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Take a look at the hair care aisle in your local grocery store and you’re likely to find dozens upon dozens of products geared towards solving the issue of hair loss. Hair loss and premature balding have long been the most common hair-related issues, and the number of products and remedies geared towards solving these problems goes to show how difficult it has been to find an effective cure. Thankfully, there are several natural products that you might already own that can help you on your journey to better hair growth! Aloe Vera It’s very likely that you already have this in your medicine cabinet, as aloe vera has been used for decades as a useful sunburn remedy. But did you know that its benefits extend to the world of hair care, as well? What makes aloe so effective in soothing sunburnt skin is its naturally soothing and hydrating properties that help to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process. Given that scalp inflammation is one of the leading causes of hair loss, it makes sense that aloe, when applied to an inflamed or irritated scalp, can help to reduce hair loss as well! As if that weren’t enough, aloe is packed with multiple vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help boost hair and scalp health. Rosemary Beloved by many for its relaxing, tranquility-inducing scent, rosemary oil is beginning to gain traction as an effective ingredient in skincare and hair care applications. Rosemary oil has been proven to be a natural antibacterial and antifungal ingredient, making it an excellent option for treating fungal and bacterial infections which may impede hair growth. When looking at its chemical compounds, rosemary is packed with triterpenoids such as ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, camphor, and betulinic acid. These triterpenoids possess potent anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties, which assists in healing scalp inflammation, one of the key contributors to hair loss. Additionally, rosemary has been theorized to contain components which help prevent the expression of DHT, which is a testosterone-linked hormone proven to cause hair loss in men. Peppermint Aside from evoking feelings of the winter holidays, peppermint oil has long been a staple in personal care products such as body washes, shampoos, and conditioners due to the stimulating, tingling sensation it provokes when applied to skin. This stimulating feeling is a result of the oil increasing blood circulation in the applied area, which is caused by its active chemical compound, menthol. Menthol is the active ingredient in countless pain-relief products due to its ability to both soothe inflammation while stimulating blood circulation to promote the healing of damaged muscle and tissue. Similarly, menthol, when applied to the scalp via peppermint oil, can potentially soothe and calm inflamed and irritated scalps while also stimulating blood circulation to expedite the healing process. Additionally, this extra circulation could potentially stimulate underactive hair follicles, which can help boost the natural hair growth process. Featured in Watch our Video

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, one of the more popular fads in the hair care world has been a tea rinse. For the uninitiated, a tea rinse involves brewing a cup of hot tea, allowing it to cool, and then applying it to a freshly shampooed hair and scalp, either as a direct rinse or via a spray bottle. Once thoroughly saturated, a shower cap is applied, and the tea is allowed to sit and work its magic for roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Once complete, the tea is rinsed and followed with a conditioner. If you find the idea of pouring a cup of tea onto your head a little bizarre, read our guide below and explore some of the many amazing benefits behind this trendy practice! Boost Hair Growth Many types of teas are filled with potent compounds that which could potentially help lessen hair loss and promote hair growth. For instance, the caffeine in a variety of teas can potentially stimulate the blood flow of the scalp to help enhance an underactive hair follicle. Black tea has been touted as an excellent choice for limiting hair loss, as many believe several components of the tea are able to block the effects of DHT, which is a hormone linked to hair loss and shedding. Additionally, several teas contain omega fatty acids, which help boost the overall health and function of the hair follicle. Heal and Soothe Scalp Just as a warm cup of tea can help calm and relax you at the end of a long day, so too can a tea rinse help to soothe and relax an irritated scalp. Chamomile tea, for instance, contains a plethora of bioactive compounds, including bisabolol, chamazulene, apigenin, and quercetin, that have been clinically demonstrated to possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Another excellent option is green tea, which contains powerful polyphenols