Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Mexico

Monaco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States

If you continue we assume that you consent to receive all cookies on our site. You can find out more information on how we use cookies&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/privacy-policy/">here</a>.

Afghanistan

Åland Islands

Albania

Algeria

American Samoa

Andorra

Angola

Anguilla

Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Armenia

Aruba

Azerbaijan

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bolivia, Plurinational State of

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Bouvet Island

Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory

Brunei Darussalam

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cabo Verde

Cambodia

Cameroon

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

China

Christmas Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia

Comoros

Congo

Congo, The Democratic Republic of the

Cook Islands

Costa Rica

Côte d'Ivoire

Cuba

Curaçao

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Faroe Islands

Fiji

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French Southern Territories

Gabon

Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

Gibraltar

Greenland

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Guam

Guatemala

Guernsey

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

Haiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Holy See (Vatican City State)

Honduras

Hong Kong

5ShootZazoe(FlowersInHairHat_955).jpg

Does wearing a hat damage your hair? Is wearing a hat every day bad for your hair or cause hair loss? How do you avoid hat hair? Whether you’ve thrown on a cap on a bad hair day, worn a wide-brim on vacation to keep rays off your face, or donned a cowboy hat for a festival, you may wonder what it was doing to your hair. With wintertime approaching to make those beanies and berets more appealing, read on to find out what hats do to your hair, how to avoid hat hair, and more.

Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair? The answer is almost always no. Factors that damage your hair include the kind of hat you're wearing, how often you wear hats, and the environment in which you wear it. Overall, consensus says that wearing hats, whether your worn baseball cap or a new beanie, will not cause hair loss or hair thinning. So are we in the clear to wear hats? Not necessarily. Head coverings themselves won’t cause hair growth issues, but if your hat or scarf is dirty or sweaty, it can impact your scalp and hair health and cause itchiness, oiliness, or lifeless hair.

Is Wearing a Hat Every Day Bad for Your Hair? Wearing hats that are extremely tight on your head puts you at an increased risk for traction alopecia – a kind of hair loss caused by constant pulling or pressure on your hair. And, as we said above, wearing the same hat or scarf every day without washing it can cause scalp discomfort. However, wearing hats temporarily for protective purposes can actually help with scalp health and care: wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days to protect against harmful UV rays or a winter hat to insulate while outside in the cold are two great examples.

How to Avoid Hat HairWe know; hat hair is super annoying. Avoiding hat hair starts by using products like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">Original New Wash</a> to get hair soft, shiny, and healthy so it can bounce back after being bound by a hat. In addition to maintaining healthy, clean hair, choose hats that are loose-fitting or made of soft, breathable material, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O4DmDLNvTo&list=PLSkIt2uS3NaiZj94JVTlh4QH5h1EdS5i5&index=18">style your hair to go with your hat</a> rather than smothering it beneath the fabric. It also helps to have a product on hand with “memory” like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/lift/">Lift Volumizing Spray</a> or our <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/powder/">talc-free Powder</a> to prevent squashed hair from laying flat.&nbsp;So rest assured that your favorite toppers won’t do lasting damage to your hair – as long as you keep your hats clean and wear them loosely enough, style your headgear however you see fit. And to avoid the hat hair that we all hate, we recommend styling your hair for wear with hats, like textured waves, loose braids, or a messy bun to make creases and bends blend right in.

5ShootZazoe(FlowersInHairHat_874).jpg

Hairstory - Hats and Hair: Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair?

IMG_5337-2.jpg

If you care about the products you’re putting onto your hair and scalp, it’s time to ditch traditional shampoo and conditioner and turn to essential oils. The decades of marketing you’ve been exposed to since you were younger have convinced you that detergent (they call it shampoo) is good for your hair, and we realize it can be difficult to know where to start in order to achieve a foam-free future with oil-based hair cleansing.&nbsp;We were there once ourselves, and it’s our mission to help as many people as we can understand the downfalls of shampoo so they can cleanse their hair without detergent and get far better results. Here, we’ll be going over evening primrose oil for hair, one of our key ingredients in <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/" target="_self">Hairstory New Wash.</a> Read on to learn all about how it adds to the benefits of cream cleansing.

The Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil for Your HairEvening primrose essential oil is extracted from seeds of the flower and has been used for centuries, most commonly in Native American communities. It is primarily composed of essential fatty acids, like linoleic acid, gamma-linoleic, and glutamine – all important nutrients that promote strong, healthy hair.While there are many potential benefits evening primrose oil can provide for hair and the scalp, this essential oil is known best for stimulating growth when used in moderate amounts. Many products that contain evening primrose oil, like <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/" target="_self">Hairstory Original New Wash</a>, are great for <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/hair-shedding-how-your-shampoo-washing-habits-could-be-the-cause/" target="_self">managing hair loss</a> as a result of scalp conditions.. evening primrose oil for hair can also:<ul><li>Fight dandruff</li><li>Treat scalp inflammation</li><li>Improve hair texture</li><li>Strengthen and nourish hair</li></ul>

How to use Evening Primrose OilThere are two ways to add primrose oil products into your daily routine. Evening primrose essential oil supplements can be taken in the form of capsules, but we recommend a topical application like Hairstory Original New Wash that can be used daily, even on colored hair.&nbsp; Evening primrose oil not only helps to nourish dry hair and scalp, it also is in our New Wash formula to help remove soil and build-up from the hair.&nbsp; So many benefits, order Hairstory New Wash today!

