Feeling like getting a new haircut but Clueless in finding your next haircut. Like to be updated on 2008 Hair Style Trends? You are at the right place to find all these answers. We give you tips on hair care, on the hair styles which work best for your face, tips on hair salons and a tribute to hair stylists. Because we believe in the value of one’s hair and what it can do for one’s face. Because the hair is the crowning glory that which completes the individual and makes him or her more celebrated.Hair studios offer beyond your regular run of the mill hair salons. True that hair salons offer cuts, and color and treatments. But a hair studio offers beyond that. A hair studio does not just offer things regular things your regular hair salons offer.A hair studio offers specialized services. Which includes but is not limited to hair transplants, hair and scalp analysis and even advanced laser hair therapy. These are specialized services which needs specialized technology and even exclusive knowledge.It can be said that a specialized hair salon is a hair studio. Most hair studios have the very basic hair loss treatments. As always, hair loss treatments are individualized treatments which vary from each one salon to the next. And even between each individual.The trick to having a great hair style is to find one which fits your face. True that confidence is key in wearing the hair style of your choice, but to be truly confident one must be aware that the hair style she chose is best. There are flattering cuts for a specific face shape, find out here which ones are best for you.Hair care and maintenance is also important in caring for one’s hair. Maintenance involves getting the right shampoo and conditioner fit for your hair care needs. Imagine being fit with the wrong shampoo which does not answer to your needs. Maintenance also involve attending to your hair every once in a while by having it trimmed. Trimming removes split ends and also keeps your hair healthy. For more information about Hair Care and Styles visit the website, http://hairstudios.com

The beauty and hair care industry is often associated with expensive cosmetics and damaging chemicals. However this is not always true. You can keep your hair looking gorgeous without spending too much money and sacrificing its health. By using natural hair care remedies, which you can make yourself at home, you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars or subject your hair to degrading ordeals. Moreover, you are also helping the environment by not adding harmful wastes to your surroundings. Here are some natural hair care remedies:
– to strengthen and smoothing your hair, you could apply a natural hair mask with just a few drops of lemon juice to egg. Add around six to eight drops of lemon juice to one egg, beat it well. After thoroughly cleansing your hair with your favorite shampoo, apply the egg-lemon mixture and leave on for about a minute or so. Rinse very well and make sure that there are no residues left. The egg will add nutrients such as protein and vitamin E to your hair, while the lemon adds limonene oil that conditions the hair.

-massaging aromatherapy oils to the hair also helps condition it as well as reduces the occurrence of falling hair. Aroma oils also help you develop a healthy disposition by reducing stress. Use lavender oil for relaxation, you may also use rosemary or tea tree oil which are among the good remedies to help fight infection and fungus.
– your usual shampoo routine can sometimes damage hair when inevitable residue builds up. Use lemon or vinegar to remove residue accumulation and prevent shampoo fatigue. Rinse your hair with vinegar diluted to equal parts of water or pure lemon juice once a week to maintain naturally clean hair.
– avocado is another good fruit for hair care. The proteins in the fruit strengthen the hair while the fats help condition the hair. Mix a mashed avocado with a tablespoon of lemon juice, a teaspoonful of sea salt, and a tablespoon of aloe. Come this paste through your hair using your fingers. Cover your hair with a shower cap or a plastic bag the wrap your head with a towel to seal the mixture. Leave the treatment on for about 20 to 30 minutes, if you have a home hair steamer, you could decrease the time by half. Once this is done, you could remove the wraps and then rinse your hair very well to reveal a very conditioned, luscious air.
– to have a shiny hair with great body and volume, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 cups of lukewarm water. Shampoo your hair and rinse thoroughly. Use the vinegar-water mixture as a final rinse. Your hair would benefit from repeated rinsing of this mixture. This hair care remedy not only restores the softness and shine of your hair, but it also strengthens limp hair.

-cleansing is the single most important part of hair care. For a great cleaning rinse, mix 1 cup of vinegar with a few tablespoons of dried rosemary in a microwaveable container. Heat the mixture in a microwave oven for a minute and a half. With a spoon, crush the rosemary to the side of the container to release its essence. Filter the mixture with a sieve and allow it to cool. After shampooing and rinsing, apply the mixture to hair and leave on for about two minutes. Finally, rinse the mixture with cool tap water.

-a hot oil treatment is a luxury that you can also experience at home. Mix a quarter of a cup of soybean or canola oil in a glass container. Place the cup in a hot water bath to heat the oil. With your hands, massage the oil onto your wet hair and leave it there for just two minutes. Wash your hair with your favorite shampoo and rinse very well. If it is available in your area, use coconut oil, which has more nutritive properties than canola oil.

