What You Need to Know BEFORE You Buy Brazilian Hair or Indian Hair

When it comes to add-on hair, the choices are as endless as there are types and textures of natural virgin hair in the world. Many companies even throw out phrases about where their hair may be from, such as “Pure Brazilian Hair” or “100% Indian Remy Hair…straight from temple!” Before you make a choice it’s important to get a little educated.

INDIAN HAIR

100% Remy Hair (used in all Royale Essentials products)

 Legitimately gathered in India from ethical sources.

• Highest quality hair on the market.
• Naturally light and airy, it moves effortlessly with lots of bounce
• Tangle-resistant, easy to style
• Naturally being a dark brown, it blends ins with virtually all hair types, especially African American

BRAZILIAN HAIR

 The #1 most counterfeited hair on the market, most often Asian hair that has been dyed.

• Supposedly more humidity resistant than Indian hair.
• True Brazilian hair is durable, but it also very dense, so it poses some limitations in terms of movement and styling.
• Curly Brazilian hair holds tighter curls, making them stiff and almost impossible to flat iron.

COMMON CLAIM: “But Brazilian hair is superior to Indian hair because it’s less prone to frizz.” WRONG!

Here’s some real science fact: ALL hair can be prone to frizz if the structure of extension hair or even your natural hair is damaged. Healthy hair of any type has shingle-like layers that sit tightly together to keep hydration in and extra moisture out. If these layers are damaged, not only does moisture bleed out of the hair (drying it out in the process), but it allows too much moisture in…giving you a frizzy bad hair day! 

Indian hair, Brazilian hair, and your own hair needs essential protection, moisturizing and care to stay strong and healthy. In short, this claim doesn’t “hold water”!

If You Love Brazillian Hair, YOU'LL LOVE: Royale Essentials Steam Permed Weaves!

Naturally light, bouncy and airy, we use a chemical-free Steam Perming process that gives you the dreamy curls, waves and natural waves you love…with effortless movement!

Not properly caring for your weave can not only leave your hair looking (and smelling!) less than optimal but it can actually damage your real hair beneath.  Of course, it is important to keep your hair shampooed and conditioned, but there are a few other tricks to keep your weave looking fresh as the day you had it installed! We also have some very handy tips to relieve an itchy scalp when wearing a weave.

Co-Washing: Cleansing your hair with popular cleansing conditioners will keep your hair extensions free from product buildup and keep your hair beneath clean and moisturized.  The awesome thing about these new, gentle sulfate-free formulas is that they clean while conditioning your hair in one step, saving you time and being safe to use as often as every day if you like.

Allow your hair to completely dry:  Nothing good results from keeping anything perpetually wet - eventually it begins to smell and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and other undesirable things. Make sure to sit beneath a hooded dryer or spend time outdoors during summer months to allow your braided hair and scalp to completely dry after washing. Sleep on Satin:  Silk and satin pillowcases are an absolute must-have, not only for your weave but your real hair as well.  These fabrics create less friction and are less absorbent than cotton which means they will not dry out or roughen the hair's cuticles.

Braid or Twist at Night:  Sleeping with your weave loose provides an opportunity for tangles to form and the resulting detangling session you will have to do not only causes frizz, but also the dreaded shedding.  Braid or twist the length of your weave nightly to avoid tangling and as an added bonus you will have some gorgeous beach waves the next day!

None of these little tips are time-consuming at all but can make all the difference in helping you to keep your weave looking fresh!

NATURAL HAIR PARTING PERFECTION WITH CLOSURE PIECES

NATURAL HAIR PARTING WITH CLOSURE PIECES

Our hair part is something that can become almost as intrinsic to your life as your name. Many men and women have been parting their hair the same way since they were old enough to comb their hair. It’s time to add a little pizzazz to your part and try something new. Changing your hair part will revolutionize your look. Best of all, there are also some great options that use virgin hair extensions for styling your part wherever you move it.

Middle Part

Many women don’t think they can rock the middle part, because they associate it with outdated styles from the 1960s and 1970s. The middle part, however, is quite chic and modern with the right hairstyle and an updated outfit. Heart-shaped faces wear the middle part well if hair is long. Individuals with an oval face or a high forehead also benefit from this part, as it brings out their best features. If you use hair extensions, a V-part closure works well for the middle part. This closure allows your natural hair to be exposed at the part line, and it is also versatile with other parts.

Deep Side Part

A deep side part works best with square or oval faces. Make sure you showcase your best side. Unlike a standard side hair part, a deep side part angles more dramatically to one side and is usually accompanied by side-swept bangs that go across the forehead. This part is especially good if you have an angular face because it will help soften the angles. The Royale Essentials lace closures work well with the deep side part because its versatility allows you to part your hair in any direction.

