A PERSONALIZED, PRESCRIPTIVE APPROACH TO HAIR CARE

We know for many consumers it’s not easy to determine which products are the right ones for you hair’s texture and needs or which will deliver the results you want. Is a two-step protein treatment right for you? Are you using the proper shampoo and conditioner? What products work best if you have braids? To take the guesswork out of choosing the right products, ApHogee came up with a personalized approach to getting hair care called Ask the Expert. All you have to do is answer four simple questions and you will receive a customized hair care regimen that addresses all your needs.

Let’s say your wavy or curly hair is pretty healthy but it’s definitely double-processed and you use hot tools almost every day. After taking all of these factors into consideration, our experts will offer the following recommendation: ApHogee Curlific! Textured Hair Wash to gently cleanse delicate strands, Curlific! Moisture Rich Leave-In to remove snarls and tangles after shampooing while providing heat protection during blow-drying, and Curlific! Texture Treatment, which restores elasticity to textured hair when used weekly.

You’ll find Ask the Expert on main menu bar, and it’s super easy to use. Just answer these four questions:

1.Hair Condition Is your hair mostly healthy and easy to maintain? Is it dry and dull? Is it brittle with some breakage? Or are you experiencing heavy breakage and splits?

2.Natural Hair Type Is your hair medium-thick and straight? Is it fine and limp, or wavy, curly and coily?

3.Special Effects Do you have virgin hair? Is your hair relaxed or straightened? Do you have single-process color or is your hair double-processed or bleached? Do you wear braids?

4.Heat Use Do you use heat to dry and style your hair or do you let it air-dry?

After we review your answers, you’ll see our recommendations. Our experts are also available to answer any other questions you might have. Just provide your name and email address and tell us what you want to know, and someone will get right back to you. Knowing which products are right for your hair type and texture has never been easier because at ApHogee we take hair care personally.

TRESSED TO IMPRESS: WEEKEND HAIR LOOKS

It’s Friday and the weekend is here! Whether you are going on a date, out with the girls, or sipping on mimosas at brunch we’ve got you covered on some great hairstyles.  Candace Witherspoon is a social media influencer (@curlsbycandace) and owner of Candace Witherspoon Hair in New York City. We asked the curly hair specialist to walk us through three hairstyles that make the most of natural texture and are sure to impress anyone wherever you go.

Instagram/ @chrissygotthecoils
  • The Perfect Twist-Out A surefire way to dress up short hair is to create little two-strand twists all over the head and then release the twists at the last minute to create gorgeous, zigzag curls. Start by shampooing the hair with ApHogee Deep Moisture Shampoo with extracts of evening primrose to maintain proper moisture balance and add life to dry, lifeless hair. The next step is to eliminate any knots or tangles. ApHogee Balancing Moisturizer with silk amino acids not only detangles your mane but also improves manageability. Dry the hair before proceeding. If the twists are too damp, the curl won’t take. Now, create two-strand twists all over the head by taking a small section of hair and separating it into two strands, stretching the hair out and twisting over and under until you reach the ends. Spritz a little ApHogee Gloss Therapy Polisher Spray onto the twists before unraveling them to keep frizz at bay. Want extra volume? Use your pick at the roots to create a nice, beautiful shape that’s soft and sexy.
Instagram/@curlsbycandace
  • Big Hair Romantic sexy curls are a great look for hair that’s chin- or shoulder-length. Start by shampooing with ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo formulated with strengthening keratin amino acids and green tea antioxidants to maintain the health of delicate strands. Rinse and apply ApHogee Pro Vitamin Leave-in Conditioner, which is designed to strengthen hair and increase fullness. Next, work ApHogee Curlific! Curl Definer into damp hair and use a diffuser to add volume to those natural curls. Just let the natural curl do its thing as the hair dries. PRO TIP: To keep fragile locks in optimum condition, apply a deep conditioner like ApHogee Curlific! Texture Treatment Conditioner at least once a week. A must for color-treated curls, it restores elasticity and eliminates hair loss due to breakage.
Instagram/@iamrenee_28
  • Pin Curl Set On really long hair, a pin curl set creates voluminous, cascading waves he’ll want to run his fingers through. Shampoo (ApHogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair is a must for permed, color-treated or damaged hair) and apply ApHogee Pro Vitamin Leave-in Conditioner to increase fullness. The idea is to create as much volume as possible. Blow-dry the hair until it’s 100% dry before setting the hair in small pin curls. By the time you do your makeup and get dressed, the set will be good to go. After removing the pin curls, use your fingers to place the curls where you want them and use a bit of shine spray like ApHogee Gloss Therapy Polisher Spray to provide non-greasy, flexible hold.

