B. CliShea's Blog, page 3
April 30, 2019
DIY Recipes To Grow Natural Hair Faster and Thicker
A person loses 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. Anything more than this could mean you are suffering from an early stage of hair loss or alopecia.
About 10 percent of the hair at any given time is on its resting phase. Resting phase means the hair will fall out naturally to give room for new hair to grow.
To test if you are losing hair more than the usual average, you can try pulling about 60 strands of your hair then run your fingers through and see how many strands of hair will fall through. If over 10 percent of the 60 strands fall, then you are most likely suffering from hair loss or alopecia.
Detecting Early Signs
So how do you know you have hair loss problem?
These early signs should help you determine how severe your hair loss problem is:
Too much hair on your pillow
Excessive hair fall while in the shower
Itchy scalp accompanied by dandruff
Receding hair line
Thinner hair
Hair is not growing
It’s a big struggle
Everyone wants beautiful, healthy hair but not everyone is blessed. If you are one of those struggling to maintain healthy hair, you might want to check these causes to see if you have any of these conditions:
Your medical condition
Scalp infections, ringworms and trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder) can affect your hair follicles resulting to hair fall.
Other medical conditions like diabetes, lupus, anemia, Hodgkin’s disease, eating disorders and thyroid are also causes of hair loss.
It’s in the genes
If both or either of your parents are suffering from androgenic alopecia, chances are you will also be prone to the same problem.
Blame your hormones
Hormonal changes due to childbirth, thyroid, menopause, and pregnancy can cause severe hormonal imbalance that could result either to temporary or permanent hair loss.
Addison’s disease is a hormonal disease that can cause hair loss.
Medicines and medication
Cancer medicines and treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy can lead to hair fall/loss. Your hair will eventually grow back but there are cases when it does not grow back the way it used to be.
Some medicines for diabetes, high blood, arthritis, and depression has after effects resulting to hair fall.
Frequent styling and treatments
Frequent hair styling and exposure to blow dryers can cause the hair to become dry and dull.
The products and treatment used on the hair can also leave residue that could build up and eventually cause hair loss due to dandruff or itchy scalp
The food you eat
The food you eat may affect how your hair grows. Your hair needs nutrients to grow. Lack of protein can affect how your hair grows.
Prevention and Cure
Can you stop hair loss?
Can you bring back the shine and health of your hair naturally?
The answer to both questions is yes.
There are available hair treatments now that can help grow your hair fast and thick. In fact, there are products that can prevent hair loss before you become bald.
Listed are top five hair loss products that you can try:
Castor Oil (16 oz.) USDA Organic Cold-Pressed, 100% Pure Hexane-Free Castor Oil
Features:
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins
Helps promote hair growth and rehydration
Castor oil restores thinning hair
Works on all skin types
Hexane free and no harmful additives added
Application:
Apply a liberal amount on your scalp and hair roots focusing on areas where hair fall is excessive.
Leave for one hour before rinsing off with shampoo.
For best results, leave it on overnight.
Apply at least three times a week.
You can also mix the castor oil with essential oils like rosemary and peppermint.
Natural Hair Growth Oil with Caffeine and Biotin – Hair Growth Oil for Stronger, Thicker, Longer Hair 1.7 oz.
Features:hasten hair growth.
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help stimulate your scalp.
Helps strengthen weak, thin hair making it fuller, thicker and healthier.
Prevents frizz and breakage, making your hair look shiny and smooth.
Free of chemicals and other harmful ingredients leaving your hair soft and gentle.
Application:
Apply a few drops oil on your scalp and massage with your fingers gently.
Leave on for 30 minutes or overnight then rinse off with shampoo.
Apply two to four times a week.
Hair Loss Shampoo for Men and Women – DHT Blocker – Biotin for Hair Growth and Regrowth Treatment – Thicker Fuller Hair Revitalizing Shampoo
Features:
Help stimulate circulation and follicles thus eliminates hair loss
Helps promote fuller, thicker hair strands
Biotin ingredients helps leave your hair more voluminous
Effective, money back guaranteed feature
No additives making it safe to use
Application:
Lather the shampoo into your hair and rinse with water.
Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner for Thinning Hair Growth Thickening Shampoo for Hair Loss Treatment Natural Regrowth Shampoo Conditioner with Keratin Sulfate Free Color Treated Hair for Men & Women Set
Features:
Biotin helps thicken and condition hair
Has DHT blocker to prevent shedding and thinning
Has no sulfate leaving your hair voluminous
Safe for color treated hair
No paraben added
Application:
Pour enough amount of shampoo on your palm enough to start a lather.
Gently massaged on scalp.
Rinse with water.
ArtNaturals Argan Hair Growth Shampoo and Conditioner Set (2 x 16 FL oz. / 473 ml) Sulfate Free – Treatment for Hair Loss, Thinning & Regrowth – Men & Women Infused with Biotin, Argan Oil and Keratin
Features:
Argan Oil to fight against hair loss
Helps nourish hair and repair damage
The combination of Argan and Vitamin E helps condition hair and leave it shiny
Prevents frizz and split ends eliminating dry, brittle hair
Free from harmful ingredients such as paraben and sulfate
Application:
Apply a small amount of shampoo on your wet hair.
Wash and lather gently.
Rinse and wring out excess water.
Apply a small amount of conditioner on hair and scalp massaging it gently.
Leave in for two minutes before rinsing with water.
Going Natural – DIY Hair Growth Recipe
Hair treatments with natural ingredients are often expensive and could break your pockets.
Do not fret. Your other option is to prepare your own natural hair treatment using natural ingredients and oils.
Below are two DIY recipe for hair loss:
Hair Growth Treatment Serum
Ingredients:
1 cup water – distilled
2 tablespoon of Nettle leaf – dried
2 tablespoon of fresh aloe Vera gel
10 drops each of Clary Sage, Rosemary and Lavender essential oils
Preparation
Make a nettle leaf infusion by boiling the cup of distilled water and dry nettle leaf.
Set aside and let it cool for 10 minutes.
In a clean bottle spray pour the infused water, use a strainer to separate the leaves.
Add the essential oils and aloe Vera gel before shaking well.
Application
Spray a liberal amount on your hair roots once a day.
For best results, leave the serum overnight.
Storage
Store the serum in the refrigerator.
Shelf life is 3 months.
Shake well before every use.
Hibiscus Hair Growth Oil
Ingredients:
4 Hibiscus flowers
1 cup Hibiscus leaves
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup badam oil
Preparation:
Wash the hibiscus flowers and leave then sun-dry until all moisture is removed.
Infuse the hibiscus flower and leaves with coconut oil and badam oil in a double boiler under very low heat.
Infuse for 5 minutes then cool.
Pour the infused oil in a clean bottle and strain the leaves.
Application:
Put a liberal amount of oil on your palm and apply it from your hair roots towards the ends of your hair.
Massage the oil for 2 minutes on your scalp.
Leave the oil on your hair overnight for best results.
Rinse and shampoo your hair to wash off the oil.
April 24, 2019
Choosing the Best Shea Moisture Shampoo for Your Type of Hair
Shea Moisture offers different types of shampoos that target a specific hair type or problem. Here are some of the best Shea Moisture Shampoos that you can choose from.
Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo
The shampoo can bring life back to hair that needs intensive hydration. It has nutrients that can make your hair soft and shiny as it cleans thoroughly. It contains baobab, mafura, honey, and certified organic shea butter, which are blended to create restorative oils that can help soften and revitalize the hair. It also contains African rock fig.
Features
The baobab oil helps eliminate dullness and revitalize your hair.
The African rock fig can help restore your hair and make it frizz-free and soft.
The combination of natural oils, Manuka honey, and shea butter can help make your hair smooth and strong.
The Manuka honey is loaded with vitamins that can nourish your hair and protect it from harmful elements.
Pros
It does not contain harmful chemicals, which can strip the hair of its natural oil.
It adds shine and volume.
It has a great smell and cleans thoroughly.
Cons
It does not give rich lather.
Not suitable for all types of hair.
The shampoo can deliver the things that it promised to do. It may not work for every type of hair, but it’s best for thick hair.
Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
This Shea Moisture shampoo is specially formulated for curly or sensitive hair. It can make your curly hair manageable, bouncy, and shiny. It contains shea butter, Japanese honeysuckle, neem oil, aloe vera juice, guar gum, coconut oil, and other organic ingredients that can make your curly hair shiny and vibrant. It is also sulfate-free.
