A semi-permanent gloss is a perfect way to experiment with hair color because it only deposits pigments within the cuticle layers so it shampoos out within 6 to 8 washes. A semi-permanent gloss also adds shine and coats the hair shaft, thus protecting your hair from heat-induced damage.
The bristles of a brush can damage the scalp and tear the hair cuticles, especially if used on kinky curly hair, which is extremely fine and fragile. Although, if done correctly, brushing can help stimulate hair growth by strengthening the follicles and spreading natural oils, such as sebum, throughout the hair; it is much safer to gently use a comb or your fingers to stimulate the scalp. Since you won't be spreading oils with a brush, you can simply apply an oil treatment directly to the ends. If you feel that you must brush, only use one with natural boar bristles and never brush wet hair.
It is important to deep condition your hair once in awhile to keep it healthy, beautiful, and to help prevent future damage. If your hair is dry or over-processed, deep conditioning can replenish the hair strength and moisturize. To deep condition hair, apply a protein enriched conditioner from the roots to the ends. Next, cover your hair with a plastic cap or plastic wrap and sit under a hood dryer for at least 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse your hair. Heat is needed to help the conditioner penetrate the cuticle layers more efficiently. For optimum health, deep condition your hair one to two times a month.
A hair strand consists of three layers. The cuticle is the outer layer--this layer has an average of three to ten layers that should be tightly packed together. Proper moisturizing and conditioning are important to strengthen and protect the cuticle layers. The cortex is the next layer under the cuticle--this layer determines your natural hair color and is where all permanent chemical changes (relaxers, hair dye) take place. The medulla is the inner most layer--this protein layer is hollow, and the cuticle and cortex layers shape around it. Most hair damage occurs in the cuticle layer and in extreme cases, the damage can reach the cortex and medulla. Knowing and understanding the layers of a hair strand can help you make healthier choices for your hair.