Therapy Hair Studio Blog Archives

Understanding your hair type is essential when crafting a hair care routine that nurtures and enhances the natural beauty of your locks. Each dimension of your hair type, from your curl pattern and texture to your hair’s porosity and oiliness, requires different attention and care. Embracing your hair’s natural qualities leads to healthier hair and a more confident and personalized expression of your unique style. 

Understanding Curl Patterns

Your curl pattern is a fundamental part of your hair type, and understanding it is key to optimizing your hair care. Hair is typically categorized into four main types: straight (type 1), wavy (type 2), curly (type 3), and coily (type 4). Each type has subcategories (like 3A, 3B, etc.) that further define the curl pattern.

To identify your curl pattern, observe your hair when it’s in its most natural state, ideally after a wash and without any styling products. Here’s a quick guide:

• Type 1 (Straight): Hair has no natural curl and is completely straight.
• Type 2 (Wavy): Hair forms an “S” shape. Type 2A is a loose, gentle wave, while 2B and 2C have more defined and pronounced waves.
• Type 3 (Curly): Hair forms loops or spirals. Type 3A curls are loose, 3B curls are medium, and 3C curls are tight.
• Type 4 (Coily): Hair has a tight coil or zig-zag pattern. Type 4A coils are soft, 4B are more defined, and 4C have the tightest coils with the least definition.

Adjusting your routine to match your curl pattern can greatly enhance the health and appearance of your hair. For straight hair and looser waves, lightweight styling products and mousses can define hair without weighing it down. For tighter curls, hydration is crucial, and cream-based stylers to define and nourish hair can provide that hydration. Coily hair benefits from deep conditioning treatments and heavier creams or butters. 

Hair Texture and Diameter

Hair texture and diameter refer to the thickness of individual hair strands, which are typically categorized as fine, medium, or thick (coarse). To determine your hair’s texture and diameter, take a single strand and roll it between your fingers:

• Fine Hair: Feels almost like nothing between your fingers. It’s delicate and easily damaged.
• Medium Hair: Feels like a cotton thread. It’s not too fine or too thick and is relatively strong.
• Thick (Coarse) Hair: Feels sturdy and noticeable between your fingers. It tends to be stronger but can also be more resistant to styling and moisture.

Fine hair thrives with lightweight, volumizing products and gentle styling, while medium hair can benefit from balanced moisturization and all kinds of styling products. Thick hair requires more intensive hydration, benefiting from leave-in moisturizers and treatments, and can handle less frequent washing. 

Hair Density: Thin to Thick

Hair density refers to the number of individual hairs on your scalp. It’s usually classified as thin, medium, or thick. To gauge your hair density, pull a section of your hair to the side and see how much of your scalp is visible:

• Thin Density: More scalp is visible at the base of the hair. Hair might appear sparse.
• Medium Density: Scalp is visible but not prominently. Hair looks neither too thin nor too thick.
• Thick Density: Scalp is hardly visible. Hair looks full and voluminous.

Those with thin hair should focus on volumizing products that add body without weighing hair down, such as light mousses or thickening sprays. People with medium-density hair have more flexibility with products and styles. For dense hair, proper hydration from rich, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners makes hair shinier and more manageable. 

Porosity: Your Hair’s Ability to Absorb Moisture

Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Porosity is categorized as low, medium, or high. To determine your hair’s porosity, you can conduct a simple water test: drop a clean, dry strand of your hair into water and observe:

• Low Porosity: Hair floats on top. It has a tightly bound cuticle layer, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate and also to escape.
• Medium Porosity: Hair slowly sinks. Hair can retain a balanced amount of moisture.
• High Porosity: Hair sinks immediately. This could occur if the cuticle is damaged or has gaps, allowing the hair to absorb moisture easily and lose it just as quickly.

Tailoring your hair care routine to your hair’s porosity ensures effective moisturization and overall health. Opt for lightweight, liquid-based products for low-porosity hair and apply heat to aid absorption. Medium porosity hair benefits from a balanced routine with regular moisturization. High porosity hair requires rich, creamy products and protein treatments to strengthen and retain moisture. 

Oiliness: Managing Scalp and Hair Health

To determine your hair’s oiliness level, observe your scalp’s natural oil production after you wash it. Generally, hair is either oily, medium, dry, or “combination,” meaning it has different characteristics in different spots:

• Oily Hair: If your hair gets greasy within a day of washing, it’s likely oily.
• Medium Hair: Hair that stays fresh for a couple of days post-wash is in the medium category.
• Dry Hair: Hair that often feels brittle or looks dull, along with a flaky scalp, indicates dryness.
• Combination Hair: Combination hair might result in an oily scalp but dry ends.

Those with oily hair can benefit from using clarifying shampoos to control excess sebum and avoiding heavy conditioners. For medium hair, a regular routine with balanced moisturization works well. For dry hair, focus on hydrating shampoos and deep conditioning treatments, and consider using oils or leave-in conditioners on the ends. Those with combination hair should treat their scalps and ends differently – a gentle shampoo for the scalp and richer moisturizers for the ends. Avoid over-washing, no matter your hair type, as this can strip natural oils and lead to excess oil production. 

Unlock Your Hair’s Full Potential with Therapy Hair Studio

Discover the perfect harmony of style and health for your unique hair type at Therapy Hair Studio. Our team of experts crafts personalized hair care solutions that bring out your hair’s natural beauty and strength. Whether you’re looking to revitalize your curls, find the ideal products for your hair texture, or achieve a stunning new look, our stylists are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at (713) 355-4247 to schedule an appointment!

Related Posts:

• Hair Care Basics: How Often You Should Shampoo and Condition Your Hair
• What is a Scalp Treatment and Why Do Them?
• How Often You Can Wash Your Hair By Hair Type

Whether you’re fixing your home, car, or hair, keeping your tools clean is crucial. That’s why we wanted to explore an often-neglected aspect of hair care: how to clean hair brushes. Regularly cleaning your brushes can help extend the life of your hair tools and promote healthier hair. On the other hand, brushes laden with old hair, oils, and product build-up can damage your hair’s health.

The team at Therapy Hair Studio wants you to have the tools to keep your hair looking fabulous and healthy. In this guide, our expert stylists will walk you through straightforward methods to clean your brushes, enhancing their performance and ensuring they remain a beneficial part of your hair care routine.

Why Hair Brushes Need Cleaning

Hair brushes trap various unwanted elements. Each stroke through your hair collects loose strands, natural oils, dust, and product residue. Over time, this build-up turns your brush into a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. These unwanted guests can then transfer back to your scalp, potentially causing irritation, dandruff, or infections.

Moreover, a dirty hair brush affects hair quality. Imagine brushing your freshly washed hair with a brush coated in old oils and product build-up. It’s counterproductive, as it redistributes these impurities back onto your hair and scalp. This can make your hair look greasy and unclean, even if you’ve just washed it.

Additionally, brushes filled with hair and residue can’t perform effectively. A clogged brush cannot pass through your hair smoothly, leading to more tangles and breakage. The bristles become strained and less flexible, reducing the brush’s ability to massage the scalp and distribute oils evenly. This can result in uneven oil distribution, making your hair look and feel less healthy.

Finally, regular cleaning extends the life of your hair brushes. Just like any other tool, brushes last longer when well-maintained. A clean brush maintains its shape and integrity, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

How to Wash Your Hair Brushes

A clean brush helps ensure effective styling and prevents oils and product residue from spreading to your hair and scalp. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly washing your hair brushes:

• Remove Hair: Start by removing all the hair trapped in the brush. You can use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to pull out the hair gently. For stubborn strands, scissors can cut the hair, making it easier to remove.
• Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of gentle shampoo or mild soap in a bowl or sink. Avoid soaking brushes with natural bristles or wooden handles in water, as this can cause damage.
• Dip and Swirl: Hold the handle and dip the bristled part of the brush into the cleaning solution. Gently swirl the brush around to loosen the build-up. For synthetic brushes, you can gently scrub the bristles with an old toothbrush.
• Rinse Thoroughly: After swirling, rinse the brush under running lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all soap suds and debris. Again, for brushes with wooden handles or natural bristles, try to avoid getting the handle too wet.
• Dry the Brush: Gently shake off excess water and lay the brush bristle-side down on a clean towel. This position allows water to drain away from the handle. Let the brush air dry completely before using it again.

How Often to Replace Hair Brushes

Generally, you should replace your hair brushes every six to twelve months. However, this can vary depending on the brush type and how often you use it. Regular brushes used daily might need replacing sooner than those used less frequently. Pay attention to the signs of wear and tear. When bristles start to bend, fray, or fall out, it’s time for a new brush. Damaged bristles can snag and pull on your hair, leading to breakage and split ends.

