Hair hygiene is a very important step for your beauty and health. Although washing hair is a simple task that many do on a daily basis, sometimes some habits can be harmful without you noticing.

Knowing your hair is essential to understand its needs. In the case of scalp diseases, it is important to consult a dermatologist so that he can recommend specific treatment.

Water temperature, the amount of shampoo and conditioner, or how water excess is removed after cleaning can have a positive or negative influence on the appearance and health of hair.

The frequency with which you wash your hair can also influence. The different hair textures directly influence the number of times it must be washed. For some types, such as curly or greasy ones, for example, it is not recommended to wash them too often.

We share some tips and techniques on how to wash your hair effectively, step by step, so you can take advantage of all the nutrients in the products you use:

  1. Use the warm temperature of the water to moisten the hair. We know that it is not an easy task during the winter. It is important to at least try to avoid extremely hot water to wash your hair, as it can be harmful to the hair and the scalp, generating dryness or grease and irritations.
  1. Don't overdo the amount of shampoo. The secret to cleaning the hair are the movements.
  1. Apply the shampoo to the roots and massage the scalp well with the tips of your fingers, never with your nails. Some specialists recommend to increase the volume and circulation, do it with the head upside down.
  1. Rinse hair well, without leaving shampoo residue. This is a very important point, so that the hair is really clean. If you do not rinse it well the results won’t be the same.
  1. Repeat the process in case you need a deep cleansing.
  1. Apply the conditioner making movements from top to bottom, using the product throughout the hair extension. If you use some of the Per Purr conditioners, you can also massage the scalp, since it contains vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, preventing dryness of the scalp.
  1. Let it act a few minutes. Again, rinse it well without leaving residue, so that the hair does not get matted. The conditioner is a product made to align the structure of the hair and seal the cuticle that remains open after the use of the shampoo.
  1. Don't dry your hair by rubbing it with the towel. The best way to dry it is using gentle movements with the towel, never rub them to avoid breaking them. Hair is a sensitive structure and needs care also when drying.
  1. Be very careful when combing your hair while you shower. Wet hair tends to become elastic and extremely vulnerable to breakage. Depending on the comb or brush used, the chances of breaking it are bigger. Ideally, comb your hair dry or slightly damp. But for those who like to comb their hair during the shower, it is recommended to do it gently with the fingertips.
  1. Finally, we recommend using wooden combs, with long teeth or a natural bristle brush, since both generate less friction.

Moisturizing, nutrition and reconstruction are also very important in the hair care process. Therefore, applying a hydrating hair mask, at least once a week, or also the famous coconut oil, usually helps to have healthier, shiny and lively hair.

We know that there is no universal way to wash your hair. It is important to try different shapes and products to find out which ones work best for you. 

The needs of each hair can be different, but in general, with this step by step and using hair products with quality ingredients, such as low poo shampoos, you will notice a great result.

After reading the article by Catarina Alves on the 'Ellas Hablan' (‘Women Talk’) website, we wanted to share all aspects of the "witch hunt" against ingredients prohibited in modern cosmetics with you. We are fascinated by this topic, and decided to discuss and explain it in a simple and understandable way. If you want to take a look at the original post (in Spanish), click here.

The increase in demand for paraben-free cosmetics indicates that people nowadays have more knowledge and pay more attention to health. However, few people know exactly why they want to avoid these ingredients. The general established idea is that they are bad for us, but why are they bad?

We will tell you all about parabens, their bad reputation and the reasons why many experts warn of the risk of searching for alternatives in brands that attempt to take advantage of this marketing frenzy.

 

What are parabens and why are they used?

Parabens are a compound consisting of acid and alcohol derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid. There are several types of parabens according to their composition, and the most commonly used forms in the cosmetics industry are methylparaben, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben. Despite their complicated scientific names, these compounds are nothing more than preservatives.

They are commonly found in personal care products such as soaps, moisturizers and deodorants, and can also be included in many makeup products.

Due to their composition based on acids and alcohol, parabens prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, microbes and mold in these products – which is very important if we consider the fact that they are usually stored in humid environments (such as the bathroom) and often are exposed to germs through direct contact with the skin of our hands. Their purpose is simply to increase the lifespan of these products and retain their properties and qualities for longer.

 

Are they bad for us?

Despite their widespread use in the cosmetics industry, today, parabens have fallen out of favor as a result of several scientific studies that have raised questions regarding their safety.

In 2004, traces of parabens were discovered in breast cancer patients. Although it was not proven whether these were the cause, the first doubts were raised against their use.

The European Union declared in 2008 that parabens ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate and methylparaben were safe, but also recognized that further studies were required into the possible side effects caused by propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben use. In 2015, the EU introduced a regulation to reduce the amounts and use of propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben in cosmetics products, such as moisturizers, intended for children under the age of 3.

The general conclusion of all studies on parabens is that yes, they may have contraindications and further detailed studies are necessary, particularly regarding their possible role in the development of cancer. However, they are also some of the most controlled preservatives in the cosmetics industry and researchers warn of the danger of using their bad reputation as a marketing strategy.

Although researchers are in favor of safer and more natural alternatives, they fear that brands will start using the paraben-free label to attract more consumers, exchanging them for other less-researched types of preservatives with possibly more harmful consequences for the body.

Should I use paraben-free cosmetics?

The use of paraben-free cosmetics is a matter of personal preference.

If you do not mind using cosmetic products with parabens, experts recommend avoiding those with propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben and to opt for ethyl paraben and methylparaben, since the latter are better-researched in terms of their consequences and are considered as safe parabens.

How to tell if cosmetics contain parabens:

Paraben-free cosmetics usually declare this by either using a logo or with a small phrase on their labels. However, no legislation obliges them to indicate this on their labels.

If the formula contains parabens, they should be listed in the product ingredients list. Search the list for names like:

  •   Propyl parahydroxybenzoate, propylparaben
  •   Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, methyl para-hydroxybenzoate, methylparaben or methyl paraben
  •   Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate or ethylparaben,
  •   Butylparaben

 

In Per Purr, we use another preservative (derived from coconut oil). This choice is NOT because we hate parabens, but because it is a high-quality raw material, which in addition to preserving our products, also provides them with extra soothing properties for skin and hair.

 
 
 

Una belleza comprometida
Suscríbete y recibe un 10% de descuento en tu primer pedido
Subscription Form
cartmagnifiercrossmenuchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram