I found this article on The Longhairs blog, a site I've mentioned before.
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I’ve got 2 questions for you:

Q1. Do you struggle with curly/frizzy or damaged hair?

Q2. Have you ever heard of a keratin treatment?

If you said yes to question 1 and no to question 2 then you’re definitely going to want to see this.

We recruited our boy Thomas In Action to shed some extra light on how getting a keratin treatment can dramatically decrease your day to day battles with unruly curls and frizz.

Wouldn’t that be nice?

Frizzbuster: Keratin Treatments For Men

Need a solution for your frizzy curls?

Perfect, in this post I’m going to cover why keratin treatments are one of the best long-term solutions for guys struggling with curly, frizzy hair.

Firstly, frizzy hair is a pain in the ass. Secondly, a keratin treatment is my “AK-47” for dealing with it. A keratin treatment provides ultimate control over unruly hair and can save you from long, time-consuming hair routines every day.

Why Does Hair Get Frizzy?

Understanding frizzy hair is the first step to finding the best solution.

In short, frizzy hair is caused from the amount of open space between your hair cuticles. If you’re wondering what cuticles are, they are microscopic fish-like scales that sit on the outside surface of the hair shaft and behave in a similar fashion to the pores on your skin.

The proper term for the space between your cuticles is called “porosity,” and depending on the conditions of the air and the natural porosity of your hair, your cuticles can open wider and shut tighter.

Some guys naturally have lower porosity and experience minimal or no frizz, whilst other guys, particularly with curly hair, may experience unpleasant poof and frightfully frizzy conditions.

Understanding your hair type and where you are on the porosity chart is key when choosing a solution for your hair. In the next section I’ll explain how a keratin treatment can help guys who have curly hair and identify on the higher end of the porosity scale.

How Does a Keratin Treatment Fight Frizz?

A keratin treatment, made from same protein as your hair, is an in-salon procedure designed to close your cuticles and reduce porosity for an extended period.

Much like hair ties, these hair treatments are not well-marketed to men, usually labelled as a “beauty product.” In fact, both men and women can benefit from this type of treatment.

I recently did a post on my YouTube channel demonstrating how a keratin treatment worked on my frizzy curls and what to expect when getting a treatment. You can also find more useful information about keratin treatments on my blog to get more familiar with what this kind of treatment can do.

Are Keratin Treatments Permanent?

No, keratin treatments are not permanent and do not straighten your hair. It’s a common misconception for people to think keratin treatments work the same as a chemical straighten because they both give the hair a significantly more relaxed look.

The main difference between these two treatments is:

a) Chemical straightening psychically breaks the structural bonds of your hair. This permanently disables your curl pattern and leaves your hair vulnerable to breakage. This treatment is also irreversible so you need to think carefully before deciding on something like this.
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b) A Keratin treatment lightly coats the structural bonds of your hair, giving them a smooth, relaxed look. Instead of losing your curl altogether, it becomes looser and frizz-free, making it far more manageable every day. This treatment typically can last anywhere from two-four months, depending on how you care for it.

When I got my first keratin treatment, I was given 3 different options. I was able to have the treatment on for either 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 1 hour.

Each time length was going to give me a different result in terms of how relaxed I wanted my curls to look. The longer I had the treatment on, the more relaxed and frizz-free my hair would turn out.

I ended up choosing the 45 minute option as I still wanted a curly appearance but really wanted a frizz-free result. You’ll see at the end of my video above, I revealed my new relaxed curl pattern two days after the treatment and was pretty stoked with my results.

Since my first treatment I’ve been getting one every three months to keep my maintenance low and feeling awesome. #wouldreccommend

How Much Are Keratin Treatments?

Keratin treatments can cost anywhere from $200 - $350 in the USA depending on how much hair you have. Some may consider this to be rather expensive, however, it depends on how you value time. If you spend a lot of time trying to tame your curls and reduce frizz on a daily basis, you may find a keratin treatment more beneficial in the long run.

For me personally, getting a keratin treatment allowed me to stop fluffing around so much with my hair in the morning and focus more on my business and the content I want to make.

Plus it made the act of just doing my hair more enjoyable, which seems to be the biggest problem when dealing with frizz.

Where Can You Get A Keratin Treatment?

Well, if you’re in San Diego, The Longhairs always recommend House of Imago. If you’re elsewhere, most professional salons offer keratin treatments. Ask your trusted hair pro—here are some tips on how to confidently navigate your visit to the salon.

Shut The Front Door On Frizz

At the end of the day, picking the right solution to deal with your frizzy hair is entirely up to you. I feel it’s also got a lot to do with how your hair makes you feel.

Personally, when I have a frizzy hair day, my confidence sinks. That’s why I deem this type of thing worthy as it’s helped me manage my hair FAR easier and my bad hair days have reduced enormously.

