Beauty Blog

If your home has hard water, which 85% of American homes do, then you also find yourself thinking, my shampoo isn't working like it used to! It is doing the same work, it's just your hair has a problem. Hard water contains dissolved minerals, usually carbonates of the metal ions calcium and magnesium. Calcium sulfate and iron deposits are also not unusual. Hard metal ions found in water are positively charged. Hair is negatively charged. Positive and negative charges are attracted to one another. The result is hard water's metal ions will attach themselves to the most negatively charged areas of the hair, which happens to be the damaged areas. Hard water can damage hair by leaving a mineral buildup on the scalp and hair that can cause dryness, brittleness, and dullness. It can also make hair more difficult to manage and style and can interfere with the effectiveness of hair products. Signs of hard water damage include: Dry, damaged hair. Breakage. Dull hair. Tangled hair. Altered hair color. Tacky feeling on hair and scalp Use a Chelating or Clarifying Shampoo Clarifying Shampoos are designed to remove mineral buildup from hard water, as well as help manage other problems. Clarifying shampoos often contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be harsh on hair and cause dyes to fade. You should only use clarifying shampoos once a week or as needed. Chelating shampoos contain chelating agents that bind to minerals and impurities in your hair and scalp. When you rinse out the shampoo, the trapped toxins go down the drain. The ingredient EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) is what does the work in chelating shampoos. EDTA is a colorless solid that dissolves limescale and ions and binds to metals and minerals like chromium, iron, lead, and zinc. Removing the hard water build-up each week with a chelating shampoo or Clarifying shampoo will not only make your regular shampoo better able to do its job, but it will also improve the performance of your conditioner and hair masks. In fact, you may be happily surprised if you use that detoxifying shampoo first and then apply your intensive hair mask! .

Methylisothiazolinone is a synthetic chemical used for controlling microbial growth in water-containing solutions. Any product that contains water is particularly susceptible to being spoiled by microbial growth, causing problems such as discoloration, unpleasant odors or breakdown. Under certain conditions, microorganisms can even grow to potentially harmful levels. Preservatives are designed to help prevent these problems. Methylisothiazolinone is only one of a very limited number of broad spectrum preservatives - meaning it is effective against a variety of bacteria, yeasts and molds. Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone were very common preservatives found in many liquid personal care and leave-in products throughout the 1980's and 90's - Shampoo, conditioner, hair color, body wash, lotion, sunscreen, mascara, shaving cream, baby lotion, baby shampoo, hairspray, makeup remover, liquid soaps and detergents. However, due to concerns about potentially increasing rates of skin sensitivity to MI, many cosmetic and personal care product manufacturers have begun removing it, especially from leave-on products such as lotions and wipes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), methylchloroisothiazolinone is a standardized chemical allergen. It has been banned in leave-on products in Europe since 2016. If you read a label these ingredients may appear as Methylisothiazolinone (MIT): 2-methyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one, Neolone 950 preservative, MI, OriStar MIT and Microcare MT. Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT): 5-Chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and MCI. All of these have one thing in common - they can cause an allergic reaction.

