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Hair Care Staples

There are so many creative hairstyles shoppers can create with the array of hair products your store offers. They could use synthetic extensions to add length to their hair or color their hair with an assortment of hair dyes and waxes. But nothing is as important as the products that help shoppers care for their hair in between styling. Check out 12 of our favorite hair care products that we know your customers will love!

Oil Treatment

For instant shine and nourishment, recommend the One ‘N Only Argan Oil Treatment. This non-greasy, alcohol-free formula absorbs into the hair and reduces frizz, split ends and breakage. It smooths the cuticle, resulting in silky, conditioned hair.

Conditioning Gel

When shoppers are looking for a hair gel that provides the hold and shine they need, they reach for the SoftsheenCarson Let’s Jam Shining & Conditioning Gel. Its emulsion technology provides the extra hold and shine customers love with a conditioning formula that provides up to three times less breakage. Best of all, there’s no wax, no flaking and no drying alcohol.

Mousse

Shoppers love products that do double duty, and the Vigorol ® Olive Oil Mega Moisture Mousse is one of those items. Specifically formulated for hair that needs extra moisture, this product moisturizes and provides lasting hold without the stickiness or stiff hair. The alcohol-free, creamy foam is enriched with Olive Oil, antioxidants and multi-vitamins for incredible moisture and shine.

Heat Protectant

Straightening your hair can be a damaging process if you’re not using the right hair care products. That’s why we’re a fan of the Fantasia Heat Protector Straightening Spray. It maintains the perfect moisture balance while using heat appliances and protects hair against damage. It also leaves hair free of frizz, smooth and shiny, even in humid conditions.

Growth Oil

When growth is the goal, recommend the Barber Shop Aid® Alopecia™ Amazing Stimulating Hair Growth Oil. It strengthens and thickens hair and prevents it from falling out, thanks to its synergistic blend of essential oils that stimulate the hair follicle and increase circulation and oxidation. This is also ideal for use on thinning edges and temple areas.

Intense Conditioner

Dry, damaged hair doesn’t have to be one’s normalcy. With the Silicon Mix, hair can be intensively treated to restore the health, shine and softness of weak tresses. This product is also known to be used to revive human hair wig units and extensions.

Leave-In Conditioner

Rough and tangled beards are a thing of the past with the Nappy Styles Quick Soft Leave-inConditioner that softens the hair on contact. Formulated with Shea butter, Coconut Oil and Black Castor Oil, this creamy conditioner provides the hair with the necessary nutrients, detangling properties and shine without the build-up.

Relaxer

Relaxing the hair doesn’t have to be damaging, thanks to the ORS Olive Oil Built-In Protection No-Lye Hair Relaxer System. Designed with high-quality ingredients for superior conditioning and added protection, this full application kit is infused with olive oil for the ultimate in hydration and moisture. The finished product is smoother, silkier, softer hair with tons of body and shine.

Conditioning Cream

Over-processed hair is a thing of the past with the Queen Helene® Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. With regular use, this conditioning cream can deeply hydrate the hair and control damage caused by chemical treatments and heat styling. Treated hair has more natural shine, volume and manageability.

Moisturizing Shampoo

Every great hair care routine starts with an effective shampoo.

For parched tresses, we recommend the Creme of Nature® Mango & Shea Butter Ultra-Moisturizing Shampoo. The certified natural mango and shea butter formula gently cleanses and conditions while infusing dehydrated hair with moisture.

Curl Activator

When wearing hair wigs or weaves, you’ll want to keep your synthetic or natural tresses detangled. Enter: ON Organic Natural Premium Oil-Free Curl N Wavy Curl Defining Conditioner & Detangler. It is made with Cherry Blossom, Grapeseed Oil, Olive, Shea Butter, Tea Tree oils and Vitamin E extracts. This spray is perfect for defining the “S” pattern of synthetic or natural curls and decrease the innerfiber friction that occurs in synthetic units.

Hair Mask

Nothing restores the health of hair like a moisturizing hair mask. The tgin Honey Miracle Hair Mask is a fan favorite thanks to its ability to instantly improve dry, damaged or colored treated hair. This deep conditioner contains raw honey for luxuriously softer, shinier curls and jojoba and olive oils for their nourishing and healing properties.

HOW TO TREAT DRY NATURAL HAIR:

Maintainingmoisture

One of the number one issues that naturals experience is dry hair; in other words, many are struggling to retain moisture. Today, we’re going to tackle the issue head on.

DIET As one may suspect, a number of factors can cause dry hair, diet being one of the top contributors. Consuming foods that are high in sodium can dry out the body. Naturally, it will rehydrate itself by pulling moisture that’s been on reserve in other parts of the body, including (but not limited to) the skin/scalp and ultimately, the hair. How do you balance that out? Drink more water! It seems simple, because it is. Our bodies are primarily made up of water, so to keep them healthy, functioning, and flourishing - even for beauty purposes - we must continue to hydrate with water, otherwise we’ll see the negative impact everywhere else. How much water should you be aiming to drink? It’s generally recommended for the average adult to drink about 64 ounces of plain water per day, but it never hurts to discuss exact quantities with a doctor first, because each body is unique.

