Beauty Blog

Technically, a hair conditioner is a hair care product, which alters the texture and appearance of human hair. Conditioners are used to give the hair extra care and nourishment, especially after a thorough shampooing. The primary function of a conditioner is to replace the sebum, which is lost from the hair after shampooing. For decades, natural oils have been used to condition human hair. These oils are used still in use today and include essential oils like tea tree oil and carrier oils such as jojoba. FUN FACT. Macassar oil was a popular conditioner in the late Victorian era, however it was quite greasy and required pinning a small cloth, called as antimacassar, to chairs and sofas to protect the upholstery from being damaged by the greasy Macassar oil. Modern hair conditioner was formulated and developed at the turn of century, when a renowned perfumer Ed. Pinaud presented a product that he called brilliantine at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The product was formulated to soften men's hair. Technical. Conditioners are generally acidic, as low pH adds a proton to a molecule of the amino acids, which in turn provides positive charge to hair and as a result more hydrogen bonds between the keratin scales which gives the hair a more compact structure. Conditioners are generally formulated using organic acids like citric acid to maintain acidity. So, what type of conditioner should you use? Fine, flat hair. Use volumizing conditioner on fine, flat hair. If you have straight, silky hair with no frizzing problems, you want a conditioner that's going to add some much-needed texture to hair that might otherwise seem to just hang from your head. Volumizing conditioner is lighter than a regular formula, and doesn't add extra weight to hair when used regularly. People with fine, flat hair should never use smoothing conditioners; these heavy products will make your hair hang even more flatly. . Wavy Hair. Look for a light-weight moisturizing conditioner. Wavy hair can be hard to work with "” in humid weather it can frizz out of control, and in dry weather it can grow limp. The more curl there is in a strand of hair, the dryer the end of the strand gets, because it's hard for the natural oils from the scalp to wind their way down a curled strand than a straight one. Although wavy hair doesn't tend to be as dry as curly hair, you still need a moisturizing conditioner to stand in for those oils that aren't making their way down to the tips of your hair. Just be sure it is a lightweight moisture and apply mostly to the ends of hair. . Thick, Curly Hair. You need deep-hydrating conditioner. The curlier the hair, the dryer it gets. If you have thick, curly hair, odds are that without a deep-hydrating conditioner to make up for the lack of oils making their way from the scalp to the tip of the strand, you'll have dry, dull hair with a tendency to frizz. Look for conditioners labeled as "deep hydrating" or for curly hair specifically. You should also consider using a leave-in conditioning mask on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. These conditioners are meant to be left in your hair for 10-15 minutes, then washed out like regular conditioner. With regular use, you should see a significant change in the way your curls hold together rather than frizzing away. . African-American Hair. Protect the intense curl with a deep-hydrating conditioner or oil-based products. The right conditioning product can make even the curliest hair shiny and healthy. Products with shea butter or various types of oils "” from coconut oil to the more expensive Moroccan argan oil "” are a good bet. . Dyed Hair. Use color-safe or color-depositing conditioner if you dye your hair. As time passes after your initial dye application, you'll notice that the dye in your hair will get washed away by your showers. To keep the color vibrant for as long as possible, you'll want to choose an appropriate conditioner. It's the water, not the conditioner, that washes the dye from your hair when you shower. However, color-safe conditioners seal hair cuticles, allowing your hair to hold onto the dye for a longer period of time. Look for packaging that advertises products as "color safe," "color extend," "color care," or "sulfate-free." Color-depositing conditioners actually deposits a small amount of color each time it's applied in the shower, not only maintaining the richness of the original color, but also hiding the roots that emerge as your hair grows out for a period of time. . Dandruff. Use a light, fragrance-free conditioner. Dandruff is a scalp issue, not a hair issue; the skin on your scalp grows and dies at a faster rate than in people without dandruff, leaving an embarrassing flaky white residue in your hair and on your shoulders. The shampoo you choose will have more of an effect on your dandruff than your conditioner, but there are still many products on the market geared toward treating this condition. Look for lighter conditioners rather than high-moisturizing or oil-heavy ones that can contribute to the problem on your scalp. Hair products with heavy fragrances often irritate the scalp, which leads to more itching, and more evidence of your dandruff on your clothes. Avoid heavily perfumed conditioners. The Bottom Line:. Think about your hair, how you are feeling, what you are eating and any medications you are taking when choosing your hair conditioner. All of these can affect the look and feel of your hair. Sometimes it's best to alternate conditioners and sometimes it's best to skip the conditioner altogether! Think about conditioning before shampooing or co-pooing. You know your hair best. There are so many options available.

