With the anticipated season premieres this fall, Kerry Washington’s shiny beautiful hair will no doubt be SCANDALOUS!! “Fact is, it’s much harder to maintain the health of black hair, especially hair that has been permed and color treated, it’s very fragile. Exposing hair to chemicals, heat, friction and tension only increase its vulnerability. It tends to break where the coil/kink/curl bends – that’s its highest point of vulnerability. Treat it like a silk blouse, with delicacy, to prevent breakage and maintain optimal health, and maybe, just maybe, it will be as gorgeous as Kerry’s,” explains Sam Villa, Founding Partner of the Sam Villa® brand and Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue. To start, follow these tips:
Sleeping
Before bed, section hair, braid and tie a silk/satin scarf around it for protection against friction and moisture. A satin/silk pillowcase is also recommended. Satin/silk absorbs less moisture, so hair does not dry out as much, it also reduces friction, which prevents breakage and frizz. An overnight conditioner such as Redken Real Control overnight treat can also be applied to renew and repair dense dry hair during sleep.
Washing
Wash once a week – unless scalp secretion, lifestyle, climate and texture dictates otherwise. Washing too often removes moisture and increases frizz and friction, which causes breakage.
To refresh after working out or perspiring, rinse with very warm water to help distribute natural oils and recondition and refresh with a leave-in conditioner like Redken Smooth Down Detangling Cream, All Soft Argan-6 Oil or Real Control Crema Care Daily Nourishing Styling Treatment.
Conditioning
Massage Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil to scalp before every shampoo to help reduce tangles - use a wide toothed comb to detangle and distribute conditioner evenly. Argan-6 Oil can be used throughout the week to add moisture and reduce frizz by massaging scalp and pulling through to the ends - more moisture = more control.
Products
Stay away from products that contain mineral oil or petroleum – those ingredients do not absorb into the hair and scalp, they lay on the surface creating build up and clogging pores.
[Image: Getty Images/Gregg DeGuire]