HAIR TYPE When we say hair type, we aren’t referring to the chart that names your curl pattern by number and letter (for example, 3b, 4a and etc.). We’re talking about how porous your hair strand is, a factor that is not dependent on its curl pattern. Hair porosity is a measure of the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture + the speed at which it does so. Porosity refers to how tightly bound the outer layer of the hair strand (the cuticle).

A simple water test can be performed at home to determine your porosity type. Below are a few characteristics of each type:

Low Porosity: The cuticle layer is very tightly bound, which makes it difficult for moisture to enter the strand. Low porosity hair does absorb moisture, however, it takes a very long time for it to do so. Because of this, products + oil may appear to sit on the hair instead of penetrate it.

To help speed up the moisture absorption rate when styling, try using a hair steamer/applying product while in a steamy room (like after a hot shower), and sitting under a hooded dry/using a 24 OTC Beauty Magazine July 2021 heat cap whenever deep conditioning. Medium Porosity: The cuticle layer is neither tightly bound nor lined with gaps. It doesn’t take a long time for the hair to dry, but it also doesn’t dry particularly fast. Medium porosity hair holds styles well, and doesn’t have trouble retaining moisture.

High Porosity: The cuticle layer has many gaps and holes. While moisture is easily absorbed, the hair dries back out very quickly, making it very difficult to retain that moisture. It is important to note that one can naturally have high porosity hair, however, it’s common for repeated usage of heat tools and chemicals (such as hair dye) to cause strands to become more porous over time. Those with high porosity hair should especially avoid using heat; opt to air-dry only. Using sealant products after a moisturizer will help with retention, as well as using cool or luke-warm water to rinse the hair when you can.

PRODUCTS The food and water put into the body are essential, but the products put onto the hair are too! Choose products that are both sulfate-free and paraben-free. Sulfates, mostly found in shampoos, tend to dry out any hair type; they strip strands of their naturally produced oils and moisture. If you’re struggling with dry hair, it may even be useful to introduce co-washing to your routine. A Co-Wash is a conditioner formulated with very gentle cleansing agents. It removes build up, re-moisturizes, and can be used to detangle. A Co-Wash should not replace your regular shampoo, but rather help give the hair and scalp a refresh and extra conditioning between regular washes.

When styling, go for moisturizers that have water listed as the first ingredient! Water is the ultimate source of hydration, so any product that contains a high amount of water can be beneficial in combating dryness. Products with primarily natural ingredients tend to be best for all hair types, however, it can be especially helpful to choose a product line based on how specific ingredients perform with certain porosity levels.

For example: Low Porosity: Products with Coconut Oil are particularly beneficial to low porosity hair because this oil absorbs into the skin and hair with ease, unlike some others which seal, but do not easily absorb. JojOba Oil is a great option for that reason as well. Peppermint + Tea Tree Oil can help break down product buildup that tends to sit on low porosity hair over time. Medium Porosity: Because this porosity level is right in the middle, this hair type often performs best with products that are not super thick and heavy. Sweet Almond Oil is ideal because it’s lightweight, yet effective at maintaining the hair’s natural moisture + keeping it protected. High Porosity: Products containing Honey will be your best friend. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it helps to preserve moisture. Products with Castor Oil are also a goto! Castor Oil is great at sealing in moisture, especially on hair that tends to absorb it quickly; Shea Butter too!

It’s important to note that while certain ingredients and product lines may be especially helpful to specific hair types, it doesn’t mean they are exclusively beneficial to those types; that’s the great thing about natural ingredients!

REGIMEN Finally, we can’t discuss treating dry natural hair without covering technique and regimen! Choosing the right products is a great first step, but using them in an effective order is equally important. For example, if someone has brittle hair and is struggling to retain moisture, it would not be ideal to apply just a gel or an oil straight after washing without first applying a moisturizing product. Some commonly practiced techniques to achieve the utmost moisture are referred to as the LOC and LCO methods. When using either of these methods, each step/product type must be included, but the order of the last two steps varies depending on personal preference. However, oftentimes, those with low porosity opt for LCO, while those with high porosity sway towards LOC.

Once you’ve locked in which method works best for you, it’s important to implement it on every wash day. Sticking to a regimen is essential because it gives the hair a chance to adjust to the actions and fully have time to reap their benefits. While every person’s routine may vary a bit, a general regimen that can be followed to maintain healthy hair and scalp + lock in that moisture is: 1) Detangle (using a leave-in or prepoo) 2) Shampoo (using a sulfate-free cleanser) 3) Deep Condition (using a deep conditioner or hair masque for a minimum of 30 mins.) 4) Moisturize (using a liquid or leave-in) 5) Style/Seal (using a Cream and/or Oil or Gel)

Deep conditioning is crucial, especially for dry or damaged hair! No matter the hair type or texture, a quality deep conditioner should be a staple in your routine every wash day. How often you’re washing and styling is dependent upon your individual lifestyle and habits.

Also, keep in mind that protective styling may be an ideal option to help treat dry hair. When strands are tucked away and not being manipulated for a period of time, they’re generally able to hold on to moisture longer. However, even when protective styling, the steps mentioned above should be taken prior to the style’s installation to properly prep the hair. While wearing any protective style, be sure to treat the scalp + re-moisturize the hair with a light liquid or leave in, and seal the ends at least once per week.

There you have it! If you’re interested in learning more about which EDEN products can help address dry hair and other hair concerns, check out our top five recommendations below: