Split Ends

Q: What Causes Split Ends?

A: Split ends, the small tears to the shaft of the hair follicle that make the hair look like it's literally split in two, are caused by the all of the things we do to look beautiful. More specifically, split ends are caused by heat styling - hair dryers, irons, crimpers are all culprits here - sun damage, and chemicals such as hair dyes and permanents. Split ends are also caused by time. If you didn't use any styling products, stayed indoors, and gave up your hair dryer and Sedu for good, you would still get split ends.

Repair Split Ends

You can minimize hair damage and split ends by curtailing your use of chemicals and heat stylers as much as possible, and by using deep conditioners and hair repair products, which go a long way to undo the damaged caused by excessive styling. You can minimize the damaged caused to your hair by the sun by using a shampoo with sunscreen and by wearing a hat when you're in the sun for a long period of time.

The absolute number-one thing you can do to minimize the damaged done to your do by split ends is by getting regular trims, as trims are the only way to get rid of split ends for good (that is, until they come back again).

Frizzy Hair

Q: I have messy, frizzy hair that rarely looks pretty or under control. I'm starting college and really want to look good. How do I tame my frizzy hair?

A: It should give you some solace to know that a lot of people struggle with frizzy hair. And it seems as through there are just as many "solutions" for frizzy hair as there are people suffering from it, but most of the things available at the drug store just don't do the trick. How often have you bought a hair product hoping your hair will look as sleek and pretty as the girl in the commercial only to have it weight your hair down, and not fully control the frizzies?

Frizzy Hair Home Remedies

A lot of the things you can do to tame frizzy hair are free, and a lot of products that really help fight frizz won't even say "frizz" on the bottle. Let's look at the free ones first.

Most frizzy hair is dry hair. To treat dry hair, apply a natural hair "mask" made of mayonnaise, mashed avocado or mashed bananas (the darker the better). Leave the mashed fruit on for fifteen minutes; leave the mayonnaise on for a half-hour to an hour, and rinse, washing the mask out with a conditioning shampoo.

Avoid stripping your hair of its natural moisture by washing it every other day or every third day, depending on your hair. (You can still "do" your hair. Just skip the shampoo and condition as normal.) Help your hair "soak up" as much moisture from your conditioner as possible by leaving the conditioner on for five minutes or more. (Some people even have luck leaving a little conditioner in their hair, while others find that extra conditioner can weigh down their hair, so you will have to play with it to see what works for you).

When you're out of the shower, be careful with your hair. Don't rub it or scrunch it with a towel, but twist it up (after combing with a wide-tooth comb) in a towel for five to ten minutes. Never ever brush your hair – and only comb it while it's wet.

Frizzy Hair Products

Now onto the money. You will need a product or two for your frizzy hair. But you should limit it to that. (Too many products will frazzle your locks.) Get a good gel that will keep your hair tame. But don't use too much, as too much gel will make your hair look crunchy. If you're too busy for frizzy hair home remedies, consider investing in a hair repair product like H2-Ion.

Natural Hair Color

Q: I recently did a detox and eliminated a lot of chemicals from my life. Now it's time to dye my hair and I don't want to use a traditional hair dye. Are there any natural hair dyes out there?

A: As more and more people are becoming aware of the harmful chemicals in everyday household products and beauty products, many are choosing products made from natural botanicals that are good for their bodies and the environment. As a result, there are a few companies now making natural hair color, such as Eco Colors. Rather new to the market, these hair colors are available at some salons and in at-home kits.

Most natural hair dyes contain vegetable dyes and/or henna dyes and other nourishing ingredients including Vitamin E, castor oil, and jojoba oil, among other ingredients.

These products are non-toxic and tend to be very good for people with allergies. Even women who are pregnant and nursing can safely use these natural hair color products.

You can also use henna hair dyes. These products use the same natural henna used in henna tattoos to safely dye the hair for up to 4-6 weeks.