, and gloves ready... What about your hair?
The cold winds and temperatures can effect the health of your hair. These simple practices can assist you in maintaining healthy beautiful hair.

1. Keep wool away from your hair.

Wool is great for keeping us warm, but it is HORRIBLE for the health of your hair. When your hair rubs against the wool, the friction can cause split ends, and even breakage. This means no wool hats of any kind.  If you must wear the peacoat, keep you hair pinned up, in a bun etc. Just make sure you hair is NEVER touching the wool.

2. Deep conditioning with every wash.

Deep conditioning is an absolute must whenever you shampoo you hair, especially in the winter. Our hair loses moisture and endures extreme weather conditions during the winter season, Deep conditioning gives hair the strength it needs to thrive. Always remember to use a moisturizing shampoo with every wash.

3. Cowashing
Shampoo can strip you hair of it's natural oils, making it dry. Harsh weather conditions can add to dryness, making it brittle. Cowashing (washing your hair with conditioner only) is especially important for those who wash their hair on an everyday basis. If you wash your hair more than once a week, cut down to shampooing to once a week, and cowash with every other wash. For tips on cowashing click here.

4. Add Oil to your hair routine

If you do not have oil in your hair routine, now is a great time to start! Adding oil to your hair routine not only give your hair great shine, but it also helps seal in moisture, detangle, and add much needed strength to your hair. If you need tips on adding oil to your hair click here. If you information on different oils and the benefits they offer, go here. When it comes to oils, I recommend; avocado oil, grape seed oil, and argan oil.

Note: During the colder months, it's probably best to steer away from leaving coconut oil in your hair without washing it out. This is because it tends to harden the hair of some people. If you choose to use coconut oil, use it as a hot oil treatment, or pre-poo ONLY.

5.  Keep your hair moisturized

It's important to never let your hair dry out, this will only lead to brittleness and breakage. This can be avoided by; deep conditioning, cowashing, moisturizing, and sealing. Its also best to apply a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair. Moisturizing and sealing is simply applying moisturizer in sections, and applying a thin layer of oil on top ( especially on the ends). For tips on moisturizing and sealing, click here and read steps 2 and 3.

6. Style your hair in a "protective" way.

We all like to wear our hair down and out, but doing it everyday during is not a great idea. Try wearing it in a braid, bun, or twists more often. This keeps moisture in, and dryness out!

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









Must Have: Sunchi No Slip Grip Evolution Hair Ties

Sunchi No Slip Grip Evolution Hair Ties

While looking for new hair ties, I stumbled upon these new hair ties called "Sunchi No Slip Grip Evolution Hair Ties". They have a plastic silicone-like feeling to them, which stops them from sapping the moisture out of my hair. I like they are smooth, and flexible. You do not have to wrap them around your hair numerous times in order to get a secure hold, and when secured properly, you don't get extra tangles around the the hair tie when taking them out. These also have ones with glitter for kids. The average price is $2.99 for a pack of 14 hair ties. These are a definite must have accessory!