Hair Repair

Hair Loss and Natural Treatment

2008-09-15T02:27:00.000-07:00

Losing hair on a daily basis is normal. However, losing excessive hair can lead to baldness. If you are losing hair more than usual, it is best to take prevent measures so that you do not go bald. You should take advantage of natural hair loss remedies that will help to tackle the hair loss problem without resorting to any medical procedures.

Natural hair loss remedies works well for some people while for others it does not. If you do not want to use chemicals, then it is best you try out these natural hair restoration products. If one method or product does not work for you, move on to the next one. Remember different people have different scalp and hair. What works for one person need not necessarily work for you.

Types of Natural Hair Loss Remedies:

• Massage: This method of hair restoration improve the blood circulation to the hair follicles in body and scalp. This in turn helps to provide the follicles with all the necessary nutrients and prevents hair loss while facilitating hair growth.

• Rosemary Leaves: Make an infusion of rosemary leaves by boil it. Strain the solution and discard the leaves. Use the liquid to wash your hair daily. This method is deemed to be very effective against hair loss.

• Olive Oil: Massage your scalp with olive oil, which is rich in vitamin E. This will facilitate growth of new hair and stop hair loss.

• Uncooked Egg Yolk: Massage an uncooked egg yolk into your scalp. Leave it for an hour and then wash your hair thoroughly. This will stop hair loss, promote hair growth and nourish your hair.

source: keralaonline.com

Hair-loss pupil in cap ban

2008-09-15T02:23:00.000-07:00

The mother of a 13-year-old boy who suffers from a rare form of alopecia has criticised his school after it banned him from wearing a baseball cap.

Dale Platts was diagnosed with bronchiolitis, a respiratory virus, when he was five-months-old. As a result he contracted alopecia universalis and lost his hair, toenails and fingernails.

Since attending secondary school the youngster has worn his New York Yankees baseball cap to protect his bald head and eyes, which don't have any lashes.

The blue cap also protected him from bullies who have called him names such as "slap head".

His mother Kenina Platts, 41, of Collingham, Newark, criticised Robert Pattinson School in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire, after he was told the cap broke its dress code.

The school originally allowed Dale to wear a beanie hat but during last summer term relented and allowed him to wear his cap as the hat made his asthma and eczema worse in the heat. But when he returned to school on the first day of term he tried to wear his cap because the hat continued to inflame his eczema and bring on asthma attacks.

He was then told he would either have to take it off, stay at home or be taught in isolation. At present he is staying at home and missing classes.

Mrs Platts said: "It makes me feel angry and hurt. A lot of my friends and family have been saying that it would be different if he had coloured skin. The school would never have been allowed to get away with it.

"Dale is upset about it. He just wants to be at school with his friends, getting on with school. We have had problems with previous schools and I have threatened to go to the press but Dale has asked me not to. But this has been a step too far. He just feels beaten by political correctness, red tape and silly rules."

Stuart MacFarlane, head teacher of the school, said: "We cannot comment of individual cases. We are always open to further discussions with parents on any issue."

source: ukpress.google.com

Before You Shampoo & Conditioner

2008-04-15T03:06:00.000-07:00

There are literally 100s of shampoos & conditioners on the market. So how to pick the best ones for you? Here we break down the key points to consider....before you buy.

Expensive vs. Inexpensive
Is there really a difference between a $2 shampoo and a $20 bottle from your salon? Well yes, and no. Some cheap shampoos contain foaming agents which can dry out the hair. This is good for oily, limp hair. If your hair is sun-damaged, chlorine-damaged or color-damaged then you should invest in a more expensive shampoo. You really should see if the inexpensive shampoos & conditioners work for you and if they don't, or if your hair still appears limp or damaged, you should try a salon product.

The Right Ingredients
The many names of ingredients on bottles can be confusing. But it's true the right ingredients make all the difference. Rather than pay attention to the names on the bottles, pay more attention to the ingredients. Does the shampoo include a mild cleanser like sodium laureth sulfate or a stronger one like ammonium lauryl sulfate? See this article for exactly what to look for in your products.

Children's Shampoos
Forget the cute bottles and pretty colors. That is the last thing that should concern you. Instead, look at the product. You want it as free as possible from coloring and fragrance. Those ingredients are not necessary. And just because a product claims to be mild, does not make it so. Look at the ingredients.

Dandruff Shampoo
The best remedy for dandruff is to rotate three over-the-counter dandruff shampoos -- one containing salicylic acid (to exfoliate), one containing selenium sulfide (to soothe) and a third containing pyrithione zinc (an anti-inflammatory) interspersing them with regular shampoo. A trio of treatments is most effects because if you use only one the fungus could adapt and become immune to it.
Colored Hair
If your hair is colored, you really should consider a shampoo that is specially designed for colored hair. This is because the shampoos are made to be more gentle on your hair & will contain ingredients to preserve color.

source about.com

Does It Really Matter What Shampoo You Use?

2008-04-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

We get this question a lot and we've read a variety of answers. Some experts say don't waste your money on a fancy bottle of shampoo when you can get Pantene at the grocery store. Others plug their favorites (and we have ours, as well). But you have to wonder if these 'experts' have some ties to the beauty industry and get some sort of kick backs. Some advice we do buy:

1. Watch the ingredients You want the most gentle shampoo possible, therefore you can't go wrong with a basic baby shampoo. Prefer a regular shampoo? Check bottle labels to see if shampoo contains the lathering agent sodium laureth sulfate. According to the April, 2006, issue of 'Ladies Home Journal,' this product is incredibly drying and will leech moisture from your hair. While you can't tell how much is in the bottle, your best option is to buy shampoos without any of it, or others billed as 'gentle cleansers.'

2. Don't bother with shampoos for colored hair We've read these shampoos can actually strip hair of color because of the harsh ingredients. Again, you're better off opting for a shampoo and conditioner touted as 'gentle'.

3. Supposedly the description on the bottle matters While we're skeptical that shampoos that promise to reduce breakage, boost shine or add body, actually deliver, the experts overwhelmingly insist they do. So we bow to the majority and say abide by the descriptions. If a shampoo bottle says it's moisturizing, volumizing frizz-reducing or shine-enhancing, assume it is. We'll alert you the minute we hear otherwise.

4. If in doubt, go with what you like. If you like a shampoo and the way your hair feels then something must be working. Hold on to it. If your hair is limp, frizzy or dried out like hay, chances are you need a haircut, a deep conditioning or new products that will combat the frizz. Shampoo may not be the culprit.

source about.com

Procerin Hair Loss Product

2008-04-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Procerin is a hair loss supplement, a blend of herbs, vitamins and minerals specially formulated to block production of DHT , the primary cause of hair loss in men. Procerin is an all-natural DHT inhibitor to use internally to stop hair loss and promote the regrowth of new hair.

Procerin - 2in1 Product

Procerin comes in a convenient tablet form and topical solution (Procerin XT Serum) that are used daily for the treatment of male hair loss. This is the most complete product to fight hair loss. Procerin XT Serum is very effective hair loss solution for external use. In combination with Procerin Tablets, it is everything you need to stop hair loss.

Since Procerin is a non-prescription solution to hair loss, it's available without a prescription.

Male hair loss is caused by a chemical called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A naturally occurring enzyme in your body (5 alpha-reductase) transforms the male hormone testosterone into DHT . This DHT is the main cause of thinning hair and receding hairline in men.

Certain herbs and minerals, in the proper mixture, can bind with 5 alpha-reductase and prevent it from transforming the testosterone into DHT . Supplements with the correct ingredients can halt the effects of DHT , and even assist in the regrowth of hair, particularly in men ages 18-40.

Procerin - DHT BLOCKER

Procerin blocks the DHT without reacting with testosterone, like some prescription medications. This reduces, and can even halt, the further loss of hair from the scalp, without causing the sexual side effects of prescription drugs like Propecia (finasteride). The most common cause of male hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. It is the type of hair loss that Procerin is designed specifically to combat.

Procerin and Side Effects

Procerin hair loss treatment is free from most of the side effects associated with other medications and supplements. A small minority of men report mild stomach discomfort in the first few days of use. The solution, if this occurs, is to take Procerin with food. Taking Procerin with food will not affect Procerin results.

There are some possible side effects of the Saw Palmetto in Procerin : If you are sensitive to the Saw Palmetto , there may be some mild dizziness, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

Procerin and Results

Because hair grows so slowly (about 1/2 inch a month), it is recommended that you use Procerin for at least a month or two before you expect to see results (although some Procerin users reported improvement in only two weeks). The results from Procerin are much faster than Rogaine ® (4 months) or Propecia ® (6 months). Procerin results vary from individual to individual, but many users report experiencing positive Procerin results within the first 3 months of use. Conclusion - Procerin results occur within several weeks for some users, but other users must take Procerin for a period of several months before Procerin results are satisfactory.

source: http://www.procerin-hair-loss.com/?gclid=CIef7ens1ZICFQl3MAodgw0E7A

Women's Hair Loss : Hormonal Change

2008-04-12T08:55:00.001-07:00

Hormonal changes are a common cause of female hair loss. Many women do not realize that hair loss can occur after pregnancy or following discontinuation of birth control pills.

It is important to remember that the hair loss may be delayed by three months following the hormonal change and another three months will be required for new growth to be fully achieved.

It is estimated that up to 45% of women suffer considerable hair loss after the birth of a baby, although hair may not fall out till three months later.

A small number of woman suffer severe or even complete hair lose after pregnancy. The reason for this is hormonal.

When a woman is pregnant the levels of the hormone progesterone are unusually high and this has the effect of forcing hair into the resting phase prematurely.

After pregnancy when hormone level's re-balance, new hair begins to grow and eventually pushes the resting hair out. When the hair begins to fall it is usually a good sign that new growth is on the way.

However the fall can last up to six months and few women find their hair never regains its former luxurious thickness. All you can do is eat a well-balanced diet to ensure that the hair has all it needs for healthy growth and treat it with care.

An underactive thyroid, a problem which is related to auto-immune disease, also leads to increased hair loss and this may be one of the first symptoms noticed.

Many women suffer thyroid dysfunction after childbirth, that coupled with post-pregnancy hair fall, sometimes confuses the issue.

A treatment of thyroid hormone prescribed by your doctor will usually clear up the problem up. More information on thyroid problems:-

High fevers or a local skin problem with the scalp are two more possible causes of hair loss. In fact persistent hair fall can be a symptom of such a wide variety of underlying health problems that it's always advisable to consult a doctor if you are worried in the slightest.

Hair transplants consist of removal of tiny plugs of hair from areas where the hair is continuing to grow and placing them in areas that are balding.

This can cause minor scarring in the donor areas, and carries a modest risk for skin infection. The procedure usually requires multiple transplantation sessions and may be expensive.

Suturing of hair pieces to the scalp is not recommended as it can result in scars, infections, and abscess of the scalp or brain.

The use of hair implants made of artificial fibers was banned by the FDA because of the high rate of infection.

Hair weaving, hair pieces, or change of hair style may disguise the hair loss and improve the cosmetic appearance.

This is often the least expensive and safest method of treating female-pattern baldness.

source: http://www.stophairlossnow.com/womensHair3.htm

Women's Hair Loss : Physical And Emotional Stress

2008-04-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Surgeries, severe illnesses and emotional stress can cause hair loss. The body simply shuts down production of hair during periods of stress since it is not necessary for survival and instead devotes its energies toward repairing vital body structures.

In many cases there is three month delay between the actual event and the onset of hair loss. Furthermore, there may be another three month delay prior to the return of noticeable hair regrowth.

This then means that the total hair loss and regrowth cycle can last 6 months or possibly longer when induced by physical or emotional stress. There are some health conditions which may go undetected that can contribute to hair loss.

These include anaemia or low blood count and thyroid abnormalities. Both of these conditions can be detected by a simple, inexpensive blood test.

In woman some hormonal preparations may produce hair in places where it is least desired, such as on the face.

source: http://www.stophairlossnow.com/womensHair3.htm

Women's Hair Loss : Diet

2008-04-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hair loss may also occur due to dieting. Diet programs which are designed or administered under the direction of a physician with prescribed meals, dietary supplements and vitamin ingestion have become popular.

Sometimes the client is told the vitamins are a necessary part of the program to prevent hair loss associated with dieting. From a dermatologist's standpoint, however, the vitamins cannot prevent hair loss associated with rapid, significant weight loss.

Furthermore, many of these supplements are high in Vitamin A which can magnify hair loss.

Vegetarianism and dieting can result in hair loss if they cause iron deficiency. Iron and zinc supplements should be taken if the diet does not produce enough on it's own.

If someone is anaemic this can cause excessive hair loss. A doctor should be consulted as a course of iron tablets may be all that's needed to sort the problem out.

source: http://www.stophairlossnow.com/womensHair3.htm

Women's Hair Loss

2008-04-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hair loss for a woman can be devastating.
The problems seems to be increasing every year.
It is estimated that six out of ten woman
will suffer some degree of hair loss.

Most people assume that it is only men who suffer from hair loss, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Although it is basically true with regards to heredity, millions of women the world over suffer from some form of hair loss and the number appears to be rising each year.

