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Get your Hair Holiday Season Ready with these tips!

Get your Hair Holiday Season Ready with these tips!

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The holiday season is just around the corner, which means the hot weather will soon be upon us. While Summer is known for being a season of carefree fun in the sun, did you know that it can also be the most damaging season for our hair? Ironically, humidity and wet weather tends to make frizzy hair worse. That’s because dry hair tries to absorb moisture out of the air, causing each hair’s cuticle, or outer layer, to swell up, instead of lying flat. The cuticle comprises overlapping scales, which separate and rise in moist air. This makes hair look frizzy.

Tis the season to avoid bad hair days! Or at least try to. Getting ready can feel like such an ordeal, but it doesn’t have to be this way with these holiday hair hacks.

1. Protect your Hair with Organic hair treatments

There are shampoos that contain UV protection, but most of those are chemical-laden, conventional shampoos that I’d recommend avoiding. One quick way to add some protection to your hair is try using a hair Shampoo & Conditioner that helps protect your hair from mechanical stress, pollution and dyes. Try INSIGHT Rejuvenating Shampoo / Conditioner which contains + Organic Carrot Extract to perform an antioxidant action against the harmful effects of free radicals. The chlorine in swimming pools and the salt in the ocean are both incredibly drying—and can even strip colour-treated hair of its hue. Since our dry hair is very porous and is always seeking moisture, when we dive right in with dry hair, our strands absorb these drying waters. Before taking the plunge, wet your hair with fresh water—or better yet, apply an organic oil spray for added protection. Try INSIGHT Protective Hair Spray on the hair before and during the exposure to sunlight. This product protects the hair from the harmful effects of free radicals thanks to the natural ingredients + Organic Coconut Oil + Hazelnut and jojoba Oils, and shields  your hair against weather conditions, sun rays, chlorine & sea salt.

2. Moisturise hair weekly with a Hair Mask or Deep Conditioning

Applying a hair mask once a week can improve your hair texture drastically. Healthy and moisturised hair is less likely to frizz, so along with regular conditioning, try a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning. Hair masks will hydrate and smooth your dry cuticles, leaving your locks silky and soft. Some of the most effective ingredients that can transform your hair texture within a few weeks by using organic ingredients formulated with rich organic extracts and natural oils. We recommend to apply INSIGHT Anti Frizz Hydrating Mask to wet hair, distributing evenly and leaving it on for 3 – 5 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat

Try to blow-dry your hair as little as possible. It is already exposed to a significant amount of heat on a daily basis in the summer, and it will probably air-dry quickly anyways, so give the blow dryer a break and go natural if you can. Avoid flat-irons, too, as they will do further damage to already-dry hair. Save the hot tools for special occasions and embrace your hair’s natural texture on a day-to-day basis. Try a hair oil enriched with Organic Ginkgo and Organic Aloe Extract to discipline frizz without heat for an effortlessly smooth undone style. When your hair is still damp reach for INSIGHT Styling oil NON OIL or Liqiud Crystals and distribute through your strands, —this will help to keep the frizz at bay! Then either air dry loose or style in a braid for a more controlled texture once your hair has dried.

4. Wash less often

Frequent washing strips your scalp of its natural oils, which in turn stimulates additional oil production and makes you feel the need to wash it even more. Sweat and summer go hand-in-hand but washing your hair frequently to get rid of the grease isn’t doing it any favours. Try just rinsing in the shower after a day at the beach or pool, and see if that gets rid of some extra oil. In place of regular shampoo, try INSIGHT Antioxidant Rejuvenating Mask, apply to wet hair, distributing evenly. Leave on 5/10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, this natural product protects the hair from external aggressions.

5. Put your hair up in loose, comfortable styles

A messy braid is ideal for keeping your hair under control and minimising exposure to the sun. Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat. Overly tight hairstyles—ponytails, braids, buns, and the like—can pull on our strands and cause breakage. During the summer months when our hair is extra fragile from the heat, take care to style your hair into loose knots and braids and steer clear of plastic elastics which can do further damage, opting instead for soft hair ties or bobby pins.

6. Cover Up!

The sun is known for its harsh UVA and UVB rays that can do a number on our skin—causing everything from dryness and signs of skin aging to sunburns and skin cancer. But the effects of the sun’s rays don’t end at our epidermis. Fact is sunlight—as warm and inviting as it may seem—can do a number on our hair. To protect your hair from fading and drying out due to the sun you’ll want to keep them protected all season long. Wear a fashionable floppy hat or a stunning silk scarf. The fact is you have to protect your hair the same way you’d protect your skin from the sun if you want it to look its best. A hat reduces damage caused by wind, especially if your hair is prone to tangling, and protects colour-treated hair.

7. Take time to Pamper Yourself!

Carve a half hour out of your week to light some candles, draw a bath, and put on a hair mask. Relaxing during this hectic season is so important. Stress can lead to hair loss, so you’re really multitasking while you kick back and let your hair mask do it’s thing. A deep conditioning treatment with nourishing oils, vitamins, botanical extracts, and essential oils can strengthen your hair give both it and your scalp the extra boost that they’ve been craving.

Keep healthy, take care of yourself, and don’t forget to take a step back and enjoy this special time of year.

 

Why Artificial Colours Aren’t Worth It!

Why Artificial Colours Aren’t Worth It!

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What are the Impacts of Artificial Colours & how to avoid these dyes?

Take a look at some of the mainstream personal care products you will find in store shelves, you will see a rainbow of lovely shades. Who doesn’t like something colourful? I know I do. Colour makes things look beautiful and companies know this, they also have an effect on how we feel and perceive the things around us. 

