The past 4 months have been a challenge for all of us – whether you were deemed essential and worked tireless hours, you were confined to your home with little outside contact, or worst case – you were sick. Now that everything is slowly opening up and returning to “normal,” we’re all trying to adjust to this new lifestyle. Salons were one of the many businesses that had to remain closed throughout the majority of the quarantine (depending on the state), and everyone was DIY-ing their haircuts and color. Thankfully, many salons are back open, but only at a limited capacity and no one really knows what will happen these next few months. That’s why this week we decided to focus on what you CAN do at home to get that fresh-from-the-salon feeling we’re sure you’ve been craving!

A big part of the salon experience (especially for women) is not just getting a haircut – it’s the ambiance, the chit-chat with your stylist, the relaxing smells, and the overall feeling of being pampered. It’s very difficult to replicate this on your own (even more if you have zero experience doing hair!) and there will never really be a replacement for the salon experience. HOWEVER, we at Paul Joseph Professional have a few products and tips that can help you gain back even a little bit of that spa-like feeling.

First and foremost, it’s all about picking the right shampoo/conditioner for your hair type. We depend on stylists to make this decision for us, but it’s really easy to ask yourself a couple questions that will narrow down the selection. 1. Is my hair color-treated? 2. Is my hair fine/thin? 3. Is my hair oily? It’s quite simple from here – if you have color-treated hair, you go for a color-protecting, sulfate free shampoo & conditioner (such as LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner) to keep your color vibrant and your strands moisturized. If you have thin/fine hair that needs a boost, look for something with “volumizing” in the name, or anything “lightweight” so it doesn’t weigh your hair down (like our STACKED Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner.) And if your hair is ultra-oily, you may need something stronger, like a clarifying shampoo (we have REAL CLEAR Clarifying Shampoo). And make sure to smell them first! Paul Joseph Professional uses scents like basil mandarin and coconut to create that escape-from-the-world spa-like feeling. Don’t underestimate how impactful the scent of your hair product can be!

The most challenging part to do at home is the blow-out – so challenging in fact that there are salons dedicated ONLY to blowing out your hair! While the technique can be difficult to get the hang of, it’s also about using the right products to get the results you want. There are many blow-out and blow-dry sprays on the market, and most will help to dry your hair faster and create a shiny finish (like UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray) which is the key to a nice finish. If your hair us especially unruly, we recommend combining the blow-dry spray with a leave-in treatment or conditioner which will re-moisturize dry hair and keep your waves and curls bouncy and flexible (such as INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment.) And finally, finish off your look with a moisturizing and nourishing serum or oil (like ENHANCE Shine Serum) to pull everything together and give you that professional touch. These products, combined with a wet-hair brush, a steady hand, and a good hair dryer, will have people asking you WHERE you go to get your hair done! Now is the time (since we have so much of it lately) to educate yourself on little things like this – because you never know what the future holds!

So stay safe out there, experiment with your hair styles and products, and take the time to pamper yourself. Because you can’t help others without helping yourself first! 😊

Hair & Photo by: Kim Bruno @kimmykimster

Golden highlights, soft balayage, icy platinum… it’s finally summer, which means it’s time for blonde, blonde and more blonde! (Or, if you’re a hair stylist – bleach, bleach and more bleach!) Despite it’s bad reputation for causing damage, we at Paul Joseph Professional know that hair lightening is a major part of the beauty industry (and it’s not going anywhere!), so we have some tips and products to help you protect your bleached hair this summer and all year long!

1. PREPARATION! Prior to any color or chemical treatment on your hair, it’s important to start with a clean, pure canvas. Product buildup and environmental pollutants (ie. smoke, dirt, etc.) can prevent the treatment/bleach/color from fully penetrating the cuticle, leaving you with less than ideal results that will fade quickly. Therefore, we recommend using a moisturizing clarifying shampoo to strip away impurities left on your hair and scalp without over-drying. If you use a shampoo that doesn’t replenish your hair’s moisture, the bleach will dry you out more, causing breakage, dullness or even hair loss.
   
