Tag Archives: Hair

Choosing Great Hair Products to make it Stand Out

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Choosing Great Hair Products to make it Stand Out

Guest Post

Making your hair stand out is not always easy. Depending on your hair type you may spend hours trying to get that perfect look to suit your personal style. Those with coarse hair can find themselves frustrated as they attempt to take control of their hair and get it into the style they want.

This is why many consumers browse through stores. They are all searching for the same thing. They want products that will give them the control and style they want, while being well-suited for their hair.

From Conditioning to Controlling

No matter the reason for seeking out new products, it is important to remember to find products suited to your hair type.By matching the product to your hair type, you ensure you will get the best results for the least amount used. While this may seem a bit trivial, it certainly is not. The less product that is used, the less build up can occur, leaving your hair healthier overall.

Just as styling products can cause build up on your hair and scalp, so can products such as conditioner, shampoo and the myriad other things we use on our hair each day to gain more control and style. With this in mind, we really do want the most “bang for our buck” because less really is more in terms of hair health.


Style with Your Hair in Mind

When choosing the specific style you want for your hair, you still must consider your hair type. This will determine how many and the types of products you will need to use to maintain that style. This is just as important as selecting the products for keeping your hair healthy. If you choose a style that does not suit your hair type, you will spend far longer trying to maintain that style.

Maintenance Products that Work

Choosing the products to maintain your style, again, should be done by hair type, but now you must consider the style as well. There is a large range of products to suit many styles and hair types. Remember to browse through and do a side-by-side evaluation of the products you would like to try. Consumers can search stores on internet and other well known brands to make their shopping that much easier. These stores have a huge stock of product lines, allowing you to do your homework when it comes to the products you need for healthy, strong hair.

Consulting the Professionals for New Ideas

The best resource anyone can make use of is their stylist. They are trained to spot the many different hair types and can direct you to the products best suited for your style as well. Many times they will have early knowledge of new products coming out that may be even better for your hair than your current selection. Be sure to talk to them and find new ways to make your hair truly outstanding. In an instant you can go from looking merely fab to looking ‘out of this world’.

About the author:

Tina is a freelance writer who loves to find new products and ideas for various hair types. She blogs about such as Tigi hair products and various other products for skin and hair care.

Everyday Tips for Growing Long, Healthy Hair

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Everyday Tips for Growing Long, Healthy Hair
Some everyday tips which we at times ignore, and that does affect our mane.


Do not over-wash your hair

Many think that they should be washing their hair every day, when, in fact, every other day is best for your hair. Otherwise, you risk stripping your precious strands of the vital natural oils that they need to keep their moisture and strength. If you want to get rid of greasiness between washings, consider purchasing a dry shampoo. On the days you do a complete wash, Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner that is formulated to build strength and restore moisture. It is important not to compromise quality for price when it comes to conditioner, because it really does make a difference.

Use a leave-in conditioner

It can be very beneficial when you are trying to grow long hair. It adds a layer of protection you your locks, and makes combing wet hair effortless. This reduces hair breakage significantly, which leads to healthier and longer hair. One leave-in conditioner that works really well is “Let It Be” leave-in conditioner by TIGI.

Avoid heat styling

If you feel like you must heat style, use a heat tamer or heat shield product. It is also important to use blow driers, curling irons, and straighteners at the lowest heat setting possible for the effect you are trying to achieve, and never apply heat for an extended amount of time to one particular part of your hair. When purchasing your heat styling tools, it is better to purchase brand-name products. They may cost a little more, but many of them have unique designs intended to cause less damage to the hair than their cheaper counterparts.

Protect your hair from your surroundings

Your everyday environment can be one of your hair’s worst enemies. Things like extreme cold, wind, humidity, and pollution can all lead to broken, brittle, and damaged hair. Take precautions like wearing a hat if you plan on spending the day in the sun, and always make sure your hair is completely dry before going out in cold weather. There are a variety of different treatments that are made to protect hair from these stresses, and also many to repair damage that has already been done. Products containing keratin have been found to be very beneficial in protecting and treating damaged hair, and many believe Moroccan oil is even better. Another time that hair is subjected to stress is while you are sleeping. Tossing and turning on the pillow can cause friction that leads to hair breakage. It is a good idea to use a satin pillow case, and if your hair is very long, secure it into a loose braid or consider wearing a hair net to bed.

Do NOT brush your hair when wet

Brush your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. When hair is wet, it is very elastic and easily causes breakage.

Get rid of the split ends

You may want to visit your local salon if you have any split ends. Do this about every six to eight weeks. Doing so will make your hair appear much healthier.

