• What causes dandruff? How can I treat dandruff?

    The exact cause of dandruff, also known as scurf or Pityriasis simplex capillitii is unknown. However, most experts do agree that it is not caused by poor hygiene. In this MNT article, we look at the possible causes as well as potential treatment options. So, what are the factors that may contribute to dandruff?

    Not enough hair brushing

    People who do not comb or brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff – this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing or brushing provides.

    Yeast

    People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part. Yeast-sensitive people who get dandruff often find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter. UVA light from the sun counteracts the yeast. Some say, that during winter the skin is drier because of cold air and overheated rooms (exposure to extreme temperatures), making dandruff more likely. So, it is sometimes not that easy to know whether it is yeast or just dry skin.

    Dry skin

    People with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily.

    Dandruff
    People with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin.

    Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin)

    People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose, not just the scalp. The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales.

    Not enough shampooing

    Some people say that if you don’t shampoo enough there can be a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, causing dandruff. However, many experts doubt this is true.

  • Nourish and restore your hair

    When your hair loses moisture, it can become brittle, dull and lifeless. To hydrate and revive your dry hair, follow these five simple tips.

    In the summer months, hair can get dehydrated by the sun, chlorine and salt water. In the wintertime, things aren’t much better, as the cold, dry temperatures and wind can zap the life out of your locks. To keep your hair healthy, lustrous and hydrated all year round, you need to treat it with some tender loving care.

    Deep condition once a week

    If you have dry hair, you can hydrate it by using a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Deep conditioners are normally left on your hair for 15-30 minutes to penetrate the hair strands and follicles. You can find a variety of deep conditioning treatments at your local drug store. Look for products that contain protein, olive oil and other moisturizing ingredients.

    We recommend Kanechom ($11.99 – 14.99)

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    Use a moisturizing shampoo

    Some shampoos can strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture. To rejuvenate and hydrate your hair, be sure to use a shampoo that is specifically designed for dry hair. Look for shampoos labeled “moisturizing” or “replenishing,” and check the label. Avoid products containing high levels of alcohol, which will dry out your hair even further. Moisturizing shampoos contain oils and other ingredients that will help trap the moisture inside the hair shaft when you wash your hair.

    Dry your hair naturally

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    Blowdryers, flat irons and other heated hair tools cause hair to dry out, become brittle and break. If possible, avoid blow drying your hair altogether. If you don’t have time to dry your hair naturally, towel dry your hair halfway by blotting out the moisture, then finish drying it with a blow dryer. Never rub your hair vigorously with a towel. This can cause damage to your hair, particularly if it’s already dehydrated.

     

    Brush your hair

    Brushing your hair thoroughly twice a day will distribute the oils from the scalp down the hair shaft. Select a soft bristle brush and don’t pull or tug. Brush your dry hair gently in long, downward strokes. Brushing will stimulate the scalp, increasing the natural oils for extra shine while also helping to remove dirt and damaging particles from the hair. Avoid brushing wet hair. Instead use a wide tooth comb to detangle hair when wet.

    We like Diva Glide Detangling Brush ($9.99)

    Image result for diva glide brush

    Eat a balanced diet

    A healthy diet isn’t just good for your body, it also has an effect on your hair. Eat a balanced diet featuring plenty of green, leafy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and good fats. Protein-rich foods, as well as those containing vitamin A, B, C, E and K are especially good for your hair. Additionally, look for foods that are high in silica, such as potatoes (including the skin), asparagus, cucumbers and bell peppers. Silica is a mineral that is essential for strong, healthy, shiny hair. If you experience hair loss or brittle hair due to thyroid or hormonal issues, consult your doctor but also eat foods that are rich in vitamin A and iodine. Furthermore, if your hair is dehydrated and brittle, you probably lack essential fatty acids (EFAs). Foods that are rich in EFAs include fresh tuna, salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel. Flaxseed, olives, avocados and some nuts are also high in essential fatty acids.

