Hair tip #2: Washing

Alright, so this may seem a little easy and simple procedure. And yes, it is, but it can be done so wrong. You know when you go to the hairdresser and have your hair shampooed and conditioned, looking sparkly and new-like, it is possible to achieve the same result in home! You will require the following:

- Shampoo
Choose a shampoo suitable for your scalp condition and hair. Talk to your hairdresser about what would be suitable. If you use heat products, I recommend using Kerastase Bain Force (the green bottle). This aids in fixing damaged and broken hair.
- Conditioner
ALWAYS use a conditioner to match the shampoo product. For example, do not use a damage protecting shampoo with a colour enhancing conditioner. You are basically telling your hair to do two different things. If you use matching products, they compliment each other, working together to provide a better result. If your hair reacts to one of the products, change both, not just one product.
- Water
The obvious part, you require a shower, and water. Use warm water to rinse hair. Not cold, and not to hot. Hot water will assist in destroying your hair in a very good way.

So how to do it…

Step 1: Rinse your hair first. Do this thoroughly. This is the part where you need to remove the bulk of any hair product residue. Ensure your hair is thoroughly rinsed and soaked.
Step 2: Shampoo. When using a Kerastase product, you only need a small amount as it is highly concentrated (and expensive! lol). When shampooing lather through your hair starting on bottom layers and roots. Use circular movements throughout your scalp. Massage thoroughly. Concentrate on the roots more than the hair itself. Do not disregard the hair, but focus more on the scalp. DO NOT use your fingernails to help massage your scalp. Shampoo for 2 minutes approximately.
Step 3: Rinse. Rinse your hair completely. The best way to do this is stand with your back to the shower head and allow it to rinse your hair from the forehead backwards (it is difficult to word this lol). Ensure shampoo is completely rinsed out and no residue remains.
Step 4: Condition. You may feel you need to apply more conditioner than shampoo, as it doesn’t lather as much. But you don’t. You simply need to massage and lather more vigorously. Use the same process as Step 2 Shampoo. Ensure any damaged areas and in particular the ends are completely covered. Keep the conditioner in your hair as long as possible. Generally 5-10 minutes is appropriate.
Step 5: Rinse. This should be the longest amount of rinse in this process. Use the same rinsing process as mentioned above. Ensure all conditioner is completely removed. When still in the shower, squeeze out any excess water.
Step 6: Towel dry to around 70% and continue with your normal hair routine.

Any questions/comments feel free to ask.

Hair straightening 101

Why hello there! This would appear to be my first hair styling tip for my blog. It is a simple process, but one many fail miserably at. Many people believe they are doing it correctly with basic tools and products, but your not!! Your results are so much better with quality products. So to start, you will need the following:

- A flat iron hair straightener. If possible get one that includes ion’s and ceramic floating plates. Avoid Remington at all costs. I recommend the GHD Styler (valued at approximately $349).
- Ionic hair dryer. Ensure the dryer is ionic, this helps prevent frizz and damage. If possible look for a salon style Parlux hair dryer.
- Ionic hair brush.
- A comb.
- Nutrition enriched or anti-breakage shampoo and conditioner (I recommend the Kerastase range).
- Deep conditioning treatment. (I recommend the Kerastase or Schwartzkopf Professional range from salons).
- Thermal protectant spray or cream.
- Finishing serum.

Right so on with how to do all this.
1. Ensure hair is washed. Believe me, without this crucial step hair can be straggly and look greasy and very unclean. Shampoo and condition with a product such as Kerastase Bain Satin. At least twice a week use a deep conditioning treatment and leave in for at least 10 minutes. This aids in preventing damage to the hair and will stop it from becoming overly dry. When washing, use a small amount but lather the product further. Ensure you massage scalp to give roots volume. Rinse shampoo and conditioner thoroughly. Towel dry.
2. Immediately after washing, use thermal protector. Either spray all over or distribute cream. I recommend Loreal Professionnel Techni.art Hot Style Finish. Do not use brush’s or comb’s until hair cuticles are dry.
3. Blow dry all over in fast vigorous movements. Do not use a brush or comb to distribute heat. Use your hands. Ensure hair is fully dry. To ensure hair is completely dry use a distributor cap on the end of hair dryer and go over your hair in sections.
4. Apply further thermal protector. Use less this time, as you do not want your hair to be damp for the hot irons. Before using the irons ensure hair is 100% dry. If not quickly blow dry all over.
5. Brush your hair to remove any tangling.
6. Start the straightening process by doing the bottom layers. To do this, start at the back. Separate your hair near the nape of neck, and using sectioning clips move any unwanted hair to the top of the head. You should now be able to access the bottom layers.
7. Bring the hot iron near the root (be careful not to burn yourself), and in approximately small 5cm sections bring the iron down the hair towards the end. If desired, slightly twist the hot iron to create a flick effect at the ends.
8. Repeat this process until all bottom layers are done.
9. Now you can repeat this process to complete the upper layer. Use sectioning slips to aid.
10. When straightening the fringe, I recommend moving the hot iron in the direction you wish your hair to fall. I recommend you ensure your fringe/bangs frame your face. If your hair does not move in a particular direction with ease, try another direction. Not only will it be easier to move, but it will sit better throughout the day.
11. Always remember to check the hair close to the roots. Ensure there are no ridges. If there are you need to place the hot iron closer to the root. By leaving ridges, it makes it obvious you straighten your hair.
12. Finish the process of by applying a small amount of serum (I recommend the Kerastase Nutritive range). Do not apply too much, especially around the roots as it will build up and appear greasy.
13. Apply hairspray all over. I recommend the Schwartzkopf Professional Super Hold Laquer). You will only need a small amount. As soon as you apply use your hands (do not use a tissue as this will suck up the hairspray), lightly pat down your hair, especially around the roots. This will aid in preventing frizz and fly-aways.

Always remember:
- Shampoo and condition daily.
- Deep condition at least twice weekly.
- Always, always, always use thermal protector.
- You cannot see the back of your head, so ensure you have completely straightened every section.
- Do not leave ridges.

Ensure you use quality shampoo, conditioner, deep condition and thermal protector. This is crucial to help stop your hair drying out and looking like crap! By following these steps you will be able to produce a very hot hair style (no pun intended). As in example, here is Stacey fresh from a good straightening:

Isn’t she pretty!!!
Have any questions/comments? Feel free to comment!