Why does curly hair look and feel drier

Having straight hair for the longest time, it is oh so tempting to get your locks curled and being the IT hair of the season. VoluME! Curls! and more VOLUME!

Before you know it, you've got curly hair! However, you are not too excited already because it somehow feels drier and doesnt look as shiny as before... :( and maybe, more volume than you want....

Haiz.... why? oh why????

As I've mentioned earlier in my post on curls: it takes more effort to maintain as compared to straight hair. Be it the merest hint of a wave, man made or natural.

Question: Why does curly hair look drier?

This is because light refracts in all directions on curly hair, so it gives the illusion of less shiny locks even if your hair is 99% healthy. (let's leave a leeway of 1% to benefit of the doubt for errors)

Question: Why does my (curly) hair feel so dry? Especially at the ends?

Sebum (natural oil) is produced from your scalp. It usually will be able to 'travel' till the midlength of your hair and keep it smooth and shiny and protected. So, the longer you keep your hair, the harder it is for your natural oils to reach the length of it.

On top of that, with the ends not having sebum protection, mechanical abrasion and careless handling result in the ends being damaged easily.

Besides, 1 in 3 ladies can't resist having their hair chemically treated. So, prior to any other processes, the hair is not 'virgin' anymore to start with.

So, you whine, "that means I can't have curly locks like Goldilocks, or long hair then?" SOBZ..

Of course you can!! MOISTURE MOISTURE AND MORE MOISTURE is the key to maintenance, for curly and long hair plus regular trims. Every 3 months or so would be good for ladies.
If you are not willing to go the extra mile for it, then I suggest you don't even try...

How far you are willing to go for your hair is important in helping you to decide if you want a change of style.

Note: Infuse moisture only on mid lengths to ends only. Always use conditioner after shampooing.

Why then does the models' hair in magazines look so pretty and shiny and curly? And long and nice and princessy? I want! I want!

Don't be fooled by the looks of them in magazines.. Heard of photo imaging? One of the best and most powerful tool in photography. Besides, the models are pretty savvy at handling their hair and they have hair stylists to do it for them for every shoot.

P/S: I'll be glad to do this for you everyday if you can afford it too! :D

Tip: For heat styling, it is always a must to use pre-heat protector before hand. Heat temporarily seals in the cuticles and moisture so that explains why hair looks so smooth after flat ironing or thonging.

Cheers!
Gerra :D

Lotion (Cold) perm versus Digital (Hot) perm-What is the difference

We always wonder what's the difference between the lotion perm and the newer technology, Digital perm or also known as Ceremic perm?

In simple terms:
Lotion perm a.k.a cold perm, rollers are made of plastic.
Digital/Ceremic perm a.k.a hot perm, where the rollers are heated up.

Process of Cold perm:
1) Hair is wind onto rods (30min-40min depending on length)

2) Lotion applied and processed. Usually 15min to half an hour without heat, depending on hair texture.

Hair is rinsed

3) neutralising lotion (set for 10min)

4) treatment (10-20min)

5) styling and blow dry (30min)

The whole perming process will take about one half hour to 2 hours including blow dry.


Process of Digital (hot) perm :
Generally, the whole digital perm process takes about 3 hours or more to complete.

You probably will look like a monster with tentacles because of the many wires connected to the rollers. But well worth it!

1) softening ( ~30 to 45 min depending on hair texture. )

Hair is rinsed

2) winding of rollers in hair (~30min), heat processing (20min to 30min again depending on hair texture)

3) heat is applied to the rollers (~ 20-30min)

4) neutralising (10min)

5) treatment(~20min to 30min)

6) wash and blow styling (30 to 40min)


Maintenance after the hot perm is simpler because of lesser products required on the hair. The curls are more prominent when the hair is dry. Just twirl and scrunch and the bounce is back.

The reverse is true for the cold perm i.e: curls are more prominent when wet, and products are needed to 'catch the waves' , by twirling and scrunching so that when it dries, the curls are better defined.

So, hair using the cold perm technique has looser curls or waves whereas the curls or waves from the hot perm are 'bouncier'.

One other thing to note is that, if you want curls from the scalp onwards, it's not possible to use the hot perm technique as it runs the risk of burning the scalp.

Do consult your hairstylist on which is a better technique to use for your hair.

why red Colour dyes always dont last

Hilo there! Here's the explanation on why red colour dyes or highlights don't last as long, compared to the blond shades...
The reason: molecules of red dyes are bigger, compared to the blond colours. So, it is more difficult to penetrate into the hair shaft and so, most of the molecules get "coated" on the hair instead of entering the hair "pores".

In other words, the hair is not absorbing the red colour molecules properly.. and that is why every time you wash your hair, you'll notice the red dye keeps running...

Plus! the more often u wash your hair the faster the colour will fade!

Some people wash their hair 2 times ---> not recommended.
Please always use a conditioner straight after shampooing.

Generally, red colour dyes last about 14 washes on average.. Hair texture also plays an important role in locking in colour...(hair that looks and feels like "broom" texture or worse, I'm sure you all know what the verdict will be...)

So, in order to counter this problem, colour manufacturers come up with the range of INTENSIVE REDS. Molecules are made smaller to ensure better absorption by the hair but the downside of it: it is also harder to remove!

All in all its always best to check with the stylists and get a better understanding on what's best for you :)

Well.... another point to note: red tones are wonderful for many skin tones!