Audrey Davis-Sivasothy
Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a Houston-based freelance writer, publisher and long-time, healthy hair care advocate and enthusiast. A trained Health Scientist, Sivasothy has written extensively on the intricacies of caring for hair at home.
Sivasothy is author of two books: Hair Care Rehab: The Ultimate Hair Repair and Reconditioning Manual and The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care. The latter has been featured in The Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, Sophisticate's Black Hair, and Hype Hair Magazine. This comprehensive book has also been adopted for training courses in cosmetology and continues to maintain international best seller status in the US, Canadian, UK, and French fashion/beauty book markets.
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Sivasothy is author of two books: Hair Care Rehab: The Ultimate Hair Repair and Reconditioning Manual and The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care. The latter has been featured in The Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, Sophisticate's Black Hair, and Hype Hair Magazine. This comprehensive book has also been adopted for training courses in cosmetology and continues to maintain international best seller status in the US, Canadian, UK, and French fashion/beauty book markets.
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- 5/28/2007
Education/Experience
Rice University- BA in Health Science and Policy StudiesMotto
Your hair . . . down to a science.Affiliations
Science of Black HairFavorites
Displaying Results 1 - 95 (of 95) for All Content
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How to Spot Fake Hair Product and Service ReviewsIn a world where word of mouth is the most powerful advertising and marketing strategy around, fake hair product reviews often come with the territory. How can you spot fake product reviews? -
Review: Ovation Cell TherapyOvation Cell Therapy is a popular hair care system that has a strong advertising presence all over the airwaves. But does Ovation Cell Therapy really work?
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8 Common Chemical Relaxer Mistakes Self Relaxers MakePerforming a chemical relaxer takes quite a bit of skill, especially if you are doing the relaxer on your own. In the wrong hands, chemical relaxing can cause serious hair and scalp problems.Also published on: -
Decorative Head Wraps: A Great Style for Relaxed, Transitioning, and Natural HairHead wraps are chic, and when paired with a cute pair of earrings, they can really set off an outfit. Hair wraps can be worn by anyone! Relaxed, natural, transitioning.... you name it! -
Benefits of the Mid-Relaxer Protein Conditioning StepAllow yourself to reap the full benefits of a professional relaxer system by using your own five minute protein reconstructor conditioner after your relaxer rinsing step. -
Product Review: Pantene Pro-V's Color Preserve Shine ConditionerI recently tested a sample of Pantene's New Color Preserve Shine Conditioner from their new Color Hair Solutions line. -
Review of Pantene's Color Preserve Shine ShampooProduct Review for Pantene's Color Preserve Shine Shampoo. -
Can Chemical Relaxer Stretching Damage Your Hair?Chemical relaxer stretching is often promoted as the key to healthy hair. Unfortunately for some, stretching chemical relaxers can become a relative nightmare. Read about the pros and cons of relaxer stretching.Also published on: -
How to Smooth Frizzy CurlsKeeping curls smooth will give them greater definition, shine and body. The right conditioning treatments combined with specially formulated serums and hairsprays can give you the sleek look you need all day. -
How to Make Thick Hair Smooth and SilkyKeeping thick hair smooth and silky can be difficult since this hair type tends to be naturally coarse and dry. Try these tips to keep your thick hair smooth and moving nicely all day long! -
How to Straighten Curly Hair Without Damaging ItStraightening curly hair can be a frightening prospect. Read these tips to help you understand how you should tackle your curly hair and straighten it without damaging it!
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Best Anti-Frizz HairsprayOur hair likes to take in moisture from the ambient environment. Unfortunately, this gratuitous moisture intake can mean a frizzy, flat, limp style by days end. -
Tips for Keeping Your Hair Curly All DayWhether your curls are natural or achieved through a set, a healthy head full of curls is hard to resist! Unfortunately, heat, humidity, wind and the elements can work against curls and cause them to fall flat and go frizzy.
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Prevent Dry, Static HairDry, static hair usually has a roughened, degraded cuticle surface that is in desperate need of repair. Fortunately, Pantene Pro-V customized solutions has help for those of us out there with dry, static hair! -
How to Select Hair Care Products for Your Hair TypeLooking for a quick way to determine which hair products might work well for your hair type? Give Pantene's Product Finder Tool a try.
