Hair Care News

Shampoo for Dense, Coarse or Thick Hair

Posted on May 26, 2009 with 1 Comment

Two years ago my wife and I were fortunate (blessed) to adopt a 5-year-old boy from Guatemala.  He always has a smile on his face, is inquisitive, humble, smart and has the thickest, densest hair of anyone I’ve ever met.

No kidding - his hair is jet black, stands straight-up and as thick as a carpet.  Whenever he is in the sun, his head absorbs heat like asphalt on an August day and the sweat starts falling, even when the temperature is rather mild.  It is coarse and stiff, and we have experimented with all sorts of shampoos to keep his scalp moisturized and follicles somewhat soft and manageable - what we needed was a shampoo for dense, coarse and thick hair.

Needless to say, we have several hispanic friends - mainly from Central and South America - and many of the “hispanics” we know have similar challenges, whether they’re from Mexico, Guatemala or Venezuela.  And the issue we hear repeatedly is how to maintain and manage hair that is so coarse and thick.

Here is what we have found.  First, maintaining moisture is paramount and the two best products we found for that are those with emu oil or LusterPlex.  LusterPlex, interestingly, was developed by Croda (a personal products research and ingredient company) to increase flexibility, shine and smoothness of coarse or thick hair.  It has become a top active ingredient for use in African American hair products for its’ properties for increasing sheen and reducing breaking.

Shampoos and conditioners with this ingredient work great for hispanic hair (latino, latina) too - I can attest.  Though density hasn’t changed (and I hope it doesn’t for a long time), his hair is much softer and smoother - and doesn’t have that “velcro” feel.  It still gets hot - as a recent trip to the pool proved, but the feel of brittleness is gone and it doesn’t seem to get as dirty as it once did.

The other ingredient I mentioned was emu oil.  Emu oil is great for moisturizing the scalp and works very well in shampoos and conditioners.  It is a very popular ingredient for African American shampoos and for anyone who deals with breakage or coarseness.  It is a great moisturizer - reducing dryness and poor hydration - and works well for those whose locks are thin…it adds body, softness and life.

How to Spend Less on Hair Care during a Recession

Posted on April 26, 2009 with 1 Comment

Many of us have lengthened the time between stylings and haircuts in the past year or so.  As a result, many of our friends (and stylists who work with us) report increase in problems - particularly dryness, frizziness and increased breaking.

Basically there is a fundamental cause.  Flat irons and curling can reduce moisture content in the follicles.  Additionally, a periodic cut trims spit-ends and frizz.  Though we may have some “cut shock” following styling, it does help keep hair smoother and easier to manage (usually within a week).  But, with many of us postponing the $45-$125 treatment due to economic issues, paying a bit more attention to cleansers and conditioners, may keep our healthier.

1. Keep your moisture up - Normal moisture content for follicles is about 8%.  Below that you will experience dryness and lack of control.  While inexpensive shampoos are especially appealing when you walk down the Wal-Mart beauty aisle, consider many products may not give your hair the nutrition and hydration necessary for prolonged health.  A more expensive shampoo is generally that way for a reason.  Most manufacturers price their products competitively.  Excessive pricing is generally a result of either packaging or marketing.  Find a manufacturer where you can buy “direct” and you will usually find the best products at the best price.
2. Conditioners help (a lot) - Many conditioners can help repair damage as well as provide protection.  Most of us have just gotten back from Spring Break - so, we probably have been in the sun, ocean or possibly on the slopes.  UVA/UVB damage combined with Chlorine from pools or salt water can dry out locks and make styling pretty difficult.  Again, the best conditioners are generally pretty expensive, but they are best because of the ingredients.  Emu Oil, Jojoba Oil, Panthenol and various proteins proven to moisturize and improve control are top of the line ingredients used by manufacturers - because they work.

 While more expensive products are not a panacea, they tend to last longer, require less application, and are best at improving scalp and follicle health.  In a time where we are all watching our pennies, a little investment in hair care can reduce costs in the short and long run.