It has happened to us all at some point; your hair gets stuck to your clothes and random objects you go near. It sticks out randomly and it ruins the hairstyle you worked so hard on. Sometimes it even gets stuck on those perfectly glossed lips! That's right; we are talking about static hair. We have all been there before, dealing with the annoyance of static hair. Some of us get it in the winter season and sadly, some all year long. Whatever the case, we all can agree that static hair just ruins everything. What causes it? Static can be produced when temperatures drop low and air dries up or when hair just becomes charged with electricity in which electrons (which are negatively-charged) fly off your hair, leaving your hair with positive charges that make the hair strands resist each other causing the unwelcoming "static effect". Now the big question, how can we deal with it? Luckily, there are a few tricks, products and tips to diminish static hair! Avoid using a plastic comb. Using a plastic comb will only make your hair produce more static vs. a metal comb that will not because the metal is conductive to electricity. Switch to an Ionic Blow Dryer. Using an Ionic Blow Dryer helps diminish and reduce static by emitting negative ions causing H2O molecules to divide into smaller particles to evaporate and dry hair faster while also reducing heat damage. Try using hair oil. Our hair may conduct static because it is lacking hydration. Using hair oil will moisturize your hair strands to get rid of the static. Plus, it adds a gorgeous shine to your hair! Tip: Those with fine and thin hair, don't be afraid to use hair oil, there are plenty of lightweight hair oils available. If you're not sure of which one to select, call us and we'll make some suggestions. Hairspray is your best friend. Hairspray fights static! Just spray some onto your comb/brush and brush away for a static and frizz-free look. Use a product made to reduce frizz and static. There are many products available that specifically are made to target frizz and static. These include shampoos, conditioners and styling sprays. If you struggle with static issues, check out these featured product links on our website: Suavecito Metal Combs, Ionic Blow Dryers, Hair Oils, Hairsprays, Fairy Tales Static Free Detangling Spray

If you are considering updating your style by cutting bangs, stop for a moment! While bangs can be high maintenance and while hair does grow back, the grow out process can be painful. On the other hand, bangs can make your style more dramatic, draw attention to fabulous eyes or be very flirty and cute. Here are four tips before you or your hairdresser grab the shears: Bangs require extra work each day. Bangs are not for those who are style lazy. If you've got your style down to a 3-minute routine, adding bangs will change things a bit. Bangs need to be styled everyday if they are to look great. Bangs need to be trimmed at least once every three weeks to keep them and your style looking like you intended. Many hairdressers will trim bangs for free if you are a regular client (but don't forget to tip for this service). You might want to try a starter bang at first. Side-swept bangs are versatile and much easier to style, plus they look great on almost any face. The advantage of this is to help you decide if bang maintenance is for you and they are easier to grow out if you decide you don't want bangs. Invest in dry shampoo. The oils from your face and fingertips are going to make your bangs limp and greasy long before your next shampoo. A good dry-shampoo can work wonders to soak up those oils and refresh your bangs!

