Hair
Searching for the Best Hair Straighteners: Buyers Guide
How does a hair straightener work?
HOW DO I WORK THIS THING?
Simple Steps to Flat Iron Your Hair
Pros and Cons of a Hair Straightener
- Frizz reduction – Uses heat technology to smooth out frizzy hair and add shine. Looks and feels great. Can eliminate static.
- Quick way to straighten and/or style hair – Most straightening devices heat up very quickly and evenly.
- Hair straighteners are not only for straightening – Many different styles can be achieved in a short time such as crimping and curling. They also work great on bangs.
- Affordable alternative to going to a hair salon – Wide price range.
CONS
- Flat irons are not a permanent solution to straightening curly or wavy hair – Like using a curling iron, the style only lasts temporarily.
- Repeated use can cause hair to become dry and damaged – It’s best used in moderation. However, the better quality the hair straightener is, the less damage will be done.
Buying Guide
Plate Material: Ceramic vs. Tourmaline vs. Titanium
What is the best flat iron for your hair type?
Works for thin to course hair.
Plate Size:
Temperature Settings:
Thick hair should be able to handle temperatures above 360 degrees Fahrenheit. For thin or normal hair, the ideal temperature setting is up to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is very fragile and thin, it is safest to stay below 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This of course can be adjusted to your preference once you have experience, but it is best to follow the recommended temperatures.
Top 5 Flat Iron Reviews
1. ISA Professional Victorya Flat Iron Hair Straightener Tourmaline Ceramic Plates
- Suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users
- Ergonomic design
- Has a 360-degree swivel cord
- Universal Voltage
- Does not have automatic shut-off
- If you like to control the temperature of your hair straightener, you may not like the Smart Temperature Technology
My #1 Pick for Best Rated Flat Iron!
2. PROFESSIONAL FLAT IRON by Jolie Amour – Salon Grade HAIR STRAIGHTENER
- Comes in a designer gift box
- Best professional flat iron warranty out of my top 5
- You can also use it to style your hair with curls, waves, etc.
- Dual Voltage
- Does not have auto shut-off
- Temperature dial is slightly difficult to read
3. HD Professional 1.25″ Advanced Ionic Tourmaline Hybrid Flattening Iron
- 360° swivel cord
- Auto shut-off feature
- Suitable for all hair types
- Pricier than other flat irons
- The wider plates make it a bit more difficult for short hair
- Does not have Universal Voltage
4. CHI PRO G2 Digital Titanium Infused Ceramic Flat Iron
Green = 370 degrees for fine hair
Blue = 395 degrees for medium and wavy hair
Red = 425 degrees for coarse hair
- 40 second heat up time
- Comes with a heat-resistant wrap
- Plates have curved edges to glide through hair with ease
- Dual Voltage
- No auto shut-off
5. HSI Professional Ceramic Tourmaline Ionic Flat Iron
- Easy to use
- High quality
- Dual Voltage
- No auto shut-off
Hair
What Constitutes the Core Element in Natural Shampoo?
In pursuit of revitalized tresses and a greener lifestyle, natural shampoo have become the go-to choice for conscientious consumers. But what distinguishes these products as genuinely “natural”? The secret resides in their composition. Eschewing synthetic chemicals, natural shampoos harness the virtues of plant-derived, organic, and dermis-friendly substances to cleanse and nurture both scalp and strands. These components not only curtail exposure to abrasive agents but also enhance the vitality and radiance of your hair. Let us unravel the quintessential elements of these shampoos, from aromatic essential oils to ethically sourced organic extracts, that make them a paragon of holistic hair care.
Essential Oils: Peppermint, Lemon, and Lavender
Essential oils are the backbone of natural shampoos, revered for their multifaceted benefits. Peppermint oil imparts a refreshing chill, alleviating scalp irritation while invigorating blood circulation to foster robust hair growth. Lemon oil, with its natural astringent properties, helps regulate oily scalps while imbuing a zesty fragrance. Meanwhile, lavender oil offers tranquility, easing tension and enhancing the hair-washing experience with its soothing attributes.
