Hair Styling Tip - Breakage, Shedding, Damage and Chemicals

Experiencing damage and want to know the cause? Well, if you’re using chemicals to straighten your hair, realize that changing your genetically coded tendency for wavy or curly hair into stick-straight locks is going to do some damage. Even using a blow-dryer or a flat comb to straighten your hair non-chemically is going to inflict some damage.

But fear not! You can reverse some of the damage done by following these steps.

1. Deep condition your hair right away and continue to do so every two weeks.
2. If you notice severe breakage or split ends, go to a salon for a trim.
3. Use a good leave-in conditioner often.
4. Avoid heating appliances like blow-dryers, flat-irons and the like.
5. Avoid coloring your hair until the damage is repaired.
6. Don’t add tension to your hair in the form of braiding or wearing a ponytail since these styles can promote root damage.
7. Comb your hair gently.
8. Relaxers can be tricky to apply. Misapplication can result in severe damage. If you have any hesitation in applying them by yourself at home, please go right to a professional stylist instead.
9. Protecting your hair from the stress of styling products (combing, brushing) and the effects of the environment will go a long way towards preventing further damage. Make sure to coat your hair after styling with a light application of a pure silicone product. Simply Stylin' Light Silk Spray is ideal for this purpose.

http://www.simplystylinhair.com/

Hair Styling Tip - Need More Lift?

Is your hair flat with no volume? Sometimes this is caused by poor shampooing techniques. (For example, if you’re not rinsing your hair correctly after a shampoo, residue from your shampoo may be weighing your hair down.) Sometimes it’s the wrong shampoo. Sometimes, it’s just nature at work.

To increase your hair’s volume, first make sure you are using the right shampoo for your hair type. (Oily hair is more prone to being flat, so most likely that is your hair type.) Look for a mild, volumizing shampoo that is geared for your hair type. Wash your hair carefully at night, rotating the shampoo over your scalp and roots with your fingers. You want to focus on the roots more than the ends. Use cool water to rinse, and be extra thorough around the crown and sides. Apply conditioner to the ends of the hair, not the roots, and make sure your conditioner is formulated to add volume.

Don't brush your hair right away -- gently pat with a towel to take away most of the water. Comb it about 15 minutes later. If you've got a blow-dryer, give it a quick hit, focusing on the roots. It's a good idea to blow dry with your head upside down for volume.

If your hair is long enough, take a scrunchy and pull it all to the top of your head and make a loose ponytail. It's important not to put tension on the hair -- don't make it tight. You're just gathering the hair so that when you lay down, it's stretched out on the pillow, not trapped beneath you.

You'll wake up with more volume, but you may have to wet hair just a little to style it for the day. Be sure to use a volumizing mousse or spray to lock in the bounce.

http://www.simplystylinhair.com/

Hair Styling Tip - What Rollers Give Volume?

They're old-fashioned but work like a charm -- steam rollers can turn your lackluster look into a va-va-va-voom style. The only drawback is the time and effort involved.

Mid-sized to large rollers add the most volume because they lift the root, so stick with them. (Small rollers are better at making tight curls, like ringlets.) If you're using steam curlers, make sure the hair is 100 percent dry before you start rolling them in. Start at the crown, and then do the sides and then the back. Mind the steam emanating from the machine as you pick up the curlers -- it can give you a nasty burn. Let the rollers set for at least 30 minutes and spritz on some holding spray before taking them down. Shake them into place or gently comb them to release some of the curl if you want more waves.

Some women like the longevity of these curls but don't like how steam makes the hair look "set." It can give you kind of a 1950s vibe if you're not careful. If you want volume with more movement, substitute Velcro rollers for steam ones. The mechanics are exactly the same, but there's no heat involved. The lift and hold you get is less extreme and doesn't last as long, but will look much less styled.

www.simplystylinhair.com

Hair Styling Tip - Am I Risking Hair Loss By Chemically Treating My Hair?

Are you risking hair loss? Yes. Will you lose hair? It depends.

Let’s be clear: anytime you apply chemicals or pull your hair into tight styles (like braids), you risk damage to your follicles. And this damage takes the form of breakage and shedding. It’s called traumatic alopecia, and there are three kinds:

Traction alopecia results from regular pulling of hair from rollers, braiding, and in some cases, weaves and extensions. It will take the form of thinning hair around the ears and the forehead. When you see this, stop using whatever styling method is causing the damage immediately, because it can permanently deform your hair follicles.

