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The 5 Step Guide to the Curly Girl Method by Lust Haircare
Curly and wavy hair, with its natural bends and coils, possesses a unique beauty but also requires special care to thrive. The Curly Girl Method (CGM) is a set of rules to follow, techniques to use and ingredients to avoid enhancing and encourage the natural curl pattern, minimize frizz and promote overall hair health. At its core, the Curly Girl Method advocates for avoiding harsh sulphates, non-water-soluble silicones, drying alcohols, waxes and mineral oils. Over the years the CGM has changed slightly, mostly due to the advancement of specialised haircare and accessories that are now available. Our resident Curly Girl Suz (who has long, dry, thick, naturally curly hair) has been incorporating the Curly Girl Method into her Lust Haircare routine for a few years now. Over time she has tailored this to what works best for her, and she is sharing her curly hair routine and suggestions with us. Step 1: Prep your Hair with a Deep Cleanse! WHY DEEP CLEANSING IS YOUR CGM FOUNDATION To begin with, you need to do a deep cleansing/clarifying shampoo. This step is really important as it will remove any buildup that has accumulated in the hair over time, prepping your hair to be almost like a blank canvas, ensuring it will be more receptive to your new hair care method. This is the only time using sulphates are said to be acceptable however I use our Lust Deep Cleanser (Lust Scalp Shampoo is another option) both of which are sulphate free. Step 2: Saying goodbye to shampooing and hello to co-washing. EMBRACING NEW HABITS Now that you have completed prep, it is time to say goodbye to using shampoo every time you wash your hair. Before learning about the Curly Girl Method I had never considered co-washing (cleansing your scalp and hair with conditioner instead of shampoo) but man, it is a game changer! My hair always feels so much softer and my natural curl is always much more defined. However, after 2 or 3 co-washes I do start to feel the itch of product buildup and this is when I use our Lust Hydrate Shampoo. I massage this into my scalp only and allow the rest of my hair to be cleansed by the shampoo as I rinse it out. Especially designed for dry hair and infused with Grapeseed Oil and Aloe Very Leaf, the Hydrate Shampoo is rich, moisturising and perfect for my thick hair. Plus, just like all Lust Shampoo’s it is sulphate, silicone and paraben free making it perfectly acceptable to use. For those of you with finer hair I would suggest using something a little lighter such as Lust Curl or Lust Daily shampoo. Step 3: Deep conditioning & Gentle Detangling THE SECRET TO MOISTURE RICH, TANGLE FREE CURLS After you co-wash or shampoo it is time to complete a second, deeper condition. I have come to believe that this is one of the most important and beneficial steps in the curly hair routine as it is prepping your curls to be the best they can be. I use the Lust Daily Conditioner because it is our only CGM friendly conditioner so obviously that is my go-to. Before you condition make sure you gently squeeze out as much water from your hair as possible so it can really absorb the conditioner. Be a little generous with your conditioner and ensure it is distributed evenly which will help to nourish your curls and make the detangling process gentler and easier. When the CGM was initially created, the use of combs and brushes was a no go and using your fingers to detangle knots was preferred. However, I use our Lust Coco Brush and find it simply amazing for gently and thoroughly detangling my thick, long hair. Believe it or not, I have had the same brush for over 2 years and it is still going strong. If you have finer hair, you may be more partial to our Eco Detangling Brush or Eco Detangling Comb. Start from the ends up and be gentle. Once your curls are tangle free, rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly but leave about a quarter of the conditioner in for added moisture (remember, I have extremely long and thick hair so this works well for me but it may not be ideal for those with fine hair). It is at this stage I suggest flopping your head and hair over and using your hands to gently squeeze out as much excess water as you can while grabbing sections of your hair and scrunching them up toward your scalp to help with definition. Do not skip this step as I find it really does make difference to helping define your curls. Step 4: Master your Styling Routine CHOSING PRODUCTS AND METHODS THAT WORK FOR YOUR CURL TYPE Hair gel is suggested as the ideal product to use as it helps to add extra curl definition, locks in results and longevity. However, after my own trial and testing I prefer to use our Lust Styling Cream which delivers on its promise to provide natural feeling definition without the crunch. I like to apply my product by rubbing it my hands, once again flopping my head over, and scrunching it into my hair up toward your scalp. And once again, be generous! Apart