14 Best Hair Color Removers

We all love our hair and want to be unique with it. Hair coloring is a popular way to express yourself and be different from those around you. After you have had your fun and decide to return to a natural state, removing hair color can be exciting but challenging. Challenging in that there are many products that will get the job done, but which ones are considered the best?

In this article, we will explore a plethora of color remover products for hair and list each pro and con to help one make an informed decision. Our goal is not to overwhelm you with products but to give you enough for further exploration. Let’s now dive into this and discover what are some of the best color remover products.

142420283 l 1 1024x683 1

1. Color Oops Extra Conditioning

The first on the list is the Color Oops Extra Conditioning. This is a great product to start when it comes to removing any color in the hair. This product does not require one to purchase any other materials or equipment to get started. This is an easy-to-use product, not to mention that the entire process only takes about 20 minutes out of your day. The simplicity of steps and resources required is desirable for most, especially those who are in a rush or just too tired after work or school.

The biggest con individuals who have used Color Oops Extra Conditioner have discovered that their hair is often left feeling dry despite the promise of extra conditioning. After using this product, an individual must wash their hair extensively, which is extremely time-consuming and is another aspect that users have strongly disliked. (Source)

2. One N Only Colorfix Hair Color Remover Kit

One N Only Colorfix Hair Color Remover is a product that is outstanding at removing most colors from the hair. This permanent remover solution’s accessibility to be tailored to any hair color and type for color removal is what most are attracted to in this product. Another positive is that with its argan oil ingredient, not only does it support the color removal process, but it promotes soft and healthy hair and scalp.

One N Only Colorfix Permanent Hair Color Remover...
  • Colorfix Hair Dye Remover; Professional Color Stripper For Dyed Hair; Contains Argan Oil; Remove Unwanted Permanent Hair Color
  • Permanent Hair Color Removal; Can Also Remove Semi Permanent Hair Dye; Hair Color Corrector Remove Dark And Light Hair Color; Precise Control Formula Allows For Color Correction In Specific Areas
  • No Ammonia Or Bleach; Remove Any Level Of Color Without Affecting Natural Hair Pigment; Colorless Hair Color Remover; Cruelty Free

Despite the pros previously listed about this color remover, the biggest con users of this product have is the intense smell that accompanies using this color remover. Many users have had hit-or-miss experiences on whether or not the color is able to be stripped from their hair.

3. Color X-Change Phase-Out Gentle Dye Decolorizer

The Color X-Change product is similar to the Color Oops product in that it is extremely easy to use. Mix this product with water and lather it on the hair before proceeding with regular wash. You also need to make sure that enough time has passed before finally rinsing out the decolorizer, or else it won’t take effect as well. Another positive is that, surprisingly, it does not contain any or much bleach. Bleach is great for color removals, but somehow, this one works without it.

On Sale
Color X-Change Phase-Out Gentle Dye Decolorizer +...
  • PPD, ammonia, peroxide and paraben free
  • Contains no fragrance, peroxide, ethyl alcohol or sulfates
  • Vegan, gluten free, cruelty free; Made in the USA

A con against this product is that multiple uses must be had before significant effects take hold. One and done will not cut it, so make sure you plan ahead well to ensure maximum use and benefits from this product. With the need for multiple uses, before the color is able to lift properly, it can cause individuals to be stuck with unwanted shades of color in their hair before it is fully removed.

184669141 l 1 1024x683 1

4. L’Oreal Effasol Color Remover

The L’Oreal Effasol Color Remover, its quality, and its effectiveness in removing unwanted hair color are outstanding. Every tint of color that is present will be removed from view. Many individuals love using this product for the price; instead of being extremely expensive like many other color removers, this is affordable, which gives many individuals the chance to change their hair.

On Sale
L'Oreal Paris Effasol Color Remover oz22.11g...
  • Leaves hair beautifully conditioned and ready for recoloring, it removes color build-up and muddy-looking tints.
  • Does not restore hair to natural color, it removes the tint.
  • Leaves hair in lightened state and can be used with water or developer.

The major con of this product, however, is that though it does extremely well at removing any color that you choose to remove, it does not fully bring your natural hair color back. It may come back to an extent, but it would result in a slight decolorization. It only focuses on removing the tint. Another drawback is that it is highly recommended for professional use only, so if you know how to use this effectively, go right on ahead. If not, try something easier and more suitable to your skill level.

5. Powertools CBC Color Balance Corrector

The Powertools CBC Color Balance Corrector is a simple solution that can be added to any shampoo, bleach, and color mixture for easy-to-use benefits. Like Color Oops’ again, it is quick and easy to use. About 5 to 10 minutes is all you need to complete the process from start to finish. As the name suggests, this product is a color balancer, meaning that its goal is not to remove colors but to adjust and make them into the desired color through extra effort.

Users of this product discovered its biggest con is that it is not effective on all shades of color and is only effective on light shades of color. In addition to this, when using power tools, CBC Color Balance Corrector often dries out an individual’s hair, which then causes individuals to have to put in extra effort to re-moisturize their hair.

6. Sephora Collection Heat Activated Color Fader

This product is a special one as it is “heat activated,” meaning that this fader will primarily work when it is heated. This sulfate-free solution will help get rid of any color that may or may not have turned out the way you want. It is especially excellent in taming semi-permanent colors.

The number one con mentioned by individuals who have used this product to strip color from their hair is the smell that accompanies this process. It has a rather intense smell and can be extremely overwhelming for sensitive noses

7. Malibu C Color Correction

If you are looking for something to help get rid of old and/or undesired hair in favor of a new one, the Malibu C Color Correction will help fix the issue of removing any hair color. With these single packets, they are simple and quick to use, preventing any struggles in figuring out how it works. It isn’t complicated. A simple mixture of the packet with water and application on the hair is fast and within 5 minutes. The results will come around 24 hours after the process to see any results.

Malibu C Un-Do-Goo Shampoo (9 oz) - Clarifying...
  • Favorite pH Balanced Anti-Residue Shampoo - This detox shampoo for product build up is a Malibu C cult classic, as it's one of a kind pH balanced shampoo that effectively removes resin buildup from...
  • Sulfate-Free Key Wellness Ingredients - This build up removing shampoo is infused with magnesium & limonene; both vegan antioxidant ingredients that help regulate hair follicle production while...
  • Color Safe Scalp Buildup Remover - What is better for your hair than a cleansing sulfate-free shampoo? For it to be COLOR-SAFE! Yes- this product build up shampoo works perfectly on color treated &...

A con to Malibu C Color Correction is that it may or may not fully remove the hair color, depending on the strength of the coloration and hair type.

14127076 l 1024x683 1

8. Good Dye Young Semi-Permanent Hair Color Fader

Returning to a Sephora brand, the Good Dye collect-on provides an affordable and easy-to-use method of helping get rid of hair color if need be. The primary ingredient that is doing most of the work is sodium Cetearyl sulfate. In other words, this does contain sulfate, so be sure to know whether you are allergic. It also can act as a conditioner with its cream application.

Good Dye Young Hair Lightener Kit with Dust Free...
  • Hair Powder Bleach and Developer: Our hair lightening kit is exactly what you need to bleach hair to that perfect white canvas so it’s ready to show off some vibrant color. Our hair bleach mixing...
  • Prep Your Hair: Our bleach powder for hair preps the hair for our ultra-vibrant semi-permanent dyes. The 25-volume hair dye developer bleach cream is powerful enough to lift the hair without...
  • Doesn’t Damage Your Hair: The coconut oil helps to condition hair during the lighting process. The soy protein of this lightening powder for hair works to minimize damage while coconut oil adds back...

Users have mentioned the biggest con of this product is that it will not fully remove any hair color but heavily fade it. You will have to use this as a type of supplement to other products that are dedicated to removing the hair color to its fullest.

9. Scruples Color Delete Permanent Hair Color

Starting with the ingredients, the Scruples Color Permanent contains avocado oil, bamboo extract, and a protective barrier for maximum effectiveness. This product’s purpose is to be a heavy-duty remover compared to the ones we have listed so far. What we mean by this is that it will work with the annoyance of any color that has not been removed. Though a desirable product for those looking for a reliable hair color remover at its best, its effectiveness is ultimately determined by an added developer.

Scruples Delete Permanent Hair Color Removal, 4...
  • Scruples color removal
  • Not tested on animals
  • Made in the United States

The biggest con to using Scruples Color Delete Permanent Hair Color is that it requires an individual to purchase a developer to reach the maximum potential of the color remover. Purchasing both the color remover and the developer can make stripping unwanted colors expensive.

10. Roux Beauty Clean Touch Stain Remover

Roux Beauty Clean Touch Stain Remover is used to remove any unwanted stains on such hair or skin. This is a nice and convenient way to touch up on your current hair color and to be creative with what you have.

On Sale
Roux Clean Touch Hair Color Stain Remover 11.8 Oz
  • Removes excess color from hair ends
  • Assists in removing stains from clothes
  • Quickly erases tint from skin

The biggest con that people have about this product is the fact that it doesn’t fully remove the color from hair. Many people attempt to use it to strip all the color from their hair, which results in them using a lot of products without getting the results they want.

148592858 l 1024x683 1

11. Joico’s Hair Color Intensity

The primary purpose of the Joico Hair Color Intensity is to help remove any direct dyes. Direct dyes are bright hair colors that do not require any other method for removal, meaning that this Joico product is excellent for removing these direct dyes without having to sacrifice extra time and effort for this process to be successful.

You may try to use this product on non-direct dyes, but be prepared for disappointment as these colors are naturally strong in their darker shades, and trying to remove them with this product will be all for nothing. Direct dyes are, again, any bright colors such as rainbow streaks or a solid bright color like cherry red.

The biggest issue individuals have with Joico’s Hair Color Intensity is the smell that accompanies the color-removal process. It is an extremely intense smell, which can make it difficult to let it set for the needed time. (Source)

12. Colour B4 – Hair Colour Remover Extra Strength

This product is one to be careful with regarding the smell. It is perfect for those who need to finally remove the color from hair that has been around for years. You may not think that leaving a hair color in for years will be easy to remove, and you’d be right. With the Colour B4, it will do the job surprisingly well, keeping the hair safe and soft, without damaging the hair or the scalp.

The smell is going to be the major con of this product. While it works to remove color, the intense scent of the color remover will linger in an individual’s hair for a few washes.

13. Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

Though not immediate, with continued use, the Neutrogena Anti-Residue will significantly fade away a color from hair. It isn’t as intensive as the ones we have listed, but it will get the job done if you are in no hurry. Other than this, it will continue to keep the hair from drying out and enhance its softness and shine if you are patient with the product and use it as instructed.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo, Gentle...
  • 6-fluid ounce bottle of Neutrogena anti-residue clarifying shampoo to help remove up to 90% of heavy, dulling residue caused by shampoos, conditioners and styling products
  • This non-irritating clarifying shampoo gently cleanses your hair and helps boost volume by instantly rinsing away build-up
  • Use our anti-residue shampoo only once a week to see your favorite daily shampoo work even better, and help stop bad hair days

While this is a product enjoyed by many, the biggest con that accompanies using this clarifying shampoo is the fact that it takes many different washes to fade the color from the hair. This product often takes more time than many individuals are willing to give.

14. Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo

68492230 l 1024x683 1

Lastly, the Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo is perhaps one of the most praised types of shampoo and hair color remover for its overall effectiveness in removing hair color, untangling pesky hairs, and build-up from products used over time. Both the final hair quality and smell are acceptable and won’t deter anyone from the consistent use of this product. One more positive attribute of this product is that it is effective for a lot of hair types.

Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo | Intense...
  • Cleanses hair without drying it out
  • Removes buildup and impurities from fine, damaged, coarse, curly, wavy, and straight hair
  • Paraben-free formula is suitable for color-treated and natural hair

The biggest con that accompanies the use of this product is that it does not work for every single hair type. This is something that has frustrated many individuals because Biolage Normalizing Clean Reset Shampoo is pricey, which can cause many individuals to feel that they have wasted their money on a color remover that does not work.

Is Aussie Shampoo Good for Your Hair – Let’s Find Out!

Before trying a new brand of shampoo, it can be extremely beneficial for an individual to take time to research whether or not a brand of shampoo is good for their hair type. An individual’s hair type can determine whether or not a shampoo brand will work well for their hair. So, is Aussie shampoo good for your hair?

Most Aussie shampoos are good for hair. It sells many different shampoos designed for various hair types and textures. However, some people find that they don’t like using Aussie shampoo on their hair because of how their hair reacts to the shampoo that they use.

It can be overwhelming for some individuals to figure out which type of Aussie shampoo works best for their hair type. There are many options that make it challenging for an individual to decide. After researching the various shampoos produced by Aussie, the following information has been compiled below to help an individual make an educated decision on which Aussie shampoo is best for their hair.

What is Aussie Shampoo?

Aussie is a brand of shampoo that creates a variety of shampoos for different hair types. This brand of shampoo uses a large number of natural ingredients that help improve the health of an individual’s hair.

161898912 l 1 1024x683 1

This brand has over a dozen different shampoos that each serve a different purpose, including ones that help hair colors last longer, ones that provide nutrients to people’s hair, ones for people with dry scalps, ones that make hair shiny, and ones that are to be used by people with oily scalps.

This brand offers a variety of different shampoos that allow individuals to find a shampoo that meets their specific hair needs. Individuals are able to meet their hair goals when using Aussie hair products, which is one of the reasons why it is such a popular hair care brand.

Aussie is able to provide many individuals with inexpensive ways to improve and maintain their hair over time.

Is Aussie Good for Your Hair?

When an individual is questioning whether or not a brand of shampoo is good for their hair, this typically can be answered with whether or not there are harmful products within the formula of the shampoo. It is important that individuals do not use shampoos that include parabens or any other harmful chemicals.

In addition to not using harmful chemicals within their products, many individuals want to ensure the shampoo brand they are using is cruelty-free. This allows individuals to know that they are not harming the world around them with the products they are putting into their hair.

Using a formula that has many different natural ingredients allows Aussie to produce shampoos that are beneficial to an individual’s hair. In addition to the natural ingredients that repair hair damage and control frizz, Aussie products are cruelty-free, which can allow individuals using these products to feel good about their decision in hair products.

It is important that the shampoo an individual is using is able to help them achieve the healthy hair they want. With Aussie, it is as simple as using the shampoo that is meant to be used by people who have your specific hair type.

Best Aussie Shampoo & Conditioner for Straight Hair

149855356 l 1024x683 1

The type of benefits an individual wants from their shampoo and conditioner differs from what individuals with different hair types want. It is important that these individuals are able to find the shampoo and conditioner that works best for their hair and provides them with the results they want.

For individuals with straight hair, it is suggested to use the Miracle Volume shampoo. In addition to reducing the oil throughout an individual’s hair, this shampoo allows an individual to have a fresh smell of hair that lasts between washes.

Individuals are able to add more volume to their hair without having to fear their hair becoming frizzy. This shampoo is able to help individuals who have fine, thin hair to have hair that appears to have more volume and thickness.

This shampoo has a subtle scent, which is beneficial for individuals looking for shampoos that are not too heavily scented. The Miracle Volume Shampoo is scented with hints of floral.

Aussie has a conditioner that is paired with this shampoo to help enhance the results experienced by users.

Best Aussie Shampoo & Conditioner for Frizz Control

When switching to a new brand of shampoo and conditioner, it can be challenging to find one that helps control the frizz that is often experienced by individuals with textured hair.

Aussie has a set of shampoo and conditioner that helps individuals who are looking to control the amount of frizz happening to their hair. When pairing both the shampoo and conditioner, an individual is more likely to see the results they are anticipating.

The best shampoo for controlling frizz is the Miracle Waves Anti-Frizz Hemp shampoo. This shampoo is able to fight frizz by adding extra moisture to the hair. Individuals who use this shampoo are able to achieve the frizz-free hair they want while still cleaning and nourishing their hair.

This shampoo is scented with hints of plum, apple, and bergamot. The scent of the shampoo is not too overpowering, which allows individuals to have hair that smells good without being too much for some individuals.

The Miracle Waves Anti-Frizz Hemp shampoo and conditioner was designed to help give individuals hair that is easy to manage their hair while still having its natural texture present.

Best Aussie Shampoo & Conditioner for Wavy Hair

141984147 l 1024x684 1

For individuals with wavy hair, it can be important to find a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically made for wavy hair. It can be challenging to find a shampoo that helps enhance the natural wave patterns of an individual’s hair.

Luckily for individuals looking for a way to work on bettering their wave pattern without breaking the bank, individuals are able to purchase Aussie’s Miracle Wave Anti-Frizz Hemp shampoo and conditioner. Not only is this a shampoo that can be used to fight frizz, but it also allows an individual to manage their natural waves.

Individuals are able to clean and nourish their hair while also providing their natural waves with everything that wavy hair needs to stay healthy.

Best Aussie Shampoo & Conditioner for Dry Hair

It is common for individuals to experience dry hair throughout periods of their lives. It is important that individuals are able to find a reliable shampoo and conditioner that helps moisturize their hair and scalp. Individuals who are interested in moisturizing their hair often fear making their hair oily when using shampoos and conditioners that claim to help moisturize dry hair.

Luckily for individuals interested in being able to moisturize their hair while avoiding causing their hair to oily, they can use Aussie’s Miracle Moist shampoo and conditioner.

This shampoo and conditioner has gentle formulas that allow individuals to clean and moisturize their hair without having to fear any damage occurring to their hair.

This formula is infused with both avocado and jojoba oil. Both of these ingredients help strengthen an individual’s hair and can provide an individual with moisturized hair.

Best Aussie Shampoo & Conditioner for Curly Hair

Finding a shampoo and conditioner that helps an individual revive their natural curls and maintain them is something that is an extremely important step in managing curly hair. There are many different brands of shampoos and conditioners that can help individuals with curly hair manage their curls. However, the majority of these hair care products are expensive, which makes them unavailable to a lot of individuals.

Individuals can work on reviving and maintaining their curls when they use the Miracle Curls shampoo and conditioner available through Aussie. It only costs about $7 to purchase a bottle of Aussie Miracle Curls shampoo.

The formula of Miracle Curls is paraben-free and allows individuals to gently cleanse their curls while providing them with the moisturization that is needed to continue having soft curls.

Unlike other cheaper formulas for curly hair, Aussie’s Miracle Curls can cleanse the curls without stripping them of the natural oils that are required to keep the curls healthy.

Best Aussie Shampoo & Conditioner for Coily Hair

162681598 l 1024x683 1

Many individuals think that individuals with coily hair can use the same shampoo and conditioner as individuals with curly hair. However, these two hair types are different, which results in them needing different nutrients and vitamins to keep their hair healthy.

Like shampoo and conditioner for curly hair, most of the known formulas for coily hair are expensive. This makes it difficult for individuals with this hair type to find easily affordable hair care products to revive and maintain their coils.

The side effect of using a shampoo that is not designed for coily hair is that an individual ends up drying out their hair. It is important that this hair type can use a formula that gently cleanses without removing the hair of its natural oils needed to keep the coils moisturized.

Aussie has a formula that is designed specifically for individuals with coily hair. The Miracle Coils can gently cleanse an individual’s hair without stripping away all of its natural oils. This shampoo and conditioner are infused with cocoa butter and macadamia nut oil to help keep an individual’s hair moisturized and soft.

Aussie’s Miracle Coils is scented with hints of coconut, jasmine, and grapefruit, which will leave your hair smelling clean and sweet in between washes.

Other Aussie Hair Products

In addition to shampoo and conditioner used for specific hair types, there are other products created by Aussie that can be beneficial for individuals. Aussie has a purple shampoo that can be used by individuals to help remove any brassiness from an individual’s hair. This can be beneficial for individuals who frequently bleach their hair.

Many individuals who dye their hair blonde often need to use purple shampoo in order to remove the brass and harsh lines that often accompany this hair color.

Aussie has two different types of dry shampoos that can be beneficial for individuals in between washes. For some, their hair gets oily rather frequently. Instead of needing to wash their hair daily in the shower, individuals are able to use either Aussie’s Tousle Hussle dry shampoo or Bounce Back dry shampoo. Both of these products can be used to extend the period between hair washes.

In addition to shampoo and conditioner for the different types of textured hair, Aussie has an entire line of products used to revive and maintain an individual’s natural curl pattern. This includes creams, gels, defining oils, detanglers, and many other products. These allow individuals to easily take care of their hair without being required to spend a large amount of money on hair care products.

Aussie has many other miscellaneous hair care products available for individuals to use in their hair routine. This includes a heat protectant spray that can be used before an individual applies heat to their hair. This allows an individual the chance to avoid damaging their hair with the heat that is commonly used to curl or straighten hair.

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Aussie Products

170797575 l 1024x683 1

It is important to remember that these products are at a fairly low cost. These products were designed to be affordable and to give individuals of all economic situations the opportunity to take care of their hair properly.

When using any hair products, it is extremely important that individuals are aware that product buildup is a common thing. This can easily be taken care of by regularly using a clarifying shampoo to clear an individual’s scalp of any product buildup.

It is also important to remember that individuals remember that even if these products do not give them the results that they were anticipating, these products can provide many individuals with the nutrients and vitamins that their hair needs. The low prices of the products allow them to be available to a large number of individuals, but it also means that they don’t have high-end ingredients that might make products work better for your hair.

What Can I Use Instead of Dry Shampoo? 13 Alternatives

When dry shampoo runs out or is seen as too damaging for some individual’s hair styling needs, people look for alternatives. Luckily, we have compiled some of the best alternatives to dry shampoo and listed them below.

Downsides of Dry Shampoo

Sometimes, dry shampoo brands can leave a crusty and gunky residue on the scalp, and some dry shampoos can even be harmful to scalps if used too much or too often. Some dry shampoos aren’t compatible with some specific types of hair!

The wrong dry shampoo brand can affect not only drain the health of hair but also money from wallets!

1. Corn Starch or Cocoa Powder or Mixed Together!

Corn starch and cocoa powder can be mixed into a light brown and pleasant-smelling powder to help make hair less greasy! Most people just use cornstarch as an alternative for dry shampoo, but cocoa powder can prevent the cornstarch from creating a grey cast on your hair. This solution is recommended for people with darker hair. Plus, the cocoa powder will make your hair smell wonderful.

If your hair is light, on the other hand, the corn starch will blend in fairly well, which means you won’t need to add the cocoa powder. This mixture can be mixed in a bowl and then applied with a salt or pepper shaker or with a makeup powder application brush, as shown in the following video! You may need to use the cocoa powder and corn starch mixture multiple times to get the best results.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another alternative that can be found easily in the kitchen is apple cider vinegar. It will help put the shine back on luscious locks! It may appear counterproductive to use a liquid alternative for dry shampoo, but this solution works quite well.

It’s also cost-effective, as all it takes is mixing one drop of apple cider vinegar per ounce of water, maybe a drop or two of essential oil, shaking it up in a spray bottle, and spraying away! Some shampoos and conditioners sold in stores even use apple cider vinegar as an ingredient. This vinegar has even been shown to help prevent hair loss!

Apple Cider Vinegar

This mixture of water, apple cider vinegar, and optional essential oils will work great at reducing your hair’s greasiness if sprayed on your roots. Simply make sure to prep the spray bottle brew in advance to make sure you have enough time to use it and let it dry a bit before going out on the town. This alternative will not leave a powder or gunky residue on the scalp, and it may help the health of your scalp in the long run.

3. Baby Powder

This option, similar to the above two alternatives, is more affordable than canned or store-bought dry shampoos! A decent bottle of baby powder can also last for a long time. By simply sprinkling this powder onto an oily scalp and rubbing it in, one can go out and about for at least a few hours worry-free! Baby powder is already created with absorption in mind, so it works as a wonderful dry shampoo replacement.

Just as with the corn starch method, baby powder can be mixed with some cinnamon or cocoa powder to help alter its color to match darker heads of hair. It should be noted that baby powder does carry a stronger stark white color than corn starch, however.

Be careful not to add too much powder, as overdoing the amount could prove to over-whiten the color so much that it will need to be showered off unless you want to walk around with white in your hair! Some baby powders even come in scented alternatives like lavender!

4. Hand Sanitizer

141627048 l 1024x683 1

Hand sanitizer is yet another surprising liquid dry shampoo replacement on our list. This is a useful alternative to dry shampoo since the alcohol soaks up the excess oil in scalps and hair.

So, rub hand sanitizer on your hands and then immediately massage it into your roots to help rid the scalp of excess oil! This solution will thankfully dry very quickly once applied, thanks to its high alcohol content! Thanks to this quick drying, it can evaporate even faster than the apple cider vinegar mixture above, and it dries clear into any hair color!

Its one downfall is that it may aggravate pre-existing dandruff or be uncomfortable for those who have sensitive scalps.

5. Setting Powder

Using setting powder as a dry shampoo alternative can prove to be interesting since most of these makeups are high in quality to the point that an annoyingly chalky texture won’t be a problem. Indeed, if baby powder or corn starch mixtures and dry shampoos are too gunky or dry, lighter makeup setting powders will be the hero that saves the day at the final hour of hair care.

Use a makeup brush to apply the setting powder to your hair. Makeup brushes are perfect for patting on the setting powder directly to your roots. Just make sure to keep the hair powder brush separate from the face makeup brushes!

6. Perfume

146272744 m 1024x683 1

Perfume can both impart a refreshing scent to a head of hair and be a fix for stubbornly oily roots. Similar to hand sanitizer, since perfumes nearly without fail to contain a high alcohol amount, these sprays will, in fact, break down and attack the hair oils to make hair less sticky and silky smooth! This carries the added bonus that many fragrances can be chosen for this purpose.

To apply, simply spritz the perfume 2 or 3 inches away from hair roots and rub it in. Perfumes or deodorant sprays can even be sprayed right onto roots or directly onto hair brushes so that they can be easily combed through hair!

This solution is extra convenient since the alcohol ingredients are set directly on breaking down oils, and most perfumes are already pre-packaged in nifty, pocket-sized bottles and spritzers!

The price may be higher than some other options on this list, however. It is also important to be quick when applying this trick, as perfume and similar liquids like hand sanitizer evaporate quickly.

7. Paper Towels 

Believe it or not, paper towels can prove to be a veritable stand-in for dry shampoo! This makes it easy for you to remove oil from your hair while on the go, as most public bathrooms have paper towels, and most homes also have paper towels, which means you can quickly make your hair less greasy while leaving your home.

Paper towels will absorb unwanted hair grease and oils and prove to work well as an emergency dry shampoo replacement. They are also relatively cheap and can be found in most grocery stores.

8. Blotting Papers

Blotting Papers

Blotting papers can be found in the makeup aisle or in the hair care aisle! Blotting papers can not only absorb oils from the face but can also be used to suck up hair oils as well. By parting your hair and using these little squares in desired sections, roots will likely be able to be dried out and look better after the process.

This alternative has the benefit of not putting any foreign mixtures, substances, or liquids onto your hair if other fixes on the list are found to be too distracting in how they feel. That being said, this solution may be the best fit for people with only lightly greasy hair.

Some of these blotting papers can hold a lead over regular paper towels since some of them come coated in powders or charcoal mixes that can help treat oily hair. However, some blotting papers are only made for the face and will not be as effective if you use them on your hair. This option can also prove to be more expensive than the above alternatives.

The video below details some of the pitfalls and weaknesses of some blotting sheets, so be careful and look over customer reviews before purchasing!

9. Salt and Cornmeal

A salt and cornmeal mixture can work wonders on greasy hair, and it blends in well with blonde or light-colored hair. A cheese shaker or a salt or pepper shaker can be used to disperse this mix.

Mix one tablespoon of salt with a 1/2 cup of cornmeal together, shake it onto your roots, and voilà! A beautiful head of shiny hair!

Since salt is naturally coarse and bouncy in its granular form, it will help the cornmeal part soak up hair oils, as the two elements complement each other nicely. Brush your hair after letting the mixture sit for a few minutes to make this mixture loosen, and take out dirt and oil from the hair.

When you brush your hair, the mixture will spread throughout your hair and make it less concentrated on your scalp, which will help keep your hair looking beautiful.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t let this mixture sit in your hair for more than 15-20 minutes, as if salt sits in your hair for a long time, it can aggravate your scalp and skin, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.

10. Dry Clay

The dry clay route can serve as an effective dry shampoo that even leaves a pleasant fragrance behind in the hair! It can be found at many beauty stores. Dry clay like this has silica in it, which means it strips out the oil from the scalp it is applied to. Dry clay can infuse a nice, fresh-from-the-hair-salon feel to your hair.

There is a surprising variety of dry clay to pick from–there is green, agar, red, powdered orris root, white, and other dry clays to use for this purpose! For even stronger results, milk powder and dry clay can be combined. This mixture can make your hair extremely shiny and soft.

11. Baking Soda

25272952 l 1024x681 1

Baking soda can also be used as a dry shampoo alternative. Be warned, though, as baking soda is low on this list for a reason! It is a pretty extreme and harsh dry shampoo alternative and can cause skin that it comes in contact with to become irritated, over-dryness in the scalp and hair, and even hair breakage or scalp irritation.

Baking soda is definitely a desperate measure for desperate times. It is best for thick, very greasy hair. It could prove to be more damaging if the hair is thinner.

Some people change the baking soda by grinding up 1 cup of oatmeal until it is fine with 1 cup of baking soda before they put it in their hair. Sometimes, adding another ingredient can help control the effects of baking soda on your hair, but be careful all the same.

12. Cheesecloth

If you put a cheesecloth on your hairbrush, it can be used as an alternative to dry shampoo. The cheesecloth will absorb the grease in your hair, and it won’t just absorb the oil that is on your scalp. This is a great alternative to use if you don’t want to deal with residue or try to hide or get rid of the white powder that other alternatives will leave in your hair.

13. Wet or Dry Arrow Root

Finally, the last item on this list is arrowroot! This ingredient can be versatile and mixed with oat flour and bentonite clay to make a wonderful dry shampoo! Arrowroot can also be combined with cocoa powder to make a great dry shampoo stand-in.

Keep in mind that arrowroot powder and arrowroot starch are different names for the same thing, and arrowroot can often be even more absorbent than corn starch or baby powder!

Alternatives to These Alternatives

If none of the above 13 solutions are looking right, believe it or not, there are still more options to choose from! If one doesn’t want to concoct their own shampoo lotion or potion, stores sell plenty of hair care products that will help you make your hair look fabulous.

As reviewed in the video below, salons and stores offer no-rinse shampoo caps, boar bristle brushes, degrease daily shampoo pods, hair styling dust, and even leave-in sprays for oily scalp treatments!

Best Straightening Shampoo | 11 Picks & Buying Guide

Straightening shampoo is excellent to help you prep your hair for flat ironing, and there are many options. What are the best straightening shampoos?

What is Straightening Shampoo?

Straightening shampoo is a name for shampoo products that help to smooth, shine, and get rid of frizz before you straighten your hair. It works with your straightener to make your hair as straight as possible.

If a straightener only semi-works on your hair, you can find a shampoo and conditioner that works for your hair type, then get serums, moose, heat protectant, and other styling products to help make your hair straighter.

1. Living Proof

Starting off the list in no particular order is this excellent brand that has a lot of shampoo options for you to choose from depending on your hair’s wants and needs. They sell Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo, which is great for giving you smoother results, especially if you are going to shower, blow dry your hair, and then straighten your hair. The 24 oz bottle is $65, so it’s expensive, but you can determine for yourself if the cost is worth it or not.

This shampoo also protects from any environmental damage and humidity with its mix of jojoba oil, Phytantriol, and amino cleansing complex. This shampoo is going to be great for those of any hair type, so I recommend you give it a try!

2. Briogeo

181061352 m 1024x683 1

This brand helps give your hair a healthy look through their Briogeo Farewell Frizz Smoothing Shampoo. It will give your hair shine, as well as prevent frizz, smooth your hair out, and prepare it for straightening. The 33.8 oz bottle costs $69, which means that this shampoo is very expensive. However, this size bottle will last you a while, and it may work really great for your hair type.

This is another shampoo that works great with all hair types, so anyone can try this one out! This shampoo also uses a mix of rosehip, argan, and coconut oil to protect your hair and keep it safe and healthy.

3. Kerastase

Kerastase Discipline

This brand has a Kerastase Discipline Sulfate-Free Smoothing Shampoo for Frizzy Hair, and it claims to be great for any hair type, any hair texture, and any curl pattern. They sell 8.5 oz bottles for $38, which is a lot to pay for a small amount.

It has no sulfates, which is great, and it will prevent build-up and keep your hair healthy and moisturized instead of dry and breaking. Unfortunately, this shampoo isn’t for everyone, as it works best for those who have wavy hair or curly hair. You can use it if your hair isn’t one of these styles, but it won’t be as effective.

4. Function of Beauty

Function of Beauty is a great site to go to for making your own shampoo based on your hair type and texture. You can take a quiz about your hair, and it will customize a shampoo (and conditioner) for you. Knowing your hair type is necessary before taking the quiz. It will also ask you about your hair goals, what your hair looks and feels like, and what colors or scents, if any, you want in the bottle.

They mail you your customized shampoo, and you can try it out. If you like it, stick with it! A 16 oz bottle costs $25, but if you subscribe to them, you can get it for $20.

