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Trevor-Sorbie-hero.jpeg

<p>Handing down the craft of hairdressing from one generation to the next is a tradition with deep roots in styling and barbering families. And to celebrate Father’s Day, what better tribute can a haircare company make than to highlight the opportunities that a hairdressing career can offer – and sustain not just families, but the communities that surround them? If doing hair runs in the blood, all the better.<br></p>


<p>Some perhaps familiar names in the hairdressing profession trace the foundation of their careers to their dads. Joshua Galvin – one of the new breed of hairdressers in the 1960s who made his name in the Revlon salon in New York as a personal hairdresser to Judy Garland and Julie Andrews – came from four generations of hair craft. His grandfather was a master wig maker, his father a master barber who Galvin worked with on Saturdays. His daughter attended a college of fashion and is reputedly a talented hairdresser.<br></p>

<p>Charles Booth – the owner of 3 salons called La Coupe in the 1970s in Montreal, Toronto, and New York and creator of La Coupe Products – was brought up while living above a hairdressing salon where he worked as a kid sweeping the floor and cleaning perm rods; his mother and uncle owned a chain of salons up and down England, and his grandfather was a barber.</p>
<p></p>

<p>Trevor Sorbie – a salon and product entrepreneur with a chain of 7 salons who has been lavishly decorated with accolades including an honor by Queen Elizabeth – started his hairdressing journey as a high school dropout working in a barbershop run by his father.<br></p>


<p>We spoke with veteran hairdresser Chris Hunt, owner of Puretotnes Salon in Totnes, England. His father was a ‘ladies’ hairdresser,’ and his mother, an aunt, and a cousin were all in the hair business. (Of his 3 daughters, none have yet to express an interest in continuing the family trade.) His hairdressing career began in his teens in the ’80s and ’90s at his father’s side. Here are some highlights of our conversation.</p>
<p></p>

<h4><strong>Tell us about your parents, and what it was like growing up in a salon environment.</strong></h4>
<p>“I was a ‘Saturday’ boy when I was about 10 or 11, which means helping out around the salon until you can reach the basin and can start shampooing clients. I used to do that for my father. My school shut down when I was 15, and my father took me under his wing to work in the salon full time. Then he sent me to the Vidal Sassoon Academy in London to finish my education. He said, ‘Look, you've been with us for so long, you’ve got to see something else and learn some new things. And it looks better than purely keeping it in the family.’</p>
<p>He was a hard taskmaster, but I look back now, and I think it’s made me who I am. He sent me on the right path.”</p>

<h4><strong>Had you decided for yourself that hairdressing was the career you were going to embark on?</strong></h4>
<p>“Well, for my 14th birthday I wanted a pair of scissors – not a tracksuit, or a pair of  trainers… ‘A pair of scissors dad, that’s what I would like!” He used to save copies of <em>Hairdressers’ Journal</em> for me, which is our publication over here. I had a big stack in my wardrobe; I was a bit of a nerd for those magazines. He also used to take me up to Manchester to see the big hair shows.<br></p>


<p>Later in life, I found out that my auntie had a salon. I also had an uncle and a cousin who used to work for Wella. I had another cousin who used to be a hairdresser. So, we’ve got lots of members of the family and I'm just so pleased that he showed me the trade.”<br></p><h4><strong>Do you find that hairdressing is a generally respected profession? There are plenty of stories of young people saying, ‘Dad, I want to be a hairdresser,’ and it not being what Dad dreamt for his kid.</strong></h4>
<p>“Over time we’ve seen a lot more programs on television about hairdressers and the background and all the different opportunities and avenues one can take. You're right that years ago it was, it was considered a cop-out – if you didn't know what to do at school, just go to the local tech. But nowadays, parents see celebrity hairdressers, the cars they drive, the nice clothes, material things.</p>
<p>And obviously, there’s the creative side of it. Whether session or salon styling, it’s more evident now, and people realize there are so many different facets to our industry. It has really raised the bar for us, which is great.”</p>

<h4><strong>What advice would you give to an aspiring hairdresser? </strong></h4>
<p>“If somebody asks me, I say, "Look, at the end of the day, my advice is to go to London, or a major city, and try and get an apprenticeship. You need a very good foundation. Once you have that foundation, move around and learn different experiences. Try different salons. Find the way you want to work.</p>
<p>My brother thought about it after he had gone to college and dropped out; he sat there with my mother and me and said, ‘Well, mom used to be a hairdresser. Dad is a hairdresser…’ and he looks at me and I said, ‘Hairdressing is <em>not</em> an afterthought. You need to find what you need to find, but believe me, this isn't it.’ Thank goodness he found what he was looking for, and it's certainly not hairdressing.”</p>

<h4><strong>What were the most important things your father passed on to you professionally?</strong></h4>
<p>“When I used to work in his shop, I had to work twice as hard as everybody else to prove that I never had advantages working there. He very rarely said that he liked anything. But when he did it meant a lot because, at the time, I thought that he was being extremely tough on me, but it’s done me good because it made me try harder.</p>
<p>What he really taught me was how to deal with people. No matter who walked into the shop, he would always say, ‘good morning’ and ‘goodbye’ – and call them by their name. Whether they were his clients or not, he knew <em>everybody’s</em> name.</p>
<p>Dealing with people is really half the battle. You could be the best cutter in the world, but if you can't deal with people, well – <em>crumbs</em> – you're only going to be half as busy!”</p>


Fathers and Sons: Hairdressers Pass the Shears

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<h3>Hairdressers are the ultimate influencers. Your influence can translate into income when you set yourself up to recommend the products you use and love.</h3>
<p>Your customers are always on the lookout for experts to help them make sound decisions when trying something new.</p>
<p>Let’s face it; you only have so many hours in the day to charge for services; how amazing would it be to make extra money while you sleep? That ‘you snooze, you earn’ principle is what passive income strategies are all about.</p>
<p>This kind of income isn’t pocket change, either. It can mean boosting your bottom line enough to pay for important things such as education, business expansion, an assistant, a down payment, or a fantastic vacation (because we all need one of those) – all by selling hair products to your clients.</p>
<p>Salon retailing, however, does not always mean selling in person. </p>

<h3><strong>Here are a few of the opportunities to put your hard-earned expertise and unfailing good taste to work as a hairdresser:</strong><br></h3><h5><strong>Amazon Associates Program</strong></h5>
<p>Bloggers, publishers, and content creators with a qualifying website or mobile app can enjoy an opportunity to share products and programs on Amazon through customized links they provide that allow you to earn money on resulting purchases and more. </p>
<p>Learn more <a href="https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/welcome/topic/tools/ref=amb_link_0SCmvU4qQnOltlh4q-t01g_1?pf_rd_p=f6ebaf96-904b-45de-bbf6-06eb866f07fd">here</a>.</p><h5><strong>Amazon Influencer Program</strong></h5>
<p>One option for passive income strategies for hairstylists is joining the Amazon influencer program. If you market yourself as a hairdresser on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook – and these accounts meet certain metrics of engagement – you may qualify for your own page on Amazon with an exclusive URL to showcase what you recommend to your followers and earn money on their purchases.</p>
<p>Learn more <a href="https://amazon.com/shop/info?ref=ac_inf_faq1">here</a>.</p><h5><strong>Online Product Sales</strong></h5>
<p>Product retail is no longer limited to an in-person transaction as a part of services or even to selling through your website. If you are a hairstylist, consider representing products made by a company that equips you with custom links for online sales.</p>
<p>Here at Hairstory, for example, hairdressers and beauty professionals get the perfect opportunity with a 25% commission rate and long-term rewards. You can still earn commission from any client you introduce the products to even when they leave your salon, go to the Hairstory website directly, or head to Amazon. Our biggest earners are currently earning around $24,000 per month for their digital efforts.</p>
<p>Jayne Matthews, co-owner of Edo Salon San Francisco and Oakland earned enough in commissions in a single month to pay the rent on one of her salons, according to a report on how hairdressers fared during the pandemic by <em>Forbes</em>. “It’s been a huge relief,” says Matthews. “This is the best way to make revenue without any work. It expands on itself and becomes effortless.”</p><h5><strong>Linktree</strong></h5>
<p>Selling online – whether through affiliate links such as the Hairstory method or steering followers to purchase elsewhere – requires some savvy about your online presence and the various platforms that you use. It is possible to provide access to everything you are putting out in the world by connecting all of your content with one link. Linktree, the “launchpad to your latest video, article, recipe, tour, store, website, social post,” helps “brands, artists, publishers, agencies and influencers better control their presence online” by serving as a digital business card to monitor performance and capture email addresses – and email addresses are considered marketing gold.</p>
<p>The app became popular to get around the “one link” rule on Instagram by creating a branded landing page that you add multiple links to, then add the page link to your Instagram bio. But Instagram may mark some Linktree links as spam which causes the link in your Instagram bio to be blocked and no longer clickable. </p>
<p>There’s an alternative, however:</p>
<p>If you have a website, create an Instagram Landing Page.</p>
<p>Customize an Instagram Landing Page with your branding, image, bio, navigation, and more for a reliable option to track data, conversions, Facebook Pixels, or retargeting. Even if you aren’t using Linktree in your Instagram bio, it’s a good idea for every online business to have one.</p>
<p>Increasing your revenue requires a mix of conditions and actions. You may be busy with a high enough utilization to raise your prices. You might add extra hours to your schedule. You might be looking to slash expenses. All of those actions might help the extra cash flow in, but don’t dismiss the affiliate link as a simple retail innovation that can move that money needle like nothing else. <strong><br></strong></p><br>

Passive Income Sources for Hairdressers

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<p></p><h4 style="text-align: center;">No matter your hair type, color or texture, everyone deals with frizzy hair.&nbsp;</h4>
<p style="text-align: center;">And when the weather comes into play—no one likes what our friend humidity does to hair. We’ve all had our share of bad hair days because of frizz, but luckily that doesn’t have to be the case anymore. Let’s learn how to get rid of frizz by diving into the causes and methods for combating this unwanted look.</p>
<p></p>