Chemical alopecia is damage done by home perms or relaxers. The chemicals destroy the hair shaft and irritate the skin on your scalp. You'll see thinning hair and perhaps even bald spots on your scalp. See a dermatologist immediately to prevent irreversible damage to the hair follicles.

Follicular degeneration, the gradual destruction of hair follicles through excessive use of pomades and hot combs and irons, is the worst of the three. Hair loss will start at the crown and progress from there, and it's an irreversible condition.

You can reduce your risk of traumatic alopecia by following these steps. African-American women should be especially careful to protect their hair from traumatic alopecia.

1. Apply chemicals to the hair, not on the scalp.
2. Use mild relaxers at home.
3. Wrap hair loosely, to minimize tension at the root.
4. Wear large, loose braids.
5. Give your hair a break from braids every two weeks.
6. Avoid products with mineral oil or petroleum.
7. When using any type of heat on the hair, protect it with the use of pure silicone products.

www.simplystylinhair.com

Hair Styling Tip - Best Cut for My Body Type

Yes, it's true - the impact of your hair cut extends well below your chin. While matching your look to your body type isn't as crucial as finding a flattering fit for your face, it doesn't hurt to keep these guidelines in mind for your next trim.

Slender and tall types can wear just about any hair cut and look good, but medium-length, wavy and chunky styles are a nice way to add roundness to a silhouette. Gentle layers, delicate angles and feminine bangs also add instant appeal. Just don't go for the big-hair look, because all that volume will look funny atop a thin body, and long straight hair will just emphasize a lack of curves.

Full-figured and curvy girls can rock layered and medium-length cuts. Stick with side parts and side-swept bangs (not short straight ones) for a leaner look. Avoid anything that's big and full -- adding width is not the goal here.
Small-framed women need to avoid extremes: Long hair will shorten you, and really cropped hair can make you look a little too much like a push-pin. Go for sleek cuts with layers, angles and height at the top of the head. The bane of your grown-up existence? Cutesy styles like cheerleader ponytails, braids and pigtails...they don't make you look younger, just immature.

http://www.simplystylinhair.com/

Hair Styling Tip - Is Your Conditioner Leaving Your Hair Flat?

Because there are many different hair types, there are many different conditioners. Naturally curly hair tends to be dry and, as a result, requires heavy conditioning. But if your hair is naturally straight and fine, it’s likely to be very oily and not require heavy conditioning at all.

Look for conditioners that are specifically designed for thin or fine hair. Avoid intensive or extra moisturizing conditioners. If in doubt ask your stylist for a recommendation.

You should also try conditioning your hair every other day instead of daily. Or perhaps go even longer in between conditioning. Experiment and find the timing that works for you. Just remember that straight and fine hair that tends to be oily requires less conditioning rather than more.

Lastly, make sure you condition your hair, not your scalp. We always recommend following the logic “shampoo your scalp, condition your hair.”

www.simplystylinhair.com

Hair Styling Tip - Breakage, Shedding Damage and Chemicals

Experiencing damage and want to know the cause? Well, if you’re using chemicals to straighten your hair, realize that changing your genetically coded tendency for wavy or curly hair into stick-straight locks is going to do some damage. Even using a blow-dryer or a flat comb to straighten your hair non-chemically is going to inflict some damage.

But fear not! You can reverse some of the damage done by following these steps.

1. Deep condition your hair right away and continue to do so every two weeks.
2. If you notice sever breakage or split ends, go to a salon for a trim.
3. Use a good leave-in conditioner often.
4. Avoid heating appliances like blow-dryers, flat-irons and the like.
5. Also avoid coloring your hair until the damage is repaired.
6. Don’t add tension to your hair in the form of braiding or wearing a ponytail since these styles can promote root damage.
7. Comb your hair gently.
8. Relaxers can be tricky to apply. Misapplication can result in severe damage. If you have any hesitation in applying them by yourself at home, please go right to a professional stylist instead.


www.simplystylinhair.com

Hair Styling Tip - Split Ends Prevention

Is there no end to split ends?????

All the maintenance you do to create great-looking hair - blow-drying, straightening, coloring and curling - breaks down your cuticles. As a result, your hair strands literally split.