When you think of a conditioner, most of us think of the big bottle right next to the shampoo as our best choice. That's not always true. We also think leaving a conditioner on the hair will leave it greasy or weighed down. That's not always true either. A good leave-in conditioner may be a better choice for many of us, including fine hair, color treated hair and dry hair. Read on to see why. The Light-Weight Leave-in Conditioner. If your hair and scalp tend to be greasy and even the lightest conditioner is too rich, a leave-in hair conditioner may be the light-weight solution. After shampooing the moisturizing conditioner can be targeted to the part of your hair that actually needs conditioning. The hair ends are the usual targets. Leave-in conditioners also work well for fine hair. There are, for example, collagen-containing leave-in cures, which give flat, thin hair more bounce. These leave-in cures may also be applied to the root portion of the hair where more volume and bounce is needed. Leave-In Conditioners: Sometimes More Is More. Leave-in hair conditioners can often be the best conditioner for dry hair. If your hair is over-processed or dry, a leave-in treatment with shea butter, coconut extract or argan oil is a good choice. Some leave-in hair conditioners contain the hair building block keratin, structure-improving proteins and moisturizing glycerol. These cures are suitable for over-processed and damaged hair. You may decide to use leave-in treatments regularly in addition to conditioning shampoos and hair rinses to provide sufficient conditioning. Don't forget to add a weekly hair mask or hair cure to your hair care regimen. Leave-in Conditioner: Extra Luster for Color-Treated Hair. Color-treated hair looks more brilliant after the application of leave-in conditioners containing enzyme-rich apricot kernel oil, panthenol for protection, and hair-regenerating keratin. These special ingredients add glow to any hair color. Special pigments in leave-in cures for blonde hair provide a golden glow. Very damaged color-treated hair may need a conditioning rinse and a leave-in treatment after shampooing. This applies in particular to hair after frequent bleaching. However, your color-treated hair may be quite healthy so that no more than a leave-in treatment is needed after shampooing.

There are lots of different hairstyling products. 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 hair is 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.

Lather, rinse, repeat. Right? Right. Except when it comes to conditioning our hair. Turns out, we've all been doing things totally backward"¦our whole darn lives. Here's what to do instead. What you do: It's simple, really. Shampoo cleanses hair, removing dirt and oil, while conditioner smooths and detangles it. Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair first. Let sit for a minute or two, then rinse and shampoo like normal. Why it works: You're washing both out anyway. So using conditioner before shampoo helps nourish strands without weighing them down (which is especially great for fine hair). It also protects hair fibers from friction when you shampoo (which means fewer split ends all around).

You've seen a pix of a hairstyle you love or a celebrity or friend is sporting a style you think would be perfect for you. You are just feeling a need for change. Whatever your reason for wanting a new hairstyle, there are some things you need to think about and questions you need to ask your stylist. While everyone's hair is different, there are some general questions that you can ask to make sure you understand the cut, color, and the overall upkeep of the hairstyle you are choosing. What will the upkeep be like? If your haircut or color requires that you go back to the salon every 6 weeks, but you don't have the time or the money to do so, you probably need to think about an alternative option. It's essential to know that you'll be able to do what's necessary to maintain your new style before you make any big changes to your hair, or you could find yourself feeling remorseful. Hair Tip: Don't get discouraged right away! Talk with your hairstylist about the different options available to you, and see if you can't come up with a similar cut or color that doesn't require as much maintenance. Where will the hairstyle fall? Show your hairstylist where you want your hair to fall when it's styled and finished, instead of telling him or her the length that you want to cut it. If you give your hairstylist a measurement, chances are when your hair is styled it's going to be shorter than you actually want it. Providing a visual is easier because your hairstylist will know where to cut to ensure your hair falls at the length you want it. Also remember to keep in mind how you wear your part as this could have an impact on how your hairstylist ensures the hairstyle falls the way you'd like. Hair Tip: Pictures and images work well and are great references to bring in! Will I have to style hair every day to get this look? This is one of the most important questions to ask. If you only have 10 minutes to do your hair in the morning, getting an elaborate cut that takes you 30 minutes or longer to style isn't going to work with your schedule. Your style may look great at the salon, but if you can't replicate it every day, chances are you will end up dissatisfied with your new hairstyle very quickly. Hair Tip: If you're set on a hairstyle but it takes more time than you normally allow for your hair, consider changing up your routine in the morning to accommodate this new style. What do I need to know about dying my hair a certain color? Depending on the color you want, and how dark or light you're going to go, getting to a certain color could take multiple trips to the salon. It's also important to note that as a general rule of thumb, it's recommended that you get your color re-done every 6-8 weeks to account for regrowth at the root and any color fade. If you can't afford to go back that often, or you don't have the time, you can also consider a root touch-up spray to help cover any root re-growth between your hair color appointments. Hair Tip: It's often best to stay within two shades of your natural coloring. What products should I use with my hairstyle? Different hairstyles require different products, so make sure you're aware of the products your hairstylist is using. Ask if your stylist knows of any products that may address a specific concern or need you have for maintaining your hair. For instance, if you have thin or thinning hair, it may be important for you to ask your hairstylist how to get thicker hair, or you may want to know more about hair loss products. Your hairstylist may be able to recommend a great shampoo for hair loss or another hair loss cure. Hairstylists often know about great new products first. Hair Tip: Don't be afraid to ask questions! Hairstylists love telling you about their favorite products, and they've definitely done the research to make it easier for you to pick products that will work well with your hairstyle or address your hair needs.

