Mischo Beauty: Hair Texture

Showing posts with label Hair Texture. Show all posts

Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from a reader, who asked the following:

"I have thin hair and when it gets wet it will get VERY curly, is there a product that can loosen my curls? Maybe like a relaxer?"

Well, a relaxer will straighten your hair permanently, so you'll want to stay away from it. But, a texturizer (which is just the mildest form of a relaxer) will loosen your curl pattern - if applied correctly. But, before rushing out for a texturizer, I'd recommend that you try the following curl enhancing products which are recommended for curly hair types:

- Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer
- Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding
- Frederic Fekkai Luscious Curls Cream
- Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream
- Redken Ringlet 07

Now I don't have curly hair, so my recommendations are from those I know who do and who basically swear by the products listed above! I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how you decide to move forward! And as always, please feel free to send me any additional questions you might have. Love your skin.

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

Mischo Beauty School: Understanding Your Hair Type (A Lesson from Oprah's Hairstylist)

It makes me cringe when I hear that hair is still being defined by race, I mean it is 2011, right? Well this week's "Ask Mischo Beauty..." prompted my sharing with you, again, the term "hair type" which was originated by Oprah's hairstylist, Andre Walker. In his book "Andre Talks Hair!", he states the following:

"Stop reading fashion magazines that tell you there's just one hair type if you're African-American, Asian, or whatever. Forget about race- there's no such thing as "black" hair or "Asian" hair or even "Caucasian" hair. And, please, please, please, let's retire forever those antiquated stereotypes about "good" hair versus "bad" hair. The fact is, everyone has "good" hair - you just have to know how to take care of your hair type."

And so he goes on to break hair type down into the following categories (there are subtypes within each category, such as A, B, C, etc.):

Type 1: Straight Hair: Hair holds no curl or wave, but has lots of shine.

Type 2: Wavy Hair: Hair tends to be coarse, with a definite "S" shape pattern.

Type 3: Curly Hair: Hair is very fine in texture; definite loopy "S" pattern.

Type 4: Kinky Hair: Hair is very fragile; very tightly coiled/curled.

Any questions? What's your hair type? Love your hair.

Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from a reader, who asked the following:

"Can you please recommend a blow dryer for natural, curly African-American hair?"

There are so many great hair dryers on the market right now, which work for ALL hair types, so it's hard to recommend just one (in addition to the fact that I'm not brand loyal!). But, before I get into recommendations, I just want to reiterate the fact that after completing cosmetology school, I stopped defining hair by one's race. Instead, I like to describe hair in terms of texture and hair type.

Now, most of the best hair dryers are manufactured with the "Tourmaline Ion" technology which does the following:

- Cuts drying time in half
- Reduces frizz, adds shine
- Allows for consistent/even heat temperatures

And the list of "pros" goes on and on, depending on the brand, make and model of the hair dryer. If you're working with a thick head of coarse hair, then you'll want to especially make sure the dryer comes with a comb attachment or be sure to purchase one from a beauty supply store. A comb attachment will speed up the process, while allowing for greater control of your hair and less time spent on further straightening needed with a flat iron.

So a few of my favorites include:

- SuperSolanoX Professional Xtreme Hair Dryer
- CHI Ceramic Ionic Hair Dryer
- T3 Featherweight Hair Dryer

Also, just a reminder, be sure to use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner AND a heat protectant as part of your haircare regimen before blow-drying.

I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how you decide to move forward!

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

Mischo Beauty School: Understanding Your Hair Type (A Lesson from Andre Walker)

If you watched Oprah's "Ultimate Favorite Things" show a few weeks ago, then you know by now that her hairstylist, Andre Walker, has finally released a collection of hair care products which are formulated to work with all hair types and textures. Well, I'm dying to try them and as soon as I do, I'll let you know my thoughts!

But in the meantime, I wanted to share with you all a post on "hair types" from almost two years ago. I was first introduced to the concept after reading through a few hair forums. Yes, I'm a licensed cosmetologist, but I'd never heard the term - neither in cosmetology school, or in any of my cosmetology textbooks. I guess the closest to what I'd learned about "hair type" was hair texture.