from squeezing out the access water in the shower, I do not dry my hair before applying my product (I did not do this for a long time as it just didn’t seem right but I can confirm that it really does make a positive difference)! Setting the curl pattern to wet hair is great for achieving optimal definition and hydration because there is room for the product to be absorbed into the hair shaft which will lock in moisture and lead to more consistent and defined curls as it dries. Step 5: Air Drying vs Plopping WHICH METHOD WORKS BEST? Personally, I think nothing goes past naturally air drying my hair but this can take time and I am not a huge fan of that sopping wet feeling so I usually speed things up by ‘plopping’. Simply mound your hair on top of your head and secure it with a gentle, microfiber head towel, pillowcase or even a t-shirt. Avoid using the rough fabric of a normal towel so that you do not have to twist your hair or deal with the weight, both of which can lead to frizz. Once my hair is ¾ dry, I remove my head towel and leave my hair to air dry. The final step in my routine is adding more product. Because my hair is so long and thick I usually find that once it is 100% dry there can be a few small areas that still look a bit dry and frizzy so I like to mix a small amount of either Lust Curl Cream or Lust Hair Beauty Cream with one or two pumps of Lust Luxury Argan Oil and use my hands to smooth it into my hair, starting from my ends to mid lengths. Ready to Transform Your Curls? REMEMBER: PATIENCE AND CONSITENCY ARE KEY! The Curly Girl Method can seem daunting at first but stick to it as it does get easier. Remember that everyone's hair is different and it will take some trial and error to find the products and techniques that work best for you. It also takes time for your hair to adjust to your new normal so do not expect miracles overnight. Patience is key! XX SUZ
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Enjoy Salon Results at Home with our Professional Hair Dryers Made in Italy!
Have you ever wondered why your hair looks amazing after a salon visit, but you can never quite recreate that same look at home? The secret isn't just in the stylist's technique; it's in the tools they use. Today, at Lust Haircare we are excited to introduce our range of Italian-made professional hair dryers that bring salon-quality results directly to your home in New Zealand. The Italian Difference: Craftmanship that Delivers Most hair dryers available in the New Zealand are mass-produced with basic functionality in mind. They can be loud, heavy, and often lack the power and precision needed for professional-quality styling. The result? Frizzy hair, uneven drying, and a styling experience that leaves much to be desired. Italy has long been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, from luxury cars to high-end fashion. This same dedication to quality and innovation extends to professional hair tools. So, there was no question when we decided to add professional hair dryers to our range of hair tools for salons and home users, that we decided to collaborate with a top company like Ceriotti. For this renowned Italian brand, hair dryers aren't just appliances, they are precision instruments designed with the expertise that comes from decades of experience and research. So, when you choose our Italian-made hair dryer, you are investing in: ✓ Premium Italian engineering ✓ Durable construction built to last ✓ Professional-grade components ✓ Sophisticated design and performance ✓ The reliability trusted by salon professionals How to Choose the Right Hair Dryer for You? Not all hair dryers are created equal. When investing in a quality hair dryer, here's what you should look for: Motor power & technology Look for at least 1800W for effective drying. Professional-grade motors not only dry faster but also last longer. AC motors (found in professional dryers) are more durable than DC motors typically used in cheaper models. Heat and speed settings Multiple heat and speed combinations give you control over your styling. Different hair types require different approaches, fine hair needs gentler heat, while thick hair benefits from higher temperatures. Weight and ergonomics A lightweight design reduces arm fatigue during styling. Look for balanced weight distribution and comfortable grip, especially if you have longer hair that requires more drying time. Noise level Quality hair dryers use advanced motor technology and sound dampening to reduce noise without sacrificing power. Your early morning routine shouldn't wake the entire household. Cool shot feature A true cold shot (not just reduced heat) is essential for setting your style and adding shine. This feature locks in your look and closes hair cuticles for a smoother finish. Quality and durability Professional-grade components mean your investment will last. Look for heat-resistant housing, quality switches, and robust cord construction. Understanding these features helps explain why our Italian-made hair dryers deliver