Tag: water

Limescale Is Harmful To Color Treated Hair and Skin.

~ Joseph Kellner ~ Leave a comment

Limescale is that white, chalky residue left behind by dissolved minerals (mostly calcium and magnesium) in your water. The higher the concentration of minerals in your water, the “harder” your water. So, if you have hard water, you’ve probably seen this white residue in your bathtub, sink or even on your glass dishes.  And trust me it’s in your hair also. Either way Limescale sounds like a nasty gross word. But if you have no water softener all the shampoo’s, conditioners, body scrubs and lotions will do no good. Limescale will leave a white film on your scalp, skin and fade artificial hair color fast!

The abundance of minerals and chemicals in hard water can leave behind buildup, so washing with it can leave behind a film-like residue. On skin, that residue can exacerbate breakouts, dryness and even bring on irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. That’s not all: Hard water can affect the skin on your scalp, too, causing dryness and that tell-tale itch.

As for your hair, it may feel like it does when you haven’t thoroughly rinsed out all of your shampoo. So, you might notice it feeling dull, limp or super-dry (think straw-like) to the touch. On top of that, hard water can also lead to faster fading and altered color in color-treated hair. Minerals in hard water, like calcium and magnesium, bond to hair. This causes hair to look dull or discolored.

Most people can’t even tell if they have hard water. But if you can’t explain your dry skin and suspect your water, there are a few steps you can take. Clarifying shampoos contain chelating agents, which bond to the excess minerals on the hair, allowing them to be removed. Good to do at least once a week.  And for the skin try cleansing with a Micellar Cleanser which removes tiny particles and doesn’t require rinsing with water.

If all else fails get a water softener. Soft water, on the other hand, only has de-ionized sodium in it (sometimes it’s natural, and sometimes it’s the result of water treatment). Like hard water, it’s completely safe for drinking, bathing and cooking. And, unlike hard water, it’s actually kind of moisturizing. Some even say that soft water gives skin and hair a slippery feel.

Whether you have hard water or soft water might not even be a concern to you. And, if you don’t notice any adverse effects, there’s no reason to treat it. But if you have adjusted your beauty routine and don’t notice any improvement, it could be worth checking out.

 

 

Haircolor Will Fade Out!

~ Joseph Kellner

There is nothing more heartbreaking than dropping a wad of cash on a fabulous hair color service and then watching helplessly as your glorious hue fades quickly away. Is there anything you can do to prevent this fated fade-out from happening?  Yes, there are several tricks and tips that will help extend the life of your color. 

Hair treatments such as perms, relaxers or straighteners may damage the hair hue.  In some cases the use of chemical texture treatments may cause color treated tresses to become brittle, spongy or break off. Perms may also affect hair color, and re-coloring the hair after a perm, if appropriate may be necessary.

Hair Color Glosses can be semi-permanent when applied with heat or temporary without heat.  They are considered a very healthy way to extend hair color, tone down intense colors or help to modify color on hair that is porous. Semi-permanent glazes that provide a slight change of color that lasts from two to six weeks. They give hair shine and body and are usually activated by heat. Many hair colorists may offer to apply a clear color gloss or foil over newly colored hair to extend the life of the treatment.  These glosses not only help to seal the newly colored hair’s cuticle, but also help stretch its life.

Up the amount of water or liquid you drink, right after your last color treatment.  This will help keep the roots moisturized and prevent strands from drying out.  A side advantage is that your skin will also benefit from the added hydration.

Have Hair Cut Right Before Not After Color Service. How many times did you get glorious highlights applied only to watch them be snipped off at your next trim?  With some careful planning you can have a color service or apply color at home right after a cut so your beautiful new hues do not land on the salon floor.

When using a blowdryer, flat iron, or curling iron always use a aerosal hair spray for protection from the heat of the styling tools. This can also be a added advantage by holding the curl or the set from these professional tools.

Where a hat when at the beach, and pin up the hair if you are going to go swimming in a pool or the ocean. A water purifier on the shower head is a must, this will clean out any irons, or chemicals placed in the water you use at home.