Mischo Beauty: Hairdressing

Showing posts with label Hairdressing. Show all posts

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Porosity 101

Let's discuss the hair's porosity. Porosity means the ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture and is used to describe the condition of hair. It falls into the following categories:

a. Very porous
b. Porous
c. Normal
d. Resistant

A “normal” porosity will mean that the cuticle is closed and smooth. Healthy hair will usually have a normal to resistant cuticle, depending on the texture. ”Porous” to “very porous” hair will have a roughened cuticle meaning that the hair is probably damaged. It usually loses moisture very easy and is easily damaged.

To determine the porosity of your hair, feel it - both when wet and dry. If it feels straw-like and rough when dry, or if it feels gummy or slightly rubbery when wet, then you probably have a problem with porous to very porous hair. You should consult your stylist before receiving any chemical services in order to prevent further damage. Haircolor will take much more quickly and strongly and perms and relaxers will process much faster in porous to very porous hair.

Porous to very porous hair can be caused by:

1. Over coloring
2. Bleaching
3. Permanent Waving
4. Relaxing
5. Flat/curling irons
6. Improper blow-drying
7. Environment (sun, salt/chlorinated water)

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers & Thinning/Breakage 101

I’ve received many questions on the use of hair relaxers resulting in thinning hair and hair breakage, so I’ve decided to address the issue. Damage from relaxers may result from a number of reasons. At any rate, the problem could be due to one of the following:

1. The "strength" of the relaxer might be stronger than that needed for your particular hair texture. Relaxers come in "mild, regular or super" strengths.

2. Your stylist may not be applying the relaxer properly. It should ONLY be applied to the NEW hair growth, every 6-8 weeks. No overlapping onto previously relaxed hair!

3. Thermal styling may be an issue. Are you frequently using a curling iron, flat iron or blow-dryer? If so, that will definitely contribute to thinning/breakage.

4. Do you color your hair? If you use permanent haircolor, the application should be at least two weeks after relaxing or you will experience thinning/breakage. You should only be using a mild relaxer.

If you're thinning near the scalp, then it's probably from improper application or overlapping of the relaxer onto the previously relaxed hair. If you're thinning along the length of the hair, then it's probably due to excessive heat from a curling/flat iron, blow-drying or constant chemical overprocessing.

Hopefully your stylist will identify the problem and offer you a new haircare regimen. If you feel that your problem is different from those listed above, I'd recommend you visit a Dermatologist.

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers 101

Let’s understand the difference between “lye” and “no-lye” hair relaxers. Relaxers break certain chemical bonds in the hair so that they can’t reform. This simply means that hair that was once curly, is now permanently straightened. Certain relaxers use “lye” to break these bonds. Lye is a very strong chemical base that can burn your skin and damage your hair if not used correctly. With "no lye" relaxers, another chemical is used in the place of lye and is considered a medium strength base. Research has shown that the use of "no lye" relaxers results in less scalp irritation, but the same safety rules apply. Both types of relaxers can burn the scalp if used incorrectly. It’s wrong to assume that compared to “lye” relaxers, "no lye" relaxers take the worry out of straightening your hair. Both types of relaxers contain caustic chemicals.

If you choose to apply your own relaxer, please ask for help. You aren’t able to see and reach the top and back of your hair and this could lead to an improper application of the relaxer. Also, making sure that the relaxer is thoroughly rinsed can be a challenge. Relaxers should be used based on manufacturer’s instructions, left on no longer than the prescribed time, carefully washed out with neutralizing shampoo, and followed up with regular conditioning. If you’re in doubt, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Mischo Beauty Pick

I love this product! I use it as a blow-drying serum because I've discovered that it smooths the cuticle while I'm blow-drying my hair, and leaves it shiny. I also use it a few times a week as a moisturizer when my ends begin to dry out.

Mischo Beauty Side Note: Sex and the City

I couldn't resist!

Because You're Worth It!

Haircut at the Ted Gibson Salon.

Mischo Beauty School: Haircuts 101

I’ve recently received the same question with regards to how to go about achieving a great haircut. Every haircut is made up of a combination of basic techniques used to create varying shapes and effects on the hair. When choosing a haircut, I recommend the following:

- Consultation with stylist (discuss face shape, hair texture and lifestyle)
- Review haircut pictures with stylist
- Consider home maintenance requirements
- Be realistic

Taking the above into consideration will ensure that you and the stylist agree on the best direction and achieve the desired end result.

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Mischo Beauty School: Jojoba Oil 101

Jojoba oil is extracted from beanlike seeds of a desert shrub. Chemically, jojoba oil is very similar to human sebum, which is the oil produced by the body and used to lubricate and protect skin and hair. When this oil decreases due to age, stress, pollution, or the environment, jojoba oil can be used to replicate it. Jojoba oil conditions the hair and prevents it from becoming dull and brittle. It is also a widely used ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, nail care products, baby care products, bath oils, soaps, sunscreen, makeup products and perfumes.

Jojoba oil is my top recommendation for dry hair during this winter season. It is an effective conditioner, moisturizer and softener for the hair. Hair is often stripped of protective oils and never replenished. My recommendations for it's use are as follows:

- Use as a preconditioning/hot oil treatment by heating it up and applying to your hair and scalp. Allow to penetrate hair and scalp for about 15- 20 minutes and follow with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

- Deep condition hair by adding it to your favorite conditioner and sit under a dryer for 30 minutes.

- Use as a blow-drying serum. Apply to wet hair before blow-drying. It's the right amount of moisture without weighing hair down. And, it adds a great shine!

- Use nightly (or as needed) on dry ends or other dry areas of hair before wrapping hair with a satin/silk scarf.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions! Love your hair.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Wella SP Power Mask

I discovered this conditioner while working for Vidal Sassoon. It's the best conditioner I've used so far... for very coarse, damaged or bleached hair.

Hair Models Wanted!

I have 6 months more of training to go- so you'll see these posts often...I'm currently participating in the advanced color training program at Elizabeth Arden Red Door and I'm in search of models. I'm supervised by a world renowned teaching team and I am currently working on partial highlights. All model services are $FREE. Please let me know if you're interested and I will schedule your appointment immediately!

After I pass my test for partial highlights, I'll move on to full highlights, relaxers, perms and creative color- so if you're interested please let me know.

Mischo Beauty News

Young working women in China spend nearly one-quarter of their income, $566 per month, on cosmetics and hairdressing. They also spend more than 3.5 months' income on clothes and accessories.Source: ChinaNews.com