Hair Conditioned: The Basics

In order for hair to obtain and maintain proper moisture and elasticity, conditioning is an important part of your hair care regime. Conditioning is done in a variety of ways, from the instant conditioner you use after shampooing, to deep, intensive conditioner that penetrates the hair to give as much moisture to hair as possible, to leave in conditioner that you can apply throughout the day.

Instant conditioner is probably the most common and often used conditioner. Most of us use instant conditioner to counteract the drying detergents that are in shampoo. Instant conditioner forms a barrier on the hair, usually using wax, that attempts to lock in moisture to the hair while it is wet. Instant conditioner may also help with controlling static electricity that can make for flyaway hair, add body to limp and fine hair, and prepare hair for styling. For some, instant conditioner is good for applying to the hair like a leave in conditioner, especially for coarser hair. I like to put it on after cleansing my hair, and leaving it in as my hair dries. It keeps my hair soft and moist. Not all instant conditioners are created equal, though. You must find the best conditioner for your hair type. That goes for any type of conditioning method you choose.

I like to use the inexpensive conditioners to cowash my hair, not only to save money and keep buildup at bay, but so that I can customize it to what my hair needs. For example, to add strength and moisture, I add shikikai(protein and strength) and brahmi(moisture and strength) powders, with a bit of amla(moisture) oil. This way it makes a specialized conditioner from a cheap conditioner that is a boost to my hair health. Recently for a small boost of color and extra moisturizing, I have added hibiscus powder to the conditioner also. The hibiscus powder I have is reddish in color, so if you have blonde or light-colored hair, you might want to be careful with it. Hibiscus powder is sometimes used to make conditioner.

You can find these powder and oils online or at a local Indian grocery.

Deep conditioning can keep your hair protected from the elements

Here's my favorite: deep conditioning. Deep conditioning is a great way to impart penetrating moisture into the hair. This type of conditioner is applied to either wet or dry hair, then is left on for several minutes to several hours. This allows time for the conditioner to penetrate deeper into the hair cuticle so that proper elasticity can be obtained to the hair. This type of conditioning can be done from once a month to a few times a week, depending on the type of hair you have, and the condition of the hair from day to day. I like to deep condition because it's like having a mini spa day for myself. To make it penetrate even more, I apply my DC to dry detangled hair, put on a conditioner cap, and sit under the dryer for about 45-60 minutes (if I need to leave the house, I'll put on a lacefront wig on top of my conditioner cap. Wig suggestions are given later in this lens). This is important, as it raises the cuticles of the cuticles of the hair, so that the conditioner has no barrier to get to where it needs to go. Doing this on dry hair makes sure that water does not displace the crucial benefits that are coming from the conditioner. If I need an extra boost, I do a homemade steam for my hair. How do I do the homemade steam and what is it? Read on.

Steaming while deep conditioning imparts as much moisture to your hair as your hair will be able to take. While most heads of hair can benefit from the steam treatment, I find that it works best for hair that is more coarse in texture, such as African American hair.

There are salons that offer steam conditioning treatments, and if you've ever been to one, you well know what a treat it is indeed. The machines look similar to hooded driers, but instead of hot air, there is wonderful, wonderful steam. Not only is the hair shiny and soft after treatment, but hair that is prone to puffing up in humidity is less likely to do so. This is because the steam has infused moisture into the hair. Our hair has a limit to how much moisture it can take in. Therefore, hair that has been given a steam condition treatment is practically humidity proof. When my naturally curly hair starts to frizz and fight against my hairstyles, I know it's time for a steam treatment. After, I can tell the difference right away; my curls stay curly, and if I happen to straighten my hair for a special occasion, my style not only stays straight, but it keeps its style much better than when my hair is need of intensive care. Read on for a home steam treatment.

Thanks to a wonderful woman from this message board, I was able to take a steam treatment for a test drive before investing in a professional hair steamer.

What you will need are:

2 microfiber turban towels
2 conditioner caps
microwave
water
rubber gloves
deep conditioner

1. Once the conditioner is applied to your hair, take a microfiber towel and completely soak them, then wring them out until they are a little more than damp.

