Thermal Reconditioning

Thermal reconditioning as a hair straightening procedure is not new. However, it has become relatively popular in recent times. What is thermal reconditioning exactly? It is a type of Japanese hair straightening procedure that gives you absolutely straight hair, without the need to redo it unless the hair grows out. This means, your hair will remain permanently straight, unless you decide to chop it off. As the hair grows, it needs to be touched up, and the frequency of touching up really depends on how curly/wavy/frizzy your hair was before you underwent thermal reconditioning. Here, we will provide you with an overview of this process, and some important aspects to consider before you go for this treatment, based on which you can decide whether or not you want to opt for it.

Should You Opt for the Thermal Reconditioning Treatment?

Based on what is known as the Yuko system, the process of thermal reconditioning alters the natural hair bonds, and restructures them to make the hair straight, glossy, and smooth. The prime element here is heat, that does the trick and allows you to straighten hair permanently. Now, your suitability for this procedure depends on a lot of factors. For one, the natural texture of your hair is important. Further, whether your hair has been chemically treated in the past is a huge factor that will determine the effectiveness of hair thermal reconditioning for you. It is believed that virgin hair (or hair that has never been treated chemically - coloring/bleaching, straightening, perming, etc.) will respond better to this treatment.

Before you choose to go for this procedure, talk to your stylist, who will be able to tell you how effective it will be based on the information you give her/him about your hair. No matter what the thermal reconditioning reviews tell you, the effect of this process is going to be different on different hair types. You don't want to end up with hair worse than you think you already had. The effectiveness of this procedure also depends on the efficiency of the stylist, and it is not true that the more money you spend, the better the effect of hair thermal reconditioning will be on you. This is why, going for a consultation before you sit to get your hair chemically straightened, is very important. It is likely that some of you may be advised against this procedure altogether. Ensure you follow this advice because your hair can indeed get worse after you go for it. You may find places that tell you the procedure to carry out thermal reconditioning at home. However, do not, under any circumstance, try it. Without special consultation, taking a risk as huge as this is inadvisable.

Thermal Reconditioning: The Process

After your consultation, if you are deemed fit to go for this procedure, the following steps are taken to straighten your hair.

• The first step involves shampooing the hair, followed by the application of a protein conditioner, in order to protect it from the effect of the harsh chemicals that will be used later.
• The next step involves the application of a solution that will help first break, then restructure the hair bonds. For it to work, you will be made to sit under an ionic blow dryer for a minimum of forty minutes.
• After the hair dries, a ceramic flat iron at a temperature of 170-230 degrees Celsius is used to straighten the hair, a process known as thermal reconstruction. This will be done by individually straightening 1/8 inch sections of your hair. It is a long procedure, and in effect, its duration will depend on the length and thickness of your hair.
• Once your hair has been straightened, a neutralizer will be applied to your hair, and the hair will be stretched to maintain its straightness.
• Next, your hair will be shampooed yet again, followed by a blow dry. A trim may also be required to get rid of split ends, and give your hair a defined appearance.

You may have to touch up the new hair growth depending on how fast your hair grows. Usually, the period is around 6 months.

Thermal Reconditioning Aftercare

As is the case with any hair straightening technique and procedure, the aftercare of this process requires you to avoid shampooing your hair for a minimum of 72 hours. The basic idea is to keep the hair free of moisture, which means you also cannot exercise, sweat, or swim for 72 hours. Further, you are not permitted to put your hair behind your ears, wear glasses, or use any accessories that may cause kinks on it and reverse the entire hair straightening process.

Because the process of permanent hair straightening by means of thermal reconditioning involves the use of very harsh chemicals, it is important that you take good care of it after the procedure. Deep conditioning is very important process in hair care, and while you may resort to the use of more chemicals for this process, you may also opt for a scalp massage with warm oil to ensure that your hair does not become dry. Further, only use a wide toothed comb to comb your hair, to prevent it from breaking.

Finally, as much as you are tempted to have your hair straightened permanently, do know that the intensity of the chemicals in the products used is very high, and has the ability to alter the quality of your hair once it starts growing back. Chemically straightened hair requires the use a lot of hair care products to ensure that the hair retains its natural strength and quality. Having said this, the final decision regarding whether or not you want to undergo thermal reconditioning procedure should be based only on expert opinion.

Thermal Reconditioning

Thermal reconditioning as a hair straightening procedure is not new. However, it has become relatively popular in recent times. What is thermal reconditioning exactly? It is a type of Japanese hair straightening procedure that gives you absolutely straight hair, without the need to redo it unless the hair grows out. This means, your hair will remain permanently straight, unless you decide to chop it off. As the hair grows, it needs to be touched up, and the frequency of touching up really depends on how curly/wavy/frizzy your hair was before you underwent thermal reconditioning. Here, we will provide you with an overview of this process, and some important aspects to consider before you go for this treatment, based on which you can decide whether or not you want to opt for it.

Should You Opt for the Thermal Reconditioning Treatment?

Based on what is known as the Yuko system, the process of thermal reconditioning alters the natural hair bonds, and restructures them to make the hair straight, glossy, and smooth. The prime element here is heat, that does the trick and allows you to straighten hair permanently. Now, your suitability for this procedure depends on a lot of factors. For one, the natural texture of your hair is important. Further, whether your hair has been chemically treated in the past is a huge factor that will determine the effectiveness of hair thermal reconditioning for you. It is believed that virgin hair (or hair that has never been treated chemically - coloring/bleaching, straightening, perming, etc.) will respond better to this treatment.

Before you choose to go for this procedure, talk to your stylist, who will be able to tell you how effective it will be based on the information you give her/him about your hair. No matter what the thermal reconditioning reviews tell you, the effect of this process is going to be different on different hair types. You don't want to end up with hair worse than you think you already had. The effectiveness of this procedure also depends on the efficiency of the stylist, and it is not true that the more money you spend, the better the effect of hair thermal reconditioning will be on you. This is why, going for a consultation before you sit to get your hair chemically straightened, is very important. It is likely that some of you may be advised against this procedure altogether. Ensure you follow this advice because your hair can indeed get worse after you go for it. You may find places that tell you the procedure to carry out thermal reconditioning at home. However, do not, under any circumstance, try it. Without special consultation, taking a risk as huge as this is inadvisable.

Thermal Reconditioning: The Process

After your consultation, if you are deemed fit to go for this procedure, the following steps are taken to straighten your hair.

• The first step involves shampooing the hair, followed by the application of a protein conditioner, in order to protect it from the effect of the harsh chemicals that will be used later.
• The next step involves the application of a solution that will help first break, then restructure the hair bonds. For it to work, you will be made to sit under an ionic blow dryer for a minimum of forty minutes.
• After the hair dries, a ceramic flat iron at a temperature of 170-230 degrees Celsius is used to straighten the hair, a process known as thermal reconstruction. This will be done by individually straightening 1/8 inch sections of your hair. It is a long procedure, and in effect, its duration will depend on the length and thickness of your hair.
• Once your hair has been straightened, a neutralizer will be applied to your hair, and the hair will be stretched to maintain its straightness.
• Next, your hair will be shampooed yet again, followed by a blow dry. A trim may also be required to get rid of split ends, and give your hair a defined appearance.

You may have to touch up the new hair growth depending on how fast your hair grows. Usually, the period is around 6 months.

Thermal Reconditioning Aftercare

As is the case with any hair straightening technique and procedure, the aftercare of this process requires you to avoid shampooing your hair for a minimum of 72 hours. The basic idea is to keep the hair free of moisture, which means you also cannot exercise, sweat, or swim for 72 hours. Further, you are not permitted to put your hair behind your ears, wear glasses, or use any accessories that may cause kinks on it and reverse the entire hair straightening process.