" Alterna -tive" haircare means you don't have to choose between natural ingredients and high performing products. Their formulas, with clinically proven results, are made with pure, sustainable ingredients like caviar, sea silk, bamboo, and kendi oil. Alterna product ingredients are eco-certified, sustainably harvested. All are free of sulfates, parabens, gluten and synthetic color. No products are tested on animals. Alterna has three comprehensive cleansing, conditioning, treatment and styling brand lines - Caviar, Bamboo & Ten. Caviar is decadent & anti-aging. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging transforms hair. You'll get luxuriously healthy and youthful-looking hair after just one use. Plus you will enjoy a lavish, indulgent experience. Caviar products contain an infusion of caviar extract, vitamin C and cytokines which give the hair with brilliance, elasticity, and a more youthful look. Replenishing Moisture hydrates dry, brittle hair for improved manageability, softness, shine and texture. Restructuring Bond Repair is formulated with their exclusive Caviar Bond Enforcing Technology that helps re-bond, rebuild and seal the cuticle for up to 10 washes. Clinically proven to reduce breakage and split ends by up to 99%. Multiplying Volume gives hair a natural fullness with the Marine Plumping Complex . Infinite Color Hold keeps color true & vibrant longer as it protects against UV color fade and rinse out. Clinically proven to deliver up to 70 days of vibrant color. Smoothing Anti-Frizz is formulated with a blend of nourishing oils to control the level of humidity affecting the hair. Over 80% less frizz for up to 72 hours. Clinical Densifying, formulated with Red Clover Densifying Complex gives you the appearance of fuller hair. Proven to provide thinning hair with significant improvements in texture, thickness and overall condition with regular use. Bamboo products are eco-certified and organic. This means: No Gluten - No Parabens - No Synthetic Color - No DEA - No TEA - No Phthalates - No Mineral Oil - No PABA - No Paraffin - Recyclable Packaging -Biodegradable. Containing Pure Organic Bamboo Extract (a renewable resource) immediately boosts hair's intrinsic strength and lays the foundation for healthier hair. Rare Organic Kendi Oil is a robust source of multiple essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 6 & 9). It works to repair and maintain your hair's natural lipid layer while anti-oxidant powerhouse Tocopherol fights free radicals protecting hair from future damage Ten is three Perfect Blend products - Shampoo, Conditioner, and Treatment Mask. These botanical based products contain the Perfect Blend of TEN nourishing and transforming hair ingredients: Arabian Frankinsense, Afrian Cacao Extract, Color Hold Complex, Caviar Age-Control, Bulgarian Primrose, Moroccan Quillaia, White Truffle Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Grape See Oil & Arnica Flower.

A dry scalp is a common nuisance. The cause is mostly dry heated indoor air. Even more of plague is dandruff, the frequent companion of the dry scalp. Find out what causes the itchy problem and what you can do to get the upper hand against the itch. Our scalp is protected by an outer layer of keratinocytes (horny cells). Lipids keep the scalp smooth and supple. This outer layer is a very effective barrier. Environmental influences can damage this barrier. As a result, lipids no longer keep the barrier smooth and effective, and it, therefore, becomes permeable. The damaged barrier now fails to keep the moisture inside the scalp so that the skin is less able to ward off harmful substances. The results are more dryness, itching, burning, tension, and dandruff. Avoiding Dry Scalp Conditions. Many factors can cause dry scalp conditions. The scalp is exposed to many adverse influences. Dry heated indoor air is certainly a common cause of dryness. Blow-dryer heat and excessive shampooing are not good for the scalp either. Then there is a myriad of styling products, which may not at all agree with your scalp. A Dry Scalp is Especially Prone to Dandruff. The dry irritated scalp is prone to dandruff. There comes a point when the initially only dry scalp is irritated to such an extent that more and more cells are produced. Large numbers of dead cells will then accumulate on the scalp where they clump together and become visible as dandruff. Visible dandruff flakes create an unsightly mess on the shoulders and in the neck area. Dandruff flakes are particularly apparent in dark clothing. Bid Your Dry Scalp Farewell. Using mild, gentle hair care products usually restores a dry scalp to its natural balance and suppresses the dandruff formation. Suitable are especially gentle moisturizing hair care products. Gentle products do not damage the scalp and the added moisture helps to repair the outer scalp barrier. Particularly suitable are balanced, coordinated hair care systems consisting of a mild shampoo, deep conditioner, and targeted products such as a conditioning scalp serum. If your scalp tends to be dry you should not shampoo your hair more than necessary and not use excessive heat during styling or blow-drying. The best tips for the dry scalp care are: be gentle, provide extra moisture, protect your scalp, and carefully select proper and helpful hair care products.

