Don't forget to tag @NIUCOCO to give us some love. We love seeing how you make each day your best by looking good and feeling good too.
Eliminates the use of plastic packaging, Travel Ready, Great for ALL hair types! ✨
Our new hand-made SIGNATURE Shampoo Bar is finally here! It is free of silicone, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, cruelty and vegan friendly. This product is infused with delicate ingredients with our signature coconut oil, hydrolyzed proteins, all-natural fragrance and B-5 vitamin. Rich in Vitamin E & K and fatty acids from the coconut oil.
What will you get?
✔ Great hydration
✔ Lock-in shine and repair dry damaged hair with our coconut shampoo bar
✔ Lathers well
✔ Palm oil-free
✔ Light, nutty and natural sweetness scent
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What is keratin?
Keratin is a protein naturally occurring in the body. Due to its strength, it is less prone to scratching or tearing than other proteins. It serves protective and structural functions in the skin, nails, and hair.
Why is keratin important for my hair?
Keratin is the structural building block of hair, comprising 65-95% of the hair fibre itself. It is 19 amino acids long, one of which is cysteine. Cysteine amino acids contain sulphur, capable of forming double bonds with the sulphur in other cysteine amino acids. This is what gives keratin its strength. Fun fact: sulphur is also the reason hair smells so bad when it’s burned.
Keratin is not a super protein though! Much like our skin, hair follicles are subject to aging. The production of keratin decreases with age, leading to loss of strength and elasticity. Keratin is also damaged by repeated exposure to external factors such as heat, sun, salt, dye, and dust. When this happens, the overlapping cells of the cuticle, the exterior layer of the hair fibre, can lift, exposing the next layer, the cortex. When the cortex is exposed, keratin damage can leave holes in its structure. This makes hair weaker, prone to tearing, frizz, and split ends. Keratin damage leads to a loss of smoothness and shine.
What do keratin hair care products do?
Keratin is often an ingredient in hair care products said to improve the health of dry or damaged hair. Restoring keratin strengthens the cuticle and cortex, making hair more resilient. This brings back the smoothness and shine that is lusted after. Keratin is used in shampoos, conditioners, and serums, which are safer alternatives to keratin salon treatments used to smooth and straighten hair.
When should I use keratin products?
Keratin hair products are recommended when your hair is weak or damaged, or if you regularly heat style or colour your hair or swim in chlorine or salt. Basically, it’s never a bad idea.
Can too much keratin be bad for your hair?
Your hair can only use so much keratin. Once the damaged keratin is restored, there is no room for extra. Think of a sponge. It can only absorb water to a certain point; the rest isn’t absorbed. The same is true for keratin. Some products use a low quality keratin that cannot penetrate the hair fibre, causing it to accumulate on the surface. This doesn’t damage your hair, but can leave it feeling dry and brittle. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell which brands use low quality keratin, so it’s important to find a good balance.
A note on salon keratin treatments …
A traditional keratin treatment straightens out the texture of your hair by acting on the cuticle. It cuts your blow dry time in half and leaves your hair smooth and silky, resistant to the effects of light rain and humidity. No two treatments are alike, so a stylist will determine which chemicals and what quantity are right to achieve the effect on your hair type without damaging your it. The process consists of three steps. First, a formaldehyde solution is applied to hair to break those strong double bonds and hair is blow dried straight. Next, your hair must be kept dry for several days as the chemicals set. Upon return to the salon, it’s all washed out and a second treatment is applied to reform the double bonds, keeping hair straight. The effects last until your hair starts to grow out.
The downside of this miracle treatment is the use of formaldehyde, which was classified as a potentially cancer-causing chemical by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1987. Formaldehyde exposure can irritate the skin and eyes. Repeated exposure, like the type stylists performing the treatment are exposed to, can lead to nose bleeds and throat cancers. Some treatments claim to be formaldehyde-free, but it is still released in a reaction that occurs when heat is used to straighten the hair. This is part of the reason home-based products have become so popular. They offer a safer and less expensive alternative.
Do keratin shampoos and conditioners really work?
The short answer is yes. They don’t have the straightening effects of keratin salon treatments, but can make hair smoother and easier to manage with repeated use.
There is some debate over the effectiveness of keratin shampoos. The primary purpose of a shampoo is to cleanse the hair and scalp. Some have all sorts of good ingredients that claim to have additional functions, but usually shampoos are washed out before any of these benefits can begin to work.
Conditioners, on the other hand, coat the cuticle, reducing friction between strands to detangle hair. Sealing the cuticle also locks in moisture, improving hair’s strength and shine. Leave-in conditioners have the added benefit of protecting hair from heat styling and humidity. It fills in gaps in the cuticle layer, preventing humidity from seeping in and raising the shingle-like cells. The effects are cumulative too. Repeated use can make thin or flat hair appear thicker and bouncier.
Where does the keratin in shampoos and conditioners come from?
The best form of keratin to restore life to your hair comes from human hair. However, many countries ban the use of human ingredients in products, so keratin must be derived from the wool, horns, or feather of animals. Plants are unable to produce keratin.
Sometimes it may be listed in products as “hydrolyzed keratin” or
“keratin amino acids”. This means the keratin protein is broken down into smaller segments, which can penetrate the cuticle to restore the structure of the cortex in severely damaged hair. The smaller molecules also bond with keratin in the cuticle, flattening out those overlapping cells and restoring hair’s shine.
Are there other protein options I can use?
Yes, other proteins can help repair hair’s structure and lock in moisture. Milk protein and hydrolyzed silk protein are both options. Whey and casein are both proteins in milk that can contribute to the health of the hair shaft and follicle. Milk protein can benefit hair from the inside, through drinking milk, and from the outside in hair care products. Silk protein is derived from the saliva of silk worms, which may not sound appealing, but it is able to hold 10,000 times its weight in water. Now that’s strength!
Are there vegan options?
YES! At NIUCOCO, we love vegan options. We like rice protein and quinoa protein to name a few and you can find these in our Smoothing Conditioner and Renewing Hair Serum. Bonus: they are gluten free! Why did we choose them? Well, rice is abundant in cysteine, an amino acid also found in keratin. The cysteine amino acids form disulphide bonds, which are responsible for the strength keratin gives to hair. Both these proteins are also able to fill pores in hair, helping to keep the moisture in and increasing the smoothness of the cuticle. They also have the added benefit of being lysine-rich. Lysine is an essential amino acid, meaning our bodies can’t produce it and we have to get it from the environment. Lysine can aid in the delivery and retention of colour and promote hair growth.
So what do we think overall?
Keratin is the basic building block of your hair. If your hair is feeling limp and dry, a keratin conditioner will probably be your best bet for restoring its health and safeguarding against future damage, but as with all good things, moderation is key.
The old-fashioned version of dry shampoo was plain baby powder. But, if you’ve been reading the news, you know that Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder was linked to cancer. In fact, a Los Angeles jury awarded one woman $29 million when she credited the baby powder with causing her cancer. The carcinogenic ingredient in baby powder is talcum powder, commonly known as talc. It’s a mineral produced from mining rocks and has been used in the cosmetics industry for its ability to absorb moisture. Impure talc contains asbestos however, which contributes to lung and ovarian cancers.
Unfortunately, current dry shampoos are not much better in terms of their ingredients. Some may claim to be talc-free, but the majority of them are packaged in aerosol cans. When sprayed, aerosol cans release colourless, odourless gases such as butane, isobutane, and propane. These are liquid petroleum gases that contribute to air pollution and the depletion of the ozone layer. Aerosols not only harm the environment, but also your lungs. The gases released replace oxygen making it difficult to breathe, which can lead to headaches and nausea. Although a quick spritz is convenient, it’s really not worth the contribution to air pollution and the risk to your health.