Trimming your hair regularly (every six to eight weeks) will help prevent split ends. But here are some other measures you can take:

1. Make sure to deep condition your hair often - at least once a month.
2. Relax in between relaxing treatments. Your hair needs a rest. So if you do chemical treatments like relaxing or coloring, wait at least two weeks between applications. And never relax and color at the same time!
3. If you comb your hair when it is wet, do so gently with a wide-tooth comb.
4. On dry hair, use a soft-bristled brush.
5. Get an ionic blow-dryer; it locks in moisture that helps prevent the breaking-down of your cuticles.
6. Use silicone-based styling products like Simply Stylin’ which is pure silicone without fillers. Silicone products smooth split ends.

http://www.simplystylinhair.com/

Hair Styling Tip - Ingredients to Avoid in Hair Care Products

Since Simply Stylin' is doing its part to offer pure hair products without harmful chemicals, we're often asked what harmful chemicals should be avoided in the hair care products you buy. So here is a list we found of potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in hair care products.

1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: This is a solvent and denaturant. Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Hair reacts very badly to isoalcohol and this ingredient should be avoided at ALL costs. It will dry your hair out and break it off. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and even coma.

2. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG's are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG's contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

3. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): As a "surfactant" or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance. The Material Safety Data Sheets warn against skin contact, as PG has systemic consequences such as brain, liver and kidney abnormalities. Consumers are not protected nor is there a warning label on products such as stick deodorants, where the concentration is greater than that in most industrial applications.

4. SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES): SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin. Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added it thickens to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated. (SOME OF THE NITROSATING AGENTS ARE: SLS, SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA). Shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with these substances can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrite-contaminated foods. Mark Fearer in an article, Dangerous Beauty, says, "...in tests, animals that were exposed to SLS experienced eye damage, along with depression, labored breathing, diarrhea, severe skin irritation and corrosion and death." According to the American College of Toxicology states both SLS and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties. It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products. Research has shown that SLS when combined with other chemicals can be transformed into nitrosamines, a potent class of carcinogens, which causes the body to absorb nitrates at higher levels than eating nitrate contaminated food." According to the American College of Toxicity report, "SLS stays in the body for up to five days..." Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste," Studies show its danger potential to be great when used in personal-care products. Toxicity - A serious problem with these chemicals is that they may be contaminated with NDELA (N-nitrosodiethanolamine), one of the nitrosamines and a potent carcinogen, according to a 1978 FDA report. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may be more drying. Both SLS and SLES can enter the blood stream. They may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing. Contains ether.

5. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are usual listed on the ingredients label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. . These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children."

6. FD & C Color PIGMENTS: Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home: "Colors that can be used in foods, drug, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic."

7. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN: These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.


http://www.simplystylinhair.com/

Hair Styling Tip - Itchy Scalp and Dandruff Help

Itchy Scalp
It itches. You scratch it. Aaaahh, that’s better. Then it itches again. What to do?????

Is it dandruff? Could be, even it there aren’t any flakes. So try an anti-dandruff shampoo first to see if that solves it. Give it a few weeks to work. If there’s no improvement, time to see a dermatologist. It could be a simple and mild allergic reaction to certain hair products or something hormonal. Or, if your scalp is red and scaly, you could have seborrheic dermatitis which is a reaction to yeast on the scalp. Don’t fret though – your dermatologist can clean that up easily.


After Dandruff Repair
Hip-hip-hooray! Your dandruff is finally gone. But now look – your hair is dried-out and has lost its luster.

Dandruff shampoos can dry out your hair, especially if your hair is already chemically-colored or straightened. That’s because while removing dandruff, dandruff shampoos also remove the oils and conditioning agents that create lustrous hair. You need to add some conditioning back to your hair gradually so as not to reintroduce the dandruff.

First, use conditioning products that are meant for fine hair. Fine hair doesn’t require heavy conditioning, so those conditioning products will be light on your hair. Don’t apply the conditioning to or near your scalp - that will essentially cover your scalp and create dandruff problems. Instead, apply the conditioning to the ends of your hair strands. If you start to experience itching or flakes, go back to the dandruff shampoo and deep condition your hair every few weeks.


http://www.simplystylinhair.com/