A NEW way to add shine!

Have you heard about the new addition to the Curlific family? If you haven’t tried it yet, it better be in your cart!

Curlific! Hydrating Curl Serum works quickly and effectively to deliver a luxurious shine, lasting hydration and light control with just the right amount of hold. This is a must-have in any curly-girl’s hair styling regimen!

This finishing serum is ideal for fine to coarse hair and wavy-coily hair types.  It is infused with effective ingredients including Quinoa Amino Acids. Made with no sulfates, parabens, or phthalates.

HOW TO APPLY

REMEMBER, a little goes a long way! Do not over apply, start with a nickel size amount for fine hair and quarter size for thicker hair.

It is best to apply the serum when hair is damp and before any other styling products.  Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. 

Use a diffuser or air-dry hair – the results are gorgeously-conditioned curls that stay in place with no frizz and shine that will last all day.  Now who wouldn’t love that?

4 Tips to take care of your new Fall Color!

It’s that time of year again, FALL! And the time to change your hair color again, going back to the dark side? Lighter? Or adding a pop of color?

Fall Hair 2019

Here are 4 tips to keep hair looking fabulous this Fall:

 

  1. DO A PROTEIN TREATMENT

A day or two BEFORE your hair appointment, make sure to stop by your nearest Sally’s or local beauty supply store and pick up the ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment.  The protein treatment will help retain 30% of your fresh hair color, even after 10 washes on porous hair. If you are bleaching your hair, it will help prevent any breakage or damage to your hair.

  1. AVOID WASHING HAIR EVERYDAY

Hair color tends to fade the more you wash your hair, try washing your hair every other day. Using a color safe shampoo will help preserve your hair color longer (Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo).

  1. USE A DEEP CONDITIONER

Chemical process like bleach tend to strip natural oils from your hair causing frizz & dryness. Due to the fall weather even worse! Using deep conditioners will help bring moisture back to the hair keeping it manageable and soft. Try our Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor, bring softness and moisture back to your hair in one easy step.

  1. KEEP HAIR MOISTURIZED (ALL DAY LONG)

For everyday moisture, the Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner will be the quick fix to keep your hair refreshed. For an extra boost of shine, just a quick spritz of the Gloss Therapy Polisher Spray before heading out the door will make your hair color pop, even on the gloomiest day. Don’t let dull hair be your worst enemy!

WINNER! 2019 NaturallyCurly Best Hair Treatment!

ANOTHER ONE! The NaturallyCurly community has spoken and has honored ApHogee with another NaturallyCurly Award. The ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment has won the Community Choice 2019 NaturallyCurly Award for ‘Best Hair Treatment’ for coily hair.

ApHogee’s Two-Step Protein Treatment is a specialty treatment developed to stop hair breakage on severely damaged hair. It is the most concentrated protein product available. It works with heat, bonding protein into the damaged sections of the hair shaft and should be used once every 4-6 weeks.

The Two-Step Protein Treatment has many benefits which including:

  1. Reducing color fading by 30%- When used prior to a color service, it will form a protein matrix within the hair shaft which better retains color, reducing the color fading or shade shifting that normally occurs on porous hair with shampooing.
  2. Protecting against hair damage- Use the Two-Step Protein Treatment 24-48 hours before chemical services to strengthen hair and reduce damage on delicate hair types.
  3. Stopping hair breakage and restoring hair healththis specially formulated treatment stops breakage and will revitalize the hair. Damage can come from excessive heat, over processing hair and multiple chemical services.  After using the Two-Step Protein Treatment, the client will see immediate results!

