Long Hair Don't Care

More about biotin

Check out this video!  It really gives a good (QUICK) breakdown about biotin and its benefits to hair.

Spotlight on Biotin

Does biotin REALLY make your hair grow faster????

For years, biotin has widely been known as THE hair/skin/nail supplement.  But is it REALLY???

Although many women and men have claimed to have increased hair growth by taking biotin supplements, experts and scientists don't seem to agree that biotin is effective in treating hair loss at all.  That's right folks, there has not been enough conclusive evidence to support the claim that biotin grows hair OR nails for that matter. 

But before you go tossing that brand new bottle of 5,000 mcg biotin pills down the toilet, let's explore this wonder supplement a bit more...

Keratin Protein - a closer look

In the previous protein post, we learned that keratin is responsible for keeping the hair strong and pliable.   Let's take a closer look at the different typs of keratin and their function in hair product ingredients.

Keratin protein --this will re-structure and strengthen the hair cuticle (the outer layer only & the most important layer)

The keratin in some reconstructors should not leave your hair hard like the Aphogee Treatment for damaged hair (which contains hydrolyzed animal protein).

Reconstructors that contain keratin and other proteins are supposed to have enough moisture to soften the hair therefore leaving your hair with a nice protein/moisture balance.

• Hydrolyzed Human Hair Keratin

--This is an exact match for the keratin your hair has. This is the highest quality and most potent keratin that can be used in hair products.

• Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein or Keratin Amino Acids --

this means that the Keratin molecules have been broken down and are small enough to go beyond the cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft. It will strengthen all 3 layers of the hair. That is why the term "deep conditioning" technically only refers to this kind of treatment using penetrating proteins.

Protein, protein and MORE protein!

With SO many types of protein, how is a girl to choose which one is right for what her hair needs??? 

Well, looky here!  We've put together a simple and basic guide to the most commonly used protein ingredients to help you out!

The first thing you should note is that ALL protein should be used to STRENGTHEN (or rebuild) your strands.  Many protein products should be used in moderation as they can be very drying to your hair and cause breakage and major setbacks in your hair journey.

Let's get back to basics! *Product Edition

OK.  So a recent email I received from a friend of mine prompted me to post this.  It is SOOOO easy to get sucked into all this hair growing stuff - like I said THAT'S the EASY part....after you've got sucked in and spent every waking moment you have online researching, reading and scouring you STILL don't know what products to buy or where to start. How many different shampoos do you need?  How many conditioners are you going to have to buy and what are they for?  Should you or shouldn't you use gel and what about moisturizers???  It ALL seems so friggin' confusing, right?!

Building A Solid Healthy Hair Care Regimen From Scratch

Perhaps the most overwhelmimg aspect about deciding to take the plunge and commit to growing your hair to its longest lengths is figuring out how to build a good, solid, HEALTHY hair care regimen.  If you are just starting out your healthy hair care journey, use the 3C's as your foundation, and build upon your regimen from there.  The 3C's is a term that is used here at LHDC and incorporates the three main aspects of growing Black hair to its longest lengths - CLEANSE CONDITION CARE!  And I guess, I should honorably mention a fourth & fifth C - CONSISTENCY and COMMITMENT!

The beginner's shopping list should include (but certainly isn't limited to):

Cleansing agents (i.e. sulfate-free shampoo), deep conditioner, water-based moisturizer, seamless wide-tooth comb, soft bristle boars-hair brush, plastic conditioning caps, satin pillow cases/scarves/bonnet, satin covered scrunchies, oil and a camera.

Welcome Sisters! Class is in Session!

Today's lesson is "loving and understanding your hair."

Black hair is a fragile thing. It needs constant protection from intense heat, harsh chemicals, rough styling tools and the outside elements. It craves kindness and attention. If you treat those tresses well, your reward will be beautiful, healthy hair.

Put away your combs and brushes, let down your locks and prepare to give your hair tender, loving care.