Mischo Beauty: hair type

Showing posts with label hair type. Show all posts

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.

Hair Rules Salon: The Everlasting Blowout

What could bring more pleasure to a curly girl's heart than a visit to Hair Rules Salon to meet renowned Texture Guru and celebrity hairstylist Anthony Dickey and his supporting cast of merry-making hairstyling magicians? Nothing, that's what!

I had a chance to chat with Dickey about what inspired him to become a self-proclaimed gatekeeper of textured hair, and I got the lowdown on his new line of blow-out products, which take your hair from kinks, curls and waves to straight, no chaser. Could there finally be an effective product to help women celebrate the fun of switching between textures, without the damage of a permanent process? I was on a mission to find out, and was greatly heartened by the answer.

I was put in the masterful hands of resident superstylist Dailey. Needless to say, my favorite treat of the evening was not the Nuvo but the complimentary blowout. Dailey washed my hair with the Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo, clarified me with the Aloe Grapefruit Purifying Shampoo and then conditioned with Hair Rules' Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner. My hair was on a magic carpet ride of pure bliss. After adding a deceptively small amount of Blow Out Your Curls serum, she blew out my usually extra curly/extra fluffy mane (with the old skool comb attachment at that--whaaatt??!!) and flat-ironed it to Straightsville. It was pin straight, folks, yet not lifeless. Another wonder!

The Bottom Line: Two thumbs up! The Blow Out Your Curls styling agent kept my frizz-happy locks straight, shiny and looking healthy, even after traipsing through the cold, wet New York City night looking for a great restaurant. My advice-pick the formula appropriate for your hair type, be careful in downpours and around swimming pools, then enjoy blowout longevity like you've never imagined! -Zee

Mischo Beauty Pick: Design Essentials

I've been purchasing Design Essentials for my mom (which she loves), for a few years now, and finally decided to try out a hydrating regimen for myself. I know my hair type and am very familiar with it's conditions, which happens to primarily be dryness. And so I knew the best regimen for me would consist of the following:

- Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo
- Express Instant Moisturizing Conditioner
- Hydrate Leave-In Hydrating Conditioner

Now the star of the regimen was definitely the leave-in conditioner. Not only did it leave my hair moisturized, but it helped to detangle which is key if you're tenderheaded like I've been since I was a child.

I love that the brand offers a regimen for every hair condition. And, there are lots of helpful tips for managing just about every hair type which is definitely a win!

Have you tried this regimen?

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

Mischo Beauty Pick: Karen's Body Beautiful

If you're wondering how to get gorgeous hair now (yes, that's the headline for the August issue of ELLE UK- and so appropriate for this post!), then you need to seriously consider checking out the collection of hair products by Karen's Body Beautiful. I'm using the regimenUltimate Conditioning Shampoo, Complete Hair Conditioner, Sweet Ambrosia and Butter Love- and my naturally dry, Type 4 hair loves it!

I'm proof that these products work for all hair types/issues. I'm 3 months post-texturizer, have 3 inches of new growth and the midshaft to ends of my hair are relaxed. So yes, these products work for a variety of hair types and needs. And, this specific regimen is recommended for hair prone to dryness, which definitely meets my needs.

The collection is free of parabens, sulfates and mineral oil, and is formulated with ingredients such as olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and apricot kernel oil. If that isn't a formula for gorgeous hair, then I don't know what is! Wouldn't you agree?

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: Karen Tappin-Saunderson: Founder, Karen’s Body Beautiful

Since you all have been following my blog for some time now, you already know that there's nothing I love more than beauty entrepreneurs. And so, I'm happy to introduce you to Karen Tappin-Saunderson, the founder of Karen’s Body Beautiful and this week's "Mischo Beauty Superstar". The Karen's Body Beautiful collection (hair and body products) was launched in 2004 and now is available via the chic boutique (located in Brooklyn, NY) and online at karensbodybeautiful.com.

Not only are these products natural and good for you (they're free of parabens, sulfates and mineral oil), but they're formulated with ingredients such as olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter and apricot kernel oil which only results in needed moisture and nourishment. I've used a fabulous regimen consisting of the Ultimate Conditioning Shampoo, Complete Hair Conditioner, Sweet Ambrosia and Butter Love- and my Type 4 hair loved it (complete review coming soon)!