5. Pureology

This brand has many great options for you. They have a great shampoo and conditioner duo called Pureology Smooth Perfection Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner Duo, and it works great. The duo costs $63 for both bottles holding 9 oz of product, but you can also buy them separately. Which is great if you only want the shampoo and not the conditioner.

Pureology also has a great product for after the shower. They created the Pureology Smooth Perfection Smoothing Serum, which you can put in your hair before and/or after you have brushed, blow-dried, straightened, and styled your hair. It adds shine, protects against heat, and works on colored hair as well.

Between the shea butter and camellia seed oil, this is a great shampoo that will moisturize, detangle, and reduce frizz in both straight and textured hair. This is a great shampoo for anyone who has super frizzy hair!

6. Moroccanoil

128098309 m 1024x683 1

This company is great and has more products than just shampoo for you to use. They make the Moroccanoil Smoothing Shampoo and the Moroccanoil Smoothing Mask. The shampoo is just as you want; it gives you healthy, smooth hair.

The smoothing mask is a deep-condition hair mask. You will use it once or twice a week and leave it in your hair for 10 minutes or more, then rinse it out. It is meant to give your hair extra moisture when it needs it, and you can see how it affects your hair for days.

This is a great shampoo for those of any hair type, and with its great mix of amino acids, argan oil, and argan butter, it is going to help make your hair healthier, stronger, and less likely to frizz, and the effects of the shampoo can last for up to 72 hours!

7. Alterna Caviar

This company has a lot of products that are good for your goal. There are many in-shower and after-shower products you can use to achieve smooth, shiny, anti-frizz, and straight hair. One product is the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Shampoo.

The shampoo works for most hair types, curly and straight, so it is worth testing out if you are in the market for a new straightening shampoo.

After using this shampoo, you should then use the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Smoothing Anti-Frizz Multi-Styling Air Dry Balm in your hair to help your hair stay smooth while blow drying. Also, before adding heat to your hair, you should use the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect Iron Spray, which is a heat protectant. Then, go ahead and blow dry, straighten, style your hair, and finish it off with the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Anti-Friz Nourishing Oil.

The oil can be used on damp hair, but you can also use it after straightening your hair to add some shine and nutrients to your hair. All of these products are made with a variety of oils ranging from camellia oleifera seed oil to sunflower oil in order to strengthen and protect your hair.

8. Amika

This brand has a lot of different products to help you get smooth, straight hair. In order of use, they have the Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Shampoo and Amika Velveteen Dream Smoothing Conditioner to help prep your hair in the shower for a great style day. Your hair will love this stuff, and it is $26 for a 9.2 oz bottle.

Next, you will use the Amika Supernova Moisture and Shine Cream on your damp hair and brush. The cream will add some more moisture and help your hair stay together and shine, which will prevent frizz. Then, you will use the Amika Blockade Heat Defense Serum, which is a heat protectant that will help keep your hair strands healthy and prevent the heat from hair tools from damaging your hair.

After your hair is prepped, you can use their Amika Double Agent 2-in-1 Blow Dryer + Straightening Brush to blow dry and straighten your hair.

Lastly, you can top off your hair with the Amika Top Gloss Shine Spray, which will hold your hair together and allow your hair to shine and look smooth. There are so many products to try, so definitely give this company a look!

Also, when a brand has many products like this for you to use, it makes it easy to try out one product at a time. With its mix of aloe barbadensis leaf juice and provitamin B5, these products are going to have a lot of benefits, specifically for those who have a lot of problems with frizzy hair!

9. Paul Mitchell

93932283 m 1024x683 1

Paul Mitchell is a very well-known brand that has great products. They have products for different hair types that suit many different budgets. So, you may be interested to try their Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Anti-Frizz Shampoo, which is a vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free shampoo. They have a line of products that work with this shampoo, so if you need something that is paraben-free, you should definitely try this.

A popular line they sell is the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Shampoo, which is an anti-frizz shampoo. They even say it is great in prep for a blowout. While your hair is damp, you can put a couple of pumps of their Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum in it, which is one of their top products. This can be added to any routine. So, if you like your shampoo and conditioner, try using this product and see if your hair is smoother and shiner after blow drying and straightening it.

10. Olaplex

This brand is loved by many, but there are some people who would rather purchase other products. Overall, it is worth a try, and they have great formulas. One product you can try is their Olaplex N°.6 Bond Smoother. It is said to smooth, condition, and strengthen your hair. They say you can use it with any of their shampoos, and it will help you achieve your smooth hair goals. You can use it with their N°.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo for great results.

Another great shampoo for those of all hair types and textures, this shampoo comes with a lot of great ingredients while still remaining vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, phosphate and sulfate-free, and paraben-free! It costs $30 for the 3.3 fluid-ounce bottles for a single-time purchase, though you can always subscribe to get it cheaper.

11. Hairitage by Mindy McKnight

The last brand is Hairitage. It is going to be the least expensive on the list, and you can find it at any Walmart store. Mindy is a mom of 6, so she set out to create an affordable hair care and accessory line that has shampoos, conditioners, heat tools, accessories, and other hair products.

You are meant to pick out your perfect shampoo and conditioner by choosing which one is best for your hair type, and one great option is the Hairitage Outta My Hair Gentle Daily Moisturizing Shampoo with Jojoba Oil & Aloe Vera. It is more of a general shampoo that can be used by people with any hair type.

After shampooing and conditioning, you can use her Hairitage Take Your Vitamins Argan Oil & Avocado Hair Oil and/or the Hairitage Mask-Querade Moisturizing Argan Oil Hair Mask with Shea Butter, Aloe & Soy Protein for Damaged Hair. Both products are great for adding shine, smoothing your hair, and adding a little extra moisture before using heat on your hair. Following that, you can use the Hairitage Play It Cool Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray to protect your hair before using a blow dryer or flat iron. These products are all about $8, and so are the shampoos and conditioners.

Then, you can even look at the various hot tools she sells, such as the Smooth Sailing Heated Ceramic Hair Brush for Straightening, Detangling & Salon Blowout Styling, the Go With The Flow 2-in-1 Titanium Flat Iron Straightener & Curling Iron Styling Tool, or the Hairitage Straight To It Flat Iron for Hair Straightening & Frizz Control. The heat styling products are about $35-$55, which is not too expensive for great hair tools.

You can also get the Hairitage Day Two Hair Refresher Hair Spray with Coconut Oil to help freshen your hair up or add some smoothing and shine to your hair after sleeping on it. There are products for many different purposes that can help you create a sleek, shiny, straight hair-do.

This brand is cheap and easy to try, and it is made for every person with every type of hair need, so definitely check them out before trying the more expensive brands, as it could save you money!

How to Bleach Bath Hair to Remove Color | Step-By-Step

Do you want to get your natural hair color back after a hair-dying mishap, or do you just miss the color you used to have before dying it? We’ve got a step-by-step guide for you to do just that.

To bleach bath hair to remove color, mix shampoo, bleach powder, and developer together in a plastic bowl. Then, wet the hair that the mixture will be applied to. Make sure to protect clothing or wear clothing that can be bleached. Apply the mixture to the hair and wait. Then, rinse out the mixture.

Continue reading to learn more about how to do a bleach bath on your hair at home.

Step 1: Gather your Materials

153163628 l 1024x683 1

To complete this process, you will need:

  1. Disposable plastic/rubber gloves
  2. Hydrogen peroxide developer (10 volume for gentle lift, 30 volume for intense lightening)
  3. Bleach powder
  4. Clarifying shampoo
  5. Mixing bowl
  6. Moisturizing conditioner
  7. Stirring stick/metal spoon
  8. Wide-tooth comb and thin-tooth comb
  9. Shower cap (optional)
  10. Hair tint brush (optional)

Step 2: Understand Your Hair Type and Hair Needs

In order to select the correct developer volume, you’ll need to know how much of the hair dye you want to be removed. If you just want your color to be a bit lighter or your hair color is already faded, you just need a 10 or 20-volume developer.

We also recommend using 10 volume developer if this is your first time bleach bathing, as you can always repeat the process as necessary to remove more color. If your hair dye color is more intense and you want to remove more color in one treatment, we recommend using 20 volume rather than 30-volume developer.

Knowing how many colors you want to lift from your hair will also help you determine how long to leave the solution in your hair. You’ll still want to check on your hair periodically, but the longer you leave it in, the more color it will remove.

146335671 l 1024x683 1

The health of your hair will also determine how long you can leave the bleach solution in your hair and how often you’ll need to repeat the process.

Healthier hair that holds in moisture will be able to handle the mixture for longer periods of time, whereas unhealthy, damaged, or very dry hair will need to have this bleach mixture rinsed out much sooner. You may need to do shorter time increments and repeat the process several times (with days in between) to remove the color from more sensitive and damaged hair.

Step 3: Protect Your Clothing and Skin

Because bleach bathing involves bleach, you’ll want to be careful with the process and take measures to protect your clothing and skin.

If you’re going to complete this process and rinse your hair out over the sink, we recommend putting on clothes that you won’t mind getting bleached or wrapping an old towel around your neck to protect your clothes. You can also put on a raincoat to protect your clothes and the skin around your neck and shoulders.

When handling bleach, always put on plastic or rubber gloves to protect the skin on your hands, which will have direct contact with the bleach solution.

Step 4: Mix Bleach Powder and Developer

Following the safety measures and instructions on both the bleach powder and the developer packaging, mix them together in your mixing bowl using your stirring stick or metal spoon.

Generally, this is a 1:2 ratio with 1 part bleach and two parts developer. Or, for more precise measurement, you can use about 4 ounces of developer for every 2 ounces of bleach powder.

Start with this amount, then double the mixture once or twice until you get a good amount to saturate all of your hair, depending on how much hair you have. The mixture should have a thick, yogurt-like consistency.

Step 5: Add Shampoo

Add a dollop of clarifying shampoo, generally the same amount you would normally use when washing your hair in the shower, to the mixture. If you’re unsure how much to use, measure out two teaspoons of shampoo. Stir the mixture until it is fully combined.

Step 6: Wet your Hair

Next, you’ll want to wet your hair under the sink or shower. Dry your hair so that it is moist and damp but not too dry or dripping with water.

Step 7: Apply the Mixture to Your Hair

184669141 l 1024x683 1

Using your wide tooth comb, divide your hair into one section at the front, top of your head, and apply the mixture directly to your hair using your hand or a hair tint brush. Start from the end and work your way up the section of hair. Rub the mixture into the hair using your gloved hand.

Step 8: Comb through Hair as You Go

Once the hair is saturated with the mixture, comb through the section of hair using your wide-tooth comb. Some of the mixtures will come off with the comb; you can put this excess mixture back into the mixing bowl.

You can leave your hair hanging down or pin it up against your head to get it out of the way while you work on the next section. Work through one section at a time until your entire head of hair is saturated with the solution.

185661487 l 1024x683 1

Step 9: Use a Shower Cap and Set Your Timer

If you want to get your hair out of the way, gather your hair together by twisting it into a hair bun (if it’s not already pinned up) and wrap it in a shower cap. Take off your gloves and set a timer on your phone for 4 minutes to remind you to check your hair every 4 minutes.

Depending on how much hair color you want to be removed and how healthy your hair is, the mixture can stay on your hair for between 4 and 16 minutes.

