Easy Product Guide for Hair Types

Get glossy, salon-fresh results and keep your hair in top condition with our easy product guide for different hair types! Find out what to look for when shopping for hair products that meet the specific needs of your hair.

Walking down the aisles of hair products can be a bit overwhelming. Do you need more volume? How about extra moisturizing? A glaze? Why not choose a mousse over a gel? It's really rather mind-boggling to know what to use on your head. To break it down and make shopping for hair products much easier, first you need to know what type of hair you have, then it'll be a cinch to find the right products for you.

There are a few basic hair types – fine and thin or coarse and thick. Fine, thin hair is generally oily, while thick, coarse hair tends to be dry. However, there are certainly times when other combinations are possible. For instance, some women may have oily hair at the scalp, but their ends are dry. That's a little trickier to treat, but not impossible. Here's how:

Fine, thin hair

If you have this type of hair, each of your strands are on the skinny side, diameter-wise, and there are fewer actual strands on your head than someone with thicker hair. Try this: pull your hair into a ponytail. The smaller the width of your ponytail, the finer and thinner your hair is (if you can wrap your ponytail holder more than three times around the ponytail). When shopping for shampoos or conditioners, look for ones that say they're “volumizing” or “thickening.” Look for styling products that are lightweight, like mousses, since heavier gels will weigh your hair down. Try! Tigi Bed Head Superstar Blow Dry Lotion ($17)

Thick, coarse hair

If you made a ponytail and can only wrap the elastic ponytail holder two or three times, you have thicker hair. You have more hair follicles on your scalp and each individual hair is thick. Look for shine-enhancing formulas that will coat the cuticle of the hair (the outermost layer) and make it lay flat. When the cuticle is lifted, thicker, coarse hair can look dull or frizzy. Try! Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Conditioner ($25)

Oily hair

Start with a “clarifying” shampoo that you'll probably need to use every day to keep oil at bay. Use a lightweight condition, and be sure to completely rinse it out. Steer clear of any hair products that are oil-based. You may want to try a dry shampoo if you don't wash your hair every day. Use a powder variety (rather than a spray) and apply it to the roots before combing it out. Keep styling products to a minimum – a light-hold hairspray may be enough to keep hair in place and make drier ends look shiner. If split ends are an issue, get regular haircuts and use a more intense moisturizer at the ends (but not at the scalp). Try! Phyto Phytoneutre Clarifying Shampoo ($10.99)

Dry hair

Your hair needs more moisture if you suffer from dry scalp conditions or hair that breaks easily. Avoid hair products that contain a lot of chemicals, fragrances, sulfates, silicone and foaming agents, which will further dry out your hair. Look for the most natural or organic versions that you can find. Natural, plant-based oils used in hair products will deliver much-needed moisture from scalp to ends. Deep-conditioning masks or oil treatments used once a week are essential for dry hair types. Try! Topganics Argan Oil from Morocco Hair Mask ($9.99)

Aging hair

As with every other biological function in our bodies, your hair follicle cell metabolism is slowing down, too. Look for products that are enriched with antioxidants like green tea and botanicals as well as proteins, which promote the health of hair's structure (which is protein, as well). Opt for hair styling products with SPF coverage to protect aging hair from the drying effects of the sun. Try! Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging White Truffle Hair Elixir ($28)

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5 Minute Textured Updo Tutorial

You can look absolutely gorgeous even if you're short on time. A five minute textured updo can be the ideal solution if you're looking for a style with a polished allure suitable for a great variety of occasions.

Staying fabulous can take quite a lot of work sometimes. It might seem like staying gorgeous can take quite a lot of time commitment and it's often the case. Hairstyling is one particular area where investing time is often required, which is why, especially in the morning, we might be tempted to stay in an almost permanent loose hairstyle/ponytail routine. However, looking polished isn't as much work as it might seem at times. A little creativity can certainly save the day and a few variations can make an ordinary look complex and beautiful.

Blogger and YouTube beauty guru Dulce Tejeda, in addition to providing fun outfit alternatives to vary our look also proves extremely resourceful when it comes to creating lovely hairstyles and she provides a gorgeous simple updo variation that can help us look polished and doesn't require complex skills in order to be created. A textured updo is a simple way to add complexity to a style without relying on time intensive tactics which can prove impractical in busy mornings.