IMG_5017.jpg

Hairstory - New Wash Ingredient Spotlight: Evening Primrose Essential Oil

GINA-01_368_Desktop.jpg

Wondering how to naturally add volume to your hair? Whether you have fine hair or thick hair, flat or lifeless hair is a struggle that many people face. Unfortunately, many of the common volumizing solutions involve some sort of heat or chemically based volume products, all of which will damage your hair to some extent.&nbsp; At Hairstory, we believe it is best to start at the scalp to provide more natural volume for your hair. We'll be going over a few solutions to make your hair look voluminous naturally. Read on to find out what might work for you.

Ensure Your Hair is Getting What it Needs to ThriveJust like every other part of our bodies, our hair needs certain supplements and nutrients to thrive. It might not be something you’ve thought of before but giving your hair the nourishment it needs is important not only to add volume to your hair naturally but also for keeping it healthy and lively. <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">Hairstory New Wash</a> provides the right cleansing balance to ensure your hair and scalp are free from stripping detergents – which automatically means free of sulfates – and conditions thoroughly without weighing your hair down and suppressing volume.

Change Your PartKnowing how to add volume to your hair naturally doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t always need to involve hair volume products. Sometimes, it can be as simple as switching up your part. Your hair has a grain, or growth pattern, and when you go against the grain, the roots will lift rather than laying flat when going with the grain.

Use the Right ProductsOur recommended way to add volume without heat is to start with a wash using our cleansing cream <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">Hairstory Original New Wash</a> – which cleanses with a blend of Aloe Vera and essential oils with essential oils instead; then while hair is wet, spritz a liberal amount of<a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/undressed/"> Hairstory Undressed Hair Texturizing Spray</a>, our salt-free sea spray, evenly on your hair letting air dry for voluminous beachy waves.&nbsp; If your hair is dry or a day after washing, we highly recommend our talc-free <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/powder/">Hairstory Powder </a>Dry Shampoo that instanting creates volume when applied and massaged into roots.&nbsp;Now you should have a much better idea of how to add volume to your hair naturally and what you may need to add to your hair care routine to encourage more volume.

4TonyAndJackieDemo2.jpg

Hairstory - How to Add Volume to Your Hair Without Heat

5ShootOliviaWesStyling7432).jpg

One of the joys of long hair is styling it. Although it’s versatile, styling long hair can be time-consuming and feel like a hassle at times. But you don’t have to put a lot of effort into long hair for it to look good, which is exactly what these easy, everyday hairstyles for long hair are for. Recreate them at home and spend less time getting ready – yet feel confident when you go out.

Low BunWhen it comes to easy, everyday hairstyles for long hair, the low bun is one of the most elegant, timeless, and appropriate for any occasion.&nbsp;To start, create a center or side part and pull your hair into a low ponytail in the back. Keep it in place with an elastic band and then separate it into two separate strands, which you will twist around each other. Place another elastic band at the end, twist the ponytail into a bun, and then secure it with a few bobby pins.

Stacked Bobby PinsThis style is super simple, sleek, and sophisticated, and one of the best easy hairstyles for long hair to do at home. And because most of your hair is left down, it allows you to showcase your natural texture which you can promote by saying goodbye to detergent-based shampoo and switching to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">Hairstory Original New Wash</a> – a foam-free cleansing cream that brings out the best aspects of your natural hair.All you have to do is to brush your hair back behind your ears so it’s completely off your face and secure it with bobby pins around your temples.

Half Up Half DownEasy, everyday hairstyles for long hair – like the half-up half-down – give you the best of both worlds: sleek and sophisticated or casual and relaxed, depending on how precise you are with styling.&nbsp;First, brush your hair back from your face with your natural part in place. Next, place your fingers just above each ear and take all the hair in front of them into two ponytails. Twist each ponytail loosely then bring them together in the back by looping them together a few times and securing everything with an elastic so it stays in place.

Sock BunAmong the many casual updos for long hair, the time a sock bun saves makes it a great hairstyle to have in your repertoire.&nbsp;First, gather your hair in a ponytail and thread it through a hair donut, being sure to pull it as close to the ends as you can. Tuck some of your ponytail around and into the center of the donut, carefully roll it down, and you’re done.

So, whether you’re running late and need to style your hair quickly or simply don’t feel like putting in all the effort, these easy, everyday hairstyles for long hair should have you looking great in just a few minutes. And if you have more time to style or want to try something new, look for more hair styling advice in <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/">our blog</a>.