    Source: http://www.sheknows.com
  • Curly Hair Tips to Help You Love Your Texture

    curly haircut

    Curly hair tips

    If you have wavy or curly hair, you know that achieving your best texture isn’t wash-and-go. Ringlets require careful styling that straight haired people just don’t understand.
    To make the most of your curly hair, try these tips we’ve picked up for you.

    • 1. Dry curly hair by pressing gently with a microfiber towel. Rubbing hair can rough up the cuticle and cause hair to frizz.
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    • 2. Curly hair seems to grow slower than straight hair because its length is all coiled up. But that doesn’t mean you should skip trims; see your hairstylist for split end maintenance every two months.Product Details
    • 3. The one thing all curly and wavy hair needs is moisture. Use shampoo and condition hydrating products, salt and sulfate free and use a moisturizing mask on your hair once a week. We like Kanechom Aloe Vera ($14.99)

    Product Details

    • 4. Curly hair tends to get tangled easily. To avoid stubborn knots and tangles we recommend Diva Glide detangling brush ($9.99). Start with at the ends working upwards
    • 5. Avoid products with sulfates, alcohol and salt, which can dry out and damage curls.
  • How to Remove and Prevent Split Ends

    There is no true way to remove split ends, aside from cutting your hair. But you can take care of your hair and prevent their return.

    Watch our video with the demonstration of our technic to SPLIT ENDS in Monica Hair Studio and see below this video, some tips showing how to remove and prevent split ends:

     

    Removal

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    Identify whether you have split ends. The scientific name for them is Trichoptilosis, a longitudinal splitting of the hair fiber, and there are several types:

    The generic end split,Splits occurring multiple times up the same strand of hair,A split occurring in the middle of the hair strand that will appear as a hole if the strand is bunched up.

    Remove and Prevent Split Ends Step 2 Version 2.jpg

    Always use hair shears if you are cutting your own hair, even if you are only cutting a strand. Regular paper scissors can fray your ends and cause more splits down the road.

    • Single strand knots (not really split ends) which occur most often in dry, curly hair.

    Remove and Prevent Split Ends Step 3 Version 2.jpg

    Get your hair cut regularly, meaning every six to eight weeks. All hair gets damaged after a while. Get a trim of at least 14 to 1 inch (0.6 to 2.5 cm), and you should have solved the problem. It will remove split ends and keep your hair healthy and growing strong.

    • Note that you really only need to trim when you have splits on the ends of the hair, so your schedule may vary with your hair type, how you treat your hair, and your style goals.

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    Cut them yourself between haircuts using a pair of hair shears. Cut about 1/4″ above the split of a single strand; there may even be a small ball above the split. If you don’t cut above the damage, the split will reappear.

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    Don’t rely on products that claim to “heal” split ends. They can seal the split end to help it look healthier, but they aren’t reversing the damage. These products can however help prevent future damage to otherwise healthy hair.

    Prevention

    Here are some of the ways hair is damaged everyday and how to prevent damage from these factors and in turn split ends.

    Chemicals

    Most kinds of chemicals are going to damage your hair to some extent. Chemicals from getting a perm, having your hair highlighted, colored, etc., or even chlorine in bath or pool water all count.

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    Try to steer clear of chemicals. Natural hair is beautiful. If you absolutely must color your hair, search for the gentlest coloring agent you can find. If you are going to be using chemicals on your hair, be sure to condition your hair more often.

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    Protect your hair before swimming in a pool, ocean, or lake. This could include: using a leave-in conditioner, oiling your hair, or using a swim cap. Rinsing your hair thoroughly before swimming will also help it absorb less chemicals. Be sure to rinse and shampoo your hair as soon as possible after swimming.

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    Find out if the water you use to wash your hair is harmful.

    • There can be damaging chemicals in the water you wash your hair with – mainly chlorine. There are filters that will reduce the amount of chlorine in your water.
    • High concentrations of calcium carbonate can make your water “hard”. If you are in the USA you can check this map to see how hard the water in your area is. A water softening system will be most beneficial to your hair if you live in a hard water area.

    Brushing and Combing

    Many people don’t realize just how fragile the ends of our hairs are. Being too rough with a brush or comb, or brushing or combing too often can damage your hair.