These botanical elixirs not only elevate a shampoo’s scent profile but also contribute distinctive advantages to hair care. Lavender oil refines hair texture, whereas lemon oil rejuvenates lifeless locks. Extracted through meticulous processes like steam distillation, their potency is preserved, making them indispensable in natural formulations.
Certified Organic Ingredients: Purity in Every Drop
A hallmark of natural shampoos is their reliance on certified organic constituents cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. These ingredients uphold the integrity of both your hair and the environment, adhering to stringent ethical and ecological standards.
For instance, organic aloe vera serves as a hydrating base, mending damaged strands and soothing irritable scalps. Similarly, tea tree oil and rosemary extract, are celebrated for their antimicrobial prowess, combat dandruff, and other scalp conditions effectively. Opting for shampoos infused with certified organic elements ensures sustainable practices while delivering unparalleled care.
Coconut Oil: A Hair Hero
Coconut oil, a staple in natural hair care, boasts exceptional hydration and nourishment capabilities. This tropical marvel penetrates deeply into hair fibers, fortifying them and reducing protein depletion. It is particularly transformative for parched, damaged, or unruly hair, sealing in moisture and imparting a natural sheen.
Moreover, its antifungal and antibacterial attributes foster scalp health, thwarting dandruff and irritation. The exotic aroma of coconut oil further enhances the sensory allure of natural shampoos, making every wash feel like an indulgent escape.
Organic Hemp: Nourishment Redefined
Extracted from hemp seeds, this nutrient-dense oil is a treasure trove of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It fortifies scalp health by ensuring hydration and nourishment while reinforcing hair strands against breakage.
Rich in antioxidants, hemp oil shields hair from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollutants. Non-comedogenic by nature, it caters to diverse hair types, including oily or acne-prone scalps. Shampoos enriched with hemp oil promise supple, lustrous, and resilient locks.
Organic Honey: Nature’s Humectant
Renowned for its moisture-locking properties, organic honey is a cornerstone in combating dryness and restoring elasticity. Its enzymatic and antibacterial properties cleanse the scalp, minimizing buildup while fostering an optimal environment for hair growth.
Beyond hydration, honey’s antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, while its mild acidity maintains scalp pH. The result? Hair that exudes softness, gloss, and vitality, transforming ordinary care into a spa-like experience.
Chamomile: Gentle Yet Potent
This botanical gem offers calming and reparative properties, soothing irritated scalps and addressing conditions like eczema. Chamomile contains apigenin, a natural compound that subtly enhances highlights, lending hair a sunlit glow.
Strengthening hair follicles and minimizing breakage, chamomile’s benefits extend beyond aesthetics. Its floral essence turns routine washing into a serene ritual, adding a layer of self-care to your regimen.
Olive Oil: A Timeless Remedy
Olive oil, laden with vitamins A and E, deeply nourishes and rejuvenates brittle tresses. Its antioxidative properties create a protective barrier against external aggressors while ensuring enduring hydration.
For generations, olive oil has been lauded for its scalp-healing virtues. It combats dandruff, soothes irritation, and simplifies detangling, leaving hair impeccably smooth and manageable.
Botanical Oils: Geranium and Jojoba Oil
Geranium oil balances scalp sebum, making it a versatile choice for both dry and oily hair. Its delicate floral aroma adds an enchanting touch to the shampooing experience.
Jojoba oil, closely mirroring natural scalp oils, hydrates without excess residue, dissolving buildup and leaving hair airy and gleaming. Together, these plant-derived oils enrich shampoos with restorative power.
Exotic Extracts: Star Anise
With its distinctive spicy-sweet aroma, star anise extract elevates natural shampoos both sensorial and functionally. Its antimicrobial properties cleanse the scalp while its antioxidants fend off environmental harm. Vitamin C within the extract boosts collagen, supporting strong, healthy hair.
Five Keys to Choosing an Ideal Natural Shampoo
- Scrutinize Ingredients: Seek shampoos teeming with organic, nature-based elements while avoiding sulfates and synthetic additives.
