Displaying items by tag: Hair Tips

Argan Oil is GREAT for Your Hair

Argan oil is pressed from the antioxidant and fatty acid-rich kernels found within the nuts of the argan tree. The oil is often called "Moroccan oil" in the ingredient list for skin and hair care products since the argan tree is native to Morocco. It can be somewhat expensive to produce since complete mechanization has not yet been achieved to successfully extract the oil. However, the process yields almost no waste as the leftover peels from the fruity flesh and outer shells of the nut are used as a nutrient-rich feed for Moroccan cattle. The exotic oil pressed from the heart of these nutrient-dense nuts is even more impressive. It has numerous properties which can help dramatically improve the health, strength and beauty of the skin and hair when used on a daily basis.

It is a light oil that is easily absorbed so it can "go to work" on a deeper level. High unsaturated fatty acid content The composition of argan oil is roughly 80 percent unsaturated fatty acids which are critical in the repair and healthy functioning of the cells that make up the hair and skin. They are excellent natural moisturizers since they do not interfere with our body's own moisture balancing mechanisms but rather complement them. The most notable of these fatty acids is linoleic acid, which you may have heard about for its numerous dietary and health benefits. It is considered an "essential" fatty acid as it is necessary for the proper functioning of our organs and internal body processes. Linoleic acid has shown some very impressive benefits when it comes to increasing the elasticity and vibrance of the skin and hair. By supplying a highly effective protective barrier, linoleic acid greatly reduces breakage in the hair, wrinkle formation in the skin and loss of elasticity and strength due to drying and environmental damage. The oil also contains several other oleic acids.

All of these acids combined are also effective in repairing and helping protect delicate cell membranes, smoothing rough surfaces and preventing split ends. This makes it an excellent restorative agent for damaged skin and hair. Naturally high in vitamin E Vitamin E is of vital importance in preserving the strength and vitality of both the skin and the hair. It is a very potent antioxidant. It is favored as a topical skincare and hair care ingredient because it also has some very powerful benefits in improving their appearance and is even thought to help hair grow faster.

Vitamin E also has potent anti-inflammatory properties which is why it is often recommended for use on sunburned, scarred or otherwise traumatized skin. This vitamin also helps prevent the escape of precious moisture from the epidermis as well as the surface of each strand of hair via the cuticle. Polyphenol and carotenoid content In addition to the powerful, natural antioxidant vitamin E, argan oil contains high levels of phenolic compounds or polyphenols. These are a group of antioxidants that are found naturally in plants. Since they help fight inflammation and promote healthy cell development while defeating free radical formation, they are truly a powerful weapon against aging. They can help keep the hair and skin smooth and supple by keeping the cells "younger" and healthier. Carotenoids are also natural antioxidants. These nutrients are known to work well in promoting healthy tissues. They are also known for their natural ability to help protect against UV damage and can even help to reduce its effect on exposed areas.

Source: Natural News 10/12

It's common knowledge that sunscreen is important for protecting the skin against sun damage, especially in summer. However, most people don't think about the sun's effect on the hair and scalp. Although not as severe as damage to the skin, the sun's rays can have a huge impact on your hair's health.

Your hair is made of dead cells, so it doesn't need SPF like your skin does, but the sun does cause damage and distress to the hair by drying it out, fading the color, and accelerating hair loss. Hair can also be damaged by wind, chlorination from pools, and salt water from the ocean. Dyed hair will usually have the most visible damage and fading, but even uncolored hair can suffer from serious sun damage.

Sunscreen for your skin isn't effective in preventing damage to hair. It would be difficult or impossible to thoroughly cover your hair in normal sunscreen, and your hair would feel extremely oily. Fortunately, there are a variety of sunscreens available that are specifically made for hair. These sunscreens prevent moisture loss and bleaching from the sun. Some come in a spray form that you can spray on your hair right before you're exposed to the sun, and others are similar to conditioners or hair masks that you treat your hair with once or twice a week.

In addition to hair damage, many people also forget that the sun can harm the scalp. Although most of the scalp is covered with hair, the exposed areas, like the hair part, can be severely burned and even develop melanoma. This can be especially harmful for people who have hair loss, as more of the scalp is exposed to the sun. You could apply sunscreen for skin onto the exposed areas of your scalp, but it could be difficult to thoroughly apply it without getting sunscreen all over the roots of your hair. Your best option to protect your scalp is just to wear a hat in the sun. It will cover your entire scalp and completely prevent sun damage.

