So, if curl pattern isn't that important for picking products and techniques, what is? The answer: porosity, density and texture. We’ve previously done a post on porosity, which refers to the hair’s ability to absorb hydration. In this post, we’ll cover the two other attributes of a person’s hair type and why they matter: density and texture.
Density
Hair density refers to the amount of hair that a person has. It can be measured by the number of individual strands growing out of each square inch of your scalp. While many people use the words “thick” or “thin” to describe this aspect of hair, thickness is actually something totally different (we’ll get to that later). Every curl pattern can have high density or low density hair.
High density hair means that there are a lot of strands per square inch of scalp and hair appears very full or voluminous. A telltale sign of high density hair is that you may need to part your hair into many sections during styling or for even product application. Low density hair means that there are not a lot of strands per square inch of scalp. Hair may lack volume or need to be teased and fluffed to achieve a fuller look. With low density hair, you can often style or apply products in larger sections. Medium density is in between high and low density. On average, people typically have about 2,200 strands of hair per square inch of scalp.
Texture
Hair texture is the correct terminology that refers to the thickness of hair. It is measured by the width of each strand. Hair can range from coarse (thick) to fine (thin). Hair texture is separate from curl pattern, which is the shape of the curl. Every curl pattern can have a coarse, medium or fine texture.
Coarse hair is the thickest and most resilient texture. It is the most resistant to heat, chemicals, dye and breakage. Coarse hair also typically holds hairstyles the best. Fine hair is the most fragile since it is the thinnest. It might become easily weighed down by heavy products and is most prone to breakage. Medium textured hair is in between the two.
You can determine your hair texture by visually examining the thickness of your individual strands of hair, feeling how thick it is between your fingers, or understanding how your hair responds to heat and chemicals.
How Density and Texture Impact Your Hair Routine
Along with porosity, knowing your hair density and texture helps you determine the best approach for product selection and styling.
For example if your hair is fine, you may opt for lightweight stylers, like the Ease Leave-In Conditioner and Hy-Fresh Conditioning Spray, and avoid chemical processing and heat styling to minimize breakage. If it is coarse, you may use thicker creams, like the More Moisture Cream.
If your hair is high density, you may choose to apply your styling product in more sections to ensure it is evenly distributed. If it is low density, you may use methods to tease and fluff your hair that give the most fullness to your look.
For more recommendations based on your hair type, check out our Product Guide.
]]>Here are 3 common scalp issues and our top recommendations to fix them.
Dryness
The products you use to wash, condition or style your hair can often be the culprit of dry scalp. For example, using a shampoo with sulfate or products containing ingredients that you’re allergic to can cause dryness and irritation. Signs that you are suffering from a dry scalp include itching, small white flakes and discomfort. You may also feel patches of rough or scaly skin on your scalp.
Dry scalp can usually be treated easily at home. Try incorporating products that have scalp-friendly ingredients into your routine. Our award-winning Gentle Herbal Cleanser is a sulfate-free shampoo that relieves irritation and offers a deep clean. The plant-derived ingredients, like sacha inchi oil, nettle extract, peppermint oil, and sweet almond oil, can help soothe itchiness or flaking. Also try the Super Bloom 2-in-1 Pre-Poo/Deep Conditioner, which can be used as a soothing pre-shampoo scalp mask, and the Hy-Fresh Conditioning Spray, which can be sprayed directly on the scalp to hydrate and relieve irritation.
Also do not forget to hydrate on the inside...water flushes out toxins.
Build Up
Over time, your scalp can become suffocated by the products that you use if it builds up and is not removed with a shampoo. Natural build up also occurs from dead skin cells, sebum (oil produced by your scalp naturally) and sweat. An improperly or infrequently cleansed scalp can lead to itchiness, irritation and even premature hair loss.
It’s important to regularly shampoo to remove dirt, oil and product from your scalp, and to periodically (about once a month) use a clarifying shampoo, like the sulfate-free Rhassoul & Bentonite Clay Shampoo Bar, for any lingering build up that your regular shampoo cannot remove.
Dandruff
While both dryness and dandruff make your scalp itchy and produce flakes, the flakes look very different. Unlike the small white flakes that are characteristic of a dry scalp, dandruff will be large yellow or white, oily flakes. Dandruff is commonly caused by malassezia, a yeast-like fungus, but it can also be the result of eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis (allergic reaction).
Mild dandruff can be managed with a sulfate-free shampoo containing scalp-friendly ingredients to clean the oil build up and soothe irritation, like the Gentle Herbal Cleanser or Super Bloom Conditioning Shampoo Bar. For more severe cases, visit a dermatologist who can recommend a medicated treatment.
]]>Here is a list of 5 harsh/harmful chemicals that we do not use at Bask & Bloom, and their negative effects. We recommend avoiding these ingredients in hair products and all cosmetics, including skincare, bodycare, makeup and fragrances.
Parabens are preservatives that are added to products to extend their shelf life and prevent mold, bacteria and yeast growth. Parabens are linked to health concerns, including cancers and reproductive issues in women, in addition to causing skin irritation. Common parabens used in cosmetics include methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben.
Typically found in plastics, phthalates can also be used in products as solvents, stabilizers or for fragrance. Phthalates interfere with thyroid and sex hormone production, and have been linked to conditions such as asthma, obesity, breast cancer, diabetes, decreased sperm count and birth defects. Common phthalates used in cosmetics include dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and Di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP).
