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<p><strong>Ever since you were a kid, you’ve probably had questions about chlorine: Will it turn your hair green? Do you </strong><strong><em>really</em></strong><strong> need to rinse your hair before taking a dip in the pool – and after? And what’s the deal with swim caps?</strong><br></p>
<p>If you plan to relax poolside this summer, it’s time to settle the matter: What does chlorine actually do to your hair?</p>
<p>The answer isn’t pretty. Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can have damaging effects on your color and style. But it’s important to understand the risks, so you can take the appropriate precautions to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-have-healthy-hair/">keep your hair healthy</a> this season. learn more about how the chemical affects your hair, how to protect hair from chlorine, and rejuvenate your strands if you’ve already spent a little too much time in the pool.<br></p>

<h3>What Does Chlorine Do to Your Hair and Skin?</h3>

<p>To understand how chlorine affects your hair, understand what chlorine is: a chemical element with disinfection properties. Beyond keeping swimming pools clean and bacteria-free, chlorine can purify drinking water, disinfect home surfaces, and protect crops from pests. </p>
<p>While it’s great for pools, that disinfectant property doesn’t bode well for your hair and scalp. Chlorine can: </p><ul><li>Strip the natural oils from your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and dull – which can lead to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-know-if-your-hair-is-damaged-and-how-to-treat-it/">hair damage</a> like split ends. <br><br></li><li>React with <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-care-for-bleached-hair-your-questions-answered/">color and dyes</a>, causing them to fade much faster than they would naturally – or <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/stories/2020/10/16/how-to-have-sassy-or-classy-but-never-brassy-hair-color/">changing the color altogether</a>. (Yep, the whole “chlorine turns hair green” thing is partially true. This happens when copper deposits in the water are oxidized by the chlorine and then bond with proteins in your hair.)<br><br></li><li>Remove oils from your skin, including your scalp, which can cause dryness, irritation, and itchiness. <br><br></li><li>Make your strands more porous, which makes it hard for them to retain moisture and more vulnerable to impurities. </li></ul>
<p>Chlorine can damage <em>any </em>kind of hair, but some types are more vulnerable than others. Be especially careful if your hair is:</p><ul><li>Fine </li><li>Colored or bleached </li><li>Dry or damaged </li><li>Chemically treated or permed </li><li>Naturally blonde</li></ul>

<h3>How to Protect Hair From Chlorine Damage</h3>
<p>If you want your strands to stay healthy and hydrated, it’s clear: Protecting hair from chlorine is essential. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to steer clear of the chemical. </p>
<h3>Avoid Getting Chlorine in Your Hair </h3>
<p>Maybe it’s obvious, but it’s worth stating: The best way to protect your hair from chlorine is by keeping it out of chlorinated water. When you’re relaxing in the pool, tie up your hair in a braid, ponytail, or topknot and aim to keep your head out of the water as much as possible. If your hair doesn’t come in contact with the water, it can’t get damaged!</p>
<h3>Add a Barrier Between Your Hair and the Water</h3>
<p>OK – keeping your head out of the water isn’t always realistic, especially in the summer heat. You can also limit chlorine exposure with a swim cap. Swim caps don’t keep your head entirely dry, but they can limit the amount of chlorinated water that comes in contact with your hair. </p>
<p>If you aren’t up for donning a swim cap, you can also spread a layer of coconut oil on your hair, which keeps the chlorine from sitting directly on your strands – and provides a healthy dose of moisture as well.</p>
<h3>Rinse Your Hair Before Getting in Chlorinated Water</h3>
<p>Take advantage of those poolside showers and thoroughly rinse your hair with fresh water before hitting the pool. Dry hair is like a sponge – it soaks up water quickly, but once it’s saturated, the absorption slows. By soaking it with fresh water first, your hair will be less likely to take in much of the chlorinated water.</p>

<h3>Rinse Your Hair Immediately After the Pool </h3>
<p>Even if you protect your hair from chlorine, make sure to rinse well after getting out of the pool – especially if you won’t be able to do a full wash for a while. Avoid letting chlorine and other pool chemicals dry in your hair, which makes them nearly impossible to completely remove.. </p>
<h3>Wash as Soon as You Can</h3>

<p>Rinsing is a great first step, but it’s also important to wash your hair as soon as you can after a swim session. Choose a cleanser that can remove chlorine — like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a> — and replenish moisture with a leave-in conditioner.</p>

<h3>How to Fix Chlorine Damaged Hair<br></h3>

<p>If you swim regularly, you may already have some chlorine damage. Here are several things you can do to restore health and moisture.<br></p>
<h3>Clarify Your Hair </h3>
<p>Chlorine can stay in your hair even after you’re out of the water, and if you frequent the pool, it can build up over time.Choose a detergent-free cleanser that specifically works to remove the chemical from your strands. New Wash, for example, gently dissolves chlorine and respects your hair’s natural protective barriers. </p>
<h3>Replenish Moisture </h3>
<p>Chlorine-damaged hair may become dry and brittle, so rejuvenating it requires a good moisturizer. But damaged hair needs more than a traditional conditioner – it requires a total shift in your typical routine.</p>

