Proper hair care starts when kids are babies. But tweens will usually start showing interest in caring for their hair themselves. This is a necessary skill. It especially comes in handy for when the kids are not with you, such as at school or at a friend's house. Whether their hair needs some extra maintenance or a full-on routine, tweens need to know how to properly care for their own hair.
Show them by example. The first step in teaching tweens to properly care for their hair is as simple as caring for your own. When they have a good example to follow, it's much easier to get the point across. On the other hand, if your hair is mess, why would they trust that what you have to say about hair care is correct? Anything you are telling them to do is something you should also be doing yourself. My kids already know that if I am telling them something about hair care, I have either been doing that myself with my own hair or theirs. If your family has various hair types, like in ours, make sure they understand which things you cannot do with your own hair, but that are great for theirs. Always have the proper supplies within reach. It's much easier to keep up a hair care routine if your tween has easy access to the supplies. Don't make her search for the basic supplies needed, like a brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner, or hair accessories. Everything your tween needs to style his hair should be in a convenient location for him. This will avoid frustration for everyone. You may be thinking about hair products that could be toxic. We have a general rule about toxicity in our house. If something's toxic enough that you'd worry about the kids using it without you, it doesn't belong in the house anyway. We generally purchase or make our own hair care products that use only natural and safe ingredients. Make it a part of the daily routine. There should be a set time for your tween to maintain her hair each morning. She should also know that even if she brushes and styles her hair at that time, there may be extra maintenance throughout the day. Most hairstyles will have to be adjusted at some point during the day. Knowing to do this will also help your tween feel more confident at school and in other public places. Explain the purposes of each item. While you may think it is obvious, there are some things your tween needs an explanation for. He may know what the item is, but does he know the purpose of it as well as why it needs to be done? For instance, myself and two of the kids use Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil in our hair care routine. For us, it helps keep frizz under control, reduces breakage, prevents dandruff and dry scalp, and more. They may know the routine and that a particular item is part of it, but let them know the reason that routine is in place. Teach them easy hairstyles. If you expect your tween to maintain proper hair care, simple styles must be taught. Of course you can also teach them elaborate hair styling techniques. But start with the basics and make sure they have plenty to choose from. This makes it easy for them to get ready in the morning. It also will help if their style comes loose at school and they need to improvise. Girls lose their ponytail fasteners often. Make sure they know how to style their hair both with and without accessories. My tweens know how to style their hair so well that they prefer to always do it themselves. Explain what happens to hair not properly cared for. Not only do tweens need to understand what happens when they style their hair, but they also need to understand what happens when they do it incorrectly. Show them what non-managed hair looks like, if possible. Talk about how people can go bald, get knotted up hair, split ends, and more when the wrong products are used or when nothing is done at all. Have them look in the mirror when they first wake up and ask them if they would go to school that way. If they are homeschooled, like mine, instead ask them if they would go meet their friends that way or go to a sports practice or library like that. When they can visibly compare well kept hair to that which isn't, they may better comprehend why proper hair care is so important. 
Lightening your hair with some highlights or throughout is a fun way to get a new look. But bleaches and lighteners can sometimes be harsh on your hair, with lasting effects. What some people don’t know is that there are some effective natural lightening methods that work on all types of hair. Get the lighter look you want with these healthier ways to lighten ethnic hair.
Prepare Your Hair for Lightening Before lightening your hair, some advanced preparation is necessary. Make sure your hair is clean, dry, and does not contain any product. This way, the lighteners will not react with any of the ingredients that your regular hair products contain. It is recommended to shampoo only with a good shampoo to remove all oils and other residue. Leave conditioning for afterward, as the conditioner may also interfere with the process. Be sure to wear clothing that you don’t mind being damaged, as some of these lighteners may have a bleaching effect on clothing as well. Lemon Juice Hair Lightening Spray This mixture can lighten your hair significantly. Therefore, it is recommended to only use this method if you are looking for a dramatic lightening effect. For naturally dark shades, expect this to create a light brown to brownish blonde highlighted look. The lighter your hair is when you start, the lighter it will be when you finish the process. If your hair is colored or lightened, measure the results by the tone of the current color. To prepare this lightening spray, you will need one spray bottle, a bottle of distilled water, and a bottle of lemon juice from concentrate. Blend the water and lemon juice half and half in the spray bottle. Shake to mix it thoroughly. Once the mixture is made, spray it onto dry hair and brush through until the hair is saturated. Leave it on until the hair is lightened as desired. Going out in the sun will help speed the process. Leave the hair down so that it is exposed to the elements. Do not leave the mixture on for more than a couple hours, to avoid excessive dryness. Rinse the hair thoroughly. Do not shampoo. Apply a good conditioner