It's great to enjoy time outside during the warmer months of the year, but protecting your hair and skin should always be a priority. Even spending just a few minutes in the bright sun can damage your hair. Next time you're planning on going out in the sun, consider using hair sunscreen or a hat for protection.

Summer Hair Made Simple
With the summer months fast approaching, most people are spending
more time in the sun and in the pool. With the hot weather, beach trips,
and summer parties, it can be easy to let your hair become dry and damaged. However, with some easy tricks, you can keep your hair
healthy and happy during summer.

Condition Often
Deep conditioning your hair once a week or applying apple cider vinegar diluted with water is one of the best ways to keep it healthy after exposure to sunlight.

Wash Less Frequently
Shampooing your hair every day strips your hair of its natural oils and
dries it out. Just rinse with water after going to the beach or the pool to prevent damage.

Use Hair Sunscreen
Hair sunscreen prevents your hair from fading or drying out from sun damage. You can use a spray sunscreen or a long-lasting, deep conditioning sunscreen.

Keep Your Hair Loose
Pulling your hair into a tight ponytail or bun can pull, tear, and break your hair, especially if it's brittle from sun damage. Instead, try a loose braid or ponytail.

Wear a Hat
Wearing a hat is the best way to protect your scalp, neck, and ears from sun damage. It can also help your scalp and hair stay moisturized.

Don't Use Products Everyday
Summer is the best time to keep a natural look for your hair. Using too many chemical-filled products can make your hair weak and brittle. Avoid products for at least a few days a week, or use all-natural products.

Minimize Heat Styling
Using heat on your hair causes damage during all seasons, but in summer, your hair is already being exposed to hot temperatures in the outside air. Avoid using heat more than once or twice a week to keep hair healthy.

Use a Comb Instead of a Brush
If your hair is dry or brittle from sun exposure, using a brush, especially on wet hair, can cause breakage and split ends. Use a wide-toothed comb instead to minimize damage.

Protect Your Color
Color-treated hair can easily become noticeably damaged from sunlight and from chlorine in pools. Avoid exposing your hair to chlorinated water as much as possible, and use a conditioner for color-treated hair.

Avoid Swimmer's Hair
If you have blonde or color-treated hair, wet your hair before entering a pool to reduce the amount of chlorine your hair absorbs. You can also rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar diluted with water after swimming.

There are a number of things that can cause frizzy hair. Humidity and heat can make the hair frizzy. Heating tools, such as curling irons and flat irons, can also cause frizzy hair. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can tame frizzy hair. Below is a list of frizzy hair remedies:

Coconut Oil Or Olive Oil
One of the key things that you will need to do in order to control frizzy hair is to moisturize it. Both olive oil and coconut oil are great for moisturizing your hair. You can apply olive oil and coconut oil to wet or dry hair. You will need to place a little bit of olive oil or coconut oil to your hands and then rub it through your hair.

Use Conditioner
Because moisturizing your hair will help control frizz, you will need to make sure that you apply a conditioner to your hair after you wash it. Use a protein-infused conditioner. You will need to avoid using conditioners that contain alcohol. Alcohol can dry out your hair, which can lead to frizz.

Limit Your Use Of Heating Tools
Many people use curling irons and flat irons to style their hair. However, it is a good idea to limit your use of curling irons and flat irons. The excessive heat can lead to frizz. You may also want to allow your hair to air dry instead of using a blow-dryer. Heat not only causes frizz, but it can also lead to hair breakage. It is important to use a heat protectant and anti-frizz product when you use style your hair with a heating tool.

Avoid Brushing Wet Hair
Brushing wet hair can lead to breakage. It can also cause your hair to become frizzy. Do not brush your hair until it is dry.

Do Not Over-Wash Your Hair
Washing your hair is essential for keeping it clean and healthy. However, you remove some of the natural protective oils when you wash your hair. That is why washing your hair every day is not a good idea. Keep in mind that you can also use a dry shampoo if you have oily hair.

Many people, both men and women, spend an enormous amount of time, money, and energy on creating the perfect hairstyle for themselves. This process often involves the use of a number of sprays, gels, and creams every day which can be damaging to hair. Most people reach for a bottle of shampoo to rid hair of the residue. However, the chemicals in the shampoo are often as damaging to the hair as the products. Instead of torturing your hair with another chemical, treat your hair to a natural clean-up using the latest trend of a "No-'Poo'" washing.

This method of cleaning hair eliminates the build-up and dirt, without the damaging effects of commercial chemical shampoos. Shampoos strip the hair of it's necessary essential oil, called sebum, which is a natural oil secreted by the hair follicles and is the key to healthy hair. By introducing the "No Poo" method of hair care, the follicles are free to produce these essential oils and repair the damaging effects of commercial shampoos.

