Brand Of The Week

NIOXIN

Nioxin is one of my all time favorite products. This is a treatment system for fine and/or thinning hair. Mostly used for hair that has thinned out due to various reasons (besides hereditary or genes). This is NOT a hair growth product so please don't think that using it will make hair grow down the length of your back or you will be disappointed. But understand if you are experiencing fine or thinning hair it will help to MAINTAIN the hair that you have and create a healthy scalp to continue hair growth and to slow down any further thinning that you may experience.

For best results I suggest using the shampoo and conditioner at least. There are other products as well for added treatment (follicle booster, vitamins, etc. Also Nioxin makes styling products such as gel's and hairsprays. Nioxin can be found at various professional salons or beauty supply stores.  Feel free to visit their site for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have had fine hair all your life, this product may not help you.

Moisture! Moisture! Moisture!

After a brief hiatus, I have returned to continue with the advice, products and etc.

Hope u missed me!

During my away time I seem to have had the same conversations over and over again, mostly with clients. The topic: MOISTURE!  Overly Dry hair and scalp is the usually the basis of most hair problems – mainly breakage, flaking and itching. The problem is, no one wants to moisturize his or her hair properly for fear of being weighed down or feeling greasy. But let me put it this way: Would you prefer heavy hair or no hair? Seems like an easy choice to me.

What people fail to realize is moisturizing doesn’t just stop at the hair; you have to get down to the scalp. After all, that is where the hair comes out of right? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… an unhealthy scalp will always lead to unhealthy hair.  I’ve seen many beautiful hairstyles…but what I’ve seen when I’ve parted the hair and gotten down to the scalp… well, I’ll spare you the details. But trust me, it’s not pretty. There are occasions where people can have TOO much moisture and it works against them. But the majority of us are not in that category. More often than not, people under moisturize.

African Americans need to moisturize a bit more than other races, due to our hair texture, which tends to dry out more than others. But all that does is change the TYPE of moisturizer that should be used. A heavier one would be needed in most cases, in the form of a grease or scalp cream. If you have hair that is finer or not very thick, a light scalp cream will do. Just look for the keywords “LIGHT and SCALP”. Another product that can be used is oil—if it’s not too heavy for your hair. You will find it in your beauty supply store and if you don’t feel like leaving the house, Olive Oil is also great. Found right at home in your kitchen. Sometimes you have to do a bit of trial and error to find the right product that’s not too heavy but not to light that its not doing anything for you. (And NO my friends… oil sheen isn’t going to do it.)

Other races of European, Asian or Latin descent will find these products too heavy and greasy for their hair. Don’t get me wrong, there are cases where heavier products are needed, but it’s usually on a case-by-case basis. So for those who are in the majority, treating your hair with oil can still help. A hot oil treatment once a week or every 2 weeks is an excellent option. Also unless you have naturally oily hair and absolutely NEED to shampoo daily, I suggest missing a day. Your scalp could use some of those natural oils that have built up and shampooing daily will rob you of that.

Remember folks, Conditioner is also a form of moisturizer so make sure you are using one that suits your hair needs and giving you all the moisture that you deserve. Your hair is depending on it!

Brand Of The Week

Aphogee

Aphogee specializes in repairing broken and damaged hair. There is alot of protein in the Aphogee products, which helps aid in the reconstructing of hair during brutal times. Ive been a fan of this line for many years and have witnessed first hand results! You can read more about their product line on their website

Aphogee can be found in your local beauty supply store.

WinterTime Hair Blues

If you are an avid reader of The Hair 411, then you recently read the post regarding springtime being on the way (and I can't wait)! But before we can get there, we still have to win this war with winter weather and its drying effects on our hair and scalp.

This has been a harsh winter all over the nation and people have sacrificed their hair just to stay warm! Its quick and easy to just throw a hat on and keep on steppin'. Although we are warm, that hat is doing nothing for the integrity of our hair. Most winter hats are wool or cotton, which is terrible for hair. The fabric is very drying and draws out the moisture that we need, which in turn leads to dry, brittle and broken hair. I frown at that! When possible wrap a silk or satin scarf on your head under your hat, to trap moisture and stop any possible friction.

The key to getting through these weather traumas is moisture. Its better to be over moisturized than to be under so keep a good stock of conditioner, hot oil treatments and moisturizers on hand. Also blow dry less and avoid too much cotton and/or wool items on your hair. Beware of turtlenecks because the constant friction at the base of your head (neckline) can cause damage when turning your head. I'm not saying don't wear them, just be careful. Perhaps drape a silk scarf around your neck for added protection.  You'll protect your hair and be fashionable all at the same time. :)

Brand Of The Week

 Barry Fletcher Products

I met Barry Fletcher during my first hair show in New York City many years ago. I enjoyed his products then and I enjoy them just as much now. These products are VERY moisturizing, your hair will feel and smell great!

This isnt a product you can just go and pick up anywhere, it is usually retailed in professional salons or you can contact the company direct to find out exactly how and where to purchase.

Tell him you were referred by TheHair411.blogspot.com !!!

SpringTime - We're Almost There!

     March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb? Well from what I've seen from all the snow, earthquakes and rain, they are correct! But does our hair have to suffer? 

     This is usually the time of year that people start contemplating different styles. That is, if they haven’t done so already with all the New Years resolutions involving "change".  The most common change request for spring and summer is color. Whether its drastic or just a few highlights, you will find many going a little lighter as the temperature heats up. If you aren't quite ready yet, wait a few months till summer. Imp sure the urge will hit you by then and it will give you more time to search shades that you like and to talk to your stylist about other coloring possibilities.

     If color isn’t your thing or you are happy with the hue you are in, then perhaps bangs, layers or a completely different style cut is in order. Like Arby's always say: Change is good! :) Just remember to continue to moisturize during these hard winter months. Relief is just around the corner.  Mo'Hair!