Top 10 Hair Care Items
- The Right Shampoo
Never underestimate the value of a great shampoo. We don't...that's why it's #1 on our list. Before buying a product though, you need to know what type of hair you have. Most shampoos on the market are formulated to treat one specific type of hair, so if you know what kind you have; you are one step closer to finding that perfect shampoo. If you don't know what kind you have, ask the advice of your stylist. Some factors to consider when determining the value of a shampoo are the price, the ingredients, and of course, the result.
What to look for if you have:
Coarse/Curly Hair
This hair type tends to be dryer than most due to the fact that the oils that are naturally produced in the scalp to hydrate the hair have a harder time finding their way down the hair shaft. If this is your hair type, we recommend you purchase a shampoo with Shea butter, wheat germ oil, or any kind of nut oil in it. These will help to replenish and moisturize dry hair more successfully than normal shampoos. Want a few other helpful hints? The creamery the shampoo texture, the better it will be for dry hair. Also, stay "clear" of clear shampoos...most are not formulated to treat dry hair properly.
Fine/Oily Hair
Fine hair is usually oily and oily hair is usually fine. Since oily hair needs to be washed more frequently, you should first eliminate any shampoo type that isn't marked for daily use. As creamier shampoos are generally formulated for coarse hair, clear shampoos are gentle and formulated to treat fine hair on a daily basis. The key ingredient to look for when treating fine, oily hair is Panthenol. Panthenol penetrates into each strand of hair and helps to thicken it. Also, consider using a dry shampoo such as cornstarch or talcum powder before your normal wash to pre-absorb as much oil as you can.
Color-treated/Permed Hair
With this type of hair, it's all about cleansing the roots and moisturizing the ends. Using a gentle shampoo, concentrate on cleansing just the scalp to avoid damaging the chemically treated portions of the hair shaft. Also, since chemicals from color treatments and perm can be harsh on the hair, focus on extra conditioning from the middle of the hair shaft down to the tips.
- The Right Conditioner
What can't conditioners do? They seal hair follicles with a protective layer of moisturizer that leaves hair less frizzy, more manageable, and guarded against poor brushing habits. The trick is obviously finding the right conditioner for you. Don't overlook any conditioner, as the next one may be the difference between average and gorgeous hair.
What to look for if you have:
Coarse/Curly Hair
Coarse hair needs to be conditioned after every single wash. It needs to be constantly replenished with ultra-moisturizing conditioners that put much-needed nutrients back into the hair. In addition to daily conditioning, we recommend a hot oil treatment once a month for added moisture and shine.
Fine/Oily Hair
If you have this type of hair, you might not need a conditioner at all. If you find your hair to be completely manageable after a wash and can easily run a comb through it, you probably don't need to condition on a regular basis. If you do decide to use a conditioner, try an oil-absorbing product on just the tips for best results.
Colored/Permed Hair
First things first...avoid silicon-based conditioners, as they tend to harm colored and/or processed hair. Look for conditioners that are formulated for the tips only and avoid using it on the scalp.
- Dry Shampoo
This multipurpose wonder is often overlooked and under-appreciated. Dry or powdered shampoos are very beneficial to those with color-treated hair, extremely oily hair, or simply those who have no other option (i.e.; camping in areas without water supplies). Some common examples of these products are cornstarch and talcum/baby powder. Applied directly to the hair, dry shampoos work by absorbing natural oils from the hair follicles.
- Volumizing Mousse/Spray/Balm
Add thickness and fullness to any look with volumizers. Use the mousse or spray for normal hair and the balm for thicker, coarser hair. If you need a little lift, this is the product for you!
- Shine Serum/Spray
This silicone-based styling product is formulated to restore damaged hair, de-tangle and add extra shine. The serums and sprays form a thin protective layer over each strand of hair and are ideal for chemically treated or damaged hair. Use the spray for fine hair and a serum for thick hair. This product is a great investment that's a proven winner every time.
- Wide-Toothed Comb
If there is one thing to learn, it's that you should never use a brush on wet hair. Doing so will cause damaged hair to break. Instead, opt for a wide-toothed comb to help de-tangle hair and prevent breakage.
- Good Hairspray
What's the use of a great shampoo and hairstyle if you can't hold it in place long enough to show it off? A good hairspray will protect against harmful UV rays, extreme heat and humidity. Choose a product with light hold to allow for natural movement of your hair and a product with maximum hold to withstand elements Mother Nature may throw at you (i.e.; wind, rain). Finding that perfect hold will give you perfect results every time.
- Powerful Blow Dryer
If you want to splurge on one product for amazing hair, we suggest you choose the blow dryer. The more powerful the blow dryer, the better it is for your hair. More power and speed will minimize the time your hair is exposed to damaging heat. Look for a varying temperature gauge, interchangeable nozzles, and an ionic dryer to minimize breakage and frizz.
- Flat Iron
For those of you who haven't discovered flat irons yet, now is the time. Curly hair can be straightened and an entirely new look can be created in minutes. Look for a flat iron that is ceramic, has a varying temperature gauge and emits ions to reduce frizz. Irons can range in price from $20 to $200 and you generally get what you pay for. Most high-end flat irons come with a lifetime warranty, so we recommend spending a little more to ensure a device that gives you great, long-term results.
- Hairbrush
The better the hairbrush, the healthier your hair. Most people don't know that there are different brushes for different hair types. Round brushes are designed to give curl, vented brushes boost volume, and paddle brushes are great for straightening long hair. We recommend a brush with a rubber base and flexible boar's head bristles (avoid plastic bristles) to minimize damage to the hair. If you're still not sure which to choose, ask a professional stylist to help you out.
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