You’ve been extra protective of your hair since your little brother cut it with his blunt-end scissors in the fourth grade and made you look like one of your experimental Barbies. So why, pray tell, are you still washing your locks with sulfate-ridden products? Enter L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo. With claims that it’s gentle on color-treated and fine hair, doesn’t strip your strands and still keeps the satisfying suds (and even more satisfying price), the shampoo seems like a worthy contender for your tried-and-true formula. In the name of healthy hair, I volunteered my locks for the cause for a whole month to find out for sure. Here’s what I learned.

My Ends Looked a Little Less Like Straw
Full disclosure: It’s been about seven months since I’ve had a haircut. Needless to say, my ends have seen better days. Which is funny because I am actually obsessed with having super-soft, fluffy hair. Hair masks and serums are only a temporary fix, though, which is why I was genuinely excited when, after a month of using L’Oréal Paris EverPure, my hair just felt…better. It certainly didn’t reverse my split ends, but it did make them a lot less brittle. How did I first realize this? Within a few days of making the switch, someone at work asked if I had gotten a fresh blowout. (I may have cried a little.)

I’m Planning to Push My Hair Color Appointment
Fun fact about me: My natural hair color is a flat, mousy shade of brown, so I dye it to get that extra dimension and general oomph. Normally, I get it touched up every six weeks. (I should actually do it at four, but I stretch it as far as I can because professional dye jobs ain’t cheap, y’all.) That said, I got my hair done a week before going sulfate-free. That was five and a half weeks ago. And I don’t feel like I need to go back anytime soon. Of course, the color is not as vivid as day one, but holy highlights, it is brighter than it usually is by this time. This is probably a good time to mention I’ve also been using the coordinating sulfate-free conditioner, which has an anti-fade formula. Double whammy, I guess.

Shocker: I Didn’t Miss the Suds
Mostly because when I lathered up, it produced the same level of froth I know and love from regular shampoo. The first time I used it, I loaded up because I thought I’d need the extra amount to feel clean. (I’ve tried cleansing conditioners in the past, and even though I knew they weren’t supposed to lather much, I always felt like they weren’t really working.) Not the case here. I had suds for days. The next time I washed my hair, a couple nights later, I used a normal amount and still had the same soapy results.

So You’re Probably Wondering If I Live a Sulfate-Free Life Now
The answer is yes—mostly. I’ve always kept a nice, full shower rack, so I still have some other shampoos in there that I’d feel guilty throwing out. But once they’re gone, I’m planning to make the official swap for good. L’Oréal Paris EverPure smells good (it has a rosemary scent,and I got another herb-smelling body wash to match) and it’s not salon expensive. So, yeah—see ya later, sulfates.
This article first appeared on PureWow

Coloring your hair is easier than ever before; you don’t need to worry about heading over to the salon – all you need to do is go over to the store, buy a box and get started. It really is that easy, and there is a good chance that the box does not necessarily come with all of the instructions that you need. While this is unfortunate, there are instructions online that you can use to ensure you get the hair done properly.

There are a few things that you will need to do in order to ensure that your hair comes out right whether you have virgin hair, or if you’ve been using an ionic ceramic flat iron for your entire life. The first thing we want to say is that if you happen to be getting a keratin treatment, then it would be best to do so when you color your hair, no question there. Apart from that, there are certainly a few other things that you need to know.

The Importance of Keratin Treatments

Are you planning on getting a keratin treatment? If so, then it’s definitely something you can’t do at home with your ionic ceramic flat iron. That said, you should probably consider getting your keratin treatment at the same time as your hair coloring, as such a treatment should definitely be done as you seal the color into your strands.

Keep your Color Protected

The importance of keeping your color protected simply cannot be overstated. Your first instinct is probably going to be to buy some shampoo, and while this is a great first step, it should ONLY be the first step. One of the best things you can do is use a color treated shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for your hair, and you should also be making use of a color protecting styling spray. A UV spray will also be in order, as UV rays can easily fade the color of your hair, leading to you visit the salon more often. The right products, however, can keep your hair color intact, and keep you from spending more money than you have to.

Root Touch Ups are Key

A root touch up can keep your hair in great shape as well, and you have several choices here. You could head to the salon, or you could buy a home kit. Either way, you’ll be able to keep your color in good shape and your hair healthy.

Avoid Products with These Ingredients

If you have a ceramic iron at home, there is a good chance that you’ve tried all kinds of different products to get your hair to come out looking amazing. Well, if you’re going to color your hair, there are certainly a few that you should be doing your best to avoid and we’re going to go over them one by one:
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•     Ammonia
•     Coal
•     Tar
•     Acetate

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While these might seem relatively harmless, they can cause serious problems. Ammonia, for example, can dry out your hair and the others can cause considerable harm. Finally, before you start coloring your hair, make sure that your hair is dirty. Okay, that might sound a little bit silly, but let us explain. Clean hair is typically too slippery, and color holds better to dirty hair.

