Hair Relaxers and Coloring
Hair RelaxerA hair relaxer is used to straighten hair temporarily or permanently. A hair relaxer straightens curly or coarse hair using alkali or other chemicals. Relaxers are the creams or lotions that are used to loosen curls and make hair more manageable and less frizzy. For African hair, it is used to create perms, while for those who have natural wavy hair, the same product is practiced for complete hair straightening. The hair relaxer is effective for breaking down the proteins bonds of hair, thereby altering the texture and giving a straightened appearance. These products work by a process of controlled damage to the protein structure of hair, making them less curly. While there are a number of chemical relaxers of best brands available at Myotcstore.com, you can opt for a natural one. While the chemical hair relaxers ensure instant results, they can also have serious side-effects and damage your hair. Natural hair relaxers offer a good alternative to these and ensure damage-free, soft hair. But remember that natural relaxers will take a long time to give the desired results and need to be used regularly.
Though hair relaxer is considered a permanent type of hair treatment, it does have to be touched up on a regular basis. This is because the newly straightened hair is not the only consideration. Hair grows quickly, and there will eventually be new hair growth that is in its naturally curly or coarser state. As such, it is necessary to apply hair relaxer to the new growth to make sure it matches the chemically relaxed hair. Typically, this is done every six to eight weeks. Many women go to professional stylists in order to have their hair relaxed. However, there are many hair relaxer products that can be used at home. The process of applying relaxer involves putting a cream or lotion on the hair to be relaxed and allowing it to sit in place for a set period of time. During this period, it alters the hair's normal structure.
Once it's been in place for the required amount of time, it's rinsed out, and a neutralizing shampoo is typically used afterward. A moisturizing hair conditioner is usually used following the neutralizing shampoo. This is due to the fact that the relaxer chemicals usually strip the hair of a significant portion of its natural oils. The conditioner can be used to restore moisture, balance and shine. Sometimes, chemical hair relaxers lead to hair that is dry, brittle and prone to breakage. This typically occurs when a woman doesn't keep her hair properly moisturized in between hair relaxer treatments; it may also occur if she fails to show up promptly for touch-ups, as the relaxed hair may begin to pull away from the stronger new growth, especially during brisk combing. Additionally, hair breakage may result when relaxers are applied not just to new growth but also to the hair that's already been chemically relaxed during touch-ups. Most stylists know the importance of relaxing only the new growth, but sometimes people spread the chemical on the already-relaxed hair. This may occur most often when hair relaxer is applied at home.
Relaxer Essentials
Hair relaxers are classified in three main types, namely, lye based, non lye based and natural ingredients based hair relaxers. Amongst all these three types of hair relaxers, lye based hair relaxers are more popular. They are easy to apply and they also show faster results. However, people who are allergic to lye or who are hypoallergenic to chemicals, tend to opt for non lye based or natural hair relaxers. Lye based hair relaxers contain sodium hydroxide, non lye hair relaxer contains guanidine hydroxide, while natural hair relaxers contain essential oils, honey and butter. Chemical hair relaxers may lead to several side effects like dry hair, dandruff, dull hair, rough hair, skin irritation and burning sensation in scalp. It is the reason why you need to be quite choosy while choosing hair relaxer for kids as well as adults.
Hair Coloring
The best hair color is that which gives you a good result, without damaging the hair. Hair coloring is definitely the best way to instantly wear a stylish look. You would have experimented a lot with your haircuts and hairstyles, if you want to get something extra with these, hair coloring is the thing to opt for. A perfect hair color can make you look vibrant and enhance your spirits as well. It can also spruce up your hair and give you a complete makeover. There are some things that you should keep in mind before you decide to color your hair. Select the shade that complements your natural skin and enhances your personality.
Coloring your hair is one way to express your individuality. Choosing the right hair color can be confusing whether you want to cover gray hair or give yourself a new fresh look. If you are clear about what you want exactly, it can help while choosing the hair color that is right for you. You can achieve the most flattering look, if you consider your skin tone and eye color. Hair color that balances your complexion gives the best results. For covering gray hair, you can select a shade close to your natural hair color.
Different Types of Hair Colors
Coloring your hair is one of the easiest ways to change your look. There are different types of hair colors, based on how long the color remains in the hair.
1 Permanent Hair Color: This hair color changes the pigment of the hair permanently and the color remains for a very long time. Finally, the color will fade in time.
2. Semi-Permanent Hair Color: This hair color is used for enhancing rather than changing natural hair color. It usually works in covering gray hair and brightens hair tone. It washes out in 6 to 12 shampoos. This type is suitable for first-timers who want to experiment with different colors.
3. Temporary Hair Color: As the word suggests, the temporary hair colors are available in the form of shampoos, foams, rinses, sprays, gels, etc. It is typically used to brighten and give vibrant color to your hair, which is not possible with the semi-permanent hair colors. Usually, the temporary hair color washes out in one shampoo. This type of hair color is popular amongst teens.
4. Demi-Permanent Hair Color: This hair color stays for a longer time, before it fades out. The demi-permanent hair color brightens hair, covers gray hair and darkens hair better than all the above three levels. This type of hair color fades after 12 to 24 shampoos.
If you are coloring your hair for the first time, always get it done from a certified hair specialist. If your skin is sensitive, it is advisable to go for natural colors like henna, in order to avoid allergic reactions. While selecting hair color, always check for words "warm" or "reddish" on the description of the carton. If you are applying hair color yourself, remember to wear hand gloves while coloring and follow the directions carefully before using the hair color.
Best Hair Color Brands
L'Oréal Paris Hair Color
L'Oréal Paris unanimously tops the list of best over-the-counter hair color brands. You may have seen all the celebrities and cine starts endorsing this product. It is one of the internationally recognized hair color products. It is available in myriad hues to suit the different hair textures. According to feedback from most of its users, this hair color contains less chemicals and yet gives a long-lasting effect. It is also known to keep your hair lustrous and nourished for a longer period of time.
Revlon Colorsilk
It is again one of the best hair color brands which has won international recognition. It is available in some basic and solid colors like brown, dark brown, burgundy, mahogany, etc. According to most users, it gives a lasting effect and leaves your hair shining to its full capacity. Users also claim that it is easy to apply and is less time-consuming.
Garnier Nutrisse
Garnier Nutrisse is one of the best home hair color, as it is easy to use and is readily available in the local market. According to the reviews from users, Garnier Nutrisse gives an enduring effect and catches up well with the original hair pigment. It is also known to fade away in such a manner that it does not affect the original texture of the hair. You can choose from permanent hair color or temporary hair color, when it comes to Garnier Nutrisse.
Clairol
As the name Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up suggests, this brand goes on very easily and also rinses out very well. It lasts anywhere from four to six weeks, which is pretty decent. Another advantage is that it makes your hair look very natural, just like you have never used any color ever. For around five dollars, it is a good deal actually.
John Frieda
For those who want that perfect blonde look, try the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray. You can use it just for highlights or even for the overall look. It gives you the true blonde color with a crystalline shine. And not to forget, the fragrance is nice, and it leaves the hair very nicely soft and conditioned. For under ten dollars, this is a must-try brand for hair coloring.
LUSH
If you are interested in henna, then you have to try the LUSH Hair Hennas. It is the perfect natural product which is chemical-free, rinses our faster than normal henna, smells really good, makes the hair amazingly soft, and the colors that come out are very true and beautiful. It will cost you around twenty dollars or so, but is definitely worth it.
Herbal Essences
This brand will give you everything you're looking for in hair coloring. The color tones are beautiful and bright, the hair seems to come out better conditioned, the smell is really nice too, it isn't half as messy as most other brands, and in the end you get that perfect natural look, something that everyone looks for after a hair coloring stint. For less than ten dollars, you have to give it a try.
How to Choose the Hair Color
Choosing a hair color can be a lot of fun if you have to keep certain things in mind. Before you select any color and experiment with various hair color ideas, it is important that you know why you want to color your hair. Is it that you want to hide gray hair or you just want to experiment with your looks. The purpose of analyzing your reason is that there are hair colors which can answer your problems aptly. For example, there are many hair colors to cover gray hair, but they cannot be used by people who want to experiment with their look. The ingredients of the hair color differ as per each purpose they are meant for, so you must go for the best hair color product that justifies your reason.
You also have to decide whether you want to go for permanent or temporary hair coloring. Permanent hair color contains more chemicals that help the color last longer, whereas temporary hair color contains less chemicals and withers away in few weeks or so. There is another type of hair color known as stains, which washes off with every shampoo, allowing you to enjoy a lighter shade as the colors fade away. Apart from this, you must also decide if you want to color chunks, strands, or the entire hair. If you wish to color the entire hair, you may have to go for hair colors that rebound the hair properly. For this, you also have to consult your stylist because once your hair color is changed, you cannot do anything until it goes off completely. And lastly, you must choose from the shades of hair color that would suit you most appropriately. So, it is essential that you get the right hair color, so that your hair is not damaged and you get that perfect look.
These were some of the best over-the-counter hair colors that provide you with great results as long as you follow the instructions properly. If you are looking for something natural and organic, then henna hair dye is an ideal option you can think about. You may not get choices in the color, but it is one of the best chemical-free and safe ways to color your hair.
Myotcstore Related Categories:
All Permanent ColorBleaching Kits
Hair Color by Clairol
Hair Color by Loreal
Hair Color by Revlon
Hair Color Removers
Hair Highlights
Hair Relaxers
Home Perms and Rods