<h4>THE BIG QUESTION: WHY IS MY HAIR SO FRIZZY?</h4>
<p>Let’s begin with some frizz education. What actually is frizz?<br>
<br>
Celebrity hairstylist Arsen Gurgov told <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-things-make-hair-frizzier_n_5b2d66c3e4b0321a01d11cc4#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFrizz%20is%20caused%20when%20hair,hair%20to%20swell%20and%20frizz.%E2%80%9D">Huffington Post</a>  “Frizz is caused when hair is dry and lacks moisture. When your hair is dry, the cuticle is rough, and when the weather is humid, it’s the perfect recipe for frizz. The outer layer of the hair takes in moisture from the air, causing the hair to swell and frizz.” The hair cuticle is made up of layers that lay flat, but open up if exposed to moisture or are damaged. This is why frizzy hair tends to stand apart or curl, and ultimately adopts a different type of texture than the rest of your hair.<br>
<br>
Frizz is basically the extra dry strands of hair that are desperately calling out for moisture.</p>
<p>Now let’s take a look at what causes frizzy hair.</p>
<h5>1. Humidity <br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>Bad hair days happen, but why does rainy, humid weather make them even worse? Frizz is caused by dry hair seeking moisture, so when the weather is particularly humid, that’s when those strands soak up moisture like a sponge. Summer humidity and warm rainy days can be a tough battle to keep frizz at bay. According to<a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-humidity-makes-your-hair-curl-21127724/?no-ist">Smithsonian Magazine</a>,  “hair’s chemical structure makes it unusually susceptible to changes in the amount of hydrogen present in the air, which is directly linked to humidity.”  In other words, hair doubles back in on itself when it absorbs water, then it forms bonds and swells until it disrupts the cuticle causing frizz. (<a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/why-does-humidity-make-hair-frizz.htm">howstuffworks</a>)</p>
<h5>2. Damage <br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>Damaged hair knows a variety of causes, including low-quality hair product ingredients, color and chemical treatments, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2018/12/26/style-safely-hot-looks-heat-tools/">heat tools</a> used for styling, and more. And we can’t forget about the lesser-known causes of hair damage, including washing hair with scalding water, not using a microfiber towel, and simply touching your hair too much. It seems like a lot can damage your hair, but we’re here to break down the steps you can take to combat damage (more on this later!). </p>
<p>When it comes to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2019/01/15/get-sulfates-out-your-life-and-your-hair/">sulfates in shampoo</a>, just say no. As we’ve talked about before, washing your hair with sulfates can strip your hair of its natural oils causing hair to dry out which leads to frizz. Try to keep washing to a few times a week with a <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">sulfate-free hair cleanser</a>.  And as always try to use sulfate-free hair products (both for cleansing and styling) to give your hair the best chance at remaining healthy. </p>
<p>Another ingredient to watch out for is alcohol. Not to add any more confusion but there are two types of alcohols: fatty alcohols (good) and short-chain alcohols (bad).</p>
<p>Fatty alcohols are great for keeping hair hydrated and soft. Short-chain alcohols evaporate quickly and leave the hair stripped of moisture and are typically found in styling products like hairspray and gel. Watch out for the following ingredients: Alcohol denat, Ethanol, SD alcohol 40, Propanol, Isopropyl and Propyl. </p>
<p>Dry hair as a result of damage from chemical and color treatments, bad products, going too long in-between haircuts, and more, can be a vicious cycle. Essentially, the dryer your hair is, the more prone it is to frizziness. Of course, there are products to help combat dry hair but sometimes your hair type comes into play which is down to genetics.     </p>
<h5>3. Hair Type<br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>As we learned earlier, the hair cuticle is made up of layers that lay flat. Factors that can make this more difficult include thicker hair and curly hair.</p>
<p>Thick hair is harder to reshape and realign which causes the cuticle to struggle to lay flat, leading to frizz. For curly hair, because of the pattern in which it grows, it can lead to misaligned cuticles causing the hair to frizz.</p>
<p>Curly hair also tends to be drier because the oil cannot move up and down the hair shaft as easily as straight hair.   </p>
<p>Now that we have a better understanding of what causes frizz, let's take a look at some ways to prevent it. And yes, it’s totally possible to control frizz. We’re going to show you how. </p><h4>HOW TO GET RID OF FRIZZ</h4>

<p>Depending on your hair’s specific needs there are multiple different approaches to combating frizz. </p>
<h5>1. The Cold Water Secret <br>
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</ol>
<p>Frizz control actually starts in the shower. Make sure that you keep the water temperature in mind when washing your hair. Of course, you want to take a hot shower, but scalding hot water can strip hair of its natural oils which leads to dryness. Cold water can help seal in moisture and for curly hair, it helps the follicles clump together creating more defined curls.  The same logic applies to the cool setting on your blow dryer. It’s there so that you can finish your blow-dry with a shot of cool air to help lock in moisture by triggering the cuticle to seal. </p>
<h5>2. Styling Begins In The Shower<br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>To keep frizz at bay consider styling in the shower. For curly hair, it’s important to style your hair when it’s completely wet because this allows the product to evenly disperse and saturate the hair. If hair is partially dry you may be left with frizzy, inconsistent curls. Work a leave-in conditioner or styling oil through the hair with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Leave-in conditioners like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-balm/">Hair Balm</a>are great for preserving the integrity of your curls and keeping hair moisturized. For straight and fine hair, getting tangles under control is a huge part of defrizzing your hair. Try detangling in the shower while hair is wet with a brush or wide-tooth comb.   </p>
<h5>3. Heat Protection Is A Must <br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>Sometimes you can’t get out of heat styling, that’s why it’s super important to make sure you always use a <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/dressed-up/">heat protectant</a> product. No matter your hair type, incorporating a form of heat protection to your hair care routine can help prevent damage like split ends, breakage, and smooth those frizzy flyaways that usually result from a lack of moisture from constant heat styling.</p>

<p>Depending on the severity of your frizz you may want to invest in high-quality blow dryers and heat styling tools. These products typically last longer and often incorporate new technology and materials to help curb the damage from the heat. </p>
<p>For curly hair, blow dryers can be a bit of a love-hate relationship. Diffuser attachments are a great way to delicately dry sections of hair. According to <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a28186415/frizzy-hair-tips/">Good Housekeeping</a> “Normal hair dryers toss hair around, causing friction and frizz, a diffuser helps you dry your hair without all that movement so your curls can bounce, not fray.”</p>
<h5>4. What’s Touching Your Hair? <br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>Think about what your hair comes in contact with on a daily basis that can cause friction and ultimately frizz. Let's start with your towel. Traditional towels can be rough on hair and it can also disrupt the cuticle. Consider trying a microfiber towel to dry your hair with. Its unique fiber structure allows it to absorb more water, helping your hair to dry faster. It also eliminates the need to rub or wring out your hair which can cause frizz and damage. </p>
<p>Another hair care accessory to consider adopting is a silk pillowcase. We know that sounds luxurious and princess-like, but there is a scientific reason why you should sleep on a silk pillowcase. The slick texture of silk creates less friction on skin and hair which helps to prevent irritation and damage. Yes, the silk also benefits your skin so consider this a must-have beauty investment. Silk is also naturally hypo-allergenic which makes this a great option for allergy sufferers. </p>
<p>And lastly, you are touching your hair. Yes, you. Blogger Ashly Rodriguez told <a href="https://www.glamour.com/story/best-no-frizz-hair-tips">Glamour</a>, “My number-one tip for preventing frizz: Keep your hands out of your curls. Constantly touching your hair will bring all the frizz you try to avoid.” Touching your hair can create frizz if your hands are warm or moist. So it’s best to keep your hands away from your hair if possible! </p>
<h5>5. Use the Right Products Strategically<br>
</h5><ol>

</ol>
<p>Using the right products can make or break your good hair day! Hair oils are a great way to protect your hair from frizz by adding shine, smoothness, hydration, and protection. Hair oils might sound scary or intimidating but most of them are lightweight and when used correctly, will benefit the hair immensely. They can be used as a styling treatment or as a deep-conditioning hair mask for extra dry or damaged hair. Apply the oil to wet or damp hair to hydrate and protect it from frizz.  Be sure to look for hair oils that are silicone-free. Silicones can create a barrier around the hair cuticle preventing moisture from penetrating the hair shaft which can ultimately cause frizz. Some of the <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/05/06/best-types-natural-hair-oils/">best natural oils for hair</a> include rosehip oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and more. Depending on your texture and how dehydrated your hair is, you can opt for heavier oils or deep-conditioning treatments to help eliminate frizz. </p>
<p>Frizz affects almost everyone. No matter your hair type or texture. While the weather, damage, and our hair type help determine how frizz our hair can become, frizzy hair is not a lost cause. Your hair can be salvaged! We’ve established a few different ways to treat hair in order to prevent frizz. With a few small changes, you can work on taming frizz and getting back to the good hair days you deserve. </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><sub>Sources: </sub></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Brucculieri, Julia. “What Actually Causes Frizzy Hair?.” Huffington Post, 26 June 2018. <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-things-make-hair-frizzier_n_5b2d66c3e4b0321a01d11cc4#:~:text=%E2%80%9CFrizz%20is%20caused%20when%20hair,hair%20to%20swell%20and%20frizz.%E2%80%9D">URL</a>. </sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Stromberg, Joseph. “Why Humidity Makes Your Hair Curl.” Smithsonian Magazine. 12 April 2013. <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-humidity-makes-your-hair-curl-21127724/?no-ist">URL</a>.</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Dove, Laurie L. “Why does humidity make my hair frizz?.” How Stuff Works. <a href="https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/atmospheric/why-does-humidity-make-hair-frizz.htm">URL</a>.</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Whittington, Abigail. “10 Ways to Tame and Get Rid of Frizzy Hair for Good.” Good Housekeeping, 27 June 2019, <a href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/a28186415/frizzy-hair-tips/">URL</a>. </sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Cacciatore, Bella. “How to Get Rid of Frizzy Hair: 15 Tips That Actually Work.” Glamour, 2 October 2020. <a href="https://www.glamour.com/story/best-no-frizz-hair-tips">URL</a>. </sub></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><sub></sub></p>

How to Fix Frizzy Hair: 5 Tips to Tame Your Frizz

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<h4>Commonly used to hydrate and style, hair oil has made a name for itself thanks to the endless benefits it provides for any hair type and texture.&nbsp;</h4>
<p></p>

<p>Whether you currently use a hair oil in your routine or have only seen them in stores, we’re going to pull back the curtain and take a look at the benefits of using hair oil and what type works best for your hair. Oils might seem intimidating, but once you are familiar with how to use them, this small change is likely to make a big impact on your overall hair health and texture.</p>