Features
The coconut oil provides nourishing moisturization and replenishes the essential oil, which restores hair vitality.
It provides gentle-cleansing as it removes dirt and grime from the curls of your hair.
It does not contain parabens and sulfates that can harm and damage your hair.
The neem oil can repair damaged, dry hair as it brings brilliant shine to your curly hair.
Pros
It provides gentle cleansing as it removes dirt and grime.
It adds volume and makes your hair shiny.
It cleans thoroughly and provides great smelling hair all through the day.
It can help improve hair health
Cons
It does not lather well.
It can make your hair dry.
It is hard to wash off.
The shampoo provides the shine that curly hair needs while it gently washes off grime and debris.
Mongongo & Hemp Seed Oils High Porosity Moisture-Seal Shampoo
This shampoo is best for dry, damaged, unmanageable, porous, or rough hair. It moisturizes the hair and prevents frizz and breakage. It can also give your scalp thorough cleansing. It is a moisturizing shampoo that’s also suitable for curly hair.
Features
It is a sulfate-free shampoo that provides deep, thorough cleansing and moisturizing
The apple cider vinegar and baobab proteins in the shampoo can nourish the treated, damaged, porous, or rough hair, as well as make it smooth and vibrant.
The mongongo and hemp seed oils have the ability to repair hair damage and seal moisture within the hair cuticle.
Pros
It can improve the hair porosity, which refers to the ability of the hair to hold moisture in and prevent breakage.
It makes the hair manageable without affecting the texture.
It lathers well.
Cons
It smells a bit weird.
It may not yield the same results for all types of hair.
Anyone with unmanageable, dry, porous, damaged, or rough hair may gain a lot of benefits from using this shampoo. You must keep in mind that it may yield different results according to hair texture.
Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Bundle Wash & Shampoo + Lotion
This bundle that comes with the shampoo is gentle enough to treat baby’s sensitive skin, scalp, and hair. It is made with natural ingredients and certified shea butter that can provide cleansing while comforting and calming the delicate skin of a baby. It is gentle enough to use every day.
Features
It provides a calming and comforting effect after each use.
It uses only natural ingredients that are gentle on baby’s delicate skin.
It can be used by toddlers and babies.
Pros
It gives off a nice smell.
It is lightweight and non-greasy.
It softens skin and contains no parabens.
Cons
It is not tear-free and may irritate your baby's eyes.
The shampoo is gentle enough for baby’s hair and scalp. The bundle is a perfect combination of bath essentials that can provide the baby with the comfort she needs while bathing.
Mango & Carrot Kids Extra-Nourishing Shampoo
This Shea Moisture shampoo is ideal for kids. It gently detangles and cleanses the delicate hair of children. It helps nourish the hair as it strengthens each strand to prevent breakage.
Features
The certified organic raw shea butter seals the hair cuticles. This helps keep the hair free from tangles and frizz.
The right combination of the natural ingredients yields a concoction that promotes hair growth as it strengthens each lock.
It deeply cleanses without harming the child.
The combination of organic shea butter and nourishing mango butter provide intense moisturization to make hair soft to the touch.
The vitamin-enriched carrot oil provides additional nourishment to the hair while detangling unruly curls.
Pros
It keeps curly hair hydrated and with fewer tangles.
It is ideal to use on the hair of active kids with curly or fine hair.
It is chemical-free and uses only natural ingredients that won't harm the kids.
Cons
It has a strong smell that kids may find off-putting.
This shampoo is suitable for kids to use. The nice smell of shampoo on the kids’ hair may last longer than usual.
Raw Shea & Cupuaçu Frizz Defense Shampoo
The shampoo is suitable for wavy, thick hair. It is also ideal for someone with protein-sensitive hair. It can hydrate and cleanse any hair volume without fuss.
Features
It is suitable for daily use and works wonders for protein-sensitive hair.
The combination of pistachio and passiflora oils certified organic raw shea butter and Amazonian Cupuaçu butter yields a moisture-replenishing solution.
It protects hair against pollution and weather conditions that cause flyaway and frizzy hair.
Pros
It can define and enhance hair waves.
It can reduce the appearance of frizzy hair.
Cons
It keeps rolling off your hand due to its thin viscosity.
May not be suitable for a black girl with curly hair.
The shampoo works best for someone with protein-sensitive hair. However, it may not give the same favorable results for everyone.
African Water Mint & Ginger Detox Hair & Scalp Gentle Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo is suitable for curly, thick, or thin hair. It can detoxify the scalp and optimize its conditions to yield manageable, healthy hair. The combination of opuntia and ginger extracts, activated charcoal, African water mint, and certified organic shea butter creates a revitalizing formula. It eliminates buildup and impurities, while it rehydrates and soothes the scalp and hair.
Features
- The African water mint has the ability to boost scalp circulation and improve energy to help produce healthy–looking hair.
- It is made with natural, organic ingredients.
- The opuntia extracts have formidable water-binding properties, which can rehydrate and soothe scalp and hair in an instant.
- The activated charcoal can absorb impurities and oil.
- The ginger has rich antioxidant properties. It also contains detoxifying and circulation-stimulating compounds.
Pros
- It lathers well and leaves a great smell on the hair.
- It is gentle enough for everyday use.
- It adds radiant luster to the hair.
Cons
- Others may find the product harsh, especially those with sensitive skin.
- It may cause dandruff to others.
If you want a shampoo that can effectively detoxify your hair, this product may just be the one you need.
Baobab & Tea Tree Oils LowPorosity Protein-Free Shampoo
This shampoo is suitable for curly hair with low porosity. It is a clarifying shampoo that does not contain sulfate. It gently cleanses and eliminates build-up.
Features
- It is infused with tea tree and baobab oils, enriched with certified organic shea butter, and contain other natural ingredients that will provide nourishing, balanced hydration for the hair.
- It has Clary sage and spearmint to help promote healthy scalp and revitalize the hair.
- It uses tea tree oil, which has the ability to comfort and moisturize the scalp to ensure the growth of healthy locks.
Pros
- Can bring low porosity, curly hair back to life.
- It provides effective moisturization to make curly hair softer.
Cons
- May leave hair dry when used excessively.
- May not work well with fine, curly hair.
If you have thick, low porosity, and curly hair, this shampoo may bring wonders for you.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo
This Shea Moisture shampoo is suitable for chemically processed, damaged, or dull hair. This is also suitable for those who have wavy, curly, or kinky hair. It has the ability to protect the hair against harmful elements, such as pollution, and bring moisture and shine to the hair.
Features
- Its Jamaican black castor oil that’s rich in reparative omegas, which can promote healthy growth of hair.
- It has shea butter, which deeply moisturizes scalp and hair.
- The peppermint it contains can stimulate the scalp to give you a refreshing experience.
- It has apple cider vinegar that has the ability to regulate the scalp’s pH levels.
Pros
- It is gentle on the hair.
- It adds luster to your hair.
- It cleans well as it leaves a nice smell on the hair.
Cons
- It does not give a rich lather.
- Others may notice that their hair begins to dry out.
This shampoo works wonders for those who regularly heat style, perm, straighten, or color their hair.
Peace Rose Oil Complex Nourish & Silken Shampoo
This shampoo is suitable for thin hair and can be used daily. The hand-picked natural ingredients of the shampoo are combined with certified organic shea butter to yield a gentle cleansing agent. It gives the hair a silky, smooth, and soft texture.
Features
- It only contains certified organic and natural ingredients.
- The product has a peace rose oil complex, which is a special blend of musk rose, damask, and alpine oils. This allows the shampoo to make the dry hair silky soft.
- It has camellia leaf extract, which contains antioxidants. It helps soothe minor irritation of scalp and skin.
- It has date palm extract to give you a protective moisture barrier.
Pros
- It cleans thoroughly and lathers well,
- It is gentle enough to use every day.
- It can add volume to the hair.
Cons
- It is greasy.
These are some of the best Shea Moisture shampoos on the market today. You may begin choosing the one to use now and see for yourself.
April 23, 2019
Castor Oil for Hair Growth
Hair loss – many are ashamed by it, many more are troubled by it. Hair loss or alopecia affects 2/3rds of American males aged 35 and above. And it’s not just men; women experience hair loss from a number of reasons, too. And while surgery such as hair implants exist, they can be far too expensive for something that can be considered as vanity.