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Tips for Making Your Hair Color LastLooking for ways to keep your color radiant for longer? Pantene's Color Hair Solutions contains a series of shampoos, conditioners, treatment cremes and finishing products to help keep color-treated hair looking healthy. -
What Shampoo Should I Use If My Hair Is Oily?Dealing with oily hair can be frustrating. While sebum, the hair's natural oil, is important for maintaining the hair's softness and luster, too much of this oil can leave your locks limp and flat.
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Keep Thick Hair Straight, All Day LongWhen humidity is in the air, it can be difficult to keep thick hair straight all day long. This article will discuss how to keep your thick hair straighter for longer with Pantene's line of products for straight hair.
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Do I Need to Use a Clarifying Shampoo?Clarifying shampoos get a bad reputation for their tendency to dry out the hair. So when do you need to use a clarifying shampoo?
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How Often Should I Deep Condition My Hair?Deep conditioning the hair is critical to achieving bouncy, luxurious, healthy hair in any hair care regimen. So, how often should you deep condition your hair?
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How to Prevent Split EndsSplit end prevention is a hot topic these days, and for a good reason. We put our hair through a lot! Regular relaxers, perms, sun exposure and color treatments can all cause split end problems to surface.
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Best Hairspray that Holds CurlsNext to a good shampoo and conditioner, the perfect hairspray is a must have for nearly everyone interested in holding and defining curly styles.
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How to Fix Crown Area Hair Breakage and Thinning ProblemsCrown area hair breakage can be very distressing, especially when the rest of your hair is flourishing. It can also be frustrating when your hair's hemline is shaped like a W rather than a healthy U or V!Also published on:
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Relaxed to Natural: 6 Survival Tips for Long Term Transitioners!Going from relaxed to natural can be an exciting, liberating, and well-- challenging experience. If you are one who plans to make a long term transition back to natural hair, you'll need a lot of patience and support.
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Top 5 Causes of Crown Area Hair BreakageCrown area breakage, or hair breakage that occurs at the middle, top, center of the head, is a common hair complaint. Often times, the hair surrounding the broken crown area is growing with no problems. Beat crown area hair breakage today!
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How to Blow Out a Rollerset for Maximum Volume and BodyAre you looking to add swing, bounce, and incredible shine to your hair? Rollersetting is a good way to build volume and body into any hair style.
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How to Protect Black Hair from Chlorine DamageChlorine damage can lead to dry, breaking, discolored hair'"especially for those with black, color treated or chemically relaxed tresses. Try these steps to protect your black, textured hair from chlorine damage.
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The New Pantene? A Look at Pantene's New Customized Hair SolutionsPantene discontinues several shampoo and conditioner product collections to make way for Pantene's New Customized Pro-V Solutions.
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Relaxed Hair Care Regimen on a College BudgetGoing to college is a big step in any young person's life. College can also become the perfect start to a hair journey or hair regimen.
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Putting Together a College Hair Care Package on a BudgetCollege can either make or break your hair literally. This article offers some basic tips for those making the home to college hair transition or those preparing those off to college care packages.
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Seven Simple Ways to Thicken Up Relaxed HairIf you are someone who enjoys relaxed hair, but prefers a bit of thickness and volume to your hair then these relaxed hair thickening tips may work for you!
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7 Must-Know Tips for Preventing and Repairing Sun Damaged Hair!The hot, summer sun can quickly damage unprotected hair. Sun damage, or photochemical damage, is real and it can make healthy, vibrant hair look ratty and dry in just one day! Try these hair tips for beating sun damage!
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Scab Hair? New Growth Hair Texture Changes and Hair Follicle Shape TheoryScab hair has evaded scientific explanation for years. There is no literature or scientific evidence for or against the hair texture change phenomenon known as scab hair: or at least not yet.
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Straw Set Care: Keep Your Straw Set Curls Looking Fresher, Longer!Straw setting is a really neat way to add some texture to your hair styling regimen. But how do you make the curls last? This article will discuss ways to preserve straw set curls and keep them nicer and neater longer!
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5 Reasons Why Straw Sets Are a Great Protective Styling OptionStraw sets are an amazing protective style. Straw curls are super low maintenance and can give your hair a break from heat styling and combing manipulation over the summer.
