Beauty Blog » Hair Care

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar should be a part of your healthy hair routine.  A healthy scalp is the first step towards growing and maintaining a healthy head of hair. Relaxers, perms, hair colors, bleaches, commercial shampoos and other styling products are mainly of an alkaline pH, whereas a healthy scalp must be a slightly acidic pH.  As a result of using alkaline and chemical based products the scalp’s natural acid mantle breaks down.  This naturally acidic mantle on your scalp and skin is how harmful bacteria are kept at bay.  Once the mantle is broken down your scalp becomes vulnerable and weak, this is when hair loss can start.  When your skin begins to breakdown, you will notice itching which progresses to burning and sensitivity, then shedding and balding.  Additionally, you may notice excessive oil pockets and pimples on the scalp.

Preventing the cycle is key to maintaining a healthy scalp. Avoiding chemical based styling products is a good place to start. Using a well formulated Raw Apple Cider Vinegar rinse on a regular basis will help to maintain a healthy scalp.

There are probably quite a few good vinegar rinses out there. If you are the adventurous type you could even try and make your own. I found Pretty Natural’s Healthy Roots Final Rinse and Scalp Toner to be just the right mix of ingredients to balance the scalp, remove debris and residue and help your hair to shine beautifully. With regular or weekly use of Healthy Roots Final Rinse and Scalp Toner, the enzymes and acidity of the combination of vinegar, aloe, witch hazel and essential oils in this formulation will help to:

• Balance the pH of your scalp, helping it to maintain it’s slightly acidic mantle.
• Dissolve minerals and heavy metals that attach to your hair from the tap water you use when washing.
• Dissolve buildup left behind from styling products, relaxers and color.
• Improve the appearance and feel of your hair.  As buildup, dirt and grime are removed, your hair will appear shinier with a healthy glow. 
• Strengthen your scalp’s natural acidic defenses to destroy unwanted bacteria that can cause thinning and hair loss.
• Keep your hair and scalp clean, a first step in restoring hair loss.  

  Pretty Natural’s Healthy Roots Final Rinse and Toner’s ingredients include:      

• Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
  
• Organic Aloe Vera Juice
  
• Lavender and Witch Hazel Hydrosols                     
• Grapefruit Seed Extract
• Rosemary Oleoresin Extract
• Proprietary blend of Essential Oils that includes Rosemary and Sage.
  

Directions for use:  If you are experiencing an itchy scalp and thinning, add 1/4 cup to 8 ounces of distilled or spring water, massage into scalp and leave on for 20 minutes before washing hair.  Follow up with Pretty Natural’s Healthy Roots Shampoo and Healthy Roots Leave in Conditioner.  For regular use, shampoo hair first and add 1/4 cup to 8 ounces distilled or spring water.  Massage into scalp and leave for 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly.  For best results, use once weekly. 

To order go to Pretty Natural’s website at:  http://www.prettynatural-inc.com

A few short years ago, I had a slight obsession with a certain bath and body store. I’d wait for the annual sales and throw down serious cash for lotions and shower gels that smelled extremely strong in the bottle but never lasted more than an hour on my body. One day while on vacation in Canada I stumbled upon the Lush Cosmetics store and I was forever changed. The smell in the store almost knocked me over it was so strong but it wasn’t an artificial floral or candy smell (like that other popular mall standard). The scent was unique, I smelled rosemary and herbs and a clean soapy smell. It smelled organic and grown up.

So what makes Lush so unique?

“Our Core Beliefs

We believe in making effective products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics.

We invent our own products and fragrances. We make them fresh by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and tell you when they were made.”

And you know what? They aren’t lying! You feel the love in every Lush product. Nearly all of their products are vegetarian or vegan friendly. On every bottle is a sticker with a picture and name of the person who made it by hand and the date they made it. Every single product I have purchased has improved by skin, my hair, or my mood. Sometimes all three! Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite:

BIG Shampoo $21.35

“Lemon-lime margarita shampoo adds shine and body to fine hair. The difference between a hefty, healthy hairdo and a lot of limp, lackluster locks? It’s this saucy, sassy, salty shampoo! BIG combines shine-enhancing citrus juices with the beautifying, hair-buffing impact of sea salt and genuine sea water for a body-building regimen your fine hair won’t sweat over.”

