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! :) 

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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!)

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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!

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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!

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No matter your hair type, it’s likely that you use SOME sort of hair product on a regular basis – a leave-in treatment, a pomade, hairspray, gel, etc. Thankfully these products have come a long way and aren’t nearly as harmful for your hair as they used to be. There’s still one downside to putting anything in your hair – it builds up! Although most products gets absorbed into the hair and scalp, or comes off naturally during the day, a significant amount WILL remain on your head. This can lead to dandruff, an oily/greasy appearance, breakage, or can even hinder the growth of new hair. No thank you!

 

Most people think the pesky build-up issue is solved with a simple hair wash and you’re back to a fresh clean slate. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. With the rise of the “anti-sulfates” movement, the general public usually opts to use a gentler shampoo as to not cause hair damage or color fade. And while it’s true that sulfates add intensity to the cleansing process, they are not always harmful; and in some cases, they’re necessary!

 

Think of your hair as a car for a moment. Especially in these New England winters, the exterior will take a real beating from salt, sand, and muddy slush. Then the springtime rain comes and washes that all away – giving the appearance of a clean (well, cleaner) car. But rain doesn’t have a whole lot of pressure, and that caked on salt and mud doesn’t budge. So you take your car to a car wash where specialized tools use pressure, soap and water to deep clean and you’re left with a sparkly looking-like-new result. Great! But if you looped back around and repeated the process multiple times, the paint is eventually going to wear down. That’s how sulfates work. When used in moderation and when truly needed, they can be extremely helpful.

 

So when and how should you be using a clarifying shampoo (such as REAL CLEAR)? There are a couple types of situations that call for deep cleaning. First, and as previously mentioned, build-up. Based on the texture of your hair, using a clarifying shampoo from once a week to once a month is recommended to break down the product build-up, unclog your hair follicles, and remove excess oils. Without all that weighing you down, you’ll notice the appearance of shinier, more voluminous hair. And underneath, a healthier scalp less prone to drying and dandruff.

 

The second use for clarifying shampoos is to create a “blank canvas” for color application. Many products these days protect the hair by creating a film around each individual strand. This film prevents outside toxins and/or heat treatments from penetrating and causing damage or color-fade – all good things! However this film will ALSO prevent the color from effectively bonding to the hair and it won’t last as long as it should A shampoo such as REAL CLEAR will remove that barrier when used prior to coloring, allowing for a stronger bond and longer lasting color.

 

So the takeaway is… clarifying shampoo with sulfates should be a part of everyone’s hair care routine – be it once a week, once a month, or maybe only before a color service. We recommend REAL CLEAR for all your clarifying needs; it’s unique in that it gives you the deep clean you need WITHOUT the harmful effects of many other sulfate shampoos (click here to read more about REAL CLEAR’s LustreX technology). Plus our 13.5 oz bottle for only $17 will last FOREVER with proper use! Click on REAL CLEAR anywhere in this article and purchase yours now! 😊

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In case you missed it, we here at Paul Joseph Professional recently released our newest product – ELEVATE Color-Protecting Hairspray!  Not only will this flexible hold spray lock in your style, it’s also PACKED with nourishing extracts, vitamins, and minerals that’ll improve your hair’s condition and color with every use!

 

Let’s start with the star of our color-protecting formula – hydrolyzed quinoa. You may already be familiar with the ancient grain because it has found place in mainstream culture as a “superfood.” There’s a reason everyone is obsessed – quinoa contains amino acids and the most protein out of any other grain, making it a great addition to your diet. But it’s also very beneficial for your hair’s health for a few different reasons… When we color our hair, the harsh chemicals break down the amino acids (notably cysteine) and protein in your hair, resulting in brittle, dull strands.  Hydrolyzed quinoa (processed extract broken down to be easily absorbed into hair) contains cysteine and works to revive the damaged strands. The result is less fly-aways, less breakage, and an overall smoother texture of your hair. Furthermore, studies show* hydrolyzed quinoa will significantly reduce color-fade with repeated use.

 

The kiwi, mango, and aloe extracts contained in ELEVATE work together to maintain the hair’s health and moisture retention. All 3 are loaded with vitamins and minerals, mainly vitamins A, E, and C, and copper, potassium and zinc – all which work to promote healthy hair growth, control oiliness, and prevent dandruff. What will you notice about using our hairspray with these extracts? Well, that crunchy helmet hair of the past will be no more – you’re left with shiny, bouncy style without having to sacrifice the hold you’re used to.

 

There is so much more goodness to unpack in our newest product, but for now we’ll let the results speak for themselves. If you haven’t tried ELEVATE yet, we encourage you to purchase your first bottle today and let your color and style shine!

 

*https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/category/haircare/231633721.html

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If you’ve been keeping up with our hints, you’ll probably already know that our newest addition to the Paul Joseph Professional line, ENHANCE SHINE SERUM, is made up of unique blend of carrot and Argan oils. This lightweight, green tea & avocado scented serum will give you a polished, shiny look – but there are many more healthy-hair benefits you may not be aware of. But worry not! We’ve got the rundown for you. 😊

Carrot oil, derived from carrot seeds, is rich in beta-carotenes and vitamins A & E – all of which are essential for hair health. Evidence has shown that these nutrients can help your hair grow faster and stronger, will help you to avoid split ends, and will improve your overall hair texture and elasticity. Furthermore, the vitamins have been found to have a protective effect, guarding your strands from damage caused by UVA/UVB rays, environmental stresses (ie. smoke, pollution, etc.), and heat/chemical treatments.

Argan oil, which you’re probably already familiar with, is found in the kernels of the Argan tree (native to Morocco.) It has been a popular additive (or even on its own) in many hair products.. and for good reason! Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, Argan oil will nourish your hair from scalp to ends and will create a softer, more manageable texture. Same as the carrot oil, the oil helps to repair existing damage caused by every day hair stresses – and helps to prevent further damage (bye-bye split ends!) It’s easily absorbed into the strands and follicles which “enhance” its effectiveness, and it will continue to improve your hair from the inside out with every use.

ENHANCE is unique not only in its combination of these two oils, but it also stands out in performance. We wanted to ensure that users with ANY hair type would reap these benefits, therefore the silky serum is designed to give you shine and tame your frizz without weighing your hair down. In fact, because of the previously mentioned nutrients, ENHANCE will actually regulate the natural oils produced by your scalp. This helps to reduce excessive greasiness and prevents dandruff.

So for that fresh-from-the-salon look every day, we recommend including ENHANCE in your daily hair care routine. It can be used prior to and after blow-drying, and you’ll start to see improvements right away. Invest in your hair and invest in yourself by purchasing your bottle of ENHANCE today!

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Earlier this month, we announced the launch of a new product coming this fall. But what didn't tell you is that there will actually be TWO brand new Paul Joseph styling and finishing products in the coming months! 

We've been on the search for the newest and most beneficial extracts for healthy hair - that's why our new fruity-scented finishing product uses the nutrients and protein of the quinoa plant! Quinoa, one of the healthiest "super foods" on the market, can actually help to prevent your natural or color-treated hair from fading. This new formula, which also contains aloe, kiwi and mango extracts, will actually improve the condition of your hair with every use!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more hints and information on these two new products. We know you'll love them as much as we do! 

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