Eliminate and Prevent Split Ends

Split ends also known as Trichoptlosis, usually occurs in dry and/or brittle hair. Dry, brittle hair is caused from the lack of moisture and/or protein. Additionally, this lack of moisture damages the cuticle layer of the hair shaft. The cuticle layer is the protective layer of the hair. It consists of overlapping cells much like shingles on a house and protects the cortex (the second layer of the hair) and the medulla (the marrow of the hair). Depending on how well the overlapping cells are woven determines your hair porosity (how porous your hair is).

There are ways we can take preventative measures against split ends forming, but first we need to do an assessment of the hair's health. In order to do this assessment you will need to discontinue hair care products that are silicone based for 8 weeks. Silicone based shampoos and conditioners actually coat the hair shaft and while it may look healthy and shiny it is actually depriving your hair of the necessary moisture and protein it requires. If you can not live without a silicone based hair care product then do a clarifying rinse with diluted vinegar to remove all traces of product buildup in the hair.

Strand Test - with a wet strand of hair stretch the hair strand, if it breaks immediately and has no stretch it has a moisture deficiency. If the hair strands stretches over 30% but does not bounce back to its original state then there is a protein deficiency. There are several products on the market to add protein back into the hair but a homemade remedy I just heard about and am going to try, is an infusion of catnip poured directly onto the hair then rinsed out. Other ingredients that will add protein to your hair are egg yolks, coconut milk, and mayonnaise. Mix some of these ingredients up with some olive oil and make a hair mask.

To fix split ends in between trims is a simple matter of cutting them off also known as dusting. This will prevent them from moving further up the hair shaft. You will need a very sharp pair of hair cutting shears. Take a section of hair and gently twist into a loose rope, any hairs that pop out of the rope you can cut off. Albeit you may want to have friends help with this.

While there is no cure for split ends once the cuticle layer has been damaged you can take these preventative steps:

•  Invest in the right hair care products for your hair texture.
• Invest in a satin pillowcase. Not only is it gentler on the hair it is gentler on the face too. Read my post on the benefits of a silk pillowcase.
• Get a hair trim every six weeks, I know what a pain; I am guilty of going way to long between trims!
• Always use cloth or rubber coated bands in your hair.
• Never brush the hair when wet, always use a wide tooth comb or pick.
• Consider a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a month, get a recipe at Complete Hair Care Therapy.

Unfortunately, you can not really get rid of spilt ends once they have developed however, you can prevent their occurrence with a little preventive maintenance.

Recommended products:

L'anza Protein Plus Shampoo -is a gentle coconut based cleanser that carries nutrients and protein deep into the hair shaft. This shampoo is recommended for chemically treated or environmentally damaged hair because of its ability to restore pliability, strength and shine. Active Jojoba and Biotin contained in Protein Plus Shampoo help to restore the acid mantle of the scalp, ultimately leaving the hair and scalp in renewed condition and on its way to continued well being. Keratin Bond System™: Strengthens hair and replenishes its inner structure. Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Coconut-derived surfactant. Very gentle on fragile, damaged hair. 100% Active Jojoba and Biotin: Replaces scalp’s natural acid mantle. Algae Extract: Increases lubricity and moisturizing potential. A creamy coconut-based cleanser that carries nutrients and proteins that replace and balance the vital protein and moisture ration in damaged, overstressed hair.

Emu Shampoo and Conditioner - Our best shampoo and conditioner for dry, brittle hair. Super-moisturizing dry, fly-away hair while adding volume, bounce and manageability! Save with this top-selling combo! Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners help hydrate your hair deep down into the scalp.Emu oil shampoo is the best shampoo that I have ever used. I had done a lot of research on omega 3's for skin and hair and found that emu oil has one of the highest contents. I could not find it in 99.9% of the shampoos out there.



For more hair care articles and hair care recipes visit Complete Hair Care Therapy! 

To get 15% off of hair care products visit Healthy Hair Plus

Understanding Hair Porosity

Porosity is the measure of the hair's ability to absorb moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair's cuticle layer (the overlapping scales of the hair shaft), and is rated as low, normal, and high. A good analogy would be to consider your hair like a sponge. When the sponge is new it is very porous and absorbs water thus it has good porosity. On the other hand an old sponge where the tiny holes have been damaged does not absorb water as well as it used to.

The hair shaft is made up of cuticle layers which are actually overlapping scales. When the cuticle layer of the hair is tightly woven and compact it has low porosity as it inhibits moisture going in and going out.