Unfortunately, most manufacturers rely on artificial dyes to fill their products with colour. Here’s everything you need to know about artificial colourants, and why they’re worth avoiding wherever you can.

What are Artificial Colours?

Artificial Colours and dyes are chemical additives that change the shade of soaps, lotions, shampoos, styling products and you are more likely to come into contact with Artificial Colours frequently. These dyes are often made up from a variety of synthetic chemicals. It takes up to 25 synthetic chemicals to create one artificial die. If a product is purple, it could potentially have 50 or more chemicals just in the colour.

The problem is that synthetic colours are made from coal tar or petroleum which can be contaminated with heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. When absorbed on our skin/scalp, Artificial Colours can increase the risk of irritation, blocked pores, breakouts and sensitivity, and some Artificial Colours are more harmful than others.

What are the Impacts of Artificial Colours?

These toxins and chemicals increase your risk of skin sensitivity and irritation, and are known for blocking pores and increasing the risk of acne breakouts. If synthetic dyes are included in products that you leave on your skin, such as moisturisers and hair masks, they may be absorbed into your body where they can cause additional damage.

Most commercial manufacturers of cosmetics & hair don’t believe we are in danger because artificial colours make up only a small amount of cosmetic formulations, but what researchers haven’t determined is the risk of long-term use of synthetic colourants in your products.

While awaiting for a response that dispels all doubt, our laboratories at INSIGHT Professional formulate according to precise ecological & health conscious parameters & have decided to formulate our products without synthetic dyes, along with many other nasty chemicals that have been avoided.

How to avoid Artificial Colours?

Artificial Colours and dyes are everywhere and it may seem near impossible to avoid these chemicals in your daily products, but you can do it. In fact, once you start shopping for more natural brands, you’ll find it easier as you go.

  • Keep an eye out for artificial colourants when purchasing mainstream personal care products & read labels carefully to avoid chemical colours like Blue 1, Green 3, FD&C Yellow 6, etc.
  • Shop for natural and organic products that have more ingredients you can actually pronounce.
  • If you really want colour, look for products coloured with natural dyes made from organic plants and herbs.

Synthetic colourants may make a product look better, but they don’t make them better for you. Artificial Dyes, at best may irritate your skin and cause your children to be hyperactive, at worst they can risk your health irretrievably.

Sulfates in Shampoo: Should You Avoid Them?

Sulfates in Shampoo: Should You Avoid Them?

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Sulfates in Shampoo: Should You Avoid Them?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Sodium laureth sulfates (SLES) are ingredients commonly used in producing shampoo, soaps, detergents, toothpaste and a whole lot of personal care products.

SLS and SLES are found in high concentrations in industrial products, including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and car wash products and used in lower concentrations in household and personal care products such as cleaning products, toothpastes, shampoos, and shaving foams.

The foaming action means that a person can spread the shampoo over a greater area of their head. It may also help any active ingredients in the shampoo work deeper into the hair to remove dirt and excess oil. Of course, this may also mean that the person uses less shampoo.

Sodium laurel surfactant, which is a chemical that breaks down surface tension. The result? More effective cleaning and lots of big bubbles. SLS is cheap to produce, and it creates the type of lather that people have been conditioned to think means “clean,” so it’s a staple of conventional personal care. It’s also a staple in industrial cleaning products, so if you have an engine that needs to be degreased it can do that too. 

The most common sulfates found in store-bought shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. Other products may contain slight variations of these compounds, as well. These are not true sulfates, but they carry out the same role. 

There may be some downsides to including sulfates in shampoo. One downside is that sulfates may be too effective at cleaning. Sulfates help a shampoo to strip oil and dirt away from the hair. However, the hair needs to retain a bit of its natural moisture and oils to stay healthy. Sulfates may strip away too much moisture, leaving the hair dry and unhealthy. They may also make the scalp dry and prone to irritation and can cause an unpleasant ‘burning’ feeling on the skin for many, especially those of us who are prone to acne or sensitive skin. While Sulfates are definitely effective at dissolving grease and oil from the scalp, it’s equally as effective at leaving your hair dry, straw-like, or flat, and damaging your curls or stripping your hair colour.

Depending on how it’s manufactured, sodium laurel sulphate and it’s cousin sodium laureth sulphate may be contaminated by dioxane, a suspected carcinogen. Our bodies can’t metabolise dioxane effectively, which allows it to build up over time. If your one that washes their hair most mornings, it’s time to invest in the mildest shampoos that’ll clean your hair without drying it out – or worse, destroying it or your health over time.

Many SLS-free shampoo also happen to use natural ingredients for their products. There are so many benefits to going natural. For some of us going natural with our health and beauty products gives us confidence that the product will be of high quality and won’t leave any nasty effects on the skin. It also means that the product will be free of parabens which are said to also be harmful to the skin.

Using natural ingredients also means more genuine and pleasant aromas will flow out of the shampoo. Aromatherapists believe that these aromas can help us to relax, de-stress and feel happier. I’ve made it my mission to find the mildest shampoos such as INSIGHT DAILY USE  that’ll clean your hair without drying it out, and this sulfate-free shampoo will generally clean the hair just as effectively as those that contain sulfates.

What Alternatives are there to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Thankfully we live in a world where there are numerous alternatives to this cheap potentially harmful ingredient. One of my favourites is coconut oil, which can create a lovely lather combined with other ingredients. All of INSIGHT shampoos are formulated without SLS and SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate), which are considered aggressive and potentially irritating surfactants.