<h5>WHAT IS HAIR OIL? </h5>
<p>Hair oils are hydrating oils that work to smooth, style, hydrate, repair damage, and more. We know that our hair already produces oil so why do we need another, separate oil? Jasmine Merinsky, a Toronto-based hairstylist, explained to <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hair-oil-tips-experts_l_5c6cec28e4b0e37a1ed2ca92">HuffPost</a> that, “similar to skin, we need oil to have healthy, strong hair. Oil lubricates the outer cuticle and strengthens the inner core by providing moisture to help keep the bonds strong.” Essentially, the good oils for hair replicate oil our body already produces. </p>
<p>Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend told <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2014/10/15/5-reasons-you-should-be-using-hair-oils/?sh=73dc875cb438">Forbes</a>, “the benefit in most of the oils is all the fatty acids, which replace the lipids in your hair when it starts to get really fine. Right before it splits, that means there’s nothing holding it together, and all those lipids are gone so you need to replace them.” Hair oils can also offer <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/06/19/does-heat-protectant-work/">heat protection</a> which is extremely important for protecting your hair from damage and frizz. So if you find yourself wondering “<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/05/01/why-is-my-hair-so-frizzy/">why is my hair so frizzy</a>?” hair oil may just be part of the solution you need.</p><h4>THE BEST NATURAL HAIR OILS FOR HEALTHIER HAIR<br></h4>

<h5>	1.	Jojoba Oil<br>
</h5>
<ol>

</ol>

<p>Jojoba oil is known for being similar to the sebum oils our body already produces. It’s so similar in fact, that when using <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/01/27/is-jojoba-oil-good-for-hair/">jojoba oil for hair</a>, our body can’t tell the difference, so it absorbs more easily. You might have heard about jojoba oil in skincare products or cuticle oils, but its other talent is being especially great for your hair. Jojoba is a humectant which means it helps your hair retain and preserve moisture. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, including vitamin C, B vitamins, vitamin E, copper, and zinc. Jojoba oil contains a natural form of vitamin E which is an antioxidant. In addition to moisture and hydration, jojoba oil can help strengthen hair and prevent breakage.</p>

<h5>2. Coconut Oil<br></h5>
<p>It seems like coconut oil has found its way into every type of personal care product over the past few years. It's largely because of its massive versatility, but hair products are definitely one of the most popular uses. Coconut oil is used in many Pinterest DIY hair treatments and masks and that’s due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-hair#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3">Healthline</a> reports that “coconut oil is predominantly made up of a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid. This gives coconut oil a long, straight structure, which is more easily absorbed deep into the hair shaft.” Just remember, because it penetrates so deeply, it might take a few washes to completely remove from your hair. It depends on your hair porosity and texture.<br></p><ol></ol>
<p>Another great benefit is that coconut oil can help moisturize and hydrate hair while also preventing protein loss. According to the <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562?journalCode=uacn20">Journal of the American College of Nutrition</a>," coconut oil products may also be useful in preventing hair damage due to protein loss during grooming processes and ultraviolet (UV) exposure; however, more studies are needed to confirm this effect." </p>

<h5>3. Castor Oil</h5>

<p>You might have heard of Castor oil as a miracle hair growth elixir. It’s often included in lash and brow growth serums and other hair care products to stimulate the growth of hair. The benefits don’t stop at hair growth, however, with beneficial properties including hair hydration, dandruff prevention, and of course, it leaves your hair looking smooth and shiny. Castor oil is a long-chain fatty acid, that, like jojoba oil, helps provide essential proteins and nutrients to hair follicles, and also prevents hair follicle inflammation. While there are technically no existing studies that show castor oil can increase hair growth, it’s likely that its chemical makeup helps to protect the integrity of the hair follicle, giving way to healthy, growing hair.  </p>

<p></p>
<p>It’s important to keep in mind that castor oil is much heavier than others and often needs to be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oils. Its dense composition makes it hard to completely remove from hair if it’s not diluted. For the best results and quality, be sure to look for cold-pressed castor oil. </p>
<p></p>

<h5>4. Sweet Almond Oil</h5>

<p>Sweet almond oil and “regular” almond oil are actually two different oils. According to Maple Holistics, “&nbsp; Sweet almond oil is a fixed oil, a carrier oil which does not evaporate. Bitter almond oil (regular almond oil) is an essential oil, which is a volatile oil that does evaporate.”</p>
<p>When it comes to hair care, sweet almond oil is rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins like A, B, D, E, giving way to sweet almond oils claim to fame; helping dull hair become shinier and stronger. This oil is lighter so it's able to be easily absorbed into the hair cuticle to lock in hydration and ideal for fine hair. It’s moisturizing properties are also good for the scalp and can help prevent dandruff.&nbsp;</p>

<h5>5. Tea Tree Oil</h5>

<p>If castor oil is known as the hair growth elixir, tea tree oil is the scalp savior. It’s characterized by a pungent, medicinal smell and is often used in scalp and dandruff treatments. Tea tree oil is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antifungal. These properties make it ideal for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/05/06/hair-detox-cleaning-the-scalp/">hair detox</a>&nbsp;treatments, with benefits surrounding issues like dandruff, psoriasis, product build-up, itchiness, and inflammation. For those reasons, tea tree oil is a powerful ingredient found in some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">all-natural hair cleansers</a>.</p>
<p>While we recommend&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/03/17/how-to-wash-your-hair-without-shampoo/">washing hair without shampoo</a>, for dandruff treatment,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-for-hair#how-to-use">Healthline</a>&nbsp;recommends using a wash with 5%&nbsp; tea tree oil to your scalp. And for healthy hair, dilute tea tree oil (1 to 10 ratio) with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil and use the mixture every day to get the best results. If you’re not using a styling oil that is pre-mixed, be sure to dilute this oil because it can be irritating and hard to remove from hair if used by itself.</p>

<h5>6. Argan Oil</h5>

<p>Argan oil is a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products because it’s full of fatty acids that support hydration. Argan oil is also rich in vitamin E which can help prevent dryness and frizz. It contains linoleic acid (omega-9) and oleic acid (omega-6) which has been shown to “stimulate hair growth, maintain a healthy scalp condition and control water loss in your hair.” (<a href="https://sisterscientist.com/sister-scientist-blog/oleic-amp-linoleic-acid-the-reason-you-love-oils-so-much#:~:text=Oleic%20acid%20and%20linoleic%20acid,hair%20softer%20and%20more%20pliable.">Sister Scientist</a>) These acids also “protect the hair from breakage during styling with <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2018/12/26/style-safely-hot-looks-heat-tools/">heat tools</a>. Oil treatment was also shown to reduce the formation of split ends, which can result in thicker, healthier-looking hair.”(<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/argan-oil-for-hair-growth#how-to-use">Healthline</a>)</p>

<p>Argan oil can be used as a hair mask, styling treatment, and more, on top of becoming a common ingredient in hair products like shampoos and conditioners. Because it is so light, this is an oil that can be used on its own or can be combined with other nourishing oils like coconut or castor.  </p>
<p>All hair health starts at the scalp, and to support scalp health, argan oil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help prevent or reduce conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. For application, Argan oil can be applied to the scalp for 20-30 minutes to absorb the benefits. </p>
<h4>WHICH HAIR TYPE ARE OILS GOOD FOR?</h4>

<p>All hair types can benefit from hair oils. It ultimately comes down to the type of benefit you’re looking for and your hair texture. For example, if you have fine, straight hair with breakage you may want a lightweight oil that will address that issue versus a heavy oil. Many hair oils are universal and have similar benefits such as moisture-locking and shine enhancement. The key of course is finding the right oil or combination of oils that work for your hair needs.  </p>
<h5>CURLY HAIR OILS: WHICH OILS WORK BEST FOR CURLY HAIR? </h5>
<p>When it comes to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2019/02/12/ultimate-curl-care-guide/">taking care of curly hair</a>, the key is keeping it hydrated. According to <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/oils-for-curly-hair">Refiner29</a>, “There are two main types of oils: sealing and moisturizing. Sealing oils (think jojoba) seal in moisture, meaning that you'll need to apply water or conditioner to your hair beforehand for them to really work. Moisturizing oils (we're talking coconut, olive, or avocado) are heavier than sealing oils and can be used alone to moisturize the hair.” Curly hair that’s dry is more prone to frizz, breakage, dullness, and undefined curls.</p>
<p>Moisturizing oils that work for curly hair include, but are definitely not limited to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Olive oil<br>
</li>
<li>Avocado oil<br>
</li>
<li>Coconut oil<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>They can be used as a deep conditioning treatment or as a leave-in treatment.</p>
<p>The best sealing oils for curly hair include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Castor oil<br>
</li>
<li>Jojoba oil<br>
</li>
<li>Argan oil<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Both sealing and moisturizing oils work to restore curly hair to its best state, keeping it shiny, hydrated, and strong. </p>
<h5>DRY HAIR OILS: WHICH OILS WORK BEST FOR DRY HAIR?</h5>
<p>For dry hair, there are definitely oils that overlap with oils that work for curly hair. When putting creating an oiling routine for dry hair, the determining factor of what type of oil to use should be based on the texture of your hair. If your hair is on the finer side, be sure to opt for a more lightweight oil so that your hair doesn’t get weighed down or worse; greasy. If you have curly or <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/08/07/how-to-care-for-coarse-hair-a-complete-guide-hairstory/">coarse hair</a>, you can withstand a heavier oil. </p>
<p>No matter your hair type, you may want to experiment with different methods of application to find what works best for your hair. Moisturizing oils work great on dry hair, just be aware of how much and if using as a deep conditioning treatment, how long you’re keeping the oil in your hair. Again, if your hair is on the finer side it may take a couple of washes to completely remove a heavier oil from your hair.</p>
<p>Sealing oils for dry hair include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Olive oil<br>
</li>
<li>Jojoba oil<br>
</li>
<li>Grapeseed oil<br>
</li>
<li>Sunflower seed oil<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Hair oil is a total game-changer, no matter your hair type. It has numerous benefits that include strengthening, hydrating, moisture-locking, heat protection, and fostering a <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/05/06/how-to-improve-your-scalp-health/">healthy scalp</a>. At this point, you’re savvy with the different types of hair oils available, so which oil or blend you choose should be based on the benefits you’re looking for with respect to the type of hair you’re working with. Hair oils are a simple addition to your hair routine that can make a huge difference in the texture and appearance of your hair.      </p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Sources:</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Brucculieri, Julia. “The Best Way To Use Hair Oil, According To Experts.” Huffpost, 21 February 2019. <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hair-oil-tips-experts_l_5c6cec28e4b0e37a1ed2ca92">URL</a>. </sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Shatzman, Celia. “5 Reasons You Should Be Using Hair Oils.” Forbes, 15 October 2014. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/celiashatzman/2014/10/15/5-reasons-you-should-be-using-hair-oils/?sh=73dc875cb438">URL</a>.</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Watson, Kathryn. “3 Reasons to Add Jojoba Oil to Your Skin Care Routine.” Healthline, 7 March 2019. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/jojoba-oil-for-face#antibacterial">URL</a>.</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>West, Helen. “ Coconut Oil for Your Hair: Benefits, Uses and Tips.” Healthline, 4 February 2021. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-oil-and-hair#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2">URL</a>. </sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Wallace TC. “Health effects of coconut oil-a narrative review of current evidence.” J Am Coll Nutr. 2019;38(2):97–107. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562?journalCode=uacn20">URL</a></sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Purdie, Jennifer. “What to Know About Using Tea Tree Oil on Your Hair.” Healthline, 11 April 2017. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-for-hair#benefits">URL</a>. </sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>“Oleic & Linoleic Acid: The Reason You Love Oils So Much.” Sister Scientist.<a href="https://sisterscientist.com/sister-scientist-blog/oleic-amp-linoleic-acid-the-reason-you-love-oils-so-much#:~:text=Oleic%20acid%20and%20linoleic%20acid,hair%20softer%20and%20more%20pliable.">URL</a></sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Santos-Longhurst, Adrienne. “Does Argan Oil Help Protect Against Hair Loss?.” Healthline, 22 February 2019. <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/04/02/types-of-sulfates-in-shampoo/">URL</a>. </sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Wallace, Tracey. “A Curly Girl’s Guide To Hair Oils.” Refinery29, 19 October 2018. <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/oils-for-curly-hair">URL</a>.</sub></p>