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    Stop teasing or back combing your hair. This is the most damaging type of brushing. It pulls up the scales of your hair and when you comb/brush that section again the scales break off.

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    Find a hair friendly comb and/or brush. If you have thicker hair you may need to use a pick or wide-toothed comb. Combs in general are more gentle than your common brush. Your brush or comb should aid you in untangling your hair, not pulling it out.

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    Never over brush. 100 brushstrokes is not necessary, and may lead to more splits than anything else.

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    Comb the hair gently. Start at the top and work your way down. When you encounter a tangle, don’t rip the comb/brush through it, stop and untangle with your fingers and then proceed. You have to be extremely gentle while untangling wet hair. Curly hair types may require combing the hair when it is still wet.

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    Use hair friendly accessories.
    • The black band is the most hair unfriendly in this group because of the metal connector. Smaller versions of this are even more harmful. • The big green band is joined together by what appears to be glue and is much more friendly. • The little yellow band is a smaller version of the green one and friendly for thinner hair types. They can also be made of clear plastic. These little bands are ideal to tie off the ends of braids. • The big blue scrunchie is the most hair friendly. These are easy to make, but you can buy them at any place that sells hair care products.

    Source:http://www.wikihow.com

  • What is a Keratin Treatment?

    Keratin is a protein that is the key structural building block for hair, skin and nails. Keratin is found in humans and animals alike in forms ranging from hooves to soft flexible skin. This shows you how strong and delicate keratin can be. When the outer layer of keratin becomes damaged it affects the new cells that are no longer being protected beneath it. This causes damage in the form of dry, brittle hair or rough and cracked skin.

    How Does it Work

    Reversing this damage can be achieved with a keratin hair treatment. Keratin is used to smooth and fill in the damage of the hair’s cuticle layer. Keratin is unlike a perm or relaxer in that it doesn’t actually change the hair’s disulfide bonds making it a semi-permanent treatment that lasts around 3 months, depending on the hair’s texture.

    A Keratin treatment creates a barrier from heat and humidity so it can be a great treatment for clients that have perfectly healthy hair but are looking to have their natural curl and frizz smoothed out and protected from the elements. A keratin treatment will not remove the curl completely but it will cut your clients straightening time in half, if not more.

    Keratin treatments are also safe to use on hair that has been previously highlighted or colored.

    Partial source: http://beautysupply.about.com

  • Great hair for men

     

    Having great hair is more than the cut and hairstyle. After a visiting a barber or stylist, it’s up to you to care for and style hair. What that entails depends on your hair type because fine and thick, straight and curly hair have different needs. By grooming according to the specific needs of your hair type, you will make the most of your cut and style.

    Here’s how to look like you left the barbershop every day.

    Hair type is based on several things. The most obvious is it straight, wavy, or curly? Next, is it thick or fine? Thick hair can refer to having a high volume of hair on the head and/or a larger circumference of each hair strand. Fine hair has a smaller circumference while thin hair means having fewer hairs per scalp area. It is possible to have a thick head of fine hair or thin thick hair. When you have combination hair, care for it according to the dominating feature. In the cases above that would be fine and thin hair.

    There’s one easy tip that works for all hair types. While shampoo companies tell you to wash hair every day, hair professionals will tell you otherwise. Ever notice that second day hair looks better than the day before? That’s because scalp oils have a chance to moisturize hair and add texture that makes hair easier to style. Try skipping the shampoo every other day and then see if you can go even longer. For most guys, this simple change will improve the appearance of hair and its health too.

    Thick Hair

    Thick hair refers to having a lot of hair and/or individual strands that are wider than other hair types. While having thick hair is enviable, the volume and coarser texture can also be a challenge. Make the most of your thick hair with these easy tips.

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    • Condition – Too many guys shampoo every day and skip the conditioner. Instead, condition every day and shampoo only as often as necessary for softer, more manageable hair.
    • Go very short or longer – For thick hair, short cuts can cause hair to stick up. The solution is to go even shorter or grow it out. Longer hair has more weight to help it lie flat and area for styling product to work with.
    • Product – Styling products benefit all hair types but arguably do the most for thick hair. Look for strong hold waxes or pomades to control hair and sculpt it into any style you want from slick to spikes.