Alcohol denat is also used in dry shampoos. It is a combination of ethanol and a denaturing agent. Benzyl alcohol is also mixed in to make in undrinkable. The purpose of alcohol denat in dry shampoo is to draw moisture and oil away from the scalp. It is a well-known fact that alcohol is very drying, which can contribute to, or worsen, dandruff, dryness, skin irritation, blocked pores, and conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
Another common ingredient in dry shampoo is cetrimonium chloride. It is used in hair care products to inhibit the buildup of static electricity and the growth of microorganisms. It also helps water mix with oil and dirt in order to be rinsed away. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessments and Association of Occupational & Environmental Clinics, it is also a known skin toxicant.
Benzyl benzoate is a solvent and is often used in fragrances. A single fragrance can include up to 300 ingredients! Many of these ingredients are not tested for safety. Some are even known to causes disturbances with hormonal health. Benzyl benzoate in particular is a possible human immune system toxicant and may be associated with disruption of the endocrine system.
Healthier dry shampoos that use natural, non-toxic ingredients are available on the market. For example, NIUCOCO’s Non-Aerosol Dry Shampoo contains ingredients like zea mays starch, kaolin, tapioca starch, dehydrated coconut milk, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and organic fragrance composed of only natural aromatic compounds (not synthetic). Here is why NIUCOCO has selected these ingredients for your hair:
Zea mays starch is made from corn (non-GMO corn in this case). According to the Cosmetics Ingredients Review, it functions as an absorbent, skin protectant, and increases the viscosity of beauty products. We use it in our dry shampoo to absorb moisture from the hair and scalp. It’s a safer, healthier alternative to alcohol denat and benzyl alcohol.
Kaolin is a fine-powdered aluminum silicate mineral. It is derived from a white clay found all over the world and is often used in paper, pottery, and medicine. Kaolin is ideal as a beauty product ingredient because it mixes well and is safe for sensitive skin. You will find it in face masks and facial scrubs. It was selected for our dry shampoo because of its ability to detoxify hair and remove oil while maintaining natural moisture.
Tapioca starch is a natural alternative to talcum powder. It is derived from the cassava root, a plant native to Brazil. Green beauty products use it to thicken their formulas as well. Not only have laboratory tests shown it is a safe ingredient to use, it is even more absorbent than talc! Tapioca starch absorbs oil from the scalp leaving skin feeling refreshed. It gets rid of that heavy, greasy feeling you get after a couple days without washing your hair.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice comes from the aloe plant that is also used to make the Aloe Vera gel that soothes burns. The leaf juice has a pH similar to that of hair, making it an ideal ingredient for hair products. It has a high water content and contains lots of vitamins and minerals. Like the Aloe Vera gel, aloe barbadensis leaf juice has anti-inflammatory properties, which promote healing and fight off bacteria that cause infections and bad odours.
So how is it dispensed? NIUCOCO’s dry shampoo comes in a non-aerosol container. When you squeeze it, a fine mist of dry shampoo comes out and is easily applied to the roots. It’s the same convenience of an aerosol bottle without the damage to the environment. So, next time you choose a dry shampoo, check out the ingredients before you buy.
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There are ways to fix the problem, however. First, understand that dandruff happens in the winter because the weather dries out your scalp. Furthermore, wearing hats, while they’re great for protecting you from the cold, don’t do much to protect the moisture of your hair since cotton is moisture-wicking.
So, what’s the best way to tackle this problem? Re-evaluate your hair care routine for the winter and consider adding these quick hacks and foolproof products to get your scalp sorted during frosty times.
Coconut oil is an internationally-loved solution when it comes to attaining healthy skin and that includes your scalp. It’s tempting to grab a jar of coconut oil, but you should opt for something less intense with a much lower risk of leaving your tresses greasy.
NIUCOCO’s renewing serum is made from cold-pressed, organic extra virgin coconut oil, so it will give you great results with a bit more control. Apply it to your tresses for softness and shine and massage it onto your scalp for quick relief.
Avoid Hot Showers
This one breaks our hearts as much as it does yours. Hot water will excessively dry your hair, as well as your skin’s natural moisture. This is why it’s best to avoid them and build stamina towards lukewarm and cold showers. Also, cold showers give your hair an amazing shine.
We love NIUCOCO’s Classic Duo shampoo and conditioner kit, because like their serum and the rest of their products, their shampoo and conditioner are highly nutritious for your hair and are made up of cold-pressed, organic, extra virgin coconut oil. It’s a surefire and natural way to bring back moisture to your hair and your scalp while leaving your hair feeling gorgeous, soft and healthier than ever.
Your scalp’s thick skin is different than the skin on the rest of your body, housing sebaceous glands that produce sebum (oil) it will require different attention to keep a healthy cycle. Hair follicles and pores can easily get clogged if oil build-up goes unchecked; and this can cause dandruff when bacteria are trapped in the sebum. This yields problematic fatty acids and flaking dead skin. Additionally, clogged follicles can stunt hair growth, says industry expert Dr. Mindy Goldstein, Ph.D., because new hairs are not strong enough to breakthrough.
Wash your hair regularly. Your hair washing schedule should depend on the health of your scalp and your daily activity. If you suffer from any of the scalp issues listed above, you should wash your hair daily to avoid build-up and treat infections. The same goes for those of you hitting the gym with sweaty work-out sessions. Remember to choose a shampoo that will gently soothe your symptoms and help remove unwanted dead skin.
When you use the NIUCOCO shampoo and conditioner duo you can clarify your scalp and strengthen the hair at the same time. Coconut oil is a superfood for hair, adding shine and strength while keeping the scalp healthy.
Massage your scalp. Help increase the circulation to your scalp by massaging the area once a week for 15 mins. This helps bring oxygenated blood to your scalp and fresh nutrients to the surrounding tissue. A great place to do this is in the bath or shower using gentle circular motions all around your head. If you have any scalp issues consider using one of the scalp remedies listed above to help nurture your scalp during your massage.
An itchy scalp basically signifies an imbalance of the scalp. Normally, itchiness will be due to bacteria caused by sweat, sebum and pollution remaining on the scalp which then, in effect, attacks the scalp and causes itchiness. However, it could also be caused by a reaction to a particular ingredient used in a product, shampoo, or conditioner.
Another common cause can be shampoo products not being rinsed from the hair thoroughly, which can dry out and irritate the scalp. It could also signify head lice… with the louse egg looking like lumps of dandruff, and the lice's desire for your blood causing the itching.
Gentle on the scalp and formulated with extra-virgin coconut oil the NIUCOCO shampoo and conditioner duo are all-natural and safe for anyone to use.
At the very root of scalp health is a clarifying shampoo that can take the gunk away from your scalp. The NIUCOCO shampoo and conditioner duo is perfect for anyone wanting to rehabilitate their damaged scalp. The shampoo works with the natural goodness of coconut oil, one of the best oils for hair and scalp health.
The process may take a few weeks, but keeping your scalp health top of mind will reward you with long and strong hair from the root to the tip. Keep an eye on your diet, stress, medication, and make sure you talk to your doctor if your scalp issues persist.
]]>A signature look for a woman on the go who wants to feel polished, blowouts can last up to 3-5 days when done at a salon. However, with an active lifestyle it can be difficult to squeeze in some time in the salon chair. Not to mention the cost and time required.
So we wanted to let you in on a little secret. We can show you that it is possible to get a glamorous salon blowout at home with a few simple steps.
Source: Amazon
As with everything else, having the right tools can save you time and frustration. A good blowout starts with the right blowdryer. You don't need an expensive one, but one with a nozzle (as pictured above) helps concentrate the air to blow your cuticle closed when styling hair.
