Hair Tips and Tricks

Who wouldn't want this healthy hair?

   Hair...it's the one thing that has given me the most trouble during my life. Back in high school I had super straight long hair. It took forever to dry. Then came perms. My hair is very thick and coarse. After perming it seemed like I had twice as much. Looking back at photos it looks like I have a lion's mane. I gave short hair a try and then grew it out again. Now it's turning gray and wiry. Do I like my hair? No, never really have. I look at photos of hairstyles and know that it's almost a sure thing that cut won't work for me. 
     So I try to make the most of what I've got. I can use all the tips and tricks I can find. Here are some ways to be kind to your hair even if like me you aren't really fond of it. (although to be honest, I'd rather have this hair than thin, limp hair)

*Give your hair a much needed break and let it air dry naturally. Think of it as a vacation for your hair. If you are going to air dry your hair, it is very important to remember that the hair is at its weakest when it is wet. So, take care not to rub your hair dry with the use of a towel. The friction caused by rubbing the hair with a towel will make your hair brittle and eventually break. Rather than rubbing it, you should instead blot the moisture out of your hair with the towel. 
*Be careful not to tug or pull at your hair that much when it is still wet. Once the water is blotted out of the hair, fluff it out with your fingers. If you blow dry your hair, make sure that it is not soaking. Blot the water out with a towel first. Do not hold the dryer too close to your head; keep it at least six inches away from your hair and move the dryer constantly around your head. Protect the outer strands of your hair from being over-dried by bending over and blow drying your hair with your hair hanging upside down. Also, try not to dry your hair completely with the blow dryer. Stop while the hair is still slightly damp. 
* Boost the shine of your hair--once your hair is completely dry, finish it off with a cool blast of air to seal the cuticle. 

Here are some homemade beauty hair tips. I have not tried these but thought they sounded fun. 

*Eggs?!? Lightly beat two eggs mixed with some milk and run throughout your hair. Leave on for 5 minutes, rinse and you'll see a shine instantly. 
*Dandruff Treatment-- Dissolve 2 aspirins in your dandruff shampoo and watch how it clears up. Use a good moisturizing conditioner afterward. 
*Hair Static--  This isn't meant to be funny. Use static guard. Use about 7 inches from your hair lightly. Don’t over do! 
*Greasy Hair-- Use powder. Most come in hundreds of fragrances, brands, and unscented selections. Put a little at the root of your hair. If it is a serious problem, put the power on heavily for 15 minutes wash completely, condition lightly, and style. 
*Lemon Boost-- Lemon juice mixed with natural sunlight will lighten any hair. A few drops of Rosemary Essential oil mixed with olive oil, warmed and applied to your hair for about 15 minutes is great for brunettes. (I have tried this one. Love it.) 
*Sweet Shine-- Honey in your tea, snack or applied as a small amount in the hair will give you shine. 
*Coffee For brunettes/redheads—take 8 cups of warm brewed coffee. After shampooing rinse your hair with the coffee. Do not rinse out. Your hair will be thick and shiny. 

Now I'm off to find some cold coffee to add some shine to my hair!