Sunday, June 29, 2008

Make Your Thinning Hair Look Thicker: Four Tips From My Hairdresser To Improve Bad Hair Days

Thinning hair can be very frustrating. Men find it upsetting enough. But for women it's a disaster. After all, while most men would prefer a full head of hair, they CAN just shave it off. It's seen as manly, and, in fact, a bald head can indeed look very sexy - on a man.

That's not the case for women. I feel quite safe in generalizing here that most women would not feel comfortable just shaving it all off. That's a tough decision even for women who are going through chemotherapy, even though it seems the cool thing to do - to a point. But it's pretty much unacceptable for women otherwise. Remember the press Britney Spears received when she shaved it all off!

So what to do? In another article, I suggested a few tricks I have found useful myself. Since that article has proven to be my all-time most popular ezine article to date, here's now another one on the subject, with additional tips. And to get maximum value, I decided to ask my hair dresser John for advice. In addition to some of the tips I already wrote about last time (hair color and thickening shampoo in particular), he made the following suggestions:

1. Use mousse

It will make your hair appear thicker. Experiment with different brands until you find the one that works best for you.

2. Blow-dry your hair upside down

Bend over and start with drying the hair underneath first for maximum body.

Caution:

Be gentle when you blow-dry. Don't overuse this technique. And don't use too much heat. Elsewhere I've read that air-drying is much easier on your hair, and will help you hang on to it longer. So you may want to consider saving the turbo blow-dry for special occasions.

3. Consider getting a perm

I asked John whether perms were safe for thinning hair, and he said, that yes, absolutely, they were perfectly safe and would really help. I was a bit concerned about the harsh chemicals, but he said that there are milder perms out there these days, and, well, there's an actual perm literally designed for the purpose of making your hair look like there's more of it than you actually have: The body perm!

My personal note on this one: Keep careful track of the effect that perms have on your hair. If you find no ill effects, enjoy. If perms seem to cause further thinning, minimize the number of perms you get or at least insist on the most natural and mildest perm you can find.

4. Get the right kind of haircut

Avoid dos that are too long, especially if your hair is straight. The weight will drag it down and make it look even less full. A chin-length bob, especially if it's layered, will allow your hair to fluff up to its full potential.

On the other hand, be sure to avoid having your hair cut too short, especially on top. It can make thinning hair look even thinner.

By: Elisabeth Kuhn | http://www.growbackhair.info/ |

What’s In Your Shampoo? Hair Health, And Hair Loss Prevention Using Natural Products

We do our shopping and purchase our hair care products and assume we are doing the right things for hair health. Through promotion and marketing we are led to believe that some of the products available today are things we just can’t do without. But is that really true?

To find the answer you must first look at the structure of hair. Below the skin is the hair follicle, the sebaceous gland and blood vessels. The hair itself is made up of protein. When you brush your hair it causes the sebaceous gland to produce sebum. This oily substance coats and protects the hair from the elements. It also stimulates the blood vessels to provide the nourishment your hair needs. Brushing your hair and or massaging the scalp are beneficial to hair health.

With commercial products, most shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals and synthetic products. In shampoos, that means it can over clean your hair and strip it of its precious oils. Now you need to condition it to replace the oils. It can harm the scalp and hair follicles. It is the same with laundry detergents. They are loaded with fillers and less actual soap so that they can sell you more detergent. It’s a money making strategy that has worked so they will continue to do so.

Now if you are like most people, you’ve read the labels but don’t have a clue as to what the ingredients really are and what their function is. Here it is in layman’s terms:

1) Distereate and propylene glycol or glycol are petroleum based (crude oil). They are very cheap which is why they are widely used in the cosmetic industry.

2) Isopropyl alcohol is another very cheap solvent.

3) Propylparaben or Methylparen are preservatives that are synthetic. The human body typically does not understand synthetic, it understands organic.

4) Cetearyl alcohol is an emulsifier and it can be natural or synthetic. Synthetic is often used because it’s cheaper and easier to produce.

These petrochemicals are absorbed through the skin, then down through the organs and tissues. Many believe that long term exposure to these toxins can cause permanent damage anywhere in the body, and yet, governments have sided with big industry to not require them to disclose what these products contain or what they really are. Instead we have big fancy names you can hardly pronounce let alone understand.