Fortunately, there are some promising alternative solutions to regrow thinning hair. The most popular of these is castor oil, a thick, viscous bean oil that had been used for centuries for beauty rituals. But what exactly is castor oil and how do you use it for hair growth?
What is Castor Oil?
Castor oil comes from the beans of the castor plant. Its color can range from pale yellow to colorless, and it has a distinct smell and taste. It has been used in many areas in as early as 4000 B.C., but recently it has gained popularity for its hair growing and thickening effects.
The ancient Egyptians used castor oil for medicinal and utilitarian purposes. According to a medical text dated 1500 B.C., the Ebers Papyrus, castor oil was used as a facial oil, to protect the eyes from irritation, and as fuel for oil lamps.
In the 1800s, castor oil was also used as a laxative. American doctors at the time prescribed it to cure anything from heartburn, constipation, and dandruff. It was also given to women with overdue pregnancies to induce labor.
Nowadays, castor oil is mostly used in making soaps, as a food preservative, and as a beauty oil for the hair and face.
There are two types of castor oil. One is the regular, colorless to pale yellow castor oil. The other is Jamaican black castor oil, which is black in color.
The difference is in the process. Regular castor oil is made by pressing castor beans, which is why the resulting oil is normally clear. Jamaican black castor oil roasts the beans first before being pressed. The combination of small traces of ash makes the resulting oil black.
What are the Benefits of Castor Oil?
Regular castor oil and Jamaican black castor oil have the same effects, though some say that the Jamaican black castor oil is more effective than the regular kind because of the added roasting to the beans.
Here are the benefits castor oil can give to you skin and hair:
Moisturizing
Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a humectant. Humectants are substances that attract and bind to water molecules. What this means is that if you massage castor oil to your skin or hair, it will draw moisture from the humid environment to your skin or hair. Castor oil will also facilitate better and faster water absorption, making sure your skin and hair are both hydrated.
Castor oil is also an emollient. Emollients are occlusive substances that form a layer or barrier over the outermost layer of skin. This barrier effectively traps all the absorbed moisture in your skin or hair, keeping them moisturized for a longer time.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antifungal, Antibacterial
Castor oil is often mixed in ointments and balms that are used to treat wounds because of these properties. For skincare, castor oil can be used in oil cleansing by those with acne-prone skin.
As for the hair, castor oil is said to relieve and treat itchy scalp caused by dryness and dandruff, especially one that is caused by an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis.
Increased Hair Growth
It should be noted that there is currently no scientific research that proves or disproves castor oil’s claim to fame. However, you will never run short on testimonials from people all over the world who attest to its efficacy. Men and women have tried it, and almost all are amazed by the results.
That being said, you should also understand that castor oil can’t create miracles. Don’t expect your bald patch to be bushy again in a week or two. Likewise, don’t expect your thin, sparse hair to be as thick as a lion’s mane after treatment. The results will take time, anywhere from months to a year. You need to be patient and diligent in your treatment.
Regular Castor Oil or Jamaican Black Castor Oil?
Some people say that only the Jamaican black castor oil can regrow hair, but testimonials have been positive to both the black castor oil and the regular one. As a friendly tip on what to purchase, you can go by your hair type.
If your hair is coarse, extremely dry and frizzy, and with thick but brittle strands, the Jamaican black castor oil will work better for you. This black oil is thicker and heavier than the regular oil, which means more moisture can be trapped in your hair follicles.
If your hair is fine, leaning on oily, and with thin but brittle strands, the regular oil might be better for you. It’s a bit lighter than the black oil, so your hair won’t be dragged down by the excess weight.
DIY Castor Oil Beauty Recipe
Are you ready to try the much-praised effects of castor oil? Here’s what you’ll need:
Castor oil (regular or Jamaican black ), 3 tbsps
Other lighter carrier oil (Jojoba, argan, sunflower oil , coconut oil , etc), 1 tbsp
You might be asking why another kind of oil is needed. This is so you can dilute castor oil with a carrier oil that’s lighter and more fluid. Castor oil is super viscous and sticky, so applying it unmixed might make things too messy.
The other carrier oil you choose is up to you. There are many kinds to choose from, though make sure to check for your own allergies before purchasing a carrier oil. The best one to get is jojoba oil, which is actually a liquid wax, and is the closest in structure to the sebum produced by skin and hair. Argan oil is another great choice especially if you’ll be using the recipe to thicken and nourish your hair.
If you live in a place with unforgiving winters, coconut, avocado, or olive oil will be great to dilute with your castor oil. If you live in the humid tropics or a place where the air gets dry, light oils such as sunflower and rice bran oil are good choices.
Now, after choosing your oils and mixing them, here’s how to use your DIY beauty oil:
Use a dropper (like the ones given with kid’s liquid vitamins), or put your oil inside a dark-colored glass bottle with a dropper cap. A dropper is to ensure precise and even application.
Mix before using.
Dampen your hair and scalp. Make sure your hair is damp, not wet. You can do this by spritzing your hair with water a few minutes before application.
Part your hair to show the roots and scalp. Apply a few drops of your beauty oil directly to the scalp.
Repeat parting your hair and applying a few drops of oil until your whole scalp is coated.
Massage your scalp with your fingertips for 5-10 minutes. Don’t rake with your nails, as this could damage your scalp and roots.
Run your fingers through the bottom half of your hair, focusing on the tips. You can massage a few more drops of oil on your palms if you think you need more, but remember that the more oil you put, the heavier and greasier your hair will be.
You can choose to wrap your head with a towel (or wear a shower cap) and leave it overnight. Wearing a towel or cap will prevent oil staining your pillow and mattress.
Do your regular shower routine the next day. You might need to shampoo twice.
Apply this beauty oil recipe 1-2 times a week and keep track of your progress throughout the weeks!
Conclusion
You don’t need expensive hair transplant for your hair loss. You can grow your hair back using nature’s natural remedy – castor oil. Why don’t you try applying castor oil and see for yourself?
April 21, 2019
How to Become a DIY Hair Expert at Home
The thought of being your own hair stylist and making your own DIY hair recipes is attractive for many women because of two simple reasons: it saves you time and it saves you money. But, aside from these two benefits, there’s a lot more to being your very own expert hair stylist.
Benefits of DIY Hair Styling
DIY hair care and styling is much more convenient than going to the salon. It saves you valuable time and energy. When you’re styling your hair at the comforts of your own home, you can get so much more done.
You can give yourself a hair spa treatment at home and at the same time read a book, take care of your kids, prepare a meal, clean the house, or catch up with work. You can do all this and save on gas and travel time.
Once you get around to styling your own hair, you’ll have better flexibility. You can practice giving yourself different hair styles. Soon you’ll get to learn your go-to hairstyle. You’ll learn which hair styles are best for when you need a quick do. You may have different hair styles for different occasions. With practice, you can be a better and faster DIY hair stylist.
The longer your hair is, the more hair styles you can practice. And it won’t even matter what type of hair you have as long as you know what works for you and your hair.Of course, you’ll be learning so much more than just hair styling. You’re also going to learn how to take care of your hair.
Making an effective hair care regimen is another benefit of knowing how to be your own expert DIY stylist. It may take a lot of trial and error but know that there’s a different level of satisfaction when you finally figure out the hair care regimen that works for you and your hair the best.
You may also start to learn how to make your very own DIY hair products. Many homemade hair care recipes can easily trump those that are commercially produced. And DIY hair care has some serious benefits too!
Benefits of DIY Hair Care
The problem with hair care products is that one product may not work on all hair types. Some have naturally dark and kinky hair. Some have blonde and straight hair. Hair can be classified depending on their texture, curl patterns, strands and volume. Even those with the same hair types can be further classified under different sub-types.
For example, hair can be straight, wavy, curly or kinky. Strands may be classified as fine, medium or coarse. Hair can also be classified according to their volume, which can be thin, normal or thick.
The different types of hair call for different styling and care too. For instance, those with a wavy 2A hair type can rock both wavy and straight hair styles, while those with wavy 2B and 2C hair might find it more difficult to straighten their hair. Kinky hair is very fragile, and could not take hard brushing like straight hair could.
