Mischo Beauty: medium hair

Showing posts with label medium hair. Show all posts

Beautiful hair needs an expert: No Frizz by Living Proof

For those of you who constantly deal with frizzy hair, you'll want to consider trying No Frizz by Living Proof. "Straight Making" and "Wave Shaping/Curl Defining" are styling aids which were developed "to do what silicones can't: eliminate frizz by blocking humidity". I love the fact that these products have a formulation for your specific hair type: fine to medium hair, medium to thick hair and thick to coarse hair.

You all know that I advise on using products for your specific hair, skin or nail needs/issues and so the fact that these products are broken down by hair type and need, makes them worth trying! They are available beginning February 2009 and because I love Tracee Ellis Ross' hair so much I'm recommending this line for her!

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 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: Hair Texture 101

Let's understand hair texture. Hair texture is often a point of confusion, but simply means 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 and larger the cortex, so stronger coarser hair textures will be able to withstand stronger chemicals and rougher treatments than fine hair.

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