such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that are renowned for their healing and soothing properties. However, those with excessive scalp dryness or irritation need to be mindful to avoid teas with high caffeine content such as black tea, as caffeine has been known to induce dryness and further exacerbate scalp conditions. Enhance Hair Color Aside from the benefits to your hair and scalp health, tea rinses can also be an effective way of amplifying your current hair color! Many varieties of tea contain compounds that lend them their characteristic colors, and these same compounds can impart a similar color to our hair, as well. With that in mind, it’s important to pick the right tea to match your current hair color and desired effect. Dark hair types should opt for black tea, which will help to darken your current hair color. Redheads or red-toned hair should look to red-colored teas like rooibos and hibiscus, while blondes can help to lighten their hair tone with chamomile tea. Featured in Watch our Video

When it comes to the world of personal fitness and healthy eating, has any food enjoyed more attention and popularity than kale? This leafy green has been featured in everything from salads to smoothies, with proponents touting its incredible nutritional profile full of vitamins, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Kale has been suggested as a remedy for a variety of physical ailments and health conditions, but what about the food’s benefits when it comes to hair care? Read below to see how this superfood might be the hair care solution you’ve been seeking! What’s In Kale? When it comes to nutrient content, few foods can compare with our green powerhouse. Kale is one of the most potent sources of vitamin K, along with possessing large amounts of vitamins A, C, and numerous B vitamins, as well as minerals like manganese and calcium. As if that weren’t enough, Kale is loaded with carotenoids such as beta-carotene, as well as omega-3, also known as alpha linolenic-acid (ALA). Given its nutritional composition, its easy to see why kale has become beloved by health and fitness advocates. But how does this all translate to the health of your hair and scalp? Let’s explore. Boost Hair Growth Thanks to its content of vitamins K, A, and B vitamins, kale can potentially facilitate in the hair’s natural growth process, helping to normalize the hair growth process. Additionally, these essential vitamins can help improve the structure and integrity of the hair strand, which translates to stronger, thicker hair that is less prone to breakage and damage. If you’re suffering from hair loss and/or thinning hair, we think kale is an excellent option for you! Exfoliate and Normalize the Scalp Few things can impact the overall health of your hair than an irritated or dry scalp. When the scalp is inflamed, it can lead to major hair loss and weakened hair strands, while flaking caused by scalp dryness can clog the hair follicle and impede hair growth. Thankfully, kale’s vitamin A and beta-carotene content help promote cellular turnover, aka exfoliation, normalizing the scalp’s moisture levels and preventing any buildup of flakes or dandruff. Additionally, vitamin A helps promote a healthy balance of sebum and oils on the scalp, which prevents both scalp dryness and excess oil production. The Final Verdict As you can see, there’s quite a bit to love when it comes to kale and its applications to hair care. While kale can provide a nice boost to someone suffering with hair loss, thinning hair, or abnormal sebum production, we think this superfood is an amazing addition to just about anyone’s hair routine! Featured in Watch our Video

Few ingredients are more fundamental to the culture and cuisine of India and Southern Asia than the spice of the turmeric plant. With its infamous orange-yellow color and earthy, peppery flavor, the spice has been used for centuries for practically everything, whether it be as a central component of curry seasoning to its medicinal use in traditional herbal medicine. Recently, turmeric has become quite a trendy ingredient in the beauty world due to its potential to treat several skin and hair related concerns. Turmeric’s active chemical, curcumin, has been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient, which helps explains the plant’s traditional use in treating a variety of ailments. As if that weren’t enough, turmeric has also demonstrated numerous antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making this plant an all-around superstar. With all of this in mind, let’s explore the many ways in which this ingredient can help give you your best hair yet! Fight Hair Loss Did you know that one of the leading causes of hair loss is scalp inflammation? When the scalp becomes inflamed, whether it be due to an infection or skin condition, the hair follicle becomes weakened, leading to diminished hair growth and loss in hair density. Thankfully, turmeric can treat this inflammation directly thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of its active ingredient, curcumin. With frequent application, turmeric may be able to help hair become fuller and thicker while boosting overall hair growth. Treat Scalp Conditions Aside from causing inflammation that leads to hair loss and thinning, skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis can also cause a great deal of pain and discomfort and lead to dry, flaking skin and dandruff. By reducing the amount of inflammation on the scalp, turmeric can help alleviate pain and discomfort and provide a soothing benefit. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of turmeric can help prevent fungal and bacterial infections, giving your scalp an all-around boost! Provide Anti-Aging Benefits In addition to its incredible healing and soothing benefits, turmeric has demonstrated antioxidant abilities as well. Antioxidants are ingredients which neutralize free radicals, which are damaging, harmful molecules which expedite the degradation and aging of the hair and skin. Many of these free radicals originate from sun exposure and air pollution, making their effects even more pronounced in warm climates or urban environments. Thankfully, antioxidants such as turmeric can provide a level of defense to your hair and scalp from these free radicals, helping to delay the signs of aging and fatigue! Featured in Watch our Video

Of all of Sutra’s best-selling styling tools, one of the most unique is the Professional Blowout Brush. Thanks to its 2-in-1 design, the brush combines the volumizing benefits of a blow dryer with the styling and detangling attributes of a round brush. The result? Big, bouncy hair with volume for days, along with incredible shine thanks to a premium mix of boar and nylon brush bristles. As if that weren’t enough, Sutra designed two different sizes of the brush, with options available in 2” and 3”. However, if you’re unsure as to which of these two options is best for you, read our guide below for a comparison of each! Product Specs For starters, both brushes feature the same turbo-charged 1000W Power DC Motor for exceptional blow-drying performance, along with the same blend of boar and nylon bristles for superior detangling and straightening. Additionally, each brush has been designed with a lightweight build and an easy grip handle for the most user-friendly styling experience possible. Heat and Speed Settings Where the two of these devices differ in terms of styling features is in each brush’s heat and speed settings. The 2” brush includes high and low heat settings along with an air-dry mode, while the 3” brush includes high, medium, and low heat settings. These differences in heat and speed settings are subtle but are worth pointing out for those really looking to fine-tune their styling routine. For instance, the air-dry mode on the 2” brush is ideal for someone looking to casually brush out and straighten their hair, while the three heat modes on the 3” brush allows for a more precise range of heat selection for picky hair types. Barrel Size As stated in the names of each of the products, the biggest difference here is in terms of barrel length. The 2” brush is perfect for shorter-to-medium length hair, with the ability to create tighter, more defined curls. Additionally, the 2” brush features fewer bristles, which is perfect for straight hair, along with wider air vents for increased air flow for a quicker styling experience. On the other hand, the 3” brush is ideal for medium-to-long hair lengths, offering the ability to seamlessly boost hair with massive volume and big, bouncy waves and curls. The 3” brush also features more bristles to better grip and detangle thick, textured hair, along with smaller air vents for a more dispersed, even airflow for more time-consuming hairstyles.  Conclusion To conclude, both brushes provide the same exceptional blow-drying and detangling performance due to premium motor and bristle materials, along with ergonomic, user-friendly product designs. For those with shorter and/or straighter hair or those looking for the casual styling benefits of an air-dry mode, the 2” model is ideal for you. On the other hand, the 3” model is perfect for longer and/or thicker hair looking to fine-tune their heat settings. Featured in Watch our Video

As incredible as it is to have so many different options for hair tools at your disposal, you certainly wouldn’t be alone in feeling like the number of choices are a bit…overwhelming. From blow dryers to flat irons to heated styling brushes and much, much more, sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with the latest technological innovation in hairstyling. As if that weren’t complicated enough, you also need to consider the array of add-ons and attachments that just about every device features these days. This is most notable when it comes to blow dryers, which can include anywhere from two to six included attachments with your purchase. To clear up the confusion, we’re here to break down the most common blow dryer attachments and help you