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Solutions - Shiny Hair

Here's a short "NOT- To Do" list of actions that may be hindering the natural shine of any hair type:

Too much water. The more frequently you wet your hair, the less shine.

Over-brushing. Forget that old saying about "..100 strokes every night...". While brushing the hair temporarily provides some shine by distributing the natural oils, in the long run--all brushes (no matter how expensive or inexpensive) will strip the cuticle layers, and eventually weaken the hair. Use your hair brush sparingly.

Towel Drying. If you use a towel to dry your hair, always blot...never rub your hair while it's wet to limit any shine-stealing damage. (For a limited time, you can get one free ultra absorbent hair drying turban with any order from this store).

Playing with your hair. Twisting your hair with your fingers will loosen the "cuticles that keep the natural oils in place.

Hot styling. your hair dryer and flat iron damage the oils that keep hair flexible and shiny.

The pony-tail. One of my favorite "on the go" hairstyles, but pulling hair back too tightly can damage it and inhibit shine.

~Love Your Hair!

The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out on healthy hair. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.

Crowning Glory

Other than our clothes, our hairstyles also play a vital role in defining our looks and attitudes. Hairstyles have always played an important part of getting "THE" total look for women. From Cleopatra to First Lady Michelle Obama, our hairstyles have the capacity to expand our self-confidence.

Many noted hair style experts agree that hair styles have the capacity to make or break you. And most of us have heard the sayings about "your crowning glory". This statement obviously emphasizes how the "right" hairstyle boosts our confidence and attitude.

WHAT is a woman's crowning glory? In a sense, a woman's hair is described that way. The word "crown" signifies something proudly adorned on the head. Moreover, it is believed that a well dressed hairstyle, or even a scruffy one speaks volumes about an individual. It all goes back to that another old saying about "first impressions".

The value tagged on healthy strands of hair---the distinct link between great-looking hair and beauty---is what has made demand for healthy hair products very high.

It doesn't matter if we're rocking natural, curly or done-straight hair....we instinctively KNOW which styles we like, and....the ones we don't!

If you're like me, you are always searching for a new hairstyle, either for a special occasion or just for a new look. There are many guidelines that can help with choosing a hairstyle, and a good stylist can guide you. But since you're here, and (I hope) interested, here are a few that I use for choosing hairstyles.

Everyone desires a perfect look and searches for the best hairstyle or haircut!! Many of us use up a considerable amount of time, money and effort visiting beauty salons, and on hair styling products, trying to create a trendy hair style. But what, exactly, is a perfect hairstyle?

The next few weeks, we'll be writing about all the latest haircuts, styles and beauty products; the goal is to share new ideas and get lots of tips for those who want to alter their hair style or simply want a new look.

Soft, bouncy curls are not just well-liked they are sensual, sexy, and fun. Twists, curls, waves and tussles are back and bigger than ever! At the Grammy's this year, trend-setting celebrities like Jennifer Hudson and Ciara rocked their flawless features with simple pony tails; Keri Hilson rocked a chic, short coif that had a mixture of curls, waves AND tussles; and Beyonce`, along with Alicia Keys wore sexy curls at the Grammys. Not to be outdone by the ladies....John Legend rocked those Twists as only he can! Creating the best curly hair styles, even for people with naturally curly hair is something you have to work at. The key to having the most amazing curly hair styles is choosing methods and tools based on a number of factors, mainly TIME.

If I ever have a chance to attend the Grammy's, I'd probably be willing to spend 3 or 4 hours in a stylist's chair, but until then---my favorite super-quick Summer style is a loose curl. After co-washing my hair, I scrunch it using a medium-to-strong gel, mixed with a few drops of silk serum to soften the hair. That's it...my hair dries as I start on the next thing on my "to do" list for the day!!

If I have an evening out, and want to get really sophisticated, I simply add my favorite hair clips, and I'm out the door!

What are the products that you use for your favorite super-quick Summer hair style?

The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.

Guest Posts

Every now and then I am asked if guest postings are allowed on this site.

And the answer is: YES!

We accept blog posts related to Hair and Skin Care in general. Blog posts sharing advice, tips, lists or simply your experiences are also accepted.

However before being accepted there are a few simple guidelines:

1. Your post must be a minimum of 300 words.

2. Your post must be unique, original and not be published anywhere else on the Internet;

3. You agree not to publish the post anywhere else (i.e., in your own blog or as a guest post in other blogs). However, you CAN refer to the guest post from your own blog, if you wish.