When you’re making your own hair care products, you know what your hair goals are. If you want more volume in your hair, you can make a nourishing hair mask that helps add body to your hair. If you want shinier hair, you can make a cleansing shampoo that doesn’t strip the natural oils from your hair. If you want frizz-free hair, you can make a conditioner that helps keep your hair smooth and hydrated.
In other words, you know what you want to achieve, and you take into consideration your hair type. You know what you need so you can make a hair product that specifically suits these needs, whereas other commercially produced hair products may not be able to help you with your goal.
DIY hair care products are more commonly made with natural ingredients. You know your scalp, your skin and your hair. You know your own allergies. If you see a DIY recipe that uses an ingredient that you know you’re allergic to, you’re definitely not going to make it. You know every single component that will go into your hair care routine.
With homemade products such as shampoos, conditioners, masks, and cleansers, you avoid irritants and other hazardous chemicals. You’re not going to put in fillers in your products because you know that’s cheating your hair of the shine, nourishment, and strength it needs.
Making homemade hair care products and essentials is also a lot of fun. You get to play with different ingredients, each with their own purpose. You get to choose whether you’re adding colors, scents and even shapes to your product.
Speaking of DIY hair products, here’s a sample DIY recipe for keeping your hair frizz-free. For this deep conditioning recipe, you’ll need:
• 4 tablespoons of coconut milk to nourish the scalp and repair damaged hair follicles
• 2 tablespoons of honey to seal moisture in your hair
• 1 vitamin E capsule to act as antioxidant in your hair and scalp
• 1 teaspoon of rose water to contain frizz, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth
• 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin to help protect against hair breakage especially during combing
Simply mix all of these ingredients in a small, clean bowl. This homemade recipe is best for dry hair. It will help nourish and hydrate your hair so your hair remains frizz-free.
Apply this mixture all over your hair and scalp, and leave it on for 15 minutes. For better results, wear a shower cap or a plastic cap to help your hair absorb the moisture from the conditioner. Then, rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water.
DIY hair recipes use a wide variety of natural ingredients. Each ingredient has its own purpose. Study the ingredients and always make sure that your hair needs the benefits they have to offer. Coconut milk, coconut oil, honey, banana, almond oil, egg, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, aloe vera, oatmeal, olive oil, and yogurt are some of the most popular ingredients for homemade hair care products.
Want to Learn More about DIY Hair Styling?
There’s so much more to learn about DIY hair styling. There are many more DIY hair recipes that you can do to cleanse, nourish, condition, and style your hair. If you’re finding it hard to just soak in all of the information you’re stumbling upon on the web, there’s a solution for that.
Here is a membership subscription for men and women who want to keep bad hair day at bay. Monthly membership starts at $1!!! New content is added monthly, and content from the past months will be accessible as well. Currently, you'll find an e-book to help you identify your hair type, one that deals with damaged hair, and another about hair loss. The list goes on!
Lessons do not stop at the the e-book collection. There are also video courses, which are suitable for all hair types. This course here will teach you how to make an effective hair care regimen that works for your hair type. Sample lessons will deal with the makings of a good hair care regimen, including how to choose the right hair products and hair tools. This course also offers bonus content for detangling, and other issues that may give you bad hair days. Like the hair book collection, this is something too good to pass up. It currently is discounted at 75%.
April 19, 2019
The Three Most Important Dry Scalp Success Factors
Dry scalp is a common medical condition that is both embarrassing and uncomfortable. When you have this problem, you have to endure a flaky, itchy, and inflamed scalp daily. There are various home remedies for dry scalp, but they won’t work effectively if you don’t know the factors underlying the condition.
You can treat dry scalp at home and alleviate its symptoms. However, if you don’t tackle the root of the problem, it will just worsen and will only lead to baldness, psoriasis, and hair loss.
The success factors for treating dry scalp deals with the major causes of the condition. Dry scalp is often caused by lack of sebum, sudden changes in hair routine, and other medical conditions, like eczema, dermatitis, and ringworm of the hair or tinea capitis.
The Top 3 Solutions for Dry Scalp
Knowing the most important success factors used by dermatologists for treating this condition is important for anyone who desires to treat it with home remedies.
#1 Keep Your Scalp Hydrated
Drinking eight glasses a day provides your body with plenty of fluids, and it also naturally keeps your scalp hydrated and healthy. However, if you have dry skin, diabetes, and other illnesses, drinking enough water daily will not solve your problem. When you have dry scalp, it is recommended to cut down on alcohol and salt intake and eat omega-3 fatty acids rich food. You should hydrate your skin from the outside too by using essential oils and hair moisturizing treatments and shampoos.
Here are the ways to hydrate your scalp:
Try virgin coconut oil - Coconut oil is an excellent home remedy for dry skin and scalp. Before washing your hair, massage this essential oil on your scalp. It is best to warm the solution first. For ordinary use:
5-10 minutes is enough to moisturize your hair. If you have a skin condition, let the coconut oil sit for 45 to 50 minutes.
After about an hour, rinse thoroughly and use shampoo or/and conditioner
2. - Use apple cider vinegar - If you don’t like staying in the bathroom for a long time, try apple cider vinegar as an alternative for virgin coconut oil. Aside from its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar is great for hair moisturizing. It can also kill fungi and pathogens that cause dry scalp, and strengthens the hair as well. When you apply it topically, your scalp will be exfoliated. As a result, new healthy cells will replace dead skin cells. If you don’t like staying in the bathroom for a long time, try apple cider vinegar as an alternative for virgin coconut oil. Aside from its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar is great for hair moisturizing. It can also kill fungi and pathogens that cause dry scalp, and strengthens the hair as well. When you apply it topically, your scalp will be exfoliated. As a result, new healthy cells will replace dead skin cells.
3. Use a shampoo that combats dry hair - Oftentimes, the cause of dry hair is also the one that makes you develop dry scalp. So a shampoo that can hydrate your hair can also moisturize your scalp. If you have these two medical conditions, pick a conditioner and shampoo for dry hair.
4. Do not use shampoo for 1-3 days - Your scalp produces sebum. Sebum is a natural oil that moisturizes the scalp and makes your hair shiny and silky. If you use shampoo daily, you rinse away sebum. This natural oil is produced by the body to fight against dry hair and scalp. Try skipping shampooing every couple of days and you will see the difference. Your hair will feel less stiff than before and your scalp will be kept hydrated. If you want to still feel fresh even without using shampoo, then use a dry shampoo or a rinse-out conditioner.
5. Massage conditioner directly on your scalp - Because of busy schedules, most people fail to apply conditioner on their scalp. They only massage it on their hair. The scalp must also be treated with hot-oil treatments. If you are dealing with dry scalp, it is recommended to apply conditioner and essential oils directly on your scalp.
Product Recommendation:
Use a vinegar rinse cleaner - When your scalp cannot produce sebum, both your hair and scalp will be damaged due to lack of moisture. When this happens, use an effective vinegar rinse cleaner. Just Nutritive’s vinegar rinse cleaner can revitalize your hair and hydrate and clean your scalp. This product is sulfate-free, non-irritating, and color safe, so it won’t harm your hair and scalp even if you use it daily. It can even treat your scalp problems.
6. Always rinse your hair thoroughly - Scratching your scalp too often damages healthy skin cells and hair follicles. This can lead to dry scalp.
7. Use a scalp lotion - Scalp lotions prevent dryness and keep your hair moisturized. If you don’t like using conditioners, opt for scalp lotion to hydrate your scalp and hair instead. There are lotions made specifically for dry and sensitive scalp. Thick creams may also work.
Product Recommendation:
You may try these products from sleekshop.com. They are effective in treating dry scalp.
Schwarzkopf BC Bonacure Hairtherapy Repair Rescue Amino Fortifier With amino cell rebuild technology and BC hair therapy, this product can strengthen and fortify weakened, over-treated, and damaged scalp and hair.
Mizani Strength Fusion Recover Mask This mask is like a thick cream for dry scalp. With beta-carotene, essential fatty acids and lactic acid, it reconditions both the hair and scalp.
8. Avoid styling your hair - When you have dry scalp, you must refrain from using blow dryers and styling your hair. Heat and strong chemicals can damage your scalp and promote dryness. It robs your hair and scalp off the hydration they need. Let your hair air-dry or use the cool setting of your hair blower.