This type of treatment can also work guys who struggle with minimal frizz. Before writing this post, I was talking to El Rubio about my love for keratin treatments and he mentioned that he gets one twice a year. And he doesn’t even have curly hair!

If you have any questions regarding keratin treatments or need advice on curly hair, please swing by my channel and say hi or leave a comment.

I hope you found this post somewhat helpful and would love to hear about your experience if you choose to get a keratin treatment.

Keep rocking that mane!
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Yours in good hair,
T.I.A.
Thomas in Action

Scientist daughter of hair guru Philip Kingsley shares ten surprising tricks to improve your locks - from snacking between meals for growth to ditching white wine to beat dandruff

If your hair is your crowning glory you might be tempted to splash out on expensive potions and products, but simple tweaks to your daily routine could be the real key to an enviable mane. 

Anabel Kinglsey is the daughter of the late hair guru Philip Kingsley, and has followed in his footsteps by becoming an expert trichologist, or hair scientist. 
She now works at her father's clinic in Mayfair in west London and has shared ten unexpected tricks that will overhaul your hair with Femail. 

Speaking to coincide with the launch of the limited edition Pomegranate and Cassis version of the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, a product originally formulated for Audrey Hepburn, Anabel reveals how your white wine habit could be giving you dandruff, as well as the perfect hairbrush to use. 

1.Snacking between meals can help keep up hair growth

The energy needed to form hair cells, which are involved in growth, diminishes four hours after eating a meal, so snack between meals to boost energy levels. 

The best energy-producing between-meal snacks for hair are complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat crackers, crudité and dips and fresh fruit.

Hair cells are the seconds fastest growing cells the body makes, so their energy requirements are massive! 

Your strands need a steady supply of energy and nutrients in order to remain in the growth (anagen) phase for their optimal length of time. Skipping meals or not eating enough can cause extra hair shedding. 

2. Use products with sunscreen in them to avoid discolouration

To avoid your hair discolouring and becoming lighter in the sun, use styling aids with sunscreens. 

This is also very important in order to avoid damage and dryness – UV rays act on hair protein much like bleach. 

Grey hair often needs added protection from sun exposure as it lacks protective pigment cells (melanin). 

3. Brushes with plastic, rounded prongs are best to avoid cuticle damage 

Brushes are wonderful styling aids, but you need to be careful when you use them. 
Incorrect brushing, and the wrong type of brush, can cause damage to your hair and scalp such as vigorous brushing can remove some of your hairs’ cuticle – the hair’s outer cell layer - which weakens it and causes breakage. 

One of the most common causes of brittle hair is over-zealous use of boar bristle brushes. 

Being quite scratchy (try running one over the back of your hand, or over your favourite sweater), they can tear away sections of your hair’s outer layer. 

This can seriously weaken strands as your hair cuticle is your hair’s main defence against environmental assaults and moisture loss. Instead, choose a paddle brush that has plastic, rounded prongs.

4. Drinking white wine, champagne and snacking on cheese is bad for dandruff 

Winter can spell trouble for those who are prone to dandruff. Sufferers who drink white wine, champagne and snack on cheese platters often find their condition triggered and made worse.  

Cheese is very hard for the body to digest and can cause an inflammatory response in certain people. 

The yeast and sugar content in white wine and champagne can also make the scalp cranky, exacerbating itching and flaking. 

Rule of thumb: foods that often trigger skin break-outs, can be similarly aggravating to the scalp. Stress that accompanies the holiday season can also flare-up a problematic scalp. 

5. It's not just your face that needs a toner - so does your hair 

Just like your face, your scalp benefits from daily use of a toner. It helps to balance the micro-flora of the scalp and ward off flaking and oiliness throughout the day. 

After shampooing and conditioning your hair towel-drying your hair, apply a scalp toner to your scalp in one-inch partings from ear-to-ear. 

6. There's no such thing as 'over conditioning'

There is no such thing as ‘over conditioning’ your hair. Limp or dull hair results from using the wrong conditioner, or not rinsing properly.

Conditioner is necessary for all hair textures as it smoothes the outer hair cuticle to lock-in moisture. It also adds shine and helps remove tangles.

You only need a small amount. Simply work it through the mid-length and ends of your hair, gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb (starting at your ends an working up) and rinse.

7. Shiny hair 

The secret to shiny hair is a smooth, healthy outer hair cuticle. The cuticle is composed of tightly packed scales that overlap like tiles on a roof. 

When these lie flat, strands reflect light incredibly well. However, when the cuticle scales are raised or damaged, hair looks dull. 

To attain immediate shine, use a conditioner and lightweight smoothing styling products. These help to flatten the hair’s cuticle. 

Long term, take steps to prevent damage to your cuticle; be gentle when you style and only brush your hair when needed – not simply because it feels satisfying. 