This stuff is fabulous. The scent wakes up up and it leaves your hair shiny and soft. You don’t even need conditioner! If I could marry this shampoo I would! Just kidding……or am I?

Shop for more shampoo at Smarter.com.

Throughout the course of her career in its entirety, Tyra Banks has always worn a wig, weave, or extensions.  America has never seen what Tyra’s hair actually looks like; however, Tyra’s big unveiling is happening on her talk show today. We’ll finally get to see what Tyra naturally looks like. This is part of her season premiere and a means to garner audience interest.

I mean, sure it’d be nice to see what her hair looks like, but it’s not exactly Earth shattering as she’s making it out to be. The idea behind it is noble–she’s encouraging natural beauty. Personally, it’s hard to take her seriously because her fame and success roots from her modeling–an industry that revels in fakeness. So she’s basically saying natural beauty is ideal on her talk show, but it’s still okay to promote unattainable heights of beauty through her other show Top Model, which is all about unnatural beauty.

Banks told Radaronline that, “It’s just me coming straight out of the shower with wet hair. My hairdresser’s going to do my hair live on stage.”

Subsequently, she’s going to be talking to audience members who don’t feel good about their natural hair. I’m sure Tyra’s going to show us her real hair but then return to the next red carpet event with yet another wig. So what good does that really do? This all just seems like a novelty gimmick because I can bet on the fact that Tyra will not take her own advice, her role in the supermodel industry prevents this from happening.

Image source: zimbio.com

Maintaining your hair is a task that’s easier said than done. Most of us spend too much time overheating our hair with flat irons and blow dryers, which results in breakage and split ends. Unfortunately, we can all agree that styling hair is something that can’t be avoided.

However, there are a couple things that you can add to your nightly regiment to help improve and maintain good hair condition.

Tip #1: Put your hair in a ponytail or bun before you go to sleep at night. This is really important. I know that a lot of you guys worry about dents and not having enough time in the morning to shower to get rid of the ponytail hair, but the ponytail dents are a small price to pay. Tying your hair back will not only prevent excessive oils from your hair from clogging the pores on your face but also distribute more natural oils among your hair to make it softer and more manageable in the morning. You can buy the most expensive conditioners on the market, but none will compare to the benefits of your own natural oil. Don’t be worried about your hair becoming too oily either because one night of even oil distribution will not have that effect. If you continuously did this and didn’t shower in between, then your hair might start looking too oily. Do you ever notice how the top of your hair is a lot more softer than the rough ends? That’s because there’s more oil at the top–by tying your hair up, you can help spread your natural oil to the ends.

Tip #2: Do not sleep on a cotton pillowcase.  You should go for satin or silk because they are woven in tightly and won’t soak up any of your precious natural oils. Cotton pillowcases are the enemy because they also sometimes cause hair breakage. Also, it’s good to change your pillowcase periodically because that will keep your sleeping area clean and fresh in case any oil did make its way in your fabric.

Tip #3: Always make sure that your ponytail is not too tight. There are actually some risks involved with tying your hair too tight, some of which can lead to hair loss and breakage.  Whenever you tie your hair in a ponytail, make sure it’s comfortably loose. You can cause yourself serious stress, headache, or strain if you overdo the ponytail.

Following these simple tips will help maintain your natural moisture–a pivotal aspect of hair maintenance.

Image source: keepingyouwell.com 

Let’s face it, if you have curly, frizzy and unruly hair, it’s really easy to become a flat iron addict.

But during summertime, it doesn’t make much sense to spend an extra thirty minutes straightening your hair only to frolic near the pool and by the beach–in all that humidity.  It’s summer…you should be carefree and all natural! Let the breeze flow through your natural curls. Just make sure you don’t leave home without John Freida’s Frizz Ease Secret Weapon, only $5.00! 

