Damage Therapy Conditioning
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Should I deep Condition my hair everyday?
I have naturally curly hair which is damaged from my straighteners. I use Doves therapy shampoo for damaged hair about twice a week, condition it everyday, deep condition it about 4 times a week and use a home made hot oil treatment once a month. Its soft and shiny now, but I want it to be better, would it be wise to deep condition my hair everyday? Does anyone have any tips on split end control too?
As a stylist, and someone who has curly hair I know EXACTLY where you're coming from. I've learned the hard way that straightening daily can definitely take a toll on your hair. This is what I would reccomend you do.
1. I can't see the length of your hair or condition but go to your hairstylist and ask him/her to only take off the dead ends. If you are trying to grow your hair out long, tell him/her that you want to keep the length but you are very concerned about the health of your hair and want to take the dead ends off.
Most people would tell you to cut your hair short so it's healthy, which is a great idea in theory, however as a curly haired girl we know, the shorter the more it looks like an afro, which NO ONE wants to have. Just keep the length, trim the ends, and make sure to get a trim EVERY 5-6 weeks to ensure the health of the ends.
2. Use GOOD products. A lot of people think that over the counter shampoos and conditoners are great products but the truth is they can have some REALLY damaging chemicals in them. Because they aren't sold in salons they don't have to exclude chemicals that would otherwise be "banned", basically the rules that apply to salon products in terms of safety do not apply. Salon products can definitely be expensive but in reality, as a curly haired girl, nothing really works unless it costs, it sucks right?
For curly hair that you love silky, smooth, and healthy I would reccomend Enjoy products especially Enjoy Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner. I use it and it literally makes my hair feel like silk. It's extremely hydrating and is sulfate free which keeps color longer, as well as reduces acid wear on the cutical of your hair. This might be hard to get a hold of but make sure you find a product that is hydrating.
Secondly, use a thermal protection serum or spray accompanied with a leave in conditioner. You don't have to necessarily buy these at Salons, Sally Beauty supply will have products that will work just as well for less than a Salon product. The thermal protection prevents damage up to 420-450 degrees which makes it perfect for blow drying, straightening, or even curling irons. The Leave in conditoner will also hydrate and soften your hair which will make for soft smooth straight hair, less frizzy as well.
3. Styling your hair is definitely a challenge, I go through it daily but here are some things you can change about the way you style and get the same, or better results. If you blow dry, you can still blow on high but use a lower heat setting. I use the lowest which will dry just as well but wont fry it. I also learned how to use a HUGE round brush to blow it out smooth, which means less straightening with an iron. To do that section your hair in layers and keep as much tension in your hair as you can. Start at the roots and pull tight all the way down the shaft. The tighter you can hold it the straighter it will blow out. (Also make sure you are blowing DOWN the hair shaft, not into the hair or upwards. That can rough up the cutical and spread the breakage up the shaft)
Now that you're all dry it's time to get the iron out. Make sure you are using a ceramic plate, DO NOT USE WET TO STRAIGHTS. They advertise that they steam the hair but use your logic. If you hair is smoking and hissy...it's not STEAM it's FRYING! So make sure you're hair is COMPLETELY dry before bringing an iron to your hair. If you can't get a hold of a CHI Sally beauty sells generic versions ( I have a pink camo CHI knock off which cost me $50 and works just as well as the $180 version.) At least have one with a dial that controlls heat.
I'll admit, I LOVE to use it on the highest it can go because that makes it soo shiny and smooth, but it's sooo bad for curly hair. Unless you have very tight curls like some African American textures can, don't use the highest. Go to the middle or maybe a little over. With your hair blown out it will be smoothe and straight, but probably a little poofy and frizzy (My hair does that especially the top sections of my hair.) So use the iron to go over the hair to give it a sleek look.
Again section and straighten in layers. Spray the sections with the thermal spray (which will steam and smoke a little but that means it's working) and straighten immediately. Try not to keep the iron on the same area for more than 3 seconds, I like to use it kind of like a brush and make quick passes over the hair until it's smoothe, as opposed to holding it on there for longer periods of time.
Last, I notice that I can blow my hair out, and straighten it and wear it for at least 2 days. The more you wash it, and straighten it the more damage you'll have. Washing strips your hair of natural and essential oils, so waiting a few days to wash is not bad at all. The less you'll have to straighten if you go a few days before washing again, which will also help reduce damage.
I know that is A LOT of information to take in but curly hair has A LOT of obstacles t
Hair Care Series Ep. 5: Hair Straightening