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Summer Hair Care Tips for Chemically Relaxed and Color-Treated HairSummer is just around the corner and those sizzling hot rays mean it's time to redefine your winter look with flirty, carefree "summer hair"! But before you venture out, remember that summer haircare for chemically treated hair is also about protection.
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The Benefits of Cassia Treatments for Relaxed HairThe use of cassia obovata is gaining popularity in the black hair community. Using the powder to condition relaxed hair is as simple as adding water to the powder and applying to stressed tresses!
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Simple New Growth Flat Ironing Technique for Relaxed HairFlat ironing is one of the easiest ways to get relaxed hair sleek and straight. While flat ironing freshly relaxed hair is relatively simple, straightening hair with a bit of new growth at the roots can complicate things a bit.
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Is Henna Safe for Coloring Chemically Relaxed Hair?Is henna safe for relaxed hair? While this natural, powdered colorant has been used for centuries, henna has only recently gained considerable popularity among women with chemically relaxed hair.
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8 Tips for Improving Your "Search and Destroy" Trimming TechniqueSearch and destroys trims are perfect for on the go hair maintenance, but there are some mistakes that can make this trim method more damaging than helpful. 8 tips for improving your search and destroy technique here!Also published on:
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How to Trim Your Hair Using the "Search and Destroy" Trim MethodHair trimming is the only real fix for split ends and hair damage. The "Search and Destroy" trimming method can take some of the fear out of hair trimming and keep your hair free of split ends.
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What Are the Best Conditioner Washing Conditioners?Conditioner washing, or simply forgoing the shampoo step in a traditional washing session, has gained popularity over the years as a way to restore lost moisture to curly hair types.
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Scalp Psoriasis Treatment OptionsScalp psoriasis is a skin problem that results from the overactive production and maturation of skin cells. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 125 million people worldwide suffer from scalp psoriasis.
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Scalp Psoriasis: The Dandruff Problem that Never Ends?Do you have excessive dandruff that seems to defy treatment? Is your dandruff several layers thick? Does scratching up dandruff only lead to more flakes? You may be a victim of scalp psoriasis.Also published on:
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How to Prevent Traction Alopecia in ChildrenTraction alopecia can be a devastating hair condition. It is perhaps most troubling when children are victims. Learn 7 tips to prevent traction alopecia in children.
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Ceramides: Remedy for Dry, Damaged Hair?Ceramides are found in many hair products, and product manufacturers claim that ceramide technology improves hair health. But what are ceramides? How can ceramides benefit your hair?
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How to Prevent Traction AlopeciaTraction alopecia is a hair and scalp condition that elicits fear in the hearts of many women of color. Traction alopecia can have devastating effects on its sufferers.
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How to Prevent Dandruff in African-American HairSeborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as dandruff, is a scalp condition that disproportionately affects African-Americans, Baran and Maibach's Texbook of Cosmetic Dermatology reports.
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Treatment and Care for a Dry, Itchy African-American ScalpDry, itchy scalp are common complaints for African-American men and others with textured hair types. Learn how to treat dry, itchy scalp today!
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Heat Addict? How to Prevent Heat Damage to Black HairSo you want healthy hair, but you've got to throw a few heat appliances at it to get it the way you want. Right? Learn how to prevent and fix heat damaged tresses today!Also published on:
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Is Heat Really that Bad for Your Hair? How Heat Use Affects Black HairWe know that heat can damage our hair, but ever wonder what heat styling actually does to your hair? Is there a safe amount of heat? How much heat is too much?
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The Benefits of Coconut Oil in Black Hair CareCoconut oil has gained much interest in recent years for its benefits in hair care. This article discusses current coconut oil research findings and implications for black hair care.Also published on:
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How to Treat Dandruff in African-American HairStudies show that African Americans suffer from dandruff at slightly higher rates than other races. This article describes how to treat dandruff in African Americans and others with textured hair types.
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How to Moisturize African-American HairChronic dryness and lack of hair moisture are often problems for African-American hair. Learn the keys to moisturizing African-American hair and other black, textured hair types.
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Hard Water and Hair Breakage in Black Hair CarePerhaps one of the most overlooked causes of dry, tangly, unruly hair among black women is the very water we use to wash and care for it. Hard water can be a black hair nightmare.