Instead INSIGHT choose to use a gentler cleansing agent, derived from coconut. Using a more dermo-compatible cleansing product means protecting scalp health and balance over time.

Holiday Hair Care Tips!

Holiday Hair Care Tips!

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Achieve happy holiday hair with these rules and beauty tricks.

The holiday season is almost here; as such, you’re probably thinking about taking a holiday sometime soon. When it comes to our hair we don’t take it lightly and we know that summer weather is harsh on our hair, making it frizzy, dry and damaged.

To keep your hair looking healthy at the end of the summer just like it was at the beginning, here some tips from the hair experts to make sure your hair doesn’t lose its shine this summer. Sun, sand and pure relaxation – holidays are the best time of the year! Did you know that it can also be the most damaging season for our hair? The sun isn’t kind to our hair. It’s true that the damage that the sun does to our hair isn’t as obvious as when our skin burns, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t taking its toll. Let us help you achieve happy holiday hair with these rules and beauty tricks.

1. Wear a Hat 

It sounds obvious, but wearing a hat keeps your hair protected from damage caused by direct sunlight. Shield your hair from the sun by wearing a chic hat or hairband/scarf . You love your hair colour but it fades in any direct exposure to the sun, wearing any cover will protect it and help your scalp retain moisture. If you prefer, apply INSIGHT AntiOxidant Protective Hair Spray to your hair before you go in the sun to protect the hair during sun exposure, leaving it soft and moisturised.

2. Make An Appointment with Your Hairdresser / Put in the prep work

Holiday hair protection is going to be much easier if your hair is in good condition before you go. Healthy hair and proper care are the best way to start your holiday. That is why you should visit your hairdresser and have the ends trimmed before your trip. This instantly freshens up your hair and makes sure it looks good to the end of your holiday and beyond. Thinner and possibly damaged ends that may be especially sensitive to sun and salt water, which contributes to split ends or broken hairs at the beach or pool. Holiday hair protection is going to be much easier if your hair is in good condition before you go. Most people recommend getting a trim about every two months or so to keep your locks in tip-top condition.

3. Proper Washing

Condition hair regularly, you’ll want to keep up the good work whilst you’re away; after all, it’s important to maintain your hair’s natural moisture levels. Also, be sure to bring your own hairdryer and it would be wise to leave any straightening tools at home; you’ll only put more strain on hair that’s already in some tricky environments.  Remember to always use natural items that contain coconut oils will seal your hair and act as a layer of protection from sun, sweat and chlorine.

Knowing which products to use – and to avoid – is a crucial part of putting together the perfect holiday hair care regimen. At the end of each bathing day, you should wash your hair with a mild organic shampoo. Gentle care products (for instance with INSIGHT Daily Use Shampoo) designed for everyday use, packed with lemon extracts….or INSIGHT Dry Hair Conditioner  packed with Coconut oil & Almond oil to care for your hair, leaving hair soft, shiny & full of life!⠀⁠

Sweat and summer go hand-in-hand but washing your hair frequently to get rid of the grease isn’t doing it any favour to your hair  Try just rinsing in the shower after a day at the beach or pool, and see if that gets rid of some extra oil. In place of regular shampoo, try INSIGHT Antioxidant Rejuvenating Mask, apply to wet hair, distributing evenly. Leave on 5/10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, this natural product protects the hair from external aggressions.

4. Splash Hair with Clean Water Before You Swim

Did you know? – chlorine and salty seawater are the last things you want your hair to be soaking up. The good news is, splashing it with clean water before you go swimming will be a big help. Because your hair work like a sponge, they actually reach a natural saturation point, there comes a time when the hair literally can’t get any wetter. This means the hair will be less able to absorb anything else including chlorine. So, the best tip for your hair is to give it a quick rinse ahead of your dip in the sea or jump in the pool.

5.  Styling tips 

Get your hair off your face and on-trend for summer in seconds with quick and simple boho braids. Secure with a fabric hair tie & you’re ready to go! Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat. Overly tight hairstyles—ponytails, braids, buns, and the like—can pull on our strands and cause breakage. During the summer months when our hair is extra fragile from the heat, take care to style your hair into loose knots and braids and steer clear of plastic elastics which can do further damage, opting instead for soft hair ties or bobby pins.

6. Treat Your Body Right with the right food

The most important thing for hair health is a balanced diet. By eating nutrient-rich foods that are scientifically proven to help your hair, you can greatly influence your hair’s thickness, growth or shedding, and even its likelihood of greying since the nutrients consumed by the body will fortify the hair follicles. A balanced diet consisting of nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals, such as salmon, eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes will help to supply hair with all that it needs to remain shiny, lustrous and strong.

Did you know that green tea and dark chocolate, are good too. It’s also important to increase your fruit intake. Hair-friendly fruits includes berries, pears, avocados and papayas, and be sure you drink at least eight glasses of water every day – ideal for giving you the correct balance for your hair with all that it needs to remain shiny, lustrous and strong.

7.  Holiday Hair Extensions Made-Easy

If you are looking for hair extensions for your  holiday, tape hair extensions are the way to go. This is because they are thin and durable. Our popular Seamless1 hair extensions are the solution to swimming with hair extensions while on holiday (or any other time of the year!) When swimming, most people fear that that their hair extensions will slip out or that they will ruin the quality of the hair. However, with tape extensions that is not the case. With S1 Super Tape Pre-cut Tabs – made with a medical grade tape for the ultimate bond, that means that you can exercise with hair extensions, swim with hair extensions, and heat style them.

You have no limitations with these hair extensions. You do not have to worry about the hair slipping out because the strong bond will hold. You also do not have to worry about these hair extensions knotting or tangling while wet if you happen to be working out, swimming, or washing your hair. We only supply high quality hair for our tape extensions so that they can be worn 24/7 without taking up too much more time and effort than your own hair.

Thankfully, a bit of preparation and packing the right products is all it takes to battle the elements and leave your locks in perfect condition. With your holiday hair problems solved and your locks tamed, you can concentrate on the important things in life – such as cocktails by the pool to nights out on the town!

12 Hair Types and How to Care for yours!

12 Hair Types and How to Care for yours!

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Just like with skin types it’s crucial for implementing an effective skincare regimen, determining your actual hair type can play a massive role in the efficacy of your daily hair care routine. Did you know there are 12 different hair types?

The different characteristics of our individual hair types call for different hair care routines to bring out our hair’s fullest potential. In addition, learning your hair type is only half the battle. It is also just as important to understand how the right hair products can help you to achieve the best hair care routine.

Not every product will work for every hair type, so correctly identifying your hair type is key to determining the best care routine for your hair. Below is everything you need to know about determining your exact hair type and what that means for your daily hair care routine.

HAIR TYPE

Type 1: Straight Hair

Straight hair (Type 1) lies flat, or straight on the scalp. As the hair’s natural oils are able to travel from the scalp to the ends, Type 1 hairs reflect the most sheen. There are three subcategories for straight hair:

  • Type 1A hair is very straight and fine, with no hint of wave or curl. As it is so straight and fine, when the natural oils travel to the ends, it tends to cause it to look like oily hair. It is the rarest hair type and is common among women of Asian descent.

  • Type 1B hair is straight, but has more volume than Type 1A. Its medium texture can generally hold curls giving the hair more texture and movement.

  • Type 1C hair is straight and is usually coarse and thick, which can result in frizzy hair depending on the environment or climate. When air-dried, this hair type can achieve a tousled look, while still lying flat on the scalp.

Pro Tip: If your hair is straight, brushing will be the cornerstone of your routine. Daily brushing helps keep your hair healthy and clean, so go take a few minutes every morning or night to brush it all out

Use Natural Hair Products

While your hair may seem lifeless and dull due to a lack of volume, rather than overcompensating with lots of products, you should focus on choosing products that contain natural ingredients like Organic Lemon Extract, Apricot Butter, Sunflower Oil, Corn Germ Oil to preserve your natural hair oils. This also provides your hair with a healthy boost without weighing it down. Type 1 hair should wash their hair regularly with shampoo to avoid oily-looking locks.

Look for shampoos that are specially formulated for regular hair-washing and prevent oil build-up at the same time. The good news is you can actually train your hair to be less greasy. As you extend the time between washes, your hair will gradually produce less and less oil as you are no longer stripping your strands of the natural and essential oils your scalp produces.

Make it your mission to find the mildest shampoos such as INSIGHT DAILY USE  that’ll clean your hair without drying it out, and this sulfate-free shampoo will generally clean the hair just as effectively as those that contain sulfates.

Avoid Sleeping With Wet Hair

If you have Type 1 hair, it is best to avoid sleeping with wet hair to prevent hair frizz in the morning. However, if you need to sleep with damp hair, spray leave-in conditioner and pull your hair into a loose braid to prevent frizziness.

Type 2: Wavy Hair

Wavy hair (Type 2) hair types are naturally wavy and form an “S” shape. It is thicker than Type 1 hair types, and can be considered a medium between straight and curly hair. Because of its slight texture and shape, it is not as oily as Type 1.

  • Type 2A hair is fine and thin with individual strands forming an “S” shape when dry. It is easy to use styling products to curl or straighten Type 2A hair.

  • Type 2B hair is wavy and slightly frizzier than Type 2A hair. When dry, individual strands create an “S” shape with some frizz.

  • Type 2C hair waves start from the scalp and are thicker than other Type 2 subcategories. This coarse hair type is the most prone to frizz and forms an “S” shape when dry.

Pro Tip: Wavy types can benefit from volume and moisture, so look for products that provide a balance of these elements

Hydration is Key

As Type 2 hairs have less natural hair oil, it is important to choose a sulfate-free shampoo to ensure that your hair is not drained of all its natural moisture. Sulfates in shampoo’s strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture causing frizzy and dull hair.

Thankfully we live in a world where there are numerous alternatives to this cheap potentially harmful ingredient of Sulfate. One of my favourites is coconut oil, which can create a lovely lather combined with other ingredients. All of INSIGHT shampoos are formulated without SLS and SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, which are considered aggressive and potentially irritating surfactants.

Instead INSIGHT choose to use a gentler cleansing agent, derived from coconut. Using a more dermo-compatible cleansing product means protecting scalp health and balance over time. 

To take your hair care routine a step further, applying a hair mask once a week can improve your hair texture drastically. Healthy and moisturised hair is less likely to knot and tangle, so along with regular conditioning, try a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning. Hair masks will hydrate and smooth your dry cuticles, leaving your locks silky and soft. We recommend to apply INSIGHT Anti Frizz Hydrating Mask to wet hair, distributing evenly and leaving it on for 3 – 5 minutes.

Avoid Heat Styling Tools

When it comes to styling your hair, people with Type 2 hair types should minimise the use of hot styling tools or chemical hair treatments that can damage the cuticle layer of your hair shaft. If you must use them, you should apply heat-protection products to protect your hair and keep it damage-free.

