Luckystormhair

Have you ever wondered “what’s the difference”? Having the right tool for the job matters. Knowing what to use and why can dramatically change your hair’s attitude and performance.
Here’s a list that may help ease some of your frustrations.

Magnesium

A natural element that gives optimal heat for quick recovery. The quick recovery leads to fewer passes through the hair which leads to less direct contact with the heat.

Titanium

Durable and long-lasting. Titanium has rapid heat up and good heat distribution and high temperature stability which reduces styling time.

Ceramic

Heats up quickly and evenly to increase shine and preserve moisture with fewer passes and less heat damage.

Tourmaline

Helps smooth the hair cuticle to prevent frizz by preserving moisture in each strand.

Porcelain

Plates are generally coated with tourmaline or ceramic for smooth, friction-free styling.

Copper Alloy

Provides a more uniform application of heat styling to create high performance, even at lower temperatures to minimize heat damage.

Ionic

Creates negative ions to smooth hair and lock in moisture while reducing drying time.

Ever wondered why brushing out a head full of knots causes one child to barely wince but the slightest tangle causes a flood of tears for another? 

It relates to our scalps being as individual as we are. The nerves underneath our hair follicles and in the scalp are very sensitive – more so for some people – especially young kids.

WHAT CAUSES A SENSITIVE SCALP?

Scalp sensitivity, also known as the more endearing term ‘tender-headed’, is determined by several factors including genes, physical attributes and the environment. 

GENETICS

Our genes determine many physical attributes including our skin, eye and hair color. The color of our skin relates to the volume of melanin in our bodies. Less melanin results in lighter skin color. It’s thought that the lighter the skin color, the more sensitive the scalp so it’s common for fair children to complain about having their hair brushed and combed. The hard, sometimes sharp pins in a brush or teeth in a comb scratch their scalp causing pain.  

PHYSICAL

Age is a determining factor for sensitive scalps. Children generally have more sensitive scalps than adults.

Some health conditions have been identified as causing hair and scalp problems. Thyroid problems, autoimmune disease and iron deficiency are linked to hair loss, scalp dryness and sensitivity. Some medications can cause dry scalps and hair loss. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can occur on the scalp causing red patches, itchy or scaly skin.   

ENVIRONMENTAL

Some people report their sensitive scalp is caused by using the wrong shampoo. A shampoo that is too harsh will wash away the scalp’s natural oils. It’s these oils that protect the skin on the scalp so it doesn’t become too dry or irritated.

Climate is another major factor in sensitive scalps. A dry scalp is common with cool winter temperatures but sun and wind can also cause the scalp’s sensitivity to increase – just as changing weather conditions can cause eczema to flare on other parts of the body. 

The chemicals in pollution can also cause microinflammation and irritation of the scalp, leading to increased sensitivity. 

So you’ve considered it, and most of you have even done it before. You’re tight on cash and need your hair colored desperately! Box dye can’t be that bad for my hair right?? Is salon hair color really better and worth the money?

Hair color is not nearly as simple as most people believe it is. Trust me, there is a reason we are required to have a license to practice hair. There are many considerations that need to be accounted for before developing the formula for any hair color. Things such as the hair type, condition, color, is it virgin or colored, medications taken, allergies, and more are all factors that determine what should be used on the hair to get to the desired outcome.

I’m sure you probably already figured that box dye isn’t good for your hair, right? Believe me, there is a reason it is so cheap.

In order to save money and lower the cost, the manufactures use low quality dyes, chemicals, and additives to make this possible.

They typically contain high amounts of ammonia, PPDs, nitro dyes, metallic salts, and even henna. These are all harsh chemicals that can be extremely damaging to the hair as well as cause reactions to sensitive skin and allergies.

When you put box dye on your hair, it is permanent and these chemicals do not come out until the hair is cut off. Your hair will take on a new texture and feel stiff or straw-like due to all of the chemicals it now has imbedded in the cortex.

Box dyes are Progressive. What is a progressive hair color you ask? This means that each time you use it; the pigment will build onto its-self and get darker each time you apply the color. Because of the metallic salts and henna additives, each time the hair is colored; the ends pick up more and more color while the new-growth only has one layer. Causing a reverse-ombré, colored my hair myself at home, my hair looks like crap-look.

This does not happen with salon hair color because it does not contain henna or metallic salts that bind to the keratin in the hair (keratin is the protein that your hair is made up of).

What about Sally’s Hair Products???

Sally’s hair color typically falls right in the middle between box dyes and salon grade hair color. By all means, Sally’s hair color is not professional and is NOT what is used in the salons.

While Sally’s color is not typically progressive (it can be!), it is still a cheaper product than what you would get in a salon. Personally I believe if there are salons out there using hair color that they bought from Sally’s, they should be shut down because it is not a professional grade product.