5ShootOliviaGettingReady(7493).jpg

Hairstory - How To: Easy Everyday Hairstyles for Long Hair

5ShootingHolly(Shower2).jpg

If you’ve found yourself struggling to nail down a haircare regimen that gives you the hair of your dreams, the issue may very well lay within the root of your routine: cleansing.How you cleanse your hair sets the stage for how it will look, and more importantly, how healthy it will be, both on a short- and long-term basis. If you’re not using a detergent-free cleanser, your hair simply won’t live up to its full potential. Finding the right cleansing product is the first step in reaching your ultimate hair goals.Enter <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/" target="_self">New Wash</a>, our cult-favorite, one-step hair wash solution.<h3>What Is Hair Cleansing Cream?</h3>Cleansing cream is a double-duty cleanser and conditioner designed to clean hair and leave it moisturized and soft at the same time.&nbsp;Our own cleansing cream, New Wash, is an oil-based shampoo alternative, and just as the name suggests, it cleans your hair. It also conditions, which means you don’t have to use a separate conditioner. It’s detergent-free and works to reset your scalp’s oil levels, helping you keep the good oils and say goodbye to the bad ones.<h3>How Hair Cleansing Cream Is Different From Other Methods</h3>New Wash is a totally unique product –&nbsp;it’s not a no-poo, co-wash, or cleansing conditioner. Here’s how it stacks up to other kinds of hair cleansing methods:<h3>Cleansing Cream vs. Shampoo</h3><a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/is-shampoo-bad-for-your-hair/" target="_self">Shampoos</a> contain detergents and other harmful chemicals that overclean your hair and strip it of its natural oils. As a result, your scalp tries to overcompensate and produces more oil, which in turn makes your hair feel and look greasy –&nbsp;sending you running to wash it again. And so the cycle continues.New Wash, on the other hand, is detergent-free and uses essential oils and fatty alcohols to remove dirt and grease. It might seem counterintuitive to use oils to clean your hair, but oil cleansers are great for the skin on your face –&nbsp;the skin on your scalp is no different.<h3>Cleansing Cream vs. No-Poo</h3>Both cleansing creams and <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/get-the-scoop-on-no-poo-what-it-is-and-isn-t/" target="_self">no-poo</a> (or no-wash) methods are shampoo alternatives, but that’s about all they have in common. No-poo methods include cleansing hair with products like apple cider vinegar or baking soda, or water-only washing. Many people like this method for its simplicity, and while water only does keep the harsh chemicals of shampoos out of the picture, things like apple cider vinegar and baking soda are caustic and can wreak havoc with the scalp by upsetting the natural pH balance and cause burning and irritation.<h3>Cleansing Cream vs. Low-Poo</h3>Those who still want to use a shampoo but cut out the harsh ingredients often turn to the <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/the-lowdown-on-low-poo-and-curly-hair/" target="_self">low-poo </a>method. A low-poo cleanser is a type of shampoo that aims to be gentler on the hair. Some formulas skip harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and silicones, which make them safer chemically, though they typically contain detergent that may strip the hair of its natural moisture and must be followed up with a conditioner to keep hair from drying out. Still, a shampoo is a shampoo, even if it’s sulfate- and paraben-free.<h3>Cleansing Cream vs. Co-Washing</h3><a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-co-wash-and-avoid-the-most-common-mistakes/" target="_self">Co-washing</a> is popular among those who use the Curly Girl Method, which rejects the daily (or overall) use of shampoos with ingredients that are too harsh on coils, curls, and waves, like detergents, sulfates, and phosphates. Instead of shampoo, a cleansing conditioner is used.<h3>Cleansing Cream vs. Cleansing Conditioner</h3>Cleansing conditioners are commonly used in co-washing. Regular conditioners are designed to detangle, repair, and imbue hair with moisture and generally aren’t used on the scalp or roots. Cleansing conditioners, meanwhile, include ingredients that remove buildup from and gently clean.<h3>How (and How Often) to Use Hair Cleansing Cream</h3>As explained above, using New Wash is sort of like using a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner because it replaces both of these types of products. You’ll want to not only massage it into your scalp but also run it through your strands so every inch of your hair is able to soak in the conditioning ingredients.When using a cleansing cream, you can wash anywhere from once a day to once a month –&nbsp;it wholly depends on your unique hair behavior and what works for you.&nbsp;Keep in mind that because no two scalps are exactly alike, you may notice some flaking or excess oil at first. This is completely normal –&nbsp;think of it as your scalp “purging” the way your face might after you try a new product –&nbsp;and is more common among those with an oily scalp and fine hair.We recommend first trying out New Wash with your regular routine, seeing how your hair reacts and adjusting your wash schedule accordingly. New Wash is super gentle, so you don’t have to worry about drying out your hair or stripping it of color, even if you use it more often than you would a regular shampoo. Typically, you’ll find that once you’re used to New Wash, you’ll be able to go longer between washes.&nbsp;To add an extra boost of moisture, consider using New Wash as the first step in the <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/loc-method-what-is-it-does-it-work/" target="_self">LOC method</a> (or one of its variations).<h3>Why Hair Cleansing Cream Works</h3>Our New Wash cleansing cream is a dream for anyone who’s looking for their best hair ever while avoiding detergents but still wants to make sure their hair is getting clean. It’s great for all hair types –&nbsp;thick, fine, straight, curly, dyed, or any combination thereof.Plus, the convenience factor is high. By using a product that replaces your shampoo and conditioner, you’ll save both time and money.It’s also <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/new-wash-new-package/" target="_self">environmentally friendly</a>. The product itself is biodegradable, the packaging is recyclable, and if you join the New Wash Club, you’ll get a reusable container and refills set to a schedule that works for you.If you have specific concerns, check out <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-deep/" target="_self">New Wash Deep</a> or <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-rich/" target="_self">New Wash Rich</a>. Like the original formula, they can both be used in place of shampoo and conditioner. New Wash Deep offers a stronger cleanse for those with oilier strands, while New Wash Rich provides richer moisture for those with drier hair. See which New Wash is the one for you by telling us your hair story with this <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/quiz/" target="_self">quiz</a>.

