Healthy Hair~ Getting Rid of Product Build-Up

Has your hair been looking a little "blah" lately? Does it seem like, no matter what products you use, you just can't seem to make your hair look silky and shiny? You might be suffering from product build-up! Here are a few signs that you might need to do a clarifying treatment:

1. Your shampoo will not lather

2. Your hair will not hold a curl or style for more than a day or two

3. Your hair looks dull, dry and lackluster

4. Your scalp is dry, itchy and flaky

5. Your hair feels "coated" or "gummy".

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a good clarifying shampoo might help. I clarify at least once a month to get rid of any product residue and keep my hair shiny and strong. I would recommend Nexxus Aloe Rid, Kenra Chelating and Keracare First Lather shampoos. Just make sure to follow the clarifying shampoo with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to prevent your hair from feeling dry or stripped. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water and use as a final rinse. Just shampoo and condition as usual. Then, pour the vinegar mixture over the hair. Rinse well with cool water. This will remove any buildup or product residue from the hair and will help seal the cuticle, creating long-lasting shine and bounce.

I hope this was helpful! For more tips and techniques, you can find me at www.healthytextures.com.

5 Ways You Can Have Bouncy Hair

Summer is here ladies- that means that all of the winter hats, skully's, tobogans, and all in between go to the back of the closet. It is now time to let your hair shine bright as a summers day. It about that time that we enjoy hair that blows in the wind! But, there is one thing that most of us ladies constantly complain about. Everybody wants their hair to flow and have a little 'pep in its step' with little to no effort from us swangin our heads.

Here are a few tips that would help even the limpest of heads spring back to life.

1. CLARIFY

Once a month, shampoo with a clarifying shampoo, followed by detangling shampoo and/or deep conditioner. Clarifying once a month will help you get rid of any build up that can make your hair look dull and lifeless.

2. LESS PRODUCT

When the hair is weighed down with moisturizer or oil, it will lose its ability to move and bounce. Trade in your moisturizer for a super light liquid leave-in like Jane Carter Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner or Kenra Daily Provision. Mist or scrunch into hair daily to keep it light, fresh and bouncy.If you are attached to your moisturizer or oil, use a pea size amount every other day.

3. SWING-ABLE HAIR

There are certain products that just seem to make your hair "swing" better than others. I personally recommend the Neutrogena Triple Moisture and Paul Mitchell Skinny line. They always leave me with light, bouncy hair.

4. SOFT HAIR

Hair that feels hard or stiff to the touch won't swing. Soften hair weekly by adding a tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil to your shampoo or deep conditioner.

5. SETTING

For long lasting bounce, nothing beats setting the hair on rollers or flexi rods. If you already set your hair, move down a size in rollers for bouncier curls. Use a light liquid setting lotion and pin curl the hair at night.Sidenote - I find that mesh rollers tend to keep the hair bouncier for a longer period of time than magnetic rollers. They also are easier to use and take less time to dry, especially for naturals.I hope this helps!

For more tips and techniques, you can find me at www.healthytextures.com.