Monday 8 March 2010

Little Girl's Hairstyles --Q & A "What Hair Products Do You Use?"

I told you all that I will never show my OWN hair on here--because I detest doing my own hair! But, I am sure many of you have similar hair strife, right!? 
I had a reader ask me what products I use on my own hair, since I've mentioned that my hair is thick, curly, and as such, dry dry dry! Well, with the help of some good stylist friends, who get product for me at their salon distribution stores, I've found some really great stuff. So, here it is! Hopefully this is one hair care tip you can use on yourselves, friends! Here is what is in MY shower:

My two favorite conditioners in the world are:
Biolage Conditioning Balm (see below)
Redken All Soft Conditioner
If you ever get dry damaged ends, and need an awesome deep conditioner:
It's a 10 or
Redken Real Control Intense Renewal

I love love Biolage. They are formulated specifically for drier hair (curly hair tends to dryness, since the hair shaft itself is more porous), and I love their Hydrating Shampoo.
Now on to styling products:
Since curly hair tends to be dry, and doesn't have a lot of natural shine, I like to use a shine serum. This is not just for when you straighten your hair either-although it's wonderful to smooth on the ends when you do--but I use this when I'm mixing up my styling concoction for when I want my hair curly.
My favorite shine serum is:
Paul Mitchell Super Skinny (you can see how it's almost gone!) I just use one squirt of this, and mix it into my hand along with a dollop of Paul Mitchell Super Sculpt (see below), and a squeeze of Redken Curl Refiner (see below).
These are available at your salon, or if you have fabulous friends (like mine) or stylists that will get them for you at a discount, then you are blessed. I'm a die hard fan of these hair products, and no, I don't use these on my girl's hair. These are for ME and ME only. :)

For some tips on little girl hair care, see my post here.

Some basic rules if you have curly hair (or if your girl does!).
  • Don't wash it every day. I used to think this was horrendous, since I'm a clean freak, but washing it even just every other day does wonders for the elasticity and strength of your hair. As I said before, dry hair is more porous, this is what gives it it's texture and curl. It also makes it break easier. The natural oils from your scalp hydrate your hair and keep it healthy, Washing your hair too much strips away these necessary oils, and, thus, split ends and breakage. The curlier your hair, the drier the hair shaft will be.
  • Getting frequent hair cuts (8-12 weeks) is also a must for good hair health--especially if you are trying to grow it out!
  • If you have really dry ends, and don't want to cut off several inches, try masking your hair ends in one of the deep conditioners I mentioned above before you get in the shower. You can let it sit while you shower and then reapply conditioner again. You can also put it on your ends and put on a shower cap, and blowdry the shower cap for 5 or so minutes, then wrap your head in a towel to keep the heat in. The heat will open the cuticle and allow the conditioner to do it's job.
Here's to your happy healthy hair!