Trust me when I say its worth waiting and saving the cash to go to a professional salon than to attempt to color your hair yourself at home with box dye.

If you have any questions for me leave them in the comments, and as always Love Your Hair! 

1. Pump up the protein

A well-rounded diet is an important factor in hair and scalp health. Hair is primarily made up of protein, so be sure to eat at least 45 grams of protein daily. Diets with inadequate protein can result in weak, brittle hair and loss of hair color, as well as loss of hair itself.

2. Zinc about it

Zinc deficiency can cause hair to shed. Incorporate nuts like Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, cashews, and almonds into your diet to combat shedding. A multivitamin or zinc supplements can enhance your diet when necessary.

3. Omega your hair nice

Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids may stimulate your hair follicles and sebaceous glands. While this won’t cause your hair to grow, it may improve scalp health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring.

4.Cut it out

Harsh shampoo, hair treatments, styling products, and excessive brushing contribute the most to poor hair health. However, other culprits include:

• overconsumption of alcohol
• low-calorie and crash diets
• decreased thyroid hormone
• excessive stress
• blood thinners
• some prescription drugs for heart problems, depression, high blood pressure, and arthritis

The bottom line

While genetics does play a role in hair growth, several other factors also come into play. And while there’s no magical formula for instant hair growth, there are steps you can take to boost the health and growth of your hair.

Eating a healthy diet that includes key nutrients as well as adequate protein is key. Using certain products and treatments may promote hair growth, while dialing back on heat treatments and chemical processing can help, too.

If you’re concerned about hair loss or have trouble getting your hair to grow, you may want to talk with your hairdresser or doctor about why this may be happening.

Blowdrying your hair. It’s one of those things you probably do (and do often), but not The Right Way, and you know it. If you’re anything like me, you’re more of a blast-it-indiscriminately-until-it’s-not-wet-anymore kind of gal…which, let’s face it, isn’t really cutting it.

So what is the proper way to blowdry your hair? . 

I have some mistakes and secrets that are going to change everything. (And no, I’m not talking about 84 extra hours in front of the mirror. Believe me, I’m just as lazy as you are.)

Mistake #1: Your Hair Is Too Wet

A lot of women start with sopping wet hair. Your hair should be 60-to-65 percent dry before you even start to blowdry with a brush. It’s less damaging to your hair if you pre-dry. Towel dry, then blow dry using only your hands for a bit, then use a brush—starting at the roots.

Mistake #2: You’re Not Giving Enough Lift

Did you read that? The roots! If you want some lift and volume (AKA the hair you have leaving the salon), use your hands to comb your roots up and blow-dry. (Since the diameter of a brush won’t allow you to get too close to the roots, this is an important step to give your hair some oomph.

Mistake #3: You’re Starting in the Wrong Place

 Many women who use a brush end up wrapping the hair around it and blasting it with heat. Which is not only a no, but it actually takes so much longer than doing it the right way. Put your round brush in at the roots, roll the brush down to the ends then take it back up to the roots, concentrating your blowdryer on that area and your hairline first. By the time your roots and your hair midway down is dry, your ends should be pretty close. Then start to roll the ends on the brush and finish drying.

Mistake #4: You’re Not Letting Your Hair “Set”

Brush, dry, run? Stop! Letting your hair cool down on the brush before moving on to the next section will make your style longer lasting. It will actually set it. Translation? Unless you want to do this process again tomorrow, just chill and let your hair cool down on that brush, girl. It’s that one thing that makes your post-salon hair so much better. 

So, there you have it. My pro secrets. You should have healthier, shinier, longer lasting hair in no time. 

And, as usual, if you need any extra help…. just ask! 

There are three kinds of haircutters. First, there are artistic haircutters that cut by feel. They cut, then look and think, and then cut more. They usually have a good eye and produce a good result. The problem is they lack a system, so if you like it, they most likely can’t reproduce it the next time you’re in. Then, there are mechanical haircutters. They are good at reproducing what they have seen done by others and may use their systems or sectioning for the cut. Most often, they can reproduce the haircut with some consistency. Lastly, there are those that truly understand the cause and effect of haircutting, as well as balance and proportion. Their haircuts are cut to suit you, taking into consideration your face shape, bone structure, and hair type.

I come from a lineage of artist. Those souI led feelings were put into me by births so I will admit that my cutting skills are mostly in the artistic side. I cut with my heart and by feel and look. I believe this is what sets me aside from others. I will forever be an artist in my soul.

“A laborer works with his hands. A craftsman works with his hands and his mind.

A master artist works with his hands, his mind, and his heart.”

What Causes Hair Thinning?

