So, hair has two or three layers. All hair has the cuticle (outermost) and cortex (inner). Only SOME hair has a third layer called the Medulla (usually people with coarse hair).
.
Cortex – The cortex is the inner layer. It looks like the metal spiral on the side of a notebook. The spiral shape of the cortex is what gives your hair elasticity and strength. The cortex is where your hair pigment (color) is, where the water content is, and also where the structure of your hair is determined. This is the part of our hair affected when we style it.
.
Medulla – The Medulla is the 3rd layer, but not everybody has it! It’s usually only found on those with “coarse” hair. Scientists have yet to explain it’s purpose. It is a hollow shaft, kinda like a straw.
So, when you have “split ends” it is because your cuticle has worn away and it is the cortex that is frayed. Kind of like the end of a frayed rope. And, nobody wants their hair to look like a bunch of frayed ropes! Obviously, someone that cares for their hair gets regular trims, tries to minimize the heat applied to their hair, and is careful about the chemicals used in the hair. But, deep conditioning is also a great way to maintain those luscious locks or bring the luster back!
Here’s her picks for Best Products for Deep Conditioning Hair:
For hair that needs a boost, she recommends a deep conditioner with ceramide in it. Here’s a couple she likes (and Makeup Alley Reviewers agree)…
Biolage Hydra Therapie Cera -Repair, $32.
L’oreal Professional Liss Extreme, $30.
A couple other options that get rave reviews on Makeupalley (and I’m ALL ABOUT things with great reviews!):
, $56.
Aphogee Two-Step Protein Treatment, $19.99.
So, your hair is the most accepting of deep conditioners RIGHT AFTER you get it colored at the salon. You can either have your stylist do a treatment there or just go home with wet hair and put it on immediately. Leave it on, let your hair air-dry completely, and then wash it out. Deep condition every couple weeks to once a month….and you’re on your way to some lovely locks, or even lovelier locks!
jewelstreet says
I love the pic of that cat! 😉
Happy SITS day! Much bloggy love and comments.
JennyMac says
Love great hair product reviews. Grazie!
Susie says
Very imformative post! You SiL was a gorgeous bride!
Congratulations on your SITs feature! I hope you enjoy your day in the sun:-)
confused homemaker says
Happy SITS day!! Hope it’s a great day.
And thanks for the product reviews, I enjoy a good hair product. IMO every woman should take time to have a few good ones on hand.
Mighty M says
Enjoy your SITS day!
Debbie in Nashville says
Stopping by from SITS. Congrats on being the FB today!
Debbie says
Happy SITS day! She is one gorgeous bride. If I buy these products, will I look like her?
Kristin says
Thanks so much for the product reviews. My hair is soooo damaged that I am tempted to shave it all off and start over. I would then be risking divorce so I think that I will try these products instead. Happy SITS day to you.
Kara@ Creations by Kara says
Congrats on being saucy today!! Thanks for the hair tips. It’s always great to get product reviews from real people who have used them!
KC Mom says
I’ve never had so much helpful info about my hair before!! Great job! Congrats on being saucy today too!
Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys says
stopping by from SITS….enjoy your day in the spotlight 🙂
Sweet Mama Jones says
Happy SITS day! Great reviews, lotsa info, love it..needed it. 🙂
R. Wallis @ TrueBeauty says
Just stopping in from SITS! Great blog and even better hair tip! I’m a big fan of Kerastase….glad to see your sis-in-law says its one of the best! Happy SITS day!
Sandy says
Happy SITS Day! You’re right…women and their hair. Enjoy the attention.
Krysten Hartenstein says
Thanks for the recs, I’ll definitely need to try those!
Happy SITS day!
Beth's Blog says
Happy sits day!
I love your blog 🙂
Lis @ ATruckerWife says
Happy SITS day!
Priscilla says
Hmmm… I recognize a lot of those. I dye my hair everything three weeks. I’ll have to look into this deep conditioning. 🙂
blueviolet says
Those are great tips! Maybe you can ask her what the best thermal protectant for straightening hair is!
Happy SITS day!
Michaela says
Wow – that’s a lot of great hair info!!
Congrats on being today’s featured SITSa’s!!
Audra says
Happy SITS Day!
jori-o says
Love your little corner of the blogosphere! I’ll be back! 😉
Happy SITS day to you!
...Mrs. Southern Bride... says
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Happy SITS day! 🙂
leigh says
Happy SITS Day. Love your Blog
XO
Leigh
mub says
That closeup of the split end is CRAZY. Happy SITS day, enjoy =D
Victoria says
Happy SITS Day! What a great blog!
anne says
happy sits day, love the site–I’m going to use your tips since i’ve been battling my own dry hair problems!!
http://www.anniebakes.blogspot.com
Melissa says
Happy SITS thursday!