Sulfates are a cleansing agent, typically used in shampoos to aid in lifting dirt and product build up from the scalp and strands. Sulfates can be harsh and overly drying on textured hair, strip dye from color treated hair more quickly and irritate sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Common sulfates used in shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS).
DEA (diethanolamine) and DEA compounds are emulsifiers, typically added to create a creamy consistency or a sudsy lather in cosmetic products. DEA causes skin and eye irritation, with high doses being linked to liver cancer and precancerous changes to the skin and thyroid. MEA (monoethanolamide) and TEA (triethanolamine) are related chemicals that are also linked to cancer.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs) are used to extend product shelf life and prevent the growth of bacteria. Formaldehyde causes skin irritation, rashes and allergic reactions and is linked to cancer, even with low levels of exposure. For cosmetics containing formaldehyde, expired products or products stored in the sun pose a greater risk as this can cause more formaldehyde to be released into the body. Common FRPs used in cosmetics include Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Diazolidinyl urea, Polyoxymethylene urea, Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol) and Glyoxal.
The Bloom 10 Pledge
Now that you know what to avoid, let's talk about what claims you should be looking for in your products. Each of our products at Bask & Bloom is made with ethically-sourced ingredients, like high-performing botanical extracts, herbal infusions, and nourishing oils and butters. We are committed to producing only non-toxic and cruelty-free formulas that are safe and effective for the whole family. Click here to read more about our story.
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Our Twirly Hair Gel is the best for a wash and go because it's alcohol-free and moisturizing, so it gives soft, defined curls and a medium hold. Key ingredients include avocado oil – loaded with nutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, D, and E, it penetrates the hair shaft to provide moisturizing and strengthening benefits – and hydrolyzed flaxseed – which smooths strands and helps restore damaged hair. The Twirly Hair Gel can also be paired with the Hydrating Vitamin Curl Mousse for a firmer hold.
Here are some techniques to get a defined wash and go on different curl types.
Wavy Hair or Loose Curls (Type 2 or 3 Curl Patterns)
Click below to watch a tutorial using these techniques:
Kinky or Coily Hair (Type 4 Curl Patterns)
Click below to watch a tutorial using these techniques:
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Here are 4 signs that it might be time for a hair trim.
1. Your hair gets tangled easily
When your hair needs a trim you may notice that it becomes tangled easily or is harder to detangle than usual. That’s because split ends can cause friction and wrap around one another to form knots.
2. Your ends look frizzy
If the ends of your hair look frizzy, frazzled or ragged, it's a definite indicator that you need a trim. When the cuticle is not smooth it appears unkempt, signaling the damage to this part of the hair.
3. You have trouble forming a curl
If you notice that it's suddenly more difficult to define your curls, it could be a sign that your ends are split, knotted or damaged. Your curls will have the most bounce and definition with smooth strands, free from choppy ends.
4. Your ends feel dry
Dryness is one of the most common culprits of split ends and fairy knots. Dry hair is more prone to breakage and tangles.
While trims are an inevitable part of a hair routine and by far the most effective way to manage split ends and single strand knots, you should preserve your ends in between trims. Below are our top product recommendations to keep your hair moisturized and protected:
]]>Physical and Mental Health
Hair thinning can often be a symptom of a health condition, ranging across both physical and mental health. For example, significant mental stress or anxiety can cause telogen effluvium, which pushes large numbers of hair follicles into the resting phase and results in increased shedding or hair loss. Autoimmune disorders, like alopecia, can also cause hair thinning because the body’s immune system is attacking hair follicles.
If you think you may have a health condition that is leading to thinning hair, we encourage you to seek medical advice and treatment from a qualified health professional. Hair thinning under these circumstances is often temporary and treating the underlying health condition may help alleviate symptoms.
Hormonal Fluctuations
A hormonal imbalance or hormonal fluctuations that lead to hair thinning can occur during the postpartum phase (after pregnancy) and during menopause in women. Throughout these periods, hormones can dictate how quickly hair grows, how much it sheds, and even the size and prevalence of hair follicles. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid conditions or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), may also create a hormonal imbalance that can cause hair thinning.
While postpartum and menopause are natural adjustment periods that women’s bodies go through, you can support your hair’s regrowth and strengthening process in order to bounce back to healthy, flourishing hair. Bask & Bloom products are formulated to help encourage hair growth and retain length. Click here for tips on postpartum hair loss and shedding from our Founder. If you suspect a medical condition could be the cause of a hormonal imbalance, consult with your doctor.
Toxic Chemicals in Hair ProductsClean, non-toxic hair care products, like those formulated by Bask & Bloom, are the safest option for shampooing, conditioning and styling all hair types. Chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, alcohols and formaldehyde can be harsh on the scalp and strands, stripping them of the nutrients and moisture needed for your hair to flourish. Some of these toxic ingredients are known as endocrine disruptors, compounds that can negatively impact hormonal levels and lead to a host of related side effects, including hair loss and more serious health complications.
We recommend avoiding beauty products containing chemicals that can adversely affect your health. Bask & Bloom products are 100% non-toxic, formulated without any chemicals on banned lists in the US, Europe or Canada. Highly concentrated with natural, organic ingredients, botanical extracts, and nourishing oils and butters, our products are science-backed and effective to help repair hair damage and encourage healthy hair growth.
Top Recommended Products to Combat Thinning, Shedding and Hair Loss
]]>Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb hydration, like water and conditioning products. Hair porosity determines the types of products and product application techniques that will yield the best results.
Here’s your guide to the characteristics of low porosity versus high porosity hair, maintenance tips and product recommendations for each.