Low porosity hair is resistant to hair coloring and perms and must be softened to open the cuticle layers prior to a treatment. The best remedies for low porosity hair are deep conditioning products and products rich in moisture and/or products that contain humectants which will attract moisture to the hair.

High porosity hair on the other hand has an open cuticle layers and absorbs moisture and color treatments more easily. However overly porous hair releases moisture and becomes dry and dull. The best products for hair with a high porosity are moisturizes containing natural plant based oils, and mildly acidic rinse. Additionally one should avoid sulfate-based surfactants.

Normal hair porosity is somewhere in the middle. This hair texture requires the least amount of maintenance, as it will allow moisture to pass in the hair shaft as needed. Additionally hair with a high porosity will hold a hairstyle and allow chemical processes in the expected manner. However, note that repeated chemical processes can change the porosity of your hair by damaging the cuticle layer.

Below are a few tests you can do to figure out your hair's porosity and help you select the right products for your hair.

Test 1: When washing your hair notice how long it takes for your hair to become saturated and fully wet. Hair that wets easily is porous, much like a new sponge. There is also a possibility that you hair could be covered with to many hair care products such as oils and conditioners. Additionally consider how long it takes your hair to dry, hair that dries quickly is porous as the cuticle layers are open and allow air flow.

Test 2: Wash and condition your hair as normal. Towel dry (do not add any other products). Gather one strand of hair and run your index finger and thumb along the shaft starting from the end of the hair strand to the root. Low porosity will feel slick, normal porosity will feel smooth, and high porosity you will feel catches as you move your fingers down the hair shaft.

Test 3: Take a few strands of hair (from comb or hair brush) and place in a bowl of water. If the hair sinks to the bottom of the bowl in less than a minute or two, it is porous. If only a part of the strand sinks you your hair is porous in certain areas and this is quite common.

I hoped this article helped you to understand hair porosity and bring you that much closer to selecting the right hair products for your hair. For more hair care articles visit Complete Hair Care Therapy
and to get the best all natural hair care products and get 15% off visit Healthy Hair Plus

Emu Oil Shampoo and Conditioner - Our best shampoo and conditioner for dry, brittle hair. Super-moisturizing dry, fly-away hair while adding volume, bounce and manageability! Save with this top-selling combo! Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners help hydrate your hair deep down into the scalp.

FYI – Recall on Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color

Just released on April 11, 2011 and April 18, 2011, Proctor and Gamble have recalled its Clairol Natural Instincts products. This was a voluntary recall by Proctor and Gamble stating that the products may produce an unwanted color effect. This recall covers the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. From what I understand the Revitalizer sachets in these products create the unwanted color. Proctor and Gamble however that the products in the kit remain safe to use but do not use the Revitalizer Sachet.

Below are the products that have been taken off the market, however if you currently own one of these products you should contact Clairol or the retailer where you purchased it at.

• Natural Instincts Shade 16 Light Auburn (Spiced Tea)
• Natural Instincts Shade 35 Brown Black (Ebony Mocha)
• Natural Instincts Creme Shade 03G Light Golden Blonde (Honey Creme)
• Natural Instincts Creme Shade 7.5 Dark Blonde (Maple Creme)
• Natural Instincts Creme Shade 21G Medium Golden Brown (Caramel Creme)
• Natural Instincts Creme Shade 23R Medium Auburn (Raspberry Creme)
• Natural Instincts Creme Shade 30R Dark Auburn (Cherry Creme)
• Natural Instincts Creme Shade 31 Darkest Brown (Coffee Creme)
• Natural Instincts Vibrant Shade 9 Natural Light Blonde (Blonde Vibrance)
• Natural Instincts Vibrant Shade 10 Extra Light Blonde (Sun-Kissed Blonde)
• Natural Instincts 11G Lightest Golden Brown (Amber Shimmer)
• Natural Instincts Vibrant Shade 6A Light Cool Brown (Wake-up Cocoa)

Clairol has stated that it expects the affected shades and products to be back on shelves in May 2011.

For hair care articles and hair care recipes visit Complete Hair Care Therapy

Or, visit Healthy Hair Plus and get 15% off hair care products and styling aids

Adding Bounce and Volume for Fine Limp Hair

Hair texture can be generally categorized into four major types: fine, medium, coarse and wiry or frizzy hair. Due to the fact that there are different types of hair texture it is important to maintain your hair with the products specially made for the texture of your hair. For instance, for fine limp hair a heavy conditioner or styling aid would not be recommended.


This article will address fine limp hair and simple tips and techniques that can bring out body and add volume to your hair style.