Cleansing Cream: Everything You Need to Know

20220516_headerimage.jpg

When people outside of the AAPI community think about Asian hair, they typically jump straight to imagining someone of East Asian descent with a thick, dark, straight curtain of hair. 
And yet – the Asian diaspora spans 48 countries. When you stop to consider that it covers half the globe and includes billions of people in its numbers, why would anyone believe they all look alike?
Asian people have very different complexions, even within the same regional area. Asian hair might be thick, fine, wavy, stick-straight, curly, or any combination. 
Just as there is no “standard” Asian person, there is no “traditional” Asian hair. It’s important to combat stereotypes and acknowledge the diversity throughout Asian communities. 
So in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, we spoke with women in our Hairstory community to hear their hair stories and clear up some common misconceptions about Asian hair. <h3>Myths and Misconceptions about Asian Hair </h3>
The most common misconceptions about Asian hair stem from what we described above: people tend to envision only one type of Asian person. Some of the most common include: <ul><li>All Asian hair is black. While many Asians have dark-colored hair, some have shades of brown, red, or even blonde hair, the latter being most common among Hmong and Mongolian populations. </li><li>Asian hair is thick. As you’ll see in the following hair stories, plenty of Asian people have hair that’s on the finer side. </li><li>Asian hair is straight. Asian hair can be wavy, frizzy, and curly. Sandra Oh, who famously proclaimed that she was proud to be Asian, has naturally curly hair. </li></ul> These widely held beliefs are partially a result of inadequate representation within the media, as Asian celebrities like Lucy Liu do fit into that stereotype of having light skin and straight, black hair. 
While Asian representation has greatly expanded in recent years, even the blockbuster hit Rich, Crazy Asians had its share of stereotypes, (think: label- and status-obsessed socialites). Other common, one-note characters include the geisha, who is prim, sensual, and exists to serve others; the deceitful “dragon lady,” and the overly strict “tiger mom” figure. 
There’s also been <a href="https://www.teenvogue.com/story/asian-women-colorful-hair-trope-problem">a trend in the entertainment world</a> of using colored hair or highlights to differentiate “rebellious” Asian characters, which is problematic for several reasons. Using hair color to visually set an Asian person apart can indicate that anyone who doesn’t use color on their hair fits all Asian stereotypes, including subservient rule-followers.

<h3>AAPI Hair Stories </h3><h3>Lisa</h3>
This Japanese-American graphic artist can attest to the myths: “A myth about Asian hair is it’s all the same – long, straight, black, right? Mine was never like that. Both my kids came out with pretty brown hair.” 
As a Japanese woman, she’s had to untangle some of her own social conditioning. “Japanese people love hair. There’s a saying that a woman’s hair is her life. So I always thought hair had to be really complicated.” 
 Now, she’s a fan of simplicity and replaced her entire family’s shampoos with <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">New Wash</a>. “The ingredients are clean, and I don’t have to worry about anything gunking up our hair. It takes care of my whole family.”

<h3>Amy</h3>
This Japanese actor, also defies biased expectations of Asian hair. “People stereotype Asian hair as very straight and silky-smooth, but mine is definitely not like that. It’s a little frizzy. It’s a little wavy. It’s definitely not what people usually expect.” 
 Amy uses <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-oil/">Hair Oil</a> to moisturize her ends and <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/powder/">Powder</a> to allow her to extend time between washes. “My hair story is a very full story,” she says. “Get it? I have a lot of hair, and it’s a full, complicated, nuanced story."

<h3>Christine </h3>
This Filipina fitness instructor recalls how from a young age, the way she felt about her hair affected her confidence. 
“I was born and raised in the Philippines,” she says. “When other kids would go places, they would have their hair up in pigtails or braided, but mine was too short. The reason I had short hair – literally boy's cut hair – is because we had lice. So my mom and my aunt would cut our hair really short or send us to the salon to get rid of the lice. I remember being 13 years old with that really short boy's cut that wasn’t the norm at the time, and I didn't have the confidence to embrace myself.”
Over the years, she’s learned to accept her hair, which she describes as “fine without much volume.” She’s come to appreciate how easy it is to style and celebrates her hair’s ability to hold curls and various other styles.

After years of coloring it – something she learned from her family and friends, who also colored their hair – Christine has also come to accept her natural hair color. “Three years ago, I realized that I could continue to put these chemicals in my hair, or I can just accept it. Self-love, self-acceptance. Since then, my hair has never been happier.”
Christine raves about <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a>, emphasizing it’s “the most amazing thing that I’ve done for my hair.” She recommends other Asians check out <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-oil/">Hair Oil</a> as well. “From the moment Hairstory launched Hair Oil, I was so excited because I know the <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/best-natural-hair-oils/">importance of oil</a> – not just for our skin, but especially for hair. I use mine after showering. I’m just so happy that I found Hairstory!"

<h3>Chan</h3>
Chan echoes the self-acceptance theme in Christine’s story. An Indian-Canadian content creator, Chan remembers receiving a lot of negative comments about her hair when she was young. 
“Honestly, growing up as of the few people that actually embraced her curly hair, I did get a lot of comments about it, saying that it's too <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-fix-frizzy-hair-5-tips-to-tame-your-frizz/">frizzy</a>, that I need to comb it out, that I look messy, that it's tangled, or that I'm going to get knots just because of the texture,” Chan recalls. “Those comments were coming from a lack of education and understanding of curly hair and texture. “
Chan points out that – as with negative stereotypes surrounding <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/color-curl-and-culture/">natural hair in the Black community</a> – many people in the South Asian community feel negatively toward curly hair. “They think it’s not the most presentable, that you look wild because your hair looks wild and so big and untamable. That’s completely false, sister. You just need to update your curly hair routine.”

