Archive for the ‘Hair’ Category

Do You Know How to Check Your Hair Porosity?

Porosity is the measure of the hair’s ability to absorb moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair’s cuticle layer (the overlapping scales of the hair shaft), and is rated as low, normal, and high. A good analogy would be to consider your hair like a sponge. When the sponge is new it is very porous and absorbs water thus it has good porosity. On the other hand an old sponge where the tiny holes have been damaged does not absorb water as well as it used to.

The hair shaft is made up of cuticle layers which are actually overlapping scales. When the cuticle layer is tightly woven and compact it has low porosity as it inhibits moisture going in and going out.

Low porosity is resistant to hair coloring and perms and must be softened to open the cuticle layers prior to a treatment. The best remedies for low porosity hair are deep conditioning products and products rich in moisture and/or products that contain humectants which will attract moisture.

High porosity on the other hand has an open cuticle layers and absorbs moisture and color treatments more easily. However overly porous hair releases moisture and becomes dry and dull. The best products for high porosity are moisturizes containing natural plant based oils, and mildly acidic rinse. Additionally one should avoid sulfate-based surfactants.

Normal porosity is somewhere in the middle. This texture requires the least amount of maintenance, as it will allow moisture to pass in the hair shaft as needed. Additionally a high porosity will hold a hairstyle and allow chemical processes in the expected manner. However, note that repeated chemical processes can change the porosity by damaging the cuticle layer.

Below are a few tests you can do to figure out your hair’s porosity and help you select the right products.

Test 1: When washing your hair notice how long it takes for your hair to become saturated and fully wet. Hair that wets easily is porous, much like a new sponge. There is also a possibility that you hair could be covered with to many hair care products such as oils and conditioners. Additionally consider how long it takes your hair to dry, hair that dries quickly is porous as the cuticle layers are open and allow air flow.

Test 2: Wash and condition your hair as normal. Towel dry (do not add any other products). Gather one strand of hair and run your index finger and thumb along the shaft starting from the end of the hair strand to the root. Low porosity will feel slick, normal porosity will feel smooth, and high porosity you will feel catches as you move your fingers down the shaft.

Test 3: Take a few strands of hair (from comb or hair brush) and place in a bowl of water. If the hair sinks to the bottom of the bowl in less than a minute or two, it is porous. If only a part of the strand sinks your hair is porous in certain areas and this is quite common.

I hoped this article helped you to understand hair porosity and bring you that much closer to selecting the right hair products for your hair.

Causes of Dry Hair and How to Fix It

There are countless of reasons why people suffer from too much dryness and dullness in their mane. But then, the good thing about it is, there are also a heap of solutions to address such problem. So, do not be distressed if you happen to be suffering from the same hair maladies. Just make it a point that you know the various causes of dry hair and how to fix it by doing your share of the homework and researching. Or better yet, you may just simply consider the following information on how to remedy hair dryness in no time:

1. Feed Your Hair With The Moisture They Need
The sudden change in the weather condition is actually one of the most often causes of dry hair and how to fix it should be your utmost concern. Oftentimes when the air is cold or perhaps it is very hot, people with sensitive hairs quickly succumb into hair dryness. The minute dryness and dullness strike, take heed of the useful tips on moisturizing your mane. You may actually start by drinking more glasses of water, applying leave-on moisturizers, keeping away from the harmful UV rays of the sun; or perhaps opting for some home remedies to cure dry hair such as applying mayonnaise to the scalp and strands; or egg and beer to feed the scalp with lots of protein.

2. Cease Use Of Hair Products With Harsh Ingredients
Really, it is important to always check the ingredients of the shampoo you are using. In that way, you are actually avoiding putting your mane at risk. Opt for the ones that are hypoallergenic to avoid getting dandruffs due to harsh ingredients in shampoos and conditioners. Likewise, do not over shampoo your hair or it might just do more damage than good. After all; excessive use of shampoo is one of the most popular causes of dry hair and split-ends. This may be attributed to the fact that with too much shampooing, the hair is robbed of its natural oils. What you can do is find the natural or herbal shampoo that will work for you best.