Just like you, I’ve tried so many products that claimed they would reduce frizz–but this serum actually works. Most other serums are applied while your hair is wet, forcing you to hope that it’ll work as you rush out the door. I really like that this liquid serum is applied directly to your hair after it has dried. So, that means after my natural curls have air dried, all I have to do to sculpt them is apply just a dab of this stuff and viola! My curls are bouncy, there’s no frizz, and, best of all, all that damage I had done to my hair from flat ironing that makes my hair look really dry now received a boost of moisture and shine so I’m ready to go!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more John Freida products.

Curly haired girls should understand where I’m coming from on this one: how annoying is it to leave the house with wet hair?  I’ve done it hundreds, millions of times!  As a curly girl myself, we have been instructed to let the tendrils air dry, otherwise deal with frizz.  But this can take forever.  If I have to allow for natural air drying after shampooing, I need to at least leave a good hour for this to take place.  I had to do it this morning!  And it still wasn’t completely dry when I was driving to work.  Okay. E nough whining.  It’s not so bad in the summer, the wet hair acts as a natural coolant, but in case you are wondering, there are ways to style wet hair, and it doesn’t necessarily mean slicking it back with heavy product.

If you are in a hurry and looking to style wet hair out of the shower, comb it out and if you part it in the middle or to the side, do that after brushing.  Tousle a bit with finger tips, and then what I usually do to avoid my hair getting out of control is twist the wet hair into a low, but and secure with some bobby pins.  The front of the hair and crown will begin to air dry first and since it is groomed back, frizz should be minimal to none.  Once you feel the bun begin to dry slightly, release and tousle once again.

Styling wet hair on the beach or by the pool?  Since you will be protecting you hair from outside elements, it’s always smart to bring some sort of styling product along with.  This only makes sense, and it doesn’t have to be fancy, you can make it yourself.  Don’t wanna spend?  Combine a couple of dollops of conditioner and water in a spray bottle, mix and throw into your purse or bag.  Keep this on hand when coming out of the ocean or chlorine pool, your hair will need the extra moisture after being exposed to the salt and sun.  You can also spray this on prior to going into the water.  If you are going swimming in a pool, a smart thing to do would be to rinse hair with fresh water first, so the strands won’t absorb so much of the chlorine.  And as I’ve mentioned before, if you’ve spent time in the ocean…leave the hair salty!  You will have amazing body, texture and volume.

Image Source: allure.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for hair care products.

We’ve all seen the commercials to “get girl-approved hair” by using Axe shampoo.  I’ve used AXE products in the past and liked them, so I gladly agreed to try out their new hair products.  For two weeks now I have been using the shampoo (dark blue bottle “Just Clean”) and conditioner (silver bottle “Just Soft”).  Now, me not really being into hair products, I usually can’t tell the difference between different shampoo brands other than the way they smell.  But after using the AXE products, I have to admit that my hair does feel a bit softer. The best part though is that it smells really good, which is probably the most important part to me.  It gives off a cool clean smell that makes you feel refreshed and ready to start the day.  Another good thing is that its only about $5 a 12oz. bottle making it a good bargain for the quality you receive.

Another product that I tried out was the Axe Hair Wax.  It is like hair gel only a lot better because it doesn’t make your hair all hard and crusty.  Instead it keeps your hair firmly in place, but with a softer look and feel.  You also don’t have to put on a ton like gel, only about a finger tip full is all you need.  This product is perfect for me and I recommend every guy should at least try it out.  I think they will like it better than the gel they are currently using.   Overall I definitely would use all of these products again and will probably keep using them from now on.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for axe hair products.

As a fan of Weleda hair and skin products, I had been wanting for quite some time to try their Rosemary Hair Oil.  Weleda makes a good number of products that appeal to the senses, including a Wild Rose Cream Cleanser, and Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion.  Weleda is a great company to buy products from.  The Swiss based company is one of my favorites and has been featured in the blog before, I’m a big fan of the Skin Food Face Cream.  After browsing the site for a while today, I noticed that there are actual Weleda Spas!  Located of course in very chic places including Tokyo, Paris, and New York…I would sure love to have an appointment at one of those.  Anyhow, as a big supporter and consumer of products that are naturally made or include natural ingredients, Weleda is at the top of my beauty shopping list usually.  After becoming obsessed with their Skin Food, I moved on and tried a travel size Almond Creme for the face as well.  This stuff smells great if you love the scent of almond oil…a sweet essence.  I almost tried the Wild Rose Face Cleanser, but instead opted for the Rosemary Hair Oil, something I had been wanting to try for quite some time.  For anyone whose not aware but a fan of Weleda, Target has started carrying it on the shelves of their growing beauty section.  This made me happy because Target (being a leader in bargain shopping) actually puts this stuff on sale, which when purchasing natural products, I find something rare.  So the Rosemary Hair Oil was there, on sale and I picked it up finally!  It wasn’t really that expensive to begin with anyway…

Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil $7.77

Benefits of using this product? So many.