2. Put them into a large storage bag. Heat them in the microwave until they are hot and steamy.

3. After they are steamed, put on your rubber gloves.

4. Take one towel and let it cool a bit before wrapping it around your hair.

5. Fasten the towel and put a conditioner cap over it.

6. Take the other towel and wrap that over the first conditioner cap.

7. Put the second conditioner cap over that towel.

You can either wear the towels this way for about 30 minutes, rewarming the towels as they cool, or you can sit under a bonnet or hard top dryer if you have one.

After the allotted time, remove the towels and conditioner caps and rinse your hair with cold water. After rinsing, you should notice that your hair is oh so soft and moist. I dare you to keep your hands out of your hair! Either let your hair air dry or style as usual.

Homemade Hair Care Solutions

Review:Sherri
Shiny, soft, full bodied manageable hair is what we all dream of, but the reality is that most of us are forced to spend hundreds of dollars every year on hair care products to get that beautiful mane that we all desire. Humidity, pollution, genetics, sun, and the elements are all contributing factors too unmanageable, dry, frizzy, out of control hair, but you don't have to spend a fortune to get movie star gorgeous hair. Many hair products are inexpensive, and can be made right in the comfort of your own home from ingredients right out of your cupboard or refrigerator.
Of course healthy hair begins with proper nutrition which includes plenty of protein. It is also important to drink plenty of water, and take a multivitamin that contains 2.5 mg of Biotin daily to promote hair growth.
Problem: Frizzy hair

Solution: Never rub your hair dry with a towel, always pat it as rubbing it dry just makes it more frizzy. Rub a small amount of coconut oil through your hair after shampooing it or you can use any over the counter product that contains silicone. Always use small amounts to avoid a greasy look in your hair. A sheer moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed to eliminate frizzy, flyaway hair is also helpful.
Problem: Limp or thin hair
Solution: After shampooing your hair with a volumizing shampoo, rinse with a mixture of baking soda and water to get rid of shampoo and styling product build up. Use a volumizing conditioner, rinse hair, then pour a mixture of 1/4 cup of vinegar and one cup of water through your hair. Do not rinse. This will add body and shine. When blow drying, lift hair at the roots and dry on a low setting. Once styled, spray your hair with a texturizing spray.
Problem: Damaged hair from perms and dyes
Solution: Get your hair trimmed regularly every two months, and invest in a salon scalp treatment or you can give yourself an at home conditioning hair masque that will give your hair new life as both of these options work wonders on damaged hair, and it is immediately noticeable.
Problem: Humidity
Solution: Mix one egg to two Tablespoons of lemon juice, mix thoroughly and apply to your hair for five minutes. Shampoo and condition your hair, pat dry. Apply a small amount of silicone hair serum through your hair while still wet. Pat hair to remove excess wetness, now apply a small amount of hair gel and style your hair as usual.
Problem: Oily hair
Solution: Add one teaspoon of aloe vera and one teaspoon of lemon juice to your shampoo. A mild herbal shampoo works best for oily hair. After conditioning and rinsing your hair, pour a mixture of one teaspoon of lemon juice, and one teaspoon of vinegar to one cup of water, pour over your hair. Do not rinse out.
Problem: Dandruff
Solution: Herbal shampoo works wonders on dandruff, but it doesn't work alone. Plain white vinegar applied to the scalp before shampooing helps to drastically minimize dandruff. A hot oil treatment before going to bed works wonders as well. Before shampooing the hot oil out in the morning, mix two tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of vinegar together and pour onto hair. Leave in for five minutes, then shampoo as usual.
Highlights for blondes
Mix one cup of lemon juice with one cup of chamomile tea, pour on hair and let sit for an hour. Shampoo and condition hair with Dove Advanced Color Care for lightened hair.
Highlights for brunettes

After shampooing and conditioning your hair with Dove Advanced Care for darker hair, give a final rinse with black coffee or strong black tea. This process takes approximately a month before you will notice a dramatic difference in your hair.
Highlights for red hair

Red hair can vary from strawberry to dark red so you will have to find the highlighter that works best for you by rinsing with carrot juice, beet juice or cranberry juice. Pour one cup of juice over freshly shampooed hair, leave in for one hour, rinse hair.
Natural grey hair remover
Sage has a wonderful aroma and works wonders at naturally removing grey hair naturally. Mix ½ of dry sage to one cup of water, bring to a boil and then allow the mixture to cool. Strain the mixture and keep it in the refrigerator. Before shampooing your hair, massage a small amount to grey hair daily, and leave the sage mixture in for 10 minutes. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. It takes approximately a month before a change is noticed.
Homemade Hair Care Solutions Originally published in Shvoong: http://www.shvoong.com/f/medicine-and-health/255617-homemade-hair-care-solutions/