3. Stop Ruthless Brushing Or Combing
Maybe you are brushing or combing your hair inconsiderately? These may be the causes of dry hair and how to fix it, you will need to treat your mane as if they have feelings. After all; hair gets hurt, too, with your ruthless brushing and combing; hence, the dryness and split-ends. To avoid hair dryness caused by excessively brushing or by using the wrong type of comb or brush, make sure you know what types of brush or comb you need.

First, find a brush that is boar bristled. Or better yet, a comb that is wide-toothed to ensure that you are not brush or combing your hair insensitively. Also, look for the brush or comb whose bristles are not made from plastic or metal to once and for all put a stop to the pulling and tearing in your mane.

If you still can’t find the techniques about knowing the causes of dry hair and how to fix it, then look further. All you have to do is read on what are the causes of dry hair and how to fix it!

The Best Kept Secret To African American Hair Growth – Your Scalp

Your scalp is a very import part of your hair growth regime, though it is often the most overlooked. Growth oils can be a wonderful component to your scalp regime. You just need to know what to use, how to use them and when to use them.

What to look for in an scalp oil.

If you suffer from a dry scalp, you want an oil that will lubricate your scalp. Coconut oil is wonderful for this, it’s properties will help sooth and moisturize dry patches and alleviate itching.

If hair growth is what you are after, you can must pay attention to your scalp first.

Rosemary essential oil, is a powerhouse for hair growth. it opens up the hair follicles thus allowing the hair shaft to move freely through the pores at an accelerated rate. Be forewarned rosemary alone can be very harsh on the scalp so I would suggest mixing it with lavender oil to help sooth the scalp during application. Equal amounts of rosemary approximately 10 drops with 10 drops of lavender oil, twice a weeks is sufficient enough to see significant growth results over a months time.

Anther way to accelerate hair growth rate via scalp routines is scalp exfoliation. Exfoliating your scalp of dead skin cells, the same way you exfoliate your face or body from dead skin cell is a miraculous way to accelerate growth. This also allows your hair follicle to move much more freely through your pores at an accelerate rate. Also any oils you do apply can penetrate much more deeply and have a much more beneficial effect. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive brushes, that do more damage than good, or expensive potions that will promise you all kinds of results. All you need is right in your kitchen cabinet!

Here is a perfect recipe for exfoliating your scalp, do this once a week:
2 teaspoons of coarse brown sugar
2 teaspoons of Moisturizing conditioner

Mix together lightly and apply to dry scalp, then rinse thoroughly.

This formula will lift all the dead skin, dirt and debris from your scalp and when done on a weekly basis, will accelerate your hair growth!

Anther secret to growing your hair utilizing your scalp is scalp massages! Yes, this is a huge way to accelerate growth. Scalp massages bring blood and nutriment to the surface of the scalp thus feeding the hair follicles what they need to grow healthy hair. There are devices and specific techniques that you can perform, but the most economical way is manual massages. Just use the balls of your fingers and in circular motions start at the nape of your neck and work your way to the crown of your head.

But for truly fast hair growth you need a system, one that incorporates what you put inside your body, what you do to your scalp and how and what you put and do to your hair. That is where the real secret lies.

How to Make Your Hair Shine

You have probably heard of this millions of times, “Your hair is your crowning glory.” It’s true. No matter how good your face looks, if your hair is a mess then you will never be truly beautiful. Hair plays a big factor in your over-all look.

Hair has become so important that there are so many beauty salons catering to the needs of women. A wide variety of products can now be bought in the market. From ordinary shampoos to specialized hair products, you can easily buy in any department stores.

These are simple must-haves every woman should have.

1. Shampoo. Sounds simple but can turn complicated with all the products out in the market first thing you need to do is to know what type of scalp you have. Is it oily, dry or normal? Be critical about your hair and buy a shampoo that will suit your scalp.

2. Blow dryer. Nobody needs to see how you look outside the shower. Set your dryer to cool air and dry your hair. A good drying can add volume and body to your hair.

3. Brush or comb? Get both. You need to use a wide tooth comb to get the tangles out of your hair. Wet hair is very brittle and it can easily break if you use a brush. Find a brush that will suit your hair. If you have the budget you can buy several types to help you style your hair.

4. Styling or curling iron. Whether you have straight or curly hair, you will always want to mix it up. Gone are the days when women use clothing iron to straighten their hair. Ceramic hair irons are now available and won’t damage your hair. There are irons that can straighten or curl your hair.

5. Conditioner. Buy a conditioner that suits your hair type. If your hair is long and shiny then go for a normal conditioner. If you have limp hair then go for a conditioner that adds volume.

Tips on How to Get the Perfect Hair:

– Have a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. Having healthy hair from roots to tips can really make your hair shine.

– Only let a professional touch your hair. Don’t dye your hair by yourself or at home. There are products that only professionals can handle.

– Shampoo your hair only when it gets dirty. In tropical countries women usually shampoo everyday due to the oil in the hair. It’s perfectly alright to shampoo daily if you feel the need.

– Use hair products with sunscreen. The suns rays is harmful not only to your skin but also to your hair.

Getting a Cut that Suits your Face Shape

Get a haircut that would suit your face. If you have a square face then go for layers starting at your chin. If you have an oval-shaped face then your one lucky woman! You can rock any hairstyle. A long shaped face should avoid long tresses as it can add more length to the face. A heart-shaped face can rock soft layers or short bob. Round shaped women can go for short hairstyles to accentuate your face shape.

Confidence!

Just remember to be confident in rocking your hair. The key to looking good is feeling good. Be proud of yourself and carry yourself with confidence. Look good from head to toe.

What Is KPL Hair Removal?

If you have ever complained about having to shave your legs every day or the annoyance of underarm hairs that seem to always escape your best shaver, you are ready for KPL hair removal treatment. If you have heard of this before but aren’t sure exactly what it is, this guide will help you get acquainted. If you have never heard of it at all, you are about to learn something refreshingly new.

KPL hair removal is a process that uses light therapy to permanently damage hair follicles in various parts of the body. The light is delivered through a special wand which sprays a variety of wavelengths over the skin after a cooling gel is applied. The light translates into intense heat on your body which damages the hair follicles so the hair cannot continue growing back.

This means you get permanent hair removal! You won’t have to worry about shaving your legs every morning. You won’t have to worry about the growth of hair under the arms which could cause odors and embarrassment. KPL hair removal treatments can be used on other parts of the body as well, including the arms.

Fast, Safe, Painless

These are the three biggest benefits to using KPL hair removal treatments. You can get the procedure done rather quickly so it doesn’t take up a lot of your time. Once it is done, imagine how much time you will save every single day. If you are a daily shaver, you will cut lots of time out of your morning grooming routine.

KPL hair removal treatments are also incredibly safe. As long as you have the procedure performed by someone with the proper training and experience to do it right, you won’t have to worry about your skin getting burned or other damage being caused to your skin. Make sure you are consulting with a professional with the right training and you will find KPL hair removal to be extremely safe during application and afterward.

Finally, you won’t experience a lot of pain while getting your KPL hair removal treatments. Forget about the pain of plucking and taking that epilator to your sensitive skin. When you get this type of hair removal treatment you go through a virtually painless procedure and never have to worry about hair growing back again.

Finding a Provider

The most difficult part of the procedure is finding a qualified provider in your local area. You don’t want to trust someone who is brand new to the community or to the procedure. You don’t want someone who hasn’t had any real training in giving KPL hair removal treatments. Finally, you don’t want someone who uses outdated equipment as it will be more likely to burn and damage the skin.

