Sammi's Blog ☻: May 1, 2011

Did you know that shampooing is one of the worst culprits of hair damage? It’s not a surprise that bloggers are talking about saying good-bye to shampoo altogether. The fact of the matter is that if you feel your shampoo is damaging your hair, it might be because you’re using the wrong shampoo.

It is important to cleanse the hair periodically, because hair attracts dust and pollution, and their presence can dull and clump the hair. So, shampooing is an important step, both hygienically and aesthetically.

When hair is wet, it is at its weakest and most vulnerable. Unfortunately, many of today’s shampoos use a harsh surfactant system to over-cleanse or “strip” each hair fiber — not exactly what you want interacting with your already weakened hair.

Furthermore, the act of shampooing forces the fibers to abrade each other, which gets even worse during rinsing. So, not only have you lost the minor amount of lubrication provided by the shampoo’s suds, but you are scrubbing your hair to remove the foam.

Hair Care Tips – Hair Washing – Hair Cleaning

Years ago, weekly or fortnightly hair shampooing was very much the norm. today, few women wash their hair less than twice a week, and there are many who prefer to hair shampoo every day.

Regular hair washing is essential today, due partly to the increase in dust, dirt and grime, and also because of the various products we use to dress our hair. Together these contribute to produce a surface film on the hair which must be removed if the hair is to stay clean, fresh and shiny.

Hair product manufacturers have been quick to develop new-style, mild shampoos that can be used on a daily basis. There is constant innovation in the hair care market, and the newer the product the more likely it is to find an audience.

Most mass-market ranges offer formulations suited to individual hair types dry hair, normal hair and greasy hair, and for those categories in between. These natural shampoos are balanced to meet the requirements for each hair type.

A product designed for greasy hair might be too harsh and astringent for fine dry hair; a dry hair variant might be to rich for those with a surplus oil problem. Use the natural shampoo designed for your specific hair type.

If you wake up each morning with tousled, can’t do-anything-with-it hair, you don’t necessarily need to run for the hair shampoo bottle. If your hair is clean and grease-free, spray it lightly with water and dry it in the usual way. If you prefer to natural shampoo with great frequency, always use a mild shampoo and make just one application. If you suffer from dandruff or any type of scalp disorder, us a special shampoo designed for that purpose, and leaves the fragranced ones well alone.

Don’t use a lot of shampoo every time you wash your hair. Many shampoos are highly concentrated, and a small amount will be sufficient to clean hair properly. Massage the shampoo in with your fingertips-not your fingernails. Always rinse hair thoroughly so that every last trace of shampoo is removed. The hair should squeak when it is clean and shampoo-free. A final vinegar-and water rinse will rid the hair of any residual shampoo, and help encourage a clean healthy shine. Dry shampoos, which are in powder or spray form, may be used in between washing sessions. They are particularly useful for those with greasy hair. Dry shampoos soak up grease and dirt after a few minutes and should then be thoroughly brushed out.

The most important tips for shampooing are:

•Use the tips of your fingers to manipulate your hair
•Choose a mild shampoo

•Only lather once
•Rinse thoroughly

Okay now let's get to brushing your hair w/so many new types of brushes online and on store shelves today, how do you know which brush does what? One way is to ask your hairstylist for tips, so that's just what we did! Here are the types of brushes that belong in your collection -- depending on your hair length and styling needs.

1) For daily brushing

The must have brush for all hair types is the oval, paddle-shaped natural boar and nylon bristle brush responsible for the adage, “100 strokes a day.” This combination of bristles polishes hair perfectly. Nylon bristles won’t stretch or break hair as it slides past, while boar bristles easily slide through to stimulate blood circulation under the scalp and distribute the natural sebum from the scalp throughout hair length for shiny, healthy tresses. (More info)

2) For blow-drying to straighten and to de-frizz

An hourglass-shaped round natural bristle brush gathers hair toward the brush center and holds taut for greater styling control. The largest ones are for longer hair, while the smallest straighten shorter hair. Your basic daily paddle brush works to straighten hair while blow-drying, too: The longer nylon bristles penetrate the hair to detangle unruly, knotty tresses while the boar bristles grasp the hair shaft to straighten hair, creating frizz-free looks, says Nick Arrojo of Arrojo Salon in New York City. (More info)

3) For blow-drying to curl

Look for the newest metal and ceramic barrel round brushes in many different diameters, some as small as tiny rollers or as large as three inches across. The metal or ceramic center retains the heat and works like a curling iron when used with the heat of your blow-dryer. (More info)

4) For adding volume at roots

A basic round natural bristle brush pushes the hair away from the scalp. Just brush your roots up, away from scalp while pointing your dryer toward the roots, following the path set out by the brush. Use anywhere you want to see fullness, says Arrojo. (More info)

5) For wet hair brushing

A flat, wide, cushioned square paddle brush will straighten, smooth and de-tangle wet hair every day because the cushioned base creates ‘give’ for hair to slide through without grabbing or tearing, Arrojo says. If your hair is overly curly or prone to tangling, use a wide tooth comb to untangle wet hair first, suggests Elizabeth Alvillar of Isvara Beauty & Wellness Center. (More info)

6) For basic, quick blow-drying

The rectangular vent brush, with its large-spaced bristles and open vents, is ideal for basic blow drying quickly because the vents let air throughout the hair adding body. You can also use this brush for gel-sculpting wet hair, Arrojo says, but not for curling or straightening, because this brush does not hold hair well. (More info)

7) For distributing product, separating curls

Actually fingers are the greatest "brush" for both uses. For distributing product, apply to palms and fingertips, then use fingers to gently distribute to roots through hair lengths. Better than a brush or comb, use fingers to separate curls that have been styled, scrunched or set. Gently shake and tousle with fingers so they look more natural, Arrojo suggests.

High-quality hair brush must-haves

Quality boar or other natural bristles

Nylon, not plastic bristles

Ergonomically-designed foam-wrapped or wood handles for best grip and control when styling

Cushioning under bristles on all paddle brushes, whether round or square

Look for ball tips on nylon bristles that are molded, not glued Good quality brushes are an investment item that can serve you years and years of use. So buy the best you can afford and take care to clean brushes by removing hair and swishing in soapy warm water about once a month!

You'll look well-groomed if you brush your hair, and brushing also distributes oils and helps keep your hair shiny. Follow these tips to choose the right hairbrush for your hair type and style.

- 1
  
  Choose a round, bristle brush if you have curly or wavy hair that you blow dry. Remember that the wider the brush, the straighter your hair will be when it dries.
- 2
  Use a boar-bristle, round brush if you blow dry your straight hair. This brush will shape and smooth your hair. Choose a brush with a smaller diameter for added volume.
- 3
  
  Select a flat, paddle brush for everyday brushing of straight or wavy hair.
- 4
  
  Use a pick on curly hair to separate curls without causing too much frizz.

Also EVERY night before you go to bed ALWAYS braid your hair. It is very simple to do yourself just take your hair and pull it all to one side making a nice and tight braid on just one side or you could simply part if and make two. :)) See the Examples below.... (Me, Lol) ♥