The "No Poo" method of cleaning hair uses natural elements such as:

• Baking soda
• Apple cider vinegar
• Water

Baking Soda
Dissolve one Tbsp. of baking soda into a cup of warm water and stir until dissolved. Apply and work in the mixture to hair in the same manner as a commercial shampoo. There will be no lather with this method, therefore, when the hair feels smooth it is sufficiently clean and is ready for rinsing. This method may cause drying of the scalp, which makes it a great alternative to shampoo for people with oily hair.

Apple Cider Vinegar
This method is used with the baking soda method. After cleaning the hair with baking soda and rinsing, pour a pre-mixed solution of apple cider vinegar (referred to as "ACV") and water over the scalp and hair. Rinse with water to remove any vinegar residue.

Water
This method of cleaning hair will take time for the hair to adjust to a natural oil level. During this time, washing the hair is necessary on a daily basis. Use warm water and mimic the motions of a normal shampooing.

The benefits of "No-Poo" washing include the elimination of chemicals on the hair and scalp, the money savings from not buying chemical cleaners, and naturally healthy and happy hair.

The negative aspects of "No-Poo" hair care involve more of a psychiatric element of not feeling clean. Individuals interested in this method must have patience for the natural oils to emerge and create the natural beautiful sheen of healthy hair.

Top 10 Foods for Healthy Hair

Better-looking hair can start at your next meal. "Just like every other part of your body, the cells and processes that support strong, vibrant hair depend on a balanced diet," says New York nutritionist Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet. It can take longer to notice changes (both good or bad!) in your hair than in your skin. For example, "just one week with a poor diet can yield acne flare-ups or dry, sallow skin within days," says New York City dermatologist Cybele Fishman, MD, "but with hair, it can take a few months for a nutritional deficiency or the effects of a crash diet to show up." The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it. "Healthier follicles? Healthier hair. Healthier scalp? Healthier hair!" Drayer says. Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns. Still, you have a lot more leverage than you might think. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet that focuses on the following 10 foods, you'll be giving your hair the TLC it needs and deserves.

1. Salmon

Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids, Drayer says. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated. Other options: essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)

2. Walnuts

These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great, Drayer says. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous, Fishman says. Other options: Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or stir-fry instead of canola or safflower, Fishman says.

3. Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein," Drayer says. Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak. Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.

4. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A," Fishman says. It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff. Other options: Carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin, and apricots are all good sources of beta carotene.

5. Eggs

A great source of protein, eggs are loaded with four key minerals: zinc, selenium, sulfur, and iron. Iron is especially important, because it helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles, and too little iron (anemia) is a major cause of hair loss, particularly in women, Drayer says. Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.

6. Spinach

The iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C in spinach help keep hair follicles healthy and scalp oils circulating. Other options: Try similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.

7. Lentils

Tiny but mighty, these legumes are teeming with protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, says Fishman, making it a great staple for vegetarian, vegans, and meat eaters. Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.

8. Greek yogurt

Cruise the dairy aisle for low-fat options such as Greek yogurt, which is high in hair-friendly protein, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid -- an ingredient you'll often see on hair care product labels), and vitamin D. Emerging research links vitamin D and hair follicle health, but exactly how that works isn't clear, Fishman says. Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.

9. Blueberries

Exotic super fruits may come and go but when it comes to vitamin C, "It's hard to top this nutrient superhero," Drayer says. C is critical for circulation to the scalp and supports the tiny blood vessels that feed the follicles. Too little C in your diet can lead to hair breakage. Other options: Kiwis, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries.

10. Poultry

This everyday entree is extraordinary when it comes to protein, as well as hair-healthy zinc, iron, and B vitamins to keep strands strong and plentiful. Because hair is nearly all protein, "foods rich in protein are literally giving you the building blocks for hair," Drayer says. Other options: Lean cuts of beef are another good source of lean protein.

Source: Webmd 10/12

Straight Talk About Straightening Hair

If you've got curly hair, you may daydream about having smooth, straight locks. There are several options for taming curls, and each has pros and cons.

Keratin Treatments Many women swear by this salon treatment, which smoothes and straightens hair by coating it with chemicals. Stylists say it provides a glossy, frizz-free finish and makes hair much easier to care for. To keep that finish, you need to reapply keratin treatments about every 12 weeks. Treatments can cost $200 or more. Keratin treatments don't work well on tightly kinked hair. And they can make your hair brittle, so you'll need to use conditioner generously when you shampoo. Or you may want to skip keratin treatments altogether. There have been safety questions about the treatments, particularly for stylists who work with them. Some brands may contain or release unsafe levels of formaldehyde, a chemical that has been linked to health problems, including cancer.

