Is Your Scalp to Blame for Your Bad Hair Days?

You can't exactly expect a tree to grow in the sand. Expecting your hair to be lush and beautiful on an ill kept scalp is about as effective. We learn to nourish our skin and hair, but we often miss the mark on a healthy scalp; the consequences of which could very well be the cause of your hair's bad behavior or loss of hair altogether. If you've experienced thinning hair, itchy or tight scalp, styles that go limp, lack of shine, absence of body, or weak tresses you may be able to find solution by changing the way you treat your scalp.

1. You May Not be Using the Right Shampoo/Conditioner

If your hair is thinning, lacking body, void of shine, or your scalp is irritated a shampoo and conditioner that is scalp nourishing is the first step in turning your problems around. Natural ingredients like vitamin B5, aloe vera, and oils such as sunflower oil, avocado oil, and Moroccan oil are both gentle and nourishing to the scalp. Many lines of shampoo and conditioner are especially formulated to provide therapy to your scalp
 

Learn to Properly Shampoo Your Hair

Removing excess oil and hair products from your scalp can clear the way to a better hair day. Getting rid of the gunk frees up your follicles to grow and produce your best hair. Proper shampooing techniques aren't rocket science, but we often forget to take the time for a scalp massage, one of the first steps in a proper shampoo.

Your Scalp Needs Conditioned

Many stylists will suggest to skip the conditioner directly on your scalp for better volume and to keep your hair from going limp or becoming greasy from over conditioning. I agree, but that doesn't mean that you should completely skip the conditioner on the scalp all the time. I often tell my clients to start the conditioning process by applying conditioner to your ends, and work the remaining product into your scalp. It's usually not conditioning the scalp that causes problems. The biggest problem people have with conditioner is not rinsing it well, which can cause your hair to feel greasy, oily and limp. Rinse conditioner for a minimum of 30 seconds, and try a conditioner with eucalyptus or peppermint for a refreshing scalp treatment that locks in essential moisture, but helps keep oil production under control.

 

Invest in a Great Brush

Regular hair brushing is a great way to stimulate your scalp, move the oils from your scalp through your hair, and keep your hair tangle free. How long have you had the brush that you use everyday? Where did you get it? I don't think many of us can answer those questions. I know one of the brushes I still have was purchased for all of a few dollars, is made of hard plastic, and followed me out the door of my parents house after high school. It's not really doing anyone any favors. Invest in a nice, natural boar bristle brush or a brush with a boar bristles incorporated. They aren't cheap, but they will last for years, and you'll thank me for the improvement in your hair's condition. How to choose a Hair Brush

The Heat is On

I know I sound like a record on repeat, but the heat from your hair appliances are not hair or scalp friendly. Think about it. Many of us are guilty of having the hair dryer on to full blast heat inches from your scalp for five to ten minutes everyday. Would you do the same to your face. You likely wouldn't consider it. I know time is of the essence, but turning down the heat and moving the hair dryer away from your scalp can mean a world of difference when it comes to thinning or damaged hair. Let your hair air dry naturally for as long as you can. Have some coffee, apply your makeup, check your email, or eat breakfast before you get the hair dryer out. Then when you do, try a lower heat setting. You'll reduce frizz and improve the health of your scalp.  As if the heat from the hair dryer wasn't enough, after drying many of us get the flat iron or curling iron out. With temperatures exceeding 300 degrees, it's easy to imagine that repeated use could cause your hair to break from heat damage. Broken, damaged hair can feel thin, dry, and course. Try turning the heat down on your hot tools.  Better yet? Take a break from heat styling all together. Extend your shampoos or use your hair's natural air-dried texture from time to time.

6. DeGunk Your Tresses

If you read any of my advice on a regular basis, you'll repeatedly read something about removing product build up. Mousses, gels, dry shampoos, shine serums, volumizing sprays, hair sprays, defrizzing agents, heat protecting sprays, leave-in conditioners... you get the idea. The products we put on our hair are making their way to our scalps and, if your hair is having problems, it's likely causing pores and follicles to clog. Gummed up hair follicles just can't produce beautiful thick, healthy hair, if any hair at all. Your product build up could be the cause to your thinning and troubled hair. A regular deep cleansing/clarifying treatment is a must for all hair types. Here are a few recommendations to try:

7. Protect Your Scalp from the Sun

When your scalp is repeatedly exposed to the UV rays of the sun, it doesn't take long for damage to take place. Regular UV protection is an absolute must, especially if your hair is thin, thinning, or otherwise irritated. Pay special attention to a defined part, or your hair line if it is receding. Read More for protecting your hair from the sun.

