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Restoring Dry, Color-treated Hair

March 25, 2010 | Color-Treated Hair, Video Tips

ISSUE: Oil Treatments + Hair Color

February 24, 2010 | Color-Treated Hair, Fine & Limp Hair

Dear Philip,

I just had my hair colored yesterday and have heard that you shouldn’t use oil shortly after a color treatment. How long should I wait before using the Rejuvenating Oil? Also, is the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo okay to use regularly even though it soulds clarifying? I have fine hair.

Smart question. Yes, if you’ve just had your hair colored, you should skip any kind of oil treatment for 4-5 days. Otherwise, you run the risk of loosening dye molecules before they fully set. Instead, always do an oil treatment the day before you color. It can make a huge difference, because it only protects your hair from damage but paves the way for more luminous, dimensional, healthier-looking color. And yes, using the Peppermint & Avocado Shampoo is loaded with light botanical conditioning agents, so while it’s clarifying, it’s also gentle enough to use every day. It’s especially good at lending bounce and lift to fine hair like yours. I love the Russian Amber shampoo for thin hair, too — it gives it loads of texture and shine. You just need a tiny bit on fine hair.

ISSUE: Sulfates & Hair Color

February 24, 2010 | Color-Treated Hair, Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Special Cases

Dear Philip,

Do you have any sulfate-free shampoos? My hairdresser has told me I need to use only sulfate-free shampoos, because sulfate will wash out my red color.

Your colorist is correct: In many cases, shampoos that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be too harsh for chemically treated hair. But it’s all about balance. I buffer down the SLS in our shampoos with such a high level of essential oils that it becomes gentle and creamy — the best possible way to clear away any dirt or build-up while distributing conditioning oils throughout your hair, even to the ends. In some cases, I use so many plant and flower oils that the SLS is rendered all but inactive: It’s just there to carry the oils and help you lather up. That’s because my shampoos aren’t the conventional detergent-water-fragrance mix. They’re made from intensely conditioning oils used at active, therapeutic levels and gathered from exotic places around the world. So, in this case, fear not. The sulfates we do use are specifically designed to deliver nutrients and potent conditioning agents to your hair, not to counteract their effects. For you, I’d recommend the African Shea Butter Gentle & Conditioning Shampoo, the White Truffle Shampoo or Russian Amber — all super nurturing and supremely hair-color-friendly.

ISSUE: Dry, Bleached Hair

January 20, 2010 | Color-Treated Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

I would like to order some products but I do not know which ones to try. I have long dyed hair (blonde) and the ends of my hair are spliced. Overall, my hair is dry.

If you buy one thing, let it be the 4-Step Hair & Scalp Treatment – it’s so nourishing for dry, color-treated, lackluster strands and the results are dramatic: Just one treatment will instantly restore your hair’s bounce and vibrance. The Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo would be amazing for you, too. And for gentle veryday care, I suggest the African Shea Butter Shampoo and Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Crème Rinse. Please keep me posted: I can’t wait to hear about your results!

ISSUE: Is Maui Wowie Safe For Colored Hair?

January 20, 2010 | Color-Treated Hair, How to Use

Dear Philip,

I have a question about Maui Wowie Beach Mist: Is it safe for bleached hair?

True fact: It’s not only safe for bleached hair, it’s good for it. The light, texturizing mix of aloe vera and healing oils (orchid, Tahitian gardenia, kukui and coconut) nourish and protect chemically-treated hair. So you get conditioning benefits, more vibrant color and a sexy, perfectly piece-y look all at once.

ISSUE: Fine, Color-Treated Hair That’s Graying

November 29, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Fine & Limp Hair

Dear Philip,

Hi! I recently ordered Pepperment & Avocado shampoo-and it doesn’t lather. Any suggestions? I have fine, color-treated hair that’s graying. Product suggestions? Thanks so much!

