What to Look for in a Quality Shampoo

It is well-known that you get out of your hair what you put into it. This means that it is very important to select quality hair products to maintain healthy hair. Even though shampoo may only be in your hair for a few minutes once a week, it is still important that it deliver on your hair's cleansing needs. There is definitely a lot to choose from, so let's go over some key features of a great shampoo.

1. Sulfate-free- Sulfate makes the suds in shampoo. It also strips large amounts of natural oils from our hair. It is worth it to check your ingredients list for sulfates when choosing a shampoo, especially if you wear your hair's natural texture. (Check out: Design Essentials Natural Hair Cleanser)
2. Moisturizing/Conditioning- These shampoos are designed to be gentle on your hair and infuse moisture. They smooth your cuticles to leave your hair healthy. (Check out: Design Essentials Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo or Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo)
3. Peppermint oil/ Tea tree oil/ Pyrithione Zinc- Look for these ingredients to control dandruff and flaky, dry scalp. The tingle means it's working! (Check out: Design Essentials Therapeutics Rx Anti-itch Shampoo)
4. Protein- Hair strands are made of proteins, and a lack thereof will find your hair breaking at alarming rates. A regular dose of protein can improve the structure and strength or your hair. (Check out: Dudley's Q Deluxe Shampoo)

So review your current shampoo with these key points in mind. Is it doing what you need for your hair? And while you look for ingredients to help your hair, keep in mind that there are also ingredients that do more harm than good. Aside from sulfates, avoid alcohols, parabens, formaldehyde, and sodium chloride (yup, that's salt). Choose wisely!

How to Make Your New Hair Color Last

Have you ever treated yourself to a fun, new hair color only to have it dull on you in a matter of weeks? It doesn't have to be that way! Watch this short video to find out how to keep your color for as long as possible.
                           

So the short answer is: choose the right products!! This applies before and after you get a new color in your hair. Make sure your hair is fully moisturized prior to a new dye job, and use products formulated for colored hair after. Here are some of our recommendations:

1. Design Essentials Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo- This non-stripping, gentle formula is a great option for color-treated hair.
2. Design Essentials Silk Essentials- A great protectant full of amino acids to strengthen hair.
3. Dudley's Q PCA Moisture Retainer- This leave-in works to restore your hair's natural oils, incorporating humectants and emollients for maximum moisture.
4. Elucence Silk Hydrating Elixir- Moisturizers and protein combine to keep your new color strong and shiny.

The single most important thing that you can do to maintain lasting color, is choose the right coloring product. This is why it is worth the investment to have your dye done by a professional using a professional-grade brand of hair color. Box dyes simply do NOT match the quality of products available to salons. All Dolled Up Salons use the Goldwell Color line. For examples of these vibrant colors, see our Pinterest boards. 

How to Make Your Hair Shine

One of the major signs of healthy hair is the fabulous sheen it reflects under light. Shiny hair is a sign of smooth cuticles and moisturized strands. So how do you make sure your hair shows off all the hard work you put into it? Let's go over some tips and techniques.

1. Cool it down.- A quick rinse of cool water at the end of your wash routine will encourage your hair's cuticles to close, creating smooth hair strands that shine. A blast of cool air after your blow out will work the same way.
2. Don't forget to deep condition.- Dry strands are dull strands. A deep conditioning or hot oil treatment once a week will infuse the kind of moisture that your hair needs to maintain bounce and shine. For an example of a conditioning routine, click here.
3. Stay hydrated.- You get out what you put in, so stay hydrated and your hair will grow accordingly.
4. Easy as ACV.- Apple Cider Vinegar is useful for a great many things. Diluted with water, it's a great rinse to remove product buildup and close your cuticles. 
5. Choose great products.- There are several serums, sheens, and other products that can add shine to your finished style. Strive for alcohol-free products like this one and this one.

One important thing to remember is that style and texture are also huge factors in how your hair reflects light. Straight hair is all laying in a uniform direction and therefore creates the ideal surface for max shine. As hair gets curlier or kinkier, light gets reflected in multiple directions and doesn't create the same sheen. These hair types can still shine, but it will take a little more effort.

Don't forget, if you're having trouble making it work, visit your friendly neighborhood All Dolled Up and let the professionals give you styling advice customized to your unique strands.

ADU Client Corner: Kendra R. Sylvester, M.D.

Our first featured Doll for 2015 is University of Florida alumna Kendra R. Sylvester, M.D.. Dr. Sylvester delivers babies and promotes women's health as a successful OB/GYN at UF Health Hospital in Gainesville. She graduated from medical school this past year, and is a proud soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 
Dr. Sylvester is a much-appreciated, loyal customer of All Dolled Up Salons, and as you can see, her look is always on point! Her favorite salon services are the "Relaxing Relaxer" and the "Signature Wash and Style". She is most frequently serviced by master stylist Sylvester Bailey, in case you're wondering who maintains that flawless pixie cut. Thank you for your patronage, Dr. Sylvester!