8. You Are What You Eat

Your hair, quite literally, is highly effected by the food you eat, the vitamins you ingest, and the medications you take. If your hair is in a rut, it may be time to put your hair on a healthy diet or try vitamins that are specifically formulated to promote healthy scalp and hair.

Read more on The Best Foods for the Healthiest Hair click here

9. Seek Medical Advice

Most of the time, scalp issues can be easily fixed with the tips above or with a little advice from your hair stylist, but there are times when limp thinning hair or a dry, itchy, flaky scalp can be the cause of bigger medical concerns. Thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, and a variety of skin conditions (like psoriasis) can lead to symptoms that may be causing your bad hair days. When you've exhausted your options, talk to your doctor about your hair concerns and ask for a blood panel if you haven't had one done in recent months to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

 

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Bad hair days is this video really good advice?

Watch the following video if in need of some advise for bad hair days, be advised they may not be traditional ideas !!
 

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6 hair styles for the summer with out using heat.

I don’t know about you, but blow drying hair  when it’s 100 degrees outside is the least bit exciting. Especially when your likely to walk outside and just start to sweat a bucket of water out of you, ending up looking like a mess before you even get to the office. So here's a few other ideas.

Heatless Curls: Similar to beach waves, but more defined. Simply towel dry your hair, apply a good curl defining cream and start scrunching to create gorgeous curls

Chic Braid: A great and easy heatless style that will keep you cool, control frizz and add gorgeous texture once you take it out. Braids will also work with pretty much every summer outfit you own






Wavy Ponytail: Add a little volume to your basic ponytail to create a fun summer ‘do. This works best by spritzing salt spray on dry hair, scrunching it and pulling it back in a hair tie

Top Knot: Buns are all the rage right now, and just so happen to be one of the easiest styles ever. 

Half Up, Half Down: Pulling a few strands of hair back can make the world of a difference. You can even braid the strands for a more bohemian summer look

Sleek Ponytail: A more polished and chic version of the ponytail. Simply towel dry your hair, apply gel, comb through with a wide toothed comb and pull your hair back. 

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Eat yourself to good looking Hair and Skin.

Want to give your metabloic rate a boost, moisturise your skin or delay wrinkles, just with your diet? Here are the hottest super foods to give you better skin, hair and nails - just start eating.

 

BLUEBERRIES
This low-profile berry beat off stiff competition from 40 other fruit adn veg to be ranked number one for antioxidant activity. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day, and ward off signs of ageing!

TOMATOES
Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene, which can reduce sun damage and free radicals, which damage skin cells. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure you stock up on canned tomato sauce or tomato juice.

WILD SALMON
Wild salmon (not farm-raised) is quite literally bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon also has selenium, a mineral that helps protect the skin from sun exposure. Wanna keep your bones and teeth strong and healthy, too? The vitamin D in salmon will sort that out too, and there are so many ways to include this beauty superfood in your diet -  grilled, baked, in pasta, salad or in sushi. Yum!


WALNUTS
You don't need to eat loads of walnuts beware as they do contain fat, so avoid overdosing on them!) to enjoy all the benefits they can bring, including smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.

CHIA SEEDS
Most seeds are good for us, but these little beauties are packed with fibre and omega fatty acids, boosting the body's collagen and elastin production, resulting in a plumper pout, sans surgery. They don't really taste of anything  but they do bring a crunch to your salad. Hit your local health food shop now!

KALE
It's been proved by new research that the more greens you eat, the fewer wrinkles we'll get - why didn't someone tell us when we were little??
It's because greens such as kale are full of antioxidants, lutein (which helps protect the skin from UV damage) and vitamins. Try juicing it, adding it to salad or as a large garnish with your dinner.