The solution? It’s not as hard as you think. It’s as close as you health food store or even your own fridge. Here are some tips:

1) Buy a natural liquid soap from the health food store. Also purchase some essential oils such as lavender (for all hair types), rosemary, clary sage, cedar wood, birch and peppermint (for hair loss) bergamot, rosewood, eucalyptus etc. Also purchase natural oils such as olive, jojoba, or avocado. Here’s what to do; in a clean spray bottle, pour in about ½ a cup of distilled or spring water. Add 1 cup of liquid soap. Then take 2 tsp of your vegetable oil and add 10 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oils. It can be just one or several combined oils. Shake gently. There you have it. Simple as that! (Essential oils always need to be in a vegetable oil base because of its concentration). You should not need a cream rinse after that because oils will be replaced.

2) If you need deep conditioning, try saturating your hair in mayonnaise or warmed olive oil. Wrap tightly and cover with a shower cap and let rest on the hair for approximately 20 minutes, then rinse out. You can also take 2 egg yolks and whisk them until frothy, then add some warm water. Pour over hair and leave on for 2 minutes then rinse well.

3) It’s a good idea to do a final rinse on your hair with something acidic such as cider vinegar, lemon juice, beer or even milk. Add any of these ingredients with some water to rinse your hair with to restore the alkaline/acid balance of your hair and scalp, and take off any residue you may have left on your hair.

There are many good natural recipes for healthy hair but these are a few things to get you started in the right direction. Experiment with different essential and vegetable oils to find what you like best. Natural, your body understands, so here’s to a good hair day!

By: Willie Jones | http://www.allabouthair.info |

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Recommended Hair Care Products :: Davines

Davines Love Shampoo, Lovely Smoothing Shampoo for Harsh and Frizzy Hair, 33.8-Ounces

Davines Love Shampoo :: Excellent for harsh and frizzy hair. Lovely smoothing shampoo with Indian fig extract.



Davines Smoothing Conditioner, Love, 33.8-Ounces

Davines Smoothing Conditioner :: Excellent for harsh and frizzy hair. Lovely smoothing conditioner with borage oil.



Davines Conditioner, Momo, 33.8-Ounces

Davines Conditioner, Momo, 33.8-Ounces :: It is excellent for dehydrated hair. Moisturizing revitalizing creme with milk thistle extract.

This is a fantastic conditioner, especially when used as a deep conditioner once a week. I have really dry, coarse hair, and I think it's worth the price.



Shop for Davines Hair Care Products from a huge selection of online stores; best prices, reviews and product ratings.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Natural Hair Care Products – Beginners Guide

The effectiveness of modern, natural hair care products is known to all, because they are very effective in reducing hair loss and enhancing hair beauty. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and may deliver additional health benefits.

Balanced diets rich in vitamins and minerals are a must for hair health. In this regard, natural products are receiving increased recognition after years of neglect. Natural hair care products have become popular for both external and internal use. Besides, they have less chance of causing over-treatment and they rarely over-dry or over-condition your hair.

Using the right hair care and beauty products is essential for the look and health of your hair. But, the problem with natural hair care products is that you may find it difficult to choose one that is appropriate for you and your hair. Most of the products available in the market today, bear a “Natural” label, whether genuine or fake making it harder to find a good natural hair care product.

Four types of products make a medley of hair care items. The four basic natural hair care products are: hair cleansing products, hair conditioners, hair remedies and hair nutrition products.

What Are Natural Hair Care Products?
Not all natural hair care products all natural. Products available in salons and over store counters are never 100% natural, because, for better results and preservation issues, they need to contain a certain amount of synthetic ingredients. The synthetic products can also provide better foaming, cleaning and emulsifying than 100% natural products. However, you can prepare some home made hair care products that are absolutely natural.

You might have come across some organic hair growth products and equaled that with natural hair growth products. However, they are different. Organic does not mean natural. You can prepare organic products synthetically and those products are not always safe, gentle and effective.