Everything To Know About the Best Hair Oils for Natural Healthy Hair

detergents_4.jpeg

<h3 style="text-align: center;">We’ve used shampoo and conditioner to clean our hair for decades; it’s pretty much the only way we know how to get rid of oil, buildup and dirt from our hair. But what if you found out that the harmful ingredients in these everyday products are causing more damage instead of their intended benefits?</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"> Cleansers in shampoos are referred to as detergents and they’re not as straightforward as you think. When you hear the word “detergent” the most common next thought is laundry. Most of us know that laundry detergent is the soap you use to wash your clothes—ok, but what does that have to do with hair? We’re here to break down everything you need to know about detergents, why it’s best to avoid them in hair products and go over <a href="http://o%20over%20is%20shampoo%20bad%20for%20your%20hair%20and/" target="_blank">is shampoo bad for your hair</a> and suggested alternatives.</p><h2> </h2><h4>WHAT IS DETERGENT AND WHAT DOES IT DO? </h4>
<p>Let’s quickly go over some Chemistry 101 to establish some definitions. Detergents are the cleansing agents in shampoos, also known as surfactants. A surfactant, a surface active agent, is a substance which reduces the surface tension between two liquids. Surfactants are able to do this because of their chemical structure: featuring a part that attaches to water (hydrophilic) and a portion that attaches to oil, grease, and dirt (hydrophobic). Essentially surfactants act as a wetting agent so that water spreads easier and is more likely to interact with oil and grease versus interacting with itself. What makes certain surfactants different is their ability to remove grease (the hydrophobic portion) and their detergency or amount of lather they produce (the hydrophilic portion). </p>
<p>There are a few different types of detergents and each one has various effects on cleansing and conditioning hair as explored by <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002407/#:~:text=The%20detergents%20remove%20the%20environmental,and%20free%20of%20static%20electricity.">Zoe D. Draelos’ thesis on the NCBI</a>. Over the past few years there has been a movement away from detergent-based hair products towards more natural products. This shift comes from an increasing awareness of ingredients and a more conscious consumer who seeks to understand what we’re actually putting on our bodies.</p><h5>Detergents have emerged as an overly-harsh way to cleanse, contributing to a vicious cycle of cleansing, then sebum is produced to overcompensate for the amount of oil stripped, then hair looks oily triggering the process to start over again.</h5>
<p>Recently more natural alternatives to detergents have emerged like co-washing and the “no-poo” movement which are becoming more popular within the hair care space. </p><h4>NOW THAT WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH WHAT DETERGENTS DO, LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FIVE MOST COMMON TYPES OF DETERGENTS         </h4><h5>Anionic Detergents<br></h5>
<p>This type of detergent is great for removing sebum, dirt and clay in organic materials like cotton and linen. When it comes to hair, you may have seen some of these ingredients on labels of your hair care products. Anionic detergent is found in the form of ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and ammonium laureth sulfate. According to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/anionic-surfactants">Science Direct</a>, Anionic detergents are known for their ability to create lots of suds, bubbles and foam also known as the lather. Other common types of anionic detergents include dishwashing liquids and powders, hand soaps or liquid soaps, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. </p><h5>Cationic detergents </h5>
<p>Marketed in powder form, as paste, or liquid, cationic detergents possess important wetting, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Cationic detergents are good for fabrics and hair because it has the ability to make them feel softer and more manageable according to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/soap/Raw-materials#ref624659">Brittanica</a>. They are primarily used in shampoos where minimal cleansing is desired, i.e. daily shampoos designed for colored or chemically-treated hair.</p><h5>Non-Ionic detergents </h5>
<p>Because they are <a href="https://top10gears.com/types-of-laundry-detergents/#4-non-ionic-detergents-">charged less</a>, non-ionic detergents do not lather as much. They are also harsh cleaners which is why they’re not typically added to hair care products. Compared to the other types of detergents, non-ionic detergents are the most toxic. They are typically used for dishwashers and front loading washing machines, but they can also be found in car wash soaps, cosmetics, and paints. If there are non-ionic detergents present in shampoos, they are typically mild and act as stabilizers, thickeners and work better for shampoos that target greasy hair. These detergents can also be added or combined with other detergents to reduce the amount of suds. </p><h5>Amphoteric or Zwitterionic Detergents</h5>
<p>These detergents are frequently used in shampoos because they have low toxicity and a lower risk for eye and skin irritation which makes them great for baby care products. <a href="https://top10gears.com/types-of-laundry-detergents/#4-non-ionic-detergents-">Amphoteric detergents</a> can also handle hard water, foam well and are extremely compatible with other surfactants. They work well to emulsify oils and are better than anionic detergents at removing stains, dirt, and oil. The two are often combined to create dual-action or multipurpose cleaners.  </p><h4>Enzyme Detergent or Biological Detergent</h4>
<p>If you need to remove stains from bodily fluids, also known as protein stains, an <a href="https://top10gears.com/types-of-laundry-detergents/#20-enzyme-detergent-or-biological-detergent-">enzyme-based detergent</a> is your best bet. These types of detergents typically have the word “bio” labeled on them which indicates that the detergent contains enzymes. This type of detergent is not suitable for more delicate or natural-fiber fabrics.    </p><h4>COMMON DETERGENT INGREDIENTS </h4><h5>SLES & SLS</h5>

<p>Some of the most commonly used shampoo detergents include sodium laureth sulfate, also known as SLES, and sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS. You might be wondering <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2021/04/02/what-is-sodium-lauryl-sulfate/" target="_blank">what is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate</a> and why these sulfates are included for cleansing? Both of these ingredients are sulfates. Now, you’re probably familiar with sulfates and how most clean beauty products are including them on their free-from list. In addition to cleansing the hair, sulfates are largely responsible for that sudsy, foamy lather we get from shampoos, body washes, toothpaste and more. The lather has been such a crucial part of cleansing that many people think that no lather means the product is not working. Luckily that’s not true, it’s just how many personal care products have been made for decades. It’s only been the last few years that we have taken a hard look at the products and ingredients we put on our bodies. For those unfamiliar with <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/01/15/get-sulfates-out-your-life-and-your-hair/">SLES and SLS</a>, these detergents work to cleanse by removing dirt, oil, sebum, etc. which leave the hair feeling clean and lightweight. The issue is that these <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2021/04/02/types-of-sulfates-in-shampoo/" target="_blank">types of sulfates</a> have been linked to over-cleansing and essentially stripping hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and damaged. Washing your hair every day with a shampoo that contains sulfates can lead to weakening and breakage over time. And for people with sensitive skin, sulfates can cause skin irritations like redness or itching.</p>

<h5>Sarcosinates </h5>
<p>Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and lauryl sarcosine are also cleansing and foaming agents. <a href="https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/sodium-lauroyl-sarcosinate">Derived from sarcosine</a>, an amino acid that occurs naturally, sarcosinates are known for being a gentler cleanser. This ingredient is often used in conditioners and dry shampoos because it leaves the hair feeling soft and improves body and overall shine. The downside with sarcosinates is that its ability to penetrate the hair also gives it the ability to penetrate the skin which could allow other unwanted chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin. </p><h5>Sulfosuccinates</h5>
<p>Disodium oleamine sulfosuccinate and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate are also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002407/#:~:text=The%20detergents%20remove%20the%20environmental,and%20free%20of%20static%20electricity.">common detergent ingredients</a> found in haircare. This classification of detergent works to remove oil and grease from hair. Sulfosuccinates leaves hair clean and shiny and is also found in bubble bath, face cleanser, hand wash, dishwasher detergent and more. While this is considered a gentle cleanser, it can still cause irritation, allergies and hair damage over time. </p>
<p>So if detergents are harsh on our hair, why don’t we just wash our hair with regular soap? Let’s take a look at the difference between soap (non-detergents) and detergents.  </p>