Tools for a blowout:
To get a great blowout, you need to start with a good hair wash. Just as you would at the salon make sure you shampoo and condition your hair with the right shampoo for your hair goals. Having colour treated hair, damaged hair, fine hair, or dry hair will require you to pay special attention to how you clean your hair and scalp. This step is a critical foundation to making sure your hair is protected when styling.
We recommend our signature NIUCOCO Shampoo and Conditioner because they’re formulated with extra-virgin coconut oil which is a natural heat protectant. Our shampoo and conditioner also help reverse the signs of damage. NIUCOCO also boosts shine, while taming frizz and helps keep hair from breaking.
When you’ve washed, be sure to dry hair while keeping it slightly damp as dry hair does not blow out properly.
Adding a smoothing product such as a serum, heat protector, or smoothing cream is essential to keeping hair safe and silky during the blowout. When hair is wet it is sensitive to breakage, coconut oil is naturally able to protect against breakage especially from exposure to water and heat.
The NIUCOCO renewing serum is the perfect base for your hair care regimen. Just as with skincare, we need to regularly nourish the skin with serums to get the benefits of active ingredients that can improve the texture and vitality of the skin. NIUCOCO’s renewing hair serum adds shine, strengthens hair, and reduces frizz.
Just apply your product while hair is damp, run it through the middle and tips of your hair ends and brush it through.
Source: Hairfinder
This step is critical to keeping a good system going when blow drying your hair. No one likes hair blowing all over the place getting tangled up in your brush. So pre-styling, makes you use your clips and hair ties to section your hair out.
We recommend keeping a mohawk in the middle to keep your front section separate (that’s the one section you want to lift and make as glam as possible with your blowout). When you have sectioned your hair out, keep in mind that you want access to the back of your hair as that is the best place to start (as it is most difficult to reach).
Source: Bikinis & Passports
Now starting from the back of your head, grabbing small sections of hair and using the round brush to blow down. When you wrap your hair around the brush while blow-drying out, make sure you coil the hair around the brush away from your face.
This part is important, before you release the hair section through the brush, wrap it again around the brush and concentrate the airflow on the lower strands of hair now coiled around the brush. Pull and release a smooth curl. Make sure to shape your curls to go away from the face as this is what creates the flattering blowout technique.
Remember your mohawk section? Build up the most volume here for the most glam effect blowout.
]]>Summer comes with a lot of great things. The humidity not being one of them. We love a pool party, a suntanning moment, or a beautiful sunset on the beach. But that icky sticky midday humidity that melts your makeup and turns your hair into something more like your mom's favourite 80's hair metal band? Not so chic.
So we are going to break down the right way to build an anti-humidity hair routine that will soothe those stressed-out strands.
So what happens in a high-humidity environment that stresses hair out so much? As it happens when the cuticle of the hair is open the moisture from the hot and humid air penetrates the shaft and causes the frizzy flyaway hairs. Huh! Who knew that hair had a cuticle, too?
Seasonal frizz is a normal thing, but there are ways to deal with it and we can show you how. So whether your hair shape is a pouf, a frizz ball, or a kinky creature we have tips to help you manage so you can get back to enjoying the most of summer.
Just like with everything in life, very rarely is there a magic pill that solves all of our problems. And the same goes for frizzy hair in humidity. So many products promise to reduce frizz, but the problem is actually much more complex. Frizz happens because of several factors, and trying our synthetic products on hair can further damage your hair's structure leaving it even more sensitive to frizz.
You can trust your stylist's recommendation, but there are some natural alternatives to help your hair keep its graceful body even during the hottest of days. Using shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, marula oil, or other hair oils helps. NIUCOCO's renewing serum is infused with high fidelity coconut oil and rebuilds hair while protecting from humidity.
It's a roaring hot day, anyways girl! Why not just throw your hair up into a nice coil or scrunchy and cool your neck off a bit? It seems like a no brainer, but a bun can keep your hair tucked away until you're back in some AC.
Source: MyKitsch.com
Using the right towel actually makes a difference in how your hair reacts. Use a microfiber towel after your shower or a cotton t-shirt if you're in a pinch!
What happens in the shower really is a critical part of keeping hair. Do not shampoo your hair too often, as washing it too much can dry it out and cause more frizz.
The right shampoo helps your hair's natural oils do their job of soothing the strand and cuticle of the hair. Shampoos containing sulphates and silicones can strip hair and upset the natural system it uses to maintain hair health.
Curly styles just need to face the facts. Humidity is not your friend and no matter what you do, it could be a challenge. Luckily if you can rock a curly look and have a curl type that forgives a little gel then you have a great solution available. Simply nourish your hair with the leave-in conditioner, oil, serum, or other products before you're ready to seal the style in with a little gel. Your curls won't be as soft to the touch, but humidity will step right back and leave your hair to impress everyone around.
Straight hair? No problem. A spritz or two of a lightweight hairspray with some flex does the trick too.
When it comes to the one trusted salon process to fight frizz, Keratin is the word. According to celeb hairstylist Christian Wood, the Keratin method and Brazillian Blow-outs are the go-to. These processes can be damaging to your hair long term, though so we do strongly advise against them.
Taking the time to carefully plan for humid days can go the distance. You can still feel good, but consider your hair's specific needs when its scorching hot out and you're moving between AC, hot cars, and the humid outdoors.
So that's it! Have a hair secret that you tried and loved? Get in touch with us on Instagram or send us a Tweet with your pictures!
Don't forget to tag @NIUCOCO to give us some love. We love seeing how you make each day your best by looking good and feeling good too.
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Who doesn’t love the glamour of bouncy waves for date night? Or the look of a messy curly look with a white crop top and some blue jeans? Curly hair doesn’t come naturally to everyone. For those of us who wanna have a little spring in our step without the damage of hot hair tools, there's a trending way to get that wave without frying your hair.
]]>Who doesn’t love the glamour of bouncy waves for date night? Or the casual ease of curLs and a white crop top blue jeans combo? Curly hair doesn’t come naturally to everyone. For those of us who want to have a little spring in our step without the damage of hot hair tools, there's a trending way to get that wave without frying your hair.
Read our breakdown of some tried and true techniques to get curly without all the damaging heat that can fry your ends leaving leave hair limp and lifeless.
Just a word to the wise that transitioning to heatless styling can't undo the damage from heat and colour treatments. NIUCOCO's premium coconut oil-based hair serum can work to enrich your hair from the inside out, and our shampoo and conditioner wash duo can help restore moisture balance to your hair!
Without any further ado! Let’s get started.
YouTuber Kayley Melissa took an old t-shirt and made it into a heatless curling accessory perfect for these gorgeous halo curls. These curls look so glam we didn't think it would be possible to do without hot styling tools. We're definitely trying this one out!
What you need:
A T-shirt (repurpose an old one so you don’t waste), and bobby pins!
View this post on Instagram
Esther Itterly takes it to the other extreme and shows us how to add texture to her short hair with non-other than a few pieces of toilet paper! This level of resourcefulness is impressive, to say the least. And the final look turns out great on her short pixie hairstyle.
What you need:
Toilet paper and patience.
Beachy Waves
See the full tutorial at Uptown With Elly Brown »
This look definitely wears well all year round, and from day to night. You can take the girl out of the beach but you can't take the beach out of the girl! Check out Elly Brown’s tutorial where in just a few steps, she creates effortless beachy waves you can dress up or down without the damaging heat of styling tools like irons and blow dryers.
What you need:
Styling products like hairspray, a putty, and curl creams.
Tough girls know about the boxer braid! We absolutely love this braid on our days off. Who knew that with a few extra steps you can use this low-key style to get some va-va-voom texture to your hair without damaging heat? Thanks to Cute Girl Hairstyles YouTube for the pro tip.
What you need:
Minimal styling products and an elastic
Raval Kaur shows us how her flowing locks take on these beautiful curls by just using household pegs (yes the pegs from the good ol' laundry bin)! The final look she achieves is glamorous and totally heatless. Limiting your hair's exposure to harmful heat but not sacrificing on style? We absolutely love it.
What you need:
Pegs! And minimal styling products.
Negin's Bathrobe Belt Waves
Negin's no stranger to hair care, she founded her brand Gisou using natural ingredients like honey and propolis to make sure hair works. We totally love their philosophy because NIUCOCO believe that nature's been there to take care of us this whole time. And that includes taking care of our skin, hair, and health. Watch Negin demonstrate the bathrobe waves technique.
What you need:
A bathrobe belt and hair spray.
So that's it! Have a look that you tried and loved? Get in touch with us on Instagram or send us a Tweet with your pictures!
Don't forget to tag @NIUCOCO to give us some love. We love seeing how you make each day your best by looking good and feeling good too.
]]>Nothing looks and feels quite as good as a fresh visit to the salon. Your hair is shiny and healthy, your hair has volume and movement, and you walk out of there feeling like a million bucks!
Being at home offers a great opportunity for you to take some tips from the experts and give yourself a salon blow-out look and feel right from the comfort of your own home. Here’s how!
]]>Being at home offers a great opportunity for you to take some tips from the experts and give yourself a salon blow-out look and feel right from the comfort of your own home. Here’s how!
Double conditioning may be new to you, but salon stylists have been using this technique as a “hair mask” for decades. When washing your hair, most people will apply shampoo first and then follow up with a conditioner - but this technique adds one extra step to your routine.
Instead of starting with shampoo, apply conditioner to your hair before washing, starting at your ends and working your way up. If you have oily hair, you’ll want to avoid your roots and stop your conditioning routine at your ears. Apply your conditioner first and let it sit in your hair for 2-5 minutes. Follow with your normal shampoo routine, and then add another bit of conditioner to your ends at the end. This will help deeply condition and nourish your hair and help fight breakage, dullness, and split ends. Salon experts agree that a double conditioning treatment to hair can improve the texture and look of stands just like a professional hair treatment can!
When you go to the salon, you will never see a hairstylist use heat or styling tools on your hair before adding a protecting serum or spray. Hairstylists know that if your hair isn’t protected, they will cause damage to your strands and leave you with breakage, burnt hair, and dull color.
Even if you are at home, styling your hair can add some normal to your routine and make you feel beautiful, even if it’s just for yourself. If you plan to use any heat like blow dryers, or styling tools like curlers or straighteners, make sure you’re protecting your hair with a hair serum first. Our Renewing Hair Serum will coat your hair to protect it from heat, while also adding ingredients like coconut oil and sunflower oil that will deeply condition your hair and repair any existing damage.
Are you guilty of washing your hair every day? Most salon experts will tell you that over-washing your hair, or washing it daily can lead to dryness, breakage, and unhealthy hair. Our hair produces natural oils that are important to maintain our best-looking hair. When you are shampooing too often, even with the safest of hair care products, it can break your strands down and cause more harm than good.
Instead of washing every day, try to limit your hair washing to once every few days. If your hair is thicker and curly, this might be easier to do. If you have normal or thin hair, you can opt for our non-aerosol Dry Shampoo which can help add volume and keep hair clean between washes. Dry shampoo can be used on any hair type and can even be added to the hair to help with styling. It will allow your hair to look, smell, and feel fresh while giving your hair a break between washes.
They say blondes have more fun, but if you’re bleaching your hair you know that the only downfall is caring for your hair once it gets dry and brittle.
If you’ve struggled with growing out bleached hair, breakage, or dry stands, coconut oil could be exactly what you’re looking for to revive your hair! Here are the top reasons you should be including coconut oil in your hair routine.
]]>If you’ve struggled with growing out bleached hair, breakage, or dry stands, coconut oil could be exactly what you’re looking for to revive your hair! Here are the top reasons you should be including coconut oil in your hair routine.
When you’ve bleached your hair, you may notice that styling gets harder. Bleach can break down your hair and leave it feeling rough with breakage and dead ends. Using coconut-based products, like our Renewing Hair Serum helps smooth strands to make styling easier. It will keep "flyaways" or broken hair at bay.
The unique formula made from 100% cold-pressed coconut oil will also help protect your fragile hair from further damage. If you apply it on wet hair before styling, it will protect your strands from overheating and breakage which can become a huge problem if your hair has been bleached.
One of the biggest concerns with natural hair care products is that it can sometimes fade or alter the color of your hair. It can make blondes look brassy and faded which isn’t ideal. Instead, coconut oil protects color while it nourishes your hair and scalp. If you're looking to protect your color while also keeping hair vibrant and healthy, there is finally a safe and effective option for you!
The unique coconut oil formulations of our shampoo and conditioner will help keep your blonde vibrant as if you’ve just left the salon! Not only that, but the nutrients found in our 100% cold-pressed natural coconut oil will keep your bleached hair healthier than ever before.
When hair goes through the bleaching process, it can compromise the health of your hair. In most cases, it leaves strands drier, rougher, and more likely to suffer from breakage - but not with coconut oil! Hair needs nutrients to grow longer and stronger and without them, you could find yourself experiencing more breakage with less growth.
Coconut oil penetrates hair to help repair damage and return your hair to a healthy state. When your hair is healthy, it has the ability to grow faster and longer than ever before. If you’ve noticed that bleaching your hair has slowed down its growth, there is nothing better than washing, conditioning and protecting your hair with all-natural coconut oil!
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"The serum of the brand is soft and silky, and leaves our hair shiny with barely a drop of serum. Heat it by rubbing your hands together, and apply on the lengths and the ends, on dry hair. You’ll be hooked too!"
Read more and see their complete list here.
]]>Today, the need for animal testing is under question and is leading to a growing public outrage over the treatment and fate of laboratory animals. In the cosmetics industry, mice, rabbits, and rats are subject to allergy testing in their mucous membranes. The insides of their eyes, noses, and mouths are used to test for potential irritation, burning, and corrosion caused by cosmetic ingredients. Approximately half of the animals involved in testing die in lethal dose tests. Moreover, animal testing has been found to be time consuming, expensive, and often ineffective.
So, with the knowledge we have today and the alternative technologies, is animal testing in the cosmetics industry even really necessary?
What are we doing to change the practice in Canada?Recently, there has been an increase in the number of bans on abusive and cruel practices against animals. The majority of Canadians (~80%) support making the testing of cosmetics and their ingredients on animals illegal. This will officially be the case very soon as Canada joins the likes of the European Union (EU), Norway, India, and Israel to become the 40th country to ban cosmetic testing on animals.
Federal Bill S-214, the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, amends the Food and Drugs Act to prohibit the testing of cosmetics on animals and the sales of cosmetics that use animal testing. Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen first introduced the Bill in partnership with the Humane Society International and the Animal Alliance of Canada. The first reading in the Senate was in December 2015. Bill S-214 has since passed the Senate, but must pass the House of Commons before becoming law. Its first reading in the House was in April 2019.
This has come after Canadians consistently protesting, petitioning, and spreading awareness on the issue. Companies such as Lush and The Body Shop who promote awareness and sell products that are 100% cruelty free have helped Canadians be heard by having in-store petitions citizens could sign. In May 2018, The Body Shop held a rally bringing animal activists to Parliament Hill to present parliamentarians with a petition having over 630 thousand signatures. This is the largest petition in Canadian history since the Bill of Rights 60 years ago.