Step 10: Check your Hair Periodically

Every 4 minutes, you’ll want to check on your hair to see how well the solution removed the color and to check if it’s ready to be rinsed. To check your hair, put your gloves on, remove your shower cap and hairpin (if applicable), and use your thin-toothed comb to scrape away the solution from a small portion of that hair section.

If it looks like it needs more time, put the solution back onto the hair and pin it back up, or put it back under your shower cap. Set your time for four more minutes and repeat when the timer goes off.

Step 11: Rinse Out the Bleach

Rinse Out the Bleach

If your hair is ready and the desired amount of color has been removed (do not leave the mixture in your hair for longer than 18 minutes), you can rinse it out. Remove your shower cap and pins, then rinse out all the bleach in the sink or in the shower, being careful not to let the mixture get into your eyes.

Try to rinse it out as quickly as possible to avoid prolonged contact of bleach with your skin, and wear your gloves while rinsing. Do not touch the bleach without wearing gloves.

Step 12: Use Hair Conditioner

Once the bleach is fully rinsed out, condition your hair using a moisturizing hair conditioner or use coconut oil to get the hair moisture that was stripped away by the bleach back.

Is Pantene Bad for Your Hair? – Let’s Find Out!

Many people have been told by their hairdressers that they shouldn’t use Pantene products. I myself have been told that. However, is Pantene bad for your hair?

Pantene products are not bad for hair unless someone has sensitive skin or curly hair. Pantene products contain fragrances and other ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. However, some people with curly hair have found Pantene products that work well.

Pantene’s reputation has improved in recent years. To learn more about Pantene shampoo and what products will be best for your hair type, keep reading.

What Is Pantene Shampoo?

Is Pantene Bad for Your Hair

Pantene shampoo is a type of soap that is supposed to be used on your hair. It is designed to cleanse your hair of oil and other things that make your hair feel gross and dirty. Some Pantene shampoos are designed to do more than just cleanse your hair, but since most people rinse the shampoo out of their hair right after they are done washing it, the matching Pantene conditioner will likely do more than the Pantene shampoo.

For example, Pantene sells shampoos that are designed to hydrate/add moisture, clean and clarify, repair the damage, protect from damage, add volume, keep hair smooth and sleek, and more.

Is Pantene Good for Your Hair?

Pantene is generally good for your hair, but if you try out a Pantene product and find that your hair is greasy, dry, frizzy, heavy, or otherwise abnormal in a bad way, that product is not meant for your hair and shouldn’t be used. For example, most people with curly hair don’t use Pantene products because they tend to have alcohol and sulfates that make it hard for moisture to fully penetrate the hair, making it dry and frizzy. However, some people with curly hair find that Pantene products have the opposite effects on their hair. Many people who have straight hair love using Pantene products.

However, if you have sensitive skin or allergies to common shampoo ingredients, Pantene shampoo may not be the best shampoo to use. Most Pantene products have fragrances that will irritate your sensitive skin. Also, if your hair is colored, permed, dry, coarse, or thin, you likely won’t want to use Pantene products.

Most ingredients in Pantene shampoos that are generally considered harmful are not highly concentrated, so they likely won’t do anything bad, especially if you rinse out the shampoo quickly.

However, Pantene is known by many for making hair heavy, unmanageable, and hard to style because it tends to leave a wavy substance behind even though they don’t have wax in them. If you find that Pantene products leave your hair waxy, use a clarifying shampoo or other gentle, clarifying products like apple cider vinegar.

Some Pantene shampoos are paraben and sulfate-free, which many people look for when shopping for a new shampoo to start using.

Some Pantene shampoos and products contain ingredients that are considered incredibly beneficial for hair, including:

  • Pro-vitamin B5
  • Glycerin
  • Emollients

When using Pantene shampoos or thinking about trying one out, keep in mind that everyone’s hair is different, so a product that worked for someone you know may not work for you. However, if Pantene shampoo leaves your hair feeling and looking wonderful, keep using it.

161898912 m

Is Pantene Conditioner Good for Your Hair?

Pantene conditioners are quite good for your hair. In fact, they are often better for your hair than Pantene shampoos because they are designed to add things to your hair rather than remove things. While some Pantene shampoos have sulfates in them, which are considered bad for hair because they can strip away moisture and natural oils that are beneficial for your hair, Pantene conditioners are sulfate-free most of the time.

However, some people prefer not to use Pantene conditioners, as most of them have silicones, which can weigh down the hair and prevent it from getting moisture, which causes it to become dry, and nutrients, which causes it to become brittle and unhealthy. However, if you don’t want your conditioner to have silicones in it, you can choose from one of Pantene’s silicone-free conditioners and other products.

Potentially Unsafe Pantene Products

Although most Pantene products can safely be used on your hair, some products contain benzene, which can cause various types of cancer. Luckily, this ingredient was added to various products on accident, so Pantene products typically don’t have it. However, always read the ingredients list on your hair products and avoid products that have benzene in them.

The products that contained benzene were recalled and were only made between January 2019 and June 2021. The recall mainly affected dry shampoos and other aerosol products. You can view a full list of products that were recalled here.

When it was discovered that Pantene and a few other hair products and grooming product-making companies put benzene in some of their products, a class action lawsuit was filed, so no Pantene products have benzene in them. This means that, realistically, no Pantene products that are currently in circulation will damage your hair, depending on your hair type and if your hair reacts well to Pantene products.

Best Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner For Various Hair Types

165680352 m

Various Pantene products will work better for various hair types than others, so we will now focus on the best Pantene shampoos and conditioners for common hair types. Let’s go over the pros and cons of using specific Pantene products for specific hair types.

Straight Hair

The Pantene Pro-V Smooth and Sleek shampoo and the corresponding conditioner are the best Pantene products for straight hair. These products will make your hair smooth, especially if you leave the conditioner in for about 5 minutes. It is best to use these products before straightening your hair, but if you have naturally very straight hair, you might not need to use heat to make it look how you want it to.

However, there are a few cons to using these products, as they can make your hair dry, which will, in turn, make your hair frizzy. These products also have fragrances, so don’t use them if you are sensitive to a lot of common fragrances.

Frizz Control

If your hair is extremely frizzy and you want to control frizz, use the Pantene Nutrient Blends Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water Shampoo and the corresponding conditioner. These products are extremely gentle on hair, partially because they are both sulfate-free. The conditioner is especially known for making hair silky-smooth and extremely soft.

Some pros of these products are that they don’t have any dyes, parabens, or mineral oils. This is especially good because many people avoid using hair-washing products that have parabens and dyes.

However, some people have found that there are some cons to using these products as well. They found that these products changed the texture of their hair and made it extremely dry, especially over time. So, if your hair is frizzy because it is dry, it might be best for you to avoid using these products and use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner instead.

Wavy Hair

If you have wavy hair, the best Pantene shampoo and conditioner combination is the Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Shampoo and the corresponding conditioner. It will leave your hair looking wavy, smooth, and shiny. Your hair will also likely be extremely soft and smell great. Many people have used these products and loved them.

Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisturizing Shampoo...
  • Gentle cleansing shampoo boasts a paraben-free formula splashed with sweet melon essence
  • Leaves hair feeling moisturized and soft all day while boosting shine
  • The active Guvar in each bottle of Nature Fusion shampoo is derived from seeds grown in India. Your hair is left strong against breakage

However, others have found that these products can make your hair feel flat and greasy, which you definitely don’t want.

Dry Hair

If you have dry hair, you should use the Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal shampoo and the corresponding conditioner, as they are the best Pantene products to use on dry hair. One good thing about this Pantene shampoo is that a little bit goes a long way, so even if you have long hair, you will only have to use a little bit of product. This will ensure that it will last for a long time and will help prevent it from stripping your hair’s natural oils, which will help it stay moisturized.

Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo with Hair...
  • HARD WORKING Fuels hair with a potent blend of Pro-V nutrients and antioxidants so hair is strong against damage
  • LONG LASTING Gently cleanses hair with a vitamin-rich lather with 2x more nutrients, with results that last 72 plus hours
  • HYDRATION IN EVERY WASH Gently cleanses hair with a nutrient-rich lather that removes build up and primes strands for optimal hydration

You don’t need to use these products every day, but it is somewhat recommended.

However, some people don’t notice a difference in the moisture content of their hair after using these products, so they may not work properly. The result will vary depending on your hair and how it reacts to these products after multiple uses.

150138470 m

Curly Hair

If you have curly hair and want to use Pantene products, use the Gold Series Sulfate-Free shampoo and conditioner, as they are the best Pantene shampoos and conditioners to use when you have curly hair. Pantene also sells a variety of products to pair with this shampoo and conditioner that are made to be used on curly hair to keep it healthy and as curly as possible.

Pantene’s Gold Series Sulfate-Free shampoo and conditioner don’t have sulfates in them, which is good for people who are looking to use sulfate-free products. Both of these products, even the shampoo, are designed to nourish your hair rather than strip it, which will help make your hair look and feel extremely soft and clean. Many people have used these products together and love them.

However, these products may contain dimethicone, parabens, various artificial fragrances, and preservatives like methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone. Many people are allergic to methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, so if you have a lot of allergies or have had allergic reactions while using other shampoos or conditioners, check the ingredients list of this Pantene shampoo and conditioner before you start using it.

Dimethicone is also a type of silicone that can weigh down your hair, especially if you use products with this ingredient often. If you have curly hair, you don’t want it to be weighed down by silicone.

While many people have found these products to be great for curly hair, you might want to try them out first before you decide to love or hate them. Try purchasing travel-sized bottles of these products before using them regularly.

Coily Hair

If you have coily hair, the best Pantene shampoo and conditioner is the old Series from Pantene Moisture Boost Shampoo with Argan Oil for Curly, Coily Hair, and the matching conditioner.

Pantene ProV Gold Series Boost, Moisture Shampoo,...
  • REMOVES PRODUCT BUILD UP Creamy lather gently cleanses to remove product build-up and hydrates rough cuticles
  • ARGAN OIL FORMULA Paraben-free and dye-free formula infused with Argan Oil
  • THOUGHTFULLY DEVELOPED The gold standard in moisture, developed by Black PhD scientists and perfected by Black hair stylists

One of the pros of these products is that they will soften your hair while keeping it extremely moisturized. This will help your curl pattern last for days on end between washes.

There aren’t any cons to using these products, or at least I couldn’t find any mention in the reviews. However, if you try these products and don’t like them, they may just not have reacted well with your hair. After all, hair can be very temperamental, especially when trying out new products.

Colored Hair

If you have colored hair and want to use Pantene products, the best shampoo and conditioner that you can use is the Pantene Pro-V Radiant Color Shine shampoo and the corresponding conditioner. It is designed to prevent the color in your hair from fading quickly. Your color will still fade over time, but you won’t notice such a difference in the vibrancy if you use these products. It also will keep your hair looking shiny, which will make the color of your hair look even better than it normally does.

However, the shampoo has a lot of sulfates in it, which is known to strip color quickly. Exactly how this shampoo and conditioner will react to your hair color will vary, so you may notice that your hair color lasts longer, but the opposite may also be the case.