<h4>WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOAP AND DETERGENTS? </h4>
<p>Soap or non-detergents and detergents are both cleaning agents, but what’s the difference? Soap works to clean by acting as an emulsifier allowing oil and water to mix so that oil and impurities can be removed when rinsed. Detergents are able to clean because of their chemical structure. They are amphiphilic meaning they are both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-resisting) which enables water, grease or dirt to mix together and eventually be removed when rinsed. </p>
<p>Detergents became popular beginning around World War I when soap supplies like animal and vegetable fats were in limited supply which led to the manufacturing of detergents according to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/soap#ref82260">Brittanica</a>. Chemists had to use other raw materials and by-products instead, which were turned into chemicals with similar properties as soap. This method and materials quickly became cheaper than producing soap, which is why detergents became so popular.   </p>
<p>Soaps are typically made from natural ingredients like glycerin, plant oils (i.e. coconut, vegetable) or animal fats. Because of this, they can be biodegradable which is better for the environment. Detergents, on the other hand, are mostly synthetic and are a by-product of petrochemical factories (petroleum and natural gas).  Based on their chemical structure, detergents are stronger and more effective than soaps when it comes to cleaning. Detergents are highly effective at removing dirt and stains from clothes, dishes and other household items, but they are not suitable for your skin. In fact, most of today’s common cleaning products are detergents including laundry soap, dish washing liquid and household cleaner. </p>
<p>Soap’s formula requires a clean water rinse in order to wash away soap residue otherwise a film will be left. The way soap cleans is by attaching around the dirt and floating up to the surface, which is where the clean water rinse comes into play. Using soap to wash clothes could, for example, leave buildup on both the garments and the washer itself. Another key difference between detergent <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2021/04/02/shampoo-vs-soap/" target="_blank">shampoo vs soap</a> is soap’s ability to handle hard water—which refers to the amount of calcium and minerals in water. Detergent’s versatile formula allows for more efficiency when it comes to the amount and type of water used. Soap really needs warm or hot water to be effective and when it comes in contact with hard water, it can <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/soap/Early-synthetic-detergents">leave soap scum or scales</a>. If you use soap to wash clothes, eventually they may build up a bluish-grey layer on the garments.  </p>
<p></p><h4>WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR, ARE THERE NON-DETERGENT PRODUCTS THAT CAN CLEAN EFFECTIVELY?</h4>
<p>Yes, and this is one of the challenges we faced when designing <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a>. We wanted to look for powerful cleansing ingredients that wouldn’t strip hair of it’s natural oils or cause irritation. </p><h4>Essential Oils</h4>
<p>Essential oils are multitasking ingredients that are essentially plant extracts in a concentrated form. They’re widely known for their mood-altering aromatics but perhaps less well known for their healing properties including antimicrobial, cleansing, scalp-stimulating, calming and more. When used safely, essential oils are great non-detergent alternatives to cleansing hair. Here is a look at a few <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2021/01/21/which-essential-oils-are-good-for-hair/">essential oils</a> that are helpful to the hair and scalp. </p><h5>Peppermint oil </h5>
<p>Zingy and stimulating, <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2021/01/27/benefits-of-peppermint-oil-for-hair/">peppermint oil</a>is known for its vasodilating abilities—expanding the capillaries which help improve blood flow. This is crucial for delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles which promotes healthy scalp and hair growth. It’s also why many headache sufferers turn to this oil when they’re facing a migraine. Peppermint oil is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, this means it is effective at preventing and relieving itchy or burning scalp, dandruff and dermatitis.</p><h5>Evening Primrose Oil </h5>
<p>This powerhouse essential oil works to soothe and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/evening-primrose-oil-hair-loss">moisturize the skin, scalp, and hair</a> while enhancing elasticity. It is rich in Omega-6 fatty acids which helps with combat inflammation, promote hair growth and nourish the scalp. Evening Primrose Oil also contains stearic acid which has exceptional cleansing properties that work to remove dirt, sweat, and oil. </p><h5>Sunflower Seed Oil  </h5>
<p>Not just for cooking, sunflower seed oil is starting to become a popular ingredient in hair care products. Its <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sunflower-oil-for-hair#:~:text=Sunflower%20oil%20also%20contains%20oleic,and%20relieve%20an%20itchy%20scalp.">antioxidant-rich properties</a> make it a great option for dull, dry hair. Packed with vitamin E and oleic acid, sunflower seed oil can help stop hair breakage and help hair hold onto moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve a dry, itchy scalp. </p>

<h4>Fatty Alcohols </h4>
<p>When it comes to alcohol, most of us know it’s drying and generally not good for your hair. But there is more than one type of alcohol, and in this case, <a href="https://farbotanicals.com/alcohol-bad-hair-right/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20fatty%20alcohols,conclusion%2C%20the%20answer%20is%20yes">fatty alcohols</a> are the answer. They are commonly derived from natural sources such as vegetable oil. Fatty alcohols have the opposite effect and are able to provide hydrating properties which absorb and lock in moisture and keep hair from drying out. Examples of fatty alcohols include: Cetyl, Stearyl and Cetearyl which are derived from plants. They each offer unique, good-for-your-hair benefits that support conditioning your hair for soft, bouncy hair.  The overall harshness of detergents is, as mentioned before, why we wanted to create a new solution to washing and cleansing hair. The vicious cycle of sebum overproduction ends now. New Wash features modern ingredients that are just as effective in cleaning your hair. We want to challenge the status quo and encourage you to rethink everything you know about traditional shampoos and conditioners. It’s time to ditch your old wash routine and discover your healthiest hair yet. No matter your hair type, New Wash will transform your hair leaving it looking healthy, hydrated and balanced. </p>
<p>The overall harshness of detergents is, as mentioned before, why we wanted to create a new solution to washing and cleansing hair. The vicious cycle of sebum overproduction ends now. <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a> features modern ingredients that are just as effective in cleaning your hair. We want to challenge the status quo and encourage you to rethink everything you know about traditional shampoos and conditioners. It’s time to ditch your old wash routine and discover your healthiest hair yet. No matter your hair type, New Wash will transform your hair leaving it looking healthy, hydrated and balanced. </p>
<p></p><h4>RETHINK ABOUT WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOU HAIR</h4>
<p>Now that you have all the information about detergents and why you need to avoid them, start looking into a product that contains essential oils and natural ingredients. Not only does New Wash cleanse your hair, but it is a <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">detergent-free shampoo</a> that gives you a healthy and balanced scalp without the need of a conditioner!</p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sources: </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Anionic Surfactants.” Science Direct, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/anionic-surfactants">URL</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Davidsohn, A.S. “Soap and Detergent.” Britannica, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/soap/Raw-materials#ref624659">URL</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Paritosh, Raj. “Types of Laundry Detergent.” Top 10 Gears. 8 Dec. 2020, <a href="https://top10gears.com/types-of-laundry-detergents/#4-non-ionic-detergents-">URL</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Draelos, Zoe A. “Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing.” NCBI. Jan-Jun 2010, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3002407/#:~:text=The%20detergents%20remove%20the%20environmental,and%20free%20of%20static%20electricity.">URL</a> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Alcohol is Bad For Your Hair, Right?” FAR Botanicals, <a href="https://farbotanicals.com/alcohol-bad-hair-right/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20fatty%20alcohols,conclusion%2C%20the%20answer%20is%20yes">URL</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“10 Different Types of Detergents & Other Cleaning Products for Clothes.” Sew Guide, <a href="https://sewguide.com/detergents-and-cleaning-products/">URL</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">“Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate.” Truth in Aging, <a href="https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/sodium-lauroyl-sarcosinate">URL</a></p>

Everything You Need to Know About Detergent

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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Hair is akin to a delicate fabric, and a child’s hair is even more so. Until your kid comes home with a green mohawk and a scalp tattoo – it’ll happen sooner than you’d like – care for those tender sprouts with tender care while you still can.</h3><h4>BABY HAIR</h4>
<p>Newborn scalps are so soft and smell so good, so treat them so carefully. The diameter, texture, and color of a kid’s hair are still forming up to age 12 (sometimes beyond).</p>
<p>Don’t worry if your baby was born bald or with extremely fine hair. Every child has a unique hair growth pattern, but by age three hair typically covers the head, and begins to reveal its color and texture. Hair that is blonde at birth may slowly darken over time, and eye color may also change at around 9 months; cells that produce melanin – or pigment – are still developing and can’t yet create colors determined by genes.</p>
<p>Babies less than 6 months old may experience hair loss or bald patches, partly due to a sudden but normal drop in hormone levels. A bald spot at the back of the head is likely due to resting on that spot, and baby hair doesn’t respond well to friction. Time is the only cure: growth will improve naturally when little ones begin to roll over and crawl.<br><br>A healthy baby will have healthy hair. Proper nutrition is the key to <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/03/05/how-have-healthy-hair/">healthy growth</a> overall and to developing an effective immune system.</p>

<h4>BABY HAIR CARE</h4>
<p>Washing infant hair once or twice a week is plenty. Choose a gentle formula, avoiding harsh chemicals that could irritate baby's sensitive skin or contribute to hair loss Just remember to be very gentle and avoid putting pressure on the soft spot on the top of the head. Even some children as old as five are sensitive to such pressure. As kids grow, three times a week is a good maximum. At any age, wash hair at the end of the bath so sudsy water doesn’t irritate sensitive skin.</p>

<p>Traditional shampoo is simply too aggressive for a kid’s delicate hair and scalp, and frankly, kids' hair may not be as “dirty” as you think (barring food fights, mud pits, and finger paints) and water alone will often suffice, even with sweat. But when you do need it, a <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">hair cleanser</a> that doesn’t make eyes sting is key. <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a> is ideal for so many reasons, but among them is its dense, creamy formula that stays where you put it and won’t run or slide downward.</p><br>

<h4>KIDS' HAIR CARE</h4>
<p>Some kids would rather eat vegetables than have their hair washed, but it’s good to teach them about how important both are. Make wash time a fun time and find ways to make it a special treat. Sing, make spa jokes, blow bubbles together – anything to lighten the mood in the tub and create a distraction. Here's our foolproof kids' hair care routine:</p>

<ol><li><strong>Gently lather your son or daughter's hair until fully coated.</strong><br> </li><li><strong>Take a damp - not soaking or dripping - washcloth and wipe shampoo away.</strong> Or get babies used to water on their faces early by holding them in the shower with you. Try asking kids to look up at the shower head or hang a bright toy from the curtain bar to focus on and use a plastic bucket or cup to rinse. In any case, use lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold, just right. And dry hair immediately as babies can catch a cold easily.<br> </li><li><strong>Skip the conditioner.</strong> If you’re using a hair cleanser like New Wash, skip the conditioner completely because it isn’t necessary.<br> </li><li><strong>Towel Dry. </strong>Kid hair is already dry, so avoid drying wet hair with a hair dryer.<br> </li><li><strong>Stick to water-based moisturizers</strong> to keep hair soft and supple in between washes (try Hair Balm). Use natural oils like argan oil and shea butter to nourish and lubricate before styling. Coconut oil is an excellent conditioner from head to toe – organic, if possible – and it’s available in a solid form that makes it easy to handle without spills. Just rub some into your hands and apply it to hair from the roots to tips.<br> </li><li><strong>Brush out the tangles.</strong> After-bath combing shouldn’t feel like torture (to parent or child). With nourishing oils in place as detanglers, use a wide-toothed comb to untangle any knots. In fact, if you use a wide-tooth comb while New Wash is still in the hair before rinsing it out, you’ve won more than half the battle. In general, though, don’t start combing at the top of the head; you’ll just make tangles worse as they tighten with downward tension. Instead, begin at the ends and slowly work your way up to the roots, gently pulling apart knots with your fingers.</li></ol>

<h4>POST-BATHTIME CARE</h4>
<p>When dry hair gets knotty, try this: fill a spray bottle with warm water and about a dozen pumps of leave-in conditioner – Hair Balm is perfect. Shake well and use it to dampen hair before combing. You’ll be amazed. Beyond that, keeping hair tied back is a good way to keep tangles to a minimum.</p>
<p>For afro textures, many parents limit “out” days and keep children’s hair in buns, braids, or twists to save tears and time detangling on wash day. Your local braiding expert can create a style that might last as long as 2 weeks. But young hairlines are sensitive – binding and pulling too tightly can cause damage and&nbsp;even recession later on.</p>