If you've ever used an exfoliant to scrub away dead skin cells, then chances are it contained Glycolic acid. It's one of the best ingredient, if not the best, dead skin exfoliator and is also used to minimize scars and even out skin tone. Glycolic acid is made primarily from sugar cane. It is one of the alpha-hydroxy acids and one of the most studied. As we have discussed in the past, you need an ingredient with a small enough molecule to pass through the skin's outer barrier and penetrate in order for it to be effective. Glycolic acid has a every nice small molecule. It penetrates easily. It works to exfoliate by "ungluing" dead skin cells from each other. Glycolic acid's ability to break down these dead skin cells makes it effective in fighting acne. Acne is caused by clogged pores which are full of dead skin cells. Unclogging them is a great first step in fighting acne. Glycolic acid also is able to reach into the hair follicles to loosen built-up sebum and proteins to prevent further acne breakouts. As an anti-aging ingredient, glycolic acid has the ability to make our skin look more vibrant. Since we don't shed our dead skin cells as easily as we age, glycolic acid can step up and help remove them, making skin look younger and more youthful. It works the same for acne scars, age spots and sun damage by getting right of the excess pigment in the skin. One of the extra side benefits of glycolic acid is its ability to help you skin absorb other products like retinol and Vitamin C. Using a glycolic acid exfoliator also makes makeup application easier as products apply much more smoothly. Glycolic acid is safe to use as a daily face wash with a 7-10% glycolic ratio. A face cream may contain up to 15% glycolic acid and still be safe. The downside to glycolic acid is it makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is best to use at bedtime, especially if it is a glycolic mask. You also want to make sure your product is pH balanced.

Curling Irons - so many types to choose from, so many ways to use them. It's a challenge. Using a curling iron incorrectly or the wrong type of iron for the curl you want can lead to hair damage or style disaster or both. So, what's the answer. Read on to find what's the best curling iron for your style. Spring Curling Iron. This curling iron type is the most common & best known because it is easy to use because it holds hair in place during curling. You get uniformity in curl shape - a perfect spiral from root to tip. It is usually made of ceramic or tourmaline. Depending on the barrel sizes (generally from .75 inches to 1.5 inches), you can opt for any type of styling from firm spiral curls to beachy waves. However, spring curling irons produce a more polished and sculptured curl. For women with dry and undernourished hairs, this type of curling irons is the best due to highly nutritive barrels. Clipless Styling Wand. A regular, or cylindrical, curling wand is essentially a curling iron without the clip. Instead of sliding the hair around the barrel, under the clip, you just wrap your hair around it and hold it there for a few seconds to get a curl. These are exceptionally easy to use, although they are a little more dangerous. You'll be handling the hair directly over the heated element, so be sure to use caution. These are great for large curls, which you can also brush out into waves. We also recommend them for anyone with longer or thicker hair. The larger surface area and better control can help you judge if you're getting a curl that will hold down the length of your hair. One potential downside, is that you may end up with a little "tail" at the end of the curl. Tails occur because it can be difficult to get the very ends of your hair wrapped around the barrels when you're holding them. For everyday use, this isn't really a problem, and when you get the hang of using a wand, you'll be able to make it less noticeable. However, if you want and absolutely perfect finish, you may want to stick to a curling iron. Tapered/Conical Wands. A tapered, or conical, wand is basically a regular curling wand that starts out wide and then gets narrow towards the top. These are great for anyone who has short hair, or for anyone who likes to change up their curls. Because of the barrel shape, you can do multiple curl styles with one device. If you wrap your hair towards the base, you'll get larger curls. Wrapping your hair towards the tip will get you tighter curls. If you use the whole barrel, tapered wands give you a wide curl on top, that becomes a tight spiral at the bottom. It's a more natural look than the perfect, consistent shape of a regular barrel or traditional iron. These are also perfect for short hair, as you can utilize only the top portion of the barrel to curl your hair. You won't have to restrict yourself to thin curling wands just because you don't have enough hair to wrap around the barrel. Marcel Curling Irons. These the top list of the experts' choice as these curling irons allow the experts or users to curl or make waves according to their own wish. A marcel curling iron is a tool with a barrel joined with a shell. Marcel curling iron has a shaft that lets the users rotate the curling iron according to their desired directions. Mastering the Marcel takes patience and practice, which is why it is most often used by professional stylists. Because the clip rotate a full 365 degrees around the rod, once you've secured the ends of your hair, you can use your fingers to roll the rod up the hair shaft. The marcel iron is great for a careful finish - like those old-Hollywood glamour waves. Rotating Curling Irons. The concept behind all the best rotating curling irons is pretty similar. You place a portion of your hair into the iron, sliding down the hair shaft as you curl, and the iron automatically rotates, providing a consistent and even curl all along the strands. Rotating curling irons come in a variety of barrel sizes, and many can even be used to create a range of styles. However, rotating curling irons are best for straight or slightly wavy hair types that don't easily become tangled. Rotating irons from as a straight barrel with various methods for holding hair in place or that feed hair though the device. A good rotating curling iron will create curls quickly and in different directions for a more naturally curly look. Specialty Curling Wands. These are great tools for those that want to "play" or want a specific type of curl. From crimpers to wavers or spirals, the right tool can make creating the right look easier.