Thanks for writing. I should start by pointing out that none of our shampoos lather excessively, because they’re made with such high concentrations of botanical extracts. This is a good thing: Unlike cheap detergents, my shampoos cleanse your hair without stripping — they actually leave your hair healthier and shinier. (That said, make sure you’re shampooing properly. No matter what shampoo you use, it’s important to saturate your hair first, and focus the cleansing at the roots of your hair.) Given your hair type, I’d start with a Rejuvenating Oil treatment. Apply it liberally, especially through the ends, and blow-dry your hair to help the oil sink into your hair. It’s not like a standard hot-oil treatment: The plant- and flower-oils in my formula are made of such tiny molecules that they actually slip inside each strand and plump it up from the inside — rather than lying on top of your hair and leaving it flat and limp. The oil also helps remove buildup to let your scalp breathe and leave your hair supremely clean. Follow the oil treatment with the Peppermint Shampoo (use it twice, if necessary) to lift away any excess from the surface of your hair. You’ll see the difference right away — it’s a miracle worker for fine, dry hair.

ISSUE: Oil Treatments + Haircolor

November 29, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair

Dear Philip,

Is it safe to use the Rejuvenating Oil treatment the day before getting hair color?

Definitely. In fact, I highly recommend it. Pre-color oil treatments — along with weekly oil treatments thereafter — will help strengthen your hair and and keep your shade more vibrant and luminous. Here’s the trick: After you get your color, be sure to wait about 5 days until your next oil treatment. You need to give the color molecules time to embed in the hair shaft; otherwise, the oil might loosen the color molecules from the hair shaft. After that, you’re good to go.

ISSUE: Dry Scalp and Hair Loss

September 21, 2009 | African-American Hair, Color-Treated Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair

Dear Philip,

I’m an African-American woman with chemically-treated hair. My hair feels dry all the time, and my scalp itches in the center. I’m constantly rubbing it to stop the itching, and as a result, I have a lot of breakage and my hair is falling out. What type of regiment do you recommend?

You can’t believe how often I see this situation – I’m so sorry to hear of your struggles. The good news is that I have the perfect remedy. It involves three steps:

  1. Coat your hair with my Rejuvenating Oil and work it into your scalp to loosen any dead cells and flaky patches. Let it sit for 20 minutes or so.
  2. Put a dollop of the Peppermint & Avocado Clarifying & Volumizing Shampoo on your hair, work it into a lather and let IT sit for 2-3 minutes. You’ll feel your scalp tingling as the therapeutic levels of peppermint oil in the formula do their healing work. Rinse.
  3. Immediately apply the Anti-Flake Relief Shampoo, work it into a lather, and let IT sit for another 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

If you like, you run some conditioner through the ends of your hair, or apply a leave-in conditioner – avoiding your scalp. Repeat the 3 steps as needed. You should see a huge improvement in your scalp and your hair within a week.

ISSUE: Katira Lover Wants Specifics

September 21, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Hair Masque

Dear Philip,

I just used the Katira Masque for the first time, and I LOVE it! I have 3 questions that aren’t answered by the tube or your website:

  1. How frequently can/should the Katira masque be used?
  2. Does the Katira Masque have to dry? Will it work if I wear a shower cap over it outside of the shower to hold in body heat?
  3. Is the Katira Masque safe for color-treated hair and hair that’s been treated with (non-formaldehyde) keratin?

Thanks!

  1. You can use the Katira Hair Masque twice a week, or even as a daily leave-in gel. I often mix a dab with an equal amount of Lovin’ Leave-In Conditioner and use it as a styling aid/stealth revitalizing treatment.
  2. Wearing a shower cap might help the Katira gel sink into your hair, but a blow-dryer might be faster. You really want the gel to dry into a hard, Gordon Gekko-style helmet before you rinse it out.
  3. Yes! Go to it!

ISSUE: Clown Hair

September 21, 2009 | Color-Treated Hair, Damaged Hair, Dry Hair, Fine & Limp Hair

Dear Philip,

I have fine, colored hair and an oily scalp. My hair appears very dry and damaged at the bottom, and the texture is both frizzy and lifeless. When I sleep, it gets all roughed up by the pillowcase, so by morning I look like I have the hair of a clown! I’m interested in the Russian Imperial shampoo and Katira Masque. Would any of you other daily shampoos and conditioners work for me? Are the White Truffle shampoo and conditioner too moisture-rich for fine hair? I’ve just tried a small sample of the African Shea Butter Shampoo. My hair looks less frizzy, but I’m not sure if this is what I should order first.

For you, the perfect fix would be the Four-Step Hair & Scalp treatment, followed by Katira Masque, followed by Lovin’ Leave-in Conditioner. Trust me: Throw in a satin pillowcase at bedtime and your clown-hair days are over!

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