Pantene Pro-V Radiant Color Shine Shampoo...
  • Protects color & restores brilliance
  • Cleanses & preps color-treated hair
  • Helps retain gorgeous color

Overall, feel free to use any Pantene products in your hair. There is a reason why Pantene is such a popular hair-care brand, and it shows in the happiness of the people who use their products. Keep in mind that your hair’s reaction to the change in products used may vary, so you may not know what Pantene products do to your hair for at least a few weeks.

However, Pantene products are worth trying, as they are extremely cheap and can be found in nearly every store that sells hair-care products.

6 Sealing Oils for Hair and How to Use Them for the Best Results

What is Sealing Oil?

Sealing oils, also known as coating hair oils, don’t readily penetrate the hair shaft. This type of oil sits on the hair surface forming a water-proof barrier that prevents moisture from evaporating quickly. Sealing oils make hair shiny, frizz-free, and easy to comb through.

Oils that partially penetrate the hair, while partly staying on the outside of the cuticle layer, also have sealing abilities and can be used for both conditioning and sealing the hair. By understanding which oils have sealing properties, you will be better equipped to incorporate the right oils into your hair care routine.

beautiful youngwoman applies oil to her hair 1

Penetrating vs Sealing Oils

Neither penetrating nor sealing oils contain water. Oils are emollients which means they help your hair retain moisture from water or water-based products for a longer period of time.

Sealing oils have large-sized molecules that can’t penetrate the hair shaft. Instead, these oils form a protective coating around the hair strand that locks in moisture and prevents hair from damage.

On the contrary, penetrating oils are smaller in molecular size and can pass through the cuticle layer as a result. They also temporarily coat hair strands, but this coating is absorbed fast by the hair. Both penetrating and sealing oils help hair retain water content longer.

There is no clear distinction between penetrating and sealing oils. For example, many oils can partially penetrate the hair despite some oil content remaining outside of the hair strands. 

 young woman applying sealing oil on hair

How to Know what Kind of Hair Oil to Use?

Knowing what kind of hair oil to use depends on the condition of the hair and the reason you plan to use the oil.

If you are aiming to keep your hair well-conditioned, reduce friction, or minimize the appearance of tangles, a sealing oil is the best option for your hair goals. This type of oil lubricates the hair to make combing effortless while reducing frizz and making hair smooth and shiny. Since oils don’t contain water, you should apply sealing oils only after you’ve moisturized your hair.

If your goal is to protect the inner hair structure from the negative effects of frequent shampooing, high heat, and chemical damage, opt for a penetrating oil. This type of oil is a good choice for pre-washing because it protects the hair from the drying effects caused by shampoo and prevents your hair from absorbing excessive amounts of water.

young woman sealing her hair with oil

How to Seal Your Hair with Oil

Since the purpose of sealing is to lock moisture inside the hair shaft, your hair must be slightly wet before you apply coating oil. To do so, wet your hair with water or apply a water-based hair product.

Apply a few drops of oil to your damp hair and rub the oil through the hair to its ends with your fingertips or use a comb to distribute it.

People commonly seal their hair after washing, but those with dry hair may need to seal their hair more often, especially the hair ends which are more prone to dryness. Hair ends are the oldest and most dry part of the hair and thus need the most attention. It takes some time for the oil to settle after application and during this time, the hair should be touched and manipulated in other ways.

What Oils Work for Sealing Moisture in the Hair?

1. Jojoba Oil for Sealing Hair

Jojoba oil has a waxy texture, and it closely resembles the sebum produced by sebaceous glands which keep hair moist and shiny. This oil does not have a high penetration power, but it works well as a sealant to protect hair against dryness. It also balances your scalp’s pH, dissolves sebum build-up, and helps combat dandruff. Jojoba oil is an ideal oil for dry and curly hair. Because curly hair slowly distributes natural oil along the length of hair strands, the use of jojoba oil can compensate for the lack of sebum.

How to use: The simplest way to use jojoba oil for sealing purposes is by adding a few drops of oil to your conditioner. You can also use pure jojoba oil as a leave-in conditioner by applying a small amount to damp hair with your fingertips. If you have thick and coarse hair you can use more oil, while people with fine hair should apply less oil and concentrate its use on the ends of the hair.

2. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a lighter oil that boosts hair shine and calms static and frizz. Its lubricating properties help prevent tangles and make the hair easy to comb through. This oil doesn’t leave hair looking greasy which makes it ideal for sealing hair. It is suitable for all hair types and is a common ingredient in a variety of hair products.

Thanks to the high proportion of linoleic acid and the low content of monosaturated lipids, grapeseed oil remains on the surface of the hair – retaining moisture and improving shine. When you use pure grapeseed oil as a leave-in product, it preserves moisture and protects hair from breakage. When applied to the ends of your hair, it instantly polishes split ends.

How to use: To reduce frizz, tame flyaways, and increase shine, apply a nickel-sized amount of oil to damp hair and comb through.

woman applies sealing oil to her hair

3. Almond Oil

Because it is lightweight, almond oil is suitable for use as a finishing oil. It can be used as a sealant for all types of hair, notably on fine hair which doesn’t tolerate most other oils. The high content of fatty acids repels UV rays, protecting hair from damage while the high content of polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals makes it suitable for scalp massages and boosting the circulation of the scalp.

If you want to restore shine and softness to overprocessed and lifeless hair, almond oil is an excellent choice. This oil is an effective hair sealant after washing and can be applied to the ends of the hair the next day as well.

To keep your scalp healthy and stimulate hair growth, apply oil to the scalp and let it sit for some time before washing.

How to use almond oil to seal hair: To remove frizz and protect hair from damage during combing and hot styling, it is best to use almond oil after washing and before styling your hair. If your hair is thick and frizzy, applying oil to the ends more frequently will offer the most benefit.

4. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has a slight penetrating capability, so it can be successfully used as both a sealant and an ingredient in hair masks. The protective film that avocado oil forms around the hair preserves moisture, reduces the possibility of hair breakage, and protects the hair from damage.

To alleviate scalp dryness and flaking, add a few drops of avocado oil to your shampoo.

When used on dry, curly hair, apply oil to the entire length of the hair, braid it, and leave it in overnight.

How to use: Apply the oil through the mid-shaft focusing on the ends of your hair. Your hair will be softer, shinier, and easier to comb through.

5. Castor Oil

Castor oil is extremely versatile and is highly valued as a hair oil. Although there is limited research on the benefits of castor oil, it is traditionally used to stimulate hair growth. It is rich in omega 6 and 9 fatty acids and vitamin E.  It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties which help keep the scalp healthy and reduce the appearance of dandruff. Due to the large size of its molecules, this oil is suitable for use as a hair sealant. Castor oil has a high viscosity and is not suitable for fine hair that is more prone to looking greasy and weighted down. However, castor oil is an excellent sealant for thick, curly, or processed hair and works to prevent dryness and keep curls soft and shiny.

How to use castor oil as a sealant: Apply a small amount of oil to damp hair after using shampoo and conditioner. Focus on the ends of the hair as this oil can weigh down hair if you use it heavily on the scalp.

6. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is both a penetrating and coating oil because of its limited ability to penetrate the hair. This property causes excess oil to remain on the surface while coating the hair. Coconut oil has a wide variety of uses for the hair and scalp. Most notably, it can protect hair from protein loss when hair is exposed to chemical treatments.

As a pre-shampoo treatment, coconut oil prevents hair from drying out and soaking in excessive amounts of water that may cause damage to the hair.

By coating hair after washing, coconut oil reduces friction, makes combing easier, and hair softer. To make your hair look shiny, healthy, and frizz-free, apply a small amount of coconut oil after using shampoo and conditioner. Focus on the ends of your hair to minimize the appearance of split ends and reduce the need for frequent trimming.

model with beautiful long hair combs hair through

Help Your Hair to Survive Cold Days: Homemade Hair Masks for Winter

Countless hours go into our hair, but far too few go into its very foundation—the scalp. The critically important sebaceous glands produce sebum, a waxy substance that prevents over-drying, from it. Throughout a lifetime, however, our scalp endures chemicals, heat tools, overwashing, hormonal fluctuations, and changing weather. Alone, any one of these is enough to impair the natural oils the scalp’s hair follicles produce. But all together, they can strip away even the most basic protections.

Wintertime especially takes a major toll. Cold air, wind, rain, and snow drain the moisture from hair, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Hiding inside is no safe bet either, as the dry air from indoor heating can strip the moisture from your locks just as thoroughly. Consequently, it’s important to educate yourself on how to prevent drying, especially during the harsh winter months. 

attractive young woman walking in the rain

How to Provide Your Hair with Extra Hydration in the Winter

Once the cold rolls in, you’ll need extra protection. But you don’t have to invest in expensive hair products to achieve desirable moisturizing results. A homemade hair mask mixed with kitchen ingredients can be just the savior your hair needs on bitter-cold days

Natural ingredients such as honey, fruit, and nut oils are rich in vitamins and minerals, perfect for locking in moisture and providing additional nutrients. Better yet, you’re likely to have most of what you need already. And whatever you don’t is easily found in your local grocery store.

Just remember, you should adapt your hair care regimen as soon as the temperature drops. Deep conditioning keeps hair elastic and strong during the winter’s challenges. It is recommended that you do these treatments at least twice a month throughout the season. This will further protect your hair from tearing and drying out.

Now that you know what to do, you’ll want to start making your own moisturizing masks. Here are a few to get you started and keep your locks beautiful and healthy!

blonde woman wearing warm knitted sweater

Homemade Hair Mask for Winter

1. Egg Yolk and Olive Oil Hair Mask

You will need:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Directions (1–2 times a week):

  1. Put the ingredients in a bowl and mix until frothy
  2. Massage the mixture into your hair and scalp.
  3. Cover with a shower cap and leave for 20 minutes
  4. Rinse the mask from hair with lukewarm water

2. Homemade Hair Mask with Avocado and Olive Oil

You will need:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon argan or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ⅛ cup coconut milk

Directions (1–2 times a week):

  1. Smash up the avocado and add all ingredients together in a bowl
  2. Apply the mixture to your hair, starting with the roots
  3. Wait 30 minutes before rinsing off

3. Homemade Moisturizing Hair Mask with Pumpkin Puree and Coconut Oil:

You will need:

  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • ½ tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon yogurt

Directions (1–2 times a week):

  1. Mix all ingredients together
  2. Apply to damp hair
  3. Let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing
Blonde woman in a wool winter cap

How to Combat Common Winter Hair Problems

1. Avoid Washing Your Hair too Often

Shampooing over frequently worsens dryness and weakens resistance to external factors. Washing twice a week strikes a near-optimal frequency. If you have problems with excess sebum, use a dry shampoo between washes to refresh your hair and give it volume and a pleasant scent.

Also, make sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo that is gentle on your hair, and use conditioner after each wash. Your rinse-out conditioner should replenish moisture and add slip to minimize damage from combing and styling.

Rinse your hair with lukewarm or cool water (no cold water near the roots!) for smoother and shinier locks.

2. Eliminate Static Electricity

Dry air and sudden changes in temperature may cause static charge in your hair. Staticky hair is impossible to style and is prone to tangling and breakage.

To prevent the appearance of static, use an ionic hair dryer, detangle hair with static-free brushes, and incorporate static tamers into your hair care regimen.

Your clothes can also cause flyaway hair. Wool, nylon, and polyester tend to build static electricity. Choose cotton, linen, and other natural materials that will keep your hair grounded.