Moroccan Argan Oil - Hair Treatment for Shine, Moisture and Repair
Author: Tim Faber

There are several hair treatments available to increase shine and moisture, but Argan Oil has taken the lead as most popular and - by some accounts - the most effective. Well known for its moisturizing properties for dry hair, Argan Oil is a non-greasy application that really does add tremendous shine.

Similar to Emu Oil, Argan Oil is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 9 unsaturated fatty acids.  Omega 3's provide direct nutrition to the follicle shaft and root and improve strength and protein bonding structure - healping to repair and heal damage and split-ends.

Argan Oil is a natural, certified organic (when not blended) oil native to Morocco. Derived from the crushed fruit and nuts of the Argan tree, indigenous to Morocco, Moroccans have been using the oil as a treatment in hair and skin care products for centuries.

Surprisingly, it is non-greasy and non-oily and has become popular as a hair treatment to repair and heal damaged hair. Many believe it is excellent for locking in moisture and improving shine and luster.

A Miracle Oil Hair Treatment?

Its' primary benefit seems to come from its ability to naturally hydrate and to help stop frizziness, fly-away and hard to control, unmanageable hair. Similar in properties to Jojoba oil - derived from mid-western U.S shrubs - Argan oil has been shown to penetrate the hair shaft and almost instantly improve follicle elasticity and increase nourishment.

Generally (and recommend) applied following shampooing to wet hair, Argan oil helps detangle. It is rich in natural antioxidants that are effective free-radical fighters - helping to repair cellular membrane damage and improve strength. It naturally contains Vitamin E that helps revive and renew hair damaged by heat, wind, oxidization or over-styling and processing.

Dubbed the "miracle oil" from Morocco, Argan Oil hair treatment competes with Jojoba oil as a very effective hair treatment that renourishes and replenishes dry or brittle hair while protecting and healing damage. As an added benefit, Argan Oil appears to help color treated hair. Essential fatty acids smooth and coat the follicle shaft and have been shown to extend the life of color treated hair.

Argan Oil is fast coming on the scene as the hair treatment of choice by professional stylists and their customers. Damage from excessive styling, perms or the environment leave hair dry and weak - slowing growth and increasing frizziness. The search for a hair treatment for dry may be over? Maybe so!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cosmetics-articles/moroccan-argan-oil-hair-treatment-for-shine-moisture-and-repair-744620.html

About the Author

Shop HealthyHairPlus online for products for dry, brittle or damaged hair. Advanced formula shampoo, conditioners, styling aids and treatments - including top-rated Marrakesh Oil Treatment and natural, effective Treatments for Dry or Damaged Hair.

Sold at Walgreen's and the walgreens website.

Ingredients: Deionized Water - Aqua , Rosemary Leaf Extract - Rosmarinus Officinalis , Peppermint Leaf Extract - Mentha Piperita , Cetyl Alcohol , Stearalkonium Chloride , Polyquaternium 11 , Olealkonium Chloride , Peppermint Oil - Mentha Piperita , Panthenol , Glycerin , Jojoba Oil - Buxus Chinensis , Wheat Amino Acid , Tocopherol , Grapefruit Seed Extract - Citrus Grandis , Diazolidinyl Urea , Quaternium 22

Looking for an affordable conditioner one day, I came across this one. The rosemary and mint grabbed my attention. The rosemary because of its ability to aid in hair growth, and the mint for its tingling effects. I bought this before a jaunt to the East Coast, where the weather is not as warm as where I live (Southern Cali). At any rate, this conditioner is rather thick in consistency and feels nice going on. I use it for conditioner washes and let me tell you, the tingle is absolutely fantastic! Even after rinsing it off, I felt a cooling tingle for at least a day. It gives a fair amount of slip to the hair, but not enough in my opinion to take the place of a more penetrating conditioner.

Walgreen's has it for about 7.99. There are a variety of BioInfusion products, and I'm going to give some other ones a try. All in all I say the rosemary mint is a keeper for me.