All Keratin is NOT created equally.

KERATIN. It is literally everywhere and in everything (supposedly) when it comes to haircare.

But what is it exactly? Do you need it? How do you tell what products are worth splurging on?

Firstly, Keratin is a protein that your hair is made up of. After years of shampooing (with some not so great products, you know who you are, but we forgive you and are here to help), coloring, sun exposure, age, etc. you loose keratin.

Secondly, There are four places from which keratin is derived. They are human, plant, animal, and synthetic. So which is the best and which is just downright dirty? Lets just say synthetic is our least favorite. Our most favorite is ANIMAL!! and why? Animal keratin comes from sheeps’ wool. It has the same molecular structure as human keratin and when it is applied to human hair, you guessed it! a perfect match!! But what about the poor sheep you ask? In order to extract the keratin from the sheep’s wool, the sheep need to be sheered, if the sheep aren’t sheered they suffocate and die! So there you have it my friends, doing something great for your hair and saving the sheep at the same time 😉

Okay, so now you know what keratin is, that there are different kinds of keratin, and where the good kind comes from.

So where do you get the good stuff?

Two words..

Keratin Complex

Keratin Complex launched in 2007 and has been leading the market in Keratin Smoothing Therapy year after year. They offer the absolute highest grade of keratin there is. We at Bamboo Salon, have been offering the Keratin Complex Natural Smoothing Treatment since 2007 and have had great success with it ever since. The results speak for themselves: Shiny, silky, smooth hair, enhanced color, styling time cut in half, and eliminates 95% of frizz. Sounds pretty awesome? IT IS.

Let me quickly clear up any concerns about formaldehyde, because there is a lot of talk about that too. In Keratin Complex, there is absolutely NONE, whatsoever. The product has aldehyde which is a natural preservative that can be found in most cosmetics.

So there you have it. All keratin is NOT created equally.

Love and thanks,

Amanda

Check back next week for more on Keratin Complex..

Brushing Up On Your Blow Drying Skills

This time of year, we tend to be blow drying our locks much more often than in the warmer months. Our hair can take a beaten with all this extra heat being applied. So, for that reason, I would like to share some blow drying tips with you. Hopefully this step-by-step guide will work out any kinks.. in your routine that is.

You will need: Blow dryer with nozzle attachment, round ceramic brush (size of brush depends on length of hair), smoothing cream or leave-in conditioner, and finishing oil.

Step 1: After showering, blot hair dry with a towel.

Try not to rough up your hair too much as this will cause unnecessary frizz in the hair.

Rough dry your hair with the blow dryer and just your hands.

For normal hair, remove 80% of the moisture. For wavy/curly hair, remove 30% of the moisture.

Step 2: Apply your favorite leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream. This will make your blowdrying so much easier! (Product used here.. Smooth Ultime by L’oreal Professional)

Step 3: Section off your hair from top of ear to top ear.  Split the section in two working in a downward manner from the root. Work the root area using a bit of tension in the hair. Hair at the root should be smooth and dry before proceeding toward the midshaft and ends of hair. Continue this process working in 2-3inch sections up the head (depending on thickness of hair)

Stylist Tip: When moving on to the next section, include a piece of the previously dried section. The dry hair will help the brush glide through the hair more easily.

Step 4: As you work towards to front of your head, you will find more cowlicks and whirls in the hair. In order to combat these whacky waves, if you blow dry the hair in one direction, be sure to blow dry the hair in the other direction as well. This back and forth style of blowdrying will help to smooth the hair out and help it lay more naturally.

Step 5: Once hair is completely dried, use the cool setting on the blow dryer with your hands and just quickly run it through your hair. This will lock in the style you’ve just created.

Step 6: Finally, take one pump of your favorite finishing oil and working from the ends up, run through your hair to smooth away any frizz. We love Mythic Oil by L’oreal Professional!

All Products used in this demo including brushes and blowdryer, are available for purchase at

Bamboo Salon 

3487 Richmond Road

Staten Island, NY 10306