    Fine and Thin Hair

    Fine hair strands are smaller in circumference than other hair types. Fine hair can be thick, with a full head of fine strands. Sometimes thin hair (not to be confused with thinning hair), with lower density per square inch, is referred to as fine hair but it is the thickness of the individual strands, not to the quantity of hair, that makes hair fine. While fine hair differs from thin hair, the goal of styling and products is the same – to add volume and boost thickness. Here’s how:

    Mens-Hairstyles-for-Fine-Hair-

    • Thickening Products – Give hair a good foundation by starting with a thickening shampoo (not everyday) and conditioner. Some products made for fine or thin hair also plump up hair strands while providing hold.
    • Natural Oils – One of the best things you can do for hair is cut down on shampooing, which removes the oils your scalp produces to keep skin and hair moisturized. A cheap and easy way to make fine hair thicker is make the most of sebum production by skipping shampoo (but not conditioner) as often as works for you and distributing natural oils by combing hair or massaging the scalp. Don’t be afraid of the hair that comes with brushing or combing. An average of 50-100 hairs are shed a day so these aren’t being ripped from the scalp but lost naturally while more are growing in.
    • Hair Dryer – The best way to achieve more volume in hair is using a blow dryer. There is no excuse not to for men because it only takes a few minutes. Work a volumizing mousse into damp hair and the result will be hair with maximum thickness and control.  Finish hair with a blast of cold air to set hairstyles all day.
    • Hair Products – Stay away from heavy or oil-based products that weigh hair down. Blow drying and mousse will be enough hold for many of the best hairstyles for fine hair. If you need more, look for a lightweight wax or pomade.
    • Hairstyles – Just like with clothes, not every hair trend is going to work for you. Pick and choose from popular hairstyles looking for ones that add volume, texture, or both.

    Wavy and Curly Hair

    The label curly hair refers to any hair that isn’t straight. There is a wide range of curls from looser wavy hair to tight kinky hair. Despite this diversity, there are general rules that apply to keeping waves and curls healthy and looking it’s best.

    While you frequently see celebrities with curls rocking hair that has been straightened (we’re looking at you Justin Timberlake), many men like Adrian Grenier, Seth Rogen, and James Franco embrace their waves and curls and we encourage you to do the same.

    Curly-Hair-Men-

    • No-Poo – The most common problem for all types of curly hair is moisture. Oils from the scalp do not travel from root to tip for curly hair, resulting in dry hair. The first step is eliminating shampoo or switching to a curl-friendly formula.
    • Conditioning – Curls require additional moisture to look their best. In addition to using a curl-specific conditioner, some curly men benefit from a monthly deep conditioning treatment with a commercial product or natural oil like coconut.
    • Haircuts – Curly hair has fewer styling options than straight. The key to getting the style you want is all in the haircut. To get variety, mix up the cuts.
    • Drying Hair – One of the keys to how hair will look is what happens after the shower. Rubbing hair with a regular towel can cause hair damage and frizz. Instead, gently squeeze hair dry with paper towels, on old t-shirt, or microfiber towel. Then work product through hair with fingers and let it dry without touching hair at all. If you blow dry hair, use the diffuser attachment that comes with the dryer, which disperses the air flow to reduce frizz.
    • Product – Curly hair looks best with a leave-in conditioner or curl enhancing cream that defines curls and minimizes frizz. Apply product to damp hair. Wet hair dilutes the product and reduces effectiveness while dry hair won’t distribute product evenly and can look clumpy, sticky, or greasy.

