Can Ceramides Help You?

The online hair care realm has been buzzing about Ceramides and how they are transforming damaged broken hair into healthy hair. I've been MIA a little bit, especially on the forums so I really didn't get sucked into all the hype, but the more I read about new products coming out the more I see Ceramides on the labels. It seems like the mainstream hair care industry is just now catching up with the Dominican products, since just about all the Dominican hair care products I own contain Ceramides.

Dominican Products with Ceramides:

Miss KEY 10 En 1 Super Conditioner (my favorite)

Silicon MIX Intensive Hair Deep Treatment

Salerm Wheat Germ Conditioning Treatment

Silicon Mix Proteina de Perla Leave-In

Silicon Mix Leave-in

Boe Crece Pelo Leave-In

Halka Baba de Caracol Hair Loss Treatment

Halka La Plancha Conditioner

Halka La Plancha Deep Heat Protector Leave-In
Nacidit Leave-In Conditioner

Salerm Energy Hair Regenerator Ampules

Alright, so what exactly are Ceramides? To be scientific, a ceramide is a group of lipid molecules. Hair needs this group of lipids (ceramides) to help hold together the cuticle of the hair. In healthy hair, ceramides hold together the cuticle of each individual strand of hair, to take that a step further, researchers at L'Oreal Hair-Science found that damaged hair lacks the ceramides. So without ceramides each individual strand of hair has gaps in the cuticle, rough (lifted up) cuticles and holes that make the hair vulnerable to damage and breakage.

On a Beauty Note:

Ceramides are not just beneficial for hair care, they also play a key role in keeping your skin healthy and moisturized. If you are suffering from eczema it's because your skin is lacking the ceramides you need, supplement with a ceramide containing lotion.

How to Treat a Relaxer Burn

I feel like since I posted on how to prevent relaxer burns, I should also post on how to treat a relaxer burn just in case some of my readers are still suffering from chemical burns caused by a relaxer. First of all, let me say your scalp can be burned by a lye or a no-lye relaxer, neither relaxer is exempt.

The first things first, I want to clear up a misconception. The tingly or burning feeling some people feel when they relax their hair is NOT a warning that it's time to get the relaxer out. At that point your scalp is probably already burned, your scalp should not burn or tingle when you relax your hair. If you are waiting to feel a little something, you are doing it all wrong! If your stylist waits until you report that you feel it tingling, get a new stylist!

Now let's get started on how to treat a mild* chemical burn caused by a relaxer. By mild I mean you find a scab on your scalp the next day or a few days after the relaxer process. If you know you have an open wound when you rinse the relaxer out, that's really bad and you should seek medical help. Get all the relaxer out of your head, cover the area with a sterile gauze and get to the hospital for further assessment. I mean that's all common sense and that's not the type of burn I'm talking about. MILD is when you didn't even know the burn occurred until you felt the scab.

1. Keep your hands off! Do not pick, scratch, or in any way try to remove the scab. Allow the scab to naturally heal and fall away.

2. Avoid combing, brushing, or massaging that area of your scalp until the scab has healed and fallen off on it's own. If you have to remove the hair that might be stuck to it, do it gently and honestly I wouldn't even do that.

3. Treat the scab. Treat your scab like you would any other scab, by applying antibacterial cream to the area. I would use Neosporin because it's clear and less detectable. Or you can use something more natural like a piece of Aloe Vera.

4. Prevent it from happening again. Use the tips and tricks I provided in this post to prevent relaxer burns in the first place and if you've tried it all and you still end up with burns maybe you body is trying to warn you. Some scalps just cannot tolerate relaxers and maybe you should just leave them alone and go natural!

*Please note this post is to provide general information, not medical advice. If you are in need of medical advice ask your doctor, do not turn to blogs for the information.

Fall Hair Care Focus

For me Fall is all about revival as far as hair care is concerned. Even though I take special care of my hair all year round, I feel as though the period between the end of the summer and right before it gets really cold is important in my own personal hair care regimen. During the summer months, I co-wash more often but I also leave my hair out more often. During the fall months, I'm still co-washing regularly but I'm wear my hair up more often and concentrate on moisturizing my ends more. Since I can co-washing about twice a week, I need a moisturizer than is a bit more on the watery side so it can really get to all my hair easily.