<p>Here’s the deal: When you wash with conventional shampoo, you strip away the hair’s natural oils. Then, the conditioner replaces that moisture. But by washing with a detergent-free cleanser instead, you can supplement your scalp’s oils naturally, locking in long-term moisture.</p>
<p>In addition, try a more intense moisturizing treatment, like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-balm/">Hair Balm</a>, as often as you need it. And don’t forget about your scalp – try massaging some argan oil or aloe vera on your scalp to keep it moisturized, too.</p>

<h3>Be Extra Gentle </h3>
<p>If you’ve spent a lot of time in chlorinated water, your hair may have damaged ends. While you can’t reverse what’s already been done, you can minimize further damage by scheduling an appointment with your stylist to trim split ends – and keep up with regular cuts.</p>
<p>Then, going forward, be gentle on your strands! Opt for a wide-tooth comb instead of a fine one; avoid excessive heat styling (make sure to use a <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/dressed-up/">heat protectant</a> when you do use hot tools), and stay away from tight elastics that can cause breakage and strain roots. With these precautions, you can keep new growth healthy and strong. </p>
<p>They say ignorance is bliss, but ignoring the harmful effects of chlorine can cause serious damage to your hair. By protecting hair from chlorine, you’ll make it through the summer with healthy, strong strands – and without even a hint of green. You’ll be the one to envy. </p><br><br>

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Pool-Proof: How to Protect Your Hair From Chlorine

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<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>
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</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>
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</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>
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</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>
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</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>
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</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>
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</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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How to Fix Frizzy Hair: 5 Tips to Tame Your Frizz

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<p><strong>Commonly used to moisturize and style, hair oil has made a name for itself thanks to the endless benefits it provides for all hair types – especially those with natural texture.</strong></p>

<p>Whether you currently use <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-oil/">hair oil</a> in your routine or have only seen it in stores, there’s a lot you need to know about hair oil to use it properly. Below, we take a look at the benefits of using hair oil and the types that work best for natural hair. Oil might seem intimidating, but once you’re familiar with how to use it, this small change is likely to make a big impact on your overall hair health and texture.</p>

<h4>WHAT IS HAIR OIL?</h4>
<p>Hair oil is a moisturizing product that you can apply to smooth frizz, add shine, manage hydration, and mask damage. But why do you need a dedicated product if your hair naturally produces oil? As Jasmine Merinsky, a Toronto-based hairstylist, explained to <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hair-oil-tips-experts_l_5c6cec28e4b0e37a1ed2ca92" target="_blank">HuffPost</a>, “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.”
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=2cd5391db438" target="_blank">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, there’s nothing holding it together, and all those lipids need to be replaced.”</p>
<p>Some oils also offer <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/dressed-up/">heat protection</a>, which can shield your hair from the damage and frizz caused by styling tools. So if you find yourself wondering “<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/why-is-my-hair-so-frizzy/" target="_blank">why is my hair so frizzy</a>?” oil may be part of the solution.</p>

<h4>WHAT IS NATURAL HAIR CARE?</h4>
<p>Natural hair care can mean different things to different people. To some, it involves using products that are derived from natural sources, such as plants. Most hair oils are natural, made from flowers, seeds, or nuts.</p>
<p>However, natural hair care can also refer to embracing and nurturing your natural hair texture – in other words, its state is unaltered by chemical processes, like relaxers or texturizers. While everyone has a natural texture, the term “natural texture hair” typically applies to natural Black hair, which, depending on <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/the-ultimate-curl-care-guide/" target="_blank">what type of curly hair you have</a>,&nbsp;can range from wavy to kinky or <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-care-for-coily-hair/" target="_blank">coily</a>..</p>
<p>While anyone can use hair oils, they’re particularly beneficial for those with natural texture, which is often dry and coarse.</p>

<h4>THE BEST NATURAL HAIR OILS FOR NATURAL HAIR</h4>
<p>The benefits of hair oils are clear – but what is the best natural oil for hair? Below, find a few oils that work especially well for natural textures.</p>

<h5>1. Jojoba Oil</h5>
<p>Jojoba oil is known for its similarity to the sebum our body already produces. It’s so similar, in fact, that when using <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/is-jojoba-oil-good-for-hair/" target="_blank">jojoba oil for hair</a>, our body can’t differentiate it from our natural oils, so it absorbs more easily. You might have heard about Jojoba oil in skincare products such as cuticle oils, but its other talent is working wonders for your hair.</p>
<p>Jojoba is a humectant, which means it helps retain and preserve moisture. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, including vitamins C, B, E, copper, and zinc. Jojoba oil contains a natural form of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant. It can also help strengthen your strands and prevent breakage.</p>