superior results compared to mass-market alternatives. Meet our Professional-grade Hair Dryers The WOW Hair Dryer by Lust Haircare - Professional Quality Made Accessible Initially designed for professional use, the WOW hair dryer is now available for your personal styling routine, delivering the same powerful performance that stylists rely on daily with authentic Italian engineering and design. Key features: ✓ Powerful 2000W motor - Professional-strength performance for faster drying times ✓ Super light (Superleggero) - Lightweight design reduces arm fatigue during styling ✓ Silent motor - Quiet operation for comfortable use any time of day ✓ True cold shot - Locks in your style with a blast of cool air ✓ 2 speeds, 4 temperatures - Complete control for all hair types and styling needs ✓ Non-twist power cord - Tangle-free styling without cord frustration Available in two sophisticated colours - black and violet, this hair dryer combines modern design with prestigious technical specifications. Its ergonomic grip and excellent soundproofing technology ensure optimum comfort, making your styling routine more pleasant and peaceful. If you are looking for professional results at home, the WOW Hair Dryer by Lust is the perfect hair styling tool! The BI 5000 Tryo™ - The New Benchmark in Professional Hair Dryer For those seeking the ultimate in hair styling innovation, the BI 5000 Tryo™ represents the cutting edge of Italian engineering. Featuring the revolutionary Tryo™ System technology, this professional hair dryer is the new benchmark in hair dryers. Power, reliability, robustness and ease of use are just a couple of the revolutionary aspects of this new tool. The Tryo™ System is the world's only technology that combines three technical innovations to give you complete control over your styling experience. This exclusive technology provides perfect airflow control and improved maintenance capabilities. Born from extensive research by Ceriotti, the BI 5000 sets a new benchmark with its contemporary design and cutting-edge technology. This is professional-grade innovation now available for your haircare routine at home. Key features: ✓ Powerful 2200W motor - Superior professional-strength performance ✓ 50% Quieter Operation - Revolutionary Silencer technology reduces noise by half ✓ Heat-Proof Surface - Cool-touch technology for safe, comfortable handling ✓ Enhanced Safety - New locking system ensures secure attachment of styling tools ✓ Superior Airflow Control - Advanced engineering for flawless styling results Why Choose our Italian-Made Hair Dryers Over Other Brands? Premium engineering Italian manufacturers like Ceriotti have decades of experience creating tools for the world's top salons. This expertise translates into superior performance and reliability. Durability Professional-grade components mean your hair dryer is built to last, providing exceptional value over time. Advanced technology Features like the Tryo™ System represent genuine innovation, not just marketing gimmicks. Comfort and safety Ergonomic design, heat-proof surfaces, and noise reduction technology, all make your styling routine more pleasant and safe. Authentic results The same tools trusted by professional stylists worldwide, now available for your home use. Transform Your Hair Styling Experience! Whether you're looking for professional quality with the Lust Haircare WOW Hair Dryer or cutting-edge innovation with the Lust Haircare BI 5000 Tryo™, both options deliver authentic salon results in the comfort of your home. Stop settling for ordinary hair dryers that leave you frustrated. Discover why top stylists choose Italian hair dryer technology? Explore our range of hair dryers and transform your hair styling experience forever. ✓Made in Italy ✓Designed for professionals ✓Perfect for your home
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What Causes Dandruff? Understanding This Common Scalp Condition
Dandruff is a non-contagious scalp condition identified by white, flaky skin cells that shed from the scalp, often accompanied by an itchy sensation and sometimes redness. Basically, it's just your scalp shedding skin cells at a faster-than-normal rate. It is super common and many of us will experience at some point. There are several reasons dandruff can occur. Sometimes, your scalp might just be super dry, leading to those smaller, powdery flakes. Other times, it's the complete opposite - an overly oily scalp. This can actually be a breeding ground for a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia Globosa. This fungus, which naturally resides in everyone’s scalp, will thrive in oil rich environments and in turn produce enzymes that irritates your skin, causing an accelerated turnover of skin cells. Instead of shedding gradually the cells clump together, becoming visible as white or yellow flakes. Or, dandruff can just be your reaction to several other factors such as, irregular or insufficient shampooing, sensitivity to certain hair products, stress, hormonal fluctuations and even environmental