Chemical Relaxers Salon and home chemical relaxers last longer than keratin. The treated hair stays straight permanently. If you have it done in a salon it's about half the price of a keratin treatment. But the roots grow back curly. That two-textured look bothers some women, says Anthony Cress, a hair stylist in Newport Beach, CA. Salon stylists usually use relaxers with lye because they work faster. They can be more irritating to your scalp than those without lye and are best done in salons, says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, CA.

If you straighten your hair at home, use a no-lye relaxer, which is less likely to irritate your scalp, and don't leave it on longer than directed. All chemical relaxers can make your hair dry and brittle and harm your scalp. And the damage can build up. For touch-ups, though, you only need to apply the relaxer to your roots, not all over. Victoria Barbosa, MD, MPH, a dermatologist in Chicago, says she advises her patients not to use a chemical relaxer if their scalp is unhealthy or they have serious problems with hair breakage or hair loss. To protect your hair, don't use a relaxer more than every 8 weeks, and use moisturizers generously on your hair. Blow-Dryers and Flat Irons If you don't want to pay for salon treatments or expose yourself to chemicals, you can straighten your hair between shampoos or swims with a blow-dryer or flat iron. “Heat rearranges hydrogen bonds in the hair, causing temporary straightening, which lasts until the hair is exposed to humidity or water,” Barbosa says.

Too much heat can also damage hair. To prevent damage, try these tips: Blow-dry only once or twice a week on a low setting. “If you start getting flyaways, breakage, or the hair isn't as shiny, what you're doing is too much,” Mirmirani says. To cut back on heat, wash your hair at night. Let it air-dry, and straighten it with a flat iron in the morning. Use a flat iron on dry hair only. Keep it on a low setting and don't hold it in one place too long. "If the flat iron or curling iron is not moved along the hair shaft swiftly enough, an entire section of hair can be singed off at one time," Barbosa says. Cress suggests stretching the time between stylings by using dry shampoo. "It absorbs the oils from your scalp, and you don't have to restyle," he says. Going Natural The simplest option is also best for your hair: Embrace your curls. "I don't like to say, 'Go straight for the chemicals,'" Cress says. "It can be an uphill battle to keep your hair moisturized if you blow-dry and color and have other products and treatments in your routine." Ask your stylist how to style your hair so its natural curliness is more appealing to you. The trick is to treat your hair gently. Don't towel dry it vigorously like you're polishing a bowling ball. "It is instantly setting yourself up for failure and frizz,” Cress says. “Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to style it the way you want to wear it, then let your hair fall into your hand with a towel and gently squeeze the towel." Finish shaping it with a product like light liquid gel or mousse.

Individualized Hair Loss Solutions

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Source: Webmd 10/13

Did you know that some of your hair issues can be solved with a change in your diet?

Here are some quick tips on some common hair issues and the foods that can help to tame them.

Lifeless Hair

Make sure you are eating enough fruit and vegetables to keep your body stocked up with the right vitamins and minerals. Aim for five portions every day.

Hair Loss

Hair is made up of protein so if you are not eating enough protein, this would cause an iron deficiency and subsequently hair loss. Add Vitamin C to your diet, also increase the amount of protein in your diet by eating red meat, oily fish - which is also good for promoting shiny hair - and green leafy vegetables.

Dry Scalp

A dry, flaky scalp is often a sign that you are not eating enough essential fatty acids. Good sources of essential fats include seafood such as:

• Halibut
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Oysters
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Trout

Dry Hair

Dry hair could be caused by a lack of iron or zinc. To boost the amount of iron in your diet, try these foods:

• Red meat
• Egg yolks
• Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
• Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
• Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
• Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
• Turkey or chicken giblets
• Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
• Liver
• Artichokes

Brittle Hair

May be a side-effect of smoking. This is because smoking restricts the blood vessels, severely limiting the amount of fresh nutrients that can reach the hair roots.

Split Ends

Split ends could a be caused by a lack of protein and essential fatty acids.

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and are interested in designing your own hair loss solution, then contact the professionals at Apollo Hair Replacement today. Apollo hair Replacement is committed to offering the highest quality and most affordable hair replacement options available, and our skilled designers have the best technology at their disposal to give you exactly the look you want. Give us a call at 1-800- 339-4247