Another factor to consider is the brush’s cleanliness. Even with regular cleaning, brushes can accumulate build-up that’s hard to remove. If you notice persistent residue or an odor that doesn’t go away after cleaning, it’s a good indication that you need a new brush.

For those using specialized brushes for styling or heat-resistant brushes, check for signs of melting, warping, or significant bristle damage. These changes can affect the brush’s performance and may even cause damage to your hair.

Do you have questions about cleaning your hair brushes or need a haircut? Therapy Hair Studio is here for all your hair care needs. Call (713) 355-4247 or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.

Related Posts:

• Hair Care Basics: How Often You Should Shampoo and Condition Your Hair
• What Is a Scalp Treatment and Why Do Them?
• The Best Compliments for Your Hairstylist

Trying to grow out your hair but want to avoid those awkward stages of hair growth? Well, hair extensions may be the answer to your problem. Some people believe that hair extensions are harmful to your hair, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hair extensions are incredibly safe and can even be beneficial if they are installed and removed correctly. Using hair extensions while growing your natural hair can help you look fantastic regardless of your hair growth stage. They can even protect your natural hair from damage, allowing it to grow faster.

Fusions Hair Extensions

Fusion hair extensions are great for growing your hair. Fusion extensions come in strands rather than wefts, making them slightly trickier to install, meaning you should go to a professional like Therapy Hair Studio. The brand of fusion extensions will significantly affect the length of time they last, but a fusion hair extension can last anywhere between three to six months, sometimes longer, if the care instructions of your stylist are adequately followed. During hair growth, the bonding location will move downwards, so touch-ups and trimming to maintain the extensions will likely be required.

Pros and Cons of Fusion Hair Extensions

Fusion hair extensions date back to ancient Egypt, and this style of hair extension has pros and cons.

Pros:

• They are the most long-lasting hair extensions.
• In addition, they give a very natural look.
• They are made of natural hair that can be blended perfectly with your growing hair.

Cons:

• They can weigh down your hair and roots.
• They are expensive.
• They are not reusable.

Tape Hair Extensions

Tape extensions are one of the most popular extension techniques used. These extensions are attached to the root with double-sided tape and come in wefts. These extensions are lightweight and blend into your hair so that you will look great while growing your hair. Tape-in extensions can give you the extra length you desire while your hair grows and adds fullness with minimum tension to your hair.

Pros and Cons of Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-ins are available in a wide variety of textures that can help you achieve a natural look, but there are pros and cons attached to using tape-in hair extensions.

Pros:

• They’re hard to detect.
• You can reuse them.
• They are safe for thin hair.

Cons:

• They need to be maintained regularly.
• They are expensive.
• Without proper care, they can cause matting and breakage.

Micro-Link Hair Extensions

Micro-link hair extensions are attached to individual strands of hair using microbeads. The beads are usually made of aluminum or copper and coated with a color similar to the individual’s hair so that they can blend in. These hair extensions can last several weeks before they need to be re-fitted.

Pros and Cons of Micro-Link Hair Extensions

Like with all hair extensions, the style has pros and cons. One thing to note is that if you do not want to commit to regular hair appointments, this may not be your best extension choice.

Pros:

• Your hair moves naturally because they are individual strands.
• Heat will not damage your hair because the application does not require heat.
• They are reusable and can be easily maintained by regular appointments with a professional.

Cons:

• They take a long time to install.
• Not a good fit for thin or fine hair because the bonds can be seen through the hair.
• It may be uncomfortable for several days after application.

Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are popular because they can be removed daily in just a few minutes. These are generally pieces of wefted human or synthetic hair attached to clips for relatively easy installation. Clip-ins are the best option for people who want to cover up their awkward hair growth stages but not the days they wake up with their hair looking fabulous.

Pros and Cons of Flat-Tip Hair Extensions

Clip-ins may be a great choice. Here are some pros and cons for you to decide.

Pros:

• Temporary.
• Easy application and removal.
• Low maintenance requirements.

Cons:

• Clips are visible on your scalp.
• It may be heavy on your growing hair, causing hair loss.
• Hard to customize hairstyles.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you want to grow out your hair and are thinking about getting extensions during the growing process, contact a Houston hair styling professional to discuss your options. The staff at Therapy Hair Studio offers a variety of services that can help get your hair looking great while you grow it out. Call us today at (713) 355-4247 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

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