A few simple twists can completely transform the simple updo as we know it. To create it you simply have to start by applying a texturizing spray on all your hair. Then, take small sections of hair at the crown of the head and begin twisting each one and then secure each one of them with a bobby pin. Doing so will enable you to get a more polished vibe and make it look more complex so your additional efforts will be fully rewarded. After you're done with the twists take all the remaining hair and twist it into a bun, securing it with a few bobby pins also. Apply a medium hold hairspray to finish the look. This will enable you to make minor adjustments to the look throughout the day if you need to without ruining your look.

This look can be worn on a multitude of occasions and can work well for a variety of hair texture. In addition, this type of hairstyle is a great option on the days when your hair is a little on the oily side yet you don't have time to wash your hair. You can also apply this idea to create an even simpler yet equally sexy look. You can also leave your hair in a ponytail for a simple and fun variation which will take even less time than this look. With minor tweaks, the hairstyle you're sporting can prove surprisingly versatile.

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Best Vitamins for Faster Hair Growth

Grow a thicker, shinier mane with the healthiest hair foods! Find out which are the best vitamins for faster hair growth and what foods are the richest sources in essential nutrients.

Although we look to the strands of our hair to try to determine our hair health, the true action is going on at the hair's originating point – the follicle. The old myth that giving your hair a trim will make it grow faster is a huge misconception. It may look healthier because you've removed the frayed split ends, but if you really want faster hair growth, put your attention to your scalp.

Like your skin elsewhere on your body, your scalp needs nutrients to perform at its best. Here are the six best vitamins for faster hair growth:

Vitamin A

Perhaps this vitamin plays the most essential role in growing hair faster because it effects the genes that control the keratinization process in the hair growth cycle. This process starts when you eat foods (particularly protein) that eventually carry amino acids to the hair follicle, which is where healthy hair growth begins. Try adding more spinach, kale, broccoli, mangos, sweet potatoes and mellon to your diet.

Vitamin B

This vitamin comes in a variety of forms like B2, B6 or B12, and all of these are key in faster hair growth because they deliver the nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles that will make the hair stronger in its earliest stages. You can get more vitamin B through daily “B complex” supplements or in seafood like salmon or shrimp.

Biotin

This is another form of vitamin B (and sometimes referred to as vitamin H) that is believed to protect hair from drying out, slow hair from turning gray, strengthen the hair at its core to stop breakage and even slow troubling hair loss that occurs in about 50 percent of all women. Swiss chard is the best source of biotin, but you can also buy it relatively inexpensively in supplement form in doses that are about 30 mcg a day.

Vitamin C

You already know that vitamin C – particularly from citrus – is great for boosting your immune system, but it also plays an important role in regulating the amount of sebum (the natural oil produced from the sebaceous glands in our skin), which acts as a natural moisturizer in the hair. This natural hydration plays a role in faster hair growth because it stops the hair from drying out and eventually splitting. Taking 75 milligrams a day is plenty for most adult women, but you might need more if you drink or smoke, both of which deplete your vitamin C levels.

Vitamin E

This is a vital nutrient for both the hair and the skin because it boosts the body's circulation and gives the immune system a boost – both of which are important for good health, glowing skin and keeping the hair shiny as it grows out. Vitamin E is most easily consumed through supplements. Start out with about 400 IU daily.

Selenium

Selenium is a protective mineral that works to fight off free radicals and toxins that can cause damage to your hair. Selenium also improves your body's immune system, another important factor in keeping hair healthy and shiny as it grows, and it actually works to metabolize the other vitamins in your diet. Get more selenium by eating more seafood, wheat germ, poultry, garlic, whole grains and sunflower seeds.

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How To Get Rihanna’s Hairstyle

More than her hip thrusts or super-sexy wardrobe choices, Rihanna is known for her ever-changing hair colour. From fiery red to whitish blond, the pop princess redefines herself at every whim, transforming herself

into the Madonna of her generation. But how does she keep her tresses so touchably soft and healthy with frequent hair colour sessions? Read on to find out.

Hair colouring how-to

If you have dark strands like Rihanna, then achieving extra bright tones can be a bit of a challenge. It usually requires more chemical processing, which can be damaging to hair if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to protect your hair after you colour it, though. Here are the best five tips for maintaining coloured hair.

1. Condition, condition, condition!

This is a must-do for anyone who desires healthy hair, but it is especially important for those who have chosen to colour. Permanent and semi-permanent dyes especially work by altering the makeup of each hair molecule with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which can make each strand more liable to break or dry out. However, conditioning your hair can help restore some of the moisture that was lost in the process of colouring and make those strands more flexible. A product like John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner, for example, can add body and shine to freshly-coloured locks when used once a week.