The best thing you can do is take some time to look around online to see what providers are in service in your area. Look for someone who gives a lot of detailed information about the procedure on their website because they are more likely to have the knowledge needed to do the procedure quickly and safely. You are also looking for someone who talks about the equipment they use on their website, especially if it is the top of the line equipment proven to be safer.

What About The Shampoo?

Hair care is serious business. Each year, consumers all around the world spend millions of dollars on hair care and styling products, and more of these products are appearing on store shelves all the time. And because the majority of these products all claim to be “the best”, it can sometimes be difficult to sift through the available options. Shampoo is a particularly crowded segment of the market, with dozens, if not hundreds of different brands and formulas. However, not all shampoos are created equal and if one wants the best available option, selecting a quality salon shampoo is highly recommended.

Sulfates are the primary cleansing agents used in the manufacturing of most shampoos, with ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium laurel sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate being the three most common. Each of these chemicals is capable of cleaning dirt and oil from the hair, although they offer varying degrees of harshness when doing so. Shampoos that contain ammonium laurel sulfate tend to be the most gentle, while sodium laureth sulfate is the most damaging. By reading the ingredients label, it is fairly easy to find out how harsh of a shampoo you are choosing.

A quality salon shampoo will almost always use ammonium laurel sulfate, if it uses sulfates at all. This is because salon products are generally designed to be as gentle as possible, so as not to leave the hair dry, brittle, and lifeless. There are also many sulfate-free shampoos available, and these are often highly recommended by professional stylists. However, as there are plenty of examples of shampoos that use gentle sulfate cleansers, or no sulfates at all, and can be purchased through a local drugstore or supermarket, the question remains “Why buy from a salon?”

Believe it or not, a bottle of salon shampoo will almost always last longer than will a typical bottle of drugstore shampoo. As a general rule, the formulas that are utilized by most salon-grade shampoos are significantly more concentrated than are store-bought varieties. This, of course, means that one will need to use less product for each washing, and as such the bottle will stretch further. So while a bottle of salon formula may cost more money at the point of sale, in the long run, the difference in price is not usually as large as it might at first appear to be.

Another advantage that salon brands have over most supermarket shampoos has to do with the build-up of residue. Store brands tend to use chemicals that over time can slow accumulate, leaving the hair dull and much harder to style. By comparison, the formulas used by top salon brands are specifically designed to avoid these residue issues. In fact, this is one of the most commonly cited reasons that salon brands are recommended over the less expensive drug and grocery store brands. They are much better for use on a daily basis due to their gentle cleaning characteristics and high-quality ingredients; and of course, the end result of this is a healthy, shiny head of hair.

Defining a Hair Growth System for You

Most of us as women strive to have a head of hair that will turn heads. We may even envy those that do have shiny, long, bouncy luscious hair that you may think can only be brought about in the form of weaves, extensions and wigs. But today, even though the “quick fix” is very popular, it is also not necessary.
In order to achieve the kind of hair we want, the kind that we think can only be bought we need to put a good time tested easy system in place. Just like a weight loss system or a money management system, you need to have one for your hair growth as well.

So where do you start?

First, define your hair type, is it oily, dry or both? Does it get drier in one particular season than another? Defining what you have to work with is utterly important, you can’t get to where your going unless you know where to start.

Secondly, you want to have a clear idea about what you want to achieve, if it’s hair growth, are you looking for fast results? or do you just want the healthiest hair of your life, never have a bad hair day. Defining what you want points you in the direction of the correct system for you!

Next, you want to establish how much time and effort you are willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your goals. Are you willing to utilize 5 minuets a day? 30 minuets a week? Time is precious to all of us, so have a clear idea of how much of it you are willing to invest in order to gain the rewards of hair growth.

Money. how much are you willing to invest into your efforts? Even if it is only 5 dollars a month, it is still an investment, so budget wisely and consider how much you are willing to invest on yourself.