Also remember that if you wash your hair before coloring, the dye/bleach may burn your scalp as you won’t have the natural oils to protect it. There are a ton of reasons to keep your hair protected, from the use of ceramic flat irons all the way to serums, so don’t settle for just one thing – keep doing research and keep your hair looking great!
 

This article first appeared on HSI Professional

Knowing how to get the most out of your hair appointment can make the process go a lot more smoothly.

Sometimes hair appointments can be downright terrifying.

First there’s the process of letting go of your old hair style, and then there’s the uncertainty of how your new ‘do is going to look and if it will even suit you!

To get the most out of your hair appointment, take a look at the next few tips.

Do Your Research
To get the most out of your hair appointment, do a little bit of research beforehand.

Check out salons in your area, what they have to offer, and what suits your budget.

Sometimes salons offer discount packages for students or if you book during certain times of the day.

It also pays to ask people you know who consistently have awesome hair where they get their hair done (and by who) – sometimes it’s a lot easier to trust word of mouth recommendations.

Be Clear
Come to your appointment with a vision of what you want your new hairdo to look like.

Sometimes things can get lost in translation, and we all don’t speak fluent hairdresser, so bringing in a photo of what you want your new hairdo to look like is a great visual aid.

If you can clearly explain to your stylist what look you’re going for, then everyone will be on the same page and after the same result.

Be Open to Change
While knowing what you want can help in some ways, it also pays to be open to change.

Not all hair styles, cuts, and colors suit everyone and your hairdresser is the right person to guide you through choosing what’s best for you.

If they can’t give you the exact hairstyle you’re after, it’s only with your best interest in mind.

In most cases they can create or suggest a similar style, but just one that’s more suited to your features.

Be Honest
At different stages throughout your hair appointment, your hair stylist might ask you questions about your hair and how you think the whole thing is progressing.

If you genuinely have concerns, then pipe up!

It’s better to address any problems while they can still be fixed than after the appointment is finished.

Pay Attention
Keep an eye on what the stylist is doing and how your hair is looking.

Watch how the cut is progressing and look at how they handle your hair.

From applying product to blow drying, if you can mimic their technique then that’s one way that you can try to recreate a salon-inspired ‘do at home.

Listen up
Your hair stylist knows what they’re doing (or at least they should!) so listen to what they have to say.

They’ll often give you tips on how to style and take care of your new hairdo, which can hopefully help make your new hairstyle last longer.

Ask Questions
Your hair stylist should be more than happy to answer any questions you have about your new hairdo.

If you’re after styling tips, special treatments, or the best products to use then ask your hair stylist for advice.

They are the experts, after all!

Bonus Tips:

Always Plan Ahead
What's the best way to maintain your blowout or 'do post-salon session?  Plan ahead.

Avoid working out right after. Think about going to the gym beforehand and having your blowout scheduled on a Friday, knowing that you won’t have major activities over the next couple days so it lasts longer.

Wet Hair Is A No-Go
Whatever you do, try not to walk into your appointment fresh out of the shower — or with wet hair, at all.   

When you're having a consultation and we're talking about what you want to do with your hair,  I can't wash it — I need to look at it dry when you come in.  Unless I already know you and I know what you want, I have to see it dry, and I have to be able to feel it.

Tipping Is Generally The Same Everywhere
Speaking generally, tipping etiquette is the same everywhere.  Suggested tipping is 18-20 percent if you feel that you've had quality experience and are happy with the finished result.

These tips should hopefully leave you more reassured and confident with your next hair appointment.

These tips were found here and here. ​

Good for Your Hair – From thinning hair to dryness, there are countless of reasons which can cause hair issues, mainly by not taking care of your health. Even if you do take care of it, ironically many of the hair products in the market actually cause more damage than said. One of the more popular uses of black seed oil is for hair restoration and promoting overall hair health. Although it’s really not concrete as to why exactly black seeds help with hair growth, one can assume that it stems from its potent antioxidant properties. Those properties are also combined with healthy fatty acids such as omega 3,6, and 9, that have shown to improve hair follicle production and strength.  Black seed oil has also proven to be useful as a natural remedy for premature gray hair.

Improves Beard Growth – Studies have shown that black seed oil can improve the thickness and quality of your beard and increase the growth rate. Although not its primary benefit, you can apply it directly on your beard and it will provide moisturizing benefits as well.

Dandruff – Not only is black seed oil great for your hair, but it also promotes hair follicle growth and even prevents dandruff. All you need to do is apply some to your hair and leave on for 30-60 minutes.

Here's a couple links for you to check out.