Low Porosity Hair Characteristics
Low porosity hair is resistant to absorbing moisture. It takes time for water to saturate the strands because the hair cuticle is closed. Products are best absorbed with heat, which helps to open the cuticles and allow moisture to penetrate the strands. Once moisture does enter the hair shaft, low porosity hair retains moisture for longer and has a tendency to accumulate product build up. Low porosity hair also typically takes a long time to dry due to the strands not readily releasing moisture.
Low Porosity Hair Tips
Use a clarifying shampoo regularly for a deep cleanse. Use a hooded dryer, steamer or processing/conditioning cap to help hair more easily absorb products. Limit use of protein-rich conditioners or heavy stylers, like butters.
Best Products for Low Porosity Hair
High Porosity Hair Characteristics
High porosity hair easily absorbs water and moisture. It can get saturated almost immediately and may look very elongated when wet. High porosity hair also dries quickly because the hair cuticle is open. It has a tendency to feel dried out soon after using moisturizing products and requires frequent reapplication of products. High porosity hair can be genetic, although it is common on hair that has been damaged. Strands can be compromised and become high porosity due to color treatments, especially bleach, chemical treatments, like relaxers, and frequent use of direct heat, like blow drying and flat ironing.
High Porosity Hair Tips
Use an oil or butter on top of a leave-in to seal in hydration and ensure moisture retention. Use products that are ultra hydrating and nutrient-rich to strengthen strands, repair damage and protect from breakage.
Best Products for High Porosity Hair
]]>Keep reading to learn more about the importance of cleansing your hair with a shampoo, why co-washing is not effective, and our recommendations for gentle, sulfate-free alternatives.
Why It’s Important to Shampoo
Regularly cleansing your scalp and hair is absolutely essential for healthy hair growth. It’s also a key factor that determines how well your hair absorbs the nutrients from moisturizing conditioners. And clean hair will always result in a more successful hairstyle than dirty hair.
Failing to cleanse your hair regularly or with the proper products can also diminish the health and appearance of your scalp and your hair. For example, your scalp may feel irritated and look flaky, your hair may look limp, and you may have trouble defining your curls. More seriously, you could begin to experience excessive shedding or premature hair loss if not cleansing properly.
Why Co-Washing is Not Effective
While it is true that shampoos containing sulfates can be too harsh, stripping moisture from the hair and scalp, we DO NOT recommend attempting to cleanse your hair with a conditioner, also known as co-washing.
Conditioners are formulated to do things like replenish moisture to your hair, strengthen your strands, smooth the hair shaft, and aid in detangling. Conditioners are NOT effective at removing dirt, oil buildup, or product buildup from your scalp and hair.
Sulfate-Free Shampoo Recommendations
We recommend using sulfate-free shampoos, which can effectively cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping it of the essential moisture it needs to be strong and healthy, like Bask & Bloom’s Rhassoul & Bentonite Clay Shampoo Bar (to clarify) and the award-winning Gentle Herbal Cleanser (for deep cleansing).]]>If you are experiencing excessive shedding, here are 5 possible causes:
Within the months after you recover from COVID-19 you may experience excessive hair shedding. A noticeable uptick in the number of hairs lost is common after recuperating from any illness in which you experienced a high fever. The good news is that excessive shedding as a result of COVID-19 is temporary and will most likely go away on its own. You can also seek advice from a medical professional if the shedding is severe or if it continues for several months.
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. If your scalp is not regularly cleansed of dirt and product build up with a shampoo, or if you are suffering from dryness, irritation, or flaking, it could lead to excessive shedding and premature hair loss. We also recommend incorporating products with ingredients that focus on revitalizing and soothing your scalp, like our Hy-Fresh Conditioning Spray, Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil, and the award-winning Gentle Herbal Cleanser. Always seek guidance from a dermatologist to treat any serious potential scalp conditions or infections.
Postpartum shedding typically happens within 2 to 4 months of giving birth and is a common occurrence among women who recently had a baby. It is caused by fluctuating hormones, and the hair being in the resting phase for a longer period of time. Bask & Bloom Essentials was created by a mom-of-three who suffered from severe postpartum shedding after giving birth to each of her children. Our Founder’s quest to find natural remedies for her own postpartum hair loss led to the development of Bask & Bloom’s nutrient-rich line. Each of our products are formulated with a team of chemists and dermatologists as an effective solution to address this concern for new moms.
Always use water and a product with slip, like our 2-in-1 Pre Poo/Deep Conditioner, to help gently undo knots. Use fingers, a wide tooth comb or a detangling brush. Work in small sections and start at the ends, slowly working up to the roots. Sometimes tangled hair requires patience to undo. Rushing through the detangling process can result in excessive shedding and breakage.
Your overall well being is extremely important for your hair to thrive. Massaging your scalp is a great way to relax and stimulate your hair follicles. Exercising also helps with de-stressing & lifting your mood. Eat green vegetables and fruits along with protein-rich food and drink plenty of water to rid your body of toxins.
The good news is that breakage is preventable. If your goal is to have a healthy damage-free mane and retain more length, here are a few tips to help you take better care of your tresses.
Five Tips to Prevent Breakage
When your hair is dried out, it becomes brittle and can break easily. Keep your hair hydrated with moisturizing products, like the Brahmi Root Hair Masque and More Moisture Cream. If your hair needs a refresher, spritz it with the Hy-Fresh Conditioning Spray to rehydrate.