<h4>BRUSHING UP</h4>
<p>Brushing – with soft, natural bristles – helps blood circulate in the scalp and deliver nutrients to follicles. Similar to combing, start brushing at the ends and work your way up toward the scalp, removing the knots along the way. But always use downward strokes to keep cuticles as smooth as possible.</p><h4>THE FIRST CUT</h4>
<p>A salon shouldn’t be a scary place for kids (if it is, find another one) and bringing yours along to your next appointment is a good way to prove your point. Ask for a stylist who loves working with little ones, and schedule a slot after naptime or whenever your child is most alert and content.<br><br>Bring along a favorite comfort item and trust the stylist to start with the perimeter (bangs, ears, nape) so that even a cut that gets interrupted for any reason has a good chance of looking finished.<br><br>It is a common misconception in many cultures that cutting or shaving hair will magically make baby’s hair grow faster, thicker and healthier. There is no scientific proof to support this practice.<br> </p><h4>ACCESSORIES</h4>
<p>Ever wonder why little girls wear brightly colored, plastic clips? Because they’re neither heavy nor sharp and won’t damage hair. And they’re cute. And cheap.</p>

<h4>SEASONAL REASONING</h4>
<p>Hats are a must to protect babies’ tender heads from the sun. If it’s cold outside, make sure that your child waits until his or her hair is completely dry before going out. Wet hair can freeze and break in cold weather.<br><br>If swimming in a chlorinated pool, slather on some conditioner beforehand (hello, Hair Balm) and take a shower in fresh water afterward before the chlorine has a chance to dry and is nearly impossible to remove completely.<br></p>

<p>* * *</p>
<p>We hope your child’s hair story is nothing less than a fairy tale full of magic and adventure. But it’s up to you as a parent to provide the best care you can from the inside out (we can’t overstate the importance of nutritious food). So eat well, <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/01/15/get-sulfates-out-your-life-and-your-hair/">wash wisely</a>, dry gently, oil occasionally, and do what you can to make haircare a joy, not a chore. And if you’re a new parent, we offer our heartiest congratulations.</p>

Products for Baby Hair: From Bathtime to Playtime

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<h4>It is fair to say that our cultural obsession with all things sparkling clean has gone way too far. Yes, life is messy, but our bodies are, for the most part, good housekeepers.</h4>

<p>Healthwise, a clean scalp is more important than clean hair. Clean hair looks, feels and smells great, but a properly cared-for scalp is what keeps all clean hair gorgeous. Fortunately, the tools for a good scalp detox are literally at your fingertips – mastering massage techniques for cleaning the scalp will never fail, no matter what else you do.</p>
<p>Some remedies for busting scalp build up lurk somewhere in your kitchen, but stay with us and we’ll help you avoid wasting perfectly good food. Others are often-hyped new products designed for scalp cleansing – but we’ll warn you to look before you leap on the scalp scrub bandwagon.</p>

<h5><em><strong>HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A SCALP DETOX?</strong></em></h5>
<p>Worried about your scalp health? Here are the top 5 reasons to make a scalp detox a part of your regular hair care:</p>
<p><strong>#1 You wash infrequently</strong></p>
<p>A scalp detox can help purify your hair follicles and dissolve accumulated products, pollutants, sweat, and the daily grime.</p>
<p><strong>#2 You are exposed to toxins (duh)</strong></p>
<p>Boost antioxidants to limit damage from free radicals that damage hair while it incubates.</p>
<p><strong>#3 It’s a new season</strong></p>
<p>Soothe a dry scalp and slough off flakes in arid heat or freezing cold.</p>
<p><strong>#4 You love your styling products</strong></p>
<p>Prevent or soothe irritation from build-up after playing with polymers, silicones, waxes, and alcohols found in your styling products.</p>
<p><strong>#5 You’re making a lifestyle change</strong></p>
<p>If you’re on a dietary cleanse, purify your scalp of toxins being expelled through your pores.</p>
<p>If you’re experiencing dryness, itching, dandruff, or inflammation. Learn all about life above the brows – in sickness and in health – here.</p>
<h5><strong><em>HAIR DETOXING WITH THE RIGHT MOVES</em></strong></h5>
<p>Get physical to remove debris from the scalp: Friction and massage help to stimulate blood vessels while removing spent skin.</p>
<h5>A Hairbrush</h5>
<p>One of the most effective tools to start the process comes from something you already use on a daily basis. A good-quality boar bristle brush is the best way to spread nourishing sebum through your hair. Gently stroking the scalp with it feels fantastic, of course, but also helps dislodge those old skin cells. We suggest you brush before you shower or go to bed. But remember, go easy on your scalp. We’ll say it again: G.e.n.t.l.y.</p>
<h5>A Scalp Brush</h5>
<p>If you don’t use a brush, a silicone-bristle <a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/catalogue/brush_75/">scalp massage brush</a> is a great next step. Those with curly hair in particular might find a silicone shower brush a beneficial tool. Use it to get your products – from cleansers to masques – well-distributed into hair and roots. A shower brush also offers a nice, safe massage and saves your scalp from getting scratched by your fingernails.</p>
<h5>A home-made scalp treatment</h5>
<p>The next level of scalp detox involves applying an array of potions that you can buy or make. Before you apply anything, make sure your hair is <a href="https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-detangle-dry-natural-hair-400322">adequately detangled</a> so your fingers or brush can reach your scalp. Work in small sections to avoid re-tangling your hair in the process.</p>
<h5><em><strong>Scalp Detox Ingredients and Recipes</strong></em></h5>
<p>Creating a scalp scrub is the perfect project for the DIY beauty enthusiast. With a few exceptions, you may already have these cleansing ingredients already on hand. Try out several of these treatments to see which method works best for you.</p>
<h5>Apple cider vinegar</h5>
<p><a href="https://uat.hairstory.com/stories/2019/08/16/apple-cider-vinegar-good-for-hair/">Apple cider vinegar</a> for the scalp can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to dandruff and its more severe form, seborrhoeic dermatitis. It can also help remove scalp buildup, and its acidity will close your cuticles and boost your shine. To avoid irritation, be sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar before applying. Whether you want to learn how to get rid of dandruff or you’re looking for natural ways of cleaning the scalp, apple cider vinegar is a great product for all your hair detox needs.</p>
<p>• Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.<br>
• Fill a spray bottle and mist your hair and scalp.<br>
• Massage into your scalp with a shower brush or fingertips and leave on for three to five minutes.<br>
• Rinse with warm water and cleanse as usual.</p>
<h5>Brown Sugar</h5>
<p>When it comes to scalp care, sugar is great as your key exfoliant. It gently buffs away sebum and product buildup while also helping to hydrate a dry scalp. Add it to your conditioner or mix with coconut or olive oil:</p>
<p>• Combine two tablespoons each of brown sugar, and two tablespoons of conditioner or oil (more if your hair is very thick or porous).<br>
• After washing your hair massage the scrub into your scalp in a circular motion with your fingertips or shower brush. Leave it for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.</p>
<h5>Black Pepper</h5>
<p>According to <a href="http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-black-pepper-more-health-benefits-than-you-know-1871235">DNA India</a>, black pepper is rich in Vitamins A and C, flavonoids, carotenoids and other antioxidants that help remove harmful free radicals and protect the body against certain cancers and diseases. It is also said to have exceptional growth-stimulating and dandruff-fighting abilities.</p>
<ol>
<li>Combine 1/4 cup ground peppercorns in 1/2 cup coconut, olive, or jojoba oil in a bowl until smooth.</li>
<li>Store in a tightly sealed jar at room temperature for at least two weeks (refrigeration optional).</li>
<li>Drain the oil; discard the pepper.</li>
<li>Apply oil to the scalp, and cover with a warm towel for 30 minutes</li>
<li>Rinse thoroughly and cleanse.</li>
</ol>
<h5>Aloe Vera</h5>
<p>Aloe Vera Gel – a celebrated skin soother – contains enzymes that break down dead skin cells and promote healing. It also has conditioning and anti-itch properties for people who suffer from an itchy scalp. No recipe necessary here: Apply the product directly to your scalp and let it do its magic.</p>
<h5>Tea Tree Oil</h5>
<p>Tea tree oil is an effective solvent for sebum and dirty or oily scalp buildup, allowing your scalp to better absorb moisture from your condition and products. Like apple cider vinegar, use tea tree oil if and only if dissolved and diluted with a carrier oil first.</p>
<h5>Rosemary Oil</h5>
<p>Rosemary oil is included in many clarifying shampoo recipes to help balance natural oils in your scalp. The antioxidant powers of iron and calcium support collagen levels and promote shiny hair growth.</p>
<h5>Moringa Oil</h5>
<p>This famous tree oil is valued for its antibacterial, antiseptic, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15776678">anti-inflammatory</a>, and antifungal abilities. It cleanses the scalp and helps soothe the cells from the inside out. Blend a few drops in coconut oil and lather onto the scalp before rinsing.</p>
<h5>Willow Bark Extract</h5>
<p>White willow bark is excellent for those prone to oily hair or dandruff, which can go hand-in-hand. It contains the highest concentrated form of exfoliating salicylic acid found in nature, and its astringent tannins counteract oiliness. Using willow bark extract is a great natural remedy that really helps with oily hair and scalp exfoliation.</p>
<h5>Bentonite Clay</h5>
<p>Typically available in powder form and loaded with pore-purifying and oil-zapping minerals, clay is a great mask for clarifying the scalp. Reconstitute it with water or oil and let it sit.</p>
<h5>Ginger</h5>
<p>Ginger has thermogenic properties, meaning it creates heat through metabolic stimulation, which helps heal the scalp. Here is an invigorating scalp tonic that you can use weekly:<br>
• Mix fresh ginger, lemon juice, and water in a spray bottle.<br>
• Mist your scalp with the mixture and massage thoroughly</p>
<h5>Witch Hazel</h5>
<p>Witch hazel is an astringent that can help remove buildup and residue. You can either soak a cotton ball and dab your scalp or dilute it with water to make a spray. To make the spray, combine one part witch hazel with two parts water in a bottle. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes, and then cleanse. When using this product, be sure to choose an alcohol-free witch hazel brand.</p>
<h5><em>IN CONCLUSION</em></h5>
<p>Remember that deep-cleansing the scalp should be done weekly. Do not over detox the scalp as this can lead to further irritation. If you are looking for new hair products that are strong enough to support your scalp but gentle enough to use regularly, try our New Wash from Hairstory. People with lifelong scalp complaints have found a lifelong partner in <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a>, an oil-based hair cleanser that treats the scalp the way it deserves to be: with tender, loving care.</p>