#2 Change Your Routine and Your Hair Care Products
For years, you may have been suffering from this condition. Even though you have used several home remedies, you still have pervasive dry scalp.
Maybe, you don’t need to see a specialist or use essential oils and herbs to treat this condition. You may just need to change your lifestyle and the hair products you use.
Eat healthy food that are good for your hair and scalp
Vitamins and dietary deficiencies can cause dry scalp. To combat these, eat a well-balanced diet and food that are rich in Vitamin B.
You should also eat fruits, fish, and vegetable that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These keep your scalp hydrated and moisturized. Seeds, nuts, and fish are examples of food rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
In addition, you must also take in zinc and selenium supplements. These minerals work well with omega-3s and vitamin B in keeping you healthy.
Avoid chlorine
Like sodium chloride or salt, chlorine can also dry your hair and skin. If you have dry scalp, don’t spend too much time in the swimming pool. Also, avoid rinsing your hair with water that has chlorine.
If you are dying to swim in the pool, then rub conditioning cream on your hair and scalp, and use a swimming cap. Also, water purification plants treat their water on a weekly basis. Know the day when they are using chlorine for water purification.
You may also buy a shower strainer as it helps filter out harmful chemicals, debris, and chlorine.
Don’t rinse your hair with hot water
Hot water can damage and dry your skin, hair, and scalp. Instead of hot showers, try warm water instead. You should also refrain from submerging your head in hot water.
#3 Consider Underlying Causes
When you tried using home remedies and kept your body healthy, but you still have dry scalp, an underlying medical condition might be the cause of the condition. You may have any of the following illnesses:
Diabetes
Psoriasis
Eczema
Psoriatic arthritis
Atopic dermatitis
Tinea
When home remedies do not work, you must see a specialist. Your dry scalp could be a symptom of a much severe condition. Remember, you cannot treat it without treating its cause.
Dry scalp is a fairly common condition nowadays. With your busy schedule, you may forget to keep your body healthy and to take care of your hair and scalp properly. This condition is often caused by poor hygiene, dietary deficiencies, and other skin conditions. The easiest way to cure dry scalp is to use home remedies. However, if the best natural remedies do not work, then you should check your overall health or contact a dermatologist.
7 Creative Ways to Solve Dry Scalp
Tackle the Cause of the Problem
If you often have dandruff on your shoulders, you may have a dry scalp.Having white flakes on your clothes, forehead, and shoulders can be embarrassing at times. Foul smelling hair and itchiness are symptoms of dry scalp. When you have this condition, you have to treat it immediately. If you ignore it, it can lead to hair loss, baldness, and psoriasis.
Here are some of the causes of dry scalp:
Dietary deficiencies
Dry and cold weather
Eczema
Hair care products with alcohol and other harmful chemicals
Frequent shampooing
When you address the root of the problem and you treat it with effective home remedies, you can cure this condition without having to go to a specialist. The best treatment options for dry scalp must not only tackle the cause of the condition, but it must also nourish both your hair and your scalp.
The Top Seven Home Remedies for Dry Scalp
1.Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil comes from the tree of life. Products made from coconut oil have been proven to cure several health conditions, including skin diseases. Particularly, virgin coconut oil can moisturize your hair and scalp. It also has antifungal properties. This means that it can treat ringworm skin infections. Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the hair, and atopic dermatitis cause dry scalp.
How to Use
Apply about one tablespoon of virgin coconut oil to your scalp directly, and massage it evenly on the surface of your head.
Let the oil sit for eight to ten minutes.
After that, wash your hair thoroughly.
Use this method after you have shampooed your hair.Virgin coconut oil does not only treat dry scalp, but it can also make your hair silky and smooth.
2.Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is mainly used in cooking. But for hundreds of years, it has been used to treat skin diseases and infected wounds. It has strong antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that can cure the symptoms of dry scalp. This is why most anti-dandruff shampoos have tea tree oil.
You can directly apply 5ml of tea tree oil to your scalp when you are taking a bath. After massaging it, let it sit for five to ten minutes.
Likewise, you can also use hair care products with tea tree oil. If dandruff is your main problem, use an anti-fungal shampoo and essential oil. You get this tea tree oil hair care set from Amazon.
Where Can You Buy Tea Tree Oil Products?
Tea tree oil is considered as an essential oil, so you can purchase it on drugstores and online retailers. Try visiting Amazon. They have numerous hair products and essential oils that can treat dry scalp. Legit sellers use this e-commerce platform to sell FDA tested hair care products.
How to Use
You may use pure tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil, in order to bolster its efficacy. To do this,
mix 5ml of coconut oil with four to six drops of tea tree oil.
After or during a bath, massage the solution on your hair and scalp for about ten minutes.
After massaging it, wash your head thoroughly.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal herb. Like tea tree oil, it has also been used as a disinfectant for thousands of years. This herb has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its active ingredient reduces skin irritation and kills pathogens.
Aloe vera is also used as a moisturizing agent. In Asia and in South America, this herb is being utilized as a natural alternative to shampoo since some hair care products cause dry scalp.
When you often iron, relax, or curl your hair, the scalp is also affected. By crushing the leaves and applying the extract of the herb onto your hair, you can improve hair breakage and dry scalp.Aloe Vera also promotes hair growth, as it increases blood flow to your hair strands and to your scalp.
How to Use
Unlike essential oils, you have to let the gel-like substance sit for an hour on your hair and scalp. By doing so, you let the extract penetrate your hair follicles.When blood circulation increases to your scalp, healthy skin cells can grow and damaged cells are repaired.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has numerous health benefits, and it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically on the scalp, it kills fungi and promotes skin exfoliation.
This natural home remedy makes your hair shiny and strong too, and it improves scalp health.
Many DIY enthusiasts back the claims that apple cider vinegar can treat hair breakage and itchy and dry scalp.
How to Use
Mix two parts water with one part apple cider vinegar.
Apply and massage the solution on your scalp.
For 5 minutes, let it sit before washing your hair with a mild shampoo.
5.Witch Hazel
Like aloe vera and apple cider vinegar, witch hazel is also a natural home remedy that is mainly used for treating skin and scalp conditions. Witch hazel is a compound derived from the bark and leaves of Hamamelis virginiana. This is a native shrub that is common in North America.
It is often applied to the scalp and skin to relieve inflammations and infections. For people with sensitive skin, it is an excellent remedy for allergic reactions caused by certain plants and animals.You can either apply it topically or ingest it in small amounts in order to incur its health benefits.Witch hazel has been used as a herbal medicine for hundreds of years. Today, it is a popular home remedy for common skin conditions and pervasive dry scalp.
Eczema, psoriasis, and tinea capitis can cause dry scalp and inflammation. Witch hazel soothes dry scalp symptoms caused by the said medical condition. Furthermore, other than decreasing inflammation, it can also kill deep-rooted and pervasive fungi, like ringworm.
How to Use
Mix two-parts carrier oil or water with one-part witch hazel.
Apply and massage the solution on your scalp.
Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Wash your hair like you are rinsing off shampoo or conditioner.
6. Olive Oil and Baking Soda
Like other home remedies used for treating skin conditions, baking soda also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Olive oil is good for moisturizing hair. When you combine these two together and use the solution to treat the condition, you exfoliate your scalp. You also obliterate any fungi or bacteria living on it.
Also, the olive oil and baking soda mixture is a good remedy for dandruff and itchiness. This is because it can moisturize and exfoliate your scalp and it can kill harmful microorganisms.
How to Use
Combine equal parts of olive oil and baking soda together.
Massage the mixture on your scalp.
Wait for five to ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
You may also use shampoo and conditioner after rinsing the solution off your hair and scalp.
7. Mild Shampoos and Conditioning Treatments
Dry scalp is sometimes caused by your body’s inability to produce enough sebum or natural oil. Use a hot oil or conditioning treatment to nourish your scalp. You can try mild shampoo such as Oribe The Cleanse
How to Use
You can use mild shampoo daily. Deep conditioner should be applied on your scalp twice a week.
Closing
When you have dry scalp, you often have damaged hair and your head may feel itchy and inflamed all over. Having dry scalp makes you feel uncomfortable and irritable. Oftentimes, it is caused by bacteria, fungi, or bad hygiene. If you don’t treat it immediately, it can lead to hair loss and psoriasis. By using natural remedies and changing your hair care products, you can treat this condition at home.
