Ask Mischo Beauty...

I'm starting a new series on the blog where I'm inviting readers to send me their beauty questions. If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that the invitation already exists there (I tweet it daily!) and so naturally it should exist here as well. And so this week's question comes from a follower on Twitter, who says:

"My hair is damaged really bad from all the times I bleached and dyed it. What can I use on it?"

Well I'd first suggest stepping away from the bleach and haircolor. Your hair needs a serious break! A series of deep conditioning protein treatments, along with very special care and attention, should have your hair back to health in no time. In case you didn't know, hair is 91% protein (which is it's foundation) and so protein conditioning treatments will help to rebuild and strengthen the hair's structure. When using a protein treatment, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions - overuse could result in breakage. A few of my favorite protein treatments include:

- Wella Power Mask
- Aveda Damage Remedy
- MoroccanOil's Restorative Mask
- Joico K-PAK
- Kerastase Voile Nuit or Serum Nuit

Also, be sure to follow the protein treatments with a moisturizing conditioner - your hair will appreciate all the hydration it can get! When your hair is back to health, trade the protein treatments in for moisturizing treatments and establish a healthy haircare regimen. Oh, and I'd suggest staying away from heat styling (flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, etc.) for as long as you're able. I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how it's going! Love your hair.

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

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Mischo Beauty School: Hair Porosity 101

I've received a few emails asking me to discuss the reason(s) why hair becomes damaged and dry after certain chemical services. Well, there could quite possibly be hundreds of answers to those questions depending on the history of services performed on the hair, and the home care regimen. I will say that if your hair is damaged and overly dry, then your hair's porosity has probably been compromised.

So, what is porosity? Porosity is simply the ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture and is used to describe the condition of hair. Generally, it falls into the following categories:

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

A “normal” porosity will mean that the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair shaft) 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 it's wet and dry. If it feels like straw and it's rough when it's dry, or if it feels gummy or slightly rubbery when it's wet, then you probably have a problem with porous to very porous hair. You should definitely talk to your stylist before receiving any chemical services in order to prevent further damage. Haircolor, perms and relaxers will process much faster on porous to very porous hair and may cause even more damage.

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)

I hope this gives everyone a little more insight into the hair's porosity. Please feel free to e-mail me with more questions! Love your hair.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Wella's SP Power Mask

I've said this before and I must say it again for all my new readers. I discovered this deep conditioning treatment while training with Vidal Sassoon. It's the best conditioner I've used thus far for coarse, damaged or bleached hair.

It replaces much needed moisture lost during chemical services, returns the hair to it's normal pH and it smooths and seals the hair's cuticle, resulting in soft, shiny hair. My recommendation is to use it bi-weekly while sitting under a hooded hair dryer for 20 minutes.

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