Because the process of permanent hair straightening by means of thermal reconditioning involves the use of very harsh chemicals, it is important that you take good care of it after the procedure. Deep conditioning is very important process in hair care, and while you may resort to the use of more chemicals for this process, you may also opt for a scalp massage with warm oil to ensure that your hair does not become dry. Further, only use a wide toothed comb to comb your hair, to prevent it from breaking.

Finally, as much as you are tempted to have your hair straightened permanently, do know that the intensity of the chemicals in the products used is very high, and has the ability to alter the quality of your hair once it starts growing back. Chemically straightened hair requires the use a lot of hair care products to ensure that the hair retains its natural strength and quality. Having said this, the final decision regarding whether or not you want to undergo thermal reconditioning procedure should be based only on expert opinion.

Shampoo for Dry Hair

Having soft and silky hair is something everyone dreams for but not everyone can live this dream. It could be your genes, overuse of hair care products with harsh chemicals, exposure to intense ultra violet rays, stress, or plain negligence towards hair care that makes this dream impossible to come to reality. Whatever be the reason, dry and frizzy hair would be the last thing on any body's mind. If you too wish to get rid of dry hair then you need to devote time and energy. It will help you choose a right shampoo for dry hair that should be a part of your daily hair care regimen.

Dry hair is caused due to lack of moisture in the hair, which depends on some crucial factors such as, skin type of an individual, temperature and moisture levels of the body and the surroundings, and the basic hair texture. The hair tend to become dry if the temperature level is too high or too low, so balancing the ideal temperature is very important to maintain soft and silky hair. Too much moisture can also make your hair oily. People with dry skin generally have dry hair for the obvious reasons. But, do not worry about all these dry hair causes because every problem has a solution and one of the simple dry hair solutions is choosing the best shampoo for dry hair.

How to Choose a Shampoo for Dry Hair?

Choosing the right shampoo can be tricky at times, but a careful look at the shampoos in the market can help you get the ideal one. Initially, you may have to try some shampoos for weeks until you find the suitable one for yourself. Given below are some of the things you must consider while choosing the shampoo for dry hair.

• Moisture level: The shampoo you choose should essentially be the moisturizing shampoo that would hydrate your hair making them look lustrous and healthy.
• Fatty Acids: Shampoo for dry hair should also have higher fatty acids which help in retaining the natural moisture of the hair.
  
• pH levels: The shampoo should have low pH levels as it serve the similar function as fatty acids. In addition it also prevents the further damage of the dry hair.
• Less chemicals: Make sure that the shampoo you choose has less or no harsh chemicals. Shampoo with herbal ingredients is the best natural shampoo for dry hair.

To know about the above factors all you have to do is go through an ingredient list on the bottle. Ingredients which top the list are used in the higher amounts and which are at the bottom are used in less quantity. This tip will help you read the ingredient list and understand the composition of the shampoo for dry hair. If not, you can go through the reviews about shampoo for dry hair and select the appropriate one for your precious hair.

Shampoo for Dry Hair Reviews

Given below are some shampoos that are meant to repair and revitalize the dry and damaged hair. Many of them are readily available in the local market. If not, you can buy them online as well.

• Jo Biolage Shampoo: This is one of the widely used shampoo for dry hair by women. It is botanically tested and proved to be one of the effective treatments for dry hair.
• Matrix Biolage Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo: This shampoo not only nourishes your hair but also the scalp. It also tops the list when it comes to shampoo for dry hair for men.
• Sunsilk Hydra TLC Shampoo: Sunsilk is one of the best selling commercial shampoo brand. According to many satisfied users, this shampoo makes hair sleek and glossy.
• Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo: This is again one of the shampoos that tops the list of best shampoo for dry hair.

Apart from these, Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo, TRESemee Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, and Redken Clear Moisture Shampoo, etc. are some of the good and effective shampoos for dry hair that you can try. Before you select any shampoo you can also consider consulting your family doctor who may suggest you a better medicated shampoo. You can also try various home remedies for dry hair which are equally effective.

For better results, you must choose the best conditioner for dry hair along with a good shampoo. The conditioner is also an easy solution if you are looking for a shampoo for dry hair and oily scalp. In such a case, you can wash hair with regular shampoo to remove the excessive oil from scalp and use a conditioner on the hair to make them soft. With this information on dry shampoo reviews you are sure to get the glamorous and trendy look soon that would allow you to flaunt your hair with style.

Hair Conditioner Recipe

Women.... Who made 'em? God must have been a... genius. Their hair. They say that the hair is everything, you know? Have you ever buried your nose in a mountain of curls, and just wanted to go to sleep forever? ~ Bo Goldman

The hair is the crowning glory of the human head, more so of the feminine human head! Hair of the head assumes an important position in all of our lives, irrespective of whether or not we have it! Those of us who have it pay attention to preserve it and those of us who do not have it either lament its absence or harrow over ways to gain it by pursuing the commercialized chimeras of wondrous products that promise a crop (read hair) on the barren soil (read scalp) without necessitating any tilling (read surgical procedure). Those of us who are lucky enough to have decent hair growth on our scalp (I count my blessings every day!) are always on the look out for preserving our manes and making it thicker, glossier, healthier by either using commercial hair care products or by conjuring up hair wash and hair conditioner recipe at home themselves!

Due to these reasons, neither is there a dearth of commercial hair care products in the market nor is there a deficit in the number of users and buyers of those products. However, more often than not, most of us would prefer to give our manes the benefit and wholesomeness of fresh, natural and herbal preparations than harsh chemical treatments. Although there are a lot of commercially available good quality ready-to-use herbal hair products in the market, most of those products don't impart the full benefits claimed by them because natural ingredients work best when fresh and not stored or preserved over a long time. Keeping this constraint in mind, here are a couple of natural hair conditioner recipe that you can whip up at home using easily available natural and herbal ingredients. You may be amazed to find that most of these ingredients are staple residents of your kitchen and refrigerator!

Hair Conditioners Made at Home

Given below are a few hair conditioner recipe along with instructions on how to make hair conditioner at home that you can use fresh for best results.

Lemon, Tea and Honey Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

• Juice of two lemons
• Two tablespoon fulls of honey
• Liquor extracted from one teaspoon full of tea leaves

Preparation

• Mix all ingredients together in a plastic or ceramic vessel. Do not use metallic vessels as the acidity of the lemon juice can react with the metal.
• You can also add half a cup of fenugreek liquor for more shine and luster.

How to Use

• Shampoo your hair thoroughly, preferably with a herbal hair wash.
• Apply the mixture on your wet, washed hair.
• Leave on for about two to three minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with water till all trace of stickiness has disappeared.
• Towel dry gently.

This hair conditioner recipe is ideal for normal to oily hair.

Banana, Egg-Yolk, Honey and Lemon Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

• 1 Ripe Banana
• Yolk of two eggs
• Juice of one lemon
• Two tablespoon fulls honey

Preparation

Mash the banana till it's reduced to a smooth pulp.
• Add all the other ingredients to the banana pulp and mix till the texture is smooth.

How to Use

• Wrap a hot towel around freshly shampooed hair.
• Steam your hair this way for about a minute.
• Remove the towel and apply the banana pulp mixture on the steamed hair.
• Keep for about 5-7 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with plain, cold water till all traces of the conditioner are washed off.

This homemade deep hair conditioner recipe is an ideal hair conditioner for dry hair. It can also be used safely on damaged and color treated hair.

Lemon, Vinegar, Honey and Holy Basil Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

• Juice of two lemons
• One Teaspoon full of vinegar
• Two table spoon fulls of honey
• One cup of Holy Basil liquor extract

Preparation

Extract the liquor from fresh Holy Basil leaves by a cup of pouring hot (near boiling but not boiling) water over the leaves and keeping the vessel covered. Keep it like this till the concoction cools down top room temperature. Stain the greenish liquor.
• Add all the other ingredients to this liquor and mix well.
• You can also add egg white for better shine and volume.

How to Use

• Apply to freshly washed wet hair.
• You may want to wear a shower cap to prevent the conditioning mixture from dripping off.
• Keep for two to three minutes and wash off thoroughly with cold water.
• For best results, wear a shower cap after applying the conditioner to freshly washed hair and wrap a hot towel over the shower cap. The heat will assist in better penetration by the conditioner.

This homemade hair conditioner is ideal for oily hair and flaky scalp. However, too frequent use can strip hair of natural oils and the vinegar content can discolor hair if left on for too long. Also, if this conditioner is not rinsed off thoroughly before going out in the sun, the vinegar can further bleach the hair.

Natural Hair Conditioners

The following herbal and household ingredients are known and time-tested as some of the best natural hair conditioners around. Any combination of these items can be used to for hair conditioner made at home to suit individual hair care needs.

• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Amla (read Amla Juice Benefits to know more)
• Holy Basil
• Henna
• Egg (both white and yolk)
• Banana
• Papaya Fruit
• Aloe Vera
• Fenugreek
• Green Apple extracts
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Coconut Milk
• Yogurt

You can make and use these natural hair conditioner recipe fresh at home which means that you get to derive the maximum benefits of the natural vitamins, proteins and other nutrients that are lost in commercial herbal preparations. Coupled with these, a regular intake of dairy and poultry food items such as milk, cottage cheese, eggs, chicken, yogurt, etc., make sure that your hair gets all the proteins it needs for growth and damage repair from within. All this leaves you with silkier, shinier hair. So go ahead, whip up your own hair conditioner recipe and get hair that's neighbor's envy, owner's pride!

Hair Conditioner Recipe

Women.... Who made 'em? God must have been a... genius. Their hair. They say that the hair is everything, you know? Have you ever buried your nose in a mountain of curls, and just wanted to go to sleep forever? ~ Bo Goldman

The hair is the crowning glory of the human head, more so of the feminine human head! Hair of the head assumes an important position in all of our lives, irrespective of whether or not we have it! Those of us who have it pay attention to preserve it and those of us who do not have it either lament its absence or harrow over ways to gain it by pursuing the commercialized chimeras of wondrous products that promise a crop (read hair) on the barren soil (read scalp) without necessitating any tilling (read surgical procedure). Those of us who are lucky enough to have decent hair growth on our scalp (I count my blessings every day!) are always on the look out for preserving our manes and making it thicker, glossier, healthier by either using commercial hair care products or by conjuring up hair wash and hair conditioner recipe at home themselves!

Due to these reasons, neither is there a dearth of commercial hair care products in the market nor is there a deficit in the number of users and buyers of those products. However, more often than not, most of us would prefer to give our manes the benefit and wholesomeness of fresh, natural and herbal preparations than harsh chemical treatments. Although there are a lot of commercially available good quality ready-to-use herbal hair products in the market, most of those products don't impart the full benefits claimed by them because natural ingredients work best when fresh and not stored or preserved over a long time. Keeping this constraint in mind, here are a couple of natural hair conditioner recipe that you can whip up at home using easily available natural and herbal ingredients. You may be amazed to find that most of these ingredients are staple residents of your kitchen and refrigerator!

Hair Conditioners Made at Home

Given below are a few hair conditioner recipe along with instructions on how to make hair conditioner at home that you can use fresh for best results.

Lemon, Tea and Honey Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

• Juice of two lemons
• Two tablespoon fulls of honey
• Liquor extracted from one teaspoon full of tea leaves

Preparation

• Mix all ingredients together in a plastic or ceramic vessel. Do not use metallic vessels as the acidity of the lemon juice can react with the metal.
• You can also add half a cup of fenugreek liquor for more shine and luster.

How to Use

• Shampoo your hair thoroughly, preferably with a herbal hair wash.
• Apply the mixture on your wet, washed hair.
• Leave on for about two to three minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with water till all trace of stickiness has disappeared.
• Towel dry gently.

This hair conditioner recipe is ideal for normal to oily hair.

Banana, Egg-Yolk, Honey and Lemon Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

• 1 Ripe Banana
• Yolk of two eggs
• Juice of one lemon
• Two tablespoon fulls honey

Preparation

Mash the banana till it's reduced to a smooth pulp.
• Add all the other ingredients to the banana pulp and mix till the texture is smooth.

How to Use

• Wrap a hot towel around freshly shampooed hair.
• Steam your hair this way for about a minute.
• Remove the towel and apply the banana pulp mixture on the steamed hair.
• Keep for about 5-7 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly with plain, cold water till all traces of the conditioner are washed off.

This homemade deep hair conditioner recipe is an ideal hair conditioner for dry hair. It can also be used safely on damaged and color treated hair.

Lemon, Vinegar, Honey and Holy Basil Hair Conditioner

Ingredients

• Juice of two lemons
• One Teaspoon full of vinegar
• Two table spoon fulls of honey
• One cup of Holy Basil liquor extract

Preparation

Extract the liquor from fresh Holy Basil leaves by a cup of pouring hot (near boiling but not boiling) water over the leaves and keeping the vessel covered. Keep it like this till the concoction cools down top room temperature. Stain the greenish liquor.
• Add all the other ingredients to this liquor and mix well.
• You can also add egg white for better shine and volume.

How to Use

• Apply to freshly washed wet hair.
• You may want to wear a shower cap to prevent the conditioning mixture from dripping off.
• Keep for two to three minutes and wash off thoroughly with cold water.
• For best results, wear a shower cap after applying the conditioner to freshly washed hair and wrap a hot towel over the shower cap. The heat will assist in better penetration by the conditioner.

This homemade hair conditioner is ideal for oily hair and flaky scalp. However, too frequent use can strip hair of natural oils and the vinegar content can discolor hair if left on for too long. Also, if this conditioner is not rinsed off thoroughly before going out in the sun, the vinegar can further bleach the hair.

Natural Hair Conditioners

The following herbal and household ingredients are known and time-tested as some of the best natural hair conditioners around. Any combination of these items can be used to for hair conditioner made at home to suit individual hair care needs.

• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Amla (read Amla Juice Benefits to know more)
• Holy Basil
• Henna
• Egg (both white and yolk)
• Banana
• Papaya Fruit
• Aloe Vera
• Fenugreek
• Green Apple extracts
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Coconut Milk
• Yogurt

You can make and use these natural hair conditioner recipe fresh at home which means that you get to derive the maximum benefits of the natural vitamins, proteins and other nutrients that are lost in commercial herbal preparations. Coupled with these, a regular intake of dairy and poultry food items such as milk, cottage cheese, eggs, chicken, yogurt, etc., make sure that your hair gets all the proteins it needs for growth and damage repair from within. All this leaves you with silkier, shinier hair. So go ahead, whip up your own hair conditioner recipe and get hair that's neighbor's envy, owner's pride!

Is Olive Oil Good for Hair

Olive oil is a thick oil extracted from the fruits of the olive tree, and has significant uses in cosmetics, medicine and cooking. It is an oil rich in polyphenols, mono-unsaturated fats, vitamins and antioxidants which are also used for various purposes. One such known use of olive oil is for our hair. The presence of the nutrients mentioned above in the olive oil makes it an excellent conditioner for all types of hair. Compared to other hair oils, this has a very less penetrating power due to which you need to massage it on the scalp for a longer period of time. But there are many benefits of using olive oil for hair and a few of these are mentioned below. So, find out, is olive oil good for hair from the following paragraphs.