to the hair and scalp and use only oils to soften and style for the first 24 hours. After this, you can style as usual. This is to help seal in moisture and avoid dryness and irritation. Do not use this method on hair that has been chemically treated recently, as it may cause dryness and breakage. Hydrogen Peroxide Hair Lightening Spray Much like the lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide can also have dramatic lightening results. Expect to see light brown to blonde hair when using this mixture. The lighter your hair is at the start of the process, the lighter it will be at the end. If you start with a blonde tone, be aware that your hair may turn a lighter blonde to a white, silver, or gray tone. You will need one spray bottle, a bottle of distilled water, and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Mix the water and hydrogen peroxide half and half in the spray bottle. Saturate the hair by spraying it evenly and brushing it throughout. You can go out in the sun to speed the process. Keep an eye on the hair and rinse thoroughly as soon as you reach the desired lightness. Do not leave this on your hair for more than an hour, to avoid damage. Once the hair is rinsed thoroughly, deep condition the hair and scalp and use only oils to soften and style for 24 hours. Then, style as usual. If your hair is especially sensitive to breakage, this method is not recommended. Do not use this method if your hair has been chemically treated or exposed to chlorine recently. Doing so may cause the hair to turn green instead and it may also cause excessive dryness and breakage. Remember that hydrogen peroxide is a chemical. It is simply the better alternative to more harsh chemicals. Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Lightening Rinse The effects of this lightening rinse can vary from person to person. On darker hair, it may simply result in bringing out natural highlights. For the best results, the recommended distilled water is a must. Vinegar is good for deep cleansing and softening your hair. Therefore, this method has added bonuses. To create this hair lightening rinse, combine half apple cider vinegar and half distilled water in a large bowl. After your hair has been shampooed and conditioned, rinse it with this mixture, rubbing and making sure that it gets into all of the hair. Leave the rinse on the hair, as it is a rinse and not a solution. Do this frequently to slowly lighten your hair or bring out natural highlights. Style as usual, paying extra attention to your usual moisturizing process. Chamomile Tea Hair Lightening Rinse When lightening your hair with chamomile tea, expect to bring out natural highlights. The effects will occur most obviously in areas that are naturally lighter. This is simply a way to further highlight what you already have naturally. On some people, other areas may lighten slightly as well. To create this lightening rinse, make a pitcher of chamomile tea (any brand will do, as long as it is 100% chamomile tea). Once the tea is brewed well, chill it until it’s cold. After shampooing and conditioning the hair, rinse thoroughly with the tea. Do not rinse the tea off. Repeat regularly for the best results over time. Style as usual, making sure to moisturize well. Hair Lightening After-Care Remember that lightening your hair is an extra process your hair is being put through, even when the process is natural or healthier than other options. Even though alternative methods may be safer, you should still give extra care to your hair to help avoid dryness and breakage. Follow the after-care styling and conditioning instructions included with each method for the best results. Be sure to also condition the ends and provide extra oil on them to help prevent breakage. Help Minimize Morning Stress with Simple Hair Tips
The kids are looking forward to going back to school for the fall, but you're dreading that morning rush. Hair styling can take up a good portion of time if you allow it to. But there are several ways to minimize some of the time and stress involved with styling a kid's hair for school.
Wash and Condition at Night By washing and conditioning a kid's hair at night, parents can minimize the time it takes for morning hair styling. This way the time that may have been spent washing, conditioning, and drying the hair can be better spent on something else. Forget Heated Devices Not only are heated devices damaging to the hair, but they can add on a great deal of time, depending on how elaborate your kid's school hairstyle may be. If some style is needed, soft curlers can be placed in the hair before bed and are generally easy to remove. For quicker morning styling time, a large number of curlers is not recommended. Use Long-Lasting Hairstyles Kids with longer hair may benefit from long-lasting hairstyles for school. Some of these may include cornrow braids or dreadlocks. For the best results, these hairstyles should be well-maintained, as appropriate for each. If done right, there will be little to no hair styling involved while getting ready for school. This will certainly speed the morning routine. Keep Hair Short Short hair may be easier for kids to maintain themselves both while getting ready for school, as well as during school. Try choosing a short hairstyle for kids that can be achieved within just a few minutes. Keep Hair Soft Sometimes tangles in the hair can prolong hair styling time. Condition and brush the hair well at night to avoid this. Another thing that may help is to brush a small amount of tea tree oil through the hair both at night and in the morning. Extra Tips
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Image by RamonP via Flickr.com
Swimming is fun, but what it can do to your hair certainly is not. If your hair looks like you just stuck your finger in an electrical outlet and a bleach factory at the time every time you swim, then this is for you. Even if that hasn't happened to you yet, know that it can. Chlorine is not good for your hair at all. It can cause frizziness, dryness, split ends, bleaching, and more. You need some damage control for your hair before and after swimming. As someone who has personally dealt with various types of hair on myself, my kids, and other family members, I have learned quite a bit about hair.