Messy Part

Sexy, beachy waves are an effortlessly chic element of summer, and often a not-so-perfect part is the best top for this style. Damp bamboo curlers or braids in damp hair can create these beachy waves. You can use a flat iron to create shape before brushing and using product. Use the thin end of a comb with a handle to play around with your normal part, moving pieces of hair from side to side until you reach the perfect level of effortlessness. Our Royale Essentials closures offer versatility for extensions.

UGH... FLYAWAYS

We all have annoying flyaways to deal with on a daily basis. You might be done styling your hair but then you realize that you have a small problem. Small pieces of hair are sticking out on the top of your head of hair when you don't want them to. Don't let your tresses get out of control. Instead, learn how to master the pesky flyaways before they master you.

1. Moisturize your hair with deep conditioner and oil

One of the biggest reasons you get flyaways during the winter and springtime is because your hair isn't getting enough moisture. Low humidity and dry air can also be the reason. Solve this problem by using a natural deep conditioner on a regular basis. Small amounts of oil can also help replenish your hair. Apply a little bit of oil to the parts of your hair that are sticking up and put a shower cap over the oil for up to 15 minutes. Allow the oil to penetrate deep into your hair shaft and your messy hairs should dissipate.

2. Find a lightweight hairspray.

As we've stressed in recent posts, you don't want to overuse hair products in your hair extensions,  specifically hair spray. But, if you sparingly use hairspray that's okay because hairspray happens to make flyaways go away. Spray a small amount on the problem area or spray a little bit on your hairbrush. If you spray hairspray on your hairbrush, gently comb your brush through your hair until your flyaways have disappeared.

3. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair.

Leave-In Conditioner that is designed to smooth down flyaways works great for those pesky hairs. However, don't overuse cream because it can quickly make your hair appear overly greasy. For emergencies, you can also use leave-in to get rid of your hair that just isn't lying down. 

4. Have a dryer sheet?

A dryer sheet is a fast-acting way to get rid of your flyaway hair. Running a dryer sheet through your hair will reduce the static electricity and get rid of the hairs that won't calm down.

5. Get your flyways wet with a little bit of water.

If you didn't straighten your hair and you have naturally curly locks all you need to do is get your hands wet and get the flyaways damp. The water will hopefully smooth down your hair. Even if your hair is straightened you can try the water technique if you are running out the door. However, only use a little bit of water so that you don't counter act your straight hair do.

One of the above techniques should work in your hair and smooth away flyaways. Feeling confident with your hair style is important and in order to feel beautiful getting rid of flyaways is a bit part of it.

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! Now - go and fight those flyaways!

REPAIR DRY & DAMAGED HAIR EXTENSIONS

Although luxurious, hair extensions require more maintenance during your daily hair care routine. Just like your natural hair, you may experience dry and damaged hair extensions. Whether it’s caused by hot tools or improper care, there are simple ways to bring your extensions back to life!

USE RECOMMENDED SHAMPOO

The type of shampoo you use can affect your hair extensions from slipping to fading color. We recommend using our Daily Shampoo, which is specially formulated for our extensions and will protect your hair from slipping as well as maintain the color. Otherwise, make sure to use a shampoo that does not contain any silicone, oil, our moisturization, to ensure that your panels will not slip. If your hair feels dry after you shampoo, then your shampoo may contain sulfates. Also, avoid washing your hair every day, and opt for a dry shampoo instead. Overwashing your hair can strip your hair of the natural oils and leave you with hair that feels like straw.

PREVENT THERMAL DAMAGE

We know how much you love your straightener and curling iron. However, frequent use of hot tools can cause damage unless you use the proper precautions. Using a thermal protectant like Heat Treat + Shine before any hot tools will create a barrier and prevent your hair from becoming brittle and dry.

USE A DEEP CONDITIONER

Now and then your hair extensions will require a little TLC. Deep conditioning your hair once a week will restore any moisture that has been lost due to over styling and hot tools. Only apply the deep conditioner on the midshaft to ends, otherwise, your extensions may be at risk for slipping.

ADD HAIR OIL

Hair oils have grown in popularity, and there’s no denying that they should be a part of your hair care routine. There are plenty of hair oils available on the market including Moroccan oil or even natural oils such as Jojoba oil. Again, always apply oils from the mid-shaft down and stay away from the base of your extensions.