Katie says
Wow great post! I’m always looking for more info on hair. I really need to start using a deep conditioner. Thanks for the info and all the recommended products, that is half the work trying to find which one to use, now I just have to start!
One Sassy Girl says
I normally don’t read beauty posts – not because I don’t care about being beautiful but because they rarely offer more than a new product review. This, however, was soooo helpful. I’m an avid deep conditioner but now wonder if the product I choose is doing that good a job. thanks for this post!
Congrats on the SITS feature 🙂
Marrdy says
I always love to see fellow Utah bloggers. I am going to try these in hopes of making my thin fine hairy big and fat and fluffy!!
Congrats on your SITS day!
Turtles In North Dakota says
Very educational! HAPPY SITS day!Ü
Bev @ The 3 Clutters says
Congrats on being the featured blogger on SITS!!!
Thanks for the advice…my hair is not a love/hate relationship, it is pretty much a hate/hate relationship!
Bill and Lorie Shewbridge says
Hey ladies… congrats on being todays FB on SITS! Hope you have lots of visitors!
I LOVE this post.. I have dry hair with lots of natural curls, so I am off to read your post on frizzy free curls, too.
Have a great day in the spotlight and I’m looking forward to reading lots more on your blog.
Natalie says
Happy SITS day to you!! The post was really cute…I especially loved the picture of the cat…I definitely feel like that somedays, ha!
T. says
Congrats on your SITS day! Thanks for the explanation and the tips. I love that you put salon products and cheaper products on here that can be purchased at a store like Target or Walmart!
T.
Penelope says
Happy SITS day!
Nellyn says
Good Morning from SITS!! Congrats on being featured!
Liz Hibbard says
Great tip! I love it.
Brandie says
Wow! I learned a lot about hair. I am now even more thankful that I am going to the salon on Monday.
Congrats on being the featured blogger! Enjoy your day!
Star Forbis says
Congrats on being the featured Blogger, enjoy your day!
City Girl says
Awesome post! Happy SITS day!
the ungourmet says
Thanks for the great hair info! Happy SITS day! ;0)
Megan says
Great info!!!
Happy SITS Day!! =D
BrnEyedGal says
Thanks for the info….we all need some help with our hair now and then!!!
Happy SITS day to ya… 🙂
Kacie says
I have no idea what SITS is…but thanks for the post. I am SOLD!
Feeling Fit With Dana says
Congrats on being the FB on SITS! YEAH! I love the picture of the cat, so funny! I’ve had hair days like that!!
Sheri Carpetenter says
Happy SITS Day. Will follow you and check back often.
Sheri
http://sherisstory.blogspot.com
http://miraclemomas.blogspot.com
Susan Crabtree says
Thanks for the tips on deep conditioning-I have thick, coarse hair & it is a daily struggle! Enjoy your SITS day!
From Janes Oven says
Happy Sits day girl,
Great post by the way.
I hope you don’t mind but I am going to be a follower.
Whimsical Creations says
Happy sits day!
T. Anne says
Oohh great blog. My hair is happy here.
Mary says
Happy Feature Day! Great hair post.
Oh that hair in the first picture used to be MY hair. A LONG long time ago…
I’m at that weird place with my hair these days. I’m of the over 50 crowd so I get that dryness but then my hair absorbs moisture (humidity) and goes flat easy and fast so conditioners tend to weigh it down. Sigh…
TheSassyChef says
congrats on your future day!
leaving some SITSa LOVE!
Jo says
Congratulations to you two lovely gals for being SITS featured blogger today–I can see why you were chosen!
What a fun, informative blog you have!
Enjoy your day of recognition–it is well deserved.
Peace, love and happiness,
~Jo
“Diary OF A Sad Housewife”
MamaOtwins+1 says
Happy SITS day –
I love that upon opening your blog I found a post that applies to me, with my natural spiral curls that are always damaged from tangles and brushing.
Kelley says
A review on deep conditioners is JUST what I’ve been needing! Thanks 🙂
Jo says
Wow that’s GREAT information, I came by to say hi and congrats on being featured and I was fully educated on my hair! Thanks so much!
I hope you have a great SITS day!
Amy says
I can’t believe you’ve never had a SITS day before… you totally deserve it!
And I love AGs leave in conditioner…. it’s called Fast Food. It’s great for the hair and smells yummy too!
Future Mama says
Happy SITS day!! Finally huh?! yea I think I’ve been waiting 6 months, lol. And I just got here but are you LDS? Looks like your brother was comin out of a temple! Just curious! On to read on!