Rosemary is called a “brain herb” because it is said to stimulate the brain after massaged into the scalp and hair.  Along with stimulating your mind, it also stimulates the hair follicles and hair growth.  There are natural or “homemade” methods of using rosemary as a part of your beauty routine.  It can be boiled and the water or “tea” used as a rinse after shampooing in the shower.  I took the easy route and just bought a bottle, and I love it!  I’ve had great results.  It gives my hair shine and keeps it smelling great.  I’ve only been using it for about a month now and haven’t noticed a drastic change in my hair growth, but I don’t really care, I love this stuff anyway!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more rosemary oil.

It seems as though Julia Roberts gets more beautiful with age!  She tends to go back and forth between brunette and blonde, but the latter definitely works better for her I think.

Many women choose to go lighter for summertime which is usually complimentary to sun-kissed skin, but beware of frosty looking highlights.  Here, Roberts has a honey-colored base with golden highlights.  A lot of celebs go back and forth between colors, it works on some of them, but on others, highlights just make them look older.

Kate Hudson recently made the switch to dark brunette which looks very beautiful on her here at the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic.  The brown suits her although I can’t help but think her trademark blonde locks keep her looking younger.

Fergie looks better with lighter hair also.  Her look below at the MTV Video Music Awards in Japan is so hard looking, whereas the blonde softens the curves on her face a bit more.

Whether you decide to go darker or lighter for summer, my best advice would be to ask your stylist to use a really conditioning formula on your hair.  Maintenance is also really important so the color doesn’t fade or get brassy.  Shopping around for good color-saving products wouldn’t hurt either.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for deep conditioning treatments.
Discounts on color protecting shampoo and hair dye.

Image Source: extratv.warnerbros.com, glamour.com, people.com

I hate getting my hair cut.  It’s true and sounds crazy but I have just spent so many years growing it out that I don’t ever want to take away from its length…even when the ends feel and look like straw!  I never hear the end of it when my girlfriends look closely at the ends of my hair from time to time.  But any gal out there with long locks probably feel similarly and understands my mindset!  Curly hair in particular always bounces back up after even the tiniest trim, which is nice sometimes but causes the hair look shorter than it really is. This is what I don’t like…I’ve gotten some great haircuts and I always feel good afterward but I just hate feeling that I’ve lost all the length I worked so hard for. I would like to learn how to give myself trims so I have control of how much is coming off, so I decided to do a bit of research and find out how.  I learned that basically, you MUST start with cutting shears which are specifically made for cutting hair at home.  You need the sharpness of them to cut properly.  I also learned that cutting shears are extremely expensive!  I was browsing pairs that were priced at $599!  No joke.  Who knew these things were so costly?!  Of course any hairdresser would know where to find some deals on shears and pay half that price probably.  These Matsuzaki Precision Shears are carbon stainless steel, with a straight handle design.  They are called ES 3 Stars and are $285.

I don’t know where these would rank as far as quality goes, it would be interesting to find out what brand is considered “top of the line” and how much those shears run.  I have heard that cutting curly hair while its dry is best, but I wouldn’t try this personally.  If and when I do give myself a home haircut my hair will be freshly washed, wet, and combed through completely (tangle free). T hen my next guess would be to mimic what I’ve seen my hairstylists do!  Taking small sections and pulling forward with the index and middle fingers and snipping gently at the ends being careful to not get carried away and cut too much off!  I would really hate to make this mistake so probably won’t be cutting my own hair anytime soon, but to all of you that are braver than I…go for it and good luck!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more hair scissors.