The first complete ban on animal testing in cosmetics was by the EU in 2013.The EU consists of 28 member states. In 2004, it banned the testing of finished animals products. Animal tested ingredients were banned in 2008. On March 11th, 2013, the EU announced a ban on the import and sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals. To further support the cause, they also pledged to push other parts of the world to do the same.
Following the EU, Norway announced their ban on animal testing. Israel became the third country to ban the import, marketing, and sale of cosmetics and their ingredients whose manufacturing processes involved animal testing. India was the first Asian country to invoke a ban. This was prompted by several petitions to end animal testing on household products and their ingredients. India has made using a non-animal testing alternatives mandatory. Animal testing is now liable to a punishment of 3-10 years in addition to a hefty fine! In the U.S., the Human Cosmetics Act has banned animal testing after a 1-year phase-in and will follow with a 3-year phase on banning the sale of any animal tested cosmetics.
At NIUCOCO we only test our products on family and friends, and we signed on to PETA and CCIC Leaping Bunny standards from the day we launched because we believe in the ethical treatment of animals. With so many animal-free alternatives to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic products, we believe there is no need for animal testing.
Spiral Hair Ties: Definitely the newest trend in hair ties, these plastic spirals you probably spotted at major stores and on your favourite Instagram influencers are definitely worth the hype! Their main feature: they don’t leave creases in your hair once you take off the ponytail. Their shape allows for a strong hold and easy removal, much like the scrunchies, but we’ll get to those next. The spiral ties are a clear win for thin and curly hair types since they don’t pull and tug as you take them out. It’s also the perfect option for the busy woman who needs to get from the gym to cocktail hour looking just as fabulous.
Scrunchies: Straight out of the 90’s, the scrunchies are making their comeback and it’s great news! The best option for damaged or wavy hair types, as there is no tangling and tugging. Plus, you can find them in an array of styles, like silk or velvet. They can be matched to your outfit and can look as trendy in your hair or around your wrist.
Cotton Wrapped Elastics: The most common ties, the ones you’ve been wearing in a variety of colours since, well forever, still are the cheapest and easiest hair ties to get your hands on. Some even come with a rubber lining for an even stronger hold. These elastics are best for shorter hairstyles and thicker hair, as they have a tight grip and will hold your hair in place. They are also recommended for physical activity, like your weekly spin class.
Mini Clear Rubber Elastics: Probably the best-kept secret to complete your half updo or braids. These mini elastics are the best tools to create a slick look without showing the bulky elastics. Their strong hold is ideal for any type of hair, and for easy removal and to avoid tugging, just cut them out! Try to get clear mini elastics; that way they will be even less noticeable. You can also conceal them by wrapping a strand of hair or tying a ribbon around.
NIUCOCO Pro Tip: Quite popular a few years ago, the elastic bands with a metal clasp should be avoided at all costs. They are prone to breaking quite easily, without mentioning the sharp sting when they do, ouch! Not only that, hair is more likely to get caught in the metal clasp and pull them out. Needless to say, stay away from them and use one of our other suggestions above.
Hair ties are not just meant to keep your mane in place, they have so many other uses So, to complete your look, here are a few ideas for your next DIY project:
Use your old cotton wrapped elastics to give a more dramatic or classy look to your next updo by adding a ribbon or scarf, plus these looks have been spotted all over the runway and are guaranteed to be the newest trend this summer. To achieve this look, simply tie your ribbon or scarf in a knot around the elastic and tie it as you normally would, voilà! You can match different colours and patterns for different outfits, or even quickly switch up ribbons and scarves to update your look from day to night.
If you like jewelry, you can easily use your old elastics and repurpose them as fun arm candy. Cut the elastic and add pearls or other beads. These can easily be found at specialized stores or by repurposing your old bracelets. Once you are done blinging out your new bracelet, just tie a small knot or add a drop of hot glue to permanently secure the band. This DIY is a great way to follow the latest jewelry trends without breaking the bank.
If you love making personalized clothes or are looking for a fun activity to do with your girlfriends or teenagers, use elastics to make tie-dye! There are so many items that you can transform, like bathing suits, crop tops, tote bags, or even scarves, let your imagination go free! With different techniques available online to create fun patterns and colour combos, you can create unique pieces for your summer wardrobe; plus, keep an eye out for the non-toxic dyes, which are 100% NIUCOCO approved. Don’t forget to pair your tie-dye piece with a scrunchie. You are guaranteed to rock that cool 90’s look.
Get ready to have a great summer and have fabulous hair from morning to night. NIUCOCO’s got you covered!
NIUCOCO'S FUNDAMENTALS:
From the beginning, NIUCOCO has focused on two key fundamentals: effectiveness of its products and maintaining best practices in formulation. By laying down these two simple rules, NIUCOCO has been able to build a comprehensive product line that caters to a growing audience in the natural personal care products space.
Our products are sulphate, paraben, and phthalate free and formulated with no mineral oil, PEGs, MEA, DEA, TEA, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, or animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, they are gluten-free, 100% vegan, and are not tested on animals.
NIUCOCO is the only company in the global hair care industry that uses coconut oil in its most natural state. The coconut oil that we have selected is in its purest form and involves a raw, cold-pressed approach, a process that is patented in over 90 countries around the world.
MAINTAINING BEST PRACTICES:
As a Canadian based company looking to the future, NIUCOCO will be expanding its already impressive product offering and will continue to offer premium personal care products under the NIUCOCO brand. Canadian manufacturing standards are considered a reference around the world, having strict rules on how products are made. The regulations help with the confidence level the world has when they see the maple leaf. One of NIUCOCO’s biggest clients in Asia buys from the firm specifically because its products are made in Canada and they view this as a mark of quality. As consumers grow to appreciate the benefits of coconut oil in their beauty products, we expect to build upon our current success and share our luxury products with even more clients across the globe.
Corporate Vision is brought to you each month by AI Global Media, a digital publishing group. The group's portfolio includes luxury lifestyle, construction, healthcare & small business focused publications. AI Global Media is dedicated to delivering the content you can trust to each of its readers, subscribers, clients, and visitors. To learn more about all the Canadian Business Award winners, and to find out the secrets behind their success, please visit http://www.cv-magazine.com.
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1. EAT MORE PROTEIN
Hair is made up of protein. It’s essential to eat enough protein and consume a well-rounded diet to maintain the health of your hair. Good sources of protein include: poultry, fish, beans, and eggs. A low intake of protein can result in brittle hair and contribute to breakage.
2. ADD OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS TO YOUR DIET
These fatty acids can help to increase circulation in the scalp which can help improve scalp health. A healthy scalp can lead to increased nutrition to hair follicles. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, flax seeds, and yogurt.
3. KNOW WHAT WORKS FOR YOU
Using the right hair and styling products are essential. Look for products that are right for your hair type, whether you have oily or dry hair.
4. BE GENTLE WITH WET HAIR
Wet hair is more susceptible to breakage, so be gentle. Don’t rub it roughly with a towel and don’t comb hair too much when it is wet. If you must use a comb, opt for a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair.
5. KEEP HEAT TO A MINIMUM
When possible, air dry your hair as much as possible. When using a blow dryer, gradually increase the heat if needed and use the lowest heat setting.
Following these 5 tips will help you achieve fuller looking hair with the added bonus of making your locks healthy from the inside out.
]]>DOG'S SKIN
Coconut oil is great for hydrating dry skin and even helps with eczema. Take a small amount of coconut oil and apply topically for immediate, localized relief. This can also help with relief of flea bites. BONUS: rubbing coconut oil on your dog’s coat before a walk can help repel ticks!
