Archive for November, 2009

Beauty Tips for Hair | Beauty and Hair Care

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

One’s hair, although it is supposed to be one’s true crowning glory, rarely reflects the state of health we would wish it to. This is because daily factors and general poor maintenance contribute to hair damage. For instance, traveling can have its negative effects on one’s hair. Stress and pollution have a severe and lasting effect on one’s tresses. To add to your hair’s woes, so called beauty treatments, which are becoming increasingly popular, add to the damage. One can’t help but notice how a procedure such as hair straightening can leave one with tresses that seem to cry out for moisture. Furthermore, breakage and other such hair problems can be the result of these hair treatments. One can’t apply hot devices and chemical treatments without any consequences. Even highlights and hair colors that might get one attention in a social circuit can leave one’s hair in need of repair.

Tips and Home Treatments for Hair

There are a number of things to bear in mind, when it comes to beauty tips for one’s hair. Some of the home hair treatments, for example, include a relaxing scalp and hair massage. It is believed that oils such as coconut oil or even olive oil from the kitchen can help with one’s locks. There is still a lot of debate regarding the necessity of oils or the effectiveness of such massages, but this is one treatment option that can be incredibly relaxing and countless people swear by such oil treatments for the hair. To add to the experience, one can add aromatherapy oils to the hot oil treatment.

For instance, when it comes to hair care, essential oils like patchouli in addition to rosemary seem to be very effective. One need not go to the salon for such hair massages with hot oil, but can do so from one’s home. One can leave such oil to condition one’s locks for a few hours before simply washing it off or one can leave it on all through the night. A nutritious diet has to complement your hair care regime since those locks will need the aid of a good diet to truly shine. Protein for one’s hair, which can be easily obtained from a variety of food sources such as eggs, can do wonders for hair repair. Another factor to keep in mind is that certain types of hair require a different care regime as compared to others. For instance, drier hair would require special attention to prevent problems like breakage.

Damaged Hair from Coloring - How to Repair Color Treated Hair

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Damaged Color Treated Hair

Hair color is widely used to cover gray hair. Various colors are also used on naturally colored hair as they give hair a lovely tint thus making one look stylish. However, it is essential to bear in mind that the chemicals present in these colors, be it permanent or temporary colors, have the ability to cause great damage to hair because of their capacity to remove, replace or cover up natural pigments. These chemicals can also cause allergic reactions, skin irritations and skin discoloration. In addition to unexpected color results, hair color also tends to weaken the strands resulting in breakage, premature graying and excessive hair loss. As a result of these factors, color treated hair becomes dull, dry and lifeless.

Preventing Damage Caused by Hair Color

The best way of preventing damage caused by hair color is to avoid the further use of it. However, color may be the only option to hide graying. At such times, it is very essential to choose your hair color carefully as the product you choose will determine the texture of your hair. Harsh hair colors should be avoided as they tend to cause long term damage. Lawsonia inermis powder can be used as an alternative as it is natural, and does not damage the hair. It may cause some dryness, but this can be easily dealt with through normal hair care and head massage routines. Lawsonia inermis powder mixed with cold, strained tea and kept in an iron bowl overnight will guarantee a dark tinge to the hair.

Mild hair care products specially designed for colored hair are recommended as they help in restoring the original texture of the hair, to some extent, while ensuring that the color does not fade away quickly. Colored hair needs a lot of deep conditioning to prevent the adverse effects of the hair treatment. Regular head massages will improve the flow of blood and natural oil to the hair follicles thus making hair stronger by providing nourishment to each strand. After every massage, covering the scalp with a moist, hot towel for 15 minutes before a bath will enhance the results of the massage. A mixture of equal parts of castor oil, almond oil and coconut oil is especially beneficial in improving the texture of hair while retaining original hair pigment. Coconut milk is an excellent natural conditioner that is known for its ability to strengthen and nourish hair. After the use of shampoo, a final rinse with apple cider vinegar will also help in restoring health, bounce and shine to damaged hair.

Jojoba Oil for Hair - Why Jojoba Oil Treatment for Hair

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Jojoba oil is obtained from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It has higher oxidative stability than other oils like coconut oil, almond oil and castor oil among other oils, thus giving it a longer shelf life. Hence, your jojoba oil is less likely to go rancid in a short period of time. The composition of jojoba oil is very similar to that of the natural oil secreted by the sebaceous glands present in human skin. As a result of these properties, jojoba oil has become an important ingredient in various hair care and skincare products.

Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Hair

The natural texture of the hair depends to a large extent on the secretion of sebum (natural oil). Since jojoba oil has properties similar to that of sebum, the use of it can improve the overall texture of hair quite effectively. Jojoba oil is suitable for all types of hair as it has the ability to heal various forms of damage. It is especially useful in the treatment of dry hair as it is an excellent hair conditioner that nourishes hair and makes it soft and silky. It is known to moisturize and cleanse the scalp as well. The regular use of jojoba oil can reduce hair loss as it strengthens the hair from the roots. It also prevents damage as a result of breakage, tangles and split ends.