conditions like cold, dry weather. How to Manage Dandruff Dealing with dandruff can be a bit of a nuisance but it is generally manageable by focusing on scalp health and gentle haircare. The Lust Scalp Shampoo and Conditioner is gentle, scalp balancing duo designed to help to fight the bacteria that causes dandruff, helping to relieve and prevent it. A unique herbal complex including Tea Tree and Mint deliver anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help soothe dry, itchy and irritated scalps. While this range is gentle enough to be used every day, washing too frequently can potentially dry out or irritate the scalp, while washing too infrequently allows oil and yeast to build up, worsening the condition. Ultimately, the right schedule is highly individual, so pay attention to how your scalp responds; consistency is key, and it may take a few weeks to find your ideal routine. Scalp Health and Gentle Haircare To get the most out of your anti-dandruff haircare routine we suggest using the Lust Deep Cleanser to remove any buildup that has accumulate in the hair over time, prepping your hair to be almost like a blank canvas, ensuring it will be more receptive to your new hair care method. As a guideline, for those with mild dandruff, washing two to three times per week should suffice. For severe dandruff wash as often as needed to effectively control the dandruff. Ensure that you focus on your scalp and take the time to massage the product in to help loosen flakes and stimulate circulation. Allow the shampoo to sit for a few minutes, allowing the active ingredients to work, before rinsing thoroughly. Repeat this step with conditioner. Again, everyone is different so pay attention to how your scalp responds; consistency is key, and it may take a few weeks to find your ideal routine. Maintaining Dandruff-Free Results Once symptoms are under control and the dandruff has significantly lessened, you can often reduce the frequency to one to two times a week for maintenance, using a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner on other days if daily washing is desired. Why Sulphate-Free? Traditional shampoos often contain harsh sulphates which can aggressively strip the scalp's natural oils. For a scalps prone to dandruff, this stripping can increase dryness, irritation, and even trigger a rebound in flakiness by disrupting its delicate moisture barrier. Sulphate-free hair products consist of gentler formulations which cleanse without over-drying, preserving the scalp's natural pH balance. This helps to soothe any lingering sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and creates an optimal environment that discourages the reoccurrence of dandruff symptoms. Quite simply, sulphate-free products play a vital role in long-term dandruff management, ensuring lasting dandruff-free results. Haircare and Styling People experiencing dandruff can often tend to shy away from using hair products. However, while anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner focus on scalp care combining it with the right aftercare is essential for daily maintenance, ensuring your hair stays strong and nourished. Lust Xtra Care and Stylers include a premium range of products designed to protect, nourish, condition and style all hair types. Containing botanical ingredients and free of any harsh chemicals including sulphates, they are perfect for people who are prone to dandruff (however, we advise avoiding any pastes, pomades or clays, regardless if they are sulphate-free or not. These types of thicker products can promote heavy buildup and hinder the scalp from breathing, creating a playground for dandruff). Aftercare and styling products are best used on the hair strands, especially the mid-lengths to ends, to avoid depositing rich formulas directly onto the scalp, which can potentially clog pores and contribute to itchiness and flaking. The goal is to maintain a clean, balanced scalp environment while still caring for the beauty and style of your hair, ensuring that your aftercare routine supports, rather than hinders, your dandruff management efforts. Find Relief in your Cupboard! For those of you who may not have the means or time to go and grab your anti-dandruff products, do not worry as you may already have some remedies at your disposal! Apple Cider Vinegar - can help balance your scalp's pH and discourage flakes Diluted Tea Tree Oil - a few drops can help to soothe angry scalps while also having antimicrobial benefits. Aloe Vera – offers a lovely, calming touch to an irritated scalp. Baking Soda – an effective but gentle scalp exfoliator. Coconut Oil – can be used as a carrier oil for the Tea Tree or, use lightly and sparingly, can soothe dryness and calm itching. Conclusion Remember, dandruff is a common conditioner, however, if it is really persistent and bugging you, don't hesitate to chat with a doctor or dermatologist; they can offer more specific advice or treatments to get your scalp happy again!
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