Does Your Hair Need Moisture or Protein?

Hair is a combination of keratin and moisture. Keratin is a protein that provides the structure; and moisture (basically, water) provides the bounce, shine, and elasticity. Healthy hair has both of these components in a happy balance. Unfortunately, this balance is easy to throw off when your hair is routinely exposed to the elements as you live your regular, everyday life. The imbalance can be even more drastic if you live in an area with extreme weather of any kind.
If your hair doesn't seem shiny and springy, don't fret. Chances are, it's missing either protein or moisture; and you just have to figure out which one. But how? This is the challenge most of us face when it's time to care for our hair at home.
Here is a great article that goes more in depth on the subject, and  the video below offers a great visual explanation:

So how do you bring your hair back into balance? You use either a protein treatment, or a deep conditioner. Here are our favorite ones:

• Design Essentials DEEP Fortifying Treatment- The first ingredient in this moisture-rich compound is water, just what dry hair needs.
• Dudley's Hair Rebuilder- This treatment is full of keratin to give your hair much-needed protein.
• Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner- Put moisture in and keep it in with this conditioner. It's especially good right before heat styling.

How to Maintain your Salon Style at Home

Nothing is more frustrating that spending your hard-earned money on a fabulous hairstyle, and then finding yourself in a ponytail 3 days later because you just couldn't make it last. Your stylist can do amazing work, but there is no magic spell that will repel gravity, weather, and the pillow away from your hair. Don't worry. There is still hope, Dolls! This week, we're bringing you some key tips to make that hot salon style last once you get home.

1. New hair color? Relax on the shampoo- If you normally shampoo your hair twice a week, try to cut back to once per week. Invest in a shampoo intended for color-treated hair, or even try co-washing. This will help your color last longer and stay bright.
2. Pick the right products.- No matter was the budget brands tell you, vaseline is not going to give you the same edge control as the professional-grade pomade your stylist used during your visit. It is worth it to invest in a good product, and your stylist should be able to offer you the best suggestions at the end of your salon visit. Some salons, like All Dolled Up, make the products they use available for purchase by clients.
3. Ask questions!- A good stylist would be happy to explain to you the basics of maintaining your style. Don't be afraid to ask if you aren't sure how to tie your hair up at night, or if you need to know how to get that one curl to point in the right direction.
4. Invest in an applicator bottle.- They're very cheap at any beauty supply store, but worth their weight in gold. An applicator bottle with the pointed tip will allow you to apply oils and other products directly to your scalp without drastically disturbing your style.
5. Satin at night!- Use a satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase to protect your hair at night. The satin lets your hair slide across so that you don't get caught in the fabric fibers, which leads to dryness, frizz, and breakage. (This is a general hair health rule, but it also helps maintain your style.)
6. Don't get wet!- Shower caps will be your best friend when you've got a fresh style. Use them.
7. Here are some tips specifically for stretching out your relaxer.

Stay beautiful, Dolls!

5 Blogs Full of Children's Hair Styles You Can Do at Home

School is back in full swing, and the holiday season is fast-approaching! It's about to be the season for children's hair styles. So do you have a plan of action for the next pep rally or school dance? If you don't, we've got you covered! Here are some bloggers and vloggers that offer great step-by-step tutorials to hook your kids up with a hot style for the party!

• Chocolate Hair Vanilla Care- This blog offers great tutorials with lots of pictures. There are styles for boys and girls, as well as lots of basic hair care information and tips to develop a regular regimen for your child.
• Natural Hair Kids- As the name suggests, this blog focuses on caring for children with natural hair, but most of the styles will work on children with relaxed hair as well. The tutorials are geared towards teaching basic skills, but the style galleries are full of  hair inspiration!
• Baby Big Hair- This blog is a great starting point for parents with a child with A LOT of hair. This family project has collected various tutorials and tips from around the net and organized them all in one place for your consumption.
• Beads, Braids, & Beyond- The tutorials here assume that you already have some basic styling skills, but the styles are incredibly creative. If you have any formal events to attend, this is certainly a great place to look.
• Our Daughter's Hair- This is a YouTube vlog that offers quick video lessons on different hair techniques. The founders are on a mission to grow a community of parents who are equipped with the skills to style their children.

How to Get a Braider's License in less than a Week!

The New Florida legislation requires all braiders to be licensed and registered with the State. This action protects consumers and industry professionals by putting everything under one umbrella. HIV/AIDS education is a mandatory feature in Florida legislation because of infection and disease control standards. ADU School of Cosmetology has set up fast track courses to get braider's on board to avoid excessive fines and legal issues. So what do you need to know?

1. What is a braider's license?
                 A Braider's license is a license for hair braiders and some natural hair stylist. It consist of a 16 hour registration course. The state of Florida has approved the ADU curriculum for our school to license braiders to perform braiding, locs and similar services. Students seeking sew in weaving, coloring, cutting and more should apply for full cosmetology.

2. How do I register?
                You can register for our basic cosmetology program at our Orlando location only. Our advanced and braider's licensing courses are offered at our South and Central Florida satellite locations based on event availability. Call the salon location nearest you.

3. What if I have an out of state license?
                ADU School of Cosmetology works with all licensing scenarios. We may be able to help you transfer a license from out of state or even out of the country. Contact our Orlando location for your specific situation. 

All Dolled Up School of Cosmetology Contact Info