Chan is a fan of her hair. “Frizz and all,” she emphasizes. “I think it’s beautiful. It’s so healthy and thriving, and the curls are popping. It’s moisturized. It’s growing. I love everything about my hair and I go curly almost every single day now.” She relies on <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a> and <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-balm/">Hair Balm</a> to not weigh down her already-heavy hair and keep it healthy.

<h3>Alexandra</h3>
Moving through negative childhood experiences in order to love her hair as an adult is a journey that Alexandra, a Filipino-American retail buyer, understands completely. When she was in first grade, her mom didn’t know what to do with all of Alexandra’s thick hair – so she chopped it all off. 
“She buzzed the sides with a mushroom up top,” Alexandra recalls. “It wasn’t great, and I don’t recommend it.” 
 Since then, Alexandra has worn her hair long, but she struggled with how to style it and properly take care of it. When she hit high school, she began using a straightener and using a plethora of products to keep it in line. Then she switched to a curling iron and began using mousses, gels, and hairsprays to give her hair life, not realizing she wasn’t using the right products for her hair type.

Now Alexandra uses <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a>, which helps not only with her thick hair but her <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/dandruff-vs-dry-scalp/">dry scalp</a>. “New Wash has really helped to moisturize my scalp as well as my hair, and the whole hair washing process has become so much easier. My girls with long hair know the struggle when it comes to wash day. It’s a thing.”
These days, Alexandra can be found letting her hair air dry and maybe hitting it with a blow dryer for a couple of minutes just to liven things up. She runs a curling iron through her hair and tops things off with a bit of <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-balm/">Hair Balm</a>, and she’s good to go.

<h3>Ai</h3>
A Japanese-American student, Ai is both white and Japanese. “Growing up, it was really hard for me to fit in because I didn’t really know what I was. I wasn’t white enough, because I was Asian – but I also wasn’t Asian enough because I was white. That caused me to struggle with my identity and feel like I had to change it, rather than learn to love it.” 
Growing up, Ai went to Japanese hair salons, where the stylists told her that her hair was very thick but also “really American.” Meanwhile, at the American hair salons, the stylists informed her that her hair was “very Asian.” Ai didn’t know what either of those things meant. Another time, Ai put her hair up in a bun and a man came up to her and said, “I like your hair like that. It makes you look really Asian.” Again, Ai didn’t know how to take that. 
“I don’t think he meant it in a derogatory way,” she considers. “But it wasn’t a compliment, either.”

As she got older, Ai spent time trying to figure out what she liked when it came to her hair. She’s grown it out, even donating it twice because her hair grows so fast, which is one of her favorite things about it. Her hair is thick enough that it gives her a headache when she puts it up, so she’s learned how to style it down, tucking her curtain bangs behind her ears and letting it do its thing otherwise.
“I’ve learned to love the way my natural hair color looks, too. When the sun hits it, it has a red undertone, which makes me really love it because it reminds me of my grandpa, who is a full-blown redhead.”
Ai relies on New Wash (with a side of <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/accessories/scalp-brush/">Scalp Brush</a>) to moisturize her thick, frizzy hair. She acknowledges that her hair story is ever evolving. “Maybe I’ll color it again someday. Maybe I’ll go blonde. Maybe I’ll chop it again – or grow it out really long. Who knows? But I’ve come to accept my hair and love it for what she does for me and the way she looks. I hope that you can, too.”

Representation matters, and we hope that AAPI readers can see themselves reflected here – and that the rest of us reconsider our assumptions, reject the stereotypes, and expand our awareness of what Asian hair really looks like.

As Diverse as the Diaspora: AAPI Women Share Their Hair Stories

Bret_2FKenya_2F2014_2Fyoung_man_drinks_clean_water_straight_from_the_spout.jpg

<h3>The Ripple Effect of Water</h3>
For the communities that <a href="https://wellawareworld.org/" target="_blank">Well Aware</a> partners with in East Africa, water is: <ul><li>Equality</li><li>Health</li><li>Education</li><li>Life</li></ul>
Without water, these essentials are difficult – if not impossible to attain. 
Across the world, women and girls are responsible for water collection in 80% of households where water is off-premises (<a href="https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/gender/">WHO/UNICEF</a>). They walk 3.5 miles on average to fetch water, often missing school or work to do so (<a href="https://www.usaid.gov/global-waters/may-2011/six-kilometers-day">USAID</a>). The water they spend so much time collecting may not be clean: 159 million people globally fetch untreated water from open, highly contaminated sources, such as rivers or dams (<a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/12-07-2017-2-1-billion-people-lack-safe-drinking-water-at-home-more-than-twice-as-many-lack-safe-sanitation">WHO</a>). Unsafe sources lead to waterborne illnesses that result in 485,000 diarrheal deaths worldwide and are particularly dangerous for children under the age of 5 (WHO). Insufficient water makes proper sanitation and hygiene difficult and further spreads illness.

These water challenges stifle growth and development.
But, when communities can count on a source of clean water, it creates a ripple effect: disease rates decrease; education rates increase; gender equality improves; agriculture expands; economies grow, and communities begin to truly thrive.

This is why building lasting clean water solutions is so important, and where <a href="https://wellawareworld.org/">Well Aware</a> comes in.<h3>Building Lasting Clean Water Solutions: The Well Aware Difference</h3>
The Well Aware mission is to provide “Clean Water for Life.” We are deeply committed to providing communities with reliable, clean, long-lasting sources of water for life – enabling communities and future generations to thrive. To date, we have implemented over 80 clean water projects that transformed more than 270,000 lives.

100% of our water projects are successful, compared with the average industry success rate of 40%. This means that every one of our water systems provides clean water long after implementation, which is critical to ensuring sustainable development for partner communities.

Our robust <a href="https://wellawareworld.org/about" target="_blank">100% sustainability model</a> is led by our community-driven approach, technical expertise, and ongoing support of water systems. No two of our 80+ water systems are technically the same; we build custom solutions for each community’s needs and geology. We utilize new technologies, continuously improve our project approach, and remain committed to the long-term success of each water system.

Our water systems become long-term anchors for community prosperity.&nbsp;<h3>Hairstory + Well Aware: Transforming Kitonyini Primary School</h3>

Well Aware is honored to partner with Hairstory to build a new, lasting clean water system for Kitonyini Primary School in Machakos County, Kenya, which will transform the lives of 300 students who currently study there and many more to come.

Currently, the primary school has poorly installed guttering that collects a fraction of the rainwater needed to sustain it. They often resort to buying water (which is expensive) or collecting from surface water sources – the seasonal river, springs, and dam – that are unavailable during dry seasons, and unsafe or unreliable. Children often miss school to fetch water; the school only has one hand washing station and is forced to do without basic hygiene and providing meals.After surveying the area and reviewing all possibilities, the Well Aware team determined the Kitonyini Primary School will benefit greatly from a large-scale rainwater collection & UV purification system. The design for the project is done, and implementation will kick off in early 2022.Once a source of clean water is available, these 300 students will be able to spend more time in the classroom, improve their health, and get the education they deserve! Hairstory will forever change the lives of many children through this project. We can’t wait to see the impact and hope you will follow along.

<h3>Project Update: February 9, 2022 Implementation has been officially kicked off</h3>
Infrastructure for the water storage tanks has begun this week, and final quotes for materials are expected shortly before construction can begin on the rest of the system. This process will take another few weeks, but the project should be fully completed by the end of March.

Meanwhile, here is a personal story from Kyalo Mutaua, 12, one of the Kitonyini Primary School students, who all complete a questionnaire about water, home, and family. A few of his entries:
Q: Does your family move around based on access to water? A: Yes.
Q: Where do you get water from? A: A river
Q: Who collects water for your family? A: Me and my mother.
Q: Do you boil water at home or drink it straight? A: We boil our water.
Q: How often do you collect water? A: About three times for one day.
Q: What does water mean to you? A: In my life, water is life

Hairstory + Well Aware: Transforming Kitonyini Primary School

image6.png

We recognize our company’s impact on the environment, and we strive to minimize it through continuous, incremental improvement. One of those improvements was being an early adopter of flexible packaging for our hero product, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-original/">New Wash</a>. The reduction of plastic used, CO2 emitted, and energy consumed was significant. But we’ve taken our packaging one step further. 
 This is the story of one company’s search for more <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/sustainability/">sustainable solutions</a> to packaging beauty products.

<h3>First, there were bottles.</h3>
Once upon a time, New Wash was sold in traditional, rigid, plastic bottles. Yes, they were recyclable – and of a material (Polyethylene) and color (white) preferred by recycling companies. But what set New Wash apart wasn’t its container, but what it contained: A cleanser that also conditions, making the traditional shampoo companion of conditioner unnecessary.
Our customers who embraced washing the New way were able to reduce their packaging consumption by half when using one product rather than 2 – or even more when they could also retire detanglers, serums, and such. Many people gladly did so while also saving significant amounts of money as their showers became less and less cluttered with the usual suspects.
(+) Customer plastic use was cut by half. 
(+) The bottle was the type and color preferred by recyclers.

<h3>Then came the pouch.</h3>
Offering refillable containers for our products was our intention from day one. We started by introducing flexible pouches for New Wash in its larger sizes to decant into reusable aluminum bottles: 20 ounces for the New Wash super-fan at home, and a waste-saving 32-ounce size for professional use at the shampoo station – an area usually teeming with huge plastic jugs of shampoos and conditioners.
(+) Customer plastic use was cut by 87%.
(-) 8-ounce sizes were still packaged in rigid bottles

<h3>New Wash Rich led the pack.</h3>
Our most moisturizing formula, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-rich/">New Wash Rich</a>, frustrated its fans who struggled to get such a thick creme out of its bottle, especially that last helping or two; it was just too rich! Necessity spurred invention, and we took a cue from Rich’s big sisters; an 8-ounce pouch soon made its debut in the New Wash lineup. 
The bottle’s days were numbered.
(+) Plastic use and CO2 emissions cut even further.
(-) Despite all their advantages, pouches made of various materials were not recyclable.

