Natural Mystique University
Ask The Professionals
Our hair is made of a protein called keratin. The hair follicle acts as an anchor, locking each strand of hair into the skin. A hair bulb is formed at the base of the hair follicle and living cells In the hair bulb divide, grow to create build hair shaft. The cells in the Hair bulb are nourished by Blood vessels. These blood vessels also transfer hormones that alter hair growth and at different times of life.
- Anagen (growth phase): Most hair is growing at any given time. Each hair spends several years in this phase.
- Catagen (transitional phase): Over a few weeks, hair growth slows and the hair follicle shrinks.
- Telogen (resting phase): Over months, hair growth stops and the old hair detaches from the hair follicle. A new hair begins the growth phase, pushing the old hair out.
Their are 4 different Types of Hair. They are, Straight, Wavy, Curly and Coily. The shape of your follicle determines the type of hair you have. For Instance, if your hair follicle is oval shaped, you are more likely to have curly hair.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Type 1 hair has no natural curl. The individual strands may be fine or coarse, thick or thin, but they fall without waving from root to tip. Type 1 hair has a tendency to become oily, so many stylists recommend that you check the label to be sure the product you’re buying isn’t going to add extra oil to your hair.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Type 2A
The natural state of type 2 hair is a gentle, tousled texture. From the roots to around eye level, your hair is fairly straight. And from eye level to the ends, you have a loose, undefined wave.
To keep from flattening out that wave, steer clear of oil-based or creamy products. Instead, stylists recommend that you boost the base with a light mousse or use a gel to define those waves.
Type 2B
As with 2A, type 2B hair curls from the midpoint to the ends. The curls have a more defined S shape, It may require a little more effort to straighten,
Type 2C
The most well-defined S-shaped waves are type 2C. The wave pattern may begin close to the crown and tumble downward. Type 2C hair is often thick and can be prone to frizz in damp weather.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Type 3A
With type 3A hair, S-shaped curls form loose loops. The curls have a circumference a little wider than the large end of a taper candle. One important styling note: Brushing this type of hair can break the curl definition and lead to a frizzy mane.
Type 3B
Curls have a circumference about as wide as the barrel of a Sharpie marker. Curls spring from the roots and have ample volume. To maintain their characteristic spiral shape, these ringlets generally need moisture. Avoid silicone and sulfates in your curl products, though. They may temporarily tame frizz, but they can dry hair over time and lead to breakage.
Type 3C
These curls are tight and springy — they would coil perfectly around a drinking straw. To preserve the definition in these corkscrew curls, take a hands-on approach.
Instead of combing, which can lead to frizz and breakage, use a leave-in conditioner and rake through wet hair with your fingertips. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you air-dry instead of using a blow dryer,
Type 4: Coily Hair
Type 4A
The curl pattern for 4A hair is an S-shaped coil you could wrap around a chopstick. “Type 4 hair is the most delicate hair type,” Castillo said. “You have to be very gentle with it, and it needs a lot of moisture.” But getting moisture doesn’t necessarily mean using oils. Deep conditioning masques, butters, and creams are good options for preserving hair health.
Type 4B
The curls in 4B hair zig-zag. One popular technique for defining and accentuating your curls is shingling.
Shingling begins with wet hair. Gently detangle with your fingertips, using liberal amounts of leave-in conditioner to moisturize and condition. Then separate your hair into four sections.
Work curling cream or gel down the length of each curl, twisting the strands around your index finger as you go.
Type 4C
Type 4C coils are the tightest and most fragile. It’s really easy to break them if you comb roughly or too often, and it’s vital to frequently nourish the hair with rich conditioners. Coconut oils are still popular, as are shea butter creams. More people are ditching shampoo for co-washing, or rinsing the hair with conditioners instead.
Natural Mystique University
At Natural Mystique we believe in educating our clients about maintaining healthy hair. Right now The Hair Care market is over saturated with companies that only want to take your money by selling you a product filled with harmful ingredients in a pretty package. One of our goals is to share information that will not only promote healthy hair; but aid in creating a healthy lifestyle as well.
Knowledge is Power
Be On The Look Out For These Harmful Ingredients
If you clicked on the Hair Care University link you’re ready to take control of your life. I’m sure by now you’ve read the product label of your favorite shampoo or conditioner and saw terms like” free of” “natural” and “organic” but what does that really mean? Has anyone ever taken the time out to give you an explanation of these terms? Except for the term Agua and fragrance; the average person doesn’t know anything about the ingredients they are using to clean and maintain their hair. We compiled a list of harmful ingredients that include: Sulfates (Drying Surfactant), Parabens (Toxic Carcinogenic Agents), Silicones (Petrolatum, Waxes), Phthalates (Endocrine Disruptors).
1. Dimethyl Imidazoldinedione or DMDM Hydantoin
First and foremost DMDM Hydantoin is BANNED in some parts of Asia, China and Japan in particular. DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde based product, which is used as an anti-microbial in hair care products and beautifiers to expand shelf life? According to the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetic Database; DMDM Hydantoin is also known to irritate the eyes, throat, lungs and skin.
2. Diethanolamine or Triethanolamine
DEA for short can come in various forms and names such as Cocamide, TEA, Lauramide, Lauryl Sulfate. This is the chemical that is responsible for creating the thick rich lather in our shampoo; which has absolutely NOTHING to do with cleaning your hair. When DEA combine with amino acids, they form nitrosamines. The US EPA US National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens identifies Nitrosamine as a chemical known to cause cancer and birth defects.
3. Phthalates
Phthalates have various names diethylphthalate (DEP), dibutylphthalate (DBP) and dimethylphthalate (DMP). Phthalates is a chemical that can be found in plastic products and commonly used in soaps, hair sprays and shampoos. Phthalates are also known as plasticizers or dispersants and used as solvents in perfumes. It is also used to reduce brittleness/cracking/stiffness allowing cosmetic products to form a flexible film. After 2 decades of research The European commission has determined that there is sufficient evidence that DBP and DEHP leads to endocrine disruption in living organisms.
"Natural" Vs. "Organic"
What Does It All Mean?
According to Merriam-Webster the Natural is defined as:
Natural- existing in or produced by nature : not artificial; living in or as if in a state of nature untouched by the influences of civilization and society; of or relating to nature as an object of study and research;. having a form or appearance found in nature
Organic- of, relating to, yielding, or involving the use of food produced with the use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticide;
Natural Mystique produces hair care products for all hair types. No matter where you are from, background or ethnicity we are dedicated to producing a superior product that suits your needs. It doesn't matter if you have processed hair or natural hair, we got you covered.
Penetrating, Sealing and Growth Oils
What's The Difference?
A Penetrating Oil is an oil that can penetrate the hair strand do to its smaller molecular structure. Oils that penetrate into our hair make the hair proteins more hydrophobic or water-repelling. Healthy, strong hair is naturally hydrophobic. Some examples of Penetrating Oils are: Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil.
A Sealing Oil seals in moisture by creating a thin film around the hair strand. Throughout the day the thin film will disappear into the hair strand providing the nutrients your hair needs.. In addition, sealing oils can be found in creams and leave in conditioners. Some examples of Sealing Oils are: Castor Oil, Avocado Oil and Jojoba Oil.
A Growth Oil nourishes the scalp and stimulates the hair follicles. Hair growth oils encourage regrowth and enhance thickness. The hair strands become shinier and stronger. It will also tame frizz, prevent split ends and helps define curls. Some examples of Growth Oils are: Monoi Oil, Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil.