| Let's face it ladies, when it comes to our | | | | dry. The hot water will draw natural oils |
| hair, we have all had some bad days. No | | | | from your scalp through the length of your |
| matter what your ethnicity or hair type, this | | | | hair creating a natural shine. Not too hot |
| is a common factor that we can all relate to. | | | | though, you don't want to burn your scalp! |
| Whether it's the rain and humidity or just | | | | |
| one of those days where your locks seem to | | | | 3. A great product that is often used by |
| have a mind of it's own. Well, as bleak as it | | | | professional stylists are anti-frizz serums. |
| may seem, there are a few things that we can | | | | These add light shine and prevent your hair |
| do to get and keep our hair on the right | | | | from frizzing and puffing up on those humid |
| track(no pun intended). Here are a few quick | | | | days and allow you to enjoy outdoor |
| tips that may help you get through those | | | | activities in peace. Anti-Frizz serums are |
| times. | | | | worth gold (if used properly). Too much will |
| | | | leave you look a wet puppy... Again, less is |
| First, when it comes to styling products | | | | more. Only a dime size drop is necessary; rub |
| there are so many out there that sometimes | | | | into palms and evenly distribute over entire |
| you may feel overwhelmed when trying to | | | | head (damp or dry). |
| choose what's right for your hair type. | | | | |
| Here's a rule of thumb that applies to | | | | 4. Oil sheen is only necessary if your hair |
| everyone no matter who you are. Less is more! | | | | is feeling and looking dry or dull and in |
| Remember this ladies, when it comes to oil | | | | need of a boost of shine. Never spray oil |
| sheen, styling gels, spritz, hair sprays and | | | | sheen closer than 15 inches close to your |
| even conditioners. These products, if used in | | | | hair and keep the bottle rotating at all |
| excess, can weigh your hair down and leave | | | | times. Over use of oil sheen will prevent |
| you with a finished product that makes you | | | | movement and body in your hair and give a |
| look like you need to wash it all over again. | | | | greasy appearance. Instead, opt for a hot oil |
| However, if used sparingly (and I place extra | | | | treatment. Hot oil treatments are far more |
| emphasis on the word sparingly) we can all | | | | beneficial than oil sheen when it comes to |
| achieve that fresh from the salon look for | | | | countering dry/damaged hair. |
| just pennies at home. | | | | |
| | | | 5. Gels and Spritz tend to be over-drying but |
| 1. It is a must that you find a shampoo | | | | if you must use, opt for clear gels over |
| conditioner duo that your hair agrees with. | | | | brown as browns especially tend to over-dry |
| Take the time to experiment by trying various | | | | the hair and look for spritz with no alcohol. |
| brands until you find one that your hair | | | | |
| responds well to. You'll find that if you | | | | 6. Avoid blow drying hair too often. |
| change the product that you have been using | | | | Occasionally give your hair a break by |
| for that last few months or even years, your | | | | allowing a little extra time to either let |
| hair will thank you for it and reward you | | | | air dry or use low heat under a hooded dryer. |
| with a better attitude. In addition to | | | | |
| finding a great new shampoo, you should use a | | | | 7. For those of you who use curling irons or |
| clarifying shampoo about every 8 weeks to | | | | flat irons on a regular basis; Cut back! Over |
| remove the build-up from all the styling | | | | use of heat styling is extremely damaging. If |
| products you use on a regular basis. This | | | | you haven't already, replace your old |
| will give your hair more movement and | | | | appliances with ceramic. Not only will |
| vitality. | | | | ceramic curling irons and flat irons make |
| | | | your hair smoother, silkier and shinier they |
| Headnote: Clean hair is healthy hair but over | | | | are far less damaging. Select ones with |
| washing can do more harm than good by | | | | thermostat controls so that you can adjust |
| stripping of natural essential oils. If you | | | | the heat to a setting that is appropriate for |
| have dry and/or damaged hair, wash your hair | | | | your hair texture. |
| only about every 7 days. If your hair is | | | | |
| oily, washing it more often may be necessary. | | | | 8. Lastly, there is only so much that we do |
| But whether dry or oil, use caution while | | | | from the outside. Healthy hair starts from |
| washing (and combing after washing) to avoid | | | | within. This means diet and exercise is |
| breakage as hair is in its weakest state when | | | | essential. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol |
| it is wet. | | | | in excess, eat fruits and veggies daily, |
| | | | avoid smoking, and get up and get moving. |
| 2. Conditioners must be rinsed out completely | | | | |
| to avoid weighing the hair down. Rinse in | | | | Of course, these are some basics. Achieving |
| cold water if your hair is oily. This will | | | | beautiful healthy hair is a life long |
| close the pores in your scalp preventing | | | | pursuit. Let's continue to make this world a |
| excess oil to saturate your hair. On the | | | | more fabulous place by loving our locks! |
| contrary, rinse in hot water if your hair is | | | | |