Type 3: Curly Hair

Curly hair (Type 3) hair types are naturally curly and classified as spiral curls. Type 3 hairs form ringlets that are naturally defined and more prone to dryness, tangles, frizz and breakage. As the follicle does not lay flat, this hair type tends to be dry.

  • Type 3A hair is fine and shiny with loose curls. This type of curly thick hair is easily defined without the use of styling products and is prone to slight frizz.

  • Type 3B hair has curls that are medium to tight springy curls. Similar to Type 3A, it is prone to frizz.

  • Type 3C hair has tight and thick curls. The curls of this hair type normally have a lot of texture.

Pro Tip: With improper care, the natural fall of the hair shafts is disrupted, so it’s best not to fight curly hair but help it find its shape. Curly hair is best styled with fingers, rather than brushes when damp or wet. Leave in conditioners, hair masks, and subtle use of styling products when the hair is damp will allow the curls to naturally find their shape, while maintaining shine and preventing frizz.

Hydration is Key

Type 3 hairs have less natural hair oil, it is important to choose a sulfate-free shampoo to ensure that your hair is not drained of all its natural moisture. Sulfates in shampoo’s strip your hair of its natural oils and moisture causing frizzy and dull hair. We recommend to apply INSIGHT Anti Frizz Hydrating Mask to wet hair, distributing evenly and leaving it on for 3 – 5 minutes.

Avoid Heat Styling Tools

When it comes to styling your hair, people with Type 2 hair types should minimise the use of hot styling tools or chemical hair treatments that can damage the cuticle layer of your hair shaft. If you must use them, you should apply heat-protection products to protect your hair and keep it damage-free.

Type 4: Coiled/Kinky Hair

Type 4 hair types are most common among African Americans. Unlike Type 3 hair, coiled or kinky hair (Type 4) is tightly curled with defined ringlets (coils) and maintains its hair shape whether it is dry or wet. This hair type tends to be fairly coarse in texture, and is prone to damage by heated hair styling products.

Due to the shape of individual hair strands, natural hair oils are unable to travel far down the hair shaft. People with curly or wavy hair types often experience dry and itchy scalps, and this can require further interventions to control the itchiness to restore healthy hair.

  • Type 4A hair is usually in tight and springy coils. Hair strands of this type typically shrink down to half its length when dry. This type of hair has the most definitive curl pattern of the Type 4 hair category.

  • Type 4B hair has tight curls in a Z coil (crimpy) pattern. Although it is less defined than Type 4A curls, it is clearer than Type 4C hair.

  • Type 4C hair is densely packed and coarse. The curl pattern of this hair type is not defined and has a lot of shrinkage.

Pro Tip: Type 4 hair is all about hydration and moisture. Using conditioner through hair with a wide-tooth comb and finishing with a hair oil on the ends to hold moisture. You can also use hair oil to un-do twists in order to help reduce frizz.

Moisturise Thoroughly

As Type 4 hair is the most dry hair type, the key to caring for it properly is with moisture. Before you start washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, your best options here is to apply INSIGHT Anti Frizz Hydrating Mask to wet hair, distributing evenly and leaving it on for 3 – 5 minutes.

After, follow up with a moisturising sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioner to retain the silky sheen in your tresses. All of INSIGHT shampoos are formulated without SLS and SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate), so it’s best to invest in the mildest shampoo’s that’ll clean your hair without drying it out – or worse, destroying it or your health over time.

Dry Hair Correctly

After washing gently squeeze excess water from hair, then blot dry hair with a towel rather than rubbing it and avoid twisting water out of your hair as this can also lead to breakage. When your hair is still damp reach for INSIGHT Styling oil NON OIL or liqiud crystals and distribute through your strands, —this will help to keep the frizz at bay! Use a soft towel to dry hair, the softer the towel the gentler it is on your hair, keeping hair cuticles flat rather than roughing them up. If you need to blow dry your hair, when you dry your hair, put it on the cool setting & hold-distance it away to protect hair. 

That mysterious COOL Shot Button on your hairdryer helps seal the hair cuticle, setting the final look for long-lasting hold and adds shine. When your hair is about 80 percent dry, switch over to the cool shot. Cool shot is also great to lock in curls and to get more volume at the crown.

The best shampoo for curly hair may not work as well for straight hair, and vice versa. Finding your hair type and building your respective routine might take some experimenting. Hair, like everything else, is extremely personalised, and you have to find what works for you.

Thoughtful Self-Care & Wellness Gifts

Thoughtful Self-Care & Wellness Gifts

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Mums have always done it all. That’s why trying to pick out the perfect Mother’s Day gift can be extra tough every year. What can you gift to someone who deserves so much more than a day, more than just a greeting card, someone who deserves the world? Talk about pressure! One of the best things that you can give mums on their special day is a bit of time for self care – give the mums in your life the power to treat themselves. Yes, we’re talking about self-care products.

For some, self-care revolves around your favourite Netflix show, or bubble baths & face masks. For others, it involves the outdoors of soaking up the fresh air in nature. No matter how you or your loved ones define it, these wellness gifts will make it easier to practice self-care on a regular basis. 

Here at L&F HAIR & Beauty we’re all about taking some time out for yourself. Whether you want to help your mum splash out on a day of self-pampering or you’re looking for something that’ll make her day – to day a little more luxe. We’ve got you covered with our top-notch picks to help mum take a real break and care for their hair & skin with some luxe haircare/skincare products to give her a luxury experience she deserves to help her rest & recharge.