-frizzy hair is another problem that can be taken cared of using natural remedies. Mix four tablespoons of plain, natural yogurt with one whole egg. Shampoo your hair and rinse very well. Pour the mixture onto your hair and massage thoroughly, carefully working from the roots to the tips of your hair. Leave the mixture on for about five to ten minutes. Rinse the mixture well with cool water. This can help your hair become tangle-free.

Hair care is very easy to do, and not to mention cheap. With these natural hair care remedies, you are sure to maintain beautiful and healthy locks.

Hair care is science and an art, but most of us approach it in a very haphazard way. This article lists 10 common mistakes you should avoid in a good hair care routine.

If the amount of money consumers spend on hair care products annually is any indication, most people are concerned about the appearance of their hair and strive to attain beautiful, healthy and stylish looks. In fact, most will go to any lengths to achieve their desired look. From professional salon treatments to over-the-counter serums, hair care is a big business.

The only problem is that while many people are buying the right hair care products for their hair, they forget to follow basic hair care regimens that will guarantee the health and beauty of their tresses. Additionally, many are also causing needless damage to their hair by participating in unhealthy hair care behavior.

So, what should you do to make sure that your hair stays healthy, shiny and strong?To avoid all hair care disasters, follow these 10 absolute don’ts of great hair care.

Hair care don’ts

1. Avoid unprofessional and over-the-counter hair care products whenever you can. Many of these only offer false hopes and promises.

2. Do not cut your own bangs. Leave all of your cutting needs, even bangs, to your hair care professional.

3. Avoid excessive sun, chlorine and salt water during the summer months. Excessive exposure can cause severe damage that is irreversible even if you use the best hair care products.

4. Do not use clarifying hair care products on your tresses more than one time per week. They can strip hair of moisture and essential oils.

5. Do not visit a hair care salon without first getting a referral from someone you can trust. Choosing a salon based on an advertisement or sale alone is very risky.

6. Do not purchase hair color that comes in a box.

7. Never stick with an outdated look because you are afraid of looking different. Styles change for a reason. Ask your hair care professional to bring you into this decade with a new style.

8. Do not straighten your hair with a clothes iron. C’mon, this was so over in the 70s. We have straightening irons that won’t damage your hair for this now. Look in the hair care isle.

9. Don’t brush your hair or put too much tension on it while it is still wet. This will cause breakage. Also, do not wear tight styles such as corn rows for extended periods of time unless you have ethnic hair.

10. Never use sun-lightening products such as lemon juice or over-the-counter hair care products designed to lighten hair with the sun unless you want a very short hair cut in the future.

In the end, hair care is a very individualized and personal thing. Feel free to add your own flair and style to your hair care routineHealth Fitness Articles, but remember to include hair care principles that will benefit your hair and avoid those that damage it.

Wildly popular in all the blogs and a hot topic in those social networking forums I love to hangout in, everyone seems to be thinking about getting a Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT). Wait! I type. Before you call your stylist to book your salon appointment, make sure you have all the info you need to make your choice. Silky hair is good, but with a Brazilian Keratin Treatment you might be getting more than you planned.

What you and your stylist may not know is that the active ingredient in these BKT “wonder” treatments is formaldehyde, which is a dangerous chemical, especially if you breathe it in. Hence the protective equipment – face masks, gloves, ventilation fans – as a safety precaution when giving or getting a treatment. Is straight hair worth wearing a gas mask? Now THAT’S something to consider.

According to Allure Magazine (we love them!) “some of the most popular BKT treatments contain at least ten times more formaldehyde than the .2 percent considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. The FDA doesn’t currently regulate cosmetics, but they are investigating the safety of escova progressiva treatments.” Now, I’m no expert, and I have considered a BKT when I originally heard about them, but ten times more formaldehyde really sounds like a bad idea. Very bad. There’s no way that’s good for you.

The best, or I should say worst part about the Allure Magazine expose? I’ll loosely paraphrase here, but the gist is: “Keratin has nothing to do with straightening. Nada. There is nothing in Keratin that will change the structure of the hair, it’s the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work. Keratin is window dressing and provides a good marketing story.” Sounds like a sham to me. And really, who wants that kind of toxic treatment?

I’ll opt for my own straightening treatment – a super smoothing shampoo and conditioner combo, followed by a silky straightening lotion, a great flat iron and a strong thermal protectant. And maybe a trip to Brazil!

This video, by Global Keratin, shows the BKT treatment being applied. The video is aimed at hair dressers, rather than clients, but its a good introduction into the subject

This article tries to answer as many of the most common questions about  Brazilian Keratin Treatment as possible. The links below will take you to the most relevant section to your quesiton. But first, the most common issue:

What Shampoo should I use?

The best shampoo to use must be a sodium chloride (salt)  free shampoo  and, ideally, suplhate free. Most of the shampoos in the market contain sodium chloride.  Eluence produce a shampoo at £20.

