A friend sent me an article for non-textured hair types asking if I could write something similar, but relevant to our textured sisters.  I chuckled at the mention of choppy bangs and oily hair as ‘disasters’ and began to identify ‘fixable’ disasters that happen to textured hair every day.  Banish hair drama forever?  Not a chance, but these simple tips will allow you to correct some common hair conundrums. They don’t all have seamless fixes, but these are simple, do-able solutions for people who care about their hair.  You can correct damage; even damage done by a professional, if you use these simple tips to rebound from textured hair mishaps.  Fans of at-home relaxing and coloring can encounter disasters when working with these powerful hair-altering chemicals.  Keep these tips handy to so you can retaliate when disaster strikes.

#1 Over-Processed Relaxer Disaster

Relaxer left on too long?  In this case the hair has been overly broken down and depleted of protein. If you realize this during the process you can start restoring your hair before you neutralize.  Keep a $2 protein treatment handy any time you are relaxing hair at home.  Apply a single-step protein treatment after the relaxer cream is fully rinsed from the hair to rebuild strength.  Leave on for 3 minutes, then neutralize as directed.  Follow with an additional treatment on your next hair wash day.  Treat hair gently and employ protective styling like wraps, loose buns and clipped-up styles.  Don’t stretch the hair or leave fragile ends to make contact with clothing for at least one month.  Avoid artificial braids, weaves, and ponytails or any style that puts additional weight on the hair follicles until the hair strength is restored.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE TRUTHS AND UPCOMING TIPS FOR FIXING HAIR DISASTERS from your friends at Nutress.

Have your locks lost their luster? Truth is, after 30, hormonal ups and downs and every day wear-and-tear can do a number on your tresses, leaving them coarser or thinner. Always look for products geared towards healthy hair aging. To protect what you’ve got and deal with what you don’t want, try this age-specific advice.

To keep your hair looking young and healthy, be sure to eat a well-balanced diet. Also, use products that contain antioxidants and high levels of protein, like Nutress Hair’s Protein Pack Conditioner and Stop Break Healthy Hair Enhancer. These products will give your hair the nutrients it needs to stave off breakage and hair loss.

Skimp on styling. In your 40s, you may find that years of exposure to curling irons, hot blow dryers, and other gadgets have left your hair dried-out and brittle. Relaxers and hair extensions can cause even more long term damage. The follicles at the front of your scalp can actually stop growing new hair from all the punishment, says noted Dallas dermatologist Dr. Raymond C. Blackburn. The good news: The damage is reversible. Simply limit the use of any hair-styling tool that puts off a lot of heat to special occasions or a few days a week. If you use a hair dryer, switch to a cooler or no-heat setting. And avoid excess brushing and washing, too, experts say. Another option is to wrap your hair more often. Nutress Wrap Guard Foam Wrap Lotion is the perfect styling aid for healthier no-heat styling. [Read more...]

Oil is arguably the most widely used product for textured tresses, however there is a lot of confusion surrounding what oil actually does, when it should be used and what oils are best. We’re going to clear up some of this confusion about oils and textured hair and give practical advice for optimal oil usage.
First and foremost, oil does not moisturize hair! It does act a film former, a protective barrier that seals in moisture and protects from various stresses, like combing, brushing, and friction between strands. Oils also provide shine due to the smooth, reflective surface they create when coating hair. Oils consist of lubricating emollients and nourishing agents that contribute the various health benefits associated with different oils.
Textured tresses naturally produce less sebum than straight hair; plus kinks, curls and twists hinder oil’s distribution through hair. Thus products for textured hair typically contain oil – generally, a good thing. But remember, oil can cause problems if not applied in proper sequence or if not the right type for hair. Oil should be applied AFTER hydrating hair. Always use a water-based product first to infuse moisture then seal the cuticle with oil or an oil-based blend. Not into the oily feel? Then just seal the tips. [Read more...]