<h5>2. Sunflower Seed Oil</h5>
<p>Derived from the easily recognizable big, yellow flower, sunflower seed oil is a fat- and antioxidant-rich oil loaded with beneficial ingredients – especially for dry, dull hair. Packed with strengthening oleic and linoleic acids, sunflower seed oil can help prevent breakage and promote healthy growth.</p>
<p>Sunflower seed oil is especially great for natural texture hair, which is often coarse and deceptively fragile. The oil helps hair retain moisture and makes it softer and easier to manage. While lightweight, Sunflower seed oil is an effective treatment for frizz and split ends.</p>

<h5>3. Evening Primrose Oil</h5>
<p>Evening Primrose is a flowering plant that’s primarily found in North America and Europe. The oil derived from this plant is a common ingredient in health supplements, topical treatments, and beauty products, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/evening-primrose-oil" target="_blank">has been shown</a> to treat a wide range of health issues, from skin problems like eczema and acne to more significant challenges like high blood pressure and nerve pain. This is because the oil is rich in fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects.</p>
<p>Even in hair, Evening Primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can be soothing on an inflamed scalp. It also fights oxidative stress and promotes healthy cell growth, which can lead to longer and stronger strands.</p>

<h5>4. Babassu Oil</h5>
<p>Babassu oil is made from a tree found in the rain forests of South America – where it’s often used for cooking and medicine. In some ways, Babassu oil is similar to coconut oil. It’s solid at room temperature, but melts at body temperature, making it ideal for use in skin and body products.</p>
<p>Babassu oil is packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, but it’s surprisingly lightweight, which makes it ideal for use on natural texture hair. It boosts volume and moisture without adding greasiness.</p>

<h5>5. Safflower Seed Oil</h5>
<p>Safflower seed oil is often confused with Sunflower seed oil, but the former is made from the seed of the Safflower plant, which is known for its bright orange and yellow blooms.</p>
<p>Safflower oil is high in oleic acid, or monounsaturated fatty acid, which allows it to easily penetrate the hair cuticle. It prevents protein loss and creates a healthy environment for growth, so using it regularly may result in healthier, stronger, and longer strands. Safflower seed oil is particularly good to use before heat styling, because it has a high smoke point; oils with a low smoke point may allow heat tools to essentially fry your hair.</p>

<h5>6. Argan Oil</h5>
<p>Argan oil is a popular ingredient in skin and hair care products (including <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-deep/">New Wash Deep</a>) 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 <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/hair-hydration-vs-moisture/" target="_blank">help retain moisture</a>. As an added benefit, argan oil has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723062/" target="_blank">been shown</a> to protect hair from sun damage.</p>

<p>Hair oil can be beneficial for all types, but it’s particularly great for natural texture hair, which is often curly, coarse, and prone to dryness and breakage.</p>
<p>Choosing the best hair oil for natural hair comes down to your unique texture and the benefits you want to achieve.</p>

<h4>CURLY HAIR OILS: WHICH OILS WORK BEST FOR CURLY HAIR?</h4>
<p>Most natural texture hair is curly, and when it comes to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/the-ultimate-curl-care-guide/" target="_blank">taking care of curly hair</a>, the key is keeping it moisturized and therefore hydrated. Curls tend to be dry and more prone to frizz, breakage, dullness, and a lack of definition.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/oils-for-curly-hair" target="_blank">Refinery29</a>, “There are two main types of hair oils: sealing and moisturizing. Sealing oils (think jojoba) lock in moisture, meaning that you'll need to start with wet to damp 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.”</p>
<p>Sealing oils work to restore curly hair to its best state, keeping it shiny, hydrated, and strong, while moisturizing oils can be used as a deep conditioning or leave-in treatment. However, as heavier oils, they also come with some downsides – primarily, they can be difficult to wash out. To completely dissolve and rinse them out, you typically have to use a detergent-based shampoo, which strips your hair of its natural moisture and protective barriers. That creates the need to replace that moisture by adding oil again, resulting in a vicious cycle.</p>
<p>For an all-in-one option, opt for a styling oil, like Hair Oil, which contains a blend of natural oils and can be used on damp or dry hair to lock in moisture, seal ends, smooth frizz, and prevent future damage. It’s also easy to wash out, especially with New Wash, a gentle, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">non-detergent cleanser</a> that is specifically formulated to dissolve oil without stripping your scalp of its natural moisture barrier.</p>