Brush your hair and/or stimulate your scalp

Stimulating blood flow to your scalp is another proven way to speed up the growth process as well. Massage your scalp while conditioning for 2-5 minutes. However, take care to brush your hair with soft bristles and not to brush too often. Brushing your hair stimulates the scalp, but it also can cause breakage and will pull healthy hair from your head, making your hair look thinner.

About the Author:

Cynthia Williams is an expert freelance beauty writer who has gained a passion for hair care after she began frequenting www.thesalonlook.com for tigi hair products.

Do you protect your hair ? Do you follow any of these ?

Lakme Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) Review, Photos

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Lakme Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) Review, Photos

Ok..when I got the opportunity to try the Hair Serenity Service (Straight Hair with Cysteine) at Lakme Salons, I was a little wary since its semi permanent..and I have never colored, treated or done anything to my hair..in fact blow drying and straightening is also very rare..as I find that a little torturous for the hair..so I had to do my small little research..

I had shared about Hair Serenity before here and the difference between this and Keratin treatments..

I found out more and sharing with you guys here..

Why is Formaldehyde Dangerous?

Understanding the Reasoning
The danger comes when formaldehyde comes in contact with our bodies. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, but it’s so much more than that. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to skin, eye, nasal and throat irritation, respiratory illnesses and severe allergic reactions, even from small, unspecified amounts found in products like a keratin treatment. This can lead to headaches, fertility problems in women, lesions on the body, abdominal aches, vomiting and even death. Obviously, a chemical that in small to moderate quantities can lead to a variety of health issues is bound to create some controversy. That’s why there are regulations on formaldehyde in everything from building materials to your everyday hair products.

Why You Should Go Formaldehyde-Free

Be simply inhaling formaldehyde fumes, both you and your stylist are exposed to higher risks of lung cancer.
While formaldehyde treatments had ecstatic customers singing its praises, plenty of women experienced dramatic hair loss from the treatment.
Formaldehyde is a dangerous, carcinogenic substance and should not be used lightly.

About Cysteine: Luckily, a new generation of hair straightening treatments have come along that are safer and more cost effective than previous keratin treatments. One treatment, known as cysteine Brazilian therapy came out fairly recently in the middle of 2011.

As the name implies, this straightening treatment is also from Brazil, but it is not a keratin straightening treatment. Instead, the treatment uses a naturally occurring, essential amino acid called cysteine to straighten the hair, making it a safer treatment than formaldehyde based straighteners. Cysteine is also more naturally absorbent, eliminating the need for a formaldehyde coating to seal the product in. As a result, this hair straightening treatment doesn’t contain any complicated chemical formulas that keratin treatments require.

How It Works: Cysteine & Its Effects
As far as treatment goes, cysteine Brazilian therapy is considered semi-permanent at best. However, several professionals state that treatments containing cysteine instead of keratin can, in fact, last between two and three months minimum.

Overall, cysteine provides a safer options for those looking for straighter tresses. Everyone, from type 3s and 4s to pregnant women, can use this formaldehyde-free hair straightening treatment.

So after being convinced that it won’t affect my hair (I am a little finicky about my hair), I tried to give it a shot..so I went to Lakme Salon in Mulund..

The first step being consultation with the expert..I bombarded him with questions..the usual me still having some doubts :p My biggest concern was whether the new hair that grows would be normal..and would the huge difference show up..I don’t like that half curly half straight look..and he said this does not go inside the roots of hair..and is just used over the hair..and the effect fades away slowly and the whole hair is normal as before again in around 3 months..so I was relieved..this is not straightening..its just smoothening hair and relaxing the frizz..the overall effect is very natural..since my hair is naturally straight with some waviness at the ends..it was not a dramatic difference for me..or such that someone would point out that I have got my hair straightened..

Step 1: Hair is washed thrice with a clarifying shampoo..

Step 2: Hair is blow dried and the Cysteine Complex is applied on each strand on 80% dry hair.

Step 3: The hair is wrapped with thin cling and kept for 35-40 minutes.

Step 4: Each strand is then blow dried..and then ironed with a flat iron..there are some fumes..but not much..

Step 5: Hair is supposed to be relaxed for 20 minutes. And then they are again washed..and a conditioner and serum are applied.

Step 6: Hair is then blow dried again without the heat..just to style and the acai oil is applied.

And tadaa..its done !!

Here is a short video to show the procedure:

The whole process takes around 3-4 hours depending on the length and thickness of hair as each strand is to be worked on individually.

