sade087

I like hair spray now and then. Usually when I need to be certain  my hair will stay in place - whether up or down. There are times when being distracted by your hair is unprofessional, too cutesy, or less classy than you want to appear. Or just plain maddening. But we are warned that hairspray has alcohol and alcohol is bad for hair, right? Or can we work around it? I have used Aqua Net unscented since my days as a professional dancer when hair had to stay in place during costume changes and much spinning and jumping. Hairspray works by what is known in the cosmetics industry as "spot welding;" junctions of 2 or many more hairs is stuck together with hairspray and this holds the entire style in place. The hair does not need to be saturated as with gel - just misted lightly as though you threw an invisible net over your hair. Recently I tested hair treated with hairspray (containing alcohol) under a microscope. Because I get the best images with items placed in a liquid, I le...

Two of my new favorite shampoo-free or gentle-shampoo-only itchy scalp treatments and one more tentative idea. If you have itchy scalp, itchy or sore little bumps on your scalp or hairline or dandruff, some of these might work for you. I prefer shampoo-free treatments because most dandruff shampoos are very irritating to skin that is already quite irritated and can be drying -which just causes more problems. ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 - Sulfur:  1/4 teaspoon colloidal sulfur (liquid) mixed into 1 tablespoon water or whatever liquid you choose yields a  2% solution - approximately. (1.25 grams in 14 grams). If this is too strong, use half the amount of sulfur. Apply to dry scalp with an eye dropper, or a bottle with a dropper-type opening (like an eyedrop bottle) leave on for about 5 minutes, then cleanse scalp and hair.  Do not leave this on, it needs to be washed off.  Lately I mix this into a pre-made plain gel base instead of water and dip my fingers in it to apply...

Are you one of those people who started using protein treatments (for example, the gelatine treatment from this blog) and find that, at some times of year, the effects wear off quickly. But you don't want to do the whole treatment over  - especially if you're one of those people who leaves it on for an entire hour! Here's a way to get a respectable dose of protein with relatively litte effort. Keep that low-frizz wave and curl definition going strong. Do-It-Yourself Protein Additive for Conditioner ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 Mix up this gelatine base (instructions below): 1 packet Knox Unflavored gelatine (or any unflavored gelatin 0.25 oz, 7.25 g or 2 1/2 teaspoons) 1/2 cup distilled water ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 Mix the gelatine and water (room temperature water) and then pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds - or  heat the water to boiling and then add it to the gelatine. Cool until cool enough to touch. Now - refrigerate this mixture. This is 6% protein. To use ...

For this recipe, I was trying to keep what I like about Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Gel and leave what I don't like about it (the scent, too much glycerin and sorbitol, the silicate clay ingredient that is tricky to use). ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 A quick scan of the ingredients and I ruled out the things I didn't want to bother with and that aren't easy to get and formulate with. You can find all these ingredients at drugstores or grocery stores. This recipe is extremely simple, and very good for helping your hair form nice chunky waves and curls - it made mine less frizzy than usual. It has medium hold on its own. If you want more hold, layer some strong-hold gel over it. ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 The ingredients: Water: Solvent, dliutent Xanthan gum: Creates a thick "gel," provides medium hold with humidity-resistance, may slow water loss. Glycerin(e): Humectant, binds water, boosts curls (for some folks). Acacia gum:  Optional. Adds a bit of "crunch...

Here are some tips and tidbits about my gelatin protein treatment recipe: ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 Concentration If you use a whole packet of Knox gelatine (2 1/2 teaspoons, 0.25 ounces or 7.2 grams) in 1/4 cup (60 ml) water that is 12% protein. Which is a lot. And this is only if your finished product is 1/4 cup, including anything else you add. 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatine in 1/3 cup water is 9% protein. 1 1/4 teaspoons gelatine (half a packet of Knox) in 1/4 cup water is 6% protein 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatine in 1/2 cup water is also 6% protein. Protein additives for hair products are usually recommended at a use rate of 2-5%. If the protein in your conditioner is listed before the preservatives, it is probably around 1-2%. If it is listed after the preservatives, it is probably at a concentration of 1% or less. Bear in mind that not all proteins behave the same in all hair types. Different proteins work better with different hair. ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 How long do I leave i...

I decided that I wanted to be able to make my gelatin protein treatment for hair in less than a minute (and not wait for it to cool) because I'm always rushing to get in the shower. Impatience can be a virtue if it means you come up with a faster way to mix up a PT! You need a microwave oven for this. Here's what you do: Mix gelatin and about 3/4 of the   cold  water you plan to use in a microwave-safe cup. Let it sit for about 30 seconds. Then microwave for 20-40 seconds. Long enough to dissolve the gelatin so there are no tiny gelatin grains (or flakes) visible. Add the remainder of the water to help cool down the mixture before adding other ingredients and applying. Recipe is in the link below. ------------------------------------------- This protein treatment recipe is STRONG! Not for the faint of heart nor for the hair protein-treatment-newbie. If you're not yet sure about how your hair reacts to protein - use a much smaller amount of gelatin than stated. This recipe d...

This recipe is a curl-enhancing, super-thick gel which doesn't require straining like flaxseed gel does. It encourages waves and curls and adds volume, but leaves hair very soft and has medium hold. Xanthan gum and Guar gum can be found in the gluten-free baking section of large grocery stores, or in natural food stores (or online). Sometimes natural food stores have bulk spices and you can buy these products in small amounts. This is a good product alone for soft hair, or can be used under a strong-hold gel as a curl enhancer, or mixed with it for more hold. It's very much like my flaxseed gel recipe #1 (mid-page) - but without the flaxseeds. ©Science-y Hair Blog 2013 Time to make gel: About 10 minutes. It must cool a little before adding the final ingredient. Freshly made gel, cooling in the sink. You need a double boiler for the best result - put a metal or glass bowl into a saucepan with water (water should touch the bottom of the bowl, bowl should not touch the bottom of t...