SPEAKING FROM THE CRIB says
HAPPY SITS DAY! not only do i feel like i have my phD in hair care, but i got a good chuckle out of the cat picture. can’t beat a good cat picture.
Lucky Canuck says
Great stuff! Happy SITS day fellow SITSta! I’m following you!
Lisa Anne says
Congrats on being the FB
Jennifer says
Happy Sits Day to you!!!
brainella says
My hair looks like that cat when I get out of bed in the morning.
Kat @ measuring my life in l-o-v-e says
Congrats on being the FB – Happy SITS day!!!
Nikki says
wow! thats really great information, thanks! I didn’t realize hair was that sensitive. I just got a few highlights and color and the consultant told me I needed to get a good conditioner and suggested paul mitchell, after I used it my hair smelled great!
Becca says
I can’t thank you enough for this! I was just thinking that I need to switch conditioners, and now I have a list to go shopping with!
Becca says
I can’t thank you enough for this! I was just thinking that I need to switch conditioners, and now I have a list to go shopping with!
Judy Harper says
Thanks for the advice on hair! I don’t usually use a conditioner because they make my hair too oily, but I like the idea of a monthly or a couple of weeks when I can do the treatment on the weekend. How much brushing is too much? My hair was growin thin when I thought that in today’s culture women go to the beauty shop and rarely brush their hair, so each night I started doing 25 to 50 strokes, and guess what, I started seeing sprouts, so much so that I don’t have to wear bangs to cover my receding hairline! Happy Sits Day! Judy
Jessica says
Mariel- you are a wizard! Such great info! Tell Kristy thanks too!
Valerie says
Wow I learned a couple of things from your post!! Totally enjoyed reading it. Congrats on being FB today!! I hope you have a great SITS day!
Cara says
Stopping in from SITS happy SITS day!!!
Cara & Jenn
forwardmom.blogspot.com
Shawn says
Happy SITS Day! Thanks for all the advice, but I have very short hair and cut it off every few months, so it is pretty darn healthy!
Love my short hair, by the by….
Joanne says
Happy SITS day times two – looking forward to reading more from both of you.
PS another short hair lady – love it — too lazy to deal with long hair.
Cougar Tales says
Stopping over from SITs. Great info!
– Cougar Tales
http://cougar-tales.blogspot.com
strokeofliving says
Good job on your SITS day! Congratulations.
Anne~fiona and twig says
Congrats and happy SITS day!
~ Anne
Sarah Brown says
My dry sad hair thanks you for the advice=)
HAPPY SITS DAY
our b life says
I need all the hair advice. THanks for the information….very good to know.
GypsyFox The Glamorous Betty Crocker says
congrats on being on sits! love this post =)
Cinnamon Girl aka Reeni♥ says
I really needed this! I have been searching for some good products for my long hair that has gotten really dry and dull the past month or so. This is so great!! Came from SITS to say hi! Hope your having a great day being featured!
The Redhead Riter says
That cat always cracks me up.
I am “big” into hair…being from Texas I also like “big” hair whether it is an 80’s thing or not! LOL
Found you at SITS
Brittany says
Great post! Happy SITS day!
Stefany says
Great post!
Happy SITS day!!!!
Erin Bassett says
Happy SITS day!
Totally agree about not being cheap with hair products! I love the Loreal Professional products, I’ve noticed such a difference using them.
I Am Linda Altamirano says
I love hair articles, and this one was excellent and very informative. I have curls curls curls and I love them!
I have a hair treatment recipe on my blog if anybody cares for one 🙂
http://tgfmom.blogspot.com/2009/05/anti-green-pet-peeve-wednesdays_26.html
HAPPY SITS DAY!
Sassy Chica says
Happy SITS DAY!!
Great post, I love big hair!
Smooches,
Sassy Chica
African American Mom says
Stopping through from SITS. I am grateful for the hair education. Thanks!
Mama Mel says
Happy SITS day! Thanks for the great information! I feel like I just got out of class! 🙂 My hair needs help, but I really just want better hair genes… which is totally impossible. I don’t think any amount of money could fix my sad hair. It has multiple issues. I’ll keep trying though. 🙂
Jen says
Happy SITS Day!
delightfullysweet says
Stopping by from SITS!
Thanks for the hair info! Very informative!
My Baby Sweetness says
Thanks for the info! My hair needs it!
and hi from SITS
Heather says
Thanks for the info! I was just thinking about getting a new conditioner and I now I know which one to go for.
Stopping in from SITS>
KK says
Happy SITS day!