HEAT TREAT + SHINE & LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

The biggest culprit for dry and damaged hair extensions is improper care. To rehabilitate your stressed locks you need products that will keep your hair shiny, healthy, and beautiful. A Heat Treat + Shine and Leave-in Conditioner should be considered a necessity in your hair care routine. Heat Treat + Shine will not only detangle your hair, but it will also decrease blow dry time and tame frizzy hair. The Leave-in Conditioner infuses vital nutrients into your hair, leaving your hair feeling soft and silky. Using these products together will completely revamp your hair and look just as good as when you first left the salon.

Make Up Brushes - Beginner Friendly

When it comes to brushes, there are seven that are essential for the basics.

Before we get started, you must know the 411 on the types of bristles your utensils may have.  The two types are synthetic and natural.

Synthetic hair brushes are man-made from fabric and chemical sources, usually nylon and Taklon. These fibers help the brushes last longer and are ideal for liquid formulas like foundations, lipstick and cream shadows.

Natural hair brushes are made from animal hairs or blends of animal hairs. They're perfect for powders - blushes, eyeshadows, and bronzers. These can be made from badger, squirrel, goat, pony, kolinsky sable, weasel, boar, camel and or raccoon bristles.

Liquid Foundation Brush: long flat densely packed bristles perfect for applying and blending liquid, cream and paste foundation.

Bonus Use: Primer • Color Correcting • Concealer • Highlight
Pro Tip: Use downward strokes & blend outwards.
(Pictured left)

Concealer Brush: a smaller version of the foundation brush. Ideal for small areas such as under and around eyes, creases and along the nose.

Bonus Use: Cream Eye Shadows • Touch Ups
Pro Tip: Use to cover up dark circles and blemishes.
(Pictured right)

Blush Brush: long or angles soft bristles that come in various sizes. Perfect for dusting loose powders.

Bonus Use: Bronzer • Face Powder
Pro Tip: The soft, fluffy bristles help achieve the “natural look” finish.
(Pictured below)

Medium Eyeshadow Brush: a medium-sized fluff brush used for applying eyeshadow stop the eyelid.

Bonus Use: Highlighter
Pro Tip: Swipe across eyelid for perfectly blended shadow.
(pictured below)
Small Dome Brush: Ideal for creating contour and for applying products perfectly in the crease of the eyelid.
Bonus Use: Contour
Pro Tip: Blend a darker shade into the crease of the lid to create a smokey eye.
(pictured below)

Angled Brush (small): Firm stiff brush. Ideal for applying eyebrow color. Bonus Use: Eyeliner & lipstick Pro Tip: Fill brows with sharp even strokes and groom into place with spoolie (mascara wand).

(pictured below)

Lip Brush: Usually small & can have many shapes depending on its intended use, ideally to define lips.

Bonus Use: Concealer Pro Tip: Outline lips then fill with the same color for a precise application.

Ultimate Eyeshadow Brush: 4-in-1 eye transforming super shadow and liner brush from It Cosmetics

Brush Maintenance

Wash brushes weekly by dipping in dish detergent or baby shampoo & swirl in the palm of your hand under warm water. Squeeze out any remaining bubbles. Then turn upside down to dry.

For occasional quick cleaning, spray brushes with PureBrush & wipe away left on makeup with soft tissue. An alternative is to spray with a little alcohol and wipe away access product. This is great if you want to switch colors during an application without changing brushes.

 Pictured in order: Blush brush, flat foundation brush, concealer brush, medium eyeshadow brush, small dome brush, small angled brush, lip brush.

UNDERSTANDING THE HAIR SHAFT

Each strand of hair is made up of three components:

1. Cuticle
2. Cortex
3. Medulla

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft consisting of overlapping scale-like cells much like the shingles on a roof. It acts as a protective barrier to the hair shaft protecting the hair from harmful chemicals and pollutants.

When you color, perm or chemically process hair, the hair swells raising the cuticle layer allowing liquids, chemicals, etc. to penetrate through to the cortex. The cortex regulates the water intake and releases as well as determines the strength, elasticity, and texture of the hair. It accounts for 90% of the weight of the hair and is the thickest layer. The changes involved in coloring hair or changing pigment, wet setting, thermal styling permanent waving and chemical hair relaxing all take place within the cortex.

If the cortex is damaged your hair will appear dry, fragile, weak and will break easily. Deep conditioning and regular treatments are necessary to strengthen the cortex.

The medulla is the innermost layer that is sometimes called the marrow of the hair shaft. The exact function of the medulla is mere speculation. The medulla is frequently broken or missing from the hair shaft in fine thin hair. Many suspect that genetics, poor health, diet and use of drugs have major effects on the medulla.

So when adding hair in the form of tape in extensions, bonded extensions or microlink extensions make sure that the hair has the cuticle intact to ensure the health of the cortex, allowing the hair to be healthy, shiny and full.