The most important part when considering a new endeavor, a new system, is information. How to get and where to get it. Of course the Internet is a vehicle, but be cautious, of information on hair growth systems that are out dated or dare I say just plain ineffective. Rely on sources that have credibility, utilize common sense, and never payout hundreds of dollars for information that can be had for a fraction of the cost. Beware, of miracle potions and devices that promise the world.

All you need to grow your hair out super fast in this day and age a simple time tested system that you are willing to work on a consistent, continuous basis.

Reverse The Graying Of Your Hair Naturally

Gray hair is a sign of aging and is inevitable, sooner or later every person has to watch his hair losing its original color, but sometimes people who are in their thirties face the problems of gray hair. The problem is called premature graying of hair which can be caused by many factors, such as the lack of nutrients, inadequate diet, genes and excessive exposure to dust and heat. It is a common problem faced by many people around the world. From various shampoos and hair dyes to home remedies, people have tried it all to combat gray hair and that, too, without noticing any significant change in the color of their hair.

To hide their gray hair, most people turn to various hair dyes available in the market. Hair dye is an impermanent solution and starts fading with every wash. The effects of hair color varies from person to person and has to be applied as per the need of an individual. The process has to be repeated time after time, so you have to visit the salons even more to keep your hair younger looking. If you have opted for dyeing your hair even once, you must be well aware that each visit to the salon is a big expense to your pocket. Imagine the money it will cost you to get your hair dyed over the years.

It is not just the cost, there are some other disadvantages of hair dyes. Waking up to get an appointment and spending many hours at the salon is very time consuming and expensive. No matter how trendy or lustrous your hair looks in the beginning, the chemicals in the hair dyes will damage your hair eventually. You obviously don’t want that to happen, so you should opt for a much better means that not only helps you combat gray hair, but also makes it lustrous and healthy. A permanent solution that doesn’t hide the gray hair, but brings back its natural color. There are a few companies that offer vitamin pills to provide you relief from the distress caused by gray hair.

These vitamin pills, a remedy to reverse the graying of hair, are made of herbal extracts and concentrated Catalase enzyme that has been proven to be effective in combating gray hair. All you have to do is take the vitamin pills daily for six to eight weeks and witness the results yourselves. Taking two vitamin pills for over several months doesn’t take up a lot of your time. You don’t have to wait for six months for the results to show up, you can notice a significant reduction in the grayness of your hair within two months. If taken regularly, these pills will help in preventing and reversing the grays along with restoring shine and thicker hair texture.

To retain the original color of your hair, you should try these pills that come with various money savings and full refund offers. To find the pills that bring back the natural color of your hair, you should begin your search online. You will find a few companies that offer the pills that have been tested and proven to reverse the graying of hair. You can place an order online and have them shipped directly to your home.

If you are wondering how to stop gray hair, you can search the Internet and find companies that offer pills to reverse gray hair.

Aloe Vera For Healthy, Black Hair

Aloe vera is a plant that produces gel and latex and has proven to strengthen Black hair. The gel is used in a variety of beauty products and it is also applied topically to the skin for conditions such as sunburn and psoriasis. Many people use this gel as a hair moisturizer. Black women in particular find that using the gel from this plant is a natural way to moisturize their hair. Numerous aloe vera products exist on the market today as more and more individuals are turning to natural skin and hair care preparations.

Many natural black hair products contain the gel from this wonder plant, which is also called Lily of the Desert. Since black hair is naturally dry, many African American women look for preparations that contain moisturizers such as aloe vera. Many women report that using this natural substance makes their hair softer, shinier, and easier to manage.

Aloe vera juice is another popular substance that comes from this healing plant. Many women pour the juice over their hair after shampooing and conditioning. Experts advise women who purchase this plant juice to look for preparations that contain at least 99% pure aloe. However, it is important to read the ingredients any time you are purchasing beauty items, especially when you are looking for natural black hair products.