- Tailor to Hair Needs: Select formulations that align with your specific requirements, be it hydration, scalp care, or volumizing.
- Prioritize Certifications: Trust brands adhering to organic and sustainable practices.
- Conduct Patch Tests: Verify compatibility to prevent adverse reactions.
- Be Patient: Allow time for natural shampoos to reveal their transformative effects.
Conclusion
Natural shampoos transcend fleeting trends, embodying a commitment to wellness and environmental stewardship. With ingredients like essential oils, honey, and plant extracts, they offer a harmonious blend of gentleness and efficacy. Whether your goal is to restore moisture, amplify shine, or simply embrace a chemical-free routine, these shampoos are a testament to nature’s ingenuity.
FAQs
- Are natural shampoos safe for all hair types?
Yes, most natural shampoos are formulated to suit a variety of hair types, but it’s best to choose one tailored to your specific needs. - Can natural shampoos help with hair growth?
Many natural shampoos contain ingredients like peppermint oil and coconut oil that stimulate hair growth by improving scalp health. - Do natural shampoos lather well?
They may not lather as much as conventional shampoos due to the absence of sulfates, but they clean just as effectively. - How long does it take to see results with natural shampoos?
Results may vary, but you can typically notice improvements in hair texture and health within a few weeks of consistent use. - Can I use natural shampoo every day?
Yes, most natural shampoos are gentle enough for daily use, but washing every other day might be more beneficial for your hair’s natural oils.
Hair
Best DIY Hair Masks for Damaged Hair
Hair
7 Incredible Ways Coconut Oil Benefits Your Hair
Coconut oil for tangled hair: Let’s play a game: what natural product is not only hailed as a superfood for health benefits but also the answer to nearly all beauty topics? You guessed it–coconut oil! Coconut oil is the queen of all oils, and can seemingly do no wrong. Not only is the oil great for cooking, but it is the answer to many problems such as dry and irritated skin, stubborn eye makeup, damaged cuticles, and our very favorite: hair care!
I have personally had issues with a dry scalp which has seemingly been a recurring problem even with using traditional treatment. However, coconut oil has made a drastic difference for me since I started using it. Because of my success with using it, I wanted to share my enthusiasm with you, and hopefully, you’ll have a great story to tell as well. In this article, we’ll be discussing the variety of benefits of coconut oil on hair, giving thoughts on if coconut oil is bad for your hair, and more!
First off, let’s address whether coconut oil is bad for your hair. The answer is simple: no, it most certainly isn’t. Coconut oil can help boost the health of your hair, provide it with nourishment to heal damage, and moisturize your scalp as well. Coconut oil is completely natural and rich in fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Applying coconut oil to your hair is comparable to giving your face a nourishing spa treatment. It’s safe, and it’s effective!
When you are browsing store aisles for coconut oil, don’t let marketing catch you off-guard. There is no particular “kind” of coconut oil that is better for your skin, hair, and nails as opposed to what you’ll see advertised in the beauty or health aisles. As long as it is pure, 100% coconut oil, you’ll be good to go. Take a look around the food aisles instead, where you’ll likely find a large jar of coconut oil for far cheaper than in the beauty or health aisles. This will work just as well, considering the only difference is marketing and price.
Our suggestion would be to veer toward organic coconut oil so your skin and hair aren’t exposed to any of those damaging chemicals. My favorite coconut oil is the Spectrum organic and refined oil, simply because not only does it come in quite a large quantity, but as it is refined, it doesn’t smell or taste like coconut, which is great if you’ll be using it in various recipes as well–after all, a little goes a long way, so a container is bound to last a while.
How often should you put coconut oil in your hair?
You may be wondering if you can put coconut oil in your hair every day, and we’re happy to say that it can be applied as often as daily without any harm. Of course, it is an oil, so there is always the chance of it blocking your pores, which may cause the formation of acne. Because of this, daily use should be light while heavier uses should be followed with a shampoo treatment. It is quite a popular preference to use coconut oil as a hair mask at least once a month if not once a week.