Condition Hair Before a Swim Before swimming, it is wise to condition the hair very well. A deep conditioner is really good for this. For deep conditioning, I like my homemade avocado conditioner. It helps to protect the hair from root to tip, as well as prevents breakage and provides excellent moisture for all types of hair. Conditioning the hair before a swim can help keep it moisturized, which will help fight against the damage that chlorine can cause. Do a Hot Oil Treatment on Hair Before a Swim For extra moisture protection, as well as strength and overall protection from the chlorine, a hot oil treatment can be good before a swim. A tea tree oil blend is a good choice to use as a hot oil treatment. Simply take your hair oil of choice, heat it in a small microwaveable container for 15 seconds and smooth into the hair. Be sure to cover all areas and comb in. Leave the treatment on the hair during the swim for the most effective chlorine protection. Wash and Condition Hair After a Swim After swimming, the hair can have buildup and residue from the chlorine. It is important to wash all the chlorine out of the hair to prevent damage. In addition to depleting moisture, chlorine also can fade the color or even bleach the hair. I recommend using my homemade clarifying shampoo (the baking/soda vinegar blend). After a good washing, also be sure to condition the hair to restore moisture. A deep conditioning again with the homemade avocado treatment is a great idea and will help keep that moisture in and fight the dryness and frizz. Even though the avocado blend can double as a conditioning shampoo, the clarifying blend is necessary to remove the damaging particles contained in the chlorine. Apply Tea Tree Oil to Hair After a Swim After a swim, once the hair has been washed and conditioned, apply a tea tree oil blend for added moisture and protection. Tea tree oil is good for damage control, moisture, treating dry scalp, and fighting the fade. Tea tree oil also happens to be a fungus fighter and can repair breakage and split ends, which can help keep the hair healthy and strong. *I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image by Shota Washanabe via Flickr.com If either you or your child has been expressing interest in a summer haircut, there are many things to consider. Perhaps your child is not interested in the haircut or maybe you are the one questioning the idea. While a summer haircut may be right for some kids, it may not be for everyone. I've discussed this topic with all of my kids at some point. Together, you and your child can make an informed decision after considering all the options.
Is your child getting hot too easily? This is one of the biggest reasons people opt for shorter hairstyles during the summer. Kids are no different. If your child's hair is contributing to the heat, a haircut may help with some ventilation. Some people may instead opt to keep the child's hair in a bun, braid, or ponytail. Some kids may feel more freedom when they don't need to tie their hair back in this way. That's when a shorter cut can come in handy. How quickly does your child's hair grow back? If your child's hair grows quickly, it may not be a big deal to cut it for the summer. On the other hand, if you have a hard time getting your child's hair to grow, you may not want to do much more than trimming. If your child prefers length and it takes a long time to get there, a short hair cut may not be a very good idea. My son loves it every time I cut his hair. However, his hair grows back extremely fast. None of my girls will allow their hair to be cut by much. One has hair that grows back fast and the other two do not. How attached is your child to the longer hair? Some kids are very attached to their hair. Other than trimmings and cutting the bangs, none of my girls like to get theirs cut short, summer or not. If your child likes longer hair, you should consider those feelings before deciding to cut it all off. My well-intentioned mom made a mistake in this area when I was a kid. It was summertime and she was trying to cool me off. I ended up with a very short hair cut and I was saddened about my long hair being missing for quite a long time. To this day, my hair has still never returned to that length. Therefore, whenever I think about giving my kids a haircut, I keep that in mind. What look does your child prefer? Whenever you do anything regarding a child's look, you should always ask that person first. Talk to your child about preferred styles. Your child should always be happy with the decision. Some kids just do not like short hair, even if it feels breezier that way. Other kids aren't happy with longer hair. No matter how cute you may think a summer haircut will be on your kid, ultimately it's not your choice to make. Unless you are dealing with a baby, your child should have the final say in whether a summer haircut is ideal. At the end of the day, it's just hair. In the grand scheme of things, does a hairstyle really matter? There are so many more important things in the world to be considering. If your child is the one who wants the haircut and you are the one attached to the hair, remember that it's just hair. Hair does grow back eventually in most cases. You can also explain this to your child so that all options are covered. It will be easier for you and your child to come to a decision when all points are presented. *I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network  Trying to cut back on your budget, but just have no idea how to do that with your hair? We all get used to a certain way of getting our hair to behave. Sometimes, we even think our way is the only way. But, there are more ways than one to style that hair and they don't all require a hefty spending budget. My favorite styling products for hair are non-traditional and cost far less than many traditional methods.
Vinegar Vinegar for hair? Yes, vinegar can be used as a rinse or even as shampoo, when combined with baking soda. Vinegar cleanses the hair of impurities and works great as a substitute for clarifying shampoo. Best of all, it's pretty inexpensive at only a couple bucks for a whole gallon. It's also a great dandruff fighter and gives hair shine when used often. Baking Soda As mentioned above, when combined with vinegar, baking soda makes a great shampoo. The baking soda can help create softness and shine. It also is a good scrubbing agent to make sure the hair gets clean. The first wash might give the hair an odd texture, but continuous use will soften the hair and leave it manageable. Baking soda is very budget-friendly, costing less than $1 for a decent amount. Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil Anyone who's read my hair or beauty articles has likely seen me mention tea tree oil. I prefer the pure organic tea tree oil, but when on a budget, Hollywood Beauty has my solution. Tea tree oil can be used in most hairstyles and creates shine, helps growth, fights fungus and bacteria, fights dry scalp and dandruff, and much more. Most drugstores and grocery stores carry the Hollywood Beauty version of tea tree oil. Check near the ethnic hair products. It's actually a blend of a few different oils, but it works great and at about $3, it's more cost-effective than pure tea tree oil. Pure tea tree oil would need to be blended with other oils for extended use on skin and hair, anyhow.  Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved Ever want to eat your hair conditioner? You just might if you try these green homemade hair conditioner options. These concoctions are all better for the environment than many commercial products and also easy to make with a tasty scent.