Some Natural Hair Care Products
Nettle Root Extract: It is rich in vitamins A and C, it is used as an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase.
Saw Palmetto Extract: It is an effective anti-androgen and fights benign prostatic disease by lowering levels of DHT. That’s why it is good for the people in androgenetic alopecia.
Rosemary and Sage: These are very good natural hair enhancers. Boil together in water rosemary, sage, peach leaf, nettle and burdock and use in the hair. This will strengthen your hair.
Jojoba Oil: It keeps your scalp healthy and free from skin diseases. It controls dandruff. Jojoba oil is also a great moisturizer for your hair.
Aloe Vera: It balances the pH level of scalp and heals by cleaning the pores. Shampoo made up of aloe vera gel with a small amount of wheat germ oil and coconut milk is a great hair enhancer.
Henna: Henna is a popular natural hair conditioner and hair coloring product. It is excellent for the maintenance of healthy hair. It protects hair against breakage and restores hair shine.
Psyllium husk: Psyllium husk works as a laxative agent, it safely move waste through the colon. And makes your digestive system clean healthy, which is necessary for better hair health.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/natural-hair-care-products-beginners-guide-84377.html

Choose the Best Hair Care Products to Nurture Natural Growth of Hair

There are number of hair care products to nurture natural growth of hair. There are multiple advantages in growing the hair in its natural format with some reliance on external agents such as shampoo, cosmetics and other hair care products. These hair care products are found to be containing a lot of agents promoting hair growth. The chemical composition of these shampoos and hair care products will assist the growth of hair apart from nurturing it for a longer time.

However, the effect may be for a shorter period. For instance, the shampoos and hair care products will assist hair growth for three to four years. However, long-term exposure of hair to such products will have minimal negative impact.

There have been instances of hair loss, hair fall, baldness, hair loss, dandruff generation, flakes generation and hair splitting among people not using hair care products. In extreme cases, there is even formation of flakes on the hair due to dryness of the skin. However, this can be contained by using hair care products that containing natural ingredients. Since they contain natural ingredients, they promote hair growth. However, exercise utmost caution while using the hair care products containing high level of chemicals.

One of the best manners to promote natural growth of hair is to nurture it with products containing oil, herbs and lubricants. The surface of the head should be kept free from flakes and dandruff. This will not only assist the growth of the hair, but also keep it free from any problems. Do not wash the hair on a regular basis as it could bleach the color. If the hair color bleaches, it could lead to graying of hair and variety of problems. Eventually, it could result in loss of hair finally having baldness of the person. Wash the hair at least three or four times a week. Do not wash the hair with hot water. Wash the hair in warm water. If possible, wash the hair in cold water at least twice a week. Also rinse the hair carefully using hair conditioner at least once a week. This practice will keep the hair from drying and splitting.

There are multiple disadvantages if the hair is not maintained properly with necessary natural inputs. Applying oil to the surface of the head will not only assist and promote hair growth, but also ensure all round growth development. The oil has to be applied lightly without too much rubbing on the surface. But make sure the oil is of good quality. If the oil is of poor quality, it could damage the hair altering its condition once and for all. If the condition of the hair deteriorates, it will lead to hair fall and baldness. This may not be good for the hair. Utmost care should be taken while selecting the hair care products since they react differently from person to person. Conduct extensive review before purchasing hair care products.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/choose-the-best-hair-care-products-to-nurture-natural-growth-of-hair-366554.html