The overwhelming cause is a hereditary condition called androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern hair loss.

One of the least engaging facts about getting older is that a significant number of women also experience hair loss

All women have some of the male hormone testosterone in their bodies, but women with androgenetic alopecia are more sensitive to the hormone.

This sensitivity causes hair to thin all over the head, and some women develop thinning patches similar to male-pattern hair loss

Sudden hair loss may not be painful or even dangerous in itself, but for the six out of ten women who suffer from it at some point in their lives can find, it a devastating blow to their confidence - marital break up, career problems, social isolation and even suicide has been known to follow in its wake.

One of the most traumatic experiences a woman could endure in her life would be baldness. Hair thinning or slight hair loss is bad enough but total baldness can be completely heartbreaking.

To see one's hair fall out in clumps and be able to do nothing about it is something no woman ever contemplates. Sadly there is a hair disorder that affects women for no reason, which causes the hair to fall out in handfuls.

There is no known cure for the problem and many women with the disorder sadly spend vast sums of money with the so called "hair specialists" on wonder shampoo's which they claim will restore their crowning glory.

Society may mock men suffering from baldness, but at least it is tolerated. However a woman suffering from baldness is just not acceptable by society.

Until people can actually accept one another as they are and not judge them by their looks, then we shall always have the problem, with bald women being virtually treated as outcasts.

For a woman hair loss can be devastating, in our society hair is regarded as a symbol of beauty and desirability, without hair some women feel complete failures and the effects can be disastrous. Hair loss can be seen to some women as losing their femininity.

Baldness occurs when the hair falls out but a new hair does not grow in its place. The cause of the failure to grow a new hair is not well understood, but it is associated with genetic predisposition, aging, and levels of endocrine hormones.

Changes in the levels of the androgens can affect hair production. For example, after the hormonal changes of menopause, many women find that the hair on the head is thinned, while facial hair is coarser.

Although new hair is not produced, the follicle remains alive, suggesting the possibility of new hair growth.

Genetic hair loss and moult or increased hair shedding (chronic telogen effluvium), accounts for by far the majority of all hair loss complaints in women - up 95% in fact before menopause.

Unlike men who tend to lose a lot of hair in particular areas, like the temples and crown - Male pattern baldness - women are more likely to thin diffusely from behind the front hairline to the crown.

The most common type of hair loss seen in women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern alopecia or baldness.

This is seen as hair thinning predominantly over the top and sides of the head. It affects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause, although it may begin as early as puberty.

Normal hair fall is approximately 100-125 hairs per day. fortunately, these hairs are replaced.

True hair loss occurs when lost hairs are not regrown or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent's side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss, medically known as anagen effluvium and Telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle.

Telogen effluvium, is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

* Physical stress: surgery, illness, anemia, rapid weight change.

* Emotional stress: mental illness, death of a family member.

* Thyroid abnormalities.

* Medications: High does of Vitamin A -- Blood pressure medications -- Gout medications.

* Hormonal causes: pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause.

Causes of temporary hair loss may include:

* Medication - Drugs used to treat cancer, blood thinners, antidepressants and high blood pressure medications, as well as birth control pills and high doses of vitamin A, may cause hair loss.

* Diet - Too little protein and too little iron in your diet can lead to hair loss.

* Stress or illness - You may begin losing hair one to three months after a stressful situation, such as major surgery. High fevers, severe infections or chronic illnesses can result in hair loss.

* Childbirth - You may lose large amounts of hair within two to three months after delivery.

* Alopecia areata - A condition in which hair loss occurs only in certain areas, resulting in hair loss patches the size of a coin or larger.

* Thyroid disease - An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. More information on thyroid problems:-

* Ringworm - If this fungal infection occurs on your scalp, it can cause small patches of scaling skin and some hair loss.

When the above causes of telogen effluvium are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

The typical pattern of female-pattern baldness is different than that of male pattern baldness.

The hair thins all over the head, but the frontal hairline is maintained. There may be a moderate loss of hair on the crown, but this rarely progresses to total or near baldness as it may in men.

Hair loss can occur in women for reasons other than female-pattern baldness.

These may include temporary shedding of hair (telogen effluvium), breaking of hair (from such things as styling treatments, and twisting or pulling of hair), patchy areas of total hair loss (alopecia areata--an immune disorder causing temporary hair loss), oral medications, as well as certain skin diseases.

The hair loss of female-pattern baldness is permanent. The hair loss is usually mild to moderate. No treatment is required if the person is comfortable with her appearance.