Blend mayonnaise and avocado. Take 3 spoonfuls each of mayonnaise and mashed avocado. Mix it together well. Apply this paste to hair after shampooing and rinsing. Be sure to thoroughly cover all of the hair. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly. This is a deep conditioning treatment that helps with shine, manageability, and breakage. It's also green because these foods are naturally biodegradable. Make an oatmeal bath for your hair. This may seem odd, but don't worry. The actual oats are not going into your hair. Take an infant sock (or the toe portion of an adult sock) and fill it halfway with whole oats. Old-fashioned oats work better than instant. Tie the sock in a knot Place the knotted sock in ½ cup water and let it soak for a few minutes. Squeeze out the mixture into the water. Soak again and repeat a few more times. The water should be filmy and thick. Rinse the hair with that solution after shampooing to increase moisture and shine. The oatmeal is naturally green. But to be even more eco-conscious, rinse out and reuse the sock next time. Homemade hair conditioner custard soothes and moisturizes. Take a small container of yogurt and blend it with a couple items to make a green conditioner for your hair that you'll actually want to eat. But this custard is not going on your dessert plate. For extra conditioning, add a tablespoon of almond oil to the yogurt and blend evenly. Apply to hair in a paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Mix up a green homemade hair smoothie. Who doesn't enjoy a smoothie? This one's for your hair. Although, it might taste good as well. Add one cup of milk, one banana, and one tablespoon of almond oil to a blender. Blend until you have a thick paste. Smooth onto hair after shampooing and let it sit 15 minutes. Then, rinse. Repeat for extra conditioning. Make a banana almond whip. This is similar to the above concoction. However, this offers even deeper conditioning and thicker consistency. Blend 2 pints of heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons of almond oil, one banana, and one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract in a blender. Prepare to the thickness of a whipped topping for pies and other baked goods. Like the above conditioner recipes, apply this mixture to the hair evenly and let it set for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the hair thoroughly. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network  If you're a green-conscious mom like me, you may be concerned with what your teen is using to care for her hair. If not for the green factor, you may instead be concerned about her health. Hair styling can do some serious damage to the hair, especially if the styling products aren't natural. They can also wreak havoc on the environment, including animals. One way to ensure your teen is caring for herself as well as the environment is to teach her natural hair styling tips. These tips can be useful for both boys and girls.
Be mindful of your teen's habits. It's possible to respect your teen's current habits while also informing them of ways to naturally care for their hair. Instead of trying to make them change their entire routine, provide natural hair product alternatives to replace what they usually use. For instance, if your teen likes to use hairspray, find a natural product that has the same effect. If your teen son likes to solidify his style with gel, there are plenty of natural alternatives that work just as well or better. You may even be able to make one yourself. Talk about chemicals vs. natural items for healthy hair. Teens may be using their products simply because they like what they do. They may not realize the harm the chemicals in them may be doing to the earth, as well as their hair. Many chemicals can give off the appearance that they are improving the look of the hair, when in reality, they are causing damage. Give your teen valid examples of natural hair care that increases strength, shine, and growth. Also, teach him to be aware that packaging as just as important as what's inside. If a product claims to be earth friendly, yet the packaging is not recycled or recyclable, the product is not completely green. Never order, only instruct. While telling your teen about natural hair care, it's important that you do not force a choice one way or another. Teens can be sensitive about being given direct orders because they are at that stage where they're almost adults. Teens also like to rebel. Don't give them a reason to, especially when it's an area like this that could affect their health. Instead of making your teen feel like things need to go your way, simply let the hair care facts speak for themselves. Information with reliable proof is more attractive than an empty order. I've always taught my kids that natural products are best. But at the same time, I give those of age the responsibility of deciding for themselves which hair styling products to use. Give her natural ingredients to experiment with. Supply your teen with recipes, as well as prepackaged natural products to experiment with. You may even want to teach her how to grow her own ingredients or find them at a local market. Be sure your teen has access to plenty of options. This way, if one natural hair care method fails, he can easily try another. Teens like to experiment and try new things. So this gives them an opportunity to do so while also being more responsible when it comes to caring for the planet. Use the natural products yourself. Teach by example. If you expect your teen to believe in natural hair care, you should practice what your preach. Let your teen see you using the products. If they are keeping your hair beautiful and healthy, your teen is more likely to want to use the same thing. You may not think she cares what you are doing. But even though she may not be vocal with it, she is very likely at least observing from the sidelines. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Go green in a whole new way, and consider trading commercial hair-care products for natural, eco-friendly alternatives. I've always been into doing things the natural way and have experimented with many natural hair-care solutions over the years. I'm also very frugal, probably what some would refer to as cheap. With more and more people deciding to go green, I decided to share some of my personal tips on how women can go green with natural hair care that is also eco-friendly.