April 11, 2019
5 Reasons to Wear Hair Extensions with Natural Hair
You might be thinking of getting hair extensions, but are unsure of which to get. Synthetic or natural human hair? Both are definitely wearable, but if you want to experiment with your extensions in terms of cut, color, and style, choosing natural human hair is the best for you.
Want to know all the other reasons why you should choose to go 100% natural human hair? Check these out:
Seamlessly Natural
If you want your finished look to appear natural (meaning, like you’re not even wearing extensions), choosing 100% human hair is hands down your only choice. From the looks, the feel, even down to how your extensions will sway, flip, and bounce with your movement, natural human hair will give you the most natural result.
Of course, that’s not saying all synthetic extensions look jarringly plastic. Some of them do, of course, especially the super cheap ones. But some of the more expensive ones have the look of almost-natural hair. Not quite as natural, but not something you can tell at a moment’s glance. However, at that price point, you’re better off getting natural hair extensions instead.
Durable to Wear and Tear
100% human hair extensions last longer than synthetic hair extensions because natural human hair can withstand a bit more wear and tear than synthetic filaments. 100% human hair extensions can last from 1-2 years, depending on your care, while synthetic hair extensions can last from 1-3 months.
Of course, a part of your extensions’ lifespan will depend on your giving proper care to them. However, synthetic extensions get much less wear time because once their design or style is damaged, there’s no turning back.
Synthetics have a “memory,” meaning the style that the extensions came in will be set. The style won’t budge even if you comb or wet your extensions. Once regular wear and tear damages synthetic extensions, it’s time to replace them.
100% human hair extensions, like human hair, can be styled in many ways like natural human hair.
Wider Range of Style Options
If you want hair extensions that have only 1 set style, great, synthetics might be an affordable solution to you. But if you want to use your hair extensions for a variety of styles, getting 100% human hair is your only choice.
You see, synthetic hair extensions can’t take hair dyes or heating tools. Although it should be noted that some synthetic extensions are “heat-friendly,” they can melt if you set your iron or roller to too high a setting.
Natural human hair, however, can take hair dyes and heating tools just as your own hair. This means you’ll have a wider range of styles to use.
Easier Maintenance
Since natural human hair extensions have human hair, caring for them is as simple and easy as caring for your own hair. Just use your own shampoo and conditioner just as you would with your own head of hair.
For synthetic extensions, you’ll need to buy shampoo and conditioner specifically made for synthetic hair. You also need to brush synthetic hair frequently to prevent knots and tangles.
Easier to Manage
The last and probably the greatest reason to choose natural human hair extensions is because they’re easier to manage than synthetic extensions. The reason you’re getting extensions is mostly to rock longer, thicker hair, and how will you get to rockin’ it when you’re doing nothing but detangling your tresses?
Of course, both synthetic and natural human hair extensions will get tangled if you wear your long hair down, but since human hair extensions can be treated with detangling serums and sprays unlike synthetic extensions, natural human hair extensions will be easier to manage than synthetic ones.
Hair Extension Types and Grades
Ready to get your own hair extensions? Choosing one might get confusing because there are so many to choose from. Not to mention, hair extensions have their own set of types and grading system that could be confusing to first timers.
To give you a bit of info, here are the types and grades of hair extensions, explained:
Hair Extension Types
Types refer to the kinds of hair used to make the wefts. From highest quality to lowest, they are:
100% Virgin Hair – Human hair with the cuticles of each strand going in the same direction. This means each strand is incredibly smooth and silky. Hair didn’t undergo mechanical or chemical treatments and processes.
Remy Hair – Human hair with the cuticles of each strand also going in the same direction. However, Remy hair has gone trough chemical or mechanical treatment to achieve its silky smoothness.
100% Human Hair – Not mixed with synthetic hair. Strands have probably been stripped of their cuticles. These extensions have also gone through chemical treatment.
Synthetic Hair – Completely synthetic hair.
Hair Extension Grades
Grades refer to the quality of the hair strands and extensions themselves. From highest quality to lowest, they are:
10A – Hair from the extension wefts came from one donor. Ends are thick and the strands have a strong structure. Can be dyed to even white or silver without getting much damage to the strands. Less prone to tangling and matting (even in comparison to your own hair!). No shedding. Easiest to manage and maintain. Best for curly hair.
9A & 8A– Hair from the extension wefts came from one donor, though a few strands might be shorter than the rest. Still thicker and stronger than average natural hair and can still withstand dyeing to paler colors. Little to no shedding.
7A – Usually the grade given to high-quality Remy hair. Thick strands with strong structure, but usually achieved with a bit of chemical treatment. Can be dyed to platinum blonde without getting much damage. Little shedding.
6A – Most affordable grade of quality extensions. Usually Remy hair, but with medium thickness. Can be dyed to medium or honey-blonde colors, but should be done professionally to avoid getting damaged. Some shedding. Best for straight hair.
5A & 4A – A little less than average quality hair. These are most often used as practice material in styling schools. Usually 100% human hair, which means the strands are rough or completely without cuticles. Strands are thin and will probably get tangled or matted up. Expect shedding.
3A – Lowest quality hair, usually from mixed donors. Some companies might add synthetic fibers or animal hair. The thinnest strands with tapered ends, some with splits. Not recommended for long-term use.
Recommended 100% Natural Hair Extensions
Royal Impression Brazilian Virgin Hair Loose Wave by RIOUS
Pros:
100% unprocessed virgin human hair
Grade 10A
Natural black color
Cut from the head of one donor, instead of gathering from strands on the floor
Length can be up to 30 inches (when fully straightened)
Double weft, machine made
15-day money back guarantee
Cons:
Coarse wavy style
Comes into only 3 bundles
HIKYUU Glue-in Hair Extensions Ash Brown
Pros:
100% Remy hair
Great as starter extensions if going to dye to a lighter color
90-day money back guarantee
Cons:
No grade stated
Color from ad might differ from actual
Glue-in method might be trickier for first timers
Hair can become wavy after washing
8A Brazilian Straight Hair by Grace Length Hair
Pros:
100% Brazilian virgin hair
Grade 8A
Natural black color
Double weft, machine made
15-day money back guarantee
Cons:
Pronounced shedding
Texture changes when dyed at home (unprofessionally)
Needs careful maintenance with hair oils
Sunny Hair Micro Loop Extensions White Blonde
Pros:
100% Remy human hair
Ring hair extensions, usually the most undetectable
Great for those wanting to dye a darker color
Anytime money back guarantee
Cons:
No grade stated
Can’t be dyed to a lighter color
Heat tools can’t exceed 180 degrees
Color from ad might differ from actual
Now that you’re more knowledgeable about human hair extensions, what are you waiting for? Get that thick head of soft and shiny hair you’ve always dreamed of!
10 Key Points on How to Identify Premium Content Writers for Your Beauty Blog
If you are a blogger and you plan on composing your blog posts on your own, it will be time-consuming. More often than not, it will not give you time to focus on other aspects of your blog. Aside from creating content for your blog, as blog owner, you are supposed to monitor traffic. Blogs become interesting if there are stunning photographs of the latest trends, like in fashion and beauty.
Many people think that blogging is easy and may think that merely writing about what they know would suffice. But most beauty blogs fail in the end because of their lackluster content.
People fail to realize that blogging is a skill, and blogs need to ensure that they publish great, quality content. As such, there is a pressing need for beauty bloggers to make sure that they have skilled writers to consistently write great content.
For the reasons above, it’s time to outsource premium content by hiring great content writers. You’ll find 10 tips below that will help identify what premium content writers are like and how to identify premium content writers for your beauty blog.
How Do I Identify Premium Content Writers?
Premium writers are capable and knowledgeable of writing articles and blog posts. In addition, they should be able to create lists, guides, videos, infographics, slideshows, glossaries, and directories. You can identify them through their:
Compelling header texts
Premium writers are aware of the power of headlines. Headlines should attract audiences to read further. Taking this into account, the emphasis should be on writing persuasive and informative headlines.
When featuring a newly-released exfoliating cream, premium writers would write something like: “Newly-released Product X captivates beauty enthusiasts”, instead of “Product X released in the market”.
Organization of information
Content written by a premium writer will feature the most important points at the top. Feature should be answerable by who, what, where, when, and how. It should be followed by supporting information in succeeding paragraphs. The least relevant information is placed at the bottom part of the content. This is called the inverted pyramid approach, which is widely used in journalism.