It is the Sodium Chloride which is bad for the BKT treatment as it washes it out quicker, which is why swimming in the sea a lot of sweating too much can also be a problem for BKT users. Swimming in a pool is problematic if there is a high chlorine content.

General Questions

What is Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

What happens during a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?

How long does BKT last?

What does hair look like after is has been treated?

How much does BKT Cost?

Can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment at home?

I have very curly hair will Keratin Treatment give me straight hair?

What is X-Tenso and Yuko?

Which is best BKT or Yuko/ X-Tenso?

How to treat your hair after BKT

Does it matter if I get my hair wet after keratin treatment?

Can I go swimming after BKT?

How soon should I wash my hair after BKT?

Do I have to wait 3 days before wetting my hair after keratin treatment?

What shampoo should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

What conditioner should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

What to do after Keratin Treatment?

What not to do after Keratin treatment?

Health Questions about BKT

Is Brazilian Keratin Dangerous?

What Chemicals are in BKT?

Are there problems with Keratin getting into your eyes?

Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Sodium Chloride, what is the issue?

Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde, what is the all the debate about?

Does your hair fall out after BKT?

Are there any problems associated with using Keratin?

How many times can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

Can keratin treatment be done again before it washes out?

Can I get my curls back after having my hair straightened?

What is Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

o Brazilian Keratin Treatment has numerous names including:

• Keratin straightening

• Brazilian blow out

• BKT

• BKST

• Brazilian Keratin hair straightening

• Escova progressiva (the Brazilian name)

• “the permanent blow dry”.

It is a treatment that is designed to give hair that “just out of the salon, blow dried look”.

In brief it works by applying a product, Keratin to the hair and then sealing that product to the hair. The net result is that hair is normally straighter (as if it had been blow dried straight).

For more details see here and a video here.

• If a person has the BKT treatment the net result is that they will generally have straighter, more shiny, more “healthy looking” hair.

Back to top

What happens during a Brazilian Hair Straightening Treatment?

* During a treatment the hair is first washed, with a clarifying shampoo, to open up the cuticles. Then the treatment is applied, which contains the Keratin. Then heat is applied through straightening irons. The heat seals the Keratin into the hair and so removes the frizz.

Back to top

How long does BKT last?

o Between two to four months. BKT is not permanent and is eventually washed out.

The more the hair is washed, the quicker the keratin will be washed out.

o If hair is washed one a week it may last 4 months, if its washed 3 or 4 times a week then it may last two months. For this reason three months is the most common average for the length of a keratin treatment.

What does hair look like after is has been treated?

o BKT normally makes the hair look shiny and more healthy. Surprisingly the hair can also feel softer. Keratin provides a lot of nutrients for the hair, hence it looks so good afterwards.

Back to top

How much does BKT Cost?

o Its not a cheap treatment and costs vary, depending on the salon, from £200 to £500 per treatment.

Can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment at home?

o No. The procedure involves a very long and detailed hair straightening process using irons and driers. It takes over 2 hours, and this is not something somebody can “have ago at”.

DIY is not a good thing!

Back to top

I have very curly hair will Keratin Treatment give me straight hair?

o Possibly not, it will depend on the exact hair type. If its incredibly tightly curled hair then you may end up with soft curls

Back to top

What is X-Tenso and Yuko?

o These are both Japanese hair straightening products. They work by applying a chemical to the hair that stays on the hair for the rest of its life. The hair is permanently straight and will only return to its natural method as the hair grows.

Back to top

Which is best BKT or Yuko/ X-Tenso?

o They are very different treatments and it depends what you want. The former allows for flexibility and a more natural look, the latter is a longer lasting treatment.

Back to top

Does it matter if I get my hair wet after keratin treatment?

o Yes, initially. BKT is not permanent and comes out in the wash; the less the hair is washed the longer it lasts.

o For the first 3 to 4 days after Brazilian Keratin Treatment the hair should not be washed, and then it should only be washed with a sodium chloride free shampoo and conditioner

Back to top

Will sea water damage my hair after BKT?

o No, but it should be avoided. Sea water, which is salt water (and salt is Sodium Chloride), washes the keratin out of the hair quicker than normal water.

For this reason swimming in sea water reduces the life span of a BKT treatment.

Back to top

Can I go swimming after BKT?

• Brazilian Keratin Treatment is washed out more rapidly by sodium chloride and chlorine. Sodium chloride (salt) is in sea water and chlorine is in most swimming pools and spas. So if your going to swim, and want to keep the BKT effect for as long as possible try and cover your hair.

Back to top

How soon should I wash my hair after BKT?

o About three to four days after the first treatment

Back to top

Do I have to wait 3 days before wetting my hair after keratin treatment?