Go Green With Eco-Friendly Highlights To highlight your hair the natural way, try a mixture of 1/3 lemon juice, 1/3 vinegar, and 1/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the hair and sit in the sun for a few minutes. Rinse the hair and let it air dry naturally. The highlights should look natural. This is a great eco-friendly alternative to chemical-ridden hair dyes. Any of the mixture not used on hair can be used as an all-purpose household cleaner for counters, linoleum floors, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and more. There are many benefits in using this eco-friendly hair care product to go green. Natural Shiny Hair Care To go green with hair and still get shine, women can try mixing 1 egg, 1 tsp tea tree oil, and 1 tsp honey together. Use this mixture to wash the hair. Let the hair dry with natural air. The result will be super-shiny hair. If there is any of this natural eco-friendly mixture left over, use it as a facial cleanser. It will remove buildup, while adding moisture. In both cases, rinse with lukewarm water. Hold Your Hair With Eco-Friendly Hair Spray or Gel If you have picky hair that does not like to stay in place, try this all natural and eco-friendly method. This is an alternative to hairspray or hair gel. Mix 1 tsp honey with 2 tsp tea tree oil. Apply to the hair with fingertips in the area in need of hold. This eco-friendly hairspray alternative should not only hold the hair in place, but gives it shine and can help repel insects, such as mosquitoes. Green Curl Care for Women Curly hair can be tough to manage, but with the right natural products, your curls can be defined, conditioned, shiny, and manageable in no time. For all of that, as well as strength and split-end protection, add a quarter-sized amount of tee tree oil to your palm. Rub the palms together and rub the tea tree oil through your curly hair. This is a simple way to wear your curls natural, rather than damage them with straightening devices and products. The eco-friendly tea tree oil keeps the hair under control all day. The tea-tree oil also acts as a natural insect and mosquito repellent, while most over-the-counter hair care products contain scented ingredients that attract insects. Manage Frizzies and Flyaways the Green Way If you have frizzies or flyaways, don't reach for alcohol-filled gels and sprays that add to the problem in the long run. Instead, reach for the tea tree oil. I have tried this method on many different hair types and it has worked on hair that is straight, curly, short, long, wavy, and pretty much everything in-between. For this eco-friendly and natural alternative to hair care products for women, first wash and condition the hair. While the hair is still wet, fill the palm of your hand with tea tree oil. Run the palms together and then finger-comb and rub the tea tree oil through the hair. Let the hair dry naturally. This will leave the hair soft and untangled throughout the day. It also gives shine and control. *Note that these natural, eco-friendly hair care tips all are straight from personal experience and may not have the same results for everyone. Try at your own risk. **I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network Simple Shampoo Recipes You can be green and healthy with natural homemade shampoo. It's actually quite simple to use everyday ingredients to cleanse your hair and enhance its natural beauty. As a green conscious person and a member of a largely diverse family, I've experimented with many hair care options. If your hair is looking dull, dry, or has become unmanageable, these simple and naturally green solutions could be your answer. All of these natural shampoo recipes are environmentally friendly and work on all hair types.
Baking Soda and Vinegar Shampoo and Rinse If your hair has buildup or you just need an extra freshening shampoo, try washing with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar prior to the water rinse. Simply mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a tablespoon of water. You'll have a paste-like substance. Rub that into wet hair and scalp. Note that it will not be like a regular shampoo and will not produce any suds. This is normal. The suds in other shampoos are actually caused by the chemical composition and aren't a necessary component for this natural hair cleansing solution. Once you've rubbed in the baking soda paste, it's time to rinse with a vinegar and water solution. Put half water and half vinegar into a cup or recycled container. Pour that through the hair to rinse out the baking soda. Rinse once more with lukewarm water. This will strip out all the build-up and also increase softness and manageability without adding harmful chemicals or weighing down the hair. Mayonnaise and Avocado Natural Shampoo with Conditioner Like the baking soda shampoo above, this natural shampoo is not going to suds up like commercial shampoos. But again, this does not take away from the efficacy. Blend together an avocado and ½ cup of mayonnaise. It will be easier if you use a blender. But you can also smash the avocado and stir the ingredients together. Apply the past substance to wet hair. Allow this natural conditioning shampoo to sit in the hair for a few minutes. Be sure you have covered all of your hair from root to tip. Rinse with water. This will have a cleansing and conditioning effect on the hair. Avocado and mayonnaise are both great for shine, manageability, and for providing essential nutrients your hair may be lacking. Homemade Egg White Shampoo This is a very simple homemade shampoo. Simply crack an egg and drain out only the whites. Save the yolks for another purpose, so as not to be wasteful. When the hair is wet, apply the egg white to it. It may lather some, like traditional shampoo, but not quite as much. If your hair is longer you may need two or three egg whites for the best results. This homemade shampoo will add shine and nutrients to your hair. It also works great on many pets. Ask your vet first, of course. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network  Image (C) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved Caring for long hair can often be a chore. Proper brushing methods can help eliminate the need for extra care and additional styling products. Brushing long tresses involves more than just taking a brush and running it through the hair each day. Maintaining it properly will keep it healthy, avoid troubles later down the road, as well as save time getting ready each day. As someone with very long hair, I have learned quite about caring for it over the years.