   We recommend using REAL CLEAR Clarifying Shampoo prior to any bleach services. It’s mild yet effective and contains the patented “LUSTRE  X” – a conditioning agent which will keep even the driest hair soft and  manageable.

2. PROTECTION! Once you achieve the blonde of your dreams, you’re going to want to maintain it as long as possible – the less you have to touch it up, the less damage you’ll cause. The two biggest culprits of hair damage/discoloration during the summertime are UVA/UVB rays and chlorine. The radiation from the strong summer sun can degrade the protein in your already fragile bleached hair (causing dullness, frizz, and breakage), and the chlorine from your refreshing pool can turn that blonde an unflattering shade of green. For these reasons, we recommend using a leave-in conditioning treatment that can shield against the absorption of UV rays and chlorine. The conditioning element will also keep your hair moisturized – a very important factor for color-treated hair.
   
   For UVA/UVB and chlorine protection, we recommend INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment. This water-based formula (containing sunflower seed extract) is ultra-hydrating, nourishing, and absorbs the UVA/UVB rays and chlorine so your hair doesn’t!

3. PREVENTION! Besides the damage, brassiness is the other major issue bottle-blondes run into. The environment plays a role in this as well – your hair absorbs common pollutants which can create a yellowish/brassy tone. Usually by the time you notice it, you need to re-bleach or re-tone your hair to get rid of it – but there’s a way to prevent it from happening all together! That clarifying shampoo you used prior to your hair treatment is the star of the show yet again – it’s super-cleansing nature will remove impurities that may discolor your hair before the brassiness is apparent. By using a clarifying shampoo once a week, you can keep those golden or icy tones radiant for longer – reducing your need for salon visits and touch-ups.
   
   To beat the brass, we once again recommend REAL CLEAR Clarifying Shampoo. When used once a week along with your regular hair care routine, you’ll notice less discoloration and a brighter, healthier looking blonde!
   
   

Now you have all the tools to be smart about bleach this summer – and beyond! So go out and show off that sparkling blonde!  

Banner Photo & Hair by: Kim Bruno @kimmykimster 

After being cooped up for the past few months, people are rushing to get outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and the summer sun - nothing is more relaxing than laying on a beach with a good book and a fruity cocktail. These days, we pretty much all understand how important it is to lather on the sunscreen before an all day BBQ, but sometimes we forget that our hair needs some protection too! UVA and UVB rays will damage those beachy waves worse than nearly anything else in our environment (short of literal hot lava) so we’re going to break it all down for you and save your summer style!

To start, it’s important that we understand what UV rays are and how the different types will affect your hair. A UV ray is a band of the electromagnetic spectrum within a specific wavelength (10nm to 400nm) - UVA rays have a wavelength of 400-320nm and UVB rays have a wavelength of 320-290nm. Each of these types of rays affect your hair in different ways - UVA radiation causes the protein in your hair to breakdown, and UVB radiation causes hair discoloration. Both will ultimately change the appearance/structure of your hair strands based on the amount of exposure. 

As with any radiation poisoning, the breakdown of cells begins on the inside - in this case your hair’s protein and melanin. That’s why it’s super important to give your hair its own sunscreen - usually in the form of a UV absorber (such as ::big word alert:: Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride - contained in both LOCK IT IN Color Protecting Shampoo AND Conditioner) or as a protective shield (a natural property of sunflower seed extract - found in INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment). 

Hair that is particularly dry and/or damaged by bleach treatments is especially susceptible to protein breakdown due to its already weakened state. So keep your hair as hydrated as possible no matter how much saltwater you absorb (but it does make for the nicest curls!) with leave in treatments or conditioners and color-treated hair products before you hit the beach. 