Hair Detox: Cleansing the Scalp

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<p>Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and been absolutely floored by the visible hair damage, wondering just how long that it went unnoticed? For better or worse, hair-culture has developed an almost transactional relationship with hair damage in order to achieve certain colors, textures, and looks. We know that a number of the things we do to our hair are damaging, but we do them anyway because they give us the look we want.<br></p>
<p>In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of what causes the most damage to your hair and how to spot it, which hair types are most prone to damage, and a number of hair damage treatments to prevent, lessen, and restore the health of your hair. Let’s dive in.</p><h3>The Root of the Problem: The structure of hair</h3>
<p>Before learning about hair damage, we need to walk through the structure of a single strand of hair to understand how it can be affected.</p>
<p>Each strand of hair can be broken into three parts:</p><ul><li>The protective outer layer called the cuticle </li><li>The thick middle layer that stores pigment called the cortex</li><li>An innermost layer called the medulla — which people with fine hair often don’t even have.</li></ul>
<p>Healthy, hydrated strands of hair have a smooth, closed cuticle. Closed cuticles are shiny when their scale-like structure  all reflect light in the same direction. Healthy, closed cuticles are also smooth to the touch and less prone to tangling and knotting. On the other hand, damaged cuticles have lifted scales that make them rough, dull, and prone to tangling with other strands. Damaged shafts are also more vulnerable to <em>even more</em> damage, because they are open,leaving the cortex unprotected.</p>
<h3>What causes hair damage? </h3>
<p>There are three main types of hair damage that you should become aware of:</p><ul><li>Mechanical damage</li><li>Chemical damage</li><li>Heat damage</li></ul>
<p>While it will serve the health of your hair well to know the main types of hair damage, it’s equally important to recognize which styling and hair-care activities are common causes for day-to-day damage.</p>
<p><strong>Examples of the most common causes of hair damage include: </strong></p><br><ul><li><strong>Hair elastics, ponytails, and tight styles: </strong>It might not come as a surprise that hair ties and high-tension hairstyles stress strands, particularly at the root, and can lead to breakage. We recommend switching up your styles often!<br><br>If you need your hair off your face, pull it back in different ways to prevent a single portion bearing repeated stress. We also have a range of <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/">hair styling products</a> to help you achieve fantastic everyday looks. <br><br>Another tip: Avoid putting wet hair into a ponytail. Damp hair is at its most elastic and can be stretched to the breaking point without gentle handling.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Towel drying: </strong>Speaking of wet hair, avoid drying fragile hair with a towel! Curly girls have known for years that the coarse texture of terry can rough up the hair shaft, and contribute to damage. Try a microfiber towel, or an old t-shirt instead.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Overprocessing:</strong> Overprocessing is the umbrella term for hair that has been damaged from color and bleach, chemical relaxers, and heat styling. While we will discuss the effects of all of these actions on hair, it is important to know that damage can be caused in other ways too.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Coloring and bleaching:</strong> Most people know that coloring your hair causes dryness and damage, but do they really know why that is? Let’s go beyond the surface level to learn exactly how hair dye works, and how its ingredients damage hair.<br><br>Various chemicals are combined and react to produce a haircolor. These chemicals include ammonia, the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide, and para-phenylenediamine or PPD. Our natural hair color comes from varying concentrations of melanin, the same pigment that determines the color of our skin. In the dying process, peroxide interacts with melanin to alter its natural color, while also reacting with PPD to bind the applied color to the hair permanently. It’s specifically important to note that bleached hair, specifically, can be highly porous and vulnerable to breakage, heat-styling, sun damage, and pollution.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Chemical relaxers:</strong> Relaxers are treatments used to chemically alter the structure of tight, kinky, or extremely curly hair in order to straighten it out. Relaxers work by breaking disulfide bonds within each strand in order to permanently alter the curl pattern. Relaxing can rob hair of its natural elasticity and leaves it at an increased risk for breakage.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Using shampoo: </strong>If you know Hairstory, you know we are staunchly against shampoo. This is because shampoo contains detergents, which clean hair too aggressively.<br><br><a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2021/04/02/is-shampoo-bad-for-your-hair/">Is shampoo bad for your hair</a>? Well, shampoos overclean. While they do remove impurities, they also strip away the good, natural oils our scalp produces in order to protect our skin and hair. This is why we condition – to replace that lost moisture and mimic the natural barrier that was washed away!<br><br>It doesn’t stop there – because our natural oils were stripped away, our scalp work hard to restore them, and hair gets greasy, sending us back to the shower for another wash – and a vicious cycle of cleanse, strip, and repeat.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Heat styling:</strong> With the capacity of many tools reaching 400°F (200°C), it’s tempting to crank up the heat to get the best results in the least amount of time.</li></ul>
<p>In an interview with GHD heat tools chief technology officer, Dr. Tim Moore in <a href="https://stylecaster.com/beauty/best-heat-setting-for-flat-iron/#:~:text=Most%20hot%20tools%20go%20up,get%20what%20you%20want%20ASAP.">Stylecaster</a>, he advises those who use their tools at maximum heat to turn the dial down. “You’ll burn the fat lipids in your hair and cause frizz,” he warns. Not only does heat styling cause frizz and contribute to color fade, it can affect the internal structure of your strands and damage internal layers of hair fibers.<br><br>As the <a href="https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/beauty-style/effects-of-high-frequent-heat-usage">Naturally Curly blog explains</a>, “Water molecules inside the middle fiber – both free and bound to keratin proteins – provide critical support to the structure and properties of hair.” Heat evaporation can change the internal protein structure and change the properties of individual hair strands.</p>
<p>This can interrupt your curl patterns, cause frizz, and make hair less bouncy and more prone to breakage. The feel of hair can become less pleasant too with a straw-like texture.</p>
<p>For these reasons, it’s important to use heat tools cautiously, intentionally, and always apply a thermal protectant product beforehand. We recommend <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/dressed-up/">Dressed Up</a>.<br><br></p>

<h3>What does damaged hair look like?</h3>

<p>Depending on the type of damage your hair is experiencing, there are telltale signs that you need some TLC: </p><ul><li><strong>Split ends, flyaways, or frizz: </strong>Damaged hair is at greater risk for breaking. Depending on where the break occurs along the shaft, you may experience these symptoms.<br><br></li><li><strong>Lifeless curls, no snapback: </strong>When hair has trouble retaining its natural shape, it means many of the keratin bonds in the individual strands have most likely been weakened or broken.<br><br></li><li><strong>Dry, brittle strands: </strong>Healthy hair should feel smooth and moisturized.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Color fade: </strong>Fading is a sign of highly porous hair. When the hair cuticles are openfrom damage, dye’s bond with the hair is weakened and vulnerable. This allows the pigment to essecially leak out, causing color to fade.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Tangles: </strong>According to <a href="https://www.richfeel.com/ask-hair-expert-hair-get-tangled/#:~:text=When%20hair%20is%20dry%20and,cuticle%2C%20the%20worse%20the%20tangles">RICHFEEL</a>, the national hair and scalp center of India, “when hair is dry and damaged, the cuticle is raised and remains open. These open layers snag with each other, causing tangles and knots. The more damaged the cuticle, the worse the tangles!”<br><br></li><li><strong>Lack of shine:</strong> Dull hair lacks the moisture needed for healthy, smooth cuticles. Smooth cuticles often have a more distinct shine.<br><br></li><li><strong>Easily soaked hair:</strong> Does your hair soak up a lot of product or air-dry extremely fast after a shower? This means it is highly porous (aka thirsty) and in need of moisture!</li></ul><h3>How to know if your hair is damaged</h3>
<p>It might not be obvious if your hair is damaged while looking at the entire head. Take a single strand of hair between your fingers. Is it smooth or bumpy? Bumpy strands may mean the hair cuticle is open due to lack of moisture.</p><h3>Are certain hair types more prone to damage than others?</h3>
<p>Fine hair and textured hair have the greatest risk of hair damage. Fine strands can be fragile and often do not have a medulla, which is the center layer present in thicker strands. This makes the hair more vulnerable to stretching and breaking. Generally speaking, the more tightly curled hair is the greater the risk for damage because cuticles may nit lay flat while hugging such tight curves. And those sharp angles can also become stress points for breakage.</p>

<p>Just because your hair is damaged, doesn’t mean it can’t be repaired. If you haven’t already ditched your drying shampoo and conditioner for a <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">New Wash hair cleanser</a>, make it your first step! New Wash doesn’t strip your scalp of its natural protective barrier like shampoo does, so your hair can return to a state of equilibrium.<br><br>Looking to treat split ends? Get a trim! Can split ends heal? Unfortunately not. The only way to get rid of them – and prevent splits from traveling up the shaft, is by cutting the hair above the damage.</p>
<p>A few of the ways to address damaged hair come directly from grandma’s handbook and encourage you to look to the pantry, as well as the past.<br><br>According to <a href="https://www.today.com/style/foods-eat-avoid-healthy-shiny-hair-t5811">today.com</a>, the best and most proactive way to help out your hair is your diet. “Meat, fish, beans, and soy will arm the body to make keratin, a fibrous protein that builds hair and nails, while omega-3 fats found in fish, walnuts and flaxseed help make hair shine,” says Dr. Apple Bodemer, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.Tempted to trty biotin supplements? According to Dr. Apple Bodemer, there is currently no clear evidence that vitamin B will give you thick, luscious hair, “some people swear by it, while others notice no difference.”</p>
<p>Another practice that has been around for thousands of years is hair oiling. Massaging hair oil it into your scalp helps to mimic the sebum your body makes. According to <a href="https://www.vogue.in/content/oiling-really-good-your-hair"><em>Vogue</em></a>, applying oil strengthens the hair, protects it from heat damage, stimulates growth, and moisturizes hair to prevent frizz. </p><h3>How to prevent hair damage</h3>
<p>Some of the most common things you can do to prevent heat damage include:</p><ul><li>Coloring your hair less frequently or limiting bleach use</li><li>Heat-styling less frequently and at a lower temperature</li><li>Applying thermal protective creams and hair oils</li><li>Using New Wash instead of shampoo and conditioner</li></ul>
<p>While the visible effects of damage can be made less visible, the best thing you can do for your hair is avoid those practices that damage your hair in the first place! From the inside out: Eating well is the best prescription for overall health. From the outside in, using the gentlest cleansers on your body will preserve your skin and hair. And there’s no downside to getting your hair in its best possible shape before you experiment with styling and color. It’ll only make your efforts that much more beautiful.</p><br>