They use the Amazon Series Range for the whole procedure..It was called Cysteine Infusion before..and they have named it Hair Serenity now..

The cost: Rs. 6499/- for below shoulder hair
Rs. 7499/- for above shoulder hair
Both excluding 12.36% service tax..

Ya its expensive..but the effect stays for 2 months..and it all safe and natural plus does not damage the hair during or after in any which ways..

Post treatment care: I have been told to use Sulfate Free Shampoos..so here goes my SLS shampoos for the time being..I am going to use Vedantika and Neev..thinking of getting the Lass Naturals Range..

I did surely recommend the hair serenity service for people who want natural looking, frizz free, straighter manageable hair without the side effects or after effects of formaldehyde..

Source: 1

P.S: Services were offered by the brand but it has not affected my opinion. My hair are more precious to me than anything :p

Get ready to glow this monsoon- Skin and Hair Tips

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Get ready to glow this monsoon- Skin and Hair Tips

Expert tips by Dr. Sangeeta Amladi, Head Medical Services, Kaya Skin Clinic

The onset of monsoon is a welcome relief after the sweltering summer heat. The thick grey clouds and the cool breeze makes you hum. But don’t be surprised if your skin doesn’t share your fervor.

The rainy season brings with it an increase in humidity, grime and pollution, which has the potential to play havoc with our skin. To fight all the skin woes, one is required to follow a simple but effective skin care regime. Keep your skin fresh and glowing by following the expert tips by to Dr. Sangeeta Amladi, Head Medical Services, Kaya Skin Clinic.

Source

Skin Care

· Good and effective cleansing using a soap free cleanser is recommended. You could also use a gentle scrub (with uniform mild beads) once a day

· Cleansing should be followed by toning using an alcohol free toner, since increased humidity could open up your pores

· Use a sunscreen even on cloudy days

· Use a light lotion-based moisturizer or serum which will gently rehydrate your skin and also brighten it up

· Avoid heavy makeup and use waterproof make up when necessary

· Remember to nourish your skin from the inside too – eat salads blanched in boiling water to disinfect them, vegetable soup which will keep you warm and healthy and drink the usual 8-10 glasses of water. Your skin is always thirstier than you are!

Foot Care

· Effective cleansing of feet is very important as they would be exposed to lot of grime and muck

· Do not forget to completely dry your feet so as to prevent fungal infections

· Avoid wearing boots as these would hold water for a longer duration, creating a soggy environment for your feet

· A home pedicure should be done once a week. This would consist of soaking feet in warm water to which you can add 3-4 drops of Savlon, for 15-20 minutes, followed by cleansing your nails and scrubbing your feet with a foot scraper. Complete the pedicure by applying a light moisturizer

· When you go for pedicure, ensure that the instruments used are sterilized/ cleansed with disinfectants, or if possible use your personal instruments. Also instruct your aesthetician to avoid pushing the cuticles as toe nail fungal infections are very common in monsoons

Hair Care

· Good and effective cleansing using a volumising shampoo twice or thrice a week is highly recommended as hair tends to go limp in this season

· Conditioning your hair becomes twice as important during this season. Don’t shun it if you have sticky hair, instead opt for a light conditioner that is suited for limp, oily hair

· Keep the scalp dry to avoid scalp conditions like fungal and bacterial infections, which are more prevalent during the monsoon

· If you need to blow dry your hair, apply a leave-on conditioner prior to it

· Go easy on styling during this season. Excessive use of hair gels and sprays will only cause further damage

· Take time off from your busy schedule and book yourself a hair spa therapy appointment

· Oiling once a week would help but make sure you wash your hair well as residue oil can attract dust and grime, which along with sweat, can cause dandruff and even scalp infections

· Keep your hair trimmed and short during the season

· Food for hair – milk and milk products, nuts, soya products


While following these tips, one should also adhere to the below mentioned daily skincare regime to keep sparkling this season:

Monsoon skincare regime

PRODUCTS SUITABLE DURING MONSOON…

RECOMMENDED BY KAYA SKIN CLINIC:

· Kaya Revitalizing Tonic

· Kaya Foot Care Cream

· Kaya Soothing Cleansing Gel

· Kaya Daily Use Sunscreen with SPF 15

· Nourishing Shampoo

· Insta Brightening Micro Mask

· Purifying range for acne prone skin (cleanser, toner and moisturizer)

It is possible to enjoy healthy, glowing skin without a high-maintenance routine. Here are some rules that we should try and adhere to.