Ever wondered what the difference is between regular and baby shampoo? Adult shampoos contain chemicals called anionic (like ammonium laurel sulfate) that create the lather most people want when they shampoo. This can be very drying, but since most adults use conditioner and other styling products and have oilier skin than kids, it's not an issue. Be shampoo savvy when it comes to caring for infant and toddler hair washing. Babies: Only need to have hair washed once or twice a week. If your baby has cradle cap, which (despite the flakes) is an oily-skin condition, wash with a dandruff shampoo two or three times a week after massaging a little olive or baby oil onto his scalp to loosen the flakes. Toddlers: Three times a week is fine (more often if he's got a penchant for mashing bananas on his head). Preschoolers and up: As your child's hair gets longer, wash it every other day (less often for very curly, dry, or African-American hair; in these cases, you can use conditioner once a week, too). At any age: Always shampoo at the end of the bath so your child's not sitting in the sudsy water, which could irritate sensitive skin. The best way to comb painlessly after shampooing: DO use a wide-tooth comb, or a boar-bristle or paddle brush, on dry hair. Avoid using your vent brush, which has tiny teeth that can snag. DON'T start at the top; you'll just make tangles worse. Instead, begin at the ends and slowly work your way up the hair shaft, gently pulling apart knots with your fingers. DO the hair at the nape of the neck first, which tends to get most tangled. DON'T wet bad snarls. They'll only get more matted. Work in some regular hair conditioner or spray detangler, and hold the hair at the scalp while you gently comb out.

Cowlicks! They can be so frustrating! Unfortunately, almost everyone has one in one place or another! A cowlick is a section of hair that stands straight up or hair that grows in a spiral pattern. The most common place for cowlicks is at the crown of the head. On top of the head hair grows to the front, on the back of the head it grows towards the nape and hair grows to the left and right side of the head on the sides of the head. A cowlick's spiral pattern is likely caused because hair gets confused about whether it needs to go forward, backward, or to the side, and some hairs get caught in between creating that characteristic whorl. The hair whorl can be in the center of the head but it can also be located to the left or right side of the head. In the very center of the scalp it will be visible because the hair lies flat. The second most common place is along the front hairline. Here the whorl of hair growth is generally less pronounced, so hair seems to stand straight up. (Fun Fact: In people who are right handed, at least 90% of cowlicks have a clockwise rotation while about 10% go in a counterclockwise direction. Left-handed people generally have a counter-clockwise rotation.) Depending on how resistant your hair type is and how stubborn your cowlick choses to be, we've listed our favorite ways to conquer the cowlick! If one doesn't work for you, try another or a combination of a few "” something is bound to work, we promise! Blow Dry Away from the Cowlick Pattern: You've probably already tried to train your re-train hair while blow drying, but when it comes to cowlicks, technique is key. Drying cowlicks should be done IMMEDIATELY after you wash your hair. Letting the hair dry naturally, even just slightly, before blow drying allows the cowlick to start to "take it's form." Eliminate this by blow drying at least that section while your hair is still sopping wet. Use a firm grip brush and work this section back and forth, mostly away from the growth or "grain" and be sure to follow this up with a cool shot button. Use a Root Lifter: Root lifters are the perfect hair styling product for anyone who suffers from cowlicks. We recommend a mousse-based root lifter that sprays directly onto the root area. This can be used by itself to tame less stubborn cowlicks or in combination with blow drying for the extra stubborn growth patterns! Cure Hair with a Keratin Treatment: Some may call this the cheaters way out, but we call it staying sane! If you have had enough of your battle and are tired of feeling defeated, try getting a smoothing treatment applied to just that area, or your whole head if you want to make your styling process really easy! Using a smoothing treatment will seal the hair in place for 4-6 weeks at a time, or until you have new growth. This is definitely worth it "” especially in the humid months of summer! Not to mention, if you stick to applying the treatment just to your problem area, it won't be costly at all! Tease to Prevent Separation: This is obviously a more temporary solution, but it's the perfect way to cover cowlicks on the back of the head or directly on the part. Not only will it help to blend in any unsightly parts, but it will give you a crazy boost in volume. Not a bad side effect if you ask me! When All Else Fails, Embrace it! If you're cowlick is too stubborn to respond to these helpful hacks, it might be time to switch up your style to one that works more naturally with your cowlick. If your cowlick is on your hairline or part, find a style that will move with your cowlick and start to train the rest of your hair to move that way. After all, cowlicks are the hardest hair to "retrain," so starting fresh with the rest of your hair might be a lot easier!