The idea that a trim makes your hair grow faster is a myth, but trims are essential when it comes to length retention. Split ends and single strand knots, which are common on curly and kinky hair types, weaken the ends of your hair and create more opportunity for breakage. Cutting anywhere from a quarter to a half of an inch every 6 to 12 weeks helps to keep your ends healthy.
Tight elastic hair ties cause friction and tension that weakens your strands and leads to breakage. The negative effects of these accessories are magnified when you use them on wet hair which is more delicate. Instead opt for satin scrunchies or other damage-free alternatives for ponytail, bun, or puff styles.
Use a wide toothed comb or detangling brush that is designed to be more gentle. Start at the ends and slowly make your way up to the roots. You can also add water and a hydrating product with slip, like the Super Bloom 2-in-1 Pre-Poo/Deep Conditioner or the Ease Leave-In Conditioner to minimize breakage.
Cotton and microfiber, commonly used to make bedding, can wreak havoc on your strands. These materials make your hair dry and frizzy, and your ends can get caught in the fibers and snap. With its smooth, silky fibers, satin is much gentler for your hair and limits the amount of damage and breakage you can incur while you slumber.
Bonus Tip: Be mindful of your hair getting caught under the shoulder strap of your purse and rubbing against cotton or wool clothing (for example, tucking your hair into your scarf in the winter or wearing a hooded sweatshirt). These everyday actions that seem harmless can put unnecessary tension and stress on your delicate strands, and ultimately lead to breakage. ]]>Here are a few tips to help you revitalize your strands and maintain healthy tresses for the entire season.
Bask & Bloom Essentials products were created to restore fullness, vibrancy, and luster for all hair types to flourish. Each ingredient in our non-toxic solutions is carefully selected. We want to ensure that every product is safe and effective.
We work with a team of dermatologists and chemists to keep the science of hair and scalp at the forefront, while remaining cruelty-free and prioritizing the health of our customers.
Keep reading for a list of our top 5 product ingredients and their benefits for your hair and scalp.
Avocado Oil - Nutrient-rich and able to penetrate the hair shaft to provide moisture, reparative and strengthening on damaged hair
Castor Oil - Antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties on the scalp, moisturizes and adds shine to strands
Cupuacu Butter - Provides moisture for dry and brittle hair, nutrient-rich to help boost hair growth
Marshmallow Root Extract - Thickens hair strands, provides body and bounce, great source of protein and vitamins
Horsetail Extract - Prevents hair loss and thinning, contains silica which is useful for rapid growth, provides rejuvenation and sheen
Your scalp is the most unique type of skin on your body. It has its own microbiome, with thicker skin and a higher concentration of blood vessels and hair follicles than any other area. Scalp care is skin care, and it's the foundation for thick, healthy hair.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Scalp
It’s important to regularly shampoo to remove dirt, oil, and product build up on your scalp. An improperly or infrequently cleansed scalp can lead to itchiness and irritation. Lack of scalp cleansing can also limit hair growth and lead to premature hair loss.
Scalp massages increase blood flow and circulation to stimulate follicles and promote hair growth. Just 5 to 10 minutes a week of gentle circular motions is enough to see the benefits.
The scalp naturally produces sebum, which is essential for maintaining hydration and hair growth. Avoid hot water and high heat from blow dryers which can dehydrate the scalp. You can also supplement moisture with a hair oil that mimics the natural sebum our body produces.
Foods that contain zinc, iron, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, or vitamins A, B, C, or E, provide nutrients for hair growth and can help limit hair loss. Eggs, nuts, seafood, berries, spinach, beans, and oats are some of the scalp-friendly superfoods recommended by experts.
Top Product Recommendations for Nourishing and Calming the Scalp
Bask & Bloom Essentials products are formulated with a team of chemists and dermatologists to keep the science of scalp and hair at the forefront. Our brand was founded by a mom-of-three who suffered from severe postpartum shedding. Her quest to find natural remedies for her own hair loss led to the creation of Bask & Bloom’s nutrient-rich, scalp-conscious line.
Here are our top four product recommendations for addressing common scalp concerns, like dryness, irritation, and shedding.
A dual-purpose, nutrient-rich moisturizer that stimulates growth and restores health to hair and scalp. Power packed with herbal extracts and essential oils, it can be used as a restorative scalp treat.
Our award-winning Gentle Herbal Cleanser is a sulfate-free formulation that relieves irritation and offers a deep clean for those dealing with dry scalp. The plant-derived ingredients, like sacha inchi oil, nettle extract, peppermint oil, and sweet almond oil, can help soothe itchy or flaky scalp and reduce hair fall out.
The Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil is a multi-purpose, scalp-friendly formulation that’s perfect for scalp massages. It helps to lock in moisture, stimulate hair growth, and provides shine and protection from breakage for hair.
]]>We've spoken to a lot of our naturalistas regarding how they use products and what knowledge they have about the different types of curly hair products. It came down to many not knowing the true purpose of a product, which results in the wrong expectations in performance.
Let's go over some reasons why your moisture doesn't last:
1. Not knowing how your hair accepts moisture (porosity), which results in the product maybe sitting on top of your hair or escaping too quickly. Knowing if your hair is low, normal or high porosity is key to establish an effective moisturizing regimen.
2. Not finding out the true purpose of the product you are using. Here's a quick guide:
3. Not applying products evenly throughout the hair or the sections are too big. Take your time, with smaller sections if you are having issues with your moisture lasting, make sure all of your hair feels soft and buttery smooth before moving on to the next step.