1.) Don’t give her more problems -choose something you already know she loves

Mum’s don’t like having to make decisions, so don’t pick a gift that forces her to do so. You can’t go wrong when you buy something you know she’d choose for herself, such as her favourite hair or skin care product or an essential hair tool she has always wanted.

2.) Give gifts that keep on giving?

Give something useful, mums value a useful item more if they receive it as a gift than if they buy it for themselves because novelty wears off but sentimentality doesn’t. Give mum the power to treat themselves. Yes we’re talking about self-care products. Create your own gift pack. Put together her favourite organic haircare products, hair & beauty tools – add a bow and your done!

3.) Give Practical Gifts, not bedazzlement factor

Sometimes our choices in gifts tend to be selfish. We want the glory of being great gift-givers, so we buy presents with a maximum bedazzlement factor. Flashy flowers, for example. The problem is the flash fades away and the gift-receiver is left to deal with what’s left. To be selfless, a better strategy for how to pick gifts is to buy practical presents that last. For example, most of our Hair & Skin Care Products are made of Recyclable PCR Plastic bottles/jars & not only maintains, repairs & protects hair over an extended period of time, but once empty, can be repurposed into a gorgeous planter jar/bottle!⁣ You may get fewer bedazzlement benefits, but mum will get continuous rewards and this outweighs the one-time hit of a flashy gift. 

Check out our LF website for gorgeous beauty necessities that will prove to be very useful in her day to day life. From various hair type ranges to our skin care collection; these beauty products are perfect for Mum’s who love anything natural & organic or practical with our make-up bags to manicure sets, to electrical hair tools; these handy products are perfect for Mum’s-on -the-go.

4.) Give her time to herself

Time is more valuable than money. You can always get more money, but you can’t get more time. Finding time to get glamorous when you have kids can be a challenge. Sometimes a real shower to wash her hair isn’t even in the cards. But because we firmly believe beauty makes you feel good on the inside, it’s worth finding ways to get the job done against all odds. From overnight treatments to do-it-all products, we have a wide selection of hair & beauty products to choose from. A great one is to give mum a day off. Do the laundry, dishes, mop the floors, cook dinner, and let her relax with a wine, face mask, hair treatment, good book and her feet up!

5.) Deliver a gift from the heart & make it extra special with how you give it

Make it personal and include a little bit of yourself. Sometimes it’s the simplest gifts that mean the most. You’re never to old to create a piece of art, handmade card or letter that tells mum how you feel about her. Perhaps share a collection of old photos that bring back happy memories or new photos of your children are always wonderfully heartfelt and treasured.

These should be enough to help you come up with a couple of great gift ideas. There’s always a bit of pressure in choosing the perfect gift for your mum. Knowing what gifts mum will enjoy most will depend on how well you know her taste. The gifts that mean the most are always the one’s that require a little effort.

Simple ways to Style and Care for Type 3 or 4 Natural Curly Hair!

Simple ways to Style and Care for Type 3 or 4 Natural Curly Hair!

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How well do you know your curls? There is no denying that Type 3 or 4 Natural hair (Curly & Coily) can be temperamental if you do not use the right products.

Hair types 3A, 3B, 3C is naturally curly and has an “S” shape. This hair type forms ringlets that are naturally defined. Type 3 tends to be dry due to its texture. The natural oils found in the scalp are not heavy enough to get to the end of the curl.

Hair types  4A, 4B, 4C also widely known as coily hair, might look very dense and robust, but they are actually the most fragile and have a dry texture with the fewest cuticle layers. Coily hair tends to be very dry, and it breaks more easily and can appear less defined due to its very tight S to Z pattern. Type 4 hair textures have a flat diameter and do not grow as quickly compared to an oval Caucasian hair texture. The main concerns about these textures are dryness, breakage and shrinkage.⁠

Without the proper knowledge about your type 3 or 4 natural hair type, things can become a little challenging when it comes to caring for and styling your hair.

But because no two people (or their curls) are the same, it can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. So to simplify the process, we created the easiest routines for every texture and broke down the best products to make it all happen. Find your curl type, below, and create the most gorgeous, natural looking curls⁠.

Type 3 Natural Curly Hair

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Twister Definition Cream 200ml

For Curly hair ( 3B, 3C)

Hair issues: dehyadration, lack of definition, frizz;
Time of application: after washing, before styling;
Hair type: curly hair with medium to tight curls;
Main benefits: gives the hair a moisture and definition boost and controls the frizz. Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Twister Definition Cream is ideal for normal to coarse hair with medium to tight curls This rich cream boosts moisture and adds definition whilst controling the frizz in heavily curled hair. Formulated with Aquarine Complex and Jojoba Seed Oil which helps to hydrate hair, giving curls definition that lasts. It calms unruly hair and controls frizz. Provides heat protection up to 80°C*. Work into towel dried hair. Define the curls with the fingers.

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Light Whipped Foam 150ml

For Curly hair ( 3A, 3B)

Schwarzkopf Mad about Curls Light Whipped Foam is a lightweight styling foam that improves the definition of curly hairs while maintaining a natural soft touch.Hair issues: dehydrated curls, lack of definition;
Time of application: after washing;
Hair type: curly hair with loose to medium curls;
Main benefits: moisturizes dehydrated curls, boosts definition while giving the hair a natural soft touch. Schwarzkopf Mad about Curls Light Whipped Foam is a styling foam that will give definition and moisture to the curls. It is known that curly hairs tend to be drier hence being important to use products that will deeply nourish the hair, even if their main purpose is to style the hair. This light foam, with Aquarine Complex technology in its formulation, will respond to that need by moisturizing and conditioning dehydrated curls. It will also give the hair a long-lasting definition and protect it from heat thus making it safer to use diffusers or other styling tools. This foam is easy to apply, simply work it into the hair then twist and scrunch the curls. The result is visibly defined and naturally soft curls that will not look sticky or crunchy.

