Hair Care News

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

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.

Nioxin Recharging Complex - Product Review

Posted on July 6, 2009 with No Comments

Do you have problems growing your hair? Are you suffering from hair loss? Perhaps you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to grow nails or even skin back? Do you have a cosmetic skin condition that topical agents and liniments just can’t fix? Then perhaps the Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex (hair vitamins) is the perfect product for you.

Nioxin Intensive Therapy Recharging Complex

Its ambiguous and long brand name aside, this multivitamin and mineral supplement contains the active ingredient niacinamide, which acts as the catalyst in upholding the healthiness of your nails, skin, and hair. 

(This product can be purchased at HairEnergizer.com by clicking this link >> Nioxin Vitamins)

It even has the usual “natural” ingredients (this time made from marine concentrates that promotes “super balanced nutrition”) that customers seemingly adore, but the FDA forewarns that the product is not an actual drug that can prevent, cure, treat, or even diagnose skin disorders. It’s an all-natural supplement, nothing more.

In spite of what it is and the limitations of its product type, the Nioxin Recharging Complex remains a highly recommended product for people who’ve experienced hair shedding, breakage, and loss.

It’s no Rogaine, but it works as well as any other commercially marketed vitamin would in producing healthier and thicker hair. In the same way that you need to eat the right diet to gain some sort of health benefit, supplements like Nioxin Recharging Complex can fulfill that purpose as well. Just don’t expect dramatic or illogical results, and you should be able to make the most out of this product.

Nioxin’s closest competitors—biotin-based vitamins—are certainly a lot cheaper than this relatively expensive multivitamin supplement. However, there’s a reason why hair stylists and hair experts from all over the world would rather recommend Nioxin than any other vitamin substitute.

After all, in just thirty days of use, customers will undoubtedly see a difference in their hair condition; that is, reduced hair loss, decreased shedding, and stronger, healthier hair that can withstand breakage. What more can they gain out of three months of use or perhaps a year of use?

Nioxin Recharging Complex has about two major drawbacks to it—it’s hefty price ($24.99 - can be found as low as $18.00) and the fact that you’ll have to take it frequently and religiously for a long period of time before you can see the results you want. It’s undoubtedly good enough to be worth its expensive price tag, though. It gets an okay 8.9 out of 10 stars merely because of its expensiveness and long gestation period. Otherwise, it’s one of the best hair supplements out there.

Other Products to Consider

HHP Hair Vitamins - Healthy Hair Plus is one our favorite manufacturers for the whole spectrum of hair products.

HHP Hair Nutrition Vitamins

  For about 10 years they have been making “Hair Nutrition Vitamins” that have become a mainstay supplement for improveing strength, growth and for fighting thinning.

They are rich in Biotin as well as Chlorophyll - along with an enhanced formula of amino acids (Niacin, Folic Acid, Arginine and about 15 others), minerals and vitamins (including B-12 - considered the “king” of ingredients).  Vitamin E and Vitamin A are also at the top of the list.

Since they are the manufacturer and sell directly to the public, prices are substantially lower than competing brands (approximately $14.00).

(This product can be purchased at HairEnergizer.com by clicking this link >> HHP Hair Nutrition Vitamins)

Choosing The Best Relaxer for Black Hair

Posted on June 21, 2009 with 5 Comments

Thinking of relaxing?

Choosing the best relaxer is very important for the health of your hair.  Fear not!  With the right relaxer and proper maintenance your hair can be healthy and strong. An experienced hairstylist is most qualified to identify which chemical treatment is right for your hair.

Of course, the texture and curl of your hair are key considerations in selection of product and processing time. But more importantly, your history of hair processing will determine which chemical relaxer can be used on your hair.

Some relaxers, when combined with others, even when months have passed since your last relaxing process, will break protein bonds in such a way that disastrous hair breakage results. So it’s important to see a licensed stylist for this chemical service.

Relaxers typically need to be touched up every 6 to 8 weeks depending on the rate of your hair growth. This is a process where the relaxer is only applied the “new growth”.

The three main active ingredients found in chemical relaxers are sodium hydroxide, guanidine hydroxide and amonium thioglycholate.

Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, and has been blamed for causing damage, while guanidine hydroxide and amonium thioglycholate are promoted as “gentle” or “no-lye” formulas.

The truth, however, is that all three of these chemicals will cause severe follicle and scalp damage if they are misused; and all three can produce good results when used correctly.   

When it comes to lye relaxers my favorites are Mizani and Mizani Butter blend. I’m also a fan of Affirm. When it comes to No-Lye hands down I would choose Phytospecific Phytorelaxer Index 1; it’s pricey but the end result is fabulous!

Self Relaxing

My suggestion is that if you don’t have experience in self relaxing…DON’T! Self relaxing is very tricky and over processing is very common for the inexperienced.  It’s especially important when applying to new growth. One of my favorite products for self-straightening is the Organic Root Stimulato kit that, when applied correctly offers salon results.

Black Hair Maintenance

It’s important to wrap hair each night and cover hair with a silk scarf before going to bed. Apply light moisture daily or apply a light silicone spray.  Wash and Condition weekly with moisture enriched products such as HHP Emu Oil Shampoo and conditioner. Apply a heat protectant, such as HHP Spray Straight to smooth and straighten and Blow dry.  Deep condition monthly and apply protein based products as needed or as recommended by stylist.

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.