4. Your hair isn't cleaned properly. Yes, buildup blocks moisture and some hair types get it more than others. You may find that washing more often will actually help with the next healthy hair steps, especially if the product makes claims of being lightweight.
5. Allow hair to air dry some before applying moisturizer. Unless you are doing a wash & go style where you use gels that are normally water-activated, it is best to apply products on damp hair, not soaking wet.
Visit our full product collections for all of your hair needs mentioned in this article.
Are you ready to embrace healthy natural hair, but not quite ready to chop off all of your length? Do not worry, you are not alone!
A lot of naturalistas begin their journey by “transitioning” their curly hair back to health rather than cutting off all of their relaxed, heat damaged, or color damaged ends at once.
What is transitioning to natural hair?
Transitioning is the alternative to the “big chop,” it allows you to retain hair length while slowly growing out your natural hair.
During the transition period, you may trim your hair in increments every so often as your roots start to grow longer. You can transition for however long you need to feel comfortable. Most people who transition to natural hair do so for about a year before cutting their hair, but less time or more time is also totally fine.
How do I care for my hair while transitioning?
While you transition to natural hair, you should work on establishing a hair regimen, which is a healthy hair routine. Your regimen will be unique to you and will be determined by how your hair reacts to different products and techniques. However, a good place to start is with a set day for washing, conditioning, and styling. Most naturalistas prefer to wash on the same day every week, or every two weeks to maintain consistency.
You may also consider how often you will deep condition or do protein treatments - perhaps weekly, twice per month, or once a month. Pay attention if your hair is getting dried out throughout the week, which could mean you need an additional day in between wash days to refresh your hair with more moisture. Analyze how your hair reacts as you try different things. If your hair is not behaving how you want it to, adjust your schedule, your technique, or the products you are using.
It is also important to take extra gentle care with your hair, because it will be in a more fragile state than usual. During the transition, you will have two textures. With curly roots and straight ends, your strands are more prone to breakage, so gentle detangling is essential! You may also notice that your hair is shedding more than usual; this is a normal part of the process, but you can minimize shedding by keeping your hair hydrated with frequent deep conditioning treatments.
What natural hair products for transitioning should I use?
One of the most fun parts about the transition period - or most frustrating, depending on who you ask- is that you get to try new products to see what your hair likes best!
Natural hair transition products like Bask & Bloom Essentials' Gentle Herbal Cleanser, Super Bloom 2-in-1 Pre-Poo/Deep Conditioner, and More Moisture Cream are great options to ensure maximum hydration for your mane and help you start building your routine.
How should I style my hair while transitioning?
Styling your hair may be a challenge at first because the two textures in your hair will be noticeable. The use of direct heat, like blow drying and straightening, will be very tempting as a quick fix to hide your curly roots, but it’s important that you avoid straight styles. As already mentioned, your hair is extremely fragile while transitioning. Heat styling will result in breakage and irreparable damage to your new growth! Instead, try natural styles that will blend the two textures. Braid outs are simple to achieve and are a great way of adding some definition to your straight ends to blend the textures.
Rod sets, using perm rods or flexi rods for example, are also a great option for blending textures. The Hydrating Vitamin Curl Mousse will provide a soft flexible hold for this style. Try air drying, if possible, to avoid using heat.
You can also try protective styles, like box braids or cornrows, which will give you a break from having to deal with the two delicate textures.
Go & Give It A Try!
Now that you have gotten a crash course on what to expect while transitioning to natural hair, it is time to start your natural hair journey like a pro! Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
Finding ways to preserve your curls overnight will save you time and energy. There is nothing better than taking off your bonnet or scarf, shaking, fluffing and going about your day...
If you are looking for a few curly hair tips on how to keep curls overnight, saving you valuable time in the mornings, continue reading!
Pineapples, Mini Puffs, and Chunky Twists or Braids:
One of the best ways to keep curls overnight is to opt for a technique that minimizes friction, and ultimately controls frizz, while you are sleeping. For styles like twist outs, braid outs, rod sets, or even wash and gos, there are a few tried and true techniques that work wonders!
Pineapple: One of the most popular bedtime options is the pineapple. To achieve this method, gather all of your hair into a high ponytail at the top and front of your head. Then loosely secure the ponytail with a satin scrunchie. You can then wrap the pineapple with a covering to keep it in place. A satin scarf or a satin bonnet should do the trick! When you’re getting ready the next morning, simply release your hair and shake and fluff it back into place. You can use a light oil like the Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil to add a little shine and moisture back into your hair and minimize frizz during the fluffing process. Note that the pineapple method works best on long hair.
Mini Puffs: Mini puffs are a great option for those with shorter hair. The technique uses a similar idea as the pineapple, but instead of one loose gathering at the top and front of your head, mini puffs allow you to do multiple loose gatherings all around. Simply place your hair into about four or five loose ponytails using satin scrunchies. Aim for at least two equally sized gatherings on either side of your head. A fifth ponytail in front is perfect if you have curly bangs! Cover with a satin bonnet to keep your hair in place while you slumber. Similar to the morning routine with the pineapple, you can simply release your hair, and shake and fluff with a little oil before heading out the door.
More Tips:
It is very important to use satin head wraps, bonnets, scarves and pillowcases, rather than cotton. Cotton absorbs the moisture in your hair, making it dry and brittle. Satin is more gentle on your hair.
Go & Give It A Try!
