Posts Tagged Hair Products

Moroccan Oil Series - Product Reviews

Posted on July 13, 2009 with No Comments

Innovation has never been the strong suit of the hair care industry. Instead, companies rely mostly on taglines, bylines, smooth talking salesmen, pretty commercials, and emotion-based marketing tactics to promote their wares that, more often than not, use the exact same formulas and chemicals.

Moroccan Oil

Moroccan Oil

Strip away all the hype, cover your eyes, randomly pick a shampoo, and you’d end up with exactly the same product with only slight differences in ingredients more often than not.

Therefore, the introduction of the Moroccan Oil® brand and its “Series” of products is a refreshing change in a market swamped with bland, over-hyped shampoos, oils, treatments, conditioners, 2-in-1 shampoos and conditioners, and many other miscellaneous formulas that offer the same end via the same means. However, could it be that Moroccan Oil® itself is an overrated product as well? We’ll find out in this review.

One of the things that separate Moroccan Oil® from other brands is its manner of dosage and treatment. In order to get a natural, silky softness that whole generations of hair care brands claim to provide, you need only apply a few small drops (Argan Oil) to clean, wet hair from its roots to its tips. Say goodbye to the greasy feel of other serums that weighs down.

Moreover, this truly revolutionary product line works its concentrated magic by nourishing your scalp with valuable antioxidants like Vitamins F and E, penetrating deep into the roots and repairing all its split ends in one fell swoop. Considering that it does all this in just a few drops, it may not be an exaggeration to refer to this product as a super serum of sorts that works well on all types - especially for shine, faster drying and improved smoothness.

One of the things I think is now so great about their line is that in addition to their best selling Argan Oil treatment, they have now introduced the “Moroccan Oil Series” that includes: a Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, an Intense Curl Cream, Gold Glimmer Shine, and a Restorative Hair Mask - all with Argan-based formulations or with the use of unique and pretty effective ingredients.

The true test to Moroccan Oil®’s mettle is, of course with its shampoo, how it handles two extreme types—the coarse, dry ones and the thinning, breakage-prone ones. Considering its potency, it won’t really help in restoring follicles that have begun to shed, especially considering the fact that it contains no DHT blockers in its formula.

Furthermore, it caters more to the latter dry type because untangling knots and curls is its specialty. It can be used on any hair type, but the puffier and more unruly, the better it performs.

As for the drawbacks, its subtle, incense-like smell may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer a tropical aroma over its spicy Caribbean coconut smell. Although its benefits reach panacea-like proportions (it protects against ultraviolet rays and pollutants, leaves no build up or residue, and so on), its results may vary from person to person.

Regardless of its shortcomings, Moroccan Oil® remains styling and hair care products of choice for types ranging from thin, (but not thinning) normal to thick and coarse. As such, until a better product comes along, it gets a nigh-perfect 9.5 out of 10 star rating.

3 Easy Long Hair Cut Styles

Posted on June 29, 2009 with 1 Comment

 

There are some women who just cannot seem to part with their long, luxurious locks.  If you have been wearing your hair longer for a number of years now, what exactly are you doing to update your look?Long Hair Cut Styles

 

The problem with sticking to just one length is that your style may not necessarily look updated, especially if shorter designs are the ongoing trend. However, there is good news. Just like Hollywood celebrity Jennifer Aniston who has been wearing her hair past her shoulders for the longest time now, there are a lot of ways by which you can update your look with long hair cut styles.

 

Remember how she started off in the hit television series “Friends” with that now-famous “The Rachel” cut? Now that she transformed into a big Hollywood star, so did her hair transform into an always-glamorous look – but without having to chop off her golden locks.

 

You can definitely do this, too. All you need to do is work with your stylist in finding the best long hair cut styles that will give you a fresh, updated do without having to resort to chopping off your locks for a shortened look.

 

3 Easy Long Hair Cut Styles which are a Must-Try!

 

So what are some of the most famous long hair cut styles which are a must-try?  Take a look at our top three list: 

  1. Long & Layered:  The trick bringing your hairstyle up-to-date without having to chop off inches is to go with layers.  Let’s say that you have fine hair. One of the best ways that you can add texture and volume to your hair is by wearing it in a layered cut and using a moisturizing shampoo. This hairstyle suits those who have a round-shaped or heart-shaped face.  The cut will make your face look longer without taking away the elegance and updated look of your hairdo.
  2. Ultra-Lengthy Curls:  What better way is there to dress up your design than with sexy, rich curls? Adding some bounce to your has never been easier – you can either style yourself with the help of a curling iron. Or, you can decide to wear your locks semi-permanent style by having it perm-curled by a stylist in a salon.
  3. Longer Tresses with Bangs - Finally, our third must-try creation is the longer tresses with bangs.  Whether you’re wearing it ultra-straight or slightly wavy, adding bangs will give much-needed texture and depth.

Caring for & Maintenance of Long Hair Cut Styles

 

Remember that longer hair styles need the extra attention and time to maintain. What you need to do is have plenty of quality hair care products handy so that you can avoid having frizz, split ends or flyaway. Take your long locks for a professional treatment to maintain its softness and manageability – or to touch up on the color.

 

At the end of the day, wearing your hair in a long style is a favorite among women of all ages because they feel ultra feminine and sexy in it – and why not?  With a long hair cut style and products for long hair that suits your facial features, you will end up looking the best that you ever did!

Free Up the Frizz and Curls in Black Hair

Posted on June 16, 2009 with 2 Comments

Well it’s that time of year again. Sticky, Hot, and Humid weather attacking your curly locs and causing them to swell to epic proportion.  Fear not! I think struck gold with a carefree black hair regimen that will revive those curls and make them pop!