• Yes, a minimum of three days, possibly four, depending on your hair type.

What shampoo should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

It must be a sodium chloride free shampoo. Most of the shampoos in the market contain sodium chloride; Eluence produce one at £20.

However, the same product can be purchased for just £7 from this site. Even though the postage and packaging is expensive its still very cheap. If you can buy several you will get a very good bargain.

Back to top

What conditioner should I use after Brazilian keratin treatment?

o The conditioner, like the shampoo, this needs to be sodium chloride free. As the sodium chloride washes out the keratin faster.

The conditioner can also be bought cheaply from this site.

Back to top

What to do after Keratin Treatment?

* Do keep your hair dry

* Blows dry your hair after washing.

* Do wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.

* Do use a shampoo without Sodium-Chloride (Sulfate-Free) on your hair at all times.

Back to top

What not to do after Keratin treatment?

* Don’t do any of the following for the first 3 or 4 days:

1. wash your hair

2. Tie your hair into a pony tail.

3. Use hair clips.

4. Do not place your hair behind your ears.

5. Do not exercise or sweat.

6. Do not use hair bands.

7. Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.

8. Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

Back to top

Is Brazilian Keratin Dangerous?

o No. There are two types of BKT. BKT with formaldehyde (commonly referred to as just BKT without an reference to the formaldehyde ) and BKT without formaldehyde, commonly referred to as BKT formaldehyde free. Some people do not like the formaldehyde product, due to the nature formaldehyde   – it is a potent chemical.

Back to top

What Chemicals are in BKT?

o BKT contains ether, Keratin, and more often than not formaldehyde. Unless its specifically states its “formaldehyde free” then it will almost certain contain that.

Back to top

Are there problems with Keratin getting into your eyes?

* During the treatment it is a possible that you could get the product in your eyes, much like there is with any bleach, shampoo, or conditioner. During the treatment its possible the fumes given off could go in to your eyes.

This is not problematic, any more than getting shampoo in your eye – merely wash it out.

Back to top

Brazilian Keratin Treatment and Sodium Chloride, what is the issue?

o Sodium Chloride, which is salt, is found in both sea water and most shampoos. In its self it is harmless and will not damage the hair, however it does wash keratin off quicker than normal water, reducing the life span of a BKT treatment, therefore is should be avoided.

There are shampoos available that do not contain sodium chloride.

Back to top

Keratin Treatment and formaldehyde, what is the all the debate about?

• BKT has been available in the UK for the past few years, famously used by Girls Aloud; it has been in the US for much longer.

The primary chemical in BKT is Keratin – which holds the hair. However, most BKT treatments also have formaldehyde in it.

• Formaldehyde is not a nice chemical, and has been linked to cancer. There are no known cases of death or even illness from its use in BKT, and the concentrations are so low, and the exposure so minimal it is unlikely to have an effect for the customer. The stylist, on the other hand, has regular exposure to the chemical, on a daily basis and for this reason some hair dressers simply will not work with it.

Back to top

Does your hair fall out after BKT?

o No, not all

Back to top

Are there any problems associated with using Keratin?

o No, none, other than you have to wait for several days before washing it. The hair actually looks and feels better after the treatment.

Back to top

How many times can you use Brazilian Keratin Treatment?

o As many times as you want, as it is not harmful for the hair

Can keratin treatment be done again before it washes out

* Yes, can easily be done every month (funds permitting), as BKT does not harm the hair.

Back to top

Can I get my curls back after having my hair straightened?

o Yes. If you’re using BKT once it’s been washed out the hair will return to normal.

Back to top

• Keratin Treatment FAQs :Including information on; what shampoo, what conditioner, time scales, the effcts of swimming, chlorine, and sodium chloride.
• Article on Brazilian Keratin Treatment
• News video on Brazilian Hair Straightening

Tips on what to do in the first 4 Days of Brazilian Keratin.

You do want to wear your hair down for at least 4 days to allow the product to settle in your hair.

• Do use a blow dryer or flat iron as needed, (in case hair gets wet during the first four days.)
• Do wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.
• Do use a shampoo without Sodium-Chloride (Sulfate-Free) on your hair at all times.

Full Article

Things Not To Do For The First 4 Days after treatment

1. Don’t wash your hair for the first time.
2. Do not tie your hair into a ponytail.
3. Do not use hair clips.
4. Do not place your hair behind your ears.
5. Do not exercise or sweat.
6. Do not use hair bands.
7. Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.
8. Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

Full Article

After a BKT treatment you should use a sodium chloride and sulfate free shampoo.

A recommended one is by Elucence, at around £20, pictured inset.

However, it can be purchased for just £7 from this site, the postage and packaging is expensive, so if you can buy several you will get a very good bargin.