Choose the Right Brush by Hair Texture and Style Always check the labels on a brush before you purchase it. The brush should be specific to the texture, as well as to the style you plan on creating. Brushing your long hair with the wrong brush could damage the ends, which is especially bad for long tresses. Split ends can cause long hair to look unattractive, instead of healthy. When a person's hair is long, the hair tends to be one of the first things people notice, so it is important to keep it looking healthy. What are the Best Bristles? The best bristles for brushing your long hair will actually depend on texture. Natural boar bristles are generally the best. But, if your long tresses are also thick or curly, the boar bristles may not brush all the way through. Thicker textures may require thin nylon bristles that are close together. Someone with thin hair might be better off brushing with thicker plastic bristles that are spread farther apart. To keep your long hair healthy, always check the labels to see which bristles are best in your case. Brushing from Bottom to Top Long hair gets knotted and tangled easier than shorter styles. If you start at the top, rather than the bottom during brushing, you are more likely to create more of a mess to untangle, which can actually damage the hair. Instead, start brushing at the very bottom. Brush until there are no tangles. Then, move up a couple more inches and do the same, Repeat that process until all of the hair has been brushed. Brush Hair While Wet Brushing long hair while wet helps keep the ends sealed and smooth. This is especially true if your hair is thick or curly. Brushing the hair while dry can sometimes cause split ends. Long hair specifically can react this way. Brushing Routines Of course, you should be brushing every day and as needed to maintain your style. However, people often overdo it on brushing. Overly brushing the hair can cause damage and split ends. The right amount of brushing can stimulate the natural production of sebum, as well as distribute it throughout the hair. Sebum is produced by the body and it coats and protects the hair, as well as creates shine. Brush Shampoo and Conditioner into Hair With long hair, during the washing and conditioning process, it helps to brush the shampoo and conditioner through, rather than lather it up. This ensures even distribution and also scrubs and moisturizes the scalp. Brush Moisturizers into Hair and Scalp Long hair needs extra moisturizing, as it dries and breaks easier than that which is shorter. Tea tree oil is my favorite moisturizer. It softens the hair, helps prevent dandruff and other fungus, makes it shine, and also helps to stimulate growth. To brush in the tea tree oil, put a quarter-sized amount in the palm of your hand. Rub both palms together. Now rub the palms through the hair and then brush it. Repeat until all of the hair is shiny. Do not over-use the oil though. The point is to make the hair soft, but not to saturate it with the oil. If you prefer other moisturizers, the process would be the same. Just remember to avoid products that contain alcohol and chemicals. They may make it look good temporarily, but they are actually damaging over time. Avoid Styling Products that Contain Alcohol This goes back to the chemicals. Many styling products contain alcohol. However, alcohol and other chemicals cause dryness, create split ends, and cause unnecessary buildup that is damaging to hair and scalp. All natural products that contain no preservatives, chemicals, or alcohol are best. Olive oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, coconut milk, cow's milk, almond extract, avocados, and eggs are all examples of natural moisturizers.  Like the tousled hair look? Unsure how to get your hair that way? Don't worry. There are several easy ways to get your hair to look tousled, even with the straightest of hair. Straight hair is sometimes the toughest for this style, but really it can be done fairly easily. Tousles look best in loose waves or straight hair, but can also be done in curlier hair. All of these methods work for all hair types and lengths.
How to Get Tousled Hair by Teasing For this method, first wash the hair. Don't use conditioner and let the hair air dry. Now, take a comb and grab a random section of hair. In random areas of that strand, take the comb and comb the hair backwards. This is called teasing. However, for tousled hair, you are just going to do it slightly, not all the way up the strand. Just grab random sections and repeat this process. Then, hold your head upside down. Spray it with Honeybee Gardens Alcohol Free Hairspray and put your head back up. If need be use the hands to further shape the hair. This hairspray has an added benefit of sunscreen protection. How to Get Tousled Hair by Planning Ahead To get tousled hair the old-fashioned way, wash and condition the hair right before bed. Comb or brush it, but don't dry it. Place a towel on your pillow and put all your hair behind you onto the towel. Those with longer hair may need to extend the towel beyond the pillow. Let the hair dry while you sleep. When you wake up your hair will be tousled. Don't comb or brush it. Just spray it with Honeybee Gardens Alcohol Free Hairspray and maybe shape it a little with your hands. Of course, if there are any big knots or completely unruly spots, those sections can be combed out. If your hair is extra short, this still works. Just skip the upside down part and rub hands across hair with the hairspray in the hair. How to Get Tousled Hair With a Blowdryer To get tousled hair with a blowdryer, wash and condition the hair. Comb or brush the hair. Now, hang your head upside down and turn the blowdryer on low heat. Too much heat can be damaging. If your blowdryer has a cool section with no heat, that is the best, but a low warm will work as well. Start drying the hair, still with it upside down. Once it is closer to being dry, spray with Honeybee Gardens Alcohol Free Hairspray and start scrunching the hair while it dries completely. Once the hair is all the way dry, flip it back right side up. You may need to do some minor shaping with your hands, but that's it. If your hair is extra short, this still works. Simply forego the hair being upside down. While the blowdryer is running, rub across the hair back and forth, still with the hairspray in it as well. Do this until it dries. by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image (c) Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved Tired of fussing with your hair every day? Frustrated with knots, frizzies, split ends, flyaways, or other hair styling problems? I went through many brands of hair styling products, both salon-grade and traditional, before I finally realized that most of that stuff is what caused the damage to begin with. This rang true for the varied hair types and lengths my family has.
