BEYOND WORDS

7:57 AM

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Wanted to write about this yesterday. But something happened, and I didn't have the mood anymore.

Perhaps I might not be in the position to share about hair care, as the state my hair is in, is not that good.
Just a brief "history" of my hair - I have never had long hair until I was 17. So this is my 4th year handling long hair. My hair is naturally curled, and quite nicely. 'cos I have large S-shaped throughout the length of my hair. However, curly hair is hard to maintain as it entangles so often. I got sick of 19 years of curly hair, and finally did rebonding 2 years ago. The result wasn't good due to my natural curl, that curls back. To date, I have dont 3 rebonding, the 2nd about half a year after the 1st, and the last time was Oct last year, less than half a year after the 2nd. I dyed my whole head in strips of hazel together with my last rebond. And that resulted in frizzes, but not till the extent of dryness and brittleness. It was horrible, and I started learning how to take more care of my hair. For friends out there who are in similar situation, here is a little sharing.

1. If you can afford it, just go for treatment at the saloon every month. (I can't) Any saloon will do, doesn't have to be Monsoon etc. (My 3rd time was at Monsoon, and I can swear, it feels the same as the neighbourhood ones. Don't waste your money.)

2. For those who prefer the more economical way, like me, still remember to treat your hair at least once every month. Don't have to overdo it, thrice is very enough. I use Mineral Mud (will insert picture later). Scoop a handful that will cover your hair length and massage it into hair. Wrap your head with hot towel then put on a shower cap. Do something else while you leave it on for an hour or more. It doesn't hurts to leave it long. When you feel shiok enough, then go back to the bathroom to rinse it off. This is like washing your hair.

3. For those who prefer the more DIY method, I learnt this from a TV show. Fill a big cup with HAlF full with plain water, fill the half with Apple Cider. Mix well. Pour it slowly onto the BOTTOM HALF of your hair length, especially the ends. Apple cider is acid, and should never be used to wash your scalp.

4. Mother's tip: While washing off soap, mineral mud, or apple cider etc, use a comb to wash out. This makes combing long hair easier, and it will be straight and untangled by the time you leave the bathroom! =) (Plus, it washes your comb at the same time too! lol)

5. Always use conditioner. I know it costs the same as a bottle of shampoo, but I think it's worth it.

6. Always use some form of hair oil. I read that olive oil is good. Watson's in-house brand of body and face care products uses olive oil. Think I will try getting one when my current bottle is finished. My mum uses normal $2 oil which lasts more than a year, it has been working really well for her. I am using L'oreal intensive care set. The one with the bright orange bottles. IT WORKS =))) So my hair oil is L'oreal too.

7. Brands of shampoo that I really like:
Best: L'oreal Elseve (I knwo it's not cheap. But I swear by it. Used since primary school)
Second: Pantene
There is no third. As I have not yet used any brand that even works!

8. Brands that I confirm doesn't works on my hair:
Worst Impression: Herbal Essence (leaves your hair like a bird's nest)
Silkpro: The effect wears off by the time you step out of the bathroom. (I tried both normal hair and dyed hair version.)
Dove: Same like the body foam, the formula feels smooth. But mind you, it's the formula that feels good, not your body or hair after it's being applied. Firstly, I don't feel that my body is cleaned at all. Secondly, my hair feels the same as before I wash it.

WOW! This is so long. Honestly, I have not tried the apple cider method, but celebrities swear by it. But I have read that hair actually needs acid so shampoos can't be too soapy/alkaline.

This is all for my morning post from work. Bye. Take care and remember to try out the tips. =)

Labels: care, hair