Is Olive Oil Good for Your Hair?

Many men and women face various issues related to their hair like hair loss, less hair growth, dandruff, split ends and even lice. Olive oil is a rich source of vitamin E which is one of the basic necessities for hair care. Thus, the answer to your question, is olive oil good for hair is, undoubtedly yes. To find out how is olive oil good for you, read some olive oil benefits mentioned below.

Is Olive Oil Good for Hair Growth?
For those of you who are unaware about the types of olive oil, there are four main types. These are extra virgin, virgin, pure and extra light, out of which the extra virgin is known to be the best for hair growth. This is because the extra virgin type of olive oil is the result of the first processing of olives and has the maximum amount of vitamins and mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Though it is more expensive than the other types, the results are equally rewarding. As mentioned earlier, it is thicker and harder to penetrate through the scalp, thus needs a longer massage period. During this time, the hair vitamins gradually enter the hair openings and nourish the roots. This further leads to giving your hair elasticity and stops hair loss, which is why you can notice thicker hair.

But olive oil for hair growth doesn't regrow your hair, just makes the existing hair stronger, so that they don't break easily. This can also be your answer to - is olive oil good for treating hair loss. Hair loss or fall is basically because of the deficiency of vitamins or due to external conditions like pollution, humidity, etc. Thus, when you massage your scalp with it, the antioxidants present the oil flush out these toxins and the vitamins strengthen the roots. But you should always wrap your head with a towel or shower cap once you apply the oil for about 30 minutes and then wash it only with shampoo (no hair conditioner). The process of improving is very slow thus, regular use of this oil is advised for better results.

Is Olive Oil Good for Other Hair Problems?
Apart from being a great conditioner, the other olive oil benefits for hair include anti-dandruff properties. When you massage your scalp with this oil and let it sit for 30 minutes, the antioxidants act on the dandruff, cleaning your scalp gradually. You should also use the oil after you shampoo your hair and leave it for 5 minutes before rinsing it. A regular massage increases blood circulation in the scalp. Thus, a good use of this treatment will surely leave your scalp nourished and clean, giving you healthy, strong and shining hair! There are many hair care products which use olive oil as one of their ingredients, but this oil should be used in its extra virgin form to get excellent results.

With these benefits of this herbal conditioner, hope you found how is olive oil good for hair! This is one of the best gifts of nature to mankind as it's healthy in every way it is used.

Conditioner for Curly Hair

Curly hair styles generally don't need much maintenance, but to keep curly hair looking healthy, shiny and bouncy, regular conditioning is required. Choosing the conditioner according to curly hair type is important, because with the wrong conditioner one can end up with dropping and heavy looking hair. Here, is some information on curly hair type, and tips for choosing the right hair care products for curly hair and the recipes of conditioner for curly hair.

What is Curly Hair Type?

Curly hair type are the opposite of straight hair type. There are different types of curly hair, there is wavy hair, curly hair, and very curly hair. Wavy hair can also be called semi-curly hair and are easy to maintain and can be combed with a big tooth comb. Curly hair with normal coils, can be twisted into different styles and mostly have fine texture. Very curly hair are the kind of hair when pulled, spring back to their normal shape like Afro hair.

If you have curly hair or frizzy hair, then never use a brush as it might make the hair look fluffy and even cause hair damage. For hair care, comb the hair either with your fingers or use a big tooth comb. For curly hair, shampoos and conditioners should maintain the bounce of the hair without making the hair look heavy. Here are the ideal curly hair conditioners which you need to use.

Curly Hair Conditioners

Use the below tips for buying a conditioner for curly dry hair. Instead of buying the conditioners, you can try the below recipes and make the conditioner yourself.

Buying Deep Conditioner for Dry Hair
Curly hair are mostly dry hair, as the oil from the scalp can't easily travel the hair shaft due to the coiled hair shape. The best shampoo for curly hair should be one containing wheat germ oil, oils of nuts, or shea butter as they greatly help in moisturizing the hair. After the shampooing the conditioner to be used for curly hair should be a deeply moisturizing one. Use a moisturizing conditioner after every wash and a deep conditioner once a week. Try to find conditioners which contain emu, avocado or jojoba oil.

Homemade Conditioner for Curly Hair
Use 3 - 4 drops of avocado oil and mix 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil in it. Warm the solution a bit and dampen your hair. Apply the mix on your scalp and massage for 7 minutes. Take a warm towel and wrap it around your head. Keep the towel for 45 minutes, and wash your hair with cool water. Avocado oil contains vitamin A, D and E, and jojoba oil deeply moisturizes and smoothens the hair. Together avocado oil and jojoba oil provide a deep moisturizing effect and hair care for curly hair.

Homemade Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair
Use eggs for deep nourishing and moisturizing hair conditioners made at home. Beat up 1 egg yolk and add 1 teaspoon of rum and 1 teaspoon of Castor oil to it. Dampen your hair, massage the mix on the scalp for a minute and apply the rest on the hair. Keep on for a few minutes and wash your hair and scalp clean with cool water. Egg is rich in vitamin A and D, and together with Castor oil and rum in it, will deeply moisturize and condition your hair.

You can buy the right conditioner at the supermarket to maintain your curls and keep them healthy and shiny or you can use the above inexpensive recipes of homemade conditioner for curly hair, and enjoy shiny, bouncy curls!

Conditioner for Curly Hair

Curly hair styles generally don't need much maintenance, but to keep curly hair looking healthy, shiny and bouncy, regular conditioning is required. Choosing the conditioner according to curly hair type is important, because with the wrong conditioner one can end up with dropping and heavy looking hair. Here, is some information on curly hair type, and tips for choosing the right hair care products for curly hair and the recipes of conditioner for curly hair.

What is Curly Hair Type?

Curly hair type are the opposite of straight hair type. There are different types of curly hair, there is wavy hair, curly hair, and very curly hair. Wavy hair can also be called semi-curly hair and are easy to maintain and can be combed with a big tooth comb. Curly hair with normal coils, can be twisted into different styles and mostly have fine texture. Very curly hair are the kind of hair when pulled, spring back to their normal shape like Afro hair.

If you have curly hair or frizzy hair, then never use a brush as it might make the hair look fluffy and even cause hair damage. For hair care, comb the hair either with your fingers or use a big tooth comb. For curly hair, shampoos and conditioners should maintain the bounce of the hair without making the hair look heavy. Here are the ideal curly hair conditioners which you need to use.

Curly Hair Conditioners

Use the below tips for buying a conditioner for curly dry hair. Instead of buying the conditioners, you can try the below recipes and make the conditioner yourself.

Buying Deep Conditioner for Dry Hair
Curly hair are mostly dry hair, as the oil from the scalp can't easily travel the hair shaft due to the coiled hair shape. The best shampoo for curly hair should be one containing wheat germ oil, oils of nuts, or shea butter as they greatly help in moisturizing the hair. After the shampooing the conditioner to be used for curly hair should be a deeply moisturizing one. Use a moisturizing conditioner after every wash and a deep conditioner once a week. Try to find conditioners which contain emu, avocado or jojoba oil.

Homemade Conditioner for Curly Hair
Use 3 - 4 drops of avocado oil and mix 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil in it. Warm the solution a bit and dampen your hair. Apply the mix on your scalp and massage for 7 minutes. Take a warm towel and wrap it around your head. Keep the towel for 45 minutes, and wash your hair with cool water. Avocado oil contains vitamin A, D and E, and jojoba oil deeply moisturizes and smoothens the hair. Together avocado oil and jojoba oil provide a deep moisturizing effect and hair care for curly hair.

Homemade Deep Conditioner for Curly Hair
Use eggs for deep nourishing and moisturizing hair conditioners made at home. Beat up 1 egg yolk and add 1 teaspoon of rum and 1 teaspoon of Castor oil to it. Dampen your hair, massage the mix on the scalp for a minute and apply the rest on the hair. Keep on for a few minutes and wash your hair and scalp clean with cool water. Egg is rich in vitamin A and D, and together with Castor oil and rum in it, will deeply moisturize and condition your hair.

You can buy the right conditioner at the supermarket to maintain your curls and keep them healthy and shiny or you can use the above inexpensive recipes of homemade conditioner for curly hair, and enjoy shiny, bouncy curls!

Wen Hair Care

Wen is a brand name of hair care system which was started by celebrity hairstylist, Chaz Dean. The Wen hair care system comprises of five products which include cleansing conditioner, texture balm, hair repair mask, wide tooth shower comb and a styling cream. Among these products, the most important, as well as the most popular, hair product is the cleansing conditioner. The factor that made this cleansing conditioner popular is because it is a product which performs two functions. While it is a conditioner that makes the hair smooth and soft, it also acts as a shampoo by cleaning the hair thoroughly. However, the biggest advantage of Wen hair care products is that it is not like the normal shampoos which contain chemicals. Rather, Wen hair products are made of natural ingredients which do not contain any chemicals. Hence, are not very harsh on the hair like other shampoos and hair care products. However, along with positive Wen hair care reviews, there are also many people who did not find them very satisfactory. Hence, it would be best to know about them in detail, before deciding to try any of them.

Pros of Wen Hair Care System

According to Chaz Dean, the regular shampoos that we use on our hair contain harsh chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate. These chemicals cause the shampoo to lather up, when they are mixed with water. Although shampoo helps in cleaning the hair, it also strips away its natural oils. On the other hand, Wen cleansing conditioner not only cleanses, but also aids in soothing, moisturizing and strengthening the hair without lathering. Rather, the conditioner has the texture of thick and rich cream. Most Wen shampoo reviews read that this product is best for women who have very thin hair. Those who have used it say that it added volume to their hair and made it look very beautiful. Another thing that people like about this product is that this shampoo is available in various fragrances which include tea tree, fig, sweet almond mint, cucumber aloe, etc. Although women who have used this product say that the shampoo gives a very mild smell, there are many who have stopped using it because of its smell.

Cons of Wen Hair Care System

Though there are many women who have become regular users of the Wen hair care products, there are many who say that it did not give them the desired results. Some people have said that they experienced itchiness in their scalp after using the product. Apart from this, there are users who have said that it has caused their scalp to become oily and made their hair very dull, as well as flat. Also, it has been reported that not many African American women were happy with the product. Another major disadvantage of Wen hair care system is that it is very expensive. A 12 ounce bottle of any product costs somewhere around $30, exclusive of shipping charges. Also, as the instructions on the product say that the conditioner should be applied generously with every wash, the chances are high that one will have to buy a new one every month which may not be afforded by everyone. Apart from these problems, another accusation against Wen products are that some of them do contain some amount of silicone. Hence, customers should be really careful while choosing any of the product.

With the information given above, it can be said that Wen hair care system is neither a magic product nor a complete waste of money. Rather, it can be said that the effects of these products would be different from person to person. It actually depends on the hair quality and texture of the hair. However, if you are keen on using these products, there is no harm in giving it a try. If, for any reason you do not use this product or do not like it, the company will give you a full refund, if returned before sixty days. So, try one of these products because if it works for you, you will be able to flaunt healthy and gorgeous looking hair.

Wen Hair Care

Wen is a brand name of hair care system which was started by celebrity hairstylist, Chaz Dean. The Wen hair care system comprises of five products which include cleansing conditioner, texture balm, hair repair mask, wide tooth shower comb and a styling cream. Among these products, the most important, as well as the most popular, hair product is the cleansing conditioner. The factor that made this cleansing conditioner popular is because it is a product which performs two functions. While it is a conditioner that makes the hair smooth and soft, it also acts as a shampoo by cleaning the hair thoroughly. However, the biggest advantage of Wen hair care products is that it is not like the normal shampoos which contain chemicals. Rather, Wen hair products are made of natural ingredients which do not contain any chemicals. Hence, are not very harsh on the hair like other shampoos and hair care products. However, along with positive Wen hair care reviews, there are also many people who did not find them very satisfactory. Hence, it would be best to know about them in detail, before deciding to try any of them.

Pros of Wen Hair Care System

According to Chaz Dean, the regular shampoos that we use on our hair contain harsh chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate. These chemicals cause the shampoo to lather up, when they are mixed with water. Although shampoo helps in cleaning the hair, it also strips away its natural oils. On the other hand, Wen cleansing conditioner not only cleanses, but also aids in soothing, moisturizing and strengthening the hair without lathering. Rather, the conditioner has the texture of thick and rich cream. Most Wen shampoo reviews read that this product is best for women who have very thin hair. Those who have used it say that it added volume to their hair and made it look very beautiful. Another thing that people like about this product is that this shampoo is available in various fragrances which include tea tree, fig, sweet almond mint, cucumber aloe, etc. Although women who have used this product say that the shampoo gives a very mild smell, there are many who have stopped using it because of its smell.

Cons of Wen Hair Care System

Though there are many women who have become regular users of the Wen hair care products, there are many who say that it did not give them the desired results. Some people have said that they experienced itchiness in their scalp after using the product. Apart from this, there are users who have said that it has caused their scalp to become oily and made their hair very dull, as well as flat. Also, it has been reported that not many African American women were happy with the product. Another major disadvantage of Wen hair care system is that it is very expensive. A 12 ounce bottle of any product costs somewhere around $30, exclusive of shipping charges. Also, as the instructions on the product say that the conditioner should be applied generously with every wash, the chances are high that one will have to buy a new one every month which may not be afforded by everyone. Apart from these problems, another accusation against Wen products are that some of them do contain some amount of silicone. Hence, customers should be really careful while choosing any of the product.

With the information given above, it can be said that Wen hair care system is neither a magic product nor a complete waste of money. Rather, it can be said that the effects of these products would be different from person to person. It actually depends on the hair quality and texture of the hair. However, if you are keen on using these products, there is no harm in giving it a try. If, for any reason you do not use this product or do not like it, the company will give you a full refund, if returned before sixty days. So, try one of these products because if it works for you, you will be able to flaunt healthy and gorgeous looking hair.

Sea Salt Spray

The most gorgeous dress and the perfect accessories not withstanding, without a hairstyle that complements the look, the chances of your standing out in the crowd are minimized. Great looking hair is something everyone aims for. While you may not be blessed with great hair, you can always use the products that the beauty industry has gifted us with in order to create the perfect drop dead gorgeous look. One such product is sea salt spray that can make even the most coarse of hair look like it is the crowning glory of a water nymph. Sea salt sprays can be used on any kind of hair and since it is made of natural products, it does not have any side effects on your hair. Best of all, you do not need to splurge hundreds of dollars on buying this hair care product but actually make it at home.

Sea Salt Spray Recipe

If have been searching for a sea salt spray for hair recipe to make the spray at home, then here is one of the easy homemade sea salt recipes for hair that you can use. The things you need in order to prepare sea salt spray at home are listed below.

• Filtered water, 8 fl oz.
• Sea salt, 1 teaspoon
• Scented conditioner, 1 teaspoon
• Unscented hair gel, a dab
• Spray bottle, 1
• Essential oil, 2 drops (for dry hair)
• Lemon juice, 1 drop

Now that you have the list of ingredients needed to make sea salt spray, just follow these easy directions. There is no long drawn method to it. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients together and shake it well and spritz your hair with it. Every time you use the spray, do remember to shake it well as the essential oil you have added to the mix may have settled down. If your hair gel or conditioner does not mix properly, then warm the mixture a bit before you use it. Instead of taking the trip to the parlor, every time you want to look like you came from the beach, use this spray. This method of making sea salt spray is easy and cost effective and also time saving.

Sea Salt Spray Styling Tips

Styling your hair using sea salt spray is very easy. Just follow the easy tips and techniques that have been described here to get that hairstyle you have been coveting ever since you saw your favorite celebrity sporting it. While using sea salt spray for straight hair you may have to use it more liberally than while using sea salt spray for wavy hair as with wavy hair all that needs to be done is enhance the waves that the hair already has. If you have long hair, then you may need to twist your hair in order to create waves after spritzing it with sea salt spray. After that, let your hair dry out naturally, while running your fingers through it to create a wavy texture.

If you have short hair, they spritz it with the spray and tousle it to create the look you are aiming for. While using sea salt spray, there are certain things that need to be kept in mind. Try and use sea salt spray on unwashed hair. Untangle it with a brush or a comb with wide teeth. Spray your hair with the sea salt spray that you have made. If twisting your hair to create waves does not work, then you can try braiding your hair into loose braids but make smaller braids as this will ensure that the waves look better. After the moisture that your hair has from the spray dries off, remove the braids. Spray on a little more sea salt spray and run your fingers through your hair. You could use the same method of creating waves on wet hair as well but it is advisable to do so on unwashed hair as it holds on better.

While sea salt spray is generally used to style hair, there are many people who have heralded the use of sea salt spray for piercings as an aftercare method. Sea salt is used widely due to the many sea salt benefits. Use in cosmetics is just one of the many applications of sea salt. Now that you know how to make seal salt spray and use it on you hair to get that slightly wet, wavy look, enjoy the admiring glances of passers by the next time you sport this look.

Sea Salt Spray

The most gorgeous dress and the perfect accessories not withstanding, without a hairstyle that complements the look, the chances of your standing out in the crowd are minimized. Great looking hair is something everyone aims for. While you may not be blessed with great hair, you can always use the products that the beauty industry has gifted us with in order to create the perfect drop dead gorgeous look. One such product is sea salt spray that can make even the most coarse of hair look like it is the crowning glory of a water nymph. Sea salt sprays can be used on any kind of hair and since it is made of natural products, it does not have any side effects on your hair. Best of all, you do not need to splurge hundreds of dollars on buying this hair care product but actually make it at home.

Sea Salt Spray Recipe

If have been searching for a sea salt spray for hair recipe to make the spray at home, then here is one of the easy homemade sea salt recipes for hair that you can use. The things you need in order to prepare sea salt spray at home are listed below.

• Filtered water, 8 fl oz.
• Sea salt, 1 teaspoon
• Scented conditioner, 1 teaspoon
• Unscented hair gel, a dab
• Spray bottle, 1
• Essential oil, 2 drops (for dry hair)
• Lemon juice, 1 drop

Now that you have the list of ingredients needed to make sea salt spray, just follow these easy directions. There is no long drawn method to it. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients together and shake it well and spritz your hair with it. Every time you use the spray, do remember to shake it well as the essential oil you have added to the mix may have settled down. If your hair gel or conditioner does not mix properly, then warm the mixture a bit before you use it. Instead of taking the trip to the parlor, every time you want to look like you came from the beach, use this spray. This method of making sea salt spray is easy and cost effective and also time saving.

Sea Salt Spray Styling Tips

Styling your hair using sea salt spray is very easy. Just follow the easy tips and techniques that have been described here to get that hairstyle you have been coveting ever since you saw your favorite celebrity sporting it. While using sea salt spray for straight hair you may have to use it more liberally than while using sea salt spray for wavy hair as with wavy hair all that needs to be done is enhance the waves that the hair already has. If you have long hair, then you may need to twist your hair in order to create waves after spritzing it with sea salt spray. After that, let your hair dry out naturally, while running your fingers through it to create a wavy texture.

If you have short hair, they spritz it with the spray and tousle it to create the look you are aiming for. While using sea salt spray, there are certain things that need to be kept in mind. Try and use sea salt spray on unwashed hair. Untangle it with a brush or a comb with wide teeth. Spray your hair with the sea salt spray that you have made. If twisting your hair to create waves does not work, then you can try braiding your hair into loose braids but make smaller braids as this will ensure that the waves look better. After the moisture that your hair has from the spray dries off, remove the braids. Spray on a little more sea salt spray and run your fingers through your hair. You could use the same method of creating waves on wet hair as well but it is advisable to do so on unwashed hair as it holds on better.

While sea salt spray is generally used to style hair, there are many people who have heralded the use of sea salt spray for piercings as an aftercare method. Sea salt is used widely due to the many sea salt benefits. Use in cosmetics is just one of the many applications of sea salt. Now that you know how to make seal salt spray and use it on you hair to get that slightly wet, wavy look, enjoy the admiring glances of passers by the next time you sport this look.

How to Do Chunky Highlights

I am sure it is irritating to face the bad hair day every now and then. But what if you have tried almost everything, from perming to soft curls and straightening to breading. How about coloring your hair and bring some spice in your daily life. In highlighting or low lighting too we can bring some some twist. Well the twist is chunking your hair. You must be wondering what is chunking? Well it is quite similar to the normal hair highlights and lowlights process. But chunking is characterized by coloring larger sections of hair compared to fewer hair strands. Chunky hair highlights certainly give a wild and unique look to your personality. People generally go for flamboyant colors to assert their attitude in out of the box manner but you can also go for soft natural colors for every day use. If you are wondering how to do chunky highlights, then read further.

Chunky Highlights - Things You Would Need

Before you think about chunking your hair, it is important to consider certain things about essentials well in advance. Given below are the things you would need and some caution and advise regarding them.

Hair Color
Obviously you would need a hair color to chunk your hair. You must buy a good quality standard color for yourself. You also must decide on the color that is compatible with your natural hair color, especially if you are going for permanent color. For example, brown hair with chunky highlights in red or pink looks cool. Apart from chunky highlights for brown hair, they also look great on blond and black hair. Young college going boys and girls can opt for more casual and vibrant colors whereas if you are a working person then go for natural or pastel colors that you can easily don on the formal attires for more professional look.

Coloring Pattern
You also have to decide about how much portion of your hair you are planning to color or what style would suit you, etc. You can color only the back side hair or have the colored chunks all over your hair. You may also color only the bangs or hair strands, etc. If you are a male, you can color only the spikes or front hair in chunks, etc. Apart from this, you can experiment with various hair color ideas and choose the one that suits you. Chunky highlights for short hair are very popular so you may get cool haircut first and then go for coloring.

Coloring Tools
Apart from the color, you would need the hair brush to apply the color, hair clips, comb and foil wraps. Make sure that you use a proper wide and fine dye brush. Also, use non metal hair clips and comb to avoid any reaction with the color. The comb should be wide toothed. You can get these things from any local cosmetic shop. If you are wondering how to do chunky highlights with foil, don't worry, just buy simple aluminum foil that would serve the purpose well.

Expert Advise
Chunking is generally performed by the experts with proper caution that gives the best results. So it is advisable to consult your hair stylist before you dare to practice it at home. If you are determined to do it at home then take the above advices seriously and begin the task.

How to Do Chunky Highlights at Home?

Step #1
Wash your hair thoroughly with a good clarifying shampoo in case any hair build up is there. The clean hair can absorb the color better that gives a better final result. Once you wash your hair, do not apply the conditioner. Dry the hair thoroughly with a dryer.

Step #2
Now open the color bottle and mix the right portions of hair cream and coloring agent. If you do not have any idea about the quantities, then read the instructions on the bottle carefully and mix the hair color and activator accordingly. Make sure you create the mixture in a non metal bowl or plate and use plastic or fiber spatula to mix the stuff.

Step #3
Now wear plastic hand gloves and start the process. Comb your hair properly to get rid of any tangles. Take the chunks of hair you have decided to color. Comb that hair chunk again. Place a square or rectangular piece of foil under the hair chunk. Now apply color to the chunk with a hair brush. Make sure that every hair strand has been coated with the cream properly. Then wrap the foil paper around the colored area and let the mixture work on hair. Similarly, using this hair highlighting technique, apply color to all the hair chunks as per your plan by sectioning hair well.

Step #4
Now leave the hair for two to three hours. The activating time depends on how much hair you have colored and which company's hair color you have used. Different hair color creams have different activating time so read the instructions on the label carefully and keep it for the prescribed time.

Step #5
Now you have to slowly remove the foils and wipe out the excessive cream with cotton. Now wash the hair thoroughly again. Blow dry them and comb them well. And your great chunky highlights are ready and you are all set to flaunt your new look.

With this information on chunky highlights, you know how to do chunky highlights on your own at home. You can share these hair coloring and highlighting ideas with your friends and family. Chunking at home will certainly cost you less. So be happy for saving that money and enjoy your new look and say bye to the bad hair days.

Different hair styling products and how they work

There are lots of different hairstyling products to choose from in today's retail market. However, it can be difficult deciding which one is right for you. Let's take a look at what a person needs to know about choosing a styling product and the various types that are readily available; in doing so, we just might uncover the product that will work best for you.

The first thing you must know when looking for a styling product is what type of hair you have. Is it fine or coarse? Is it thick or thin? Does it have texture and body or tend to lie flat and lifeless?

The next thing you must do is look at your hairstyle. Is it short or long? Is it curly, wavy or straight?

Finally, identify the style you want to achieve. Do you want volume or texture? Do you want to increase shine? Do you want to enhance your hair's color? All of these questions must be answered in order to help you identify the perfect styling product.

When it comes to fine hair, styling really begins with the shampoo and conditioner. Fine, limp hair cannot tolerate heavy products that will further weigh it down. Instead, always look for products that are weightless or light in nature. Many will be specifically labeled "for fine or limp hair", and an oil-free variety often works best. Pay attention while shampooing. Apply the cleanser to the roots of the hair and work outward to the ends. In conditioning, go the opposite direction. Apply the condition to the ends only. Applying it at the roots will simply weigh down the hair.

Mousse is a great styling option for fine hair. It comes in various lightweight formulations that can thicken or volumize. Because it is less likely to weigh it down, hair will automatically look like it has more bounce and volume. Best of all, mousse can be applied either wet or dry with equally good results. To complete the style perfectly, finish it with a volumizing hairspray.

Coarse or thick hair often feels rough or looks frizzy or wiry in nature. Look for hair products that contain moisturizing or hydrating properties as well as "anti-frizz" ingredients. Be sure to always shampoo hair thoroughly and use a rinse-out condition with long-lasting hydration properties.

When it comes to styling coarse or thick hair, balms, pastes, pomades and waxes often due the best job. They work beautifully to help tame out of control hair texture as well as provide a semblance of manageability. Most of them can also be applied while the hair is dry or wet. As a bonus, many of these types of styling products help block humidity to keep the hair from frizzing more when the weather or environmental conditions are less that stellar. Use a hairspray with anti-humidity properties to keep the style looking fresh all day. Short hair can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the haircut and the type of hair involved.

For medium short hair, texture is often important, which is why pomades, creams, waxes, and balms can come in handy. Use a root-lifting product to add volume and achieve a polished final look with a good finishing spray. Very short hair can be more difficult. It may take more time to style than long hair because it takes a lot of hair styling product to get it right; this is where freezing sprays and spiking glues can come in handy. They literally allow one to place the hair as desired and "glue" it into place.

Curly or wavy hair offers its own unique challenges. Like coarse hair, it can frizz easily or become wiry. The key here is to use styling products that help define the positive aspects of the hair while minimizing the negative. Always begin with a shampoo and conditioner made especially for curly/wavy hair; those that contain sebum or other natural fatty acids add the extra nourishment needed for African-American hair of this texture. Often a leave-in conditioner works better than one that you wash away. If the hair is also very thick, a good detangler can ensure the tresses easier to comb.

If you like your natural waves or curls, a scrunching cream, lotion or gel may prove to be the perfect styling product. For the wet look, apply the gel or lotion while the hair is wet and allow it to dry naturally without additional styling. If you want to work against Mother Nature, choose a straightening gel. Applied to hair while dry, it can help tame the most serious kinks and soften the overall look to give you a movie star finish.

Styling long hair depends a great deal on the type of hair involved. For example, straight hair often requires some additional body or volume. To achieve that, begin with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. When it comes to styling products, generally a styling gel, lotion or mousse works best. Those styling products provide control without further weighing down the hair.

Chemically treated, colored, or excessively dry hair can also be a challenge. Choose shampoos that claim to "deposit" or "save" colored treated hair. These will help retain the color longer and keep the color as bright as possible instead of allowing it to fade. Hair that has a lot of split ends or breakage can often be saved with a good repair treatment that both strengthens and hydrates the damaged hair. In particular, look for shampoos, conditioners and styling products that contain keratin. Even an occasional hot-oil treatment could prove beneficial to dry, brittle locks.

No matter the type of hair, however, a couple of drops of silk shine serum or a glossing spray can add just the perfect finishing touch to virtually any hairstyle. These contain shine enhancers that also seal the hair cuticle to prevent static electricity and keep the hair shaft from easy breakage. This type of product is particularly beneficial for hair that has been chemically treated.

Here is a brief summary of the types of styling products typically used today:

• Anti-Frizz products contain waxes and oils that are specifically designed to coat the hair shaft, allowing it to straighten out and lay flat rather than kink up like a loose wire.

• Gel is considered one of the most versatile styling products. It can range from light to strong in hold and can be used on a variety of different types of hair from coarse to curly. Those with dry hair will want to avoid gels that contain alcohol since it can cause undue stress on the hair shaft. Spray on gel works best for light holding hairstyles. On the other hand, hand applied gel is perfect for overall distribution, for spot styling and to achieve a medium to strong hold.

• Hairspray is designed to hold a finished hairstyle in place. It comes in a wide variety of different types of holds that range from light and flexible to extreme. Most hairsprays allow the hair to move but also bounce back into place, keeping the style intact for a long period of time. Most sprays contain some form of plastic polymer in liquid form.

• Mousse, or foam, is the lightest form of styling product and, therefore, the most versatile. It gives light to medium hold, providing some definition, volume and thickness. Most individuals will want to steer clear of mousse that contains alcohol since it can dry out the hair and cause it stress.

• Pastes are a lighter version of wax and are meant to give hair texture and flexibility as well as shine. The nice thing about pastes is that they can be often to reworked as the day wears on to give you multiple styling options from day to night.

• Pomades tend to be thick and are usually more natural that pastes, glues, or waxes. They are great for achieving a classy slicked back chignon or an unusual sculpted style. It also often leaves behind a healthy-looking sheen that can't quite be imitated by other styling products. Be aware, though, that pomades can be difficult to wash out of the hair and may require multiple shampoos for that purpose.