Once you start reading labels, you’ll notice that there are a plethora of beauty products on the market that contain this substance in one form or another. However, for best results, you want to look for natural products that contain pure aloe with few additional ingredients. In order to benefit from the moisturizing properties of the plant, it is important to purchase quality merchandise.

Many black women who use hair gel prefer to use the gel from this plant simply because it is a natural product. Not only does it provide the moisture they need, but it is free from harmful chemicals. In addition, many women find that the same natural products they use on their hair can also be used on their skin.

Women who are searching for products for healthy, black hair love the fact that they can use aloe vera as a leave-in conditioner. Interestingly enough, this substance is so healthy that it has been called the “plant of immortality.” In fact, juice from this plant is also promoted as a hair growth solution. Women who are looking for soft, manageable hair cannot go wrong when choosing products that contain the juice or gel from this plant.

Brazilian Hair Straightening

If you are the not-so-proud owner of a wavy or curly mane, chances are you have tried absolutely every product under the sun (that you can afford!) in order to turn your tangled tresses into sleek and goddess-like locks. It can be incredibly frustrating and often even depressing to think we must live a life with hair we cannot manage and spend hours upon hours trawling through magazines wishing we had the hair we see on the glossy pages. Well now, we can!

The innovative Brazilian hair straightening treatment boasts to provide even women with a lion-like mane, smooth, sleek and gorgeously shiny hair in just a few hours. If you have previously invested in other forms of straightening treatments, it is likely that you are somewhat sceptical but as many women who have tried this treatment before; it could literally (even if this is somewhat ‘dramatic’) change your life.

The process itself is an eye-watering three-day process, but never fear, you are not required to stay in the salon for the full 72 hours! However, before you jump into the stylist’s chair, it is important that before you hand over your cash to your chosen salon, that the stylist in question has described each stage of the process fully to you. Never agree to pay or have a treatment which you do not fully understand the fundamentals of.

The first stage of the process involves washing the hair with a clarifying shampoo. This helps to remove any residue from your hair and scalp and also opens up the pores, allowing the treatment to go from root to tip. Next your hair is dried. Once dry, your stylist will apply the innovative protein-rich Keratin treatment. Every single strand of hair is completely covered in the mixture to ensure that it is nourished and left soft, straight and shiny following the end of the treatment. Once the hair has been completely covered, it will be sealed with a hot straightening iron which may leave you with a shiny yet somewhat wet-dog look!

The next stage of the treatment proves for some women, is by far the hardest and most time-consuming. Following your trip to the salon, you will be instructed to not style your hair in anyway, put it in a pony tail or apply any products. You may also be advised to refrain from tucking your hair behind your ears in order to eliminate any kinks. Next there is the real kicker- you are not permitted to wash your hair for 4 days. For some women, the idea of not washing their hair for 1 day, let alone 4, causes panic but in regards to the Brazilian hair straightening treatment, it is a necessity. It is not just washing your hair you are not allowed to do, but in short, you are not allowed to get any moisture on your hair meaning that should you live in an area renowned for its rainfall, it’s time to invest in an umbrella!

As the days wear on, this can be torture for some women as their hair will appear to look greasy and in short, uncared for. However, once the 4 day period is up, all that emotional pain will be worth it. Once this time has passed, you will be permitted to wash your hair, although again, it is advisable to refrain from using any products and dry your hair with a blow drier. Whereas your hair originally would take hours to get poker straight, you will find it is tangle-free and glossy in just 10 minutes (depending on the length of your hair).

Now, for some women, waiting three days for poker straight hair may seem a little excessive but for others, it is like waiting three years for the main of their dreams, only to find that he is sitting, waiting in their favourite salon. Not only does this treatment help to re-nourish and hydrate even the most damaged of hair, it will help save you tears, tantrums and time when it comes to styling your hair on a daily basis. So, the big question is: does this sound like the treatment you’ve been searching for? Try it for yourself and find out!