Hair Care News

Shampoo for Dry Hair

Posted on August 23, 2011 with No Comments

Dry hair can affect anybody, but how you handle it is very important. If you take care of the problem from the source it will stop the dry hair and make your scalp more healthy. If not treated correctly your hair will become like straw and break easily. Using a shampoo for dry hair is important, it will keep your hair healthier for longer.

The purpose of a shampoo is to wash away dirt and grime, but it also washes away your natural oils which can dry out your hair. I thing you can try to do if find a shampoo that is very moisturizing. This will put moisture back into you hair that the shampoo can take out.

Look for shampoos that are naturally based. They will be more gentle on your scalp and less likely to cause problems. Also try to find a moisturizing conditioner, but make sure it is not to heavy because if it is it will leave your hair flat.

If your hair shaft is thick, wavy or curly make sure you dry your have well after every wash. This will help the natural oils from your scalp work its way down the hair quicker. Thick hydrating shampoos work best for this hair type.

Look for shampoos that contain emu oil, shea butter or any other type of moisturizing property. When it comes to conditioning find a balanced conditioner to use after every wash this will lock in moisture and keep the hair healthy.

Stay away from hot oil treatment, they can burn the hair and lead to breakage, but if you need a boost you can use a deep treatment conditioning treatment once a month. Curly hair is a gift but make sure to skip days in between washes, this will help control tangles and frizz.

If you hair thin, greasy or dead hair use a lighter shampoo, this will keep the oils at bay. Make sure your shampoo is naturally based, because you will be using it daily it needs to be gentle. When using a conditioner you can opt for a light conditioner because your hair produces oils naturally.

If your hair is generally tangle and frizz free you probably do not even need to use a conditioner. If you need a little extra moisture you can use a water based spray leave in conditioner it is light weight and will not weigh your hair down.

If you can avoid coloring, heat or chemical treatments because they will dry your hair and scalp out. If you insist on using them make sure to deep condition your hair so it will stay hydrated. If your hair is colored you want a shampoo that will lightly coat the hair to protect the color yet make it more vibrant.

Also stay away from clarifying shampoos because they will strip your color and cause it to fade faster. If your hair is chemically treated make sure you leave the shampoo on for an extra minute or two to get better penetration.

Definitely use a conditioner just make sure it is a light one. Don’t let it sit on your scalp for a long time as it will make it oily. Always remember moisture is the corner stone of healthy hair so keep your hair hydrated properly.

Shampoo for Dandruff and Oily Hair

Posted on June 15, 2011 with No Comments

Dandruff is a very common ailment and usually goes hand in hand with oily hair and scalp. Most shampoos will wash away the oils but they build back up quickly and the flakes will come back immediately. Some dandruff shampoos use harsh chemicals like coal tar. Stay away from these shampoos they can do more damage than good. The best dandruff shampoo should get rid of the flakes naturally without the use of harmful chemicals.

A good shampoo for oily hair or dandruff is going to contain zinc pca. This is because zinc naturally balances the oil glands in your scalp so that they will not over produce oils. This in turn dries the scalp out helping reduce dandruff. It is also, helps with dht, dermatitis and psoriasis. A good dandruff and oily hair shampoo should be a daily use shampoo.

Be sure to leave it on your scalp for a few minutes allowing the active ingredients to absorb into your scalp, for the best results. Zinc has been proven to control dandruff. Glycerin helps lock in moisture. Both of these ingredients are carried deep into the scalp for maximum effects. A good dandruff and oily shampoo will also help deep cleanse your scalp as well.

Shampoos with zinc for dandruff and oily hair have a very a high success rate because they take care of the problem by solving it, not just washing it away. Look for a natural shampoo, this will guarantee you are not putting harsh chemicals on your scalp which can lead to long term health problems. Some oily hair shampoo have even been able to help get rid of eczema.

Eczema is like a thick chunky dandruff that peels off in big chunks and is more stubborn and harder to solve. In closing finding a good shampoo for dandruff is an easy way to get this embarrassing problem under control. Just remember oily hair and dandruff usually go hand in hand so if you fix one the other will most likely go away by itself.