To use coconut oil as a weekly or monthly hair mask, simply take about penny-sized amounts of oil, carefully rub it between your fingers to liquefy, and work it into your hair. Begin at your roots, being sure to massage your scalp as you go. Once your roots and scalp are covered, work the coconut oil down your hair strands, paying close attention to your dry ends. For daily use, you’ll want to use a much smaller amount to prevent your hair from feeling too oily.
The Benefits
Due to its popularity in beauty, you must be guessing by now that there are numerous benefits of coconut oil for hair treatment. The pros of applying coconut oil to your strands go much further than adding shine (though, who couldn’t use a little extra glow?), and extend to the health of your hair follicles themselves. The seemingly simple task of working coconut oil through your hair, tying it up in a bun, and covering it overnight with a disposable cap boosts your hair’s strength and resilience far more than you probably realize. Let’s take a look at these benefits.
1. Damaged Hair Nourishment
Split ends have to be the bane of all of us attempting to grow our hair long. It seems like every time we turn around, we have to trim our hair again. Though we know this will eventually help nourish our hair more and produce greater length, the waiting game is a difficult one. Thankfully, that’s where coconut oil comes in. Coconut oil is enriched with vitamins, fatty acids, and protein–all of which are necessary for helping your hair’s growth. When you apply coconut oil to your hair, the oil penetrates your hair shaft down to the follicle, coating it with the fatty acids and protein it needs to repair any previous damage.
As the coconut oil helps with split ends, in time, hair growth is typically a visible result. Your trips to the hair stylist can be a little farther apart now that your split ends won’t be as much of an issue. Without the split ends, your hair strands will retain their length so you can see the hair growth! The hair growth factor is twofold, because coconut oil nourishes your roots as well, which will now have the nutrients they need to heal any damage, target weak areas, and put more focus into growing rather than reviving dead ends. Though coconut oil for hair loss has been speculated as effective, there aren’t any studies proving it. Of course, since it can help with hair growth, it doesn’t hurt to try.
TIP:
To help your damaged hair, simply apply coconut oil as a hair mask before bed, ensuring your strands are covered as well as your massaged scalp. Cover with a hair cap and wash with shampoo in the morning. As always, follow the shampoo with a high-quality conditioner to lock in the moisture provided overnight by the oil.
2. Dandruff Treatment
Dandruff isn’t necessarily considered hair damage, but rather simply an affliction that many people experience. If you have ever had or perhaps even currently struggle with dandruff, then you know it can be a real issue. Not only does everyone who happens to see it or hear about it make assumptions about your hygiene, but it feels like no one understands. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with an itchy scalp and flakes on your clothing. It’s not something you can help, and despite your best efforts, dandruff shampoo, at best, tends to just keep the problem at bay.
As with all-natural treatments, using coconut oil to help your dandruff won’t exactly produce overnight results, but you should start seeing a difference in a couple of weeks.
3. Relieve Infant Cradle Cap
If coconut can work wonders with dandruff, then could it help with your baby’s cradle cap? According to bellybelly.com.au, the answer is a resounding yes! Though many natural substances still require caution when being applied to infants, coconut oil is generally deemed safe. To be sure, check with your physician before use. Though there haven’t been complete studies to attest to the safety of coconut oil when used on infants and toddlers, it also doesn’t seem like there have been any recorded adverse issues either. Therefore, if you do feel comfortable with giving coconut oil to your infant, there are many potential benefits. One of the major ways coconut oil can help your baby is by relieving their cradle cap. With coconut oil’s richly hydrating properties, it can be effective at treating cradle caps and preventing them from recurring.
TIP
To use it for a cradle cap, rub a dab of coconut oil into your baby’s scalp, gently massage it, and leave it to sit for about twenty minutes. Once the time is up, wipe away the excess oil with a cloth and use a soft brush to comb through their hair, removing any remaining skin flakes. Repeat as needed, though hopefully with continued uses, the need for treatments will lessen.
4. Hair Conditioner
Whether you are on a coconut oil kick, forgot to pick up more conditioner, or you’d simply just like to see how it works out, this oil can be used in place of your regular conditioner! Typically, coconut oil is used as a deep or leave-in conditioner, oftentimes overnight, however, it can also be used shorter-term as well.