2. Try a colour-enhancing shampoo.

If you’ve ever shuddered at the thought of your very expensive (or very time-consuming) colour process running down the drain as you shampoo, try a colour-enhancing shampoo formulated specifically to help you maintain your colour for longer. You may also want to consider shampooing less often. This will not only help you preserve the integrity of your colour but also keep your hair from becoming too dry from the sulphate that is often found in shampoos.

3. Be protective of your newly coloured locks.

This means staying away from chlorine and saltwater, especially! If you enjoy a good beach day or lounging by the pool, you may want to just dip your toes instead of going for a swim. And remember to wear a stylish but protective wide-brimmed fedora to protect your vulnerable locks from sun damage.

4. Stay close to home with your hair colour.

Rihanna’s red-hot styles are fun to duplicate, but even she takes a break now and then from hair colouring. Remember to give your hair a reprieve by rocking your natural colour from time to time. And when you’re ready to switch your look up again, consider getting a colour that’s closer to your natural tone or opting for partial highlights instead.

5. Be careful with the curling iron.

A new colour can be the perfect catalyst for a new style as well, but be extra careful with tools that emit heat such as the blow dryer and straighteners. Keep these styling tools on a lower setting so that you don’t cause heat damage to your hair when it’s more susceptible than usual because of colour, and use a heat protecting product like John Frieda Style Creator Heat-Activated Styling Spray. And try out your natural waves or curls one day to give your hair a respite from all that stress.

Now that you have the goods on how to get Rihanna’s style, you’re ready to wow everyone you know with a celeb-inspired look.

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Quick Summer Hair Fixes

Have a nosey at these quick summer hair fixes and get ready to win the spotlight! From simple, timeless ponys and chignons to fab accessories, these styles will see you through hectic and bad hair days! Check them out!

Hooray, sunny days are finally here! Well, what better time than this to try an array of super-cool, flirtatious hairstyles? However, since this is the season when time is usually against us, we should find some quick summer hair fixes for hectic mornings and nights. If you're the busy type of girl who's always on the run, check out this easy, DIY styles that you can achieve in seconds and still look gorgeous. Keep it simple yet classy and playful and get ready to win the spotlight!

Go for loose waves as spotted at Sonia Rykiel in order to get a retro-inspired look that will definitely turn all eyes on you. The best thing is that you only need a curling iron to create some soft curls and a barrette to add a sophisticated vibe, perfect for special occasions. On the other hand, you can also opt for messy, effortless side-swept locks as seen at Jill Stuart or a hippie style as spotted at Just Cavalli. If you are more confident and daring, you can easily try a slicked style! This works great even on shorter hair and chic bobs (Ohne Titel).

When speaking about quick hair fixes one cannot omit the already timeless ponytail, a versatile choice that works great for casual, daytime looks but also for night events. This summer, keep it clean and impeccable as seen at Derek Lam. Make a side parting and apply some hold spray for a severe result! Another hairstyle that became extremely popular during the last seasons is the messy side braid (ASHISH). Start by pulling hair loosely over one shoulder, plait and secure it with an elastic band. Apply some hair spray!

Oh la la! If there is one 'do that will never go out of style, that is the classic chignon. It can be worn in so many different ways, whether you choose the sleek, high and tight style as seen at Stella McCartney or the preciously adorned one spotted at Louis Vuitton. A bun is the best solution for bad hair days and it takes five minutes to do it. Both laid-back and glam, a chignon is one of the best hair fixes for on-the-go girls! Use your fingers to rake the hair back and apply some serum or hold spray to keep your 'do in place.

Did you say quick summer hair fixes? Well, as we have seen, accessories play a major part when it comes to statement-making appearances. Nowadays, we can use a look-at-me-now adornment to add awesomeness to simple buns, ponytails or loose tresses. This season, have fun and try playful styles getting wow-worthy effects! Moreover, remember that a headband or a turban can add drama to a simple, dull outfit (Hermès, Luca Luca, Kevork Kiledjian, Karen Walker).

Hair cover-ups are indeed a smart way to protect our head from harmful sun rays without sacrificing our style. Head wrap? Of course! It is sexy, bold, feminine and oh-so-risky! All you need is a scarf folded into a triangle and then looped twice around the head. For a simpler approach, just fold scarf into a triangle and keep folding until you obtain a ticker headband. Next, wrap front to back and back to front, double knot and tuck the ends. Easy and utterly chic!

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