With these tips on how to keep curls overnight, you can sleep more comfortably better without any worry of ruining your hairstyle the next morning! Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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Do you want to simplify your natural hair wash day routine? And squeeze it in just 3 quick and easy steps?
Let's face it, most of us do not have the time for a multi-step curly hair wash day routine every week. The idea of a long, drawn out wash day process can be overwhelming. As a result we may rush through our hair care routine, causing us to be too rough with our strands when detangling, or fail to do a thorough job in washing and styling. Feeling overwhelmed by curly hair wash day may also cause us to put it off all together. Then we’re walking around with dirty, dry hair for longer than we need to. Yikes!
The answer depends on your routine and the amount of products used. Most women with natural hair will give a regimen of washing every 7-10 days. If you are using stylers with hold like mousse or hair gel, every week is recommended.
The idea that wash day needs to be all day is a myth! A wash day routine does not have to be long or complicated to be effective. While there may be some days that you'll want to add an extra step or two to treat specific needs of your hair, a successful wash day routine has only 3 core elements.
STEP 1: Cleanse (preferably in sections)
The most basic part of wash day is to wash your hair! Cleansing your scalp and hair removes product build up, dirt, and oil. A clean scalp also helps promote natural hair growth and clean strands are the foundation of any successful hairstyle. Cleansing in sections, especially on thick or long hair, helps you to more effectively scrub your scalp and minimizes tangles during the cleansing process.
The Rhassoul and Bentonite Clay Shampoo Bar provides a deep clarifying cleanse and lathers easily so a little goes a long way. The Gentle Herbal Cleanser is formulated with high quality ingredients that provide a silky, gentle lather. Both products are sulfate free, meaning they cleanse your hair but do not strip it of its natural moisture.
STEP 2: Condition and Detangle
After cleansing, the next step is to rehydrate your hair and detangle with a moisturizing conditioner.
The best time to detangle your hair is when it is saturated with conditioner. Great conditioners, like the Brahmi Root Hair Masque, provide lubrication to your strands (aka “slip”) that makes it easier to detangle without causing breakage. You can use your fingers, a wide tooth comb, or a detangling brush to gently undo knots in sections, working from the ends up to the roots.
The Brahmi Root Hair Masque uses high quality ingredients, including avocado, aloe vera, and ayurvedic herbal infusions, to provide intense moisture for your strands. The mask should be applied to damp hair right after rinsing out your cleanser and can be left in your hair for up to 45 minutes to provide maximum penetration and ultimate hydration.
STEP 3: Moisturize and Style
The last core element of a simplified wash day routine is to moisturize and style. Your hair’s hydration needs and the style you want to achieve will determine the best products for this part of your wash day. Bask and Bloom Essentials has an array of moisturizing and styling products to choose from.
The More Moisture Cream is a great moisturizer for fine to medium hair and can be layered with products like the Twirly Hair Gel or Hydrating Vitamin Curl Mousse for additional hold and versatile styling options like wash and gos and rod sets.
Go & Give It A Try!
Now that you know how to simplify your natural wash day routine, it's time to give it a try! Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Following colored hair trends can be lots of fun and a great way to express your unique style. But colored natural curly hair also requires some extra TLC to ensure that it remains healthy and hydrated.
Here are four (4) tips on how to moisturize colored hair, so you can maintain your luscious colored hairstyles longer.
Tip #1: Wash & Deep Condition Regularly
Regularly cleansing your hair is always a good practice, but is especially important for color-treated curly hair because clean hair is the basis for effective moisture absorption. You can use a gentle, sulfate-free color safe shampoo like the Gentle Herbal Cleanser to effectively remove product buildup so your color can shine through.
Once your hair is clean, it is ready for hydration! Regularly using a moisturizing deep conditioner for colored hair is particularly important as well, because it can be prone to dryness and breakage. After cleansing, follow up with a hydrating deep conditioning treatment like the Brahmi Root Hair Masque to replenish and rejuvenate your hair.
Tip #2: Use A Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner
Leave-in conditioners provide extra moisture and protection from damage. Leave-ins are important for everyone to use, but for color-treated curly hair they can be especially beneficial. The lubrication, or slip, provided by a hydrating leave-in conditioner for colored hair, like the Ease Leave-In Conditioner, also helps to prevent breakage when detangling and styling, as well as help minimize frizz.
Tip #3: Avoid Using Heat Often
Minimizing the use of direct heat, such as from a curling iron or flat iron, is a good practice for anyone looking to maintain their healthy natural hair. Direct heat can be damaging to curly or kinky hair, severely impacting the elasticity of strands, or its ability to be stretched and then bounce back into its naturally curly state. Particularly for color-treated hair, using heat often puts you at risk of irreparable damage to your curls.
Tip #4: Use Oils To Protect & Add Shine
Color-treated hair may lose some of its luster if you lifted your color to make it brighter. To avoid that dull look, try using an oil for colored hair like the Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil to penetrate the hair shaft and add shine, without weighing down your strands.
Go & Give It A Try!
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Finding the best technique to moisturize your healthy natural hair can be a challenge!
But never fear, we are here to provide you with a simple guide to a tried and true technique for hair moisture... the LOC Method.
What is the LOC Method?
The LOC Method is a technique that naturalistas use for moisturizing their curly natural hair. LOC is actually an acronym that stands for "Liquid, Oil, Cream," and the letters are ordered in the sequence that products should be applied.
A similar technique, called the LCO method, uses the same concept as LOC but changes the sequence of product application to "Liquid, Cream, Oil."
Why use the LOC Method on natural hair?