4. You can include up to two links in your bio, which will be displayed at the bottom of the post.

5. You agree to come back and reply to all comments.

HOW TO SUBMIT A GUEST POST?

If you have a post that meets the guidelines above, you can send it to me by email at gnaturalpro@gmail.com

Normally, within 48 hours, I will personally respond to inform you of the acceptance of your post, (or not).

That’s it.

I look forward to your guest post submissions!

The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.

Real Talk on Hair Growth

Many African American women have experienced a difficult time growing their hair despite years of effort. There's "something" different about our hair that makes this dream impossible, right?

Wrong!

The whole thing is just a myth that the haircare industry continues to promote, despite the fact that growing black hair is a whole lot simpler than you think.

Some African Americans give up on growing their natural hair and simply wear wigs and weaves.  Others, trying to manage their hair from home, resort to blow drying, curling, straightening, and perming their hair, causing it to become damaged and not grow.

Well, if you are an African American suffering from hair loss, hair thinning, or you just want your hair to grow, here are some steps that you can take to accomplish that.  These tips include ingredients to avoid in your hair care products, vitamins to take, and hair growth products to use. Trust me, with the right vitamins, diet, good products, and proper styling techniques, African American hair can grow at a faster rate than what you may consider to be "normal".

Part 1: Take Vitamins.
The three best vitamins for growing African American hair are:

a) B-complex Vitamin: Vitamins function as catalysts for reactions within the body, controlling the processes of tissue synthesis and aiding in the protection of cells' plasma membranes. Thus, vitamins can be a vital component to growing longer hair. Buy a B-complex vitamin, which consists of eight different vitamins, specifically thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), piroxidine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), and biotin. All of these vitamins, especially Biotin and Pantothenic Acid, will help your hair to grow faster.

2) Vitamin C: Vitamin C is responsible for the development of healthy collagen, which is necessary to hold body tissues together. A vitamin C deficiency can cause split ends and hair breakage, yet this is easily reversible by increasing your normal vitamin C intake levels. If you do not want to take vitamin C, eat foods such as fresh peppers, citrus fruits, melons, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, and dark green leafy vegetables. All are rich in vitamin C.

3) Vitamin E: In order for your hair to grow, your scalp will need to be in top condition. Vitamin E is necessary to provide good blood circulation to the scalp and creates the perfect condition for healthy hair.

GNatural's GoGo VitaMane line contains all the great vitamins needed for hair growth and energy.  Here are some other goods vitamins that you may want to try: Beta-Carotene, Magnesium, Sulfur, Zinc, Silica, and Flaxseed oil. You do not need to take them all to meet your hair growth goals or to combat hair loss. Many multivitamins include these minerals, so you don't have to purchase them all; read the product labels.

Part 2: Only Use All Natural Hair Care Products.
Growing long African American Hair Fast requires Quality Hair Care Products with natural oils. African American hair tends to be dry and brittle, to combat this, keep your hair moisturized at least 2 to 3 times per day.   Stop using drugstore shampoos that contain harmful chemicals.  If you want to grow your hair fast, try GNatural's Hair Growth System, it contains a super growth shampoo and TWO conditioners that have rosemary, castor, sage, and many other natural ingredients that promote hair growth.  The GNatural Herbal Product company manufactures hair growth products specifically for African American and Ethnic Hair. (http://tinyurl.com/FamilyBeautySupply).  If you do not like using all natural hair care products, then make sure your products do not contain any of the following ingredients:

Methyl, Propyl, Butyl, and Ethyl Parabens. These chemicals are used to extend the shelf life of products and have been found in samples (biopsies) of human breast tumor tissues. Other ingredients to avoid include petrolatum and mineral oil. Mineral oil actually limits the scalp's ability to breathe by coating the hair with a sticky, greasy film; ultimately, this will slow your hair growth.

PEGs (PolyEthylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol). PEGs are used to thicken products and are also used to make antifreeze and de-icing solutions for cars, airplanes, and boats, to make polyester compounds, and as solvents in the paint and plastics industries. You want to limit your exposure to products with these ingredients. Although is has not been proven 100% accurate, many doctors agree that exposure to excess amounts of polyethylene glycol can damage the kidneys, heart, and nervous system.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Synthetic Colors, DEA, MEA, TEAs (diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, and triethanolmine), and Isopropyl Alcohol. Sulfates, DEA, TEA, alcohols, and colors create skin and scalp irritation. They take away needed oils from the scalp and hair required for Black hair to grow. These ingredients are primarily found in shampoos created to remove oil and build up from individuals with oily scalps and hair that produces ample amount of natural oil, such individuals with caucasian and european hair textures. However, black hair needs the exact opposite.