Advantages of SLS-free Shampoo

Posted on December 29, 2009 with 1 Comment

“Green” is big now – not only in terms of our environment, but also in terms of what we eat, supplements, what we wear, and how we recycle.  So, it is no suprise that sls-free shampoo is getting a lot of attention.  So, what’s the big deal with sls-free cleansers and, oh BTW, what are they?

What is SLS-FREE?

For those not in the hair products industry or who are not formulators for a manufacturer, SLS is short for Sodium Laurel Sulphate…and is also often referred to as “sulfate-free shampoo”.  It is a surfactant – a cleanser – used in shampoos.  It is what creates the “bubbles” and the lather.

The Trend is not only for hair health, but the environment

Surfactants are used in many cleaning products…dish washing liquid, clothes detergent, carpet cleaner, car wash, etc.  And interestingly, your daily shampoo may have more in common with carpet cleaner than you might expect or like to know.

Why Should I Care?

Put simply, there are several options to make the foaming lather in shampoos.  The two most commonly used for hair cleansers are Sodium Laurel Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.  Though they look and sound the same, they are not.  “Laurel” is considered harsh – being harmful to the biology of the follicles and scalp as well as stripping color, perms and chemical treatments, and creating splitting and general damage.

If you take a look at the ingredients on a bottle of shampoo (I know, who reads the labels on shampoos??!), you’ll notice the surfactant and liquid base one of the first ingredients on the list.

The trend, not only for hair health, but for the environment, is to use less harmful cleansing agents that biodegrade quicker and help protect the follicles and scalp while still providing adequate cleansing action.  The result of this trend is the advent and increasingly popularity of SLS-Free shampoo – or, essentially products that do not have Sodium LAUREL Sulfate; though some include its cousin Laureth in with definition when referring to sulfate-free.

What are the Advantages?

The benefits and advantages are easy to see.  Many users have noticed their hair is less dry and able to retain moisture and hydration.  Others have pointed out that damage is experienced less often – especially when using heated styling appliances. 

Other users of SLS-Free shampoos report improved volume, body and control; and, one of the most cited advatages is color treatments last longer.

While we don’t necessarily promote everyone start combing the back of their hair care products, it is useful to know that cheap(er) shampoos will generally use LAURETH, or worse.  Why?  Because the ingredient is less expensive – much less expensive.  As you might know be considering, there is some truth to “cheap supermarket” products being bad for your hair and the “professional salon” products being good.

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 Argan 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.

Looking for the Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo?

Posted on June 14, 2009 with No Comments

For several years I had a fairly oily scalp and began to get some flakes.  I began looking for the best anti dandruff shampoo I could find.

I tried mosy of the name brands – Head & Shoulders included.  Nothing really worked for me until I began using a shampoo (Follicleanse) that had Zinc in it.

I wrote a post a few weeks ago about Zincadone.  Its also known as Zinc PCA and is a very effective ingredient used in anti dandruff shampoos.  As a note, within a few days my hair scalp wasn’t so oily and in a week or two the few flakes I had were gone too.

I generally don’t plug a product, but Follicleanse is know my favorite.  I use it 2-3 times a week, alternating with an un-named product I like as well.  Here is a snippit I found related to the Zinc and dandruff.

What Causes Dandruff?

Flakes and itching usually caused by oil, toxins, pollutants and harsh hair care products that have been deposited on the scalp over a period of time. Malfunctioning sebaceous glands too sometimes produce an excess of oil which result in dry, flaking, itchy scalp and greasiness.

The Ideal Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

The most effective shampoo has the ability to eliminate pollutants and reduce flaky scalp and white flakes. It should be able to break down the presence of bad oils in the scalp without stripping your hair of its natural oils. The presence of Zinc PCA, which is a naturally derived compound used for the regulation of oil production by the sebaceous glands is highly beneficial and breaks down cholesterol that often leads to flaky scalp.

The Best Anti Dandruff Shampoo for Flakes and Itching

Anyway, I have several friends who have the same flaking problems – I told them my favorite anti dandruff shampoo and am now telling you.  Good luck and let me know what you think.

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.

Couple of Tricks for Damaged Hair

Posted on April 16, 2009 with No Comments

For 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.