· Cleansing
Washing the impurities away from your skin allows it to breathe. To protect the skin’s natural oils, avoid anti-fungal and perfumed soaps. Instead use a non-soapy cleanser that ensures deep pore cleansing

· Toning
This helps to tighten the pores and prevent pimples. A non-alcoholic toner incorporated into your basic cleansing regime every morning and before going to bed will prevent skin infections and eruptions 

· Moisturizing
People who spend a lot of their time in an air-conditioned environment need to keep their skin moisturized. However, those with oily skin should do so only twice every day. Their skin’s natural oils will keep it hydrated

· Don’t rub your face while drying it

The facial skin is very delicate so rubbing it with a towel can cause hyper-pigmentation. Gently pat it dry, avoid any kind of friction

· Don’t step out without sunscreen protection

As long as there is daylight, our skin needs protection from UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you step out and re-apply every three to four hours

· Regular Maintenance
For glowing blemish free skin, adhere to your skin treatments like facials, cleanups, skin polishing, peels, etc, as suggested by your dermatologist. In fact the monsoon season is area very good time to do peels and lasers, as post care is much less due to the absence of direct sun rays

To complement your daily skin care regime, you can also try the below mentioned services by Kaya Skin Clinic:

· Recently launched Fruit Sorbet is a unique service by Kaya Skin Clinic, which uses a combination of cutting-edge technology and exotic natural ingredients to luxuriously pamper and nourish your skin, giving it brilliant radiance instantly!

· Kaya Aqua Radiance, a service that uses the revolutionary JET aviation technology. Exclusive to Kaya in India, the service infuses vitamins deep into the skin. Drawing on the healing properties of oxygen and water to replenish skin cells, this service uses cool and soothing supersonic jet sprays to gently slough off layers of dead cells,instantly enabling your pores to breathe while restoring lost lustre.This service complemented with a proper skincare regime would be the ideal recipe to keep your skin radiant and glowing, in this weather.

· Aqua Fairness is an enhancement service perfect for those who are looking to overcome effects of sun tanning post summers. This service provides excellent hydration and helps in preventing the effects of the sweltering heat and scorching sun.The unique JET technology uses the goodness of water and air to provide lymphatic drainage which rids the face of toxins. This process is then followed by deep exfoliation. The glycolic peels used for “infusion” in the service are derived from sugarcane and penetrate the skin quickly and easily, allowing new skin to surface quicker.
So although the sky may carry a gloomy cast, you can brush off your skin woes and guarantee healthy, beautiful and glowing skin with these handy tips and Kaya Skin Clinic!

P.S: PR Info

Five Common Hair Mistakes Every Woman Makes

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Five Common Hair Mistakes Every Woman Makes


I found this article online..and I thought of sharing it with you all..

Chances are, you’ve committed at least one or two hair faux pas. From waiting too long to get a haircut to combing hair while wet to choosing the wrong shampoo for your hair type, we’re all guilty of making a few hair mistakes in our time. Fortunately, these common hair mistakes are all easy to fix, so fear not and tread forth with determination to correct your past errors.

Delaying Haircuts

Waiting too long in between haircuts is one beauty sin women habitually commit. Always stay on top of hair appointments to keep hair manageable and beautiful. The ends of your hair often become brittle and dry, giving them a dull and unhealthy appearance.

“Get a haircut every six to eight weeks, depending on your growth,” says celebrity hairstylist Vasken Demirjian, whose client list includes the Kennedy family and whose salon has been named as one of the country’s top three by Salon Today Magazine.

He adds, “As a stylist, I know when a woman’s hair is at its optimum condition. It’s vibrant, shiny, reflective and alive. When you wait too long, you have split ends and your hair is less shiny and out of control.”

Choosing the Wrong Shampoo

Always choose a shampoo that’s tailored to your hair needs. For example, certain shampoos are created for fine, curly, color treated, gray or dandruff-prone hair.

“Read the description on the label and do your best to match the description on the label to your hair type,” advises Colin Lively, a NYC hair stylist who’s served as the artistic director for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons for 10 years.

For example, shampoos that say something like “for dry and brittle hair” will be too heavy for natural or fine hair, explains Lively. Conversely, shampoo intended for oily hair will be too harsh and drying on other types.

Once you’ve selected the appropriate shampoo, massage it onto your roots and scalp and rinse thoroughly. Any residual shampoo left on the shaft results in dull locks.

Combing Hair While Wet

Did you know that when your hair is wet, it’s more susceptible to damage? That’s a shame, considering so many women experience a tangle battle post shower. Turns out, combing your hair while it’s wet and tangled can result in hair breakage in addition to pain. Always use a detangling spray or softening agent before combing wet hair, advises Demirjian.