• Root lifts are relatively new styling products that are specifically designed to give support to the hair root. They can be sprayed in or applied by hand just at root level. Once dry, these lifts provide a based upon which any hairstyle can be built.

• Shines and glosses are sometimes also marked as an "anti-frizz" serum. These are generally silicone-based and are specifically designed to reduce frizz and flyaway hair. Use them cautiously, since too much of a good thing could leave you with oily tresses.

• Spiking glue is exactly what it sounds like. It glues strands of hair together to create those outrageous punk rock styles that are often popular among the young. But they dry hard and can damage the hair if used too often or for too long a time.

• Wax is great for doing spot styling. It is usually applied to hair to add texture and separation. It can be used either at the roots or the ends but usually is not applied throughout the entire head of hair. The finish is still stiff and can cause hair breakage and long-term damage if used incorrectly.

Different hair styling products and how they work

There are lots of different hairstyling products to choose from in today's retail market. However, it can be difficult deciding which one is right for you. Let's take a look at what a person needs to know about choosing a styling product and the various types that are readily available; in doing so, we just might uncover the product that will work best for you.

The first thing you must know when looking for a styling product is what type of hair you have. Is it fine or coarse? Is it thick or thin? Does it have texture and body or tend to lie flat and lifeless?

The next thing you must do is look at your hairstyle. Is it short or long? Is it curly, wavy or straight?

Finally, identify the style you want to achieve. Do you want volume or texture? Do you want to increase shine? Do you want to enhance your hair's color? All of these questions must be answered in order to help you identify the perfect styling product.

When it comes to fine hair, styling really begins with the shampoo and conditioner. Fine, limp hair cannot tolerate heavy products that will further weigh it down. Instead, always look for products that are weightless or light in nature. Many will be specifically labeled "for fine or limp hair", and an oil-free variety often works best. Pay attention while shampooing. Apply the cleanser to the roots of the hair and work outward to the ends. In conditioning, go the opposite direction. Apply the condition to the ends only. Applying it at the roots will simply weigh down the hair.

Mousse is a great styling option for fine hair. It comes in various lightweight formulations that can thicken or volumize. Because it is less likely to weigh it down, hair will automatically look like it has more bounce and volume. Best of all, mousse can be applied either wet or dry with equally good results. To complete the style perfectly, finish it with a volumizing hairspray.

Coarse or thick hair often feels rough or looks frizzy or wiry in nature. Look for hair products that contain moisturizing or hydrating properties as well as "anti-frizz" ingredients. Be sure to always shampoo hair thoroughly and use a rinse-out condition with long-lasting hydration properties.

When it comes to styling coarse or thick hair, balms, pastes, pomades and waxes often due the best job. They work beautifully to help tame out of control hair texture as well as provide a semblance of manageability. Most of them can also be applied while the hair is dry or wet. As a bonus, many of these types of styling products help block humidity to keep the hair from frizzing more when the weather or environmental conditions are less that stellar. Use a hairspray with anti-humidity properties to keep the style looking fresh all day. Short hair can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the haircut and the type of hair involved.

For medium short hair, texture is often important, which is why pomades, creams, waxes, and balms can come in handy. Use a root-lifting product to add volume and achieve a polished final look with a good finishing spray. Very short hair can be more difficult. It may take more time to style than long hair because it takes a lot of hair styling product to get it right; this is where freezing sprays and spiking glues can come in handy. They literally allow one to place the hair as desired and "glue" it into place.

Curly or wavy hair offers its own unique challenges. Like coarse hair, it can frizz easily or become wiry. The key here is to use styling products that help define the positive aspects of the hair while minimizing the negative. Always begin with a shampoo and conditioner made especially for curly/wavy hair; those that contain sebum or other natural fatty acids add the extra nourishment needed for African-American hair of this texture. Often a leave-in conditioner works better than one that you wash away. If the hair is also very thick, a good detangler can ensure the tresses easier to comb.

If you like your natural waves or curls, a scrunching cream, lotion or gel may prove to be the perfect styling product. For the wet look, apply the gel or lotion while the hair is wet and allow it to dry naturally without additional styling. If you want to work against Mother Nature, choose a straightening gel. Applied to hair while dry, it can help tame the most serious kinks and soften the overall look to give you a movie star finish.

Styling long hair depends a great deal on the type of hair involved. For example, straight hair often requires some additional body or volume. To achieve that, begin with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. When it comes to styling products, generally a styling gel, lotion or mousse works best. Those styling products provide control without further weighing down the hair.

Chemically treated, colored, or excessively dry hair can also be a challenge. Choose shampoos that claim to "deposit" or "save" colored treated hair. These will help retain the color longer and keep the color as bright as possible instead of allowing it to fade. Hair that has a lot of split ends or breakage can often be saved with a good repair treatment that both strengthens and hydrates the damaged hair. In particular, look for shampoos, conditioners and styling products that contain keratin. Even an occasional hot-oil treatment could prove beneficial to dry, brittle locks.

No matter the type of hair, however, a couple of drops of silk shine serum or a glossing spray can add just the perfect finishing touch to virtually any hairstyle. These contain shine enhancers that also seal the hair cuticle to prevent static electricity and keep the hair shaft from easy breakage. This type of product is particularly beneficial for hair that has been chemically treated.

Here is a brief summary of the types of styling products typically used today:

• Anti-Frizz products contain waxes and oils that are specifically designed to coat the hair shaft, allowing it to straighten out and lay flat rather than kink up like a loose wire.

• Gel is considered one of the most versatile styling products. It can range from light to strong in hold and can be used on a variety of different types of hair from coarse to curly. Those with dry hair will want to avoid gels that contain alcohol since it can cause undue stress on the hair shaft. Spray on gel works best for light holding hairstyles. On the other hand, hand applied gel is perfect for overall distribution, for spot styling and to achieve a medium to strong hold.

• Hairspray is designed to hold a finished hairstyle in place. It comes in a wide variety of different types of holds that range from light and flexible to extreme. Most hairsprays allow the hair to move but also bounce back into place, keeping the style intact for a long period of time. Most sprays contain some form of plastic polymer in liquid form.

• Mousse, or foam, is the lightest form of styling product and, therefore, the most versatile. It gives light to medium hold, providing some definition, volume and thickness. Most individuals will want to steer clear of mousse that contains alcohol since it can dry out the hair and cause it stress.

• Pastes are a lighter version of wax and are meant to give hair texture and flexibility as well as shine. The nice thing about pastes is that they can be often to reworked as the day wears on to give you multiple styling options from day to night.

• Pomades tend to be thick and are usually more natural that pastes, glues, or waxes. They are great for achieving a classy slicked back chignon or an unusual sculpted style. It also often leaves behind a healthy-looking sheen that can't quite be imitated by other styling products. Be aware, though, that pomades can be difficult to wash out of the hair and may require multiple shampoos for that purpose.

• Root lifts are relatively new styling products that are specifically designed to give support to the hair root. They can be sprayed in or applied by hand just at root level. Once dry, these lifts provide a based upon which any hairstyle can be built.

• Shines and glosses are sometimes also marked as an "anti-frizz" serum. These are generally silicone-based and are specifically designed to reduce frizz and flyaway hair. Use them cautiously, since too much of a good thing could leave you with oily tresses.

• Spiking glue is exactly what it sounds like. It glues strands of hair together to create those outrageous punk rock styles that are often popular among the young. But they dry hard and can damage the hair if used too often or for too long a time.

• Wax is great for doing spot styling. It is usually applied to hair to add texture and separation. It can be used either at the roots or the ends but usually is not applied throughout the entire head of hair. The finish is still stiff and can cause hair breakage and long-term damage if used incorrectly.