8. Dandruff is usually oily - not dry

Dandruff is not dry scalp. Dandruff is usually oily, so don’t rub in oil to remove it – you’ll only get oilier flakes. 

Do not confuse common dandruff with other forms of scalp flaking. If anti-dandruff shampoos do not help, visit your doctor; you may have psoriasis or eczema.

9. You can't cure dandruff 

You cannot cure dandruff forever. It's a skin condition — it doesn't mean that you're dirty, or that it's contagious, which is a common misconception.

If you are prone to it (and over 70 per cent of the population is), you can only control it. But modern shampoos, treatments, and tonics made for this purpose do so very effectively but don’t shy away from not shampooing. 

Think of any skin condition - like acne - you need to apply topical products daily to see results. If you aren't shampooing, you aren't removing the dead skin cells. 

10. Baby shampoos aren't better for your hair

Baby shampoos are specially formulated so as not to sting the eyes. But they are not better for your hair – or baby’s. Quite the contrary. 
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The best ‘baby’ shampoo is your own shampoo diluted: one part shampoo in four parts of purified water.

This article appeared on DailyMail.com

It’s a tale as old as time: Once fall rolls around, your showers may end with what looks like a small, furry animal hanging around the drain. But this doesn’t mean you’re going bald (but keep your stress in check to help maintain healthy follicles)—there’s actually a scientific reason why you shed more in the colder months.

“There is evidence that people can note increased shedding in the late fall and winter months,” dermatologist Emily Wise, MD, told Allure. “In the summer months, we hang on to more hair to provide increased protection from the sun.”

“In the summer months, we hang on to more hair to provide increased protection from the sun.”

Then, as summer ends, it’s not uncommon for women to start losing some of the hair they held onto during the summer for a late-onset “shed” phase. But the increase in shedding is likely just temporary, Dr. Wise continued.

Aside from keeping your scalp hydrated and moisturized, as well as taking your vitamins (biotin and iron, in particular!), there’s not much you can do about seasonal shedding. And, according to dermatologist Jeremy Fenton, MD, docs aren’t in total agreement about why the scheduled shedding happens in the first place: Some think it’s based on evolution, and others believe it’s the body’s way of lessening shedding come wintertime.

“These hairs are not necessarily lost forever, as a healthy hair follicle will then eventually cycle back into its growth phase,” Dr. Fenton told Allure.
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So don’t let extra shedding get you down—or send you into a panic. Instead, invest in a pretty hair catcher for your drain and daydream about the first day of spring.

 
This article first appeared on Well Good

The Festive Season is here and winter has already set in! This is a time when our hair needs to look its very best, despite the cold weather outside.

Not only does winter affect your skin it also causes problems for your hair. Therefore, it’s time to talk about winter hair care.

“You may already moisturise your skin during the winter months BUT what to do about your hair and scalp?” 

To help you sparkle this season, we’ve put together TOP 10 TIPS about how to keep your locks looking A-grade all winter!

1. Keep Your Home Warm but NOT Hot

Make sure you don’t get a temperature shock when you get home or when you’re going out. If the temperature inside your house or apartment is much warmer than outside it can irritate your skin and scalp.

2. Turn the Hot Water Down

BRRRR… It’s cold, we know! A really hot shower feels so good on a cold weather day. BUT if you wanna care for your scalp, you should turn the temperature of your shower down. Hot water is neither good for your skin or your hair.

Hot water dehydrates your skin and hair. It’s actually like cooking the moisture out of your skin, creepy right?!

Well, to help temper your use of hot water, keep the water heater at the same position all year round OR even better, see if you can edge it down in the fall and winter season.

3. Wash Your Hair to a Minimum

How often are you shampooing? Well, in the cold weather season we found, that if you’re shampooing your hair two or three times a week, you can prevent your hair from drying out too much.

4. Oil Your Hair

During the winter season, your scalp will be drier and that can lead to dandruff and scalp irritation, which in the worst-case scenario can lead to hair fall.

No matter how busy you are, really don’t forget the oil your hair needs. It’s really important to keep your scalp moisturized!

Use olive or coconut oil, massage it into your scalp and leave it in for 20 minutes, and finally rinse it out with shampoo and conditioner.

5. Double Up On Conditioner

Yup, conditioner is a must! We’ve said it before, conditioning your hair after shampooing should be an important part of your hair routine.

During winter we recommend you to use a deep conditioner plus a leave in treatment, especially for those who are living up North.

6. Dry Your Hair Correctly

When it comes to drying your hair, you should really treat your hair with care.

Even though a blow dryer is the best tool if you wanna style your hair to perfection, it can also be really harmful to your hair as the heat can dry out your hair and scalp.