DOG'S PAWS
Coconut oil can help soothe dry paws. During winter you may have noticed extra-dry, cracked paws on your pet. To heal cracked paws, rub a small bit of coconut oil on your dog’s paw pads before your dog goes to sleep. Keep doing this for a few nights and you’ll notice continued improvement every morning. BONUS: Coconut oil is also a natural antibacterial, so it can also be applied to minor cuts that come along with dry paws to promote fast healing.
DOG'S HAIR
Coconut oil can improve the look and feel of a dog’s coat. Depending on the size of your dog, apply about a dime-sized portion of coconut oil between your palms and emulsify. Rub the coconut oil onto your dog’s coat to improve the look, add gloss, and add a pleasant scent!
Coconut oil is high in medium chain triglycerides, which can penetrate a dog’s skin and hair, making it an excellent moisturizer. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial effects due to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid.
As a pet owner, you will want the purest coconut oil to use on your dog. Choose cold-pressed, unrefined virgin coconut oil. It’s the most natural you can get which means that its phytonutrients are preserved and present at high percentages.
Definitely stay away from refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil, also known as RBD coconut oil. This coconut oil has been extracted with high heat causing a decrease in the natural phytonutrients that are good for your dog’s skin and coat. The oil has also been bleached to remove the colour it attained during its high heat extraction. Yep - it sounds as bad as it is and is not something you want near your pet!
]]>Why do most shampoos foam?
Well, traditionally, sodium lauryl sulfate has been used as the main detergent in shampoos. It’s a powerful degreaser and it’s cheap! So you can use a little and get a lot of bubbles. But, this isn’t a good thing.
Using such a strong detergent strips your hair of your natural oils and your natural oils aid in keeping your hair and scalp healthy. Sodium lauryl sulfate can also make dry, damaged hair even drier and damaged, it can remove too much oil so it weakens strands, leading to breakage and split ends, and it can also irritate your scalp and exacerbate eczema.
There are a lot more sulfate free shampoos on the market these days. But, you will find most of them produce a lot of foam as well.
What causes all those suds?
All that foam are just extra soap bubbles filled with air. If you have a lot of foam, then you can imagine how much extra detergents are in your shampoo. Not only did it pick up all the dirt and oil it could find on your hair and scalp, but all this extra detergent is laying around. It’s not being used so you don’t need it!
FACT: Your hair does not need a huge amount of lather or foam to make it clean. At NIUCOCO, we’ve moved away from high lather and foam and we combine gentle cleansers to keep your natural oils in balance.
We have been programmed to believe that shampoos should have a lot of lather and foam.
If you have dry, damaged hair, a low suds shampoo will still clean hair but won’t strip away all of your natural oils. This gives your hair a chance to replenish your natural oil layer thereby helping hair to retain moisture and hydration.
If you have dry scalp, NIUCOCO’S Hydrating Shampoo doesn’t strip away all your natural sebum, so it helps to rebuild sebum production to aid with dry scalp.
If you’ve noticed you have a greasy scalp the next day after shampooing, it’s because your shampoo is too stripping for your scalp. It is cleaning your hair, no doubt, but it’s also stripping away all of your good scalp sebum. So, your scalp compensates by releasing A LOT of sebum! Using a gentler shampoo will keep your sebum production balanced and greasy scalp will be a thing of the past!
Using a gentler shampoo, like NIUCOCO’S Hydrating Shampoo, means it’s not stripping, and so your hair colour lasts longer and appears more vibrant longer. A gentler shampoo is also more likely to keep the cuticles from opening, which also helps to keep hair colour intact and prevents colour from fading.
Here are some tips when using a low foaming shampoo:
So, with so many reasons to use a low foaming shampoo, why would you ever use a traditional high foaming shampoo ever again?! It may take some getting used to, but your hair and scalp will thank you for using a low suds shampoo! Everybody deserves great hair!
Flight Attendants, Prepare For Takeoff!
Pack travel sized items of your favorite products currently in your hair routine in your carry-on to maintain hair during your travels. If you can’t find travel sized items, you can also fill plastic travel containers and take it with you on the airplane. This way, you don’t have to part with your favorite products and it’s convenient!
Frequent flyer Tip 1: Moisturize hair during your flight
Hair strands can get really dried out during a flight. The air is arid and the humidity is low – leading to dry hair and static. To combat, try this: before the flight add a little bit of conditioner to your palms to emulsify and apply to hair. This gives a protective barrier to your hair and prevents the moisture from leaving your strands. Even better if you put your hair in a bun or updo!
Frequent flyer Tip 2: Oily roots? Use a dry shampoo!
Dry shampoos are great for cleaning hair when you just don’t have the time for a traditional shampoo. It’s the easiest way to get rid of dirt and oil and gives your hair life without using water. And best of all, it saves time! Opt for a volume boosting dry shampoo to put some movement back in after sitting for so long.
The sun and sea salt water from the beach can leave hair feeling dry and even crunchy, leading to split ends and brittle, damaged hair. It’s important to take care of your hair as you would your skin.
To avoid exposure to the sun, wear a hat or pin hair up in a cute bun to avoid excess sun exposure and contact with the water. Using a thermal protectant such as NIUCOCO’s Renewing Serum to keep hair protected from the heat is also a great idea! It also tames frizz. BONUS: it’s small enough to pack in your carry on! Here are some pre and post-beach tips to protect and replenish hair from the drying effects of salt water:
Pre-beach tips:
Wet hair with fresh water before exposing it to the salt water. Hair is porous, so saturating it with fresh water will slow down the absorption of salt water. Treat your hair prior to exposing it to the salt water by coating strands and scalp with a little bit of coconut oil. The oil will repel some of the salt water and will also keep hair moisturized. Remember to only use extra virgin, unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil for maximum purity.
Post-beach tips:
Shampoo and condition hair right after exposure to the water, so that sea salt is removed from hair and strands can be revived. We recommend NIUCOCO’s Hydrating Shampoo to cleanse hair without over stripping the hair’s natural oils followed by NIUCOCO’s Smoothing Conditioner to add softness and shine to hair.
While traveling, if hair becomes extremely dry, the best way to remedy it is to add moisture by using an oil treatment. Coconut oil is a superfood and one of its many amazing properties is to replenish dry strands. It is one of the only oils that has been scientifically proven to penetrate strands, thereby adding strength to damaged hair. To apply it, liberally coat strands with coconut oil and let it sit for 2 hours to overnight. Shampoo and condition for healthy and moisturized hair. Repeat oil treatments on a weekly basis until hair is back to healthy.
Happy Travels!
Coconut oil contains a high amount of lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid. Lauric acid has a small molecular structure which allows it to work its way under the cuticles and penetrate into the cortex of the hair, helping to moisturize and strengthen the strands from within.
Other oils have large molecular structures and cannot easily pass through the hair cuticle merely because they are just too bulky. These coat the hair shaft, sometimes causing a heavy, greasy feeling on the hair.
Now you are thinking: “But what about if I have a dry scalp?” Or, “what if I have an oily scalp?” Here is how coconut oil can be your secret weapon broken down into 4 easy to understand steps:
1. Coconut Oil Rebalances Sebum Production
Sebum is a natural secretion of oil that lubricates the scalp. Both sebum and coconut oil have similar compositions in that they are both comprised of medium chain fatty acids.
DRY SCALP: A dry scalp indicates not enough sebum is produced or the scalp has stopped producing sebum altogether. Applying coconut oil to the scalp will communicate to the scalp that sebum is present and it will begin to produce sebum again, slowly rebalancing sebum production over time. Fun Fact: Using an oil that is not similar to the composition of sebum will indicate to the scalp that there is already too much oil present and in turn won’t produce any sebum.