Massaging your scalp with jojoba oil before a head wash will prove beneficial in nourishing and strengthening your hair. It will also help in improving blood circulation and the flow of sebum to the hair follicles, thus strengthening the strands from the roots. Since it penetrates deep into the scalp, it is also known to prevent excessive flaking and peeling of the scalp. Heating the oil before use will be an added advantage. The addition of a few drops of lavender oil to pure jojoba oil will further prevent hair damage while ensuring relaxation as well. Covering your scalp with a hot, moist towel after every massage will ensure optimal results as this treatment allows the oil to penetrate deep into the scalp. Since there is no chemical content in pure oil, it can be used as often as you feel the need for it. However, one should refrain from going outdoors with oiled hair, as the oil tends to aggravate damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun, while attracting dirt and grime. The use of a shampoo and conditioner which have jojoba as an ingredient will further the benefits of the oil used.

Sticky Hair after Washing - Cure for Sticky Hair

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Sticky Hair Causes

Sticky hair is usually the result of over active sebaceous glands, present in the scalp. These glands are responsible for the secretion of natural oils that lubricate the hair and skin giving them their natural texture. Hormonal changes and stress tend to aggravate the condition. Oily hair and an oily scalp attract dirt and grime. This mixture of dirt, grime and sebum worsens the condition resulting in sticky hair. Excessive perspiration, microbial infections and a change in the skin’s PH balance could also contribute to sticky hair.

Tips and Cure for Sticky Hair

When outdoors, the use of a scarf to cover your head is recommended as it will help in preventing the adverse effects of pollution. While swimming, wearing a swimming-cap will also prove beneficial in protecting your hair from pollutants and chemicals that may be present in the water. To reduce the oiliness, washing your hair daily with a shampoo and conditioner specially intended for oily hair is recommended, as it will control the production of sebum thereby reducing the oily appearance. Shampoos especially designed for the removal of residue are also available, and they may prove beneficial in the handling sticky hair. In addition, the daily washing of hair will ensure that there is no accumulation of sebum, dirt and grime. At every wash, the use of shampoo is essential, as the use of plain water tends to make the dirt and grime stick firmly to the hair, especially as it mixes with the natural oil. Constant hair treatments with products loaded with chemicals can also affect hair adversely and should be avoided.

Massaging the scalp with a few drops of lemon juice added to honey is believed to be useful in getting rid of residue that makes the hair sticky. Having excellent antimicrobial properties, this mixture also ensures that all infection causing germs are killed, if they are responsible for the condition. Lemon juice will also help in deep cleansing the scalp, ensuring that no sebum, dirt or grime is left behind in the pores. After washing your hair, a light massage and final rinse with apple cider vinegar will also prove beneficial in treating sticky hair as apple cider vinegar has the ability to restore the PH balance of the hair and skin. It also leaves the hair nourished and glossy. Massaging the scalp with aloe gel may also prove beneficial as it has the capacity to absorb excess oil without stripping the hair of all its lubrication. It will also help in moisturizing the scalp and fighting off infection causing microbes.

 Tips and Tricks for Fine Hair

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Hair Tips and Tricks for Fine Hair

Fine hair tends to look limp and flat, and generally contains excessive amounts of moisture. It is thus essential to keep fine hair as dry and clean as possible. While caring for fine hair, it is important to use styling products and try hairstyles that add volume and keep hair dry. A shampoo that adds volume is ideal for fine hair. Avoid using conditioner as this may contribute to the level of moisture in your hair. If you use conditioner that is especially suited for fine hair then take care to apply it away from the scalp and on the hair lengths. This will ensure that your hair does not appear flat and will add body to your hair. After you wash your hair, blow drying your hair with a good styling brush helps add volume to fine, limp hair. Ensure that the drier is set to a moderate temperature to avoid damaging your hair. Some hairdryers come with a nozzle that is intended to focus heat on a particular area. Avoid using the nozzle if you have very fine hair as it is very vulnerable to heat.

Haircut for Fine Hair

Get a haircut that suits your hair. For fine hair, a hair cut with several layers may add volume and bounce to your hair. Request your hair stylist to give you a hair cut that is suited to your hair type. Generally, haircuts that are mid-length are better suited to fine hair. Fine hair when it is long tends to appear very limp and flat. Therefore, a shorter haircut may add more volume to your hair if it is fine. Curls or even a perm adds volume to fine hair. Ensure that you use moderate heat while curling your hair to avoid damaging your hair.

Choose your hair products carefully. When investing in a hair cream or gel, it is always better to buy one that is light and won’t weigh the hair down. Another effective hair styling product that is light on the hair is the aerosol hair spray. Aerosol hair sprays are light and don’t cause the hair to become greasy and weigh down. Use a shampoo that does not contain lanolin. Lanolin is a very common ingredient in most shampoos and tends to add weight to the hair, making it limp and lifeless, especially in the case of fine hair. Adding color or highlights to your hair may make it appear fuller and richer. Ask your stylist about a hair color or highlights that are suited to your hair length, style and type.