What are the benefits of deep conditioning?

Yes, regular conditioners work to soften hair, minimize frizz and smooth cuticles. But deep conditioning takes it a step further by helping to restore your strands’ natural oils. It also works to prevent split ends and breakage, improve texture and promote elasticity. If you use a deep conditioner consistently, it can lead to shinier, softer and stronger hair. All hair types can be deep conditioned but damaged, brittle and color-treated hair will benefit the most.

OK, and how exactly do I deep condition? 

Step 1: Identify your needs. Is your hair super dry? Is it lacking definition? If you’re looking to hydrate your hair, make sure the products you choose have ingredients like coconut oil, amino acids and certain silicones. If you want to bring your strands back to life, find products packed with protein. And if you’re looking for a bit of both, try alternating between hydrating and protein-filled deep conditioners.

Step 2: When choosing a product, be cognizant of your hair type. If you have fine hair, select a light formula that won’t weigh down your locks. For thicker hair, look for something that fights frizz. Make sure the ingredients target the concerns you identified.

Step 3: Once you find the right product, decide if you want to use it pre-poo (before shampooing) or clean your hair before applying the deep conditioner. Not sure? The pre-poo method helps jump-start the detangling process and works the treatment into dry hair; washing your hair first opens up the cuticles for better absorption. 

Step 4: After you’ve figured out which method to use, apply the deep conditioner from roots to tips. It’s important to focus on the ends, which are usually the driest. A wide-tooth comb is a great tool that can help you distribute the product evenly throughout your hair and get those pesky knots out quicker.

Step 5: Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and wait 20 to 40 minutes (time will vary depending on the thickness and length of your hair). To enhance the benefits of the deep conditioner, warm your hair with a blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting to open up the cuticles.

Step 6: Finally, rinse with cold water to retain moisture and close the cuticles. Then wash your hair as usual. It’s suggested to deep condition hair regularly at least once or twice a week.

Here are five deep-conditioning hair mask recipes to make at home, because what’s more fun than playing scientist in your own kitchen?

1. Honey and Olive Oil
We already love using olive oil to bring moisture back to dry, brittle hair, and adding honey is a hydrating bonus. Combine ¼ cup honey with ¼ cup olive oil and whisk until smooth. (You can add more olive oil if you prefer a less sticky substance.)

After washing your hair with shampoo, apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave it for 20 to 40 minutes. 

When time’s up, rinse and finish your hair washing routine. Use this deep conditioner once or twice a week, depending on your level of dryness.

2. Egg Yolk and Coconut Oil
If your hair needs some strength training, look no further than this combo. Dry, damaged and curly hair can use this mask to reduce protein loss, increase moisture and prevent breakage. 

Combine 1 egg yolk with 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and whisk until smooth. (Add more of each ingredient depending on the length and thickness of your hair.) After shampooing, applying to damp hair, leave on for 15 to 20 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

3. Avocado and Mayo 
The antioxidant vitamins C and E in this mixture work to keep hair shiny, soft and hydrated. Combine half an avocado with ¼ cup mayo and stir until smooth. You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to mask the smell of the mayo.

Massage the treatment onto dry hair and cover with a shower cap. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off and starting your wash routine. Use this deep conditioner once a week for softer hair.

4. Banana and Honey 
Banana’s potassium, vitamin C and biotin elements combined with honey (which promotes hair growth, volume and shine) make for a useful deep conditioner. Whether you want to prevent dandruff, moisturize your scalp, improve shine or all of the above, this mixture can help make hair soft, strong and thick.

Mash a ripe banana in a bowl, then stir in 1 tablespoon honey. (You may want to add more honey depending on your hair’s length, dryness or thickness.) Apply the mixture to damp or dry hair, then cover for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse out and wash hair as usual.

5. Greek Yogurt, Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
No one likes frizz, and this combo puts flyaways to rest. While the apple cider vinegar works to stimulate hair growth, detangle hair and make it shiny, the Greek yogurt provides the protein your hair is craving.

Combine ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. (You can also add an essential oil to make the mask smell nice.) Apply to damp hair, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse.

Anything else I should know?