TIP
After shampooing as usual, start with about a nickel-sized amount of oil, and begin working it into your strands. Begin at your roots as you would with your usual conditioner and initially focus on just massaging it into your scalp. Once you’ve massaged your entire scalp, start pulling the oil through the rest of your hair, being sure to cover it all. If needed, use more oil, especially if you want to hydrate your dry ends. Leave it in for the rest of your shower, and thoroughly rinse at the end. Your hair may even be shinier than usual after this treatment!
5. Hair Detangler
Coconut oil is, after all an oil, which means it will work quite well for getting out tangles, knots, and snarls! If you’ve ever combed your hair after letting coconut oil sit as a hair mask, you’ll know there truly aren’t any tangles to struggle through. The same concept applies to using coconut oil as a hair detangler, though with a far lighter application. A small amount goes a long way, so you’ll want to be extra careful with this approach as it’s very apparent if you use too much coconut oil on dry hair. If you use too much, odds are your hair will end up weighed down and greasy.
TIP
To detangle your hair, start with a minuscule amount of oil. You can even slide a finger along the side of the jar to ensure you don’t grab too much. Rub the oil between your fingers and sparingly work it through the tangled areas. Another tip: brush from your ends to your roots to help get tangles out. Brushing from the roots down will merely aggravate them.
There is, however, a second option for detangling your hair if you are concerned about the risk of making your hair greasy by rubbing oil directly on the strands. If you have an empty spray bottle, you can dilute the coconut oil by mixing one tablespoon of oil with about a cup of water. This will easily spray on your tangled areas and greasy hair will no longer be an issue.
6. Tame Frizz
If you’re like me and deal with frizzy hair on a daily basis, then know you’re not alone. Frizzy hair is such a frustration, often ending with a basic hairstyle of a ponytail or bun because it’s otherwise unmanageable. Even at that point, however, frizzy flyaways are still an issue! Without loads of hairspray, it seems like they just can’t be tamed. Product after product on the shelves claim success with frizz, and yet, we all know most of them are a joke. Tame this frizz? Probably not happening.
This is one of the reasons why I love to use coconut oil on my hair: it truly does tame frizz and flyaways. The fatty acids in the coconut oil nourish your hair and help make each affected strand more manageable.
TIP
To unlock this benefit, shampoo and condition your hair as usual. After towel drying, comb through your hair and identify the trouble flyaway areas. With less than one-fourth of a teaspoon of coconut oil, warm it between your palms until it melts. Using your fingertips, smooth down the flyaways and the trouble frizz sections. The key here is to hardly even touch your hair; with light hands, just smooth the flyaways. Try not to touch the rest of your hair to prevent oily, weighed-down strands.
7. Scalp Massage Oil
Who could go for a scalp massage right about now? I certainly know I could, pretty much anytime, any place! Though scalp massages are the best way to usher in relaxation, this luxury often brings with it frizz and static in your hair. Don’t let that stop you though because coconut oil is a fantastic scalp massage oil. Numerous oils are on the market aimed at massages, but they are typically overpriced and underwhelming. We already know how coconut oil can help with scalp dryness, dandruff, hair damage, hair growth, and stimulates follicles, so why not use it as a massage oil? Though it solidifies at room temperature, it instantly melts at the touch, which makes it ideal for keeping down on the static during a massage.
TIP
Our suggestion for using coconut oil truly depends on your purpose. However, if you’re aiming for only a massage and not a mess of oily hair, use the coconut oil sparing. Again, try just dabbing a little from the side of the jar.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this list of benefits and uses of coconut oil for your hair!
I have personally been at the point where I felt like I have tried all the products under the sun for treating my dry scalp and frizzy hair, which made coconut oil such a fantastic option for me when I heard about it. I didn’t need to look any further than my kitchen for the answer and I could save money while I was at it!
Keep in mind that each person reacts to products differently and these benefits may work for one person, but not the next. It truly has made such a difference for me, so I hope it does for you as well. If you found this article helpful, please feel free to share it with your friends!
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