How to Know if Your Hair is Damaged and How to Treat It

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<h4>In recent years, hair oiling has gained popularity in the U.S., but its roots (pun intended) go back more than 5,000 years.&nbsp;</h4><h4>
Hair oiling actually comes from Ayurveda, which is thought to be theworld’s oldest healing science. This ancient ritual made modern can increase your hair’s moisture and protect it from a variety of damaging treatments. And, it’s also a scalp treatment that, when done right, is believed to calm your mind.</h4>
<p>These days, hair oil is typically used before bed or before washing your hair. But before opening your kitchen cabinets and pouring olive oil over your head every night, it’s important to find the right oil for your hair type and learn how to apply oil to hair correctly so you can achieve hair oiling’s maximum benefits. Otherwise, you may be left with nothing to show for your efforts but a greasy scalp.</p><h5>THE BENEFITS OF OILING HAIR: IS IT IMPORTANT?&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Using hair oil regularly has numerous benefits for a variety of different hair types. Overall, it restores vitamins and minerals that can get stripped from your hair if you wash it frequently or with a shampoo containing sulfates. Hair oiling can also help protect your hair from damage and breakage, reduce dandruff, prevent premature graying, increase hair growth and thickness, and even decrease frizz.</p><h5>Protects your hair from damage and breakage&nbsp;</h5>
<p>If you get into the habit of oiling your hair regularly, you’ll begin to notice that your hair becomes stronger and shinier.  Coating your hair with the right oil provides your locks with nourishment and protection all the way to the hair shaft. Not only will you see less breakage, but you’ll also gain a protective layer that helps prevent damage from your hairdryer, flat iron or other unhealthy hair processes.</p><h5>Reduce dandruff&nbsp;</h5>
<p>From a dry scalp to a yeast-like fungus, there are many reasons for dandruff. And while hair oiling can’t treat all of them, it can definitely help with these two. Massaging oil into your scalp can moisturize the skin on your head, reducing and even eliminating your dry, itchy, flaky skin. Some oils, like tea tree oil, are believed to have antifungal, antiseptic and antibiotic properties, and when mixed with other oils can it can help reduce dandruff.</p><h5>Prevents, and possibly reverses, premature graying&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Massaging coconut oil on your scalp will gradually restore your hair’s color and prevent further greying. Because coconut oil is so lightweight, it’s able to get into your hair’s cuticle, replacing some of the essential nutrients your hair has lost, which caused the graying in the first place.</p><h5>Increases hair growth and thickness&nbsp;</h5>
<p>About one-third of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. Before we discuss the benefits of hair oiling for hair loss, consider that a simple, daily hair massage on its own has some incredible benefits. It can stop hair loss and increase growth and actuallythicken your individual hair strands. Often, hair loss occurs because of a lack of nutrition, causing your hair to become weak. When you add oils to your massage, you’re giving your scalp that much-needed nourishment that will strengthen your hair and prevent further loss.</p><h5>Decreases frizz&nbsp;</h5>
<p>No one likes when their hair is always frizzy. But hair oiling can help. Oils that are rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids do the best job of taming your frizz. When you massage oil into your hair, you’re locking in moisture, increasing the strength of your hair and adding elasticity, which all lead to a reduction of frizz.</p>

<h5>WHAT OIL IS BEST FOR MY HAIR?</h5>
<p>Not all oils are good for your hair. Some can actually prevent your hair from absorbing water, causing more damage. But, some of the best natural hair oils that can protect your hair from everything from surfactant damage from your shampoo to damage from your blow dryer, flat iron, or other heat tools.</p>
<p>

Coconut oil is the favorite among all of the oils. It’s good for all hair types and can reduce the loss of protein, which is essential for keeping hair healthy. There are a few other oils that can be used on all hair types, including hair without any major problems. These oils are:</p><ul><li>Argan oil&nbsp;</li><li>Lavender oil&nbsp;</li><li>Lemongrass oil</li></ul><h5>Dry hair&nbsp;</h5>
<p>If you have dry and frizzy hair, consider using the following oils:</p><ul><li>Almond oil</li><li>Avocado oil</li><li>Castor oil</li><li>Cocoa-butter</li><li>Coconut oil&nbsp;</li><li>Jojoba oil</li><li>Manketti oil</li><li>Rosemary oil (mix with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil)</li><li>Sesame oil</li></ul><h5>Oily hair&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Oily hair is tricky as you don’t want to make it more oily with a treatment. If you’re not sure if you have oily hair, learn what oily hair looks like here. Until you get your oily hair under control, don’t treat it too often, and when you do, consider using:</p><ul><li>Argan oil</li><li>Grapeseed oil</li><li>Sesame oil</li></ul><h5>Dandruff&nbsp;</h5>
<p> If you have dandruff, consider using:</p><ul><li>Almond oil</li><li>Castor oil</li><li>Coconut oil</li><li>Grapeseed</li><li>Jojoba oil</li><li>Tea-tree oil</li></ul><h5>Essential oils&nbsp;</h5>
<p>A note about essential oils, like lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and tea tree: Never apply an essential oil directly to your scalp or skin. They won’t dilute when mixed with water. Make sure to mix it with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, before applying.</p><h5>WHEN TO APPLY HAIR OIL&nbsp;</h5>
<p>The best time to oil your hair is before you go to sleep so the oil has ample time to soak into your scalp and hair. Plus, not only will the head massage feel wonderful, but it’s such a relaxing experience that it might even help you sleep better. If you can’t do it before bed, make sure to keep the oil in for at least two hours before you shampoo so that it can work its magic.</p>
<p><strong>But before oiling your hair, think about the last time you washed it. If your hair is very dirty, adding oil will trap the dirt on your scalp and clog your pores. Never a good thing. A clean, or mostly clean, scalp will allow your skin to soak in all of the goodness.</strong></p>
<p>You can oil your hair once or twice a week, depending on the natural dryness or oiliness of your scalp. Remember, your scalp naturally produces oils to protect itself, so if you over-oil your hair, your scalp could become greasy, which prevents your hair from growing – the opposite of what you’re hoping to accomplish. It may take a bit of trial and error to determine if you’re a once-a-week or a twice-a-week oiler.</p>
<p>HOW TO USE HAIR OIL</p>
<p>Hair oiling isn’t difficult, but in order to get the most benefits and prevent a greasy, oily scalp, it’s important to learn how to apply oil to hair properly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Follow these instructions when applying oil:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Warm up the oil so that’s lukewarm and can spread easily.</li><li>Make sure your hair is either damp or dry before applying the oil. Dry is preferred.&nbsp;</li><li>Section off your hair.&nbsp;</li><li>Pour the oil into your hands and then massage it from the root to the tip. Never pour the oil directly onto your scalp!&nbsp;</li><li>Comb the oil through your hair to ensure that every strand is saturated in oil.</li><li>Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips for 15 – 20 minutes.&nbsp;</li><li>Once your hair is fully coated, wrap it into a loose knot or bun and secure it with a soft hairband.&nbsp;</li><li>For better absorption, steam your hair with a hot towel or stand in a hot shower.&nbsp;</li><li>If you can, leave the oil in your hair overnight.</li><li>You should wash your hair within 24 hours of oiling.&nbsp;</li><li>For best results, repeat weekly.</li></ol><h5>HAIR OIL FOR CURLY HAIR&nbsp;</h5>
<p>If you have curly hair, you know that your hair is very different from straight hair. The fibers in curly hair are unique, boasting their own physical, mechanical and biological make-up, compared to straight hair.</p>
<p>Curly hair is very delicate, and often very dry. By nature, curly hair holds less water than straight hair. Your straight-haired friends brush their hair to pull down the oil from the scalp, but in curly hair, the oils have a harder time sliding down your curls. This leads to frizz and dull-looking hair. It can also lead to brittle hair and dreaded split ends.</p>
<p>Curly hair needs a unique combination of moisture, protein and oil. Yes, not just one thing – all three. Oiling curly hair with coconut oil, or blended styling oil that works well on dry hair will help reduce frizz and create smooth, shiny curls.</p><h5>HOW TO WASH AND STYLE YOUR HAIR AFTER HAIR OILING</h5>

<p>If you’re oiling weekly, as recommended, you’ll need to wash and condition your hair after. Our New Wash is a great SLS-free shampoo alternative that will gently yet thoroughly cleanse your hair without stripping your scalp of its protective barrier. This creamy cleanser will also give your hair and scalp additional essential oils to further improve your hair.</p>
<p>As with hair oiling, finding the right wash for you can help improve your hair. Our wash comes in three options:</p><ul><li>New Wash (Original): Best for most people.</li><li>New Wash (Deep): A deeper cleansing that includes apple cider vinegar and argan oil to help manage your oiliness.</li><li>New Wash (Rich): Extra conditioning for very dry hair.</li></ul>
<p>To make sure you remove all of the oil from your treatment, along with any dirt or product build-up, you’ll need to use your fingers (or our shower brush) to massage your scalp for at least one minute.  This helps evenly distribute the wash throughout your hair and activates the cleansing ingredients.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
Our wash also works as a conditioner, so after you’ve rinsed your hair well, you should be able to easily run your fingers through your wet hair without needing any conditioner.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
After you’ve washed your hair, you can apply your typical product regimen as usual. Our hair balm is a great place to start as it serves as a conditioner, anti-frizz serum and styling gel in one. Once you’ve applied your product and styled your hair, consider using a few drops of hairstyling oil to set your hair in place and prevent frizz until your next wash.</p><h5>A LITTLE SELF-CARE CAN GO A LONG WAY&nbsp;</h5>
<p>Hair oiling may seem indulgent and luxurious (and we love that about it), but when worked into your usual routine, it’s a self-care practice with ancient roots that can help calm the stresses of a busy mind. We know self-care is important, so why not set aside a half-hour to treat yourself to this weekly routine? Including a hair treatment with a relaxing and beneficial scalp massage could become a weekly ritual that you treasure. And, it could change your relationship with your hair.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;"><sub><strong>Resources:</strong>&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Vasant Lad."Ayurveda: a brief introduction and guide".Ayurveda. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Gavazzoni Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology vol. 7,1 (2015): 2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
C. F. Carson, K. A. Hammer, T. V. Riley. "Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties", American Society for Microbiology. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
B B Mahajan, Raman Mahajan and Richa Nagpal.  "Premature greying of hair and role of oiling in Indian perspective". Longdom. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
"Treating female pattern hair loss". Harvard medical School. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
English, R.S., Barazesh, J.M. Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 9, 167–178 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-019-0281-6. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Koyama, Taro et al. “Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue.” Eplasty vol. 16 e8. 25 Jan. 2016. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
"Oiling Tips: How Oiling Regularly Can Be Beneficial For Hair". DoctorNDTV. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Gavazzoni Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology vol. 7,1 (2015): 2-15. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.153450. URL&nbsp;</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>
Cloete, Elsabe et al. “The what, why and how of curly hair: a review.” Proceedings. Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences vol. 475,2231 (2019): 20190516. doi:10.1098/rspa.2019.0516. URL</sub></p>

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