Meanwhile, if a post is about a step-by-step process, premium writers would ensure that each instruction is clear and easy to follow. Plus, the whole content should be easily understandable.
Premium writers make sure that content is organized that will be helpful to readers and intended audiences.
Use of keywords
What distinguishes premium writers from regular writers is their use of keywords. Premium writers consider the use of keywords in their content through SEO optimization. The goal is to compose content with relevant keywords for easy search engine accessibility.
Premium writers determine keywords through keyword research. This is how they discover and assess words that are most commonly typed in search engines for website traffic.
Use of multimedia
Blogs support many types of content, and premium writers use this feature to their advantage. Aside from providing plain text, premium writers add photos, videos, links, analytics, and even polls, slideshows, and galleries.
For example, you’d like your beauty blog to feature what celebrities wore in a recent awards night. Your readers will become interested if there is an interactive content. You can achieve this by adding a gallery or a slideshow of photos. They can refer to the outfits visually while reading facts about celebrities. You may also add a poll at the end of the article for interaction among the readers.
Consideration to the audience
Premium writers understand that everyone can access their content. Hence, they make sure that they have an easy to understand content. It adds to the appeal if you can allow new visitors to further explore the site. In this case, hyperlinks help, especially to new visitors.
Your beauty blog can use hyperlinks for readers to get around your blog. An introduction to a blog post can include, “If you are new to this blog, be sure to check out this post for more details”.
Proficiency in language and grammar
Premium writers proofread before submitting and/or publishing their work. Through proofreading, premium writers are able to assess their own work. Doing so allows them to edit lapses immediately.
Premium writers acknowledge that proofreading is an integral part of writing a blog. There is no way that they’ll allow a mediocre content to be published. Readers are intelligent and they will not tolerate grammatical errors in content. Remember that you need to sustain your readers’ interests and not drive them away.
Credible references
Well-written content becomes credible when its references are authoritative. Premium writers get information from reliable sources. They rely on official publications, official press releases, interviews, and others.
In your beauty blog, you can include actual links to sources or even feature sources in your content. Readers like reading verifiable information. They might even be more interested in directly contacting your sources.
For example, if a blog post of yours were to feature a celebrity using a beauty product or sporting a new fashion trend, you can include images. It would also add to your readers’ interested if you provide links to socials to further increase legitimacy of the featured article.
Desirable work ethic
Premium content writers are punctual, honest, responsive, and approachable. Aside from their skill in content writing, they add value to the blog through their work ethic and professionalism.
A punctual writer is more likely to be productive. Keep in mind that productivity leads to more content. Honesty is prized, as it signifies reliability. Responsiveness is crucial for future projects to come and is connected to how approachable a writer is.
When selecting writers, there really should be no pressure in hiring people whom you want to work with, considering that it is your beauty blog, in the first place. But, it should be kept in mind that readers look for professionalism in a blogger’s content, particularly in blogs that specialize in niches.
Competent portfolio
Whether you choose freelance sites, writing firms, or even amateur writers, you should still ask for their portfolio. This allows assess a writer’s skills. This will also help you to evaluate whether a writer can add value to your blog that will help increase traffic.
Also, since this is a beauty blog, it will be best if you prioritize portfolios that contain writeups about beauty and fashion. Other topics would not be as important. Premium writers have a competent portfolio and are flexible to adapt to changes.
You can either ask plain text or articles that mimic blog posts themselves. This means it can include pictures and even promotions of products, if it is ever appropriate.
Profile and skillset
Premium content writers are knowledgeable about other aspects of blogging relevant to writing. These include SEO optimization, social media marketing, content marketing, marketing strategy, and others. You should ask for samples or outputs of your writers’ skills in their portfolios.
For instance, if your applicant claims to be good in SEO optimization, you should ask them to provide articles that are SEO optimized. It’s will be easier to make your own assessment.
It is also important to do a background check on your applicants. Make sure to check their profiles, as well, or their provided resumes. If necessary, ask for references.
If you liked this article and you think it’s helpful identifying premium writers, or if you’re in the search for premium content writing, check out The HOTH, an SEO company specializing in content writing. Visit here for more information.
April 7, 2019
Beauty Blog Writing: 5 Killer Ways to Quality Content
Beauty blogs have become the ultimate authority for beauty tips, product reviews, and makeup tutorials. People love beauty bloggers because they practically give the same information as beauty magazines, without the monthly subscription.
Over the years, beauty blogging has become such a lucrative industry that thousands of women start their own beauty blogs with the hopes of becoming the next “breakthrough beauty influencer of the year”. Just do a quick search of the most popular beauty bloggers online and you’ll find more than 142,000,000 search results.
You see, beauty bloggers don’t just keep blogs as a creative outlet anymore. Starting a blog these days can be compared to starting an industry. Most do it because the niche offers plenty of perks.
When you have a fairly successful beauty blog, sponsors will flock to you to pay for ad space on your website. You’ll also receive lots of free products to try from both well-known and up and coming brands. If you want to make a commission from readers’ purchases, you can even set up an affiliate program.
Becoming a beauty blogger doesn’t just make you a source for beauty information. It also makes you an authority in the beauty and wellness niche.
But running a beauty blog isn’t actually a walk in the park. Sure, you get to talk about all the things that you love - beauty trends and hip products, but with countless beauty bloggers producing the same content as you, it can seem impossible to stand out from the crowd.
If you want readers to keep coming back to your blog for beauty inspiration, you need to remember two things.
First, always keep your content fresh. The beauty industry can move pretty fast so you need to always be one step ahead of the competition. If you’re featuring a product that 10 other blogs have already featured, that means you’re already late in the game.
Second, it pays to be consistent. When you’re running a beauty blog, make sure you follow a schedule so that your readers have something to look forward to every week. For your blog to gain traction, you need to be consistently producing quality content.
So, how do you get started on creating content that your readers won’t be able to get enough of? Here are our top 5 killer ideas.
5 Content ideas that will make your beauty blog great
1. Pocket-friendly favorites
It’s easy to write about designer beauty brands but that won’t really attract you a lot of readers. If you want to write viral beauty content, the best way is to write about pocket-friendly favorites. Most beauty bloggers use high-end makeup, which is great to showcase their artistry, but not to recommend to readers. The average person would be more interested in copping the same look without paying the expensive price tag.
2. The right way of doing something
Even though there are already countless makeup tutorials available online, readers still can’t get enough of posts that tell them how to do something right. It can be something as simple as shaving your eyebrows or blending foundation. As long as you’re writing about the correct way of doing it, there’s an audience out there that’s willing to learn.
3. Investigative tricks and tips
Which is better to use to cover up blemishes - BB cream or CC cream? Is the 10-step Korean skincare routine worth all that effort? If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then it’s time to experiment! Help people find better and cheaper ways to look fabulous with makeup tips that you yourself have already tried. This will not only help you establish your credibility, it will also lead to other content ideas that you can play around with.
4. Before-and-after progress articles
Readers are often drawn to beauty bloggers who aren’t afraid to be themselves. They follow and trust bloggers who clearly know their stuff and are willing to show their process to an audience. The great thing about this is that you’ll never run out of beauty blog ideas once you get into before-and-after types of content.
5. Sponsored posts from underrated brands
Getting sponsored posts from luxury brands is a sign that you’ve made it. But if you’re still a long way from reaching “influencer” status, you can still build your content by inviting underrated beauty brands to sponsor a couple of posts on your blog. Linking up with smaller brands will help introduce your brand to a different audience and even win some new fans.
8 Tips to elevate your beauty blog
Do your keyword research
There’s nothing worse than a blog that has no visitors. To ensure that your content is always relevant and worthy of an audience, make sure that you do your keyword research. By looking up keywords that readers use to find beauty blogs, you’ll know what kind of topics they’re interested to read more about. A word to the wise: SEO is still the best way to grow your blog.
Invest time and effort in writing longer blog entries
Longer blog posts don’t just pack in more information, they also have a better chance of ranking higher on the search engine results page. And we all know, the higher you are on the SERPs, the more readers you’ll attract to your blog.