First and foremost, fine, thin hair has a tendency to fall flat and shapeless in a short amount of time after styling. This is due to the fact that it lacks body. Additionally for those with fine limp hair the right hair cut is essential to bring out body and volumne.

Hair Care Products:

The right hair care products can play a significant role in adding volume to fine hair. Thus, when styling your hair consider a mousse as they are lightweight. Hair gels and pastes can also be used if they are not too heavy. Conditioner is usually a heavy product and great for those with thick, coarse hair, however for fine hair consider skipping the conditioner and use a light detangling spray if needed. The bottom line here is to opt for hair care products that do not weigh the hair down any further.

Hair Styling Tips:

If you use a blow dryer regularly, consider blow drying your hair with your head upside down. Another option when blow drying your hair is to pull the hair straight up at the roots with a hair brush or your fingers thus creating tension and lift at the roots. For those with an asymmetrical haircut blow dry your hair in opposite direction of the way you wear your hair. If you are trying to achieve a straight style with volume use a blow dryer and paddle brush instead of heavy hair straightening products. For those that like curls, hot rollers are your best choice.

Hair Style:

Your haircut can play a significant role in adding volume to your hair. Consider these options:

Cropped - The cropped hair style is probably the simplest to maintain. It is especially good for those with small and thin faces. It is easy to add height and volume with a little bit of mouse or light gel.

Bob - this style compliments most face shapes especially those with a heart shaped facial structure. The bob frames the face and by ending the hair at the chin it gives the illusion of an oval face instead of a pointy chin. The bob can be a versatile hair style with side bangs or bangs and looks great with or without highlights.

Layered - layered, choppy hair styles are good for all lengths of hair because it is so versatile. The layered cut can be worn flipped up or down, waves, scrunched curls, etc.

With so many great styling products and styling tools on the market, even fine, limp hair can achieve volume and bounce.

Consider these products:
 
Roffler® Thickening Shampoo - A rich luxurious professional formula shampoo that contains Multiplex Protein of Collagen, Panthenol and Keratin Protein. Maximizes thickness of hair and builds a rich, full body.
Cleanses hair thoroughly and is safe for permed and colored hair. Adds luster. This acid-balanced, daily use shampoo combines multiplex proteins, collagen and keratin, plus Panthenol, to give maximum thickness and body to fine, limp or thinning hair.

Kenra Platinum Detangler -  Kenra Platinum Detangler for fine and thin - Kenra Platinum Detangler for fine & thin hair is a leave-in conditioner that promotes body and shine. Promotes optimum body and shine. Lightweight, oil-free leave-in treatment. Botanical blend for healthy, shiny hair.  Features: New, sleek look, Promotes optimum body and shine, Lightweight, oil-free leave-in treatment, Botanical blend for healthy, shiny hair






You can read more about hair care and hair care recipes at Complete Hair Care Therapy or visit Healthy Hair Plus for hair care products at 15% off!

Types of Hair Brushes

Most of us just grab a hair brush, run it through our hair and forget about it. However,
are you using the right hair brush for your hair care and styling needs? Selecting the proper hair brush can make a big difference in our ability to style our hair, prevent unnecessary breakage, and can keep the hair shiny and healthy.

Hair brushes come in all sizes, shapes and styles, and selecting the right brush for your hair needs can be a little overwhelming. Thus an understanding of the different types of hairbrushes and their use will help you in selecting the right hair brush for you hair care needs.

Round Brushes are also known as barrel brushes or radial brushes. These brushes are perfect for short to medium length, bob type hairstyles and they will add volume at the crown and smooth the hair shafts. They are designed as a styling aid to give hair curl when used with a blow dryer. Note: the larger the barrel the larger the curl and smoothness.

Round brushes are also available in a heat conductive material and are called thermal brushes. They actually conduct heat from your blow-dryer so not only are the outside of the hair shaft is drying, the brush bristles are drying the inside hair shaft too.

There are also brushes for sculpting. They are used for backcombing and adds volume to short textured hair or razor-cut hair with sharp edges.

Hair brushes with widely spaced bristles are best for long hair, especially slightly heavy ones like those made of heavy plastic, wood or ebonite, which don't cause static or damage hair.

Ionic Hair Brushes are brushes that use negative ions to rid hair of frizz and fly-away hair. They can add shine and make hair soft and smooth. These hair brushes flatten the hair strand and force the hair to stay straight they do a great job of eliminating fly-away hair and frizz. You can maximize results when used in conjunction with an ionic blow dryer.

There are also paddle brushes, vented brushes, and cushioned hair brushes.

You can read more about hair brushes at Complete Hair Care Therapy and for skin care recipes visit Complete Skin Care Therapy