Therefore, it’s important that you protect your hair with heat protection before you blow dry it. Keep in mind, that heat protection is as important as the actual blow drying part!

7. Allow Your Hair to Air Dry

If possible, it’s a good idea to let your hair air dry and limited your use of tools like dryers and flat irons. Still, be aware that going outside with wet hair in cold weather can cause your hair to freeze and break.

So if you don’t have time for your hair to dry naturally before going out, then blow dry it and use the cool setting. Once again, remember to use pre-styling spray or a leave-in conditioner before blow drying.

8. Have Your Hair Trimmed Regularly

Whether you have long or short hair, winter weather can make the ends of your hair dry and brittle. Regular trims will keep your hair in good condition and reduce the risk of split ends.

9. Throw On The Hat

To be cool and warm! Well, when the wind starts to blow, it’s time to throw on the hat. Yeah, that means saying goodbye to that awesome hairdo you’ve spent all your morning creating.

Still, wearing a hat can add an edge to your look. Just remember to pick a hat that fits your style and face shape!

10. Eat Balanced & Stay Hydrated

Eating a healthy diet full of vitamins is the best way to keep your hair and scalp looking and feeling healthy. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.

Well, are you set for the winter? Make these TOP TIPS a part of your hair care routine. A little extra care will make a big difference!
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This article appeared on SLIKHaar

Hello winter! Colder winter months always mean paying extra attention to our coily tresses. The dry air and cold wind affects the health and appearance of your hair. Just as we fight frizz during humid summer months, you want to prevent any damage to your hair during cooler dry months. Here are 10 winter hair tips for healthy, happy curls!

Add Moisture

Winter hair thrives on moisture. You can’t have too much. Winter can be a great time for curlies, as frizz-causing humidity plummets along with the temperatures. But the cold weather, along with indoor heating, also can wreak havoc on those curls and kinks in other ways, leaving them parched and brittle.

To battle the dryness, it is essential that curlies stick to a strict deep-conditioning regimen. Deep condition at least once a week (twice if you already tend to be very dry) with a deep conditioner that provides moisture only. You can't control the weather, but you can moisturize, adjust your product routine and do your best to keep the dry frizzies away.

Honey, Please

Honey is awesome when used in conjunction with a conditioner fortified with olive oil and avocado oil. If you are worried about the hair being too oily after the deep condition, use a light shampoo as a topper. Honey is a natural humectant and helps your hair retain moisture, making it a great treatment for dry, winter hair. Honey can be added to cleansers, conditioners, deep conditioners and oils. Honey also works well works when combined with other ingredients, so you can look for products that contain honey.
 
Get a Trim

Every 10-12 weeks, trim off what is dead to avoid choking the life out of your hair. When ends are split and frayed, nutrients don't know where to go. Often stylists will recommend 6-8 weeks, but this is not necessary for curly hair (when you get a cut tailored for your type).

Avoid Protein

Drying shampoos that contain too much protein and not enough natural oils are not what winter calls for. When you use products that contain protein, your hair needs extra moisture so it won't become dry and brittle. (sometimes an after-effect of using too much protein.) Since you'll be deep conditioning more make sure to pick one that is not protein rich, as too much protein can cause more frizz. A few great ones to try are: DevaCurl Heaven In Hair or Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Nourishing Masque.
 
Natural Oils Are a Must

In the cold winter months, make sure to always seal hair with an easily absorbed oil before heading out of the house. Natural oils such as jojoba, rosemary and lavender are so important in the cooler months because they help keep your scalp and hair in good condition.

Avoid the Towel

Never use a regular terrycloth towel after you shower. The coarse texture of a typical bath towel can roughen up the hair's cuticle and cause curl separation, resulting in frizz. Curlies need to use super-absorbent microfiber towels designed to reduce frizz and dry time while creating beautifully defined curls.
 
Wide-Toothed Comb

The wide-toothed comb is your friend; do not use your hands. It's important to use a wide-toothed comb because it works through the hair more easily with less damage. Always start from the bottom and work your way up.

More Product

Indoor air is extremely drying to curls so make sure to use extra product this winter. Listen for hair to squish, to make sure there's enough product in the hair. Remember, most curly hair is dry, so don't be afraid of product.
 
Extra Gel & Scrunch

Since you are using more product on your winter hair, make sure to get the most out of it. Scrunching allows your product and curls to go further. Scrunch with a liquid-y gel to ensure equal distribution of the product. Scrunching product into curls allows for better distribution and removes excess product. Scrunching also defines curls and adds volume.

Diffuse

​Wash-and-go is a thing of the past now so make sure you diffuse to set curls all day. Don't be afraid of the diffuser. As long as it has prongs, it's designed to bring out the best of your curly hair. Set it on high heat, low speed. This may take a while, but if you are patient, you'll love the way your curls look!


These tips are from NaturallyCurly