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How to Prevent African-American Hair ThinningFor many African-Americans, hair can be a personal, social, cultural and even political statement. Hair thinning can be distressful and often takes a toll on an individual's self image. Learn how to prevent African-American hair thinning.
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How to Texlax Your Hair: Simple Texlaxing Techniques and TipsTexlaxing, or intentionally underprocessing the hair with a relaxer chemical, is an art. Try these tips and tricks for achieving great texlaxed results.
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The Beginner's Guide to TexlaxingAre you tired of dry, lifeless relaxed hair that continues to break? Do you want more body and volume with your relaxed look? Consider texlaxing."Texlaxing" is a relaxer service that was intentionally allowed to underprocess.
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Got Chemical Burns from Relaxer Overprocessing?When relaxer chemicals are left on the hair beyond manufacturer's suggested processing times, or the scalp is not based well, hair and scalp burns can occur. Learn how to treat and preventchemical burns1
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4 Scientifically Proven Treatments for Hair Loss and Hair ThinningUnexpected hair loss and hair thinning are experiences that can greatly impact an individual's self esteem. Only a handful of hair growth products are scientifically proven to treat hair loss and hair thinning.
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Terminal Length and the Role of Genetics in Black Hair CareImproving the length and condition of black hair obviously does not happen by accident, but where do genetics and terminal length come into play?
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Growing Out Black Hair? A Guide to Length PlanningI am often asked, "How long will it take me to grow out my hair and reach my hair length goals?" Simple question-- not so easy answers!
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Protein and Moisture Balancing in Black Hair Care: When to Say No to MoistureOut in the "real world" overconditioning, or "tipping too far" on the moisture side of the protein/moisture balance, is virtually rare; however, it is a common occurrence on hair forums.
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Product Review: The Pibbs 514 Kwik Dri Hair DryerI've bought many things for my hair in the last few years: shampoos, combs, relaxers, and accessories-- but my number one hair purchase of all time is my Pibbs 514 hair dryer. Hands down.
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Five Quick Tips for Keeping Your Color VibrantAll good things must eventually come to an end, but you don't have to give up your awesome new hair color without a fight! There are many factors that lead to the fading of your new hair color. Fortunately, here are some tips for keeping your color vibrant and strong.Also published on:
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Five Things to Consider Before Coloring Your HairYou've decided that you are ready for a change. But is your hair safe to color? What can you expect?Also published on:
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Easy-to-Follow Regimen for Color-Treated HairTaking the proper steps to maintain proper moisture and protein balances within the hair shaft is important, particularly if you have color-treated your hair with anything other than a rinse.There is no doubt that our textured hair needs moisture, and lots of it!Also published on:
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Counteracting the Harsh Effects of Sulfate ShampoosThe sulfates are the popular detergents used in shampoos to help remove dirt, oils, products, and debris from the hair shaft. Unfortunately, the problem is, they work a little too efficiently at that.Also published on:
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Should I Trim My Hair Wet or Dry?You've seen the stylist in your neighborhood salon, approach a head of wet dripping hair, and with scissors in hand, he starts to work his magic. But have you ever wondered whether trimming the hair while wet is the healthiest thing to do?Also published on:
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Hair Porosity: Help for Dry, Damaged Hair (Part 2)Hair porosity refers to the hair's ability or inability to absorb water or chemicals deep into the cortex. However, damage to the hair shaft can affect the hair's level of porosity for the worse.
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Hair Porosity: Help for Dry, Damaged Hair (Part 1)Is your hair dry, brittle or damaged? You may have an issue with your hair's porosity.
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Why Hooded Dryers Are Better Than Handheld BlowdryersWhile no heat is best of all, domed heat dryers are better sources of heat than hand held blowdryers for the hair. Let me tell you why!
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What Causes Thinning Hair Ends and How You Can Prevent ThemBefore you start trimming away your hair's thin ends, you should pinpoint the exact cause of your thinning.Also published on:
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Is Lye or No-Lye Chemical Relaxing Better for Your Hair?The question of whether lye based relaxers are better than no-lye relaxers ultimately depends on the individual and her preference.
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Guide to Safely Applying Chemical RelaxersChemical relaxing is a very stressful process on the hair. If done improperly, chemical relaxing can result in follicle damage, thinning, breakage and permanent hair loss. Despite the risk, nearly 70% of the African American female population regularly relaxes their hair.
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How to Select a Moisturizing ConditionerFor the greatest moisture supplementation, deep conditioning with a moisturizing conditioner cannot be beat.
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How to Select a Moisturizing ShampooWhile water based moisturizers will offer you some much needed daily moisture, nothing can beat a gentle shampooing and deep conditioning at hydrating the hair.Also published on:
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4 Keys to a Healthy ScalpYour scalp is the birthplace of your healthy hair care journey. It is helpful to think of your scalp as the "fertile ground" from which your hair will sprout and grow. If properly tended to, your hair will thrive.
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Mastering the Perfect Scalp MassageA well executed scalp massage is beneficial to any healthy hair care regimen, and will leave your scalp with a warm, tingly feeling for several minutes after you've removed your hands.
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Try Essential Oils for Improving Scalp MassagesA scalp massage is not a scalp massage without the help of essential oils. Essential oils are lightweight, volatile oils with high capabilities for scalp and skin penetration because of their unique molecular structure and size.
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Hair Regimen Building for NewbiesFeeling overwhelmed by the slew of information on hair care is almost a rite of passage when beginning a healthy hair journey.
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Protective Styling for Optimal Hair Growth and RetentionHair growth ultimately occurs by a two fold process: Hair Emergence and Retention.
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Split Ends: Everything You and Your Hair Need to KnowSplit ends. Nobody likes these bad guys, but unfortunately they are a fact of life. While our hair will never be totally free of split ends, there are certain measures you can take to ensure that they don't take away the beauty of your crowning glory.
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Hair Care: Shedding or Breakage? Understanding the DifferenceMany people use these terms interchangeably to refer to any hair that falls from the head; however, this misinformed language can be a recipe for hair disaster.
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Getting Ready to Relax? Preparing Your Hair for a Relaxer Chemical StraighteningWant to learn how to prepare your hair for chemical relaxing and straightening? Here are some tips and a three step hair preparation game plan that you can use!
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Salon Exclusive? The Truth About Hair Salon Product DiversionThere is no doubt that there is some small-scale diversion going on by dishonest distributors who may peddle counterfeit items, but to say that all salon-only hair products that appear on mass retail shelves are counterfeit is misguided thinking.
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The Fine Art of Protein and Moisture Balancing for Black Hair CareFor black hair, hair breakage is typically a result of an imbalance of important forces within the hair strand: moisture and protein levels.
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A 10-Step Pre-Relaxer Checklist for Black Women and Their Hair StylistIf you choose a professional stylist to administer your relaxer, there are certain things that you should be looking for before and during the application to ensure a smooth session!
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Health Watch: Helping America's Elderly Beat DepressionGrowing evidence suggests that regular exercise is associated with mental well being and that physical activity is an effective alternative treatment for major depressive illness
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Health Watch: Low Medication Compliance Among America's Depressed ElderlyEstablishing maximum adherence to medication schedules is one of the greatest challenges of the healthcare field and medicine. Non-adherence to medicine schedules may have adverse effects for patients
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Health Watch: Depression in America's Institutionalized ElderlyInterventions that address depression in America's institutionalized elders are greatly needed and long overdue.
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Plow My Vulva: Fertility in Mythical LiteratureMan uses his connection to the order of natural fertility both as an urgent invitation to ensure its continuance and as a reference point for understanding the origin of his own desires, qualities, and similar need for a system of order.
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Fertility Cults and the Making of Sexual MagicFor some, this connection to nature's fertility often functions as a reference point for understanding the origins of our own need for order. However, for others, this connection takes on a deeper significance complete with a plethora of new responsibilities.
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Marital Sex Economics: An Economic Explanation for the Declining Frequency of Marital SexDeclining sexual frequency in marriage is a phenomenon that has intrigued researchers and has intimidated fiances and long-term boyfriends around the world. This paper will explore how the field of economics provides one potential key for understanding this trend.
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First Menstruation Rituals in Sri LankaMenstruation is a universal occurrence that marks the beginning of womanhood for women in cultures around the world. In many cultures the act of menstruating brings with it various social implications and taboos for the young woman.