The only drug or medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat female-pattern baldness is minoxidil, used topically on the scalp.

It may help hair to grow in 40% of the population, and in 90% it may slow the loss of hair. Hair loss recurs when its use is stopped.

Vichy Dercos Aminexil

2008-04-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

After 3 weeks of use (use test on 120 women) hair loss starts to slow down. Hair is fortified and soft to touch. After 6 weeks of use (use test on 120 women) hair appears more resistant.Easy to use single-use dispenser with a targeted applicator tip. 1 dose per day or minimum 3 doses per week over a 6 week period.Aminexil helps fight against the rigidification of collagen to preserve the suppleness and elasticity of the tissues that surround the root. Captured by the root, the SP94TM is transformed into the hair's constructive elements to build a fibre which is thick, dense and strong from within.Without colourant. Non greasy. Rapid dry.Light, fresh.'18 single-dose 6 ml phials

source

How to Repair damaged hair that was impossible before

2008-03-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

Shows before and after models with hair damaged so severely it was breaking off. Amazing (never-before- possible) results. This will take hair care into a new diminsion!!!

url: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y2855zEq1RY

Damaged Hair Repair Chapter 3 - Deep Conditioning Tutorial

2008-03-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Tutorial on how to deep condition the hair

url: http://youtube.com/watch?v=n_v77duwZp0

Damaged Hair Repair - Chapter 2: Shampooing

2008-03-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tutorial on how to properly shampoo textured hair

url: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pMp6xhecu2M

Damaged Hair Repair Chapter 1

2008-03-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1 of a video series on how to repair damaged hair

url: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jIKAfLv8Xfc

DAMAGED HAIR

2008-03-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hair is composed primarily of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous type known as keratin. Keratin protein is comprised of what we call "polypeptide chains.” The word, polypeptide, comes from the Greek word "poly" meaning many and "peptos" meaning digested or broken down. In essence, if we break down protein, we have individual amino acids. Many (poly) amino acids joined together form a "polypeptide chain". Two amino acids are joined together by a "peptide bond", and the correct number of amino acids placed in their correct order will form a specific protein; i.e. keratin, insulin, collagen and so on. The "alpha helix" is the descriptive term given to the polypeptide chain that forms the keratin protein found in human hair. Its structure is a coiled coil. The amino acids link together to form the coil and there are approximately 3.6 amino acids per turn of the helix (coil). Each amino acid is connected together by a "peptide bond". The peptide bond is located between the carbon atom of one amino acid extending to bond with the nitrogen atom of the next amino acid.

The A Helix Coil
In the organization of a single hair, three "alpha helices" are twisted together to form a "protofibril". This is actually the first fibril structure of the hair. Nine protofibrils are then bundled in a circle around two or more to form an eleven-stranded cable known as the "microfibril". These microfibrils are embedded in an amphorous unorganized protein matrix of high sulfur content, and hundreds of such microfibrils are cemented into an irregular fibrous bundle called a "macrofibril". These macrofibrils are grouped together to form the cortex (or the main body) layers of the hair fiber. Packed dead cells surround these structures and are known as the cuticular layers of the hair. In the center of these structures lies the medullary canal, which is actually apart of the excretory system and houses any foreign debris, heavy metals, synthetics and medications that are thrown off by the body and eventually released through the canal.

Bonding in Keratin Protein
When the hair is in its normal unstretched state. It is referred to as A of alpha keratin. The original configuration of the hair is held in place by the bonding found in the cortex layers of the hair. As we stated earlier, keratin protein begins with an alpha helix building into protofibrils, microfibrils, macrofibrils, then cortex layers. The bonds in the hair are located within each and every alpha helix.

The Hydrogen Bond
The first bond we will discuss is the hydrogen bond. This bond is located between the coils of the alpha helix and is responsible for the ability of the hair to be stretched elasticity) and return back to its original shape. The hydrogen bonds allow us to change the shape of the hair temporarily with the aid of water. These bonds are electrolytically controlled and are the most readily broken down and the most readily reformed. These bonds are responsible for approximately 35% of the strength of the hair and 50% of the hair's elasticity (some would argue up to 99.9% of the hair’s elasticity).