You can store a DIY mixture in the fridge for two or three days. Longer than that, you risk bacteria growth. And if you have a store-bought deep conditioner you love, why not enhance it with some of the ingredients mentioned above?

Whatever you decide, deep conditioning can lead to much healthier locks (and way more effective self-care days).
 
Get the full article at PureWow

One of the things I really don't like hearing from my clients is when their guy say's their hair is "Just OK".  They'll cheap out on getting a decent haircut and settle for something that's "Just OK".   Come on guys.  Don't neglect your most important accessory.  

The thing you don't have to settle for when it comes to your hair is it just being "Just OK".  Below is a list of tips to get you through those "Just OK" hair days.

My top tips would be:

• Get a Haircut Every 4-6 Weeks
• Always Condition After You Shampoo (And Even When You Don't)
• Be Gentle When Towel Drying Your Hair
• The Way Your Hair Dries Is The Way It's Going to Stay
• Don't Cheap Out
• And most important: Don't Cut it Yourself 

If there’s one thing that unites humanity, it’s that we all want great hair, but I’ll be the first to admit, achieving it is a struggle. When good hair days feel few and far between, it’s easy to settle for just okay. Well, fellow men, we don’t have to.
​
The goal of most men is to spend as little time in the bathroom as possible. That’s why we tend to cut our hair shorter. Less hair means less maintenance, right? But, the pitfalls of this thinking is that the tenants of good hair apply no matter how long your hair is, what texture it is, or how much you have. Attaining great hair doesn’t take a lot of effort, either, as long as you know what to do.

Here are the best tips for all men to achieve their best hair possible, straight from the experts.

Read More >>

I am OPEN: 

Our beautiful profession has endured the trials of history. Through it all, the beauty profession has thrived for centuries. We see no change for the future and the Coronavirus is another challenge that we will face together and in a thoughtful way. So, I am open for business and here to serve you. 

Focus on Sanitation: 
Sanitation is something that we all can truly manage effectively. Please engage in implementing the following sanitation protocol:  
* Hand Washing with Soap, Regularly and Thoroughly
* Wiping Down Common Surfaces with Disinfectant
* Covering when Sneezing and Coughing
* Practice Social Distancing

Your Health Matters: 
If you are feeling unwell please let me know so that we can reschedule your appointment to a time when you are feeling better.

Please reschedule your appointment if in the last two (2) weeks you have:

* Experienced fever, tiredness, dry cough, aches & pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea or
* Travelled to any location subject to Level 1, 2, or 3 travel health notice by the CDC (such as Iran, China, Italy, South Korea, Japan, or Hong Kong)

- Hair by Brian

It isn't often that you support a KickStarter and it becomes an Oscar winner.

When Hair Love first came across my "desk" 2 and a half years ago something told me it would be a brilliant short film.  Around that time a few YouTube videos were popping up of Dads learning and sharing their experiences doing their daughter's hair.  Not only was it adorable seeing these Dads fumbling around in uncharted territory, it was also very heartwarming watching the bond happening between a father and daughter.  

In case you missed it, here's Hair Love.  ​

I have a little bit of everything for you this month.

About 2 ½ years ago I heard about a KickStarter called “Hair Love”.  I don’t think any of us that funded the project knew it would be so timely and received so well.  You can see the Oscar winning short film below.

Deep conditioning is underrated.  No matter the condition of your hair, most of us can use a little extra loving up there.  I have a nice How To article that even includes a few DIY recipes.

Guys - You should never settle for “Just OK” hair.  With just a little extra effort (and following a few of the tips below) there’s no reason you shouldn’t have best hair possible.

Continuing with my “Follically Challenged” Section I have a  New York Times article about a woman who was losing hair by the fistfuls and what may have been the cause.  I’ll just say one word: STRESS

I think you all know I’m a Bay Area sports fan.   I’ve also shared articles with you on the benefits of CBD Oil.  Just like you and I, athletes are searching for less addictive methods to deal with aches and pains.  Attitudes about cannabis are changing.  Hopefully the article I have for you will shed a little light on a very complicated topic. 

The Butt Cut?  What the heck is that?  I’d never heard the expression and had to look it up. 
 
That’s just some of what I have for you this month in “As the Chair Turns”.
 
Enjoy!