Product Quickie

There are so many stores that sell hundreds of products. What's the best store to buy hair products at--I'm not sure. It depends on what you're looking for and your budget. A lot of products I use, or try, I find randomly. I might be at the store for socks, and see there's clearance shelves full of conditioner, and there it is! I'll show you some products that I use, describe them, tell where I found them, and how much.

I've used Eco Styler gel for some time now. Just recently was the variation with Argan Oil was discovered by me. Eco Styler with olive oil was the version that I was familiar with. It was mostly used to smooth down the edges of my hair, for flat twists, and wash n go's. Notice the difference in size of these two containers.

Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel:

• Bought at Sally's Beauty Supply
• 32 ounces
• Cost about $8
•  Alcohol Free
• 100% Pure Argan Oil
• My uses: wash n go's, edge smoother, flat twists

Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel:

• Bought at Dollar General Store
• 16 ounces
• Cost about $5
• Alcohol Free
• 100% Pure Olive Oil
• My uses: wash n go's, edge smoother, flat twists

My favorite way to do wash n go's, and probably the easiest, is to simply use conditioner. If I'm in a hurry, or know that I'll be doing my hair later in the day, I'll use a cheap conditioner. Conditioner is the easiest and quickest way to define my curls after washing/wetting it. I choose a cheap one, because I can afford to use a ton of it at a time. If I pay $15 for conditioner it's not going to be used up in one day--just saying. Suave Naturals is my go to cheap conditioner for quick wash n go's! I like the smell of coconut, so Tropical Coconut is the scent I choose.

Suave Naturals: Tropical Coconut

• Bought at: Dollar General Store
• 15 ounces
• Cost $1
• Water based
• Contains honey, rosemary, and coconut extract
• My uses: wash n go's

Lustrasilk is great for deep conditioning. This helped me a lot while I was transitioning! Your hair feels soft, smells great, and is easily detangled after using this. There are a few different kinds out there, but these are the two that I use the most. I see these often at just about any store I go to that sell hair products. The only difference, like with the Eco Styler, is probably the price. After washing my hair I use a couple of hand fulls of this, and soak my hair, then cover with a shower cap for at least 30 mins before rinsing.

Lustrasilk Tea Tree- liquid cholesterol (blue):

• Bought at: local hair store
• 20 ounces
• Cost: about $5
• Contains vitamin E, tea tree oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, rosehips extract
• Great for dry, itchy scalp
• My uses: deep conditioning, wash n go's

Lustasilk Herbal- cholesterol (orange):

• Bought at: local hair store
• 20 ounces
• Cost: about $5
• Contains carrot oil, rosemary oil, sage
• Great for damaged, relaxed, and chemically treated hair
• My uses: deep conditioning

I try to keep an eye out for clearance bins of random products. When products are super cheap it's a great time to buy and try! Even travel sizes are cool if you're curious about something, but don't want to spend the money on the full bottle. Walmart usually has a clearance isle. I've found tons of hair products, tools, accessories there before. I'll keep you posted if I find a good haul!

Do you have any products to add to the list? Know of any places for hair products? Comment below ^_~"

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Warning: High Heat

Did you know.... that using a heated hair tool that's too hot can permanently damage your hair after just one use?? Yep, it's true! This damage causes the cuticle to stay straight and not return to its curly state even after many washes.

Did you know.... that your hair can literally boil from heated hair tools if they're not properly used? When this happens the keratin softens and can explode.


Magnified you can see the heat damage--bubbles were caused
Image from: pgbeautygroomingscience.com



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The 1st piece of hair gets the tool when it's at its hottest and in its most damaging state!!
Example of heat damage from a styling tool--courtesy of my cousin

 Did you know.... that different hair types (straight, curly, wavy, and thin, etc.) have temperature limits when it comes to heat?


Do you use the suggested amount of heat? Too much, too little?
Image from: Folica.com


Did you know.... that the smoke you see while blow drying is actually moisture evaporating from your hair! This can cause serious damage that can't be repaired.


Image from: wikipedia.com



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Photos of Heat Damage:



Magnified Split Ends
How to fix--cut them off! If you ignore
them, they can travel up the hair shaft.



THIS is what my patch of hair looked like when I tried to hot comb it!!!
The only difference was that the damaged remains were in the crown of my head. There was NO hiding them!



Healthy hair over length! If you focus on the over all
health; the length will come.



Over processing your hair with chemicals can result in the same damage as putting too much heat on it!

****TIPS****

~~Always flat iron clean and conditioned hair! This can help minimize possible damage.

~~It's best to towel dry your hair as much as possible before blow drying. Blow dry on medium-low heat.

~~Invest in a good flat iron. The money spent is well worth the protection and outcome of your hair!!

~~Always use heating tools that YOU can control the temperature of! Off-On buttons aren't going to cut it.

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Ways to Protect Your Hair:

• Check to see if the flat iron you bought also has heat protecting products
• Use the lowest recommended setting to begin
• Recognize different textures (if any) in your hair. Different sections may need different amounts of heat
• Never style wet hair!! Make sure your hair is 100% dry
• Use shampoos/conditioners that assist in straight styles. That way you won't have to apply heat daily
• Blow dry/flat iron in sections. Smaller sections will need less time under heat vs. a thick section
• If heat's a must--deep condition weekly to prevent damage
• When possible--air dry your hair
• Try heat activated products
• Follow the directions that actually come with your styling tools

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You shouldn't be afraid of heat, or avoid it completely. With all things, moderation, information, and protection are the key!! At least in theory right ^_^  Me personally, I use a flat iron, and blow drier, but on rare occasions. It only takes one time for damage to be done though! There are ways to help protect your hair against the heat of styling tools.

Heat can also be a positive thing for you hair. When conditioning, the reason it's advised to rinse with lukewarm water, or to wear a warm towel/shower cap, is because of the heat. Heat "opens up" your hair allowing for the conditioner to be absorbed. If the heat source is too hot, yes damage may be done.

Are there any products that you use to help prevent heat damage?

Have you had to deal with damage done by you, or a stylist??

Is there a brand of styling tools you'd recommend???

Comment below!!!