Better safe than sorry though.. The best shield between your hair and the sun is a physical barrier such as a tight bun that keeps most of your strands tucked away, a light headscarf you can wrap around, or a cute floppy summer hat. Your hair (and your hair stylist) will be forever grateful! 

Sources: https://www.thehairfuel.com/science-behind-sun-damage-to-hair/ 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19138021/

Humidity can wreak havoc on your smooth, fresh locks mere seconds after you finish styling. Up here in the Northeast, it’s something we’re very familiar with - every summer we deal with suffocating levels of moisture in the air. That’s why we at Paul Joseph Professional focused so much on frizz prevention, and we’ve got some insider tips on how to keep that mane tamed in even the most humid climates! 

First and foremost, it’s important to understand WHY our hair frizzes in humidity. Of course we all know the chemical makeup of water is 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen - therefore on a particularly muggy day, there are high levels of hydrogen in the air. The chemical makeup of our hair is sensitive to these airborne hydrogen molecules and they quickly bond to the protein and water molecules already present in our hair. And the drier the hair, the more likely it is to absorb outside moisture (which is why those with brittle, chemically damaged, dry hair are more susceptible to frizz). When these bonds form they cause the hair strand to swell up - disrupting the smooth outer layer of the cuticle. This gives you a coarse, “fried” appearance, commonly known as frizz. 

Now that we got the science out of the way, here are some tips and tricks for shiny, sleek hair all year round!

1. MOISTURIZE! I know it seems counterproductive to ADD moisture when fighting the humidity - but as we already know, hydrogen bonds are more likely to form in dry hair. So that means if you get chemical treatments or use a lot of heat for styling, you need to make sure you’re replacing that moisture lost in the process.

For the ultimate re-hydrator for colored or chemically treated hair, we recommend LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner.

2. PROTECT! Create a shield of defense against the elements with conditioning treatments. Products with high levels of nourishing extracts can create a protective shield around the hair strand, helping to prevent the disruptive hydrogen bonds which cause frizz.

For the best line of defense, we recommend INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment & UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray. Both which contain multiple extracts proven to help prevent frizz such as sunflower seed, lemon zest, and sugar cane.

3. REPLENISH! Depending on how humid the air is,  how long you are exposed to it, or the overall condition of your hair, moisturizing and protecting alone may not be enough. If this is the case, make sure to have a smoothing serum or oil on-hand to re-stabilize the moisture in your hair. A small amount run through your fly-aways and ends should be enough to keep you frizz free until your next hair wash. It’s important to not overdue this step though or you’ll end up with greasy, heavy hair.

To smooth and shine your locks, we recommend ENHANCE Shine Serum - a unique blend of carrot and Argan oils light enough to use throughout the day but strong enough to condition and moisturize even the most damaged/dry hair. 

Now you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need to enjoy a frizz-free summer, no matter where you live! So get out there and enjoy yourself! :) 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (which doesn’t sound like such a bad idea actually…) you’re aware of the ongoing pandemic occurring globally right now. People are quarantined, wearing masks, and wiping out stores of hand sanitizer and (for some reason?) toilet paper. It’s a pretty scary situation that will hopefully resolve itself soon, but we thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss hair and scalp health. All parts of our bodies are exposed to bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, and free radicals – including your hair! An unhealthy scalp can cause a host of problems so keeping it clean and protected should definitely be on your checklist.

As with our hands, it’s important to keep our scalps sanitized and not just for aesthetic reasons. Our hair is dense and has a large surface area which can carry germs that will remain there for hours, or even worse, will spread to other parts of our bodies. Furthermore, bacteria and fungi left on the scalp can create a pretty nasty situation – one that could result in hair loss, hair breakage, or even a serious infection.

The problem is that many shampoos and hair products out there are not antibacterial, antiseptic, antimicrobial or antifungal, so generally hair washing isn’t going to help. However, at Paul Joseph Professional, we recognized the importance of sanitization and that’s why we’ve included several beneficial extracts in our products.