When using this product, in order to get the best results, it is very important to follow the directions and use the Balancing Moisturizer as the second step of the process.

Thank you everyone who voted!

Love,

ApHogee

Top 3 ApHogee Conditioners for Softer, Stronger and Bigger Hair

Lather, rinse, … NOW it’s time to condition. Ever ask yourself “how exactly does this magical stuff make my hair so silky and soft?”  

The science behind how hair conditioner works lies on the cuticles of your hair strands. Think of your hair strands as giant interwoven threads of keratin protein chains, the cortex, surrounded by a shielding skin, the outer, cuticle layer.

This cuticle is naturally flat and lubricated by natural oils from the scalp. Each time we shampoo, we remove some of those oils. Hair color, straightening or styling with heat also roughens up the cuticle layer. When we “lift” the cuticle layer, we may damage the protein chains and also allow the hair to give up it’s precious moisture too easily. When the hair’s protein doesn’t have enough water, it gets rough, hard and brittle. Conditioner acts as a lubricant by putting these good oils back in hair, making it feel smooth, strong, and soft.

While using a hair conditioner is important in keeping your mane tangle-free it’s also important to know which conditioner is better suited for your hair type. A good conditioner will benefit your hair depending on 3 main factors depending on their ingredient mix:

  1. Moisture Retention
  2. Surface Smoothing
  3. Minor Repair and building body

ApHogee specializes in 3 different conditioners that are specifically designed for hydrating and restoring the natural state of all hair types.

For stronger hair (light to moderate breakage and dryness)

ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor- (Illustration by Xaviera Altena)

ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor- (Illustration by Xaviera Altena)

Chances are if you use heat styling products any other chemical processes on your hair (ie. heat styling tools, bleach, hair coloring) – your hair will definitely benefit from this one-step miracle. The 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor is formulated with restorative proteins and a balanced blend of moisturizers and emollients to help repair cuticle damage.  Use as a weekly, deep conditioner after shampooing to strengthen damaged hair while adding significant moisture for softness and elasticity. You’ll see a big difference after one use. (Comes in Packettes, 8 oz and 16 oz.)

For softer hair – (smoothing, detangling and suppleness)

ApHogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner

ApHogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner – illustration by Xaviera Altena

Are you suffering from dry hair that snaps when stretched? Your hair may be lacking in vitamins. The ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner is a deep penetrating, leave-in conditioner that enriches hair using ApHogee’s exclusive Pro-Phytamine complex, which smoothes the cuticle surface to detangle and increases manageability. It also contains Pathenol (or Pro-Vitamin B5) which acts as a humectant – by attracting moisture and increasing elasticity. The ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner helps all hair types, support styles better and also protects against thermal damage.  In addition, its balanced pH formula seals the cuticle to detangle and enhance color and highlights. (Available in 8 oz, 16 oz.)

For extra body, strengthening and heat protection

ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer Spray (Illustration by Xaviera Altena)

ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer Spray (Illustration by Xaviera Altena)

We all love a good leave-in conditioner – The Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer is definitely a fan favorite for it’s unique combination of strengthening properties of keratin protein with added antioxidant benefits of green tea. This popular leave-in conditioner is great for keeping those pesky split-ends and frizzy hair at bay while locking in moisture and color. It can also be doubled as a heat-protectant prior to styling while adding body to lifeless, limp hair. The best part? You spray it on wet or dry hair and let it work it’s magic! (8 oz.)

You can get mix and match and get these conditioners in-stores or at Sally Beauty stores at great 2 for $12 deal only for this month of August! Share and spread the word to your friends – trust us your hair will thank you.

ApHogee 2 for $12 Sale! – Only at Sally Beauty Shop Now

 

*The beautiful artwork was crafted by the talented mind of Xaviera Altena – visit her page and give her some love

AskApHogee: 10 Foods For Healthier Hair

The hair challenge is real. You love the ApHogee 2-Step Protein Treatment & Balancing Moisturizer for damage & breakage, and the ApHogee Gloss Therapy Polisher Spray has been fantastic for added shine, but you want more. What else can you do for healthier hair?

Your follicles are hungry! They need nutrients from the inside. Good nutrition promotes healthy hair, so check out these 10 Foods for Healthier Hair!

Can’t always balance your diet? Try ApHogee Nutritional Supplement for Hair!

Almond Butter

High in Vitamin E, manganese, and selenium, almond butter keeps your locks thick and shiny!

Tangerines

Vitamin C and Vitamin B12, both abundant in tangerines are great for your hair. Vitamin C makes it easier for your body to absorb iron. Your hair will reap the benefits of iron! Vitamin B12 promotes hair growth, reduces hair loss, and slows down the graying process.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have beta-carotene, a chemical found also in carrots and other colorful vegetables. Beta-carotene converts to Vitamin A in your body, protecting your hair against dullness!

Spinach

Spinach is rich in iron. Not only is iron great for your health, but also keeps your hair lustrous and shiny!

Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt is rich in protein and Vitamin B5. Greek yogurt helps with blood flow to your scalp and hair growth.

Salmon

Salmon is abundant in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3’s not only help you stay fit and disease free, but also helps you grow thick and lustrous hair! Balding in males and hair loss in females is due to loss of insulin and salmon helps your body process insulin more efficiently.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon improves your circulation and brings oxygen and nutrients to your hair.

Oatmeal

Rich in iron, fiber, zinc, omega-3’s, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, oatmeal stimulates hair growth, making hair thick and healthy.

Guava

Vitamin C is essential for your hair. One guava packs 4-5 times more Vitamin C than an orange. Guavas prevent your hair from breakage and brittleness.

Eggs

Eggs are high in the vitamin, Biotin. If your body does not carry enough Biotin, this can lead to hair loss.

 

AskApHogee: What is Keratin? Why should I use it in my hair?

Another hair trend? Is it worth it?  We say yes!

So called “Keratin treatments” are all the rage in hair salons. They use a reducing agent to rearrange the hair’s curl pattern and “Keratin” has nothing to do with that process. Keratin does not straighten your hair, but can be outstanding in helping to repair it!

What is Keratin?

Keratin is a natural fibrous protein found in healthy hairs. In order to penetrate and repair hair, Keratin protein must be broken down into shorter pieces called polypeptides. Our hair and nails are composed of Keratin, so this protein is most like that of the hair we want to repair.

So why is Keratin good for my hair?

Porous hair is prone to frizziness and breakage. When Keratin is applied to porous hair, the polypeptides fills in the gaps and rebuilds the structure of the hair. Damaged hair repaired in this way is better able to withstand the rigors of heat styling and chemical processing. This treatment helps eliminate damage, resulting in healthier, more elastic and stronger hair!

Which ApHogee products contain Keratin?

The Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo, Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor and Keratin & Green Tea Restructurizer deliver great results, utilizing the benefits of Keratin!

What is the difference between the Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor and the Two-Step Protein Treatment?

ApHogee’s Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor is a powerful, one step treatment that should be used for home use, between salon visits. It is recommended on tinted, bleached or relaxed hair. ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor helps repair damage caused by chlorine and hard water. This concentrated blend of keratin amino acids, botanical oils, and vitamins does wonders to restore strength and softness to hair that requires a deep, penetrating treatment. The Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor can be used on a weekly basis and can be used prior to a relaxer. Simply use it after washing your hair in the shower and leave in for at least two minutes.  If you think your hair needs a more intensive treatment, you can let it stay in your hair longer and use a plastic cap or warm towel to get a little deeper penetration.

The ApHogee Two-Step Protein Treatment is a specialty treatment formulated with magnesium and modified proteins which fuse into the hair with the application of heat. The result is that breakage is drastically reduced. This process is recommended for hair that is too weak or fine to take a perm or relaxer, is over-bleached, will not hold color, breaks when combed or brushed, and is mushy when wet and brittle after drying. It should be used once every four to six weeks. In conjunction with a relaxer, there should be 24 hours and at least one shampooing before using the Two-Step Protein Treatment. When using the Two-Step Protein Treatment, in order to get the results, it is very important to follow the directions including using the Balancing Moisturizer as the second step of the process.