Make sure that your posts are easy to read
If you’re going to spend a lot of time writing long content, you might as well put in extra effort to make sure that your blog posts are skimmable. Readers easily get bored with large chunks of words, so aside from using descriptive headlines, make sure to break up your paragraph into 2-3 sentences each. Not a strong writer, or don't have time to write? This content writing company has proved to be one of the best on the market. The reviews are AMAZING!!!! They will even post the content to your website and provide a high quality stock image for free.
Show off your branding
It takes more than quality content to get regular readers. You need to develop a brand that will convince people to subscribe to your blog, follow your social media accounts, and even offer you a couple of sponsorship deals. Remember, your brand has to be consistent across all your digital assets if you want to turn your blog into a money-making machine.
Maintain a fun and casual tone
The great thing about writing for a beauty blog is that you don’t have to get too technical with the content. Readers want content that they can relate to, so feel free to show off your personality, As long as you keep your tone fun and casual, it won’t be hard for you to keep your readers engaged.
Take quality photos
Since beauty blogs focus on aesthetics, it’s absolutely crucial that you use quality photos for your blog articles. Invest in a camera that takes high-resolution photos, and learn a few tricks of the trade that will make your images stand out.
Create a video content strategy
Video content is all the rage among beauty content creators, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to win an audience with a well-planned video content strategy. The best ideas for video content are still how-to guides and before-and-after transformations. You might even want to consider starting your own vlog to support your content strategy.
Exceed your readers’ expectations
The most effective way to make your beauty blog valuable is to exceed your readers’ expectations. By providing high-value content to your readers and exerting effort into helping them solve their problems, you’ll make your blog indispensable.
Final Words
With the right mindset, you can turn your ordinary beauty blog into a #beautyinspo hub. All you have to do is keep an eye out for creative ideas, show off your passion, and back it up with hard work. You’ll be sure to win a loyal audience in no time.
April 6, 2019
Top 5 Hair Dryers for Naturally Curly Hair
Based on the hair type classification, curly hair may be Type 2, 3, or 4. Under these types, there are sub-categories like 2a and 3c. The most difficult to manage are probably Type 3a up to 4c hair.
Type 3 hair ranges from tight to loose loops. Some can have a sheen, but they’re highly prone to frizzing.
Type 4 hair is more commonly called kinky hair. This type of hair has a natural spongy and very dry texture. The curls can range from coarse to fine. Some have small coiled curls and others can be zig-zag.
To properly maintain this type of hair, it’s important to learn the proper way of maintaining it. This involves using the right tools and products.
TOP 5 HAIR DRYERS FOR CURLY HAIR
One of the styling tools you have to invest in if you have curly hair is a hair dryer. There are some types of hair dryers that are suitable for curly and kinky hair. Here are the top 5 hair dryers on the market.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
The first on the list is the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer. This may be one of the most high-tech hair dryers you could ever get as of today.
One of the key features it has is the smart heat control. It measures the temperature 20 times every second. This allows the hair dryer to regulate the heat and protect your hair from heat damage.
The Dyson Supersonic has 4 heat settings and 3-speed settings. It’s also high-powered at 1600w to dry hair faster, and it’s not as loud as its competitors.
PROS:
Dries hair quicker than other brands
Quiet
Less long-term damage
CONS:
A bit heavier than other hair dryers
Needs to be stopped when changing temperatures or speeds
JINRI 1875W Professional Salon Hair Dryer
The JINRI Professional Salon Hair Dryer boasts of 1875w of power. This means you can dry your hair for a shorter time compared to other hair dryers.
Another great thing about the JINRI 1875w is that it creates negative ions. This helps reduce frizz while adding shine to your hair. It also has an infrared technology feature that may help evenly dry up to the follicles.
Unlike most hair dryers, the JINRU 1875 has a wide diffuser. This would allow drying inside and outside your hair shaft. Even drying will prevent frizz and hair breakage.
PROS:
Even distribution of air and heat
Prevents frizz while creating shine
Powerful enough to minimize drying time
CONS:
Its heavy weight may cause strain
Large diffuser can be annoying for people with shorter curls
Remington D3190 Hair Dryer
The Remington D3190 may look like any ordinary hair dryer. But, it’s packed with a lot of great features that many curly-haired people will love.
Besides its affordable price, it’s also popular because of its damage control features. It has a ceramic coating, ionic conditioning, and tourmaline material. These three features would help avoid great and long-term damage.
You’d also need less time for drying because of its 1875w power. It has 2 speed and 3 heat settings. You’ll also get a diffuser and a concentrator for your different styling needs.
PROS:
Includes two removable nozzles
Powerful motor
Damage control features prevent long term heat damage
CONS:
Plug shape is inconvenient
May not provide enough heat unlike its competitors
BaBylissPRO Porcelain Ceramic 2800 Dryer
The ceramic feature of the BaBylissPRO 2800 Dryer can give non-damaging heat. This feature is best for people with frizzy or curly hair.
This is the most powerful hair dryer on the list at 2000w. The power of the BaBylissPRO 2800 can cut down drying time. It has 6 heat and speed settings, which makes it a favorite by salon stylists.
It also has an ionic technology feature which removes static from the hair. This results in healthy-looking hair. It also has a removable filter at the rear.
PROS:
Salon-quality hair drying power
Quiet
Provides adequate heat
CONS:
A bit heavier than other hair dryers
Revlon 1875W Infrared Hair Dryer
Revlon hair dryers are among the most popular and bestselling models on the market. Aside from their reasonable price, they’re also packed with great features.
The Revlon 1875w features an infrared heating technology. This can turn your hair incredibly shiny and soft. It also uses an ionic tourmaline technology that can reduce frizz.
It has 2 heat and speed settings. It also comes with a diffuser and a concentrator. The 1875w hair dryer can give you great drying power.
PROS:
Helps keep hair’s natural moisture
Includes 2 styling nozzles
CONS:
Creates a loud noise
EASY DIY HAIR DRYING ROUTINE
Once you have your handy hair dryer, it’s time to learn how to dry your curly locks properly. Here’s a simple hair drying routine you could follow.
Wash your hair with your chosen shampoo and conditioning products. Make sure to use lukewarm water. Hot water can dry out your hair even more.
Dry excess water before blow-drying your hair. Use a cotton towel or cloth to blot your hair. Dry it gently without disturbing your natural curl pattern.
Next, apply some leave-in conditioner and let it sit for a while. Let your hair absorb the conditioner that will keep your natural curls moisturized.
Then, apply a heat protectant. Frequent hair drying or styling applies intense heat to your hair. This can increase the chances of breakage. Using a heat protecting product can lessen hair damage from your hair dryer.
It’s now time to dry your hair. Pop on the diffuser nozzle of your hair dryer and set the temperature on low or medium heat. Begin to diffuse your hair from the roots starting from the nape.
Dry your hair in circular movements for maximum lift. Try to avoid drying the ends of your hair. The ends can dry and frizz easily.
Repeat step 5 in small portions of your hair. This will make it easier to handle than to jump in drying all of your hair at once. Once your hair is about 80% dry, stop using the hair dryer. Let your hair dry on its own.
You can add a hair heat protecting serum when your hair is completely dry.
HOW FREQUENT SHOULD YOU USE A HAIR DRYER
It’s a well-known fact that applying heat to your hair can cause drying and breakage. Hair styling tools including hair dryers apply high heat to the hair.
As much as possible, you wouldn’t want to blow dry your hair. Even when you have long intervals between blow drying, it can still cause damage. Some people can’t avoid using a hair dryer. But, you can still do some preventive measures to limit hair damage.
Use a hair dryer with damage control features.
Apply heat protecting products
Keep the hair dryer nozzle away from the hair
Use a low heat setting
Work with the hair dryer as fast as possible
Remove as much excess water as you can before blow drying
Try John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum and It’s a 10 Haircare Leave-In Product.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum can protect your hair from heat styling damage. It also keeps hair from UV exposure damage, and leaves hair silky smooth and shiny.
The It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is an all-around hair product with lots of benefits. Besides providing thermal protection, it also repairs and prevents hair damage. It can also enhance your hair’s natural body and volume.
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum
It’s a 10 Haircare Leave-In Product
Conclusion
It’s true that blow drying can damage your hair. But, there are times when you can’t really avoid it.
The important thing is to follow preventive measures. These include investing in a high-quality hair dryer. If you can do this, you’ll be able to prevent more breakage and frizz.
