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.
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  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  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. 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 © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved - (me, not so thrilled about the pink look) I like pretty much all colors of the rainbow. Though, purple and green are my favorites. Those of you who know me know that I have been dyeing my hair purple for a few years now, give or take. I use the same brand pretty much every time and the results are always exactly as I would like them to be – every time except this time.
Silly me chose to use the more burgundy shade of purple this time to lighten it up just a tad because my purple sections were starting to look almost black or dark brown in some spots. Well, it didn't exactly turn out lighter purple – or even burgundy. It is perhaps a lighter burgundy, but more pinkish. This is definitely an occasion for the Instant No Button. Eek! It could have ended up any color but this. Pink is just about my least favorite color. So, of course it had to end up this way. It actually doesn't look that bad, if you like pink – and if I had any pink to wear with it. However, my wardrobe is mostly purple and no trace of pink whatsoever. I'm just going to leave it this way to give my hair a rest before restoring the purple. But why pink of all colors? Why? Go ahead and laugh, because I am. *I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there). by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  See how shiny my hair is without the use of keratin? It saddens me to see so many of my friends and acquaintances being misled by various beauty procedures and “miracle” tips daily. Keratin is one of those I am seeing more often recently. Is it really what you think it is?
Keratin is a natural protein that already exists in your hair. So why is it dangerous to get keratin hair treatments? Shouldn’t it be safe if it naturally exists in your hair? Yes and no. What goes into the solution and process of keratin hair treatments is not the same thing as what naturally occurs in your hair. Keratin itself is not what's dangerous. It's the products containing keratin that can be harmful. Formaldehyde, a substance widely known to be dangerous, is often used in these keratin treatments. Some beauty salons mix their own products, making it easier to have more formaldehyde used than is necessary. The more that is used, the more dangerous it is to your health. Formaldehyde is not the only dangerous ingredient or chemical contained in these treatments and what's in them can vary from salon to salon and from product to product. We are told that beauty can be painful. To that, I ask why? It doesn't have to be. These keratin treatments can cause burning eyes, throat pain, and more. In fact, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. That's right, it can cause cancer. Is shiny hair really worth the risk of cancer? Really? As if that wasn't enough of a shock, were you also aware that hair treatments are unregulated? This means that almost anything could potentially be in them. So, how do you get silky, soft hair without using keratin treatments? Simple. Avoid chemicals and costly salon treatments and opt for my homemade, all-natural treatments instead. More from Lyn Homemade Hair Masks for Shine Longer, Healthier Hair in Five Steps Sources: www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/23/salon.spa.hazards/index.html www.oprah.com/style/Keratin-Hair-Treatment-Facts-Is-Keratin-Hair-Smoothing-Safe www.komonews.com/news/consumer/117970604.html ** I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there). by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff  Is your hair looking dull and lifeless? You need a hair makeover. Revitalize your hair and make it shine with natural homemade hair masks. Chemical solutions simply coat and mask the underlying problem without actually solving it. Our family believes in giving hair the nutrition nature intended by making our own natural hair masks. Using these recipes, your hair can shine from root to tip, no matter the length or hair type.
Naturally deep condition your hair twice monthly. This natural deep-conditioning mask helps to replenish your hair and keep it shiny and silky. Mix together one egg yolk, two tablespoons of honey, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your entire head of hair from root to tip. If you have longer hair, you may need to double or triple the recipe. Once the hair is covered, place a shower cap over the hair and leave the mixture on for up to an hour. Rinse in cold water only. Warm water cooks the egg yolk and leaves a mess to clean out of your hair. For the best results, repeat the process twice every month. Give your hair a fruit smoothie mask twice weekly. In a blender, combine one banana half, an equal amount of cantaloupe, 2 tablespoons of avocado, 1 tablespoon of wheat germ oil, and 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Blend until smooth. Saturate hair with the smoothie mask. You may need to comb it into your hair to be sure the hair is evenly coated all the way through. Place a shower cap over the hair and leave the smoothie mask on for about 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Your hair will enjoy the moisture and feel silky and shiny. If your hair is extra dry or damaged, you may add a Vitamin E capsule to the smoothie mix and also rinse with a blend of water and a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This treatment can be done in between the deep conditioning hair mask above. A daily wheat and milk conditioner helps your shine. To keep your hair shiny in between other treatments, use this daily conditioning mask. Blend together one egg, 2 ½ tablespoons of powdered milk, and a tablespoon of wheat germ oil. If you cannot find wheat germ oil, substitute it with ½ tablespoon of dried wheat germ and ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Mix the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Apply the mask evenly from root to tip. Put on a shower cap and leave the shine-inducing mixture on for an hour. Rinse with cold water. Shampoo hair with one egg white and rinse again with cold water. *originally published by Lyn Lomasi on Yahoo! Voices |
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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
October 2016
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- Life Successfully
-
- Gift Cards
- Custom Healing Products & Services
- Essential Oil, Spiritual Oils, & Aromatherapy
- Bath, Beauty, & Self-Care
- Rituals, Herbs, & Altar Supplies
- Original Artwork
- Protection
- Orgone Or Orgonite
- Wands
- Yoga & Meditation
- Crystals & Gemstones
- Books & Media
- Education & Homeschool Resources
- Clothing
- Decor And Home Accents
- RV, Camping, And Auto
- BUSINESS, MARKETING, & CONTENT SERVICES
- SUBMIT GUEST POSTS
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