     

     

    extracted from: MENSHAIRSTYLETRENDS.COM

     

     

  • Como cuidar nuestro cabello en invierno

    arot keratin products

    arot keratin products

    El cambio de clima puede afectar nuestro pelo: un día húmedo no es igual que uno soleado, y ni hablar si hay demasiado viento o si aparece la lluvia. Cada clima actúa sobre nuestro pelo de forma diferente y hay que conocer cómo maniobrarlo para que estos cambios no nos arruinen el look. Te pasamos unos consejos para lucir un pelo fabuloso, a prueba de todo tipo de clima:

    1.Usa los diferentes productos.Un producto hidratante y uno contra la humedad, tambien un shampoo que te ayude a mantener el color después de una tintura. Los distintos productos llevan nombres diferentes porque sus ingredientes y resultados son muy diferentes también. Es importante que a la hora de elegir un producto para el pelo lo hagas según la necesidad que puedas detectar en tu cabellera. Podés preguntar a nuestros estilistas que te recomienden un producto especial para tu tipo de cabello.

    2. Acomodá tu rutina: los cambios de estación y los distintos climas hacen que tu pelo requiera de cuidados diferentes. El invierno, no importa que tipo de pelo tengas, siempre significa un cuero cabelludo más seco, razón por la cual es necesario hacer algún tratamiento hidratante más seguido que lo común.

    3. Dale pelea al frizz: la diferencia de humedad en los ambientes puede hacer que aparezca el temido frizz. Para evitarlo, no te olvides de secar tu pelo, con toalla en un principio, y después con secador. Y usá alguna crema para peinar antes de hacerlo, para proteger tu pelo del calor.

    4. No te pongas en contra de la naturaleza: el primer paso para tener un pelo espectacular es… ¡aceptar el pelo que tenés! Ya sea que tengas unos súper rulos, ondas, un pelo grueso al mejor estilo melena, o un lacio con poco volumen, es importante que aceptes y conozcas tu pelo. Cada una tiene el pelo que le tocó, y tiene que encontrar la rutina y productos que funcionan para ella. Y por sobre todas las cosas, es importante aceptar que ningún pelo es perfecto, y que todas podemos tener un mal día, ¡y no torturarnos por ello!

    Monica

  • 5 Healthy Hair Tips for Fall

    5 Healthy Hair Tips for Fall

     

    As our Fall season begins to pick up, many of our clients are asking how they can get their hair back in shape after a summer filled with sun, salt, and chlorine. Fall is a great time to revitalize your hair and regain those luscious locks!

    Here are five natural tips to get you started:

    Benefits of Fall Foods
    Fall foods, including two all-time favorites, pumpkins and cranberries, are an excellent place to start. The seeds from these colorful foods yield a pressed oil that is highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, providing protection to follicles against damaging free-radicals. These oils, as well as that from another fall-harvest favorite, red grapes, are beginning to appear in more and more hair care products. The virtues of the grape extend beyond wine, as the oil extracted from its seed has been shown to have powerful antioxidant properties as well.

    Top it off – with Water, That Is!
    We encourage our clients to stay hydrated, especially at this time of year when schedules get busier and it becomes easy to forget healthy habits. Because it is cooler outside, we tend not to notice the constant evaporation occurring from our skin (including the scalp). Staying hydrated is one of the single-most important things you can do to keep your hair healthy, strong, and shiny! And, if you don’t like to drink a lot of water, we suggest green tea or herbal teas to keep yourself properly hydrated.

    Shampoo Less Often
    Over-washing strips the hair of its natural oils, which moisturize the scalp and help protect the hair. If you blow-dry daily, make sure you keep the heat setting on ‘low’ and the nozzle at least 6 to 8 inches from your scalp, as high heat can damage the hair and follicles.

    Quality Counts
    We want you to use the best quality hair products available. Products made with the highest quality ingredients help maintain the scalp’s pH balance and improve sebum production, which will also make the transition to washing your hair less often easier. Shampoos and conditioners that are rich in natural, botanical extracts help repair and rejuvenate the follicles, such as rosemary, nettles, and chamomile.

    Take a Daily Hair-Healthy Supplement
    In addition to a well-balanced diet, a daily hair-healthy supplement is a great addition to consider. The best supplements are formulated to help repair and revitalize hair follicles, stimulate strong, healthy new hair growth, all the while working together to help keep your hair healthy and luscious year-round.

    Monica Hair Studio is a hair salon and spa located in Hallandale Beach, Florida and within easy driving distance from Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Ft. Lauderdale, Aventura, Sunny Isles, and Miami, Florida.