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Quencher Oil Milk 200ml

For Curly hair ( 3A, 3B, 3C)

For curls: Hydrates curls, can be used to re-style hair.
Softening: Provides moisture and improved manageability.
Strengthening: Strengthens and revitalises curly hair. Heat Protection: Provides heat protection up to 80°C The Mad About Curls Quencher Oil Milk can be used pre-styling or to re-style hair, protecting the curl pattern while also boosting definition and controlling frizz. This oil milk contains Aquarine Complex, which moisturises and replenishes curls while also providing manageability and strength to hair. This styler improves moisture retention, and is suitable for fine to coarse hair types, and loose to tight curls (3A, 3B, 3C). It also contains heat protection up to 80°C to protect curls from damage and loss of definition.

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Butter Treatment 200ml

For Curly hair ( 3B, 3C)

The Mad About Curls Butter Treatment is an intensively nourishing treatment. The formula provides the hair with nutrients deep down and moisturizes it. It also gives the hair shine, strengthens and tames the frizz as well as providing heat protection up to 80 ° C. Intense treatmet with shea butter. For normal to coarse hair with medium to tight curls (3B, 3C). Ready for tamed, shiny curls that look amazing? Benefits Deeply nourishes curls Replenishes and improves hydration Tames frizz Creates lasting definition Provides heat protection up to 80°C Technology Aquarine Complex – intensively moisturises and strengthens the hair, whilst providing a care shield for touchable definition and protection against breakage and heat.

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Two-Way Conditioner 250ml

For Curly hair ( 3A, 3B, 3C)

The Mad About Curls Two-Way Conditioner is a leave-in or rinse-out conditioner for curls. This conditioner contains Aquarine Complex, which moisturises and replenishes curls while also providing manageability and strength to hair. This conditioner improves moisture retention, and is suitable for fine to normal hair types, and medium to tight curls. It also contains heat protection up to 80°C to protect curls from damage and loss of definition.

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls High Foam Cleanser 300ml

For Curly & Coily hair ( 3A, 3B, 3C) & (4A, 4B, 4C)

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls High Foam Cleanser is ideal for fine to coarse hair with loose to tight curls A gentle sulfate-free cleansing formula for curly hair with Aquarine Complex that cleanses whilst hydrating the hair, helping to give curls definition that lasts. Gorgeous curls that feel soft and manageable. Strengthens the hair* and provides heat protection up to 80°C*. Apply to wet hair and work into a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly.

Type 4 Natural Curly Hair

Schwarzkopf Mad About Curls Superfood 200ml

For Coily hair (4A, 4B, 4C)

Strengthens and maintains curl definition
Deeply moisturises, leaving hair with added softness
Enhances natural shine, A rich leave-in treatment specially designed to strengthen and maintain definition on coily hair. Formulated with an Aquamarine Complex and a blend of superfood oils to deeply hydrate and replenish dry textured locks.

Holiday Haircare & Beauty Tricks!

Holiday Haircare & Beauty Tricks!

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Sun, sand and pure relaxation – holidays are the best time of the year! Did you know that it can also be the most damaging season for our hair? The sun isn’t kind to our hair. It’s true that the damage that the sun does to our hair isn’t as obvious as when our skin burns, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t taking its toll. Let us help you achieve happy holiday hair with these rules and beauty tricks.

1. Make An Appointment with Your Hairdresser

Holiday hair protection is going to be much easier if your hair is in good condition before you go. Healthy hair and proper care are the best way to start your holiday. That is why you should visit your hairdresser and have the ends trimmed before your trip. This instantly freshens up your hair and makes sure it looks good to the end of your holiday and beyond. Thinner and possibly damaged ends that may be especially sensitive to sun and salt water, which contributes to split ends or broken hairs at the beach or pool. Holiday hair protection is going to be much easier if your hair is in good condition before you go. Most people recommend getting a trim about every two months or so to keep your locks in tip-top condition. Giveaway signs that your hair needs a trim includes frizzy and fluffy ends that are hard to smooth out. While the only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off, fortunately there are things you can do at home (which don’t require scissors) that can at least help minimise the risk.

2. Proper Washing

Whether you prefer dipping in the sea or jumping in the pool, it’s a good idea to wash your hair after every day of swimming. This is so that chemicals such as chlorine aren’t able to stay within your hair to wreak havoc. Even if you are unable to wash the hair using shampoo and conditioner, a cool shower after swimming is always a good idea, so that chlorine or salt water doesn’t sit and dry the hair out for longer than it has already been able to. This removes potentially harmful chlorine or salt residue from your hair. A quick cool-down also closes the outer hair cuticle – for added gloss! At the end of each bathing day, you should wash your hair with a mild organic shampoo. Gentle care products (for instance with INSIGHT Daily Use) designed for everyday use, packed with lemon extracts…..to care for your hair, leaving hair soft, shiny & full of life!⠀⁠
Remember frequent washing strips your scalp of its natural oils, which in turn stimulates additional oil production and makes you feel the need to wash it even more. Sweat and summer go hand-in-hand but washing your hair frequently to get rid of the grease isn’t doing it any favours. Try just rinsing in the shower after a day at the beach or pool, and see if that gets rid of some extra oil. In place of regular shampoo, try INSIGHT Antioxidant Rejuvenating Mask, apply to wet hair, distributing evenly. Leave on 5/10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, this natural product protects the hair from external aggressions.