Fed up with spending too much money looking for the right solution, I started opting for more natural solutions to solve my hair issues. Here are some of the things I do to keep my hair looking great without too much fuss and product. Organic tea tree oil (and sometimes other oils) is the only styling product I use on my hair, no matter the style. Tame the Bedhead Look To tame the bedhead look, apply tea tree oil to the hair by first rubbing it into the palms of your hands. For long hair, use about a quarter size drop and for shorter hair, use about a dime size. Now apply that to the hair, starting at the tips and working up to the roots. Take a boar-bristle brush, wet it, and brush through the hair. Start from the bottom and work up to the top as hair becomes untangled. Reduce Static or Flyaways If you have one stray hair or section that just won't seem to stay down, try taming it with some tea tree oil. You only need a small amount and this generally works for both straight and curly hair. Simply apply the tea tree oil to the troublesome area and smooth with fingertips. Sometimes brushing is required, but not always. Reduce Breakage To reduce breakage, you guessed it, I apply tea tree oil to the tips and roots of the hair. Over time, it helps to heal split ends and keep the hair stronger and healthier. Create Shine Yes, it's true. The tea tree oil creates shine as well. If you would like your hair to be shiny without feeling weighed down, tea tree oil is the answer. Only a small amount is needed and its lightweight consistency allows the hair to still breathe while shining. Simply apply all over the hair, but sparingly. Cure Dry, Itchy Scalp If your scalp gets itchy and dry (or even flaky), apply tea tree oil to the scalp every night before bed. Doing so after a good shampoo and condition gives the best results. Gently massage a small amount all over the scalp, paying special attention to the driest areas. Create Curls Without Using a Heated Product After a good shampoo and condition, apply tea tree oil throughout the hair and scalp. Now, braid the hair in two braids down the side and sleep that way. This creates loose, wavy curls. For shorter hair, you may need more than a couple braids because of the shorter strands. For tighter curls, use more braids that are smaller. Take the braids out in the morning and just finger comb through the hair and go. Fight The Frizz Anyone with thick or curly hair probably has experienced frizz at one time or another. It isn't fun. It can look like you just received an electric shock. Instead of going around like that, apply tea tree oil throughout the hair, starting at the tips and smoothing down and into the hair, eventually getting up to the roots. Thick, curly, or long hair will require more than short or straight hair. After application, finger comb or use a wide-toothed comb. Fight Dry Hair To fight dry hair, apply just as if you were fighting frizz. Tea tree oil can fight the dryness without flattening hair. Be careful not to put in too much, especially if your hair is thin or straight. by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Image (c) Lyn Lomasi, All Rights Reserved In terms of healthy hair, what first may come to mind is what you put into your hair, not necessarily your stomach. However, if you want your hair to look its best, a diet for healthy hair must also be considered. Protein and certain vitamins and minerals are all required to create the best diet for healthy hair. This is not a complete list, as the required nutrients can come from many sources. However, the below foods should be a great start to a healthy diet for healthy hair.
Dark Green Vegetables Dark green vegetables are on the list for the best healthy hair diet because they produce Vitamins A and C. These both help the body to create sebum, which is a natural hair conditioner. While we're mentioning Vitamin A, we can't leave out carrots, which also have a healthy dose. Egg Whites Egg whites are an excellent source of protein and can be prepared in many ways. In the morning, try this diet for healthy hair by scrambling an egg white. For lunch or dinner, add a diced, hard-boiled egg white to a fresh salad. Nuts Many nuts contain nutrients that are optimal for healthy hair. Walnuts contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for smooth and shiny hair. Zinc is an important ingredient contained in many nuts. Did you know that not including enough zinc in your diet can actually cause your hair to shed? Be sure to eat plenty of nuts daily as part of your healthy hair diet to avoid this. Whole Grains Zinc, iron, and the B vitamins all can be found in whole grains. Cereal, whole grain rice, and whole grain breads all are great sources for these. Depending on the time of day, choose which go best with your meal for a healthy diet. Including these items can help prevent hair shedding and increase shine and strength. Bonus Tips Don't just eat these food items. Some also can be used directly in the hair. Milk is a great rinse for extra condition and shine. Egg whites can be used as a shampoo for shine and strength. To get the most out of the healthy diet foods for healthy hair, be sure to blend them with each other -- and other food items -- to create well-balanced meals. Healthy hair also comes from a healthy body. Part of having a healthy body includes eating right. *The author is not a licensed nutritionist or medical professional. Always contact your licensed doctor for your specific dietary needs. **I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network  Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved Tired of trying endlessly to get your to grow and be strong? It can be a difficult and grueling task with sometimes less-than-positive results. Because I believe in natural beauty, I am always finding things from nature to keep my hair long and healthy. The regimen below has kept my hair healthy, happy, and helped it grow too. Perhaps it will work for you as well. Thoroughly cleanse with vinegar and baking soda. First, make a paste with equal parts baking soda and water. Massage it through the hair and scalp and rinse thoroughly with a 50/50 solution of lukewarm water and vinegar. Some may need to do this twice to remove dirt and buildup. The baking soda acts as a scrubbing and softening agent. The vinegar helps remove buildup and provides a clean rinse. Also, when the two blend together, it creates a bubbling action that helps remove residue. Do this about once per month to remove buildup. Follow up with an egg wash. Get one egg and a small container. Separate the egg white from the yolk. You can save the yolk for food or other purposes, so as not to waste it. If you have thick or long hair, you may need to use more than one egg. The egg white is your wash. You can add a drop of pure almond oil to the egg white for extra shine. Saturate the hair with the egg white wash. Leave it on for about a minute. Then, rinse thoroughly. Mask your hair with a homemade minty avocado strawberry conditioner. This step gives the hair some deep