3. Dandruff Can Get Worse During the Winter

Dandruff issues worsen during the winter, as the cold weather and lack of humidity create the perfect conditions for a dry, itchy scalp. Unless you want the embarrassing flakes on your clothes, you’ll need a dandruff shampoo. That said, some have an intense smell and can leave your hair feeling dry. Instead, use herbal shampoos formulated to relieve dandruff without stripping natural oils.

4. Protect your Hair from the Cold

Wearing a cap when outside protects against wind, rain, and snow, but no one likes ruined hair. Some materials can make your scalp sweat and create an unpleasant smell. Avoid this by wearing a soft cap with satin or silk underneath as a lining. Silk also prevents hair from developing static or damage due to friction with the cap.

For the cap itself, choose natural materials that allow your scalp to breathe and don’t negatively affect your hair. And don’t wear it for long. Put the cap on your head just before leaving the house and take it off as soon as you get back in.

sweet blonde girl against the snowcovered forest

5. Keep your House Pleasantly Warm, but not Hot

If the temperature inside your home is much higher than outside, you’ve identified one of the factors that can irritate your skin and scalp.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) states, quite rightly, that 68 °F is the optimal indoor temperature. They also recommend turning down your thermostat below 68 degrees when you go to sleep.

To keep your environment humid and to protect your hair from dry air, use room humidifiers. A humidifier helps retain moisture in the room, adds moisture to your tresses, and keeps your scalp itch-free.

6. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hair Oils

The sharp wind outdoors and the heat indoors can strip your hair of its natural oils. When this happens, your hair will start to curl in search of moisture. No one wants that annoying frizzy look.

Hot oil treatment is mandatory in winter. Simply take a little olive oil, apply it to dry hair, wrap it in a warm towel, and leave for half an hour before washing.

Use lightweight hair oil and apply it to the ends after styling to smooth staticky strands and impart shine.

curly blonde woman in white sweather and gloves

Batana Oil Benefits for Hair and How to Use It

Every season presents its beauty challenges, and winter is no exception.  With wind, rain, snow, and unpredictable swings in humidity, few people’s tresses emerge unruffled.  These pesky variables can be particularly frustrating for those on the curly hair spectrum.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to be winter-ready and optimally manage your mane all year long.  A must-have tool in the hair-benefiting arsenal is batana oil. It is known for its nourishing and moisturizing properties, which make it an effective natural hair treatment. Read on to discover some tricks this incredible oil has up its sleeve.

beautiful African woman using batana oil for her hair

What Is Batana Oil?

Batana oil derives from one of the two palm oil species, the American oil palm(Elaeis oleifera).  This plant is native to tropical Latin America and can be found from Mexico all the way to Peru.  However, despite its high-quality, oil yields are generally low, making it relatively rare compared to its relative, the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis).

Most commercially available batana oil originates in one place: La Moskitia, Honduras.  The primary producers are the indigenous Miskito people, also known as Tawira or “the people of the beautiful hair.”  Producing this oil has been a part of their culture for centuries, and they believe it to be a miracle oil for skin and hair.

Batana oil has a waxy texture and earthy scent that some people may find unpleasant.  It is all-natural and free from chemicals, making it a safe choice for skin and hair care.

Batana Oil Benefits

The number of beauty-promoting qualities of batana oil appears boundless.  Among the top praises regarding its benefits for hair are:

  • Nourishing
  • Replenishing & Repairing
  • Moisturizing
  • Color Enriching
  • Preventing Hair Loss & Stimulating Growth
  • Shine Enhancing

In addition to these benefits, batana oil helps reverse damage from hair dyes, chemical treatments, and UV pollution. It also helps to keep hair soft, manageable, and frizz-free. In other words, if beautiful hair is your thing, there’s nothing not to like about this oil.

Batana Oil for Hair Growth

As it is high in essential fatty acids, batana oil thoroughly nourishes the scalp.  In the process, it also helps to moisturize the hair, heal injuries, and promote new growth.  How does it do this?

Batana oil is high in oleic and linoleic acid, which hold moisture and nutrients in the hair follicle providing the necessary fuel for longer, shinier locks.  In addition, this added moisture helps prevent breakage while fortifying existing hair, increasing volume, and adding luster simultaneously.

To stimulate hair growth, use the oil on damp hair after washing and concentrate on the spots with thinning hair.

Batana Oil for Grey Hair

Another effect of using this remarkable oil is that it naturally masks greys.  The quality of batana oil is such that it readily penetrates deep into the hair.  In addition to the rest of its beneficial effects, batana oil acts as a natural dye. The pigment of the oil seeps in, darkening your mane with repeating applications, without exposing you to any harmful chemicals in the process.

How To Use Batana Oil

Much like coconut oil, batana oil becomes solid at room temperature.  To use it, you’ll want to liquefy it by heating it in a double boiler.  No double boiler?  No problem! 

Take a heat-resistant mug, bowl, or jar and set it in a pan of water that comes halfway up the sides.  Scoop in the desired amount of batana and enjoy the earthy fragrance as it dissolves into liquid form.

Once it is cool enough to handle, rub it generously into your scalp and all the way to the tips of your hair.  Let it sit for as long as you desire, from a few minutes to overnight.  You can safely leave it on your skin and hair without causing damage. Wash out if and when you’re ready and enjoy your shine!

To keep your hair moisturized, you can use batana oil as a leave-in conditioner. Take a pea-sized amount of the oil and rub it in your hands to liquify it. Apply it throughout your damp hair after washing, focusing on the ends.

Where To Buy Batana Oil

When procuring any item, it’s best to source out the cleanest product available.  Steer clear of fillers, additives, fragrances, or really anything other than 100% pure oil; if you’re able to find organic oil, even better.

Remember, what you put on your skin and hair seeps into your body.  Take care of your beautiful self and use caution in what you apply.  It can be helpful to read several product reviews and press before committing to buying one.

When it comes to online stores, Etsy has the widest choice of batana oil products at affordable prices.

The Takeaway

People are rarely unimpressed by a beautiful head of hair.  Being the proud owner of a healthy mane feels empowering and can help to boost confidence.  When it’s possible to promote this state without costly procedures and the use of chemical-laden products, it’s a win-win.

Batana oil does everything you want for your tresses without any downsides.  It feeds, strengthens, volumizes, adds luster, and generally enhances the hair on your head.   With all those benefits, this oil will likely earn you some bragging rights.  With the finish in sight, the only thing left to do is pass the batana!

beautiful dark-skinned woman using batana oil for her hair

Hot Oil Treatment for Low Porosity Hair: Best Oils and How to Apply Them

What is Low Porosity Hair?

Hair porosity is the ability of hair to attract and hold moisture. If you’re unsure about your hair porosity level, there are several porosity tests you can conduct yourself.  The simplest is the float test which shows how quickly your hair fiber sinks when placed in water.

The Float Test: Take a strand of your hair after shampooing and before applying any product to your hair. Drop the strand in a clear glass filled with water. If the strand floats without sinking, you have low-porosity hair. The strand of high porosity hair will sink quickly to the bottom. Medium porosity will float for a while and then start to sink slowly. You can repeat the test, taking strands from different parts of your head, because it is possible that the porosity level of your hair varies in different areas of your head.

Sensual afro-american girl with low porosity hair

Low porosity hair is influenced by genetics. You can’t change it, but you can manage it.  Knowing your hair porosity level can help you pick the right products for your hair.

The good thing about having low-porosity hair is that it retains moisture well. However, adding moisture to thirsty low porosity hair could be a real challenge. The scales of the outermost layer of the hair, called the cuticle, are tightly packed, leaving no room for moisture to penetrate inside the hair. Another potential problem is that chemical hair treatments, such as coloring or straightening products, are less effective than with normal porosity hair. 

How to Moisturize Low-Porosity Hair

Here are some rules to remember when caring for your moisture-resistant, low-porosity hair. 

Use heat with a deep conditioner

Deep conditioners are designed to penetrate further into the hair than regular conditioners and can deliver moisturizing and nourishing ingredients inside the hair. If your hair isn’t receptive to treatments, you may need to apply heat to lift the cuticles and enable the treatment to penetrate the hair shaft. The simplest way to lift the cuticles is by rinsing your hair with hot water after shampooing. Apply a deep conditioning product while the cuticles are still open, allowing your hair to receive all the moisturizing benefits. If you apply a treatment that is meant to work for a longer time, it would be best if you use a thermal conditioning cap. The heat from the cap will keep the cuticles open, allowing the hair to soak up all the nourishing ingredients.

Use lightweight hair products

People often use hair products in larger amounts when trying to provide their hair with extra moisture. However, the secret is in the proper selection of products that suit low-porosity hair. You should choose water-based products and lightweight oils. Avoid heavy oils and products containing silicones or too much protein. Such products just create buildup without penetrating the hair.

Incorporate hot oil treatments

One of the advantages of hot oil treatment is that it can easily be done at home. You can get a hot oil treatment in a salon, but doing it at home is easy, affordable, and customizable. You can select the oils which your hair needs most and can be sure that your treatment is free of synthetic additives.

Why Hot Oil Treatments are Good for Low-Porosity Hair

When you apply hair oil to your low-porosity hair, it will just coat the strands without penetrating the hair shaft. Your hair needs heat that will lift the cuticle to enable the oil to penetrate the hair. That is why hot oil treatments are a great option for low-porosity hair. By applying heat, you can ensure that the cuticles will open to allow for deep penetration.

Oils that Penetrate Low-Porosity Hair

Thick oils like castor oil and olive oil will sit on the surface of the hair, blocking cuticles that are already tightly packed. Instead, you should go for lightweight oils that can pass through the hair’s cuticle without causing buildup. Some good choices are grapeseed, jojoba, and sweet almond oils.

Grapeseed oil is a fast-absorbing and non-greasy oil. It provides hair with weightless hydration and slip for easy detangling and adds natural shine.

Jojoba oil is lightweight, blends well with other oils, and washes easily from hair. It helps soothe your scalp and reduce itchiness & flaking.

Sweet almond oil has excellent moisturizing properties and helps prevent dry, flaking scalp. It gets absorbed into your hair quickly and helps improve the strength and shine of your locks.

You can’t go wrong if you use other light oils, including argan, avocado, rosehip, moringa, baobab, camellia, maracuja, and pomegranate oils.

You can also add to the mixture a few drops of essential oils, as many have antimicrobial properties and can boost blood circulation. Rosemary, peppermint, lavender, tea tree, and sage essential oils will soothe your scalp and create a good environment for healthy hair.

How to Apply Hot Oil Treatment to Your Low-Porosity Hair

Hot oil treatment for low-porosity hair is most about the right selection of hair oils because the application steps are the same regardless of hair porosity level. 

First, wet your hair before application. Make sure you don’t have a build-up of product or dirt in your hair. Then, pour the oil mixture into a small jar and place the bowl in a pot with hot water. The oil mixture should be warm but not too hot. Massage the oil mixture into your scalp and distribute evenly from the root to the tip of your hair strands. Put on a shower cap and wrap your hair with a towel to keep the oils warm for around 30 minutes or longer. The heat will expand the hair fibers by lifting the scales of the outermost hair layer, so your hair can absorb the oils.

dark-skinned woman with a towel around her head

You can also apply non-heated oils, massage them into your hair, and then apply gentle heat by using a hair dryer.