• CITRUS EXTRACT: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant & Antiseptic Properties Antiseptic Properties
• Contained in STACKED Shampoo, LOCK IT IN Shampoo & UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray
  
  
• GARLIC EXTRACT: Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant & Immune-Boosting Properties
• Contained in STACKED Shampoo & LOCK IT IN Shampoo
  
  
• SAGE EXTRACT: Antibiotic, Anti-Allergic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant & Antiseptic Properties
• Contained in STACKED Shampoo & LOCK IT IN Shampoo
  
  
• ECHINACEA EXTRACT: Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral, Antioxidant & Immune-Boosting Properties
• Contained in STACKED Shampoo & LOCK IT IN Shampoo
  
  
• CARROT OIL EXTRACT: Antibacterial & Antifungal Properties
• Contained in ENHANCE Shine Serum
  
  
• WHITE OAK BARK EXTRACT: Antiseptic, Antibacterial & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• Contained in STACKED Shampoo & LOCK IT IN Shampoo

While using these products won’t make you immune to whichever illness is circulating near you, they will certainly help to maintain a healthy scalp (which means healthy hair!) and can reduce the amount of germs/bacteria you’re carrying around with you. With the world the way it is right now – every little bit helps! Be sure to take the necessary precautions and keep yourself and your family healthy and happy! 😊

Hair & Photo By Kim Bruno @kimmykimster

Spring is right around the corner (finally!) and that means many people are freshening up their color or adding sunny highlights for the new season. But it’s not cheap to get your hair colored – the popular balayage technique can run you hundreds of dollars depending on where you go. Most don’t realize how important it is to secure your investment by using color-protecting hair products. Your color lasts longer when you take care of it, resulting in less salon visits for touch ups, saving a lot of money in the long run! Here at Paul Joseph Professional we understand that, so we use cutting edge and natural ingredients in our specialized products to keep your color sparkling.

The first and most common line of defense is shampoo and conditioner. Our sulfate free LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting system uses a specialized UV absorber (with a long scientific name), to prevent color fade caused by UVA and UVB rays. Dyed hair can also become brittle, weak and dull so it’s important to stay hydrated. LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting Shampoo contains extracts such as garlic, sage, lemon and echinacea which help to add and retain moisture, increase shine, and even boost healthy hair growth. The keratin, protein, and vitamins contained in the LOCK IT IN Color-Protecting conditioner aid in repairing hair damaged by the coloring process, giving your hair a healthier, more vibrant appearance.

Next, the blow out process. By using a combination of INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment and UPGRADE Quick Blow-Dry Spray (or either one on their own) you can keep your hair hydrated and protected from color fade even on the sunniest of spring days. The sunflower seed extract in INTENSITY keeps the color sealed in, the strands hydrated and repaired, and protects against damage caused by UVA/UVB rays. UPGRADE adds to that protection with lemon zest extract which has antioxidant properties, shielding your hair against the elements. The sugar cane extract, also in UPGRADE, contributes to retaining moisture and conditioning each strand for a manageable texture.

And lastly, styling. In the past decade, it has been discovered that the “superfood” quinoa was found to help retain color when the extract is used in hair products. That’s why we included that, as well as kiwi, mango and aloe extracts in our ELEVATE Color-Protecting Hairspray. The flexible hold is never crunchy and won’t dull your beautiful (and expensive) color – in fact it will add shine (something hairsprays typically don’t do!) On top of looking nice, your scalp and strands will absorb nutrients rather than harmful build-up, improving the condition of your hair and color with every use.

So after your next expensive trip to the salon, think about the long-term effects of color-treating your hair and how to keep it as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Stylists have a fountain of knowledge when it comes to this, so don’t be afraid to ask which product is best for you and your hair type. And don’t forget to mention Paul Joseph Professional – our complete color-protecting system will change your life (and your wallet!)