Depending on your hair type (we will get to that in a moment) natural hair can sometimes have trouble retaining moisture. The theory behind the LOC Method is that hair should be hydrated first with water, or a water-based liquid, and then sealed with oil and cream.
Water is essential to hair’s hydration but water alone will easily evaporate from strands, leaving them feeling dry. The purpose of applying the oil and cream after the liquid is to seal the hair’s cuticle and prevent the loss of hydration.
What hair types benefit from the LOC Method?
The LOC Method can be beneficial for multiple hair types, but probably works the best for those with high porosity hair. Porosity refers to the hair's ability to absorb moisture.
People with low porosity hair have naturally sealed hair cuticles, meaning they may struggle with getting moisture into their strands because the cuticle is closed. But once their hair is moisturized, those with low porosity hair can often go a long while without having to add more moisture.
Conversely, people with high porosity hair have open cuticles. Damaged hair is usually more porous, but people can also have high porosity hair naturally. Those with high porosity hair struggle with retaining moisture and find themselves having to remoisturize their hair often. Layering products and sealing the hair’s cuticles with cream and oil will probably yield the best results for those with high porosity hair.
How to apply products in the LOC Method?
In the LOC Method, products are layered sequentially in the order of the letters.
NOTE: If you are following the LCO Method instead, you would simply reverse the order of the oil and cream to layer liquid, then cream, then oil.
Go & Give It A Try!
Now that you know the benefits of the LOC Method, it is time to give it a try! We cannot wait to see your results.
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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Other than eating nutritious meals prepared with your loved ones while #StayingHome, one of the proven ways to give your immune system the boost it needs is through exercise.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults "get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week." AHA also recommends to "add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week."
Now that you know the recommended amount of physical activity for adults, today is your chance to do it the right way.
"Awesome! How about my curls?" We are sure you will ask this question as most Black women tend to avoid the gym for fear of "sweating out" their hairstyle. But what if we tell you there are ways to maintain healthy natural hair during and even after exercising?
Here are the healthy hair tips for working out with curly natural hair by our Founder, Candera Thompson. By simply doing these tips, she has always preserved her curls during gym days until the next wash day!
@baskandbloom 5-day twist out using our More Moisture Cream & Hydrating Vitamin Curl Mousse. Preserve your style while working out! ##curlyhairgirl ##naturalhair
♬ original sound - baskandbloom
Healthy hair tips for working out with curly natural hair:
Look at those curls! Now give these tips a try and showcase your workout hairstyles for curly natural hair with us. We cannot wait to see them.
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Deep conditioners contain ingredients to prevent breakage, improve elasticity, and draw in moisture. However, there are times we have to go the extra mile to protect our curls and kinks so that's where protein treatments play a vital role.
When to use a deep conditioner for curly/kinky hair?
When to use a protein treatment for curly/kinky hair?
Here at Bask & Bloom Essentials we have created a well-rounded deep conditioning treatment that gives you the option to treat, maintain moisture balance as well as protect against breakage. Our Brahmi Root Hair Masque can be used weekly and is the number one key player to hair growth and length retention.
Now that you know the difference between deep conditioner & protein treatment, it's time to give them a try! Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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2. Be consistent with washing and styling.
3. Avoid product buildup, especially on the scalp which clogs the pores!
4. Use healthier, nurturing ingredients specifically formulated for your hair type.
5. Your hair is much older and drier at the ends, pay close attention to it when applying products and if you see any breakage then get a trim to avoid stunting your growth.
6. Moisture, Moisture, Moisture. If you are not properly & consistently moisturizing your hair it will lead to dryness and breakage.
7. Avoid tight styles, especially when protective styling to lessen any breakage/damage from occurring.
8. Deep conditioning is your friend. Look for ones with strengthening properties to help with hair length retention.
9. Low manipulation hairstyles are highly recommended.
10. Use a t-shirt or microfiber towel to dry your hair. There is less friction from these items than a normal towel that can cause breakage.
That's all! Now it's time for you to try these curly hair growth tips at home.
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Postpartum hair loss and shedding became my motivation to create this natural beauty brand so I can bounce back to full healthy hair even after having 3 kids.
I'm very sure women like you, can relate to the changes our hair and bodies go through for up to a year after giving birth. Today, I'm sharing with you all the hair health tips that worked for me to achieve a healthy natural hair!
First, let me start by saying postpartum shedding is normal. It's nothing to "fight" or prevent. Normally your hair is either in its growing stage or resting stage. But with higher estrogen levels during pregnancy, it stays in the growing stage a bit longer. About 3 to 6 months after giving birth your hair goes into the resting stage, which means all the excess hairs that was not shedding normally (about 100 strands per day) are now leaving your head.
If your hormones are going super crazy like mine did, you can end up with more than just postpartum shedding. I had postpartum hair loss too! Some areas of my hair were completely gone resulting in me having to cut it in style. I opted for a tapered cut with my last two kids because majority of the side and back were already gone, including a chunk in the middle.
Below was my postpartum hair regrowth routine:
I hope these tips will help you on your journey to bouncy back! As always, our Customer Service is team is available to help you determine the best regimen for your hair needs. Email us at: help@baskandbloomessentials.com
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Here are 6 practical tips for effective hair length retention on natural hair:
And that's a wrap! We hope these 6 practical tips will effectively help you achieve your healthy hair length retention goal.
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Velvet shares her best tips on how to do a twist out on type 4 (4a, 4b, 4c) hair. If you have this hair type that is also thick in texture, we highly recommend trying these tips to achieve very moisturized and defined results!