To learn more, check out Karen's website, join her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. And, most importantly, be sure to let me know if you've tried her products. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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 Pick: Rene Furterer's KARITE Collection

So it's clear that we're Rene Furterer fans here! If you follow us on Twitter, then you know our signature hashtag is #BEAUTYisTRUTH, and so with that said it's our goal to bring you the latest and greatest on the beauty products we absolutely love. We've reviewed the Myrrhea, Okara and Acanthe Perfect Curls collections and so it's only right that I introduce you to the Karite collection, which my naturally dry, Type 4 hair loves!

It includes the following:

- Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract
- Rene Furterer Karite Intense Nutrition Oil
- Rene Furterer Karite Shampoo
- Rene Furterer Karite Nourishing Conditioning Cream
- Rene Furterer Karite No Rinse Nutritive Concentrate

The Intense Nutrition Oil isn't pictured above because I dropped it on my bathroom floor (it comes in a glass bottle), but it along with the Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract make an excellent pre-poo treatment. I'd have to say that my favorite product from this regimen is the Nourishing Conditioning Cream, which I'd fallen in love with years ago while apprenticing, and it does not disappoint.

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tried this regimen, or are thinking of trying it!

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

Mischo Beauty Pick: BrushLab Fresh Square Cushion Hair Brush

I'm about 3 months post-texturizer and so I have tons of new growth, which means thick roots! BrushLab's Fresh Square Cushion Hair Brush has saved me. I use it along with a wide-tooth comb after shampooing and conditioning, and it gets the job done. I recommend this brush for all hair types, but if you're Type 4 (like me) then you really understand why I love this brush so much!

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

Mischo Beauty Pick: MIZANI Moisturfusion

As much as I loved Mizani products back in the day, I'll have to admit that it's been years since I've used them. And so my reintroduction to them has been with the Moisturfusion regimen of products which includes the Milk Bath (which contains milk of almond and silk proteins) and the Silk Cream Conditioner (which also contains milk of almond and coconut oil). I LOVED the scent of both the shampoo and conditioner, but it was the fact that I found both to be very moisturizing that sealed the deal. I recently relaxed my type 4 hair, and so I'm finding that I need all the moisture I can get!

And because my hair is naturally on the drier side, I chose to use the Butter Rich Deep Nourishing Hairdress followed by a light spritzing of the Gloss Veil Shine Spray as my "blow dry treatment". My personal preference is to us products such as these when my hair is wet and the cuticle is open. This way I'm able to ensure that the products are infused into multiple layers of my hair, as opposed to just the first and possibly second layer.

My end result- well, nothing less then soft, shiny hair! This is perfect for those with drier hair types/issues and works with both natural and relaxed hair (I know because I used them on my hair- both natural and relaxed!).

I'd love to know what your Mizani favorites are and why!

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

Mischo Beauty Pick: H2PRO Presto 1 1/4" Turbo Flat Iron

It's been a while since I've reviewed a flat iron and so when I received the new H2PRO Presto 1 1/4 Turbo to test, I knew I had to tell you all about it! The two most important features you should know about are- you can easily adjust it's temperature dial (between 140F - 450F), so it works for all hair types/textures without the fear of burning/damaging your hair.

And secondly, it's ceramic plates were designed with the "Nano Hi-Tech" technology, so the iron should easily glide through each section of your hair infusing shine and eliminating frizz. It did all this for my type 4 hair and more!

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

Mischo Beauty Loves Beyonce's Bangs

I recently promised a friend that I would calm down with all of the Beyonce posts (*blushing*), but I had to post Beyonce's newest hairstyle because I'm loving her bangs!

As I write this, I'm seriously considering bangs for the summer. My only issues are the heat/humidity and my workout schedule, which could possibly result in a high maintenance hairstyle (my hair type is 4B and I don't have a relaxer)... so we'll see.

Anyway, I can't not mention how much I'm loving her Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Double-Platform pump s! FIRE!

Are you planning to reinvent your look for the summer? If so, do tell!!

Photo Source: Getty Images

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.