“You have to be extremely delicate when you comb your hair, whether wet or dry, but particularly when wet,” he says. “Also make certain you are using an excellent toothed comb.”

Lively adds — and this goes along with hair faux pas #2 — that if you struggle with matted and tangled hair, you’re probably using the wrong products for your hair type.

Putting Ponytail in Same Spot

Your hair is also susceptible to breaking when you place your ponytail in the same spot every day, explains Demirjian.

“A tight pony tail will have residual damage on the hairline, from the pull and tightness, as well as on the area where the ponytail is held by the band,” he explains. “Depending on the type of bands you use, you can even have loss of elasticity.”

Switch things up by either wearing hair down, moving the location of your ponytail or by using a less damaging hair tool, such as a barrette, claw or bobby pins.

Demirjian adds that wearing your locks the same way every single day — pony tail or not — is an injustice to your hair. Try something fun and flirty.

“Hair is your number one accessory,” he says. “Use it effectively.”

Rubbing Hair in Towel

It’s OK to wrap your hair in a towel post shower, but rubbing your hair in your towel is a beauty mistake that’ll leave your hair frizzy, unkempt and less healthy. The best post-shower protocol is to wring out excess water from hair with your hands and then to wrap it in a towel for 5 to 10 minutes. If you still have excess water in your hair, either re-wrap and wait another 10 minutes or gentle press your hair between a dry towel. Never, under any circumstances, rub. (Unless you want to sport a frizzy mane for the rest of the day.)

I am guilty of rubbing hair in towel sometimes and now I know why I get that frizz 🙁 And also delaying haircuts..I don’t go for cuts every 5 to 8 weeks..and I guess most of us do not ?

Source: 1
Image Source: 2

What hair mistakes are you guilty of ?

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo,Conditioner Review

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Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo,Conditioner Review
About the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Range: Hair often feels rough and dry after a hair wash, that’s because ordinary* shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils. New Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo is enhanced with Vita-Oils that go deep inside the hair fiber and help lock in the nourishment of oil; making hair smooth, shiny and beautiful with every wash.
Dove Oil Care Shampoo

What the Company claims: Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo with Fiber Actives and Vita-Oils give Vitamin enriched nourishment to make your hair resilient to damage.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs. 123/- for 200ml

I have used the normal Dove range before and liked it too. I love the way Dove makes my hair feel. My hair is softer and less frizzier.

So I was all excited about this new range too. And how does it fare..read on

Its a yellow colored shampoo of normal consistency..and has those sparkling shimmers..has that trademark Dove smell. It lathers well and cleanses well in one wash. Does not make my hair feel dry at all.

Pros:

1. Lathers and cleanses well..you do not need lots of shampoo for it.
2. Does not ever make my hair feel dry.
3. My hair is softer and less frizzy as with the older range.
4. I like the smell.
5. I loved the whole new Nourishing range packaging.
6. Its quite economical and easily available everywhere unlike my old Herbal Essences which was not so easily available.
7. I do not know how much but the blend of coconut,sunflower and almond oils does help.

Cons:

1. It has SLS and silicones..the build up of which is not so good for the hair.

Other than that I did not find any cons with it. Dove range always suit my hair.

Rating:

Quality: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Would I buy it again: Yes

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

What the Company claims: Dryness, which is the very first sign of damage, makes your hair look dull and feel rough. The reason behind this dryness of hair is lack of nourishment. That’s why treat your hair with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner that has the power of double nourishment. It is the next generation conditioner with golden ribbon inside that contains Vita-Oils to nourish your hair from deep within, leaving no greasiness on the outside. Its white ribbon that contains the conditioner locks-in the nourishment to keep dryness at bay. So, restore your hair’s smoothness and softness with Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner.

Ingredients:

MRP: Rs. 160/- for 200ml

I love the packaging of this ! It has this chakri shaped outing which removes your conditioner like a chakri and has both golden and white ribbons i.e white and yellow parts in line..which come out together. Its fun to use it !

Even this has a nice smell. I love the conditioner even more than the shampoo. And I can never skip using this after shampoo. Love the way my hair feels with it.

Their pros and cons are almost the same as above..as even this contains silicones. But then mostly all shampoos and conditioners do..coz otherwise our hair would not feel the way we want them to.

Rating:

Quality: 4.5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Availability: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5

Would I buy it again: Yes..surely !

P.S: Product gifted by brand through Indiblogger but it has not affected my opinion.