determine which works best for your hair needs! Concentrators By far the most commonly used blow dryer attachment is the concentrator, which allows you to customize the airflow of your blow dryer to suit your styling needs. The aptly named attachment is able to “concentrate” the air flow into a more precise and intense output, allowing you to create more defined styles. Many devices will include a variety of concentrators that vary in airflow output from wide-open to razor thin. The attachment is particularly useful for shorter styles or pixie hairstyles that require more precise manipulation and styling. Diffusers As the name implies, this attachment works in a directly opposite fashion of the concentrator, as it “diffuses” the airflow to be more spread out and less intense. This sort of attachment is ideal for those with extremely textured, wavy, or curly hair, as these hair types are particularly prone to dryness and frizz. The diffuser provides you with the ability to dry your hair effectively while minimizing the potential of frizz or damage from a more concentrated output. When paired with a blow dryer that utilizes ionic technology such as Sutra’s Accelerator 3500, the results are remarkably smooth, manageable and full of shine. Picks A more uncommon attachment, a styling pick looks much like a concentrator nozzle, only with added hair picks to section portions of hair and applying volumizing air at a deeper level. Pick attachments usually come in a variety of sizes, with shorter pick lengths for shorter hairstyles and longer pick lengths for longer hairstyles. Styling Heads The most unusual of the bunch, styling heads simply describe a class of blow dryer attachments that are designed in a unique fashion to accentuate the styling experience in a unique way. For instance, some styling heads include fine-toothed combs to section and smooth hair while blow drying, while others include bristles to enhance shine and create a more precise finish. Because of the variety in styling heads, feel free to mix and match with different heads, finding one that works best for you! 5. Crimped Waves Last but not least, let’s give summer a proper send-off with a fun, beachy look! Perfect for medium-to-short styles, simply part your hair down the middle, brush out, and use a crimping waver like Sutra’s Interchangeable Waver to create those gorgeous, crimped waves. Finish with hairspray and prepare to turn heads! Featured in Watch our Video

Summer is winding down, which means that back-to-school time is just around the corner!  For many teens, this is the first time in over a year that they’ll see their classmates in person, making it all that more important to nail that back-to-school look.  This year, there’s no shortage of head-turning hairstyles to draw inspiration from, with braids and buns making major comebacks.  See our five favorites below and kick off your school year in style!  1. Double Dutch braids Part braid, part ponytail, this look is equal parts fun as it is retro chic. Ideal for long hairstyles, you’ll need to part your hair down the middle and grab three sections of hair on one side of the head. Working in a Dutch braid pattern, bring the left or right section down under the middle section and up to the opposite side, and then repeat with the opposite section. Do the same on the other side of your hair, securing towards the end down the hair with a hair tie. 2. Space Buns Feeling daring? Try this hairstyle that’s out of this world! Simply brush your hair straight, part it down the middle, and tie ponytails on the back of your head. Then, bring each ponytail up to the top of the head and tie into a bun, securing with a hair tie. This is an easy hairstyle that really stands out! 3. Fishtail top knot Fishtail braids are all the rage this year, and this variation adds a fun, casual touch. Brush your hair back and tie one large ponytail, securing with a hair tie. Then, pull the ponytail up and begin creating a fishtail braid from root to tip, tying at the very end with a small elastic band. Finally, loosen up your braid and tie it into a bun at the top of your head, securing with a bobby pin. Spray with a product like Sutra’s Hair Cocktail to tame any flyaways, and voila! 4. French Braid Ahh, the classic French braid, a look that never goes out of style. While an iconic look, it can take a bit of practice to really master. Like previous styles, brush your hair back and detangle any knots. Then, working towards the top back middle of your hair, grab three sections of hair and begin moving one section across the other, working your way down until finishing in a beautiful French braid pattern. Secure with a hair tie and finish with hairspray. 5. Crimped Waves Last but not least, let’s give summer a proper send-off with a fun, beachy look! Perfect for medium-to-short styles, simply part your hair down the middle, brush out, and use a crimping waver like Sutra’s Interchangeable Waver to create those gorgeous, crimped waves. Finish with hairspray and prepare to turn heads!