Matrix Hydra-Seal Leave-in Créme is infused with Aloe Vera and Algae help nourish and restore hair’s moisture balance and its very thin so it penetrates and gets to all my hair without me having to sit and divide section by section to ensure moisturization.

Coconut Oil is another Fall Hair Care must have product. Actually coconut is one of my staples year round, I can't say enough about the power of coconut oil when used to add shine, seal in moisture, and soften up new growth.

Over the summer months I'm happy to report that my problem area (the nape) has grown in a lot. Before it looked crazy and was about a half inch in length now it's about three inches long (when straight) and curly. I'm almost positive that the relaxer does not take in that area like it does on the rest of my hair. The rest of my hair has a loose wave while this area is slightly loosened small spirals post relaxer. Now to keep up with that, I'm moisturizing that area twice a day and applying JBCO when I remember (which is like three times a week). Right now that is my number one priority, maintain the health back there and keep increasing the length.

What hair care goals are you focusing on this fall?

Fall Hair Fixes

During the summer months we can be pretty hard on our hair. Once fall rolls around it's time to get back on track!

1. Pop open an ampoule! Those tiny little packets of deep conditioner are more concentrated than the regular stuff so using one of these can really give you a bang for your buck! Try Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoules or Pantene Pro-V Curly Hair Series Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoules both can be found at your local drugstore for just $7.99

2. Trim it on up! Avoided trimming your hair all summer? Well now is the time to take the plunge and snip away the damage you've caused to those ends this summer. Be honest with yourself and really take stock of your hair and determine how much needs to be chopped. Remember by waiting to trim, the damage will only travel further and further up the shaft causing more damage.

3. Darken up! Has the summer sun caused your color to go brassy or look washed out? Rich chocolates, shiny blacks, and amazing auburns are in this fall! Try a natural alternative to harsh dyes and try henna! Have dark brown hair and want a rich brown? Mix 1/2 henna with 1/2 indigo, for a jet black look, use henna first then indigo, or want a full out auburn look? Mix up straight henna. Tip: Always, always, always use body art quality henna for your hair not those commercial types you find at the BSS or Whole Foods.

Anti-Aging for Your Hair

It is something most women do on a daily basis – fight the aging process. In fact, the number of non-invasive cosmetic procedures in the US has risen by an estimated +69% since the year 2000 and nearly 80% of women over the age of 50 color their hair to cover gray. Capitalizing on 50 years of scientific DNA, women can rest assured their age-defying needs are met with Redken’s NEW age-defying regimen featuring NEW Cover Fusion professional haircolor, Time Reset at-home haircare range, and a Time Reset Salon Service to combat and prevent aging hair.

“Most of us are well-versed on the impact of age on the skin, and less attention is spent on the effects of aging on the hair,” states David Cannell, Redken Research and Development Expert. “Redken research has identified two main categories of aging hair: chronological aging caused by mechanical, environmental and chemical distress – the combined effects of these external factors can leave hair dry, sensitized and/or porous. The second category is hormonal aging which occurs as a result of the physiological changes that women experience as they grow older. This ultimately results in slowed scalp activity and the decline in melanin, the hair’s natural source of protection and defense against age-accelerating aggressors.”

The combined impact of chronological & hormonal aging can leave hair with six visible effects that lead hair to become porous, lifeless, and extremely difficult to manage:

1. Change in Texture

2. Diminished Density

3. Increased Dryness

4. Surface Dullness

5. Fragility / Breakage

6. Gray Hair



“Everyone’s hair ages differently, some of us earlier than others,” explains Cannell. “Below is a general timeline that captures the changes women commonly observe:

- 20s: Hair is at the peak of thickness and strength; Scalp produces ample sebum giving hair healthy shine

- 30s: Damage incurred during your 20’s becomes visible; Slight decline in sebum production can cause hair to lose its natural luster

- 40s: Diameter of hair shaft begins to shrink, resulting in thinner and more fragile strands; Decline in melanin levels can lead to emerging gray hairs

- 50s: Most women are 50% gray by the age of 50, caused by a steep decline in melanin; Follicles continue to shrink leaving hair finer and thinner around hairline and top of scalp

- 60s: Nearly 40% of women will experience some degree of hair loss by age 60, mostly around the crown, leaving hair thin-looking and lackluster.”