OILY SCALP: An oily scalp indicates that there is an overproduction of sebum. This is usually due to using overly stripping hair cleansers; all the natural oils are completely removed and the scalp is compensating by producing too much sebum. Applying coconut oil to an oily scalp will dissolve excess oil and communicates to the scalp that sebum is present, thereby discontinuing its over production. (Oily roots and scalp are vanquished, never to be seen or heard from again. The End.)
2. Coconut Oil Moisturizes The Scalp
Because of coconut oil’s medium chain fatty acids and small molecular structure, it is easily absorbed and moisturizes the scalp quickly. Coconut oil is also close to the scalp’s sebum composition so it helps to restore the body’s natural lipid barrier which can help seal in moisture by protecting loss of hydration from within the skin layers.
Coconut oil can also help with itchy scalp as it helps to moisturize the scalp by protecting against loss of hydration from within the skin layers, regulates sebum production, and has natural anti-fungal properties.
Itchy scalp can be caused by several factors including dry scalp, dandruff, poor sebum production, or fungal infections. For a really dry scalp, use coconut oil 1-2x a week. Apply to scalp and massage for 5-10 minutes. Let it sit on scalp for 30 minutes to overnight and shampoo to remove.
For maintenance, apply just a few drops of coconut oil to fingertips and massage onto scalp. Don’t apply too much to make roots heavy so that the oil can be left on the scalp for one or more days. Using a conditioner in between shampoos can help to cleanse hair without over stripping oils from hair and scalp.
3. Worried about Dandruff? Don’t Be. Coconut Oil has Natural Antifungal Properties
There are a few causes of dandruff with fungus being a main culprit. Since coconut oil has some antifungal properties, it makes it a natural anti-dandruff treatment. Not only can it help in killing the fungus that causes dandruff, but since coconut oil also has moisturizing properties it can help alleviate the irritation associated with dandruff and dry scalp. (Later Alligator!)
4. Vitamin E Rich Coconut Oil Promotes Circulation
Coconut oil is rich in Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant which promotes circulation to the scalp and can help repair damaged hair follicles; increased circulation means increased nutrient supply to follicles which is related to healthier hair.
Now that we know coconut oil is the secret superpower to perfect hair, what kind should you use?
Not all coconut oils are the same! The type of coconut oil you use makes a difference especially when it comes to hair care. And if we are honest, you will want to use it in everything. Here is the best type of coconut oil for when you want to feel and look your best.
BEST: EXTRA VIRGIN, COLD PRESSED, UNREFINED
The best quality coconut oil is EXTRA VIRGIN, COLD PRESSED, UNREFINED (which is what we use in NIUCOCO products, because only the best for our customers). To produce this type of coconut oil, only fresh, raw coconut is used which is air dried. The oil is then cold-pressed by hand so that minimal heat is introduced and is also a chemical-free process. This maximizes the coconut oil’s benefits and ensures that the naturally occurring nutrients are intact. It also contains a higher lauric acid and vitamin E content than refined coconut oil.
NOT OKAY: REFINED COCONUT OIL (It is not the highest quality)
This type of oil uses desiccated coconut flakes or copra. Copra is coconut meat dried at very high temperatures, usually under unsanitary conditions, and is not suitable for consumption. This process uses a chemical distillation method usually dependent on harsh solvents or is expeller-pressed using added heat. Refined coconut oil is bleached to remove impurities and deodorized to remove the smell of the chemicals used in the extraction process. This is abbreviated RBD, i.e. refined, bleached, deodorized, and is necessary to create a palatable product.
Because you are putting coconut oil on your body, you want the purest you can get with no added chemicals. Also, since extra virgin, cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil is minimally manipulated, the percentage of lauric acid and vitamin E is higher than in other types of coconut oil. Therefore, its properties and benefits are maximized when applied to hair and scalp.
Now that you are an expert, you know why it is important to use organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil. Other types of coconut oils, especially refined coconut oil, may contain chemicals and other unknowns that can irritate scalp further and no one wants that. So for the healthiest strands and scalp to tame your mane, turn to NIUCOCO for the best coconut oil based products that only uses the highest quality of coconut oil.
]]>WHAT CAUSES DANDRUFF:
Dandruff occurs when too much oil builds up on the scalp and skin cells regenerate too quickly. The skin cells pile up and then they shed. The most common causes of dandruff are:
Aging, Dermatitis, Malassezia globosa*, Hormones, or Stress
(*Malassezia globosa is a fungus and is a natural inhabitant on our scalps. For unknown reasons, sometimes the body reacts negatively to this microbe. To protect itself from the fungus, the scalp overproduces skin cells as a defense mechanism – causing dandruff.)
WHAT CAUSES DRY SCALP:
Dry scalp is exactly what it sounds like - the scalp is so dry that the skin cells fall off and can be seen as flakes falling off the scalp. Dry scalp can be caused by:
Aging, Contact Dermatitis**, Environmental Factors, or Hormones
(**Can be caused by using hair products that are too harsh for the scalp such as shampoos that are made with harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate)
QUICK TIP: One way to tell the difference between dandruff and dry scalp is that dandruff produces oily, large flakes while dry scalp produces dry, smaller flakes.
Tips to Help Dandruff and Dry Scalp
When it comes to dandruff, using a gentle shampoo will reduce the amount of oil on the scalp. A gentle shampoo is absolutely necessary. Using a harsh shampoo will over strip the oils present on the scalp which will in turn make the scalp continue to overproduce oil circling back into the cycle.
If you have a dry scalp then applying a small amount of coconut oil to the scalp will help to reduce flakes. Apply a small amount every day until symptoms lessen. This will also train your sebum glands to start producing its natural oils again which will help alleviate dry scalp.
Dandruff Shampoos
Most dandruff shampoos contain medicated active ingredients, such as zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole. Others even contain known cancer-causing agents, such as coal tar and selenium sulfide!
A toxin-free, non-medicated shampoo alternative NIUCOCO’s clients have continually given feedback that the Hydrating Shampoo has helped lessen their dandruff and, in some cases, has gotten rid of it. NIUCOCO’s Hydrating Shampoo is rated 0 on the Think Dirty meter so it’s safe to use every day. Best of all, it does not contain toxic ingredients like other dandruff shampoos.
Pregnancy and Dry Scalp
Hormone levels during pregnancy can affect hair growth and scalp health. Hair can grow quicker and appear fuller. Or on the other hand, the scalp can become too dry or too oily leading to flakes and itchiness.
During pregnancy, the scalp can also become more sensitive to the products you use, causing irritation of the scalp (dermatitis) and that notorious itchiness. Sometimes it’s as simple as discontinuing the use of products or switching to other products. When looking to switch shampoos, look for one that is low foaming and sulfate free like NIUCOCO’s Hydrating Shampoo. The low foam makes it gentle on the scalp.
New moms often struggle with postpartum dandruff or dry scalp due to the hormones or not taking in enough fluids during breastfeeding (thereby causing dry skin and scalp). Avoid medicated dandruff shampoos while pregnant or breastfeeding. These medicated shampoos often contain active ingredients that are toxic and known carcinogens.
Stick with natural products like NIUCOCO’s hair care line. NIUCOCO only produces non- toxic products that focus on performance. Everyone deserves great hair.
]]>Both thin hair and those with dry, damaged hair can benefit from reverse washing.
Thin Hair
You are the true winners when it comes to who benefits most from reverse washing. Conditioners contain oils and other emollients that coat hair and can be too heavy for thin hair. Therefore, the classic method of conditioning after shampooing can make thin hair oily, flat, and limp. Conditioning before shampooing on the other hand, allows thin hair to receive nutrients without weighing the hair down.