My regimen is pretty simple and works well with my naturally curly summer style.

Step#1Emu Oil Shampoo

I wash my hair with HHP Emu Oil Shampoo. This product is absolutely amazing and gives my kinky curly locs the most beautiful shine.

Step #2

I condition with HHP Emu Oil Conditioner. I typically leave on for 15 minutes and lightly rinse out. That’s right I said lightly! This product also works well as a leave in and works great with Step#3. For those of you who own a hair steamer, HHP Emu conditioner is a wonderful accompaniment. I promise you your hair will be moisturized soft and shiny.  

Step #3

I towel blot my hair and I apply Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. My all time favorite curl crème to date! But what’s most impressive is that when used with Step#2 your curls are elongated with less miss-jessy-curly-puddingbulk and frizz. Best of all your hair will be moisturized from root to tip. Apply Miss Jessie’s liberally and finger style as every curl falls in place and voila! You are done! Optional Product: IC Sparkle Lights gel is a good alternative to Miss Jessie’s.

Optional Step #4

Apply a small amount of Shesentit Seyani Hair Butter for added moisture for those with courser hair.  It helps soften and refresh curls - making dense locks more manageable and feeling a lot better.

Suzanne P.

Suzanne is a contributing editor for Skin Care News Blog.  She is an expert and featured writer in black hair care and black hair styles - having been a stylist and distributor for years.  Her knowledge of products that work is phenomenal and her sense of style amazing.  Stay tuned for more insight from her.

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 Beautiful, Healthy hair for less moneyfriends (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.

Using Argan Oil to avoid heat damage

Posted on April 19, 2009 with 3 Comments

Argan Oil for Improved Drying and ShineWe recently reviewed Moroccan Oil along with several other products that contain Argan Oil.  Our review will be published in the coming week.

Argan Oil is derived from the Argan plan (bush, shrub?) indigenous to Morocco.  Marrakesh Oil and “Miracle Oil” are also names you will see, but they all have their primary base in Argan. 

We found drying times to be reduced by as much as 50%!  That’s a lot.  It reduced blow drying time significantly.  Our test stylist said…

I was stunned by how fast hair dries, it was softer, and made the hair shine more!  My clients love it and have begin using especially with long and curly hair.   J. Brown - Stylist and Salon Owner

This isn’t a sales pitch, but rarely do we come across a product that works so well and actually does what it says - in a way that is immediately noticeable.  While quicker drying time has the obvious benefit of shortened styling time, the greatest advantage is its’ ability to help avoid heat damage caused by dryers, flat irons and curlers.  We see many clients, customers and some stylists use tools to style and dry; while this is part of their use, over-styling can lead to split-ends, pre-mature breaking and tearing of the follicle shaft. 

If you interested in trying some of these products, follow the “Hair Products” link to the right and type in “Argan Oil” in the search bar. Or, purchase at HealthyHairPlus.com by clicking on this link >> Moroccan Oil.

Bronner Brothers Hair Show - Baltimore May 17th - 19th

Posted on April 17, 2009 with No Comments

Bronner Black Hair Care ShowsBronner Brothers has announced several show for the 2009 season. In May, their first show is in Baltimore on May 17th-19th; later in August, they have scheduled their home-base show in Atlanta on August 15th-18th. In October they have planned Seminars by The Sea at the Atlantis on Paradise Island, Bahamas.

A complete Bronner online brochure reviews the schedule, classes and educational programs. They expect to have over 200 hair care products exhibitors, some “celebrity” stylists, and even screening sessions for the movie “Good Hair”!! Time to brush-up on your acting skills!

Atlanta-based Bronner is renowned for their shows, conferences and educational programs.  The Brothers have become a leader in the Black, Ethnic and African American hair market.  It is a showcase for black and African American hair products and styling.  Their shows are always a lot of fun.

Couple of Tricks for Damaged Hair

Posted on April 16, 2009 with No Comments

Repairing Damaged HairFor all the effort and wonderful outcome (eventually), my wife usually has to endure a month or so of hair damage after she gets her hair colored or permed.  She doesn’t have treatments too often, but when she does, we (the family) sluff through a few weeks of a disgruntled Mom.  Here are a few ideas we recommend to our customer and a few things that she has come up with.

  1. After a new cut and color - don’t blow dry.  In fact, for a few days following, air-dry and be gentle with a brush.  If you have gone ”short”, the exposed follicle shaft can be harmed by excessive heat.  FYI - we get calls daily from folks walking out of a salon after getting a big cut and color and finding out their hair looks like the end of an old broom!
  2. Stay out of the sun - We just got back from the beach for Spring Break. Kids and wife spent a lot of time in the sun (while I worked much of the week in Atlanta).  Everyone had rosey cheeck and my son’s hair is starting to turn blonde.  Sun affects your hair.  It’s effects can be amplified by styling products, increasing damage.  Try to wear a hat when outdoors or use a shampoo with SPF protection.
  3. We recently began carrying Argan oil products - may have heard of Morrocan Oil, Miracle Oil or Marrakesh Oil.  This is not a pitch - these are great.  They greatly increase drying time, moisturize and improve shine.  We had a friend and large salon owner in yesterday.  Unsolicited, he went on for 15 minutes about Argan oil and how he and his staff use daily for most of his clientle.  I’m writing a post on this in a few weeks…stay tuned.
  4. Find the best moisture shampoo and conditioner possible - sounds to obvious…but most hair breakage and damage is caused by stipped moisture.

We are posting a short series on repairing dmage and a few products you might consider in June…but, these will help out.  Thx.