101 Black Seed Oil Benefits to Consider While Undergoing Life’s Wear & Tear

7 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits & Cures

Why hello there! So, you’re interested in having great hair? What a coincidence. We’re also interested in you having great hair. That’s why we created a company that specializes in men’s grooming products that get you beyond clean (italicized to emphasize how far beyond, with letters that literally lean forward into the beyond. Whoa). That means our shampoos and conditioners nurture, protect, and strengthen while they cleanse.

But enough about us. Let’s talk about you and your ‘do. Your lettuce. Your head fur. (No? Not a thing, head fur?) There are a few simple steps you can take to make it look good in the short term, and make it last in the long term. They’ll also cover you in the medium term, which nobody seems to talk about. We considered sharing these steps as a list of “’Do Dos and Don’ts” but we won’t have you making light of this important subject by secretly cracking up at the words “doo-doo.”

So without further ado…

1. Play It Cool

Hair dryers can do amazing things. They help set your hair in the exact style you want it, they get rid of wrinkles when you don’t have time to iron clothes, and they help eliminate the evidence when you spill your beer on the couch. But they also have a penchant for damaging hair – the very hair they’ve been sworn to protect. One way to spare your hair dryer from the crippling guilt of this is to use it on cool settings only. Yes, we know it’s tempting to fire that sucker up to maximum heat for blazing fast-drying action. But the side effect of this superspeed is often dull, frizzy hair and split ends.

So slow your roll and stick with your dryer’s cool mode, and you won’t get burned. Otherwise, prepare for a quick trip to Splitsville – Population: Your Hair.

Bonus Tip: Make sure your hair is only damp, not wet, when you start blow drying. Wet hair will get damaged more easily than damp hair. Why? See directly below.
 
2. Stand Pat

Think you’re in the clear because you don’t use a hair dryer? That was presumptuous.

Hair’s main component is a protein called keratin. Water can weaken keratin molecules. This means hair is more fragile when it’s wet – which is precisely the time guys are usually smashing, yanking and rubbing at it with a towel. This ham-fisted hatchet job can cause breakage. And the damage gets worse if your hair is already thinning or not quite what it used to be (and really, are any of us what we used to be?). So instead of the ol’ Rush n’ Rub when it comes time to dry, try something new: the Stand and Pat.

Just take a few extra moments to gently pat your hair dry with a nice soft absorbent towel. As we like to say around here, your hair would thank you, if it could talk.

Bonus Tip: If your hair does talk, consider giving it its own YouTube channel, or at the very least a weekly podcast.

3. Know the Over/Under

Don’t overdo the shampoo. Excessive shampooing can strip natural oils and damage your hair and scalp. If you have dry or coarse hair, try skipping at least a day of shampooing per week. Also, consider using a shampoo that hydrates while it cleans, like our HydroBlast Moisturizing Shampoo. But if you have oily hair, shampooing once a day is still best, as long as you use a shampoo designed for daily use like our Active Man Daily Shampoo. Both shampoos have botanicals like coconut oil, aloe vera and honey that help retain moisture and repair hair.

At the same time, don’t under use your conditioner. A lot of men shampoo every day, but they only condition sometimes, or even not at all. But most experts agree men should be conditioning daily. Your hair’s protective outer shell – the cuticle – is less likely to crack and split when you keep it moisturized and protected. Good conditioners will assist in that protection, often with the help of hard-working botanicals.

4. Use Less, Get More

Continuing our theme of moderation, another common mistake men make is using too much product when we style our hair. We can’t help ourselves. We like bold, attention-grabbing moves. It’s one of the reasons “Go big or go home,” is a more popular saying than “Act with moderation and proceed incrementally.” But if you want a guiding principle of hairstyling, the latter is the way to go.

A little bit of styling product can go a long way on your hair. Try starting small and taking good look at the results before deciding to use more. Not only will it help you maintain a more natural look; it will also help you avoid the heavy, greasy buildup that hair can get from overzealous use of styling products.

5. Eat Right and Exercise

Argh!  Not that again. Why can’t just one advice list urge you to eat junk and sit on your duff?

Sorry, not this time. What’s good for your body, is generally good for your hair. For example, keeping your body hydrated by drinking lots of water also helps keep your hair hydrated. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish and nuts that are good for your heart, are also good for your scalp. And protein-rich foods that nourish your muscles will also nourish your hair, which itself is mostly protein.

Meanwhile, exercise will increase your blood flow and help deliver all those nutrients you’ve been consuming straight to your scalp, where they can feed your hair and help it keep growing healthy and strong, year after year, so that it stays around for a long time – maybe even long enough for “head fur” to become a thing.

Bonus Tip: Stress tightens the scalp and can cause hair thinning. Massages can de-stress and boost circulation to the scalp, encouraging hair growth. So go get a massage. Go on.

You’re welcome.
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This article first appeared on Blackwood for Men
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