AVOCADO
Packed with antioxidants, not to mention potassium, vitamins and good fats, avocados are your best foodie weapon in the fight against wrinkles (plus they taste amazing obvs!).  Their vitamin E properties help skin to heal faster and the good fats they contain are grat for sensitive and dry skin

RADISHES
These little root veg are great for soothing any digestive problems, and they also containhigh levels of silica, vitamin C and sulphur, all of which are fab at stimulating circulation and stengthening skin. Use them to add some heat to your salad.

CHANTENAY CARROTS
New research has shown that eating just a handful of sweet and crunchy Chantenay carrots every day can help protect our skin and fight the effects of sun damage.

Active ingredients such as Beta-carotene, retinol (Vitamin A) and Vitamins B5, C, E and K are used in after-sun skin treatments, because they have been proven to help prevent sun damage, reduce wrinkles and reverse the aging process - and the very same ingredients are abundant in these British-grown carrots. Chuck them in a salad or use them as a healthy snack alternative!

TUMERIC
The hot properties of this spice are curcumin and beta-caratone, which act as anti-oxidants, soothing inflammation and allowing the skin to absorb nutrients more easily. It's not just a curry ingredient... tumeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, which has been used in eastern medicine for years. Add it to dishes or look for beuaty products containing the spice.

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Looking after your hair extensions

Into Hair are hair extensions specialists and the following advise is given as generic good practice, however your technician may give further independent advise .

Prior to your hair extensions we recommend that you have a minimum of 3-4 inches in length, just about long enough to put your hair into a ponytail. Ideally, the longer the better.  However, shorter lengths can be done but will be advised on consultation.  You can email us a picture and we will be able to let you know.

After Care  

Do not wash your hair for at least 48 hours after having you hair extensions fitted to give them time  to go hard.

Once you have had you hair extensions fitted, the following should be followed to ensure that you keep your hair looking healthy and neat.

Ensure you hair is brushed every day ensuring you start from the bottom working your way up, making sure you hair is tangle free. 

Hair should be washed using a smooth motion rather than being rough with the hair ensuring not to knock the bonds.  When conditioning your hair do not apply to much conditioner to the area of the bonds as this can cause them to come loose.

It is advisable to put your hair in a loose plait before bed this will help to reduce any tangling or knotting whilst sleeping.

You can style your hair just as you would with your own hair, using crimps, blow drying ,  straighten, curling tongs just be sure to not apply too much heat to the bonded area.

We advise that a maintenance check is done 6 weeks after have them fitted this will, ensure you pro long the life of them, allowing your technician to replace and loose bonds.  We will also be able to let you know how your getting on with looking after them which in turn will prolong the life of your hair extensions.


If you wish to book a consultation with one of our technicians please calls on 01268 734612 or emails us at info@into-hair.co.uk with any questions you may have.

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How to Cover Grey Hair ?

We want to hear from you with  hair and beauty questions you want answered.  Got a question, then either post is on our facebook page or comment on our blog ( or just email us).

Some people have grey hair and can look very stylish with with the likes of George Cloney pulling it off so well, other celebs like Kate Moss who in 2010 was photgraphed with Grey roots and Kelly Osbourne who more recently added grey streaks to her hair.

What not to do

You've probably been warned that if you pluck a gray hair, more will grow back. We're not so sure about that, however, Tweezing them is not necessary as when you do and they grow back , they'll stick straight up causing the whole world to really know what's going on.

Whether you decide to cover up your hair with a whole new shade or simply get strategic about covering them up, there's an easy solution for everyone. Whether you have black, brown or blonde hair, are a six week or a 12 week type of client."

Since gray hair can leave skin looking dull, coloring it has many benefits. A new, fresh color can take years off your age, bring vibrancy and richness to your natural skin, and make wiry grey hair soft and manageable.

The great thing about color is it can almost always be fixed or altered.  

One of the alternatives is to low light your hair adding colour back in and helping to turn the time back a few years.  Using this option will have grays but have less of them.  Trust your stylist to pick out the best color for you and together work on a schedule so you're always looking your best.

Dont forget to send us your Hair and Beauty questions.

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Follows us on Twitter

Great news you can now not only like us on Facebook, but Follow us on twitter to ensure you never miss out on any of our offers or our weekly hair advise tips visit https://twitter.com/Into_Hair_Essex.

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