So one day I was at work and I noticed on the table in the break room a wedding magazine (Martha Stewart Weddings). Just for fun I started to look through the pages and I found one page that talked about hair care, called "Hair Helpers". I personally find my hair to be so thick and somewhat frizzy that I have a hard time to manage it and I'm just never happy with my hair. I was reading this article and thought I would take the challenge. Even though I was already doing somethings it said and not doing the things it said not to do, I thought I would try new things no matter what the cost. I am happy to say that after a couple of uses, Mark and I and noticed good changes in my hair. So I would like to share with all of you.
START....
SUDSINT UP GENTLY. Keep your hair's natural moisture in balance, and protect your color with a nonstripping, sulfate-free cleanswer, like L'Oreal Paris Ever-Pure Moisture Shampoo. Then follow with a conditioner for your hair type.
UTILIZING A LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER. Work in through damp hair before heat styling. Mark Heiner, owner of Slate Salon in New York City likes It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Treatment. Loaded with sunflower-seed extract, "it protects, detangles, and adds volume", he says.
APPLYING A WEEKLY MASK. "Intensive treatments can dramatically imporve the quality of you hair, even after one use", says Heiner. For mor body reach for Pantene Fine Hair Solutions Ultra-Light Moisturizing Treatment. If hair is color treated or dry, pamper it with Frederic Fekkai Essential Shea Ultra Rich Mask. Thick or curly? Try Phyto Phytokarite Ultra Nourishing Mask, which enlists cashew oil to moisturize.
FEEDING YOUR HEAD. Nourish your scalp to ensure healthy hair growth. "Work two drops of rose-hip oil into your roots before bed", says Margo Marone, founder of the Organic Pharmacy in London. It's full of conditioning fatty acids."
EATING A PROTIEN-RICH DIET. "Hair relies on it for strengh", says Philip Kingsley, a trichologist in New Yourk City. To get your fill, consume low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and beans. Aim for 46 grams of protein per day.
STOP.....
DETANGLING HAIR WHEN IT'S WET. It's most vulnerable to breaking when it's waterlogged. "Instead, brush before getting in the shower," says Heiner. After, blot it dry (don't rub)with a towel to remove excess water, and carefully lossen any tangles with your fingers.
WASHING EVERY DAY. Over-cleansing removes natural oils-and, ultimately, that vibrant shine says Eddie Ngai, a stylist at the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City. Lather up just two to four days a week, depending on how greasy you get. on the off days, spray on a dry shampoo, like Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo. It de-slicks and gives fine hair thickness and volume.
BRUSHING TOO MUCH. "The less you do it the better", says Kingsley. "Hark pulling can break the hair and scratch the scalp". When you do brush, use natural boar bristles, which distribute the oils from scalp to ends. Bumble and Buble's Flat Classic Hairbrush reduces static and gently untangles. Or try a conditioning comb.
OVERDOING IT WITH HEAT. Hot tools can cause damage. Bottom line: "In the months leading up to your wedding, lay off the blow-dryer, curling iron, and flatiron at least three days a week", says Ngai. And don't take scorching showers. Sure they feel good, but "over time, hot water can dry out your hair and fade the color", sayd Heiner.
USING ELASTICS WITH METAL. They can tear your hair, resulting in logs of broken pieces. Instead, look for metal-free styles. like Sephora Snag-Free Elastics. And "always wear your ponytail loose", says colorist Giselle.
(Martha Stewart Wedding, Winter 2011)