conditioning and also helps with shine. Saturate the hair completely with this conditioner, as you would any hair mask. Apply a shower cap to the head to hold in the moisture. Leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly. You will likely notice shine and manageability right away. Do this regularly for the best results. Keep up the egg wash and avocado conditioner mask. In order to maintain this healthy look, be sure to repeat the egg wash and avocado mask regularly. I recommend doing this 3-4 times per week. It should replace your normal shampoo and conditioning routine. You will probably notice that over time, the hair starts to look healthier and healthier. The protein in the egg whites helps the hair shine and also adds strength and helps prevent breakage. The avocado mask helps moisturize, strengthen, and seal split ends. It also contributes to the shine and manageability. Avoid heat and chemicals. For the best results when using this regimen, avoid any heated styling products. This means blow dryers, hot combs, curling irons, hot rollers, and any other such devices. While these products may help you achieve certain looks, they also contribute to split ends, breakage, dull hair, and other issues. Chemicals do the same thing, but in a different way. There is no need to use chemicals on the hair. Hair can dry naturally. Plastic and foam curlers can be used instead of heated ones. To make the hair more straight, wet it and comb in homemade minty avocado strawberry detangling conditioner. Leave it on the hair and comb through slowly while blow drying the hair on the cold setting. This may take longer than the heated option. But your hair will thank you for it. *The information herein is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace the advice of a licensed medical professional. Always consult an appropriately-licensed specialist when it comes to your health. **I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network LAST UPDATED 2/23/2022 by Lisa Mason, Contributing Writer Don’t let a bad hair day get you down. There are quick and easy hair fixes for all hair types out there and once you learn the tricks that will work for you, then you can sport beautiful hair day or night, without a lot of fuss and stress. I’ve been told I have beautiful hair and I appreciate the compliment because those who live with me know that I have had my fair share of bad hair days. I have an interesting hair type that can be both a blessing and a curse. My hair stays where it goes when it is wet. This means a great blow-out will last until it’s washed again, even after sleeping on it but a sudden downpour of rain means insta-bad-hair-day. It also means I can add a little lightweight product to my damp hair, poof it a bit and allow it to air dry to experience loose, wavy curls that are an easy no-fuss style. And it also means that when I want to use a high-heat curling iron and style my tresses, they will likely remain in this curled state until my next hair wash. While it probably sounds great, there are some real downsides to this type of hair. For one, certain hairstyles are very high maintenance. I’m also highly susceptible to frizz. Still another fault, my hair does not do swimming pools at all! But over the years, I have learned to love my locks and you can do the same. It all begins with understanding your hair type and your personality type. No matter which you are, it’s important to work with your hair and not against it. Trying to make your hair do something it wasn’t meant to do, especially on a regular basis, is just a recipe for disaster. Here are some quick tips for hair types: If your hair falls flat- Curly and straight hair alike can benefit from more boost. Avoid cream or oil based hair care products and at night, pull your hair into a high, loose ponytail at the top of your head. When you take it down in the morning, you will have more body and less flat hair. If your curls get the frizz- Curls can be a mess when they don’t go where you want them to. Use a flexible-hold styling product and your fingers to help twist your locks in the natural direction of the curls. If your locks are color treated- Colored or highlighted hair needs special treatment. The sun’s rays, regular washing and chlorinated pools can all wreak havoc on your color-treated hair. Use a special shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair and try to limit sun and pool exposure. Here are some quick tips for personality types: The sporty gal- When a regular ponytail just won’t do, consider the flirty but sporty look of a short style. Alternatively, carry hair bands with you often or opt for a more traditional French braid or French pigtails instead of the boring I-just-threw-a-scrunchie-in approach. The busy new mother- Just because you have a new baby doesn’t mean you have to look a mess. Consider a style that you can sleep on. This allows you to prep the night before and get up in the morning with your hair ready to go. The glam girl- When you like big hair but don’t have time for the fuss, consider clip-in extensions that add volume and length to your hair. They are now more affordable than ever before and they’re really easy to use. Casual chic- For you, the haircut is going to be essential. You need something sophisticated, but simple. A wash-and-go style is preferred and will keep your hair healthy and you happy.  Image by Vivian Farinazzo, phalinn, skampy via Flickr.com Lisa Mason is a freelance writer, mother to five and youth sports coach residing in Central Texas. She has published hundreds of articles on writing. Lisa has been a Community Guide at Yahoo! Contributor Network and has been writing professionally since 1998 with a specialty in Internet content. Search her profile for articles on writing and writing tips. Lisa officially began her writing career at the age of 16 after writing for school and local newspapers as well as trade and regional publications. She is the author of 3 writing books, 3 video game guides, 3 poetry anthologies and a how-to poetry book. |
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans Content Community. Services include ordained soul therapy and healing ministry, business success coaching, business success services, handcrafted healing jewelry, ethereal and anointing oils, altar and spiritual supplies and services, handcrafted healing beauty products, and more!
Lyn is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! While rescuing civilians from boring business practices and energy vampires, this awesomely crazy family conquers evil and creates change. They live among tigers, dragons, mermaids, unicorns, and other fantastic energies, teaching others to claim their own power and do the same. By supporting us, you support a dedicated parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to several causes. Profits from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature support these causes and our beautiful family! HIRE OR SHOP WITH LYN | CONTACT LYN Archives
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