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which means it’s hereditary. But, there are many other contributing factors, including, to name just a few:

• Age
• Hormones
• Diseases & Conditions
• Medications
• Poor Diet & Lack of Nutrition
• Harsh Styling Practices
• Stress

Understanding the reasons for your hair thinning or loss can help guide you as you explore your options.

Hair Loss Signs

Widening Part: A widening part is often the first sign of hair loss, especially for women. When your hair starts to thin, you may notice more scalp showing around your part.

Excess Shedding: The average person sheds 50 to 100 hairs per day. If you are shedding more than the average amount, then your hair may be starting to thin. If you’re noticing more and more hair in the drain or on your brush, it may be time to take action.

Receding at the Hairline and Temples: Hair typically recedes at the hairline for men, while women see hair receding around their temples. The hair around your hairline or temples may be shorter where the hair loss is occurring. This is called hair miniaturization. When a hair follicle is beginning to become inactive, the hair it generates becomes thinner and shorter until eventually, the follicle stops producing new hair.

Miniaturization describes the progression of thinning hair. During miniaturization, hair follicles that once were producing healthy hairs start generating thinner hairs with fragile shafts. The less-dense hairs can lead to the appearance of thinning hair. Those with hair miniaturization will experience a disruption in the hair growth cycle. This can lead to the shortening of hair strands and the constricting of follicles, which ultimately leads to hair thinning and loss.

There is a bit if confusion between hand tied hair extensions and machine-made hair extensions. With the popularity of the “Beaded Row” technique, many people think that sewing hair onto a row of beads is hand tied extensions. What makes beaded rows hand tied is by using “Hand Tied” wefts. Machine made wefts can also be sewn onto beads in the same way. I guess you could call any sewn-on weft “Hand Tied” if you want because either weft is sewn on by hand.

Hand tied extensions  are knotted by hand along with 2-3 threads to create a weft. It is typically thin and requires more than one weft to make a row of hair that has enough thickness for most clients.

The weft itself (sewn part) is very thin and hides well on clients with thinner hair.  Most hand tied wefts are about ½ oz in weight.

Machine made wefts are made with a special sewing machine that connects all the hair into one long weft. Most Machine tied wefts can be cut to length without gluing. A machine-made weft is has double the hair thickness as a hand tied weft so using only 1 or 2 per row may be enough. The weft (sewn part) is thicker so it is not as easily hidden in fine hair. I recommend machine wefts for people with thicker hair.

Both hand tied and machine made wefts can work beautifully sewn onto beaded track.

Additionally, these methods allow for the installation of an extension with the least amount of contact points with the clients own head/hair. The minimal contact points allow easy access to the scalp. As such a client can easily wash and condition without issue. Some feel that the Sew In is the healthiest method for installing extensions due to the minimal contact points.

Since there is no adhesive or tape involved there are no limitations on what products can be used on the hair or scalp. 

Tape in extensions are one of the newest hair extension trend on the market. Tape in hair extensions are thin tape wefts, 1 inch wide pre-taped hair wefts, that get “taped-in” in between your own hair in “sandwich” like bonds.  It is the most requested hair extension method in salons worldwide. This method is 100% natural, requires no tools or chemicals, and lasts up to three months-and the hair is reusable for up to one year! It takes less about an hour to apply an entire head with zero damage.

Yes, you can wash your hair and get blowouts without ruining your seamless extensions. The tape is extremely durable and lasts, as long as the scalp does not become excessively oily the bonds will stay. You can swim, workout, go on vacation, and not have to worry about your extensions coming out.

One of the biggest benefits of tape in hair extensions is, of course, that you get more hair! There are so many girls out there that suffer from low self confidence because of thin hair. With tape in hair extensions, you can get the long and thick hair you have always dreamed of.

Did you know? There is a right way to shampoo. Or, more over, a BETTER way.
Most people just slap it on, give it a little rub and then, immediately rinse it out.
WHOA…. WAIT…. HOLD UP.

First, you should use at least a quarter sized dollop. Massage into scalp only. Leave on at least one minute. Then rinse. Preferably with cooler water to keep the hair cuticle closed tightly.

Second, if you haven’t washed in a couple or more days, then you’ll have build up on your scalp. This buildup is from product, outside influences, poor diet, or simply natural oils. So, you may need a second wash. This is because the first wash breaks up build up and the second wash will wash it away.

Third. When scrubbing, don’t use your fingernails. Fingernails break skin. This can cause some crazy things to go on with your scalp.

Fourth. Concentrate shampoo on scalp only. Simply rinse it through the ends to avoid excess drying out of your hair and to avoid friction on hair.

Pick the shampoo that’s right for your scalp. Avoid getting one that has too many alcohols. Ask a hairdresser for guidance if you are confused. We are trained to help you find what’s right for you.