<h4>WHICH OILS WORK BEST FOR DRY HAIR?</h4>
<p>When creating a hair oil routine for dry hair, base the type of oil to use on the texture and porosity of your strands.</p>
<p>Natural hair, which is often curly, is generally highly porous, which means that it absorbs and loses moisture easily. The bends and waves of curls also make it difficult for the natural oils of your scalp to work their way down the hair shaft. High porosity hair can benefit from heavier, moisturizing oils – just be aware of how much you use.</p>
<p>However, some natural hair can also be <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/hair-type/new-wash-fine-hair/">fine</a> and thin, which would benefit from a lightweight oil that doesn’t weigh down your style or make it greasy, like Jojoba or Sunflower. Again, a blend of oils like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-oil/">Hairstory Hair Oil</a> can help you reap the benefits of multiple oils.</p>

<h4>GETTING NATURALLY GORGEOUS HAIR</h4>
<p>Hair oil is a game-changer for natural texture. It strengthens and hydrates, protects against heat damage, combats frizz, and adds shine. And there are so many ways to use it! In addition to working it through your hair to smooth and soften, try adding a few drops to your <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/">styling products</a> for a dose of moisture and malleability. Make sure there are oils in your cleanser, too; <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">all&nbsp;New Wash types</a>, for example, contain a mixture of Jojoba, Sunflower, Evening Primrose, Peppermint, vegetable, and Argan oils.</p>
<p>Now that you have the full scoop on how to add oils to your <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-hair-care-routine/" target="_blank">hair care routine</a>, there’s no need to be intimidated. In fact, we’re guessing you’ll be in love with your shinier, healthier, naturally gorgeous hair – and you’ll never look back.</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>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><sub><br>Villareal, Myra, et. al. “Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells.” Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicin, 2013. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723062/">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>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis Gavazzoni. “Hair Cosmetics: An Overview.” InternationalJournal of Trichology, 2015. <a href="https://www.ijtrichology.com/article.asp?issn=0974-7753;year=2015;volume=7;issue=1;spage=2;epage=15;aulast=Gavazzoni">URL</a>.</sub></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><sub>Wilson, Debra Rose. “10 Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil and How to Use It.” Healthline, 7 March 2019. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/evening-primrose-oil">URL</a>.</sub></p>

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

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<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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<p><strong>In recent years, hair oiling has gained popularity in the U.S., but its roots (pun intended) go back more than 5,000 years.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hair oiling comes from Ayurveda, which is thought to be the world’s oldest healing science. This ancient ritual involved coating the head in oil and massaging it into the scalp to rejuvenate, moisturize, and nourish the hair.</strong></p>
<p>Today, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-oil/">hair oil</a> has the same benefits, but in the form of an effortless styling product that can be used every day. So before you raid your kitchen cabinets for a homemade treatment, let’s brush up on the right oil for you and how to oil hair daily for <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/starter-kits/smooth-and-shine/">smooth, shiny strands</a>.</p>

<h4>IS OILING GOOD FOR HAIR?</h4>
<p>Before we dive in, let’s break down the difference between the traditional practice of oiling hair and using hair oil. The former involves pouring oil onto your head and massaging it into your scalp, a process that proponents claim can strengthen follicles and stimulate growth. However, for some hair and skin types – most notably, people with oily scalps – this has the potential to clog pores, lead to skin problems, and result in greasiness or dullness.</p>
<p>Using hair oil, on the other hand, is simply the practice of applying oil to your strands – concentrating mainly on the mid-shaft and ends. This application works wonders for frizz control, enhanced shine, and protection against damage and dryness. Best of all, it’s generally appropriate for people with <em>all</em> hair types.</p>
<p>There are also ways to reap the benefits of oil without using it directly. Cleansers like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">New Wash</a> contain essential oils and can effectively deliver them to your hair and scalp as you lather.</p>

<h4>THE BENEFITS OF OILING HAIR</h4>
<p>Using hair oil regularly restores vitamins and minerals that can get stripped away if you wash frequently or use a detergent-based shampoo. Hair oiling can also help protect from breakage, decrease frizz, and lend polish and shine to damaged strands.</p>

<h5>Protects your hair from damage and breakage</h5>
<p>If you get into the habit of oiling your hair regularly, you’ll begin to notice that it feels stronger and shinier. Coating your hair with the right oil provides nourishment and protection all the way to the inner layers of the shaft. Not only will you see less breakage, but you’ll also gain a protective layer that helps <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-know-if-your-hair-is-damaged-and-how-to-treat-it/" target="_blank">prevent damage</a> from your blow dryer, flat iron, or other styling tools.</p>

<h5>Decreases frizz and polishes ends</h5>
<p>If you’re in a constant battle against frizz, hair oiling can help. Oils that are rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids lock in moisture and increase strength and elasticity, which leads to a reduction of frizz. In addition, if you have split ends, flyaways, or damaged strands, oil can hide the signs of damage while giving you a smooth, polished look.</p>

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