<h3>We went big – and small.</h3>
Buoyed by their many benefits, we phased in pouches at both ends of the size spectrum across all formulas. 8-ounce pouches replaced bottles for personal use and a whopping 64-ounce pouch provisioned the busy hairdresser. Both 20- and 32-ounce sizes became available at retail to all customers, signaling a new and virtuous direction for our hero product.
(+) Plastic use and CO2 emissions were dramatically reduced.
(-) Pouches were still unrecyclable.

<h3>The new, new way</h3>
Today, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/">all New Wash products</a> are available in [drumroll please] fully recyclable LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) pouches – with only one layer of material between customers and their New Wash. In addition, we made them slightly smaller to reduce the plastic content and to make them feel softer and more manageable in hand. They are also made in Canada rather than China, which means a sizeable reduction in transportation emissions to our US-based manufacturers.

This new standard for New Wash will phase into our inventory beginning in October. It will take time for it to replace all of our inventory in several warehouses; Some customers have already experienced the difference, and eventually, all will be able to reduce their trash destined for landfills.
(+) Plastic, energy, water use, and CO2 emissions plummet even further.
(+) Pouches are now a single layer of fully recyclable plastic!
Yes, it’s still plastic. It’s the best option we have at this stage for packaging that is compatible with our type of products, but that’s the great thing about evolution; it never stops. Neither will we.
…
You might be asking, “Great. But what about your <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/">styling products</a>’ packaging?” Good question. The answer is that we’re working on it and testing refill options. Stay tuned; our customers (we hope you’re one) and their hairdressers will be the first to know.

<h3>How to Recycle New Wash Pouches</h3>
When you’ve squeezed out every last drop out of your pouch, slice it open and rinse well before placing it in your recycling bin. Easy.

The Evolution of New Wash Packaging Sustainability

image_hero.jpg

It’s easy to think that the terms “hydrated” and “moisturized” are interchangeable when it comes to hair, but they’re completely different. Your hair might be well-hydrated, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a jumpstart in the moisture department, or vice versa.Dry, lifeless, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/dull-hair-fixes-and-causes/" target="_self">dull hair</a> is frustrating – especially when you’ve been doing everything you can to keep it healthy. You might think: I eat all the right foods and drink plenty of water every day – why is my hair so frizzy? Or maybe: I use great products and my flat iron is collecting dust – why is my hair so dry and brittle?The fact of the matter is, for your hair to reach its full potential, you need to be eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and have the right <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-hair-care-routine/" target="_self">hair care routine</a> for your unique hair type. In other words, healthy hair isn’t just about what you put into your body or what you put on your hair – it’s about both.<h3>What's the Difference Between Hair Hydration and Moisture?</h3>To understand the difference between hydrated vs moisturized hair, you have to understand the layers of hair. No, we don’t mean the kind of layers you get at a salon – we mean the layers that make up each individual strand.Every single hair is made up of these three layers:<ul><li>The medulla: A thin tunnel that sits right at the center of each strand – sort of like the stick of graphite in the middle of a pencil</li><li>The cortex: A series of long, thin cells that surround the medulla – almost like flower petals – and give hair its color, texture, and thickness</li><li>The cuticle: This surface layer is also the thinnest and protects the other layers</li></ul>Hydration applies to the inner layers – the medulla and cortex – and is all about absorbing and retaining p water. Meanwhile, moisture pertains to the outer layer – the cuticle – and is all about regulating that water by sealing it in with oils so it doesn’t evaporate from your hair too quickly. Once that water is gone, your hair will become dry, leaving it fragile and vulnerable to damage.<h3>Skin vs Hair Moisturizing: Not So Different After All</h3>If this is starting to remind you of your favorite skincare blog, it might be because your skin is affected by water – or a lack thereof – the same way hair is. Poorly hydrated skin will become dry and potentially irritated, leading to redness and inflammation. When your skin is well-hydrated, meanwhile, it’s much easier to achieve a nice healthy glow.Just like your hair, hydrating the skin isn’t enough – it’s just the first step. Moisturizing your skin helps seal in water, and moisturizing your hair does the same thing.<h3>Hair Hydration</h3>Okay, now that you know what hydration is, it’s time to talk about figuring out whether your hair needs it, and what to do if it does.<h4>How to Know if Your Hair Needs Hydration</h4>While it varies from person to person, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/what-is-my-hair-type/" target="_self">your hair type</a> can often be an indicator of whether it needs hydration. Generally, the straighter your hair, the less water it needs, while curlier hair requires more.If your hair is very porous (i.e., dries quickly and is susceptible to breakage), it’s dehydrated. The easiest way to test the porosity of your hair is by placing a loose strand in a glass of water. Highly-porous hair will sink right away, while <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/what-is-low-porosity-hair/" target="_self">lower porosity hair</a> will float.<h4>How to Hydrate Hair</h4>Hair type once again plays a role here: If you have fine, straight hair, you’re going to hydrate it differently than someone with kinky or <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-care-for-coarse-hair/" target="_self">coarse hair</a>. Again, straight hair doesn’t typically dehydrate as easily as curlier hair, so those with curls will usually have to take extra steps to keep them hydrated.If you have fine hair that tends to get oily quickly, you’re probably tempted to shampoo it often. Avoid this temptation, because shampooing your hair – aka removing the healthy, natural oils your scalp produces – too often will dry it out. A detergent-free cleanser like Hairstory <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-deep/" target="_self">New Wash Deep</a> is lightweight and gentle enough to be used on fine, oily hair on even a daily basis. Don’t worry about conditioning this type of hair too often, as the product will condition your hair as it cleanses.If you have thick, curly hair, you likely won’t need to wash it often, but depending on how many products you use and how often, you might find yourself battling product buildup. Try cutting out shampoo altogether; instead, use a moisturizing cleanser like Hairstory <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/new-wash/new-wash-rich/" target="_self">New Wash Rich</a>, which cleans without stripping away those natural oils you need to keep your hair balanced and hydrated. While New Wash Rich also has conditioning properties, you can add a conditioning mask into your rotation to keep your hair extra soft.As important as your haircare routine is, hydrated hair isn’t just about how you treat it externally. Your diet plays a big role as well, starting with how much water you’re consuming.There’s no shortage of benefits to drinking ample water every day, and healthy hair is one of them. A well-hydrated body means well-hydrated hair, so make sure you’re drinking enough – and eating foods that are high in water content.

In fact, according to Dr. Howard Murad from the University of California, eating water-heavy foods might be even more beneficial than drinking water alone. "When we eat water-rich foods, we absorb water more slowly because it is trapped in the structure of these foods," he <a href="https://www.techtimes.com/articles/134867/20160219/health-expert-says-eating-water-is-better-than-drinking-it-what.htm">says</a>. "That slow absorption means the water in food stays in our bodies longer, and brings a multitude of additional benefits."
Incorporating the following foods – all of which have a water content of 85% or higher – is a great way to bolster your water intake:<ul><li>Fruits like apples, cucumbers, melons, oranges, peaches, pineapples, strawberries, and tomatoes</li><li>Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, celery, kale, lettuce, spinach, and zucchini</li></ul>

While the steps you take to keep your hair hydrated are super important, make sure you’re not inadvertently dehydrating your hair. Heat is a natural dehydrator, and overly hot showers, followed by any kind of heat styling like blow drying or straightening, can cause the water in your hair to evaporate.

<h3>Improving Hair Moisture</h3>
Once you’ve got your hair hydration squared away, you’re ready to tackle moisturizing. The primary way to boost your hair moisture is with a great styling routine, starting with products designed to maintain hair hydration.<h4>How to Know if Your Hair Needs Moisture</h4>
It can be tricky to figure out if you should focus on hydrating vs moisturizing hair, because in either case it’ll likely be dry and brittle. However, hair that needs moisturizing will also look dull, have split ends, and tangle easily. Similarly to hydration, coarser, curlier hair tends to be on the drier side and will need to be moisturized often. The same goes for hair that has been chemically processed or regularly exposed to heat styling.<h4>How to Moisturize Hair</h4>
To make sure your hair is moisturized, you’re going to take a lot of the same steps you would to make sure it’s hydrated:<ul><li>Don’t cleanse too frequently, unless you’re using a product without harsh detergent.</li><li>Condition often, and cycle in hair masks in colder, drier weather.</li><li>Use a hot oil treatment once a week (especially if you have coarse, <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/the-ultimate-curl-care-guide/">curly hair</a>).</li><li>Try the <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/loc-method-what-is-it-does-it-work/">LOC Method for hair</a> (again, especially if you have curly hair): a technique that consists of wetting the hair, then applying oil and cream to lock in and prevent loss of moisture.</li><li>If you’re going to heat style your hair, apply a protectant first, like Hairstory Dressed Up <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/dressed-up/">Hair Protector</a>.</li><li>Use a diffuser on a cooler temperature when blow drying hair.</li></ul>

<h3>Hair Moisturizing Products vs Hair Hydration</h3>
As we’ve established, there’s a big difference between moisturizing and hydrating your hair, and how you approach your hair care routine will depend on what your goal is. Styling products are more about moisture retention than hydration, so learn <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/what-is-leave-in-conditioner-is-it-necessary/">how to use leave-in conditioners</a> designed to seal in water, like Hairstory <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/hair-balm/">Hair Balm</a>. This is also a great product if you’re trying to <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/how-to-fix-frizzy-hair-5-tips-to-tame-your-frizz/">fix frizzy hair</a>, something <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/blog/no-more-dry-scalp-how-to-moisturize-your-scalp-and-hair/">dry hair causes</a> a lot of the time. Hairstory’s Wax <a href="https://www.hairstory.com/products/styling/wax/">matte pomade</a> is another solid sealant. And always make sure to apply your products to wet or damp hair to lock in as much water as possible.

<h4>What Now?</h4>Now that you know enough to give a TED Talk on the difference between hair moisturizing vs hydration, it’s time to revamp your routine so that your hair will stay happy, healthy – and hydrated and moisturized.

Blog

Hairstory - Hats and Hair: Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair?

Hair health

Hairstory - New Wash Ingredient Spotlight: Evening Primrose Essential Oil

Hair health

Hairstory - How to Add Volume to Your Hair Without Heat

Hair health

Hairstory - How To: Easy Everyday Hairstyles for Long Hair

Hair health

Cleansing Cream: Everything You Need to Know

Hair health

As Diverse as the Diaspora: AAPI Women Share Their Hair Stories

Community

Hairstory + Well Aware: Transforming Kitonyini Primary School

Community

The Evolution of New Wash Packaging Sustainability

Community

Hair Hydration vs Moisture: Which Do You Need? (Hint: Both)

Hair health

to our newsletter to our newsletter