A reader asked a question about hair types here, and I followed up with this post. Andre is credited with originating this term and in his book "Andre Talks Hair!", he states the following:

"Stop reading fashion magazines that tell you there's just one hair type if you're African-American, Asian, or whatever. Forget about race- there's no such thing as "black" hair or "Asian" hair or even "Caucasian" hair. And, please, please, please, let's retire forever those antiquated stereotypes about "good" hair versus "bad" hair. The fact is, everyone has "good" hair - you just have to know how to take care of your hair type."

And so he goes on to break hair type down into the following categories (there are subtypes within each category, such as A, B, C, etc.):

Type 1: Straight Hair: Hair holds no curl or wave, but has lots of shine.

Type 2: Wavy Hair: Hair tends to be coarse, with a definite "S" shape pattern.

Type 3: Curly Hair: Hair is very fine in texture; definite loopy "S" pattern.

Type 4: Kinky Hair: Hair is very fragile; very tightly coiled/curled.

Ok, so there you have it- according to Andre! Now the book is full of tips on solving hair issues, finding the right stylist, choosing a haircut and a whole lot more. I definitely recommend checking it out!

Any questions? Love your hair.

The Flashing Lights of Times Square and a Hair Rules 'First'

Curly girls, stand up! Those sexy spirals are now in the spotlight in Times Square, thanks to the texture mavens at Hair Rules. A virtual lacefront over 7th Avenue and 48th Street, the billboard is the brand's first in the famous New York City district. The ad's model is none other than Hair Rules co-founder, Kara Georgiopoulos. Anthony Dickey (the other half of the co-founding equation) styled her flowing hair with products from the Hair Rules collection of blowout products. I was thrilled to party in celebration of their great accomplishment at the Renaissance Hotel's Vivid Lounge.

Lots of gorgeous and a number of famous faces were on hand at the November 22nd soiree, including Russell Simmons, Veronica Webb and Annabella Sciorra. Even more impressive than the interestingly mixed crowd, was the hair on the Hair Rules Makeover contest winners. Who needs to look up to a billboard when evidence of Dickey and Company's styling genius walks the streets among us? Nyree Emory (below, on left) of Chocolate Cake Radio, is one of the lucky ladies made over by Dickey and sported her new and gorgeous 'do at the event. Amusingly, she was just as amazed as the rest of us were with her hair's transformation from very dark, dark brown with less curl definition into a medium brown and golden-tinged vibrant curly halo with a knack for snatching folk's attention. It looked good enough to be in an ad of its own. Personally, I would LOVE to see a second, curlier/kinkier billboard some time in the future!

I'm not sure how many times I tooted the Hair Rules horn in my first post about their blowout line, but I am surely tooting away now! The styling and the products are consistently excellent, whether curly or straight, and I am determined to go in and let them take a scissor-stab at my big ole pouf and see what transpires. Stay tuned! -Zee

Mischo Beauty Pick: Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions

To my surprise, Pantene has recently launched a collection of haircare products based on an individual's hair type/texture - and I'm excited! Remember this post? Well after reading the press pitch and learning that celebrity hairstylist, Tippi Shorter (yes, we love her!) loved the new collection of products, I decided to give them a try.

I'm three months post-texturizer and I fall into the Type 4 hair category. My hair is thick, tightly coiled (in it's natural state) and always dry. So I selected the Medium-Thick regimen for review. Here's what I used:

- Breakage to Strength Shampoo
- Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoules (I used 2!)
- Breakage to Strength Conditioner
- Straighten & Smooth Creme
- Heat Protection & Shine
- Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Now while I liked the regimen as a whole, the hero products for me were the Professional Level Damage Repair Ampoules (left my hair super soft and I was able to easily detangle, section and comb through it!) and the Anti-Humidity Hairspray (the temperature on the day I tested the regimen was 100+ degrees and my hair held up!). I was pleased with my results and I recommend the regimen.

Would love to know your thoughts? Love any Pantene products we should know about?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Keith Campbell: The Hair Architect

Earlier today I saw that celebrity hairstylist and Mischo Beauty Superstar- Keith Campbell tweeted the most amazing Twitpics of a client's haircut and color that knocked me off of my feet! Yes, it took my breath away and this is the reason why, yet again, he's been named the Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week!

And what I love most about Keith is that he can cut, color and style every hair texture, like hairstylists are supposed to be able to do, and do well! That's one of my biggest pet peeves with hairstylists today.... end vent! On another note, my beauty editor, Ayanna, created the Twitter hashtags #BEAUTYisTRUTH and #BEAUTYisART, which we use for the obvious reasons. And Keith's work is such an amazing example of both.