3. A Hair Mask is the best after sun hair Condioner

If your hair is feeling a little dry after a day on the beach, then organic, hair mask INSIGHT Anti Frizz Hydrating Mask or INSIGHT Dry Hair Nourishing Mask  is the best beach hair products. It’s a fantastic after sun hair mask. Bring a tube with you from home. When you’re chilling in your room after a long day at the beach or pool, slather your hair in it and wrap it up in a towel, then sit back and relax and let it work its magic for as long as you can. Then, simply wash it out thoroughly, and your hair will be left super smooth and silky, revitalised and ready to take on more days on the beach. We love the scent of organic extracts, which makes this one our favourite beach hair care tip.

Applying a hair mask once a week can improve your hair texture drastically. Healthy and moisturised hair is less likely to frizz, so along with regular conditioning, try a weekly hair mask or deep conditioning. Hair masks will hydrate and smooth your dry cuticles, leaving your locks silky and soft. Some of the most effective ingredients that can transform your hair texture within a few weeks by using organic ingredients formulated with rich organic extracts and natural oils.

4.  Styling tips 

Get your hair off your face and on-trend for summer in seconds with quick and simple boho braids. Secure with a fabric hair tie & you’re ready to go! Tight hairstyles can be damaging because they tend to pull and tear hair, especially if your hair is dry from the summer heat. Overly tight hairstyles—ponytails, braids, buns, and the like—can pull on our strands and cause breakage. During the summer months when our hair is extra fragile from the heat, take care to style your hair into loose knots and braids and steer clear of plastic elastics which can do further damage, opting instead for soft hair ties or bobby pins.

5.  Holiday Hair Extensions Made-Easy

If you are looking for hair extensions for your  holiday, tape hair extensions are the way to go. This is because they are thin and durable. Our popular Seamless1 hair extensions are the solution to swimming with hair extensions while on holiday (or any other time of the year!) When swimming, most people fear that that their hair extensions will slip out or that they will ruin the quality of the hair. However, with tape extensions that is not the case. LF HAIR tape extensions  & Super Tape are made with a medical grade tape for the ultimate bond. That means that you can exercise with hair extensions, swim with hair extensions, and heat style them. You have no limitations with these hair extensions. You do not have to worry about the hair slipping out because the strong bond will hold. You also do not have to worry about these hair extensions knotting or tangling while wet if you happen to be working out, swimming, or washing your hair. We only supply high quality hair for our tape extensions so that they can be worn 24/7 without taking up too much more time and effort than your own hair. Swimming with tape in extensions is 100% doable, and with our extensions, all our clients should be doing it! You can finally swim with hair extensions and they won’t slip out, tangle, or ruin the actual hair extension bond & you will have your dream hair, along with the best holiday feeling.

So, make sure you’re taking good care of your tresses so they’re in good shape and you don’t need to worry so much about how to protect your hair from sun damage when you’re away.

 

How to Choose the Perfect Gift!

How to Choose the Perfect Gift!

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It is almost Mother’s Day and many of us are still scrambling around trying to find the perfect gift that say’s “Thanks for putting up with me all these years mum…. and sorry I never call, and for not appreciating you enough”, when we all know that you deserve so much more. Mum’s deserve more than just a day, they deserve a lifetime of thank you’s and I love you mum.

So the hardest things about Mother’s Day is finding the right gift. There are so many options out there and mums are always too nice to tell you what they really want.

From beautifully fragrance hair and skin products, to our essential hair and beauty tools, show your appreciation with a present that she’ll love. With our wide range of gifts, you’ll be sure to find something truly special for every kind of mother out there.

1.) Choose something you already know she loves.

You can’t go wrong when you buy something you know she’d choose for herself, such as her favourite hair or skin care product or an essential hair tool she has always wanted.

2.) What has mum been missing lately?

Give mum the power to treat themselves. Yes we’re talking about self-care products. Create your own gift pack. Put together her favourite organic haircare products, hair & beauty tools – add a bow and your done!

3.) A good-gift should be both beautiful and practical.

Check out our LF website for gorgeous beauty necessities that will prove to be very useful in her day to day life. From make-up bags to manicure sets; these handy kits are perfect for Mum’s-on -the-go.

4.) Give her time to herself.

Finding time to get glamorous when you have kids can be a challenge. Sometimes a real shower to wash her hair isn’t even in the cards. But because we firmly believe beauty makes you feel good on the inside, it’s worth finding ways to get the job done against all odds. From overnight treatments to do-it-all products, we have a wide selection of hair & beauty products to choose from. A great one is to give mum a day off. Do the laundry, dishes, mop the floors, cook dinner, and let her relax with a wine, face mask, hair treatment, good book and her feet up!

5.) Deliver a gift from the heart.

Make it personal and include a little bit of yourself. Sometimes it’s the simplest gifts that mean the most. You’re never to old to create a piece of art, handmade card or letter that tells mum how you feel about her. Perhaps share a collection of old photos that bring back happy memories or new photos of your children are always wonderfully heartfelt and treasured.

There’s always a bit of pressure in choosing the perfect gift for your mum. Knowing what gifts mum will enjoy most will depend on how well you know her taste. The gifts that mean the most are always the one’s that require a little effort.