Part 3: Drink Water!.
The cells in our bodies are full of water. The excellent ability of water to dissolve so many substances allows our cells to use valuable nutrients, minerals, and chemicals in biological processes. We are constantly eliminating water thru our pores (sweating) and our bladder, and it needs to be replenished. Tap water is fine (check with your local water company), but many people prefer bottled water. Bottled spring water contains several vitamins and minerals that aid in hair growth like zinc, which is responsible for cell production, tissue growth and repair, and the maintenance of the oil-secreting glands of the scalp.

Following these steps and taking hair growth stimulating vitamins will enable you to grow longer hair faster. Understand that African American hair growth is determined by several factors; and vitamins alone will not cause your hair to grow to the floor. If you really desire longer hair, make sure that you eat healthy, use good hair care products and styling tips, and--of course--drink plenty of water.


The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.

Holiday Hair Styles

It’s that time of the year where your social schedule is packed with events to celebrate!

New dresses, cute shoes, and maybe a little something extra for your hair?

My personal favorite are jeweled hair combs. They are easy to use, simply push hair back (away from the face or tuck behind your ear) and insert a comb; smaller combs work better in pairs. Get creative, express your unique personal style…I’ve seen some FashionNistas create super-funky styles with their hair combs!

I’d love to see your Holiday Hairstyles, so take a minute and post your pictures HERE before the holiday season is gone!


The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. Visit our online store by clicking the banner below.  We do not tolerate SPAM.

Keratin Hair Treatments

Some hair salons are starting to take precautions against possible formaldehyde in hair straightening products like the Brazilian Blowout.

Concerns that the popular hair smoothing solution, known generically as Brazilian or Keratin treatments, could expose hair stylists to health risks. Investigations into the product in the United States and Canada led to product being pulled from shelves in Canada along with a warning issued to stylists and consumers who used it. In the US, the FDA and Federal Trade Commission are still conducting their investigations.

Stories of those who have suffered ill effects from the Brazilian Blowout started in 2007, including an article in Allure magazine piece titled “Scared Straight”. The magazine collected samples of the treatments and them to an FDA-registered lab for testing where it was determined that they contained ten times more formaldehyde than the .2 percent that is determined to be safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to large amounts of the chemical can cause serious health problems, including cancer.

OSHA, the Agency responsible for workplace safety and health in the US, issued an alert warning September 30, 2010 that samples of the Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution (both sold by the same company) contained between 4.85 and 10.6 percent formaldehyde. When Canada’s health agency tested Brazilian Blowout, it found 12 percent formaldehyde.

BEWARE and do your homework on all new products!!

Love your hair!


The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.

Solutions - Hair Tips for Winter Weather

The dry and cold winter weather can be very damaging to your hair. The drop in temperature and increased use of central heating causes it to dry far more easily. Effective preventative measures are required during this season to ensure your hair is not damaged. Here are great tips to keep your hair healthy while enjoying the Winter season:


Replace Lost Moisture
Just like your skin, your hair needs more moisture in winter, so make sure you look after it properly and invest in a good shampoo and conditioner. Preventing moisture-loss will help you avoid frizz and static. Use a hydrating hairspray which will help to replace the moisture lost during styling, and hydrate the hair to give a soft, supple feel.

Try a Cool Shower
After using a moisturizing conditioner, lock in that moisture by running cool or lukewarm water through your hair.  The cool water will quickly close your hair cuticle, allowing it to keep the moisture inside.  This also gives your hair extra shine.

Make Sure Your Hair Is Dry
Don't go outside with your hair wet. If it's cold enough outside, your hair will freeze and may actually break!

Wear A Cashmere Hat
When you're out and about this winter, wear a hat, not only to keep you warm, but also to protect your hair from the cold weather. Invest in a hat made of cashmere rather than wool. Wool is very absorbent and will suck the moisture out of your hair, leaving it dry and prone to static. Also, the raw texture of wool is harsh on your hair, while cashmere will ensure that it stays looking beautiful and healthy when you go inside from the cold.  Treat yourself to a cashmere hat-----you're worth it!


The Dolle House has got you covered from inside out. For more info about any products or samples reviewed in this blog, please submit your email in the contact form found on this page. We do not tolerate SPAM.