Natural hair care products used: Ease Leave-In Conditioner, Mango Castor Twisting Creme, and Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil.
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Don't let quarantine stop you from achieving your goals this year, whether it's about hair length retention or growing it longer. Try these essential hair care tips at home, and some product recommendations, to get the extra poppin' curls you deserve!
Quarantine Beauty Guide - Tips for Stay Home Hair Care:
1. Keep your scalp healthy. With not going out much a gentle cleansing shampoo is good to ensure there's no buildup on your scalp and hair.
We recommend our Gentle Herbal Cleanser as a quick wash for healthy scalp.
2. Deep treat in preparation to put your hair away. This is a perfect time for low manipulation hairstyles, and a good deep conditioning adds that extra moisture and strength before moving on to styling.
Our Brahmi Root Hair Masque is a versatile treatment that offers moisture, Ayurvedic herbs to strengthen the hair, and growth stimulating extracts. It works on all hair types too!
3. Choose a simple style that will allow you to leave your hair alone. Mini twists and braids are very popular because you can wear them as is, tuck your ends away or add accessories to spice things up.
A moisturizing cream to set your twists and braids will do the trick, like our More Moisture Cream.
4. Add the Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil to provide nourishment. This final step ensures that moisture is locked in, beautiful shine is added, and ends are protected. Massaging the scalp once a week allows rejuvenation and follicle stimulation.
Bonus Tip: Add a cute head wrap on the days when you have to go out for groceries and other essentials to ensure optimal safety, while still looking gorgeous. Remember to be consistent and keep tracking your progress.
Go ahead and try these tips for stay home hair care now!
#StayHome, stay safe, stay beautiful.
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>There are many ways to make your hair healthier. To get started, these are two (2) basic things you need: 1) know your hair texture, and 2) establish a regimen.
A lot of times when we provide one-on-one recommendations and tips to make hair healthy, it always comes down to not having a consistent hair care routine or many confuse texture with hair type.
Simply remember, hair texture is determined by the thickness or circumference of your hair. It can be categorized as fine, medium or thick/coarse.
On the other hand, hair typing began when Oprah Winfrey's hairstylist, Andre Walker, launched his own hair care line and wanted to market it based on curl patterns. This is all that it means when people say 4a, 4b or 4c. Somewhere along the line hair type became more important, and the focus on curl pattern (or the lack of) took over what it actually means to have healthy hair.
At Bask & Bloom Essentials, we encourage you to focus on caring for your hair based on it's texture. Once again, HAIR. TEXTURE. Visit your local hairstylist, and get a basic consultation so you can have this information if you're not really sure.
Once you are aware of your hair texture then you can move on to establishing a consistent hair care routine like one of our amazing beauties Tyliekia.
Get these juicy twists using products from our hair care line (in order):
The result after unraveling the twists...
Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Pre-poo (or before shampoo) is a great way to add a layer of protection. You can use our Super Bloom 2-in-1 Pre-Poo/Deep Conditioner or a hair oil like our Herbal Infused Hair & Scalp Oil before cleansing or clarifying on wash day.
Most people would prefer to go straight to cleansing, but if you're focused on length retention, suffer from super dry hair, or hair that can break easily when tangled, this step can be a huge benefit.
Here are four (4) reasons why you should consider pre-pooing your natural hair...
Do you include pre-poo as part of your wash day routine, or do you plan to give it a try? Tell us on the comments below.
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Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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]]>Hair growth is important to many and narrowing why it's not happening is a task! Here are six (6) factors to consider when you are growing out healthy natural hair...
1. Hair Breakage or Split Ends - There's no use holding on to it. Damage has already occurred, and it will travel up the hair's shaft which leads to even more breakage. A "trim" is suggested if you have been caring for your hair in every other way including cleansing and moisturizing regularly.
2. Seborrheic Dermatitis (Seborrhea) - If you are experiencing lots of itching with huge flakes covering your scalp, this is probably the reason. If you wash your hair normally but the flakes and itchiness still appear, it's best to make an appointment with a dermatologist who can prescribe treatment. Please don't use anything to treat your hair until you have been seen by a medical professional that's qualified to offer a diagnosis.
3. Heat Damage - Excessive heat can lead to dryness, breakage, split ends, and lack of curl pattern in the area where damage has occurred. There's also no way to repair hair from heat damage, you will have to cut it! When applying heat be sure to use a heat protectant that contains some type of "cones"... any other protectant just won't do the job. If you are styling your hair with heat on your own always start with low setting, and see what type of result it gives your hair.
4. Medication - If you are taking medication for health related issues it could stunt your hair growth temporarily. Speak with your doctor about taking vitamins like B12 or zinc to help with length retention if you aren't willing to wait it out.
5. Improper Diet - Everything we eat affects our skin and hair. Deficiency of vitamins can lead to some serious hair problems. Make sure you maintain a healthy diet that is enriched with nutrients and consume an adequate amount of water to keep your body hydrated. Don't be demanding all of these high quality ingredients when you stay in the McDonald's drive-thru lane mmmkay?
6. Consistent Regimen - Let's be real, nothing happens overnight! Candera, our CEO, went from a tapered cut to a little over 7 inches in two years by being consistent. A regular wash and deep condition routine, keeping her ends moisturized/protected, and regular trims as needed, reduces any cause for dryness and breakage.
We hope knowing these 6 factors why your hair grows slow will help you achieve your hair length retention goals. Shop your natural curly hair products online today.
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