Read "Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride" on the ingredient list of your shampoo and you might get concerned, but actually, this ingredient with the scary name is actually very safe. It is a water-soluble, organic compound. It is plant derived from the guar (cluster bean) plant. Although it is plant based, there is a synthetic portion to it. Guar beans are harvested from the guar gum bush. It is grown in India and Pakistan. In the U.S., it is found in Texas. Gums are used to impart creaminess. They are thus added to dairy products. They also are used in place of ingredients that contain gluten. The best known food in which this has occurred is certain breads. It is a great conditioning agent for both skin and hair. Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is especially beneficial as a hair care product. Because it is positively charged, or cationic, it neutralizes the negative charges on hair strands that cause hair to become static or tangled. Better yet, it does this without weighing hair down. With this ingredient, you can have silky, non-static hair that retains its volume and provides a smoother brushing experience. Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride is generally considered safe. It can cause a mild allergic reaction in the form of irritated skin for some with sensitive skin. This mostly depends on the amount used in the formula...it should not exceed 1.0%. Remember, the farther down the list of ingredients, the smaller the amount. All ingredient list are (should be) listed in order of predominance, with the item with the greatest amount first.

Does your hair appear dull? Is it prone to dryness and easily lose its vibrancy? The key to keeping hair, especially textured hair, hydrated is layering products and applying them where the hair strand is most in need. Environmental factors like changes in temperature and humidity all contribute to hair looking and feeling dry. Prevent this by protecting hair after every cleanses by using a leave-in moisturizer. Follow with a treatment oil from the mid-length to the ends. Over-Washing can result in the removal of natural oils. If you need to wash hair daily be sure to use a hydrating mask for 10-20 minutes each week. You may also want to find a conditioning wash or condition before each shampoo instead of afterward. Prescription medication can affect hair strands and give them a dull appearance. Use a mild clarifying shampoo that still has a healthy amount of moisture and won't strip the hair. Use a good one that gets rid of the surface build-up and helps normalize oil levels. Do this only on an as-needed basis, maybe once per week. Over-processed hair needs extra special care. A treatment that is formulated to fill in weak areas with a protective shield to provide damage protection without hardening.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is a clear liquid that is insoluble in water. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is used in the formulation of many types of beauty products, including sunscreens and makeup products that marketed to contain ingredients that protect the skin from the sun. It is often listed as Octinoxate on sunscreen products. When you see on the ingredient listed for shampoos and other hair care products is it being used to protect these personal care products from deterioration caused by UV rays. UV light has a wavelength shorter than visible light. Prolonged exposure to UV light may result in health effects in the skin, eye and immune system. UV light damages collagen and contributes to aging of skin. Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) can help protect against sunburn and other skin damage caused by UV light by absorbing UV radiation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an OTC (over the counter) drug review of Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate and did approve it for use in sunscreens up to a concentration of 7.5%. There are some studies that this ingredient may produce excess reactive oxygen species that can interfere with cellular signaling, cause mutations, and lead to cell death. This reaction may also be implicated in cardiovascular disease. However, another study concluded that octyl methoxycinnamate and other sun screening agents do not penetrate the outer skin in sufficient concentration to cause any significant toxicity. Once again, we as consumers need to balance the benefits of the ingredients against the harmful side effects.

A lasting boost and serious elevation require some time commitment and skill. It starts with teasing. But, before you begin, make sure hair is complete dry and de-knotted. Use a fine-tooth comb or a tail comb to separate a section of hair at the front. Clip it to the side. Take a section at the crown area and hold it straight up. TIP: lightly spray a working hairspray at the roots to keep up the volume all day. This next step is crucial. The wrong way to tease hair is starting at the end and moving the comb up and down. It will tangle the hair and it is a nightmare to comb out. Instead, start at the mid-shaft and push the comb down to the roots. Pull the comb out and start from the mid-shaft and backcomb again. Finally, comb the swept-aside section of the teased bump. A quick reminder: comb out the tease with a wide-tooth comb before you head to the shower to shampoo!