Your hair takes a real beating in the wintertime. Between the dryness, the harsh weather, and smokey fireplaces, your hair is exposed to a lot of not-so-good stuff. Last week, we talked about the benefits of sunflower seed extract in our INTENSITY Leave-In Treatment. But there is another up and coming extract, contained in our ENHANCE Shine Serum, that’s equally as beneficial – carrot oil! We’ve all known the benefits of adding carrots to your diet for a while. But it turns out that they’re just as good for your outsides as they are for your insides!

The reason, as with most of the natural extracts we use at Paul Joseph, is that carrots are loaded with nutrients. Namely high levels of vitamins A & E, and beta carotene. When used in a hair product, you can expect better moisture retention, less breakage, and stronger, healthier, shinier hair. The beta carotene, a precursor for vitamin A, prevents split ends and breakage by protecting the strands from exposure to the elements (looking at you, New England winters 😊) and dryness. In addition to that, beta carotene will improve your scalp’s health which can lead to increased hair growth in some users.

ENHANCE Shine Serum uses a unique blend of both carrot AND Argan oils for optimal results and the high concentration of quality ingredients sets it apart from the competition. “We have all used shine products and we have all had good results” says Pamela Piatt, stylist and owner of Image Salon in Mobile, AL. “This product is actually different. I actually use just one drop or two (depending on the hair type) to style with and the look is sleek and shiny!” Esther Rios, a stylist at Statements the Salon in Woodbridge, VA, has similar experiences when using ENHANCE on her clients. “Once they feel the results and experience how good it smells, they buy it! We have a hard time keeping it, and other Paul Joseph products on the shelf!"

One of the best things about carrot oil is that it’s lightweight and won’t leave you with greasy, piece-y hair. And our ENHANCE 4oz bottle is perfect for travel and on the go to tame frizz, static and fly-aways. Grab yours now by clicking ENHANCE anywhere in this article!

It’s wintertime (still ☹) which means – at least for those of us in colder climates – it’s the season for dry, brittle, fly-away hair. We spend most of our time cooped up indoors with a dry heat blasting that keeps us nice and warm but does our hair no favors. It’s a constant struggle to replace all that lost moisture and it’s difficult to maintain throughout the day (ie. putting on your coat = static city.) Luckily, our chemists have done their research, and our Leave-in Treatment, INTENSITY, is able to replenish your hair’s moisture AND maintain it!

So what is it about INTENSITY that makes it so effective? Sunflowers! The extract from the seeds of this summery flower are PACKED with vitamins and other nutrients that help to repair, rebuild, and refresh dull, brittle strands.

But for the purposes of this discussion – how can INTENSITY combat the static? Well, one of the major benefits of sunflower seed extract is that it’s lightweight and highly absorbable. This is important for a couple different reasons: it’s not going to sit on top of your hair temporarily – it’s going to last. It’s also going to get absorbed into your scalp, feeding the hair follicles with nutrients and moisturizing your skin. This will help to prevent dandruff and also the over-production of your body’s natural oils, which can leave you with a flat, greasy appearance and clogged pores.

With hair that is sufficiently moisturized, the static charge causing your fly-aways is eliminated (that’s why there’s more static in the winter than in the more humid months – water is an excellent conductor and absorbs energy). It’s the Omega-9 acid in the extract (which makes up between 16-28% of a sunflower seed) that’s mostly responsible for the re-hydration your hair so desperately needs this time of year. It even forms a protective barrier around the hair strands to seal in the moisture which prevents the loss of hydration caused by heat treatments and environmental elements.

We recommend spritzing INTENSITY on freshly washed, damp hair about 5-10 times depending on your hair’s length and density. From there you can air dry (which will keep your hair even MORE hydrated) or blow dry and style as usual. As an extra line of defense, you can carry our 3.4oz size in your purse, spray a small amount into the palm of your hand, then run it through your hair to catch any loose fly-aways throughout the day. The beauty of INTENSITY is that a little goes a long way and it’s formulated to last, so grab a bottle today and enjoy a little piece of summertime – 5 months early!