The Salt Bond
The salt bond is also an ionic (electrolytically controlled) bond formed by the electron transfer from the side chain of a basic amino group (an amino acid with an 00C- group) to the side chain of an acidic amino acid, i.e. NH3+. (This is two positive and negative charges attracting one another.) This occurs in a position paralleled to the axis line of the rotation of the helix of the hair. The salt bond is responsible for approximately 35% of the strength of the hair and 50% of the hair's elasticity.
The Cystine Bond
The cystine bond also known as the disulfide bond, sulfur bond, or just S bond is formed by cross-links between cystine residues (amino acids) of the main polypeptide chains. This bond is perpendicular to the axis of the hair and between the polypeptide chains. Because of its position in the hair, it is responsible for the hair's toughness or abrasion resistance. (It actually holds the hair fibers together.) These cross-links are frequent in the hair fiber, with maximum of frequency of one cystine bond every four turns of the alpha helix. This is what enables us to permanent wave the hair.
The Sugar Bond
The sugar bond is formed between the side chain of an amino acid having an OH group and an acidic amino group. This bond is also formed perpendicular to the axis of the hair. Because of its position, it gives the hair toughness but little strength (5%). Some moisture is contributed to the hair as a by-product of this bonding.

source: salonweb.com/pro/damage.htm

How to Repair Your Hair with Olive Oil?

2008-03-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

After a long winter's exposure to dry indoor heat, our hair needs some nourishing relief! Here's the simple solution. This easy hair treatment will result in healthier, more manageable hair and a really clean, invigorated scalp. Olive oil nourishes, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair, while the couldn't-be-easier process is both stress-reducing and health-promoting.

Here's how.

SIMPLE SOLUTION:

INGREDIENTS (enough for 1 or 2 treatments, depending on the length and thickness of your hair)

½ cup olive oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil (others may be substituted, if you wish)
1 plastic bag that can fit over your hair

1. Pour olive oil into a jar with a lid, then add essential oil. Put lid on jar and shake well to disperse the essential oil. Let sit for 24 hours in a cool, dark place. Shake again before use.

2. Rinse hair with warm water. Warm 1 tablespoon of oil treatment in the palms of your hands. Using your fingertips (not nails), gently massage the oil into the scalp in a circular motion. Repeat until the entire scalp has been massaged. Rub the ends of your hair with the remaining oil.

3. Place a plastic bag over your hair, secure by tying or with a hair clip or clothespin, and allow the oil to remain for at least a half-hour.

4. Rinse well, then shampoo as usual.

source: care2.com/greenliving/olive-oil-hair-repair.html

Quick hair repair: my hair is a wreck; it's dry and brittle. What can I do to make it healthier?

2008-03-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Q My hair is really parched with lots of split ends. How can I make it soft and shiny again?

A Lackluster locks can result from overprocessing (too much coloring, straightening or even just too-frequent blow-drying) or environmental factors, such as a change of season or dry indoor heat. Walter Claudio, owner of the Walter Claudio SalonSpa in Santa Barbara, Calif., offers these tips to get your hair back in shape:

* Get a trim. Ask your stylist to cut off 1-2 inches (then make it a habit to have damaged ends snipped every six weeks).

* Give yourself a mask. Once or twice a week, treat hair to a mask or deep conditioner. Massage the product into damp hair, paying special attention to the ends. Then wrap hair in a warm, damp towel (the heat helps the hydrating ingredients penetrate), and leave on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

* Protect locks from heat styling. "Hair is weakest when it's wet," Claudio explains. Before blow-drying, apply a leave-in conditioner (to detangle and protect against the heat). Try Paul Mitchell Seal and Shine ($6.25; 800-321-5767 for store locations) or ThermaSilk Detangler/Leave-in Conditioner ($4; at drugstores).

serious conditioners

A regular deep conditioning treatment can add vibrance to your hair. Some of our favorites:

For extra-dry hair Aveda Sap Moss Nourishing Concentrate ($18; aveda.com) is a pre-shampoo treatment with Icelandic moss, wheat protein and certified organic honey. For color-treated hair Phyto Phytocitrus Vital Radiance Mask ($32; 800-55-PHYTO) uses botanical butters and grapefruit extract to seal in color and hydrate hair.

For curly hair John Frieda Frizz-Ease Miraculous Recovery Deep Conditioning Treatment ($7; at drugstores) smoothes the hair's cuticle with wheat germ proteins and wheat amino acids.

For fine/thin hair Lancome Force Densite Extra Density Replenishing Mask ($28.50; www.lancome.com) uses ceramides and natural wax to thicken strands.

Send your questions to Shape, Beauty Q & A, One Park Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016; fax to (212) 725-9228; e-mail to BeautyQ&A@Shape.com.

source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0846/is_5_24/ai_n8691151