Redken’s solution to aging hair is the NEW age-defying regimen that addresses both the immediate needs of aging hair while helping to prevent hair from aging starting in the salon with professional haircolor and backbar service, and continuing the care at-home with age-fighting retail offerings.



Cover Fusion Low Ammonia 100% Coverage Color Cream

Redken’s NEW Cover Fusion Low Ammonia 100% Coverage Color Cream offers 100% gray coverage with natural, modern reflects to clients with over 50% gray hair. Formulated with low ammonia and low odor, Cover Fusion provides a pleasant and comfortable experience for clients. Additionally, Cover Fusion contains ingredients specifically formulated to address the issues gray-haired clients face. With argan oil it helps protects against weakened defenses resulting from melanin loss and with cationic conditioning polymers and rice protein, it provides superior conditioning to dry/dull hair. Available in 24 naturally reflective shades[ii], Cover Fusion addresses 4 of the 6 signs of aging.


Cover Fusion’s Revitalage Colorbond Technology TM provides 100% gray coverage:

· Naturally Reflective Coverage: A combination of high coverage dyes provides intense reflect and perfect coverage for hair that is over 50% gray

· Optimal Defense: With argan oil, which contains antioxidants known to neutralize free radicals

· Superior Conditioning: Cationic conditioning polymers and rice protein help revitalize the hair

Additionally, Cover Fusion’s creamy texture provides easy application with either a bottle or bowl and brush, and 35-minute processing provides faster processing time for more efficient services for colorists and their clients.



Time Reset Salon Service and At-Home Regimen

Redken’s NEW Time Reset helps repair years of damage while combating and preventing five visible signs of aging hair with a targeted home regimen and salon service.

Time Reset uses a combination of age-fighting formulas fortified with the powerful Vital 5 Complex and patented Intra-Cylane® technology to help combat 5 of the 6[iii] signs of aging hair:

Intra-Cylane®: Evens porosity and improves strands resilience
Peptides & Ceramide: Repair and resurface the cuticle
Green Tea: Neutralizes free radicals with antioxidant support
Camellia Oil: Softens, replenishes, and restores shine
Cationic UV Filter: Helps prevent premature aging


The restorative process begins in the salon with a Time Reset Salon Service featuring a professional backbar treatment formulated with 10% Intra-Cylane® that helps even porosity, reinforce internal structure and restore substance to fragile strands.

In a salon study, professionals observed significant benefits[iv]:

· 94% observed an improvement in manageability

· 77% observed enhanced density

· 88% observed an increase in shine or brilliance



Time Reset At-Home Maintenance

The care is continued at home with advanced, age-fighting formulas that renew texture, enhance density, replenish moisture and shine, and help defend hair against free radicals for hair that looks and feels younger and more resilient from root to tip. Time Reset at-home regimen includes Shampoo, Conditioner, Youth Revitalizer replenishing deep treatment and Corrective Defense protective softening lotion.

I'm Juicing!

My ladies from LCHF (Long Hair Care Forum) know what the Juice is, but for those of you know have no idea what I'm talking about... the Juice is any moisturizer that was originally created for Jheri Curls.  Yup, Jheri Curl Juice!  So when I say I'm Juicing, that means I'm using Jheri curl juice on my hair.  Ask anyone who had a Jheri curl back in the day and they will tell you that their hair grew like crazy when they had the Jheri curl.  It wasn't the style, it was the moisturization.  Jheri Curl Juices use glycerin as the main moisturization ingredient and hair loves it!  A few of the favorite juices of my fellow Nikos cousins are Care Free Curl GoldS Curl, and my favorite Wave Nouveau, another one is Lustrasilk Right on Curl Activator. 