Grab your soda maker! It's not just for drinks! It can also make a beauty treat for your face! Sparkling water not only helps cleanse your skin in a deeper way"”its carbonation helps to break up the dirt and oil embedded in your pores"”there are real benefits aesthetically. For example, at room temperature, carbonated water becomes a vasodilator [normal water needs to be heated to have a vasodilation effect], meaning it triggers your blood vessels to open up, bringing the blood supply to your skin's tissue. This, in turn, enhances nutrient delivery, like oxygen, to the dermis [skin]; and the better your circulation is, the better your system will function, and the healthier your skin will look. First popularized by women in Japan and Korea, sparkling water is slowly making its way to the U.S. The reason some aestheticians love this treatment, other than for its simplicity and timelessness, is because the mineral water can help keep the cells between collagen fibers strong, aiding overall firmness and plumpness of the skin. The sparkling water is also known to help mechanically wash out the pores without too much harshness. Because this treatment is known to be compatible with all skin types, aestheticians can turn to this treatment without being too concerned about irritation or being overly harsh on the skin. In addition to clear pores and a healthy glow, tap water's pH (of 7) can disrupt the skin's acid mantle (a barrier on the skin's outermost layer), which is slightly acidic at a level of 5.5 pH. That's the same pH of carbonated water. So when you cleanse with the sparkling water, the carbonation won't alter your complexion's pH; whereas washing your face with tap water can cause dryness, which can lead to tiny cracks in your skin, inviting bacteria to brew, and breakouts to occur. Yep, acne happens THAT easily. How to wash with sparkling water. Once or twice a week is enough. Some people say that any longer than ten to fifteen seconds is too much for the skin, and other folks will say that they soak for as long as they can hold their breath. The idea is that this shouldn't be overdone and should be carefully monitored to see how your skin reacts in order to find that sweet spot of how long your skin should be soaking for. Pour sparkling water into bowl that is large enough and deep enough to submerge your face. Submerge your face into the bowl of sparkling water for 10 seconds. Massage your favorite cleansing wash into your skin. Wash away the soap with the carbonated water rinse. Dab your face with a towel before moisturizing. TIPS: If the foaming effect is too strong, mix equal parts sparkling water and mineral water to dial down the fizz for a gentler rinse. Combine a 1:1 ratio of sparkling and green tea water, drench cotton pads with the solution, and then placing them on you face for 10 minutes. It's an amazing refresher! If you want to try sparkling water on your face and you don't have a soda machine, buy a bottle first. If you and your skin love the effects, over time it may be worth the investment in a machine.