http://www.care2.com/greenliving/natural-hair-care-for-every-texture.html
Natural Hair Care for Every Texture
By Jan Sheehan, Delicious Living
Who hasn’t longed for different locks? But when it comes to hair you need to make the best of what you’ve got. “Even though it’s all made of protein, different types and textures require different products and care regimens,” says David Kingsley, PhD, a hair and scalp expert–or trichologist–in New York City. Here’s how to bring out your hair’s natural beauty.
Straight
Shampoos and conditioners containing rosemary or rice protein add fullness and shine. Rinse clean hair with cool water to help smooth the protective outer layer–or cuticle–and fasten your mane into a low ponytail with a wide, fabric-covered band that won’t tear hair or create tension at the vulnerable hairline, says Kingsley.
Fine
Lightweight shampoos with wheat protein strengthen and plump up wispy strands. Clear products have fewer heavy ingredients than creamy shampoos, which can weigh down fine hair. Also look for shampoos and conditioners with 5 percent tea-tree oil help get rid of that itchy, greasy feeling, according to a 2006 study in Clinical Microbiology Reviews. Use low heat and a round boar-bristle brush to help prevent breakage and boost volume. Finally, create fullness and lift by parting hair against your natural part, and use a texturizing styling product with vitamin B5 (also called panthenol), which thickens and holds.
Thick
Cleanse three times a week with a clarifying shampoo containing lavender. The herb’s antiseptic properties help normalize the scalp and remove residue left over on the hair cuticle. Although thick hair may not need added volume, it tends to be drier, and it requires more conditioner. “A conditioner that contains superhydrating aloe will also seal the hair shaft and protect it from styling-product buildup,” says Kingsley. To speed up drying, use a powerful blower–around 1,800 watts, and a vented hairbrush allows air to flow through, resulting in faster drying. Finish with a smoothing all-natural hairspray.
Curly
Wash hair only twice a week to avoid stripping hair of natural oils. Shampoo enriched with a plant-based moisturizer, such as glycerin, shea butter, or coconut or brazil-nut oil, helps moisturize the hair shaft and coat the cuticle with humectant fatty acids that fight frizz. Kingsley recommends rinsing hair lightly and using a deep conditioning treatment two to four times a month. Finally, seal in moisture with a small amount of aloe-rich pomade while your hair is still slightly damp, and let dry naturally.
Kinky
Look for products with ultramoisturizing ingredients, such as apricot, mango, jojoba, and rosa marqueta oil. If hair breakage is a problem, use a shampoo rich in strengthening biotin, which is part of the vitamin B complex, then rinse with warm water. (Hot water can be drying and irritating to the scalp.) While in the shower, massage jojoba oil into your scalp. This waxy oil–extracted from jojoba beans–nourishes and seals the hair shaft, which helps it retain moisture. Rinse well. Your hair should feel soft and smooth.
Delicious Living is the go-to resource for the natural and organic lifestyle, helping readers eat well, live green, and stay healthy. Visit deliciouslivingmag.com for more articles and free recipes.
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8 comments
add your comment »hi.can u help what to use exactly my hair is dry ,rough,thin .i want shine and want thick and long hair .plz help
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Christine - I would love to get your hairspray recipe. I have not had much luck with this so far.
Thanks,
Janet
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Jillian- I like using aloe, but it can make your hair feel a little sticky if left in, so I only use it as a minor ingredient in a hairspray I make. I haven't tried using it fresh though, just the gel. I also add it to hair oils, with a little vege glycerin. Massaging some shea butter lotion into my scalp has been enough to keep my scalp moisturized lately. The best thing I did for my curly hair was to stop torturing it with shampoo/soaps. All I use in the shower is an apple cider vinegar rinse which gets rid of the tangles and makes it soft, shiney and bouncy.
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My hair has never looked healthier since goint through hair detox. After learning that most hair care products can be contaminated with cancer causing chemicals and hormone disruptors in their synthetic detergents and synthetic fragrances, I made the switch to organic hair care. But beware, even some commong "organic" shampoos were tested to contain 1,4-Dioxane contamination by the Organic Consumers Association. So it pays to look closely at what the surfactant (the ingredient that bubbles and lifts the dirt away)is. Be on the look out for anything with "eth" in it like Sodium Laureth Sulfate. I prefer a gentle, greener ingredient like polyglucose, which cleans without the toxic by products.
Additionally, most commercial hair care products leave your hair coated with plastic from silicone derivatives (dimethicone, cylcomethicone, or any chemical with "cone" in it). To get the plastic out of your hair and let the natural shine come through, try this detox tip. Make a paste with an organic (silicone free) shampoo and baking soda and wash a few times. (To find a silicone free shampoo without synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals go to www.betterchoices.mionegroup.com ) This will help get the plastic out and bring your hair back to its silky, soft, natural self.
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I'd never seen the aloe recommendation for curly hair before. I've got to try that.
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My hair has never been happier since I decided to embrace my natural silver. I had to relearn what my hair texture REALLY was underneath the dye bottle. Transitioning was tricky as I had two hair textures going on at once. The dyed ends & the beautiful, shiny silver! I never would have been able to do it without support & guidance from a lovey group of international silver-haired beauties at http://www.goinggraylookinggreat.com We share texture tips & great styles, and along the way become friends. It's inspirational!!
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My hair has never been happier since I decided to embrace my natural silver. I had to relearn what my hair texture REALLY was underneath the dye bottle. Transitioning was tricky as I had two hair textures going on at once. The dyed ends & the beautiful, shiny silver! I never would have been able to do it without support & guidance from a lovey group of international silver-haired beauties at http://www.goinggraylookinggreat.com We share texture tips & great styles, and along the way become friends. It's inspirational!!
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Yeah thanx for this great article, its very nice article you know why i say you thanx because i used your tips for curly hairs and its working, thanx again..
John Bergeron Laser Lipo Houston
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