Hopefully, Juicing will get my nape on track!  I'll be sure to keep ya posted! 

The Truth About Trims

Lucie Doughty, Editorial Director for Paul Mitchell sets the record straight about how often you should be trimming your hair!

Lucie says:  "It really depends on the shape, length, and texture of hair. Long, curly hair may only need a trim twice a year while a short, precision haircut needs one every 6-8 weeks.  If you have fine hair it splits easily and will need regular trims to keep it looking healthy.  It just comes down to the individual and how committed they are to healthy hair."

Hair Thickness

 
My hair has never been really thick.  Sometimes it might appear to be thicker than it actual is, but my hair strands themselves are actually thin dainty.  I hate when people say their hair is thin because so many people equate thin with damaged or unhealthy, but the truth is that hair thickness comes in many different varieties.  "Our hair thickness results from a combination of both the size of the follicles themselves and how many of them line our scalp. The size of the follicles determines if the individual hair strands are thick or thin. Large follicles produce thick hairs. Small follicles produce thin hairs. It is that simple!"  See so I have dainty follicles and that means I have dainty strands! 
 
Source  

Redken Extreme Deep Fuel

After my self relaxer I felt like my hair needed a bit of an extra treat.  So I reached into the back of my beauty closet for Redken Extreme Deep Fuel, I keep it way in the back because I usually only use it for post relaxer treatments or severe heat overdoses. 

Product Description: Durable strengthening treatment helps restore very distressed hair back to its natural, healthy state.  After 5 single treatments, hair is up to 3 times stronger compared to an ordinary shampoo alone in lab brushing tests.  Provides long-term conditioning and repair that lasts up to eight shampoos. 


My Thoughts:  I absolutely love this product, it's perfect for use after any chemical service whether it's a relax or color.  But don't think it's just for chemically treated hair, it'll work wonders for any type of hair that could use a little extra TLC.  No real noticable scent, but you can feel the difference after you leave this on for about 30 minutes and rinse, my hair feels softer and seems stronger.  This is my favorite protein treatment for my hair.

Deal Spotter:  Amazon.com for just $14.36 

Dusting vs Seek & Destroy

In attempts to prevent the need for a haircut (resulting in loss of progress) instead of just a trim, I have been dusting my ends. Dusting your ends, is when you snip off just the very ends of your strands. After you are finished you really shouldn't even be able to tell that you've snipped the ends. The mission is to rid your hair of split ends that can travel up the hair shaft causing more damage if it's left to continue splitting. Have you heard of seek and destroy missions? That's a little bit different. Dusting is when you do your entire head, snipping and snipping until you've snipped all the sections of hair, call it a mini trim. Seek & Destory is different because you are just looking for split ends or ends that looks shabby and snipping those off. For the record, I do both.

Hair Confession: Sometimes when I'm watching TV I'll grab the scissor and a towel and start a search and destory mission during the commercial breaks.

How about you? Which do you prefer dusting or going on seek & destory missions?

Humidifier & Hair Care

I finally got a humidifier.  I did not buy the humidifier for my hair, if that's what you were thinking, I purchased it because the heat in my apartment is very drying.  So drying that I would wake up in the middle of the night with terribly dry nares, dry lips, and a dry throat, can you imagine?  My skin didn't feel dry, but just about everything else did.  Once I got my humidifier I placed it in my bedroom and I've been running it whenever I sleep, the dry nose, lips, and throat are a thing of the past and I'm sleeping way better. 

Feeling kind of creative, I decided to check around and see if there are any other uses for my humidifier (read: can I use it to amp up any of my beauty treatments).  Here is what I found:

Humifidiers can help rid your hair of static because it feeds the air moisture and in turn the moisture gets to your hair. 

I have a hard time thinking it would really help my hair especially since I sleep with a scarf covering my hair, but maybe I will see a difference in my skin.  If anything I'll be sure to let you know. 

Note: The photo is the exact one that I have, it has a cool mist and warm mist option.  I've been using the warm mist option.  It's a Venta Sonic.