You would be shocked to learn of the lengths our ancestors went in order to perfect their hair. For example, in the Renaissance era, a common conditioner remedy was to a concoction of olive oil boiled in dead lizards! Thankfully, our hair care methods have evolved since then, and we now know much more about how to effectively, humanely, and safely take care of our hair. That being said, there are several haircare tips that have stood the test of time, and many of them might be just what you need to take your hair to the next level! Ancient Oil Conditioning Remedy While we’ve seen some wild and completely bogus hair care beliefs over the years, there’s one concept that has always been universally accepted: hair moisturization is an absolute must. For example, ancient Moroccans utilized argan oil, which was specific to their island country, to prevent hair dryness and frizz, while ancient Japanese and Chinese favored coconut oil. Most famously, the ancient Egyptians, popularized by Cleopatra, utilized castor oil and almond oil to keep their hair hydrated and shiny. Today, we not only know much more about which oils are most beneficial for hair and scalp health, but we also have the luxury of sourcing oils from all over the world. For a modern hair oil blend, consider Sutra’s Hair Cocktail, which features the aforementioned coconut oil, along with African marula oil and rare rose petal oil. Mesopotamian Hair Curling Although we may look at the modern hair curler, with all of its advanced technology and gadgets, and consider it to be a strictly modern hair tool, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the art of heated hair curling dates back several thousands of years ago to the ancient Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations. Known as “curling tongs”, ancient Babylonian and Assyrian men would heat these bronze tools over a fire and then use them to shape their long beards into unique, crimped styles. Thankfully, our curling irons today utilize much more advanced and gentle technology. For instance, Sutra’s Infrared Curling Iron utilizes infrared technology to shorten styling time while preventing heat damage. Dry Shampoo Like a French Royal This may come as a shock, but the act of shampooing one’s hair is actually a fairly modern concept. The first shampoo wasn’t invented until the early 1900’s, and hair washing practices differ wildly over the centuries from culture to culture. However, in European cultures where wig-wearing came in vogue, the removal of residue and grease became a necessity, as it was incredibly difficult to wash a wig. Enter the invention of the first dry shampoo. French royals and elites in the 17th and 18th centuries were known to use flours and starches to remove oil and grease from their wigs, setting the stage for a practice that has evolved into today’s dry shampoos that double as an effective volumizing and texturizing treatment! Featured in Watch our Video

Have you ever stopped to consider just how advanced the hair care market is today? While our grandparents had to rely on incredibly basic equipment and damaging hair care products, today there is no shortage of product options at our fingertips, with choices to fit virtually any hair type. Among these new innovative technologies, perhaps the most groundbreaking has been the use of infrared heat technology. Whereas styling tools of old applied basic heat directly to the cuticle with short wavelengths, infrared heat instead utilizes longer wavelengths that penetrate the hair shaft from within. Through this mechanism, infrared heat dries the hair from the inside-out, effectively preserving the outer cuticle layer from damage while also boosting dry time and providing more uniform heat conductivity throughout the entire hair. While that all sounds great on paper, what kind of results can these tools produce in real-life use? I’ve used a variety of infrared styling tools, and I’m here to tell you that the results are nothing short of magical. Blow Drying If there’s one tool that benefits the most from infrared technology, it’s the common blow dryer. Length of blow-dry time often correlates to intensity of heat damage, meaning the longer it takes for you to dry and style your hair, the more likely you are to damage your hair and cause dryness. The issue is even worse for those of us with thick, textured hair, as these hair types not only take longer to dry, but they are also the most prone to damage and breakage. Thankfully, infrared blow dryers like the Sutra IR BD2 are perfect for cutting down dry time while preventing frizz and split ends. You’ll be shocked at how quickly your hair will dry, not to mention how much easier your hair will be to style and manage.  Flat Irons Flat irons are every girl’s answer to sleek, silky-smooth hair…in theory. Anyone who’s used a cheap, poorly constructed hair straightener is more than familiar with the lackluster results that follow, whether it be uneven drying results, loss of shine, or worse, severe damage. Again, infrared technology is here to save the day! By using this form of gentle, even heat, flat irons are capable of emitting the most consistent heat possible while protecting your outer cuticle layer from damage. After using the Sutra IR2 Flat Iron, I was stunned by how smooth, shiny, and perfectly straight my hair looked! Curling Irons Last but not least, let’s not forget the trusty curling iron! As someone who loves to create tight, defined curls, I was fascinated with the idea of using a curling iron that incorporated this incredible technology. Thankfully, the results were just as amazing as I anticipated. Just as with the other two styling tool categories, Sutra’s Infrared Curling Iron not only left my hair smooth, shiny, and damage-free, but it also produced curls that lasted ALL DAY!