However, the most convenient method is by using a thermal conditioning cap. You can apply unheated oils and then put the thermal cap which will then heat the oils to make the treatment more effective.

Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to remove oils from your hair. Repeat the shampooing if needed.

a beautiful dark-skinned woman applies a hot oil treatment

6 Benefits of Argan Oil for Your Hair and the Best Ways to Apply It

Argan oil is extracted from Moroccan argan trees by pressing its kernels. This pure, cold-pressed oil is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, polyphenols, and plant steroids that are essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin and is an ancient beauty elixir that has been around for centuries. Today, we use it in cosmetology as an ingredient in numerous beauty products like moisturizers, and as a carrier oil for essential oils.

Cold-pressed argan oil is a chemical-free solution for beautiful hair. The small molecules penetrate the cuticles and nourish your strands from the inside. But what are the benefits of using argan oil, and what is the best way to use it? Keep reading to find out!

1. Argan Oil for Dry Hair

Argan oil is rich in fatty acids that improve the moisture content of hair and add elasticity to dry brittle strands. This oil can penetrate the hair shaft to boost moisture, and, at the same time, it acts as a sealer that prevents moisture loss. It is a great remedy for your thirsty, dry hair.

A young woman applying Argan oil to dry hair

The best way to use argan oil for dry hair is as a pre-shampoo treatment. Apply oil to your hair and scalp and let it soak in for an hour before washing. Brush your hair to distribute the oil evenly, and then put your hair in a bun or wrap it in a towel. You can leave it on overnight if you plan to wash your hair in the morning. Argan oil can be used alone to reduce the drying effect of shampoo, or it can be used in conjunction with other oils. This practice will make your hair silkier, shinier, and less prone to breakage.

You may also apply the oil after washing but be careful not to overdo it. Only apply a small amount to your dry ends.

2. Argan Oil for Dyed Hair

a girl applies oil on dyed hair to get all the benefits of argan oil for hair

If you dye your hair and use bleach, argan oil can help keep your hair healthy. Rich in antioxidants, it will revitalize over-processed hair from the inside. It also forms a layer around the hair shaft that adds smoothness, and shine, and protects hair from breakage and environmental damage.

To revitalize damaged hair, use argan oil as a hair mask once a week. Apply a generous amount and massage it into your hair, focusing on the ends. Wrap your hair in a towel and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.

Alternatively, you can add a few drops of argan oil to your regular shampoo and conditioner.

To smooth and seal split ends, gently massage a few drops of oil into your dry ends.

young brunette woman brushes her silky hair in the bathroom

3. Softer and Silkier Hair

If your hair is thick and coarse, argan oil can improve the texture of your hair. Not only can it make your hair feel softer without feeling heavy, but it will help with detangling and styling your hair.

To enhance shine and softness, apply argan oil to damp, cleansed hair, and leave it on for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo and condition as usual.

You can also apply argan oil to damp hair before using the hairdryer. Put a few drops in your palms and work into the ends and middle part of your hair. If your hair is fine, make sure to use a very small amount.

A beautiful woman with healthy hair nourished with argan oil

 4. Does Argan Oil Make Hair Shiny?

If you are looking for an oil that leaves hair with a radiant shine without weighing it down, look no further. If your hair has lost its shine and feels like straw after years of coloring and/or environmental damage, you can restore its shine by using argan oil. This miracle oil creates a protective layer around the hair shaft, giving a glossy shine to your locks.

To restore shine to your hair, it is best to use argan oil as a leave-in conditioner before blow-drying. Apply a few drops to damp hair, focusing on the ends, then use a brush to distribute the oil evenly for a luxurious shine.

Another easy way to boost shine is to add a few drops of oil to your regular conditioner. Leave the conditioner in the hair for a few minutes and then rinse well.

 5. Argan Oil for Frizzy Hair

Applying argan oil to curly hair

If you experience frizzy hair, argan oil helps reduce the tendency of hair cuticles to swell, which reduces frizz. The oil penetrates the hair, reducing the absorption of moisture from the air and acting as a sealer that locks in the oil and smooths the cuticles, minimizing frizz.

The best way to use argan oil to reduce frizz is to rub a few drops into your hair after washing. This is especially effective if you have medium-to-thick curly hair. You will notice that your curls are more beautifully defined and bouncier. Another option to beautify your curly hair is to use argan oil as an overnight hair mask.

If you have fine hair, apply a very small amount to the ends before blow-drying and that will calm frizz without leaving a greasy look.

To calm down flyaway hairs, put 1-2 drops into the palms of your hands, rub your hands together, and then run through fly-away parts of the hair. You can also apply oil to damp hair before blow-drying or to get a sleeker, shinier finish.

6. Scalp Soother

Woman with healthy hair holds a bottle of Argan oil

Argan oil has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a great remedy for dry and itchy scalps. This oil helps cleanse dead skin cells and balances the natural oils of the scalp.  It is especially helpful during the winter months because it helps prevent your scalp from drying out without clogging the pores.

To nourish and soothe dry skin on your head, gently massage pure argan oil into the scalp and leave it on for at least half an hour before washing your hair.

Is Argan Oil Good for Hair Growth?

Argan oil contains inflammation-fighting antioxidants that keep the scalp clean and moisturized. A healthy scalp is a good foundation for normal hair growth. There is no evidence that argan oil promotes hair growth. However, by reducing dryness and brittleness it protects hair from breakage and thus reduces hair shedding. Reducing breakage and splitting not only keeps the hair healthy-looking and beautiful but also means you don’t have to trim the hair as often, which makes it easier for you to achieve the desired length.

Make sure to always buy a premium 100% pure organic argan oil. Read the ingredients carefully and avoid products with added fillers or fragrances. You really don’t need these extra chemicals to enjoy the awesome benefits of argan oil for your hair.

A smiling girl blowdrying her long healthy hair

7 Tips to Grow Natural Black Hair Faster

Written by Vera Aduongo

“How do you grow natural hair fast” is a question that I get asked a lot! And I can understand why. I’ve been a natural for about 7 years now, and my hair goes past my bra strap (it would be longer if I didn’t keep trimming it), and the people asking me often want to know how they can get my results but a lot quicker. Luckily, if you implement these tips (most of which I didn’t implement in those first few years), you will get there a lot faster than I did!

Caveat: While the tips below will help you to grow your natural hair faster, there is a ceiling that your genetics place on how much hair you can grow. So for example, on average, hair grows ½ an inch every month, meaning you can reasonably expect about 6 inches of growth at the end of the year.

However, African American women have been shown to grow hair slower. Take this study, for example, that showed that our hair grew about 4 inches a year. It would appear that based on genetics, our hair just grows a bit slower. These tips are meant to help you hit your maximum growth rate, which will cause you to grow your natural hair faster. Don’t be discouraged if you feel like your hair isn’t growing as fast as you like. It will come around eventually… I promise.

So without further ado, here are my 7 top tips on how to get long natural hair fast.

young female student with long curly hair

1. Take Hair, Skin, and Nails Supplements

I mean, I’m not even fully consistent with this yet, but boy didn’t I notice a difference when I took my supplements consistently! And interestingly, I took a Biotin supplement for about a month just to get my nails less brittle, but I noticed that my hairline started to look fuller. These supplements aren’t just some gimmick! They actually work!

And studies show they are effective. My favorite is this 2012 study measuring the effect of oral supplements on women with thinning hair. The study gave one group of women an oral supplement and the other a placebo. They then measured the number of strands on a 4 cm2 area. The number of hairs in the group that took the supplements doubled in 90 days!

P.S.: You can try out one of the best-reviewed ones on Amazon: Nature’s Bounty Vitamin Biotin Optimal Solutions Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies.

P.P.S: Supplements are NOT a replacement for a good diet. Eat as healthy as you can, to begin with, and then add on supplements to help your body fill in any gaps that might be present.

2. Nail The Art of Detangling Gently

This! If you skip all the other steps, whatever you do, implement this, and #4. Ripping through your tangles can be so tempting when you’re short on time, and your biceps are beginning to feel sore but don’t do it.

When I first started trying to grow my natural hair, I took this for granted, and as a result, my ends were horrible and tangled a lot. My hair also kept breaking. Ironically, the more tangled my ends got, the harder it was to detangle and the more impatient and rough I became. You get into this cycle that keeps you from seeing the progress you want in your hair. So make sure that you fix this.

If you have enough time and patience for it, look into finger detangling. This is, by far, the most gentle detangling, so it will allow you to keep the most hair on your scalp. If you still love your tools, look into detangling tools, such as the Felicia Leatherwood Detangling Brush and EZ Detangling Brush. Just remember to be gentle when you use these.

young student with long curly hair

3. Trim Your Ends Often

Speaking of damaged ends…. Try and get a trim every 6 months to start with. These trims usually take off the bottom ½ to 1 inch of your hair all around, which can be a game-changer if your ends are damaged, dry, and tangle-prone. If your ends are especially damaged, then you or your stylist may cut off more than that.

Then adjust the frequency of your trims once you get a feel for how long it takes before your ends are a bit ‘dusty’ again.

4. Build Consistent Wash Day & Moisturizing Routines

Consistency is the most important thing in every glow-up. Those small, beneficial habits rack up until you achieve your goal. The same principle applies when you’re trying to grow long natural hair fast.

Consistent, healthy, and manageable wash day and moisturizing routines will get you where you want to be. So take some time to map out what you’d be willing to commit to alongside your fave products and stay consistent. 

5. Protective Style A Loot!

When you’re looking to get long natural hair fast, you want to find a way to give your hair some space to grow and protect it from damage that might lead to breakage. The best way to do this is protective styling. Protective styling, when done properly, reduces the amount of manipulation your hair experiences and protects your ends from damage.

Styles such as flat twists, box braids, crochet braids, or faux locs are great options. If you’re interested in getting some crochet locs this summer, check out this article we did telling you literally everything you need to know before you get any type of crochet loc or faux loc.

6. Pamper Your Tresses with Some Treatments Once in a While

Similar to taking care of your face, your hair can benefit a lot from the occasional mask or treatment. The most common types of hair treatments are moisturizing treatments and protein treatments. These work to boost moisture levels and hair strength respectively.

If you notice that your usual moisture routine just isn’t cutting it anymore, or if it’s winter, then bust out one of your moisturizing masks.

If your hair is feeling a bit limp and kinda mushy or is breaking a lot more than usual, then it might be time for a protein boost. You’ll also want to incorporate protein treatments into your routine if you’ve had any type of chemical treatment done to your hair recently. But you can read all about protein treatments and when and how to do them here.

7. Massage Your Scalp

This one is a nice-to-have, but it makes a load of difference if you want to grow long natural hair. Scalp massages have been shown to increase hair thickness in cases with hair loss and in people who aren’t struggling with hair loss. There’s a debate out there on exactly how this works, but what we do know is it does work.

So try incorporating a 5-minute massage into your routine daily or as often as you can. Because whoever got mad at having thicker strands?!

Tip: Take advantage of your massage time to moisturize your scalp as well. Apply your favorite regular or growth oil and go to town.

Thanks for attending my little TED talk on how to grow your natural hair fast. 😁

Now go out there and be great,

XO

Dark skinned girl with long curly hair