Hair-Care Tips for Your Colored Treated Hair

Whether your hair is dyed, highlighted, or streaked, you have the same problem that most women with color treated hair have, hair that lacks luster and shine. When your hair is treated with color, it loses its vitality and natural shine. Have you ever noticed that after your hair is colored it has a different feel to it, … A feel that’s synthetic, almost similar to hair weave? Well, the reason why is because colored treated hair has been processed with chemicals that deplete your hair with a process called oxidation. Oxidation is loss of hydrogen. Coloring agents contain these chemicals that wear down on your hair follicles and remove the proper moisture balance from your locks. The end result is dull, frizzy, and lifeless hair. Follow these tips to revitalize your shine and luster after your hair has been colored.
Begin caring for your color treated hair immediately after the processing. I know that it sounds a bit exaggerated, however the wearing down process that damages your hair follicles begins immediately, so you must start your anti-damage treatment as soon as it begins. The sooner the better! The best way to begin this treatment is to spray your hair with a good oil sheen a few nights a week before you go to bed, and place a silk bonnet or cap over it to retain the moisture. I know, I know, who wants limp locks that have been sprayed with oil, where’s my body going to go? In order to maintain your hair’s body, roll your hair with large or jumbo rollers, preferably sponge. Avoid excessive sheen, a little shot will do.
Use a good conditioning shampoo. Whether you wash your hair every other night or once a week, depending on your own needs, (naturally oily hair needs to be washed more often) you need a conditioning shampoo. I suggest, KeraCare products. This is an awesome shampoo that works to keep natural moisture in your hair, as well as a deep penetrating cleansing that is necessary for your color treated hair. After shampooing your hair, follow up with a conditioner, at once.
Condition with a quality product. You want to invest in a quality conditioner that will coat your hair follicles and restore proper moisture balance. It also needs to contain a UV protection agent that will protect your delicate hair from harsh sunrays. Make sure that your conditioner contains humectants, which help to restore moisture balance as well. Investing in quality conditioning products will ensure that your follicles won’t be stripped of its coating. These products that contain these ingredients actually provide your hair with a coating that protects your follicles. You won’t be sorry for it.
Hot oil treatments are needed on a regular basis. The actual time span varies from person to person, just depending on the condition of your hair. Most stylists suggest twice a year, but of course some could use more frequent treatments. Some key ingredients here to look for in hot oil treatments are avocado, jojoba, and coconut oils. These leave the hair looking healthier and shiner. This is a good preventive measure to use in-between salon visits.
Visit your stylist on a regular basis. It is important to see an expert on a regular basis when your hair is color treated. They can detect future problems and attack them head on. Unless you are a licensed stylist, you may not always know the warning signs of damaged processed hair. Do some research and find a good stylist that has a reputation of providing good service and caring for color treated hair. They can also add to your tips of home care in-between visits.
As you see, the key is replacing the much needed moisture in your hair to revitalize and care for healthy colored treated hair. Who says you can’t have color and healthy hair simultaneously? Enjoy your beautiful, color treated hair!
Donna Rice is the owner of a black hair styles directory for African American salons : Blackhairplanet.com.

Home Hair Care Tips For Dry Hair

Dry hair can be caused by the chemicals used in coloring, bleaching and highlighting. It can also be caused by too much heat, whether from the sun or from electric appliances such as curlers and blow dryers.
Try these tips and remedies to give your hair body and shine quickly and easily!
Try vinegar
To add a beautiful shine to your hair dilute apple-cider vinegar in water (one part vinegar to seven parts water) and rinse your hair with it after you shampoo. A vinegar rinse is great for over-processed hair, and it can also liven up a tired perm.
Use mayonnaise
Many hair-care experts say that mayonnaise makes a good overall conditioner. Rub it into your hair, then leave it on for about 5 minutes, before shampooing it out thoroughly.
Don't use hair tools too often
Overuse of electric curlers, blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners etc. damages and dries out hair. If you're using these tools every day then your haircut isn't working for you. Try a different cut or even a loose perm etc. If you do use a blow dryer, try and use one with no more than 1,000 watts, and reduce the temperature and power level as your hair dries.
Use your fingers
Instead of using a blow dryer, gently fluff and style your hair with your fingers as it dries, always lifting the hair up off the scalp. Bending over as you do this allows gravity to contribute to extra fullness.
Use a humidifier
Dry indoor air is bad for dry hair so when it's winter counteract the standard low-moisture environment with a humidifier. If the humidifier is located in the bedroom, your hair can benefit from 8 hours of added moisture every night.
Limit sun exposure
Humidity is high in summer but the sun is hot and too much sun can damage your hair as well as your skin. If you can't limit sun exposure, try to apply a conditioner to your hair that contains sunscreen after shampooing.
Wear a hat
Hats are a good alternative to sunscreen application so wear a hat before going out in the summer sun.
Use baby oil
To protect your hair from chlorine damage when swimming, apply baby oil to your hair before entering the pool. Use about ½ a teaspoon - more if your hair is long - and work it in to your hair. The oil coats hair shafts and prevents them from absorbing harsh chlorine. After your swim you can shampoo the oil out.

For further advice on hair care and hair styles , visit http://www.sedustyles.co.uk