Lastly, if you use the Two-Step Protein Treatment once every four to six weeks, you can use the Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor on a weekly basis as part of your hair maintenance.

Learn more about the ApHogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor. Shop here.

Learn more about the ApHogee 2 Step Protein Treatment. Shop here. Don’t forget the Balancing Moisturizer

References:

http://www.instyle.com/news/keratin-hair-treatment-guide

http://spryliving.com/articles/keratin-shampoos-do-they-work/

http://www.schwarzkopf.international/sk/en/home/hair_care/shampooing_conditioning/care_tips/keratin.html

 

ApHogee Spotlight: ApHogee Protein Treatment Review + Demo

For many women, the quest for beautiful hair comes at a price. Whether by coloring, bleaching, chemical straightening or everyday styling it is important to keep your hair reinforced with the best treatments and conditioners to reinforce damaged hair against breakage. Ebony from Ebony’s Curly TV reviews some of her favorite ApHogee products including our new Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo, Hair Strengthening Kit and the Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Conditioner.

(Can you see the difference at 6:28? We do!)

Follow Ebony’s Hair Repair Series here.

 

Ask ApHogee: Can Protein Treatments Cause Hair Breakage?

MYTH: “Too much protein can cause your hair to become brittle and break”.

The misconception about excessive protein MAY stem from the fact that if you use ONLY the protein stage in a 2 step and don’t moisturize, or, if you do not rinse the excess protein off the outside of the hair shaft thoroughly, the hair can feel rough and brittle.

One of the most common misconceptions we get from our consumers regarding our 2 Step Protein Treatment is that frequent usage of protein on the hair is bad and that it can lead to more breakage. The simple fact is that hydrolyzed proteins have been a commonly used ingredient in many hair products for decades and the notion of “protein sensitivity” is a myth. Because of this popular misconception, hair protein treatments have received a bad rap and it’s time to clear the confusion.

So what are the benefits of using protein treatments?

Protein treatments are actually conditioners containing higher levels of protein (5-6%) than the average.Your hair may benefit from a product with a lower amount (0.5 – 1%) of a particular protein or alternatively from a product that has a higher amount of that same protein but blended with humectants and emollients for added softness. Proteins are used on the hair for adding strength, shine, for hydration and to reduce breakage. When hair is damaged, protein helps temporarily repair damaged areas in hair by filling in gaps caused by heat or chemical damage on the cuticle. Protein treatments are one of the only proven ways to keep the hair hydrated by slowing the loss of water. Therefore incorporating a protein treatment every 4-6 weeks is a great way to temporarily rebuild and strengthen the hair shaft.

So why is it advised to use the 2 Step Protein Treatment every 4-6 weeks?
The ApHogee 2 Step Protein Treatment is an intensive treatment that should be used to stop hair breakage and strengthen moderate to severely damaged and weak hair. Why is it a “Two-Step” process? Because you MUST follow up with the Balancing Moisturizer or any other moisturizing deep conditioner to help soften the hair. It is CRUCIAL to maintain a moisture/protein balance in order to reap the benefits of applying a protein treatment.

The reason why we advise our consumers to apply the 2 Step Treatment every 4-6 weeks is because over application simply wastes the product. With a normal hair care regimen of styling and washing, and proper application, the treatment is still bonded into the hair over this time. Any product applied on top of it with just rinse off and not contribute to strengthening.

The misconception about protein may stem from the fact that if you use ONLY the protein stage in a 2 step and don’t moisturize, or, if you do not rinse the excess protein off the outside of the hair shaft thoroughly, the hair can feel rough and brittle.

HOWEVER it is also true that if very delicate or fine hair is agitated while the protein is in the dried stage, breakage is possible.

Great news! So what kind of moisturizers should I be using along with the protein treatment?
In intervals between Two Step Treatments, a one-step strengthening conditioner such as our 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor can be used weekly, or leave-in such us as our Pro-Vitamin Leave-In or just a moisturizer should suffice. An exception might occur if a color service, straightening, perm or other chemical service was done and created more damage.

Find ApHogee products near you here.

Purchase our products online or at your local Sally Beauty Store.