Redheads are really the new bombshells, but then again we've always been bombshells, haven't we {I know, I'm biased- hehehe ;}? ! Love her new hair as much as I do? Let me know!

photos: Keith Campbell

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101

So let's discuss hair texture. Hair texture is often a point of confusion, but simply refers to the diameter of each individual hair. The texture of hair generally falls into one of the following five categories:

A. Very Coarse
B. Coarse
C. Average
D. Fine
E. Very Fine

The coarser the hair, the thicker the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair) and larger the cortex (the middle layer of the hair). Stronger, coarser hair textures will be able to withstand stronger chemicals and rougher treatments than fine hair. For example, I have coarse to very coarse hair and I'm surprised that I have hair today after allowing stylist after stylist to overprocess my hair (unknowingly!) during my college years. But due to my hair's strength it's been able to withstand the damage!

Hair textures have nothing to do with the quantity of individual hairs on the head, so it is possible to have a thick head of fine hair and on the other hand, a thin distribution of coarse hair. Questions? Love your hair.

What's your hair texture?

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Miko &Titi Branch (founders of Miss Jessie’s Products and Salon)

As my blog approaches it's 3rd anniversary (yes, it's this Sunday!), I felt it only fitting to feature the two women, Miko and Titi Branch (amazing beauty entrepreneurs!) who are the founder's of Miss Jessie's Products and Salon, and who also inspired my very first blog post!

You see after reading about their products in Essence Magazine, back in 2005 , my mother (who lives in Indiana) had me hunt them down and send her the Curly Pudding and Curly Buttercreme. And after using them, it was instant love!

Those of you who've been following my blog, know I love hair (it's what started this journey) and that I'm building a beauty empire. And so for me, Miko and Titi are a huge inspiration. I've written about them here, here, here, here and here - but, you're invited to check out their redesigned website, new product offerings and styling tutorials.

Love these amazing ladies as much as I do? Let me know!

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101

So with all the hair talk during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I thought it only appropriate to offer a refresher on the term "hair texture". It's often a point of confusion, but simply refers to the diameter of each individual hair. The texture of hair generally falls into one of the following five categories:

A. Very Coarse
B. Coarse
C. Average
D. Fine
E. Very Fine

The coarser the hair, the thicker the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair) and larger the cortex (the middle layer of the hair). Stronger, coarser hair textures will be able to withstand stronger chemicals and rougher treatments than fine hair. For example, I have coarse to very coarse hair and I'm surprised that I have hair today after allowing stylist after stylist to overprocess my hair (unknowingly!) during my college years. But due to my hair's strength it's been able to withstand the damage!

Hair textures have nothing to do with the quantity of individual hairs on the head, so it is possible to have a thick head of fine hair and on the other hand, a thin distribution of coarse hair. Questions? Love your hair.

What's your hair texture?

Mischo Beauty School: Understanding Your Hair Type (A Lesson from Andre Walker)

After reading a few hair forums I was introduced to the concept of "hair type". Yes, I'm a licensed cosmetologist, but I'd never heard the term - neither in cosmetology school, or in my cosmetology textbooks. I guess the closest to "hair type" for me would be hair texture.

Well, after searching for the concept's origination, I learned that Andre Walker (Oprah's hairstylist) was responsible for creating the term. In his book "Andre Talks Hair!", he states:

"Stop reading fashion magazines that tell you there's just one hair type if you're African-American, Asian, or whatever. Forget about race- there's no such thing as "black" hair or "Asian" hair or even "Caucasian" hair. And, please, please, please, let's retire forever those antiquated stereotypes about "good" hair versus "bad" hair. The fact is, everyone has "good" hair - you just have to know how to take care of your hair type."

And so he breaks hair type into the following categories (there are subtypes within each category, such as A, B, C, etc.):

Type 1: Straight Hair: Hair holds no curl or wave, but has lots of shine.

Type 2: Wavy Hair: Hair tends to be coarse, with a definite "S" shape pattern.

Type 3: Curly Hair: Hair is very fine in texture; definite loopy "S" pattern.

Type 4: Kinky Hair: Hair is very fragile; very tightly coiled/curled.

Ok, so there you have it! Now the book is full of tips on solving hair issues, finding the right stylist, choosing a haircut and a whole lot more. I definitely recommend checking it out.

Any questions? Love your hair.