Dry/Damaged Hair
Those who overdid it and ended up with dry or damaged hair can also benefit from reverse washing. The difference from thin hair application however is that dry or damaged hair requires extra nourishment. So, apply conditioner to hair, shampoo, rinse, and then apply another coat of conditioner. Thoroughly rinse the second coat of conditioner from hair as you would normally do.
When reverse washing, keep a few of these tips in mind:
The Reverse Washing Hack Not for you? Here are some other ways to get clean.
Shampooing your hair too often can lead to very dry, parched strands or a very oily scalp (as the over stripping of the natural oils makes the scalp release excess oils to compensate for the lack of sebum).
Use just water! We are programmed to shampoo to cleanse hair but it may not be necessary to use a shampoo every day to cleanse hair. If you are shampooing every day, try rinsing your hair in between shampoos with just water instead, as water alone has some cleansing properties. Massage the scalp to break down buildup. Apply conditioner to ends of hair and rinse. Style as usual.
Add a dry shampoo to your routine! Another great way to cleanse hair without using a conventional shampoo is adding a dry shampoo to your routine. A dry shampoo offers a practical, water-free way to cleanse hair and absorb oils while leaving hair with a pleasant scent and additional body.
Dry shampoo works for dry hair and oily hair! Dry shampoo is beneficial to dry hair because you don’t have to conventionally shampoo your hair as often. If you have dry hair, washing your hair too often can actually strip away too much of your scalp’s healthy oils and lead to even drier, damaged hair. If you have oily hair, dry shampoo is useful because it offers a quick pick-me-up for your hair and can be used during the day to avoid limp hair in the afternoon hours.
Use only the conditioner and skip the shampoo! If you have extremely dry hair, you can benefit from washing your hair with conditioner alone and skip the shampoo altogether. The conditioner has some natural cleansing properties that will also moisturize hair leaving hair refreshed.
]]>If you have ever bleached your hair, you know the damage it causes to your strands. Or worse, you might know the pain of when bleaching your strands goes too far - the chemical cut! In this month's newsletter, we tackle what happens when you bleach your hair and how to avoid significant damage so you can live your best blonde or rainbow coloured unicorn hair day.
WHAT IS YOUR NATURAL HAIR COLOUR?
Hair gets its colour from melanin, a pigment found within the hair strands and is produced by melanocytes. Hair has two types of pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
Eumelanin has two types: brown eumelanin and black eumelanin and like the names indicate, is largely responsible for brown and black pigments.
Pheomelanin, on the other hand, is most responsible for red and yellow pigments. The ratios of these types of melanin determine the wide range of hair colours.
The more brown eumelanin and black eumelanin present in the hair, the darker the hair strands will appear, and the less brown eumelanin and black eumelanin in the hair, the lighter the hair strands will appear. The absence of melanin causes hair to appear white/grey.
HOW DOES BLEACH LIGHTEN HAIR COLOUR?
When you bleach your hair, the melanin in the hair shaft is broken down – or to put it scientifically, the bleach oxidizes the melanin, causing the melanin to lose its colour and makes the hair appear its natural colour – a pale yellow.
“… bleach oxidizes the melanin,causing the melanin to lose itscolour and makes the hair appearits natural colour – a pale yellow.”
FUN FACT: The bleach you use to lighten your hair IS NOT the same bleach used to disinfect your bathroom.
To bleach your hair, the bleach is added to hydrogen peroxide and mixed together. When applied to hair, this alkaline mixture changes the pH of the hair and causes the cuticle layers to lift up and open up, which allows the lightener to pass under the cuticle and into the cortex.
Once the bleach reaches inside the cortex, it oxidizes the hair’s melanin and the oxidized molecule is colourless. The brown and black pigments are first dissolved followed by the red and yellow pigments; the yellow pigments react the least with bleach. The pale yellow colour bleached hair has is due to this and also because the natural colour of keratin, the protein that comprises hair, has a yellow tint.
The bleach will continue to lighten hair until it is removed from hair. This is why a professional should bleach your hair, as they will know when the right shade has been reached. A professional will also take into account the texture of the hair and its health to know how long to process hair.
Bleach can also destroy the cuticles and cortex which can lead to dry, brittle, rough, straw-like hair. Dry, brittle hair due to over bleaching is referred to as “oxidative” or “bleaching” damage (Wolfram, 1970). Porosity and elasticity of the strands can also be affected if hair is over processed (Hesserfort, 2008). Hair that is overly porous will be hard to hold any style, which is why you may notice your hair is flat and limp and has no body. Overly porous hair will not be able to retain moisture.
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Bleached hair is fragile and most of the bonds that were lost during the bleaching process are no longer remade. This leads to the deterioration of the cuticles and cortex, which is vital to the inner structure of the hair.
During the first week after bleaching, it is best not to shampoo. Use a conditioner to clean hair instead - as conditioners have some cleansing properties. You’re probably not adding a lot of product to your hair at this point so a deep shampoo is not necessary.
“Use a gentle low lathering sulfate-free shampoothe first week after bleaching.”
After the first week, you can introduce shampoo back into your life. Use a gentle low lathering, sulfate-free shampoo the first week after bleaching. Make sure your shampoo does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate; these are powerful degreasers and are just too harsh for over processed hair.
The shampoo we love is NIUCOCO’s Hydrating Shampoo. It’s free of sulfates, its low lathering, and it cleanses hair without stripping your natural sebum – needed for healthy scalp and strands.
Be gentle when you shampoo and don’t rough towel dry. The added strain on the hair can lead to further damage.
Sorry, but it’s just a must to stay away from heat styling tools. Heat styling can remove added moisture from the hair strands. At this point, your straw-like hair wants to keep all the moisture it can in the strands. Although not recommended, if you have to heat style, make sure to use a thermal protectant like NIUCOCO’s Renewing Serum.
Hair is associated with fatty acids and several integral hair proteins (Lee, 2011; Wertz, 1988). Bleaching doesn’t just break down melanin and the cuticle structure, but also the fatty acids within the hair and other integral hair proteins – causing that straw-like feeling.
To add fatty acids back into the strands, use coconut oil treatments. Coconut oil is one of the only oils that has been scientifically proven to penetrate strands, thereby nourishing parched, damaged hair. Only use extra virgin, cold pressed, unrefined coconut oil as it maximizes the coconut oil’s benefits and ensures that the naturally occurring phytonutrients are intact; it contains a superior lauric acid content, the main fatty acid that comprises coconut oil, than other types of coconut oil.
Directions: For an intense treatment, liberally coat strands with coconut oil. Wear a shower cap and let the goodness in the coconut oil penetrate strands overnight. The next morning, shampoo with a gentle shampoo and follow with a conditioner. Repeat oil treatments on a weekly basis until hair is back to healthy.
Implement the coconut oil treatment starting from the second week after bleaching. Start with 2 times per week for the first week and then 1 time per week afterward.
During the day, add a pea-sized amount of coconut oil to your hair to give it some extra nutrients or apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to hair.
We recommend this DIY deep conditioner that will give results that will amaze you.
Ingredients:
Directions: Mix together to form a slurry. Slather onto hair strands liberally and cover with a shower cap. Let sit for 30-60 minutes. Shampoo with a gentle shampoo and follow with conditioner.
We know what the coconut oil in this recipe does for hair (see tip #3). The other main ingredient, kaolin, is a clay that is high in silica, which helps to strengthen hair and add moisture. It is the gentlest of clays so it won’t remove moisture from the hair.
Apply this mask to your hair twice a week for optimal results.
We've bundled the best of what we have to offer to help you restore dry and damaged hair that has been through abusive heat and color treatments to give you soft, shiny and beautiful hair.
Author: Yasmine Ishmael
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