Why Should You Deep Condition Regularly?

Let’s first address the difference between a regular or surface conditioner and a deep conditioner. A regular or surface conditioner is formulated and designed to smooth the surface of the hair shaft. A deep conditioner is formulated with ingredients that are able to penetrate the hair shaft and follicle to deliver moisture to the hair from the inside out.

Examples of Regular/Surface Condtioners are:

Aussie Moist Conditioner
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Hair Conditioner
Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner
Nzuri Kra-Z Hair Grow Conditioner

Examples of Deep Conditioning Conditioners are:

Palmers Coconut Oil Protein Pack
L’Oreal Paris EverSleek Smoothing Deep Conditioner
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner

The most essential benefit that your hair strands will get from regular deep conditioning treatments is an infusion of the nutrients that it needs to stay healthy. Hair requires nourishment, just like any other part of your body. Your hair needs protein to replenish protein lost due to external conditions and the normal wear and tear that we put it through. Deep conditioning can provide the necessary vitamins and antioxidants needed to repair any damage sustained on a daily basis.

Each strand of hair on your head has an outer layer called the cuticle. The cuticle serves to protect the inner layer called the cortex. Another advantage that regular deep conditioning provides is to keep the overlapping scales of the hairs cuticle lying flat and properly sealed. By giving your cuticle what it needs your hair will have a more smooth and shiny appearance.

Because our hair goes through a rigorous experience of hair styling, from chemical and color treatments to excessive heat styling, deep conditioning can shield your hair from damage and aid in repairing whatever damage has been sustained.

Remember that it is just as important to supply the nutrients your body needs by consuming nutritious foods and supplements because what goes on inside of the body will also be experienced outside of the body. When your hair is well-nourished, it is stronger and healthier.

If you want to have beautiful hair, it is essential that you deep condition it regularly. Deep conditioning your hair keeps your tresses soft, shiny and healthy. My highest recommendation is weekly deep conditioning treatments however you should get into the habit of doing deep conditioning treatments at least twice a month.

Author: Denika Penn Carothers, Natural Hair & Hair Products available at Amazon or at http://www.gethealthyhairnow.com  http://www.gethealthyhairnow.com/companyspotlight2.html

 

 

What’s In Your Hair?

What I have found with my hair is that the way I combine my products is key and I need more moisture in the winter than I do in the summer, but when I use less products combined it works better for my type of hair. In the past when I used too many products at one time I would experience a very itchy scalp and slower growth. My current regimen is as follows:

1. Co-wash every other week with Pantene Pro-V Natural Hair Co-wash Conditioner and shampoo every other week with a moisturizing sulfate free shampoo.

2. If I co-wash I skip the conditioning step, however when I shampoo I ALWAYS use conditioner, even though I deep condition.

3. Deep condition every week with a store bought deep conditioner or my own homemade concoction that I always add honey and olive oil to. I separate my hair into four sections and apply my deep conditioner to each section and then I two strand twist the section ending up with four two stranded twists. You can sit under a hooded dryer or heat cap for 30 minutes to allow for deeper penetration of the product or you can follow my method which is two cover with a plastic shower cap and leave it on for at least an hour, but usually two.

4. I ALWAYS rinse the conditioner out in cold water (in the winter I usually do cool water lol). I then re-twist into either four twists or two twists (top half and bottom half) and use a microfiber towel that I twist turban style, to remove the excess water from my hair.

5. I then apply my styling products. When applying my styling products I work it in one section at a time. I firstly apply a leave-in spray conditioner.

6. My second step is to apply coconut oil (or my own homemade oil concoction). Some people don’t like the smell of coconut oil. If you are one who doesn’t, you can use either, grapeseed, jojoba, sweet almond or avocado oil or a combination of them. You want to be sure to use an oil product that has a small molecular structure which will penetrate the shaft and not sit on top of the strands.

7. I then work a conditioner into the hair (this product can be either a “leave-in conditioner” or you can just use the regular/surface conditioner that you use after your shampoo. A dime to nickel size amount should be sufficient for each section. If you have longer hair you might need more. Let your hair tell you how much it needs and try not to get too much product on the scalp.

8. I then apply a gel product and smooth it through with my hands from root to tip to work it in there good. At this point, if I am working with four sections I will re-twist the section while I apply product to the rest of my hair. If I’m working in two sections (which is usually when I am short on time), I don’t re-twist. I will apply the product to the lower half of my hair first and then the top section.

9. Once all of my styling products are in, if working in four sections I will then un-twist each section and gently separate the hair (or just shake my head lol) to achieve great curl definition. In the summer months I usually just wear wash and go’s and this is my wash and go method.

For more tips and tricks follow me on Facebook @ gethealthyhairnow.

Author: Denika Penn Carothers, Natural Hair & Hair Products available at Amazon or at http://www.gethealthyhairnow.com

If you are looking for amazing hair products for growth click here http://www.hairvitaminstore.com/?Click=3769

The BEST DAMN Wash n Go EVER!

Try this wash n go technique and never have to try another one.

Straightening the Hair without Chemical Processing

TextureNourishing is a process by which the hair’s cuticle is sealed by way of a strategic technique similar to flat ironing the hair using HerbalNature styling pomade.  It is EXCELLENT for anyone desiring style and versatility with natural hair or hair that is in transition from chemicals. This process may also be used on chemically treated hair.

TextureNourishing is a heat technique (press and pull) over the application of HerbalNature styling pomade or hair oil (www.theherbalnatureway.com).  This process produces a dramatic change in the texture and health of the hair.  The hair has a smoother, more tamed texture and the benefit is a healthy and nourished head of hair. 

Understanding your hair’s texture and needs is important.  This process on some textures will require a more firm application and more heat than on others.  It is important to note that if you are transitioning, your new growth is stronger and more resilient than the chemically processed hair and will require more heat and a firmer application of the process; the new growth is the superior hair.  The chemically processed hair is more fragile and only requires a modest application in order to protect it in its delicate state; the chemically processed hair is the inferior hair.   This process is an excellent way to blend the two hair textures if you are transitioning from chemicals without doing the “big chop”. 

 The process can be done as follows:

1.  After cleansing the hair with either sulfate-free shampoo or by way of co-washing you can choose to air dry your hair in a few plaits or do a blow out process using a handheld blow dryer.
2. After your hair is dry, section your hair into small pieces and apply the HerbalNature styling pomade or hair oil from ends to root to each section being sure to apply it evenly.
3. Using your flat iron go down the entire length of the hair shaft being sure to apply more pressure to the new growth than to the processed hair (you may need to go over the new growth 3 -4 times)  During the pressing process you are infusing the oils into the hair with the heat.   

Proper application will seal the hair’s outer cuticle and lock the bonds straight creating a barrier to moisture which prevents it from reverting to its virgin appearance until hair becomes wet.  The natural oils and waxes in the HerbalNature products safely styles the hair straight without compromising the integrity of virgin hair. 

This is an excellent alternative for chemical-sensitive individuals or anyone desiring to eliminate the use of chemical processing on their hair.  With proper technique and care TextureNourishing can:

1.  Tame open cuticles that cause frizzy, dry-looking hair
2. Allow straight hair styles to last with out reverting
3. Elongate tight curl patterns with natural styles
4. Blend textures of hair in transition – new growth and relaxed hair
5. Add style versatility to natural hair without damaging its integrity
6. Create polished, sleek, shiny hair with body and movement
7. Transition to natural hair without having to do the “big chop”
8. Make hair resistant to moisture, wind and static

Regular application of this process may result in the elongation of the hair shaft and the natural wave pattern in the hair may appear longer.  This occurs as a result of the heat process and the nourishing effect of the products penetrating the hair shaft and retraining the bonds to appear smoother.  The hair becomes tamed and uniformed in texture and appearance, while closing the cuticle to encourage shiny, strong and healthy hair. 

http://www.gethealthyhairnow.com