Smooth Talk

As we get older, our bodies undergo all sorts of different changes – and our gorgeous hair is no exception! Just like skin ages, your hair does, too. And with that can come an almost brand-new kind of mane.  Although we can’t fight mother nature, there are steps we can do to help our hair age as best as possible. The rule of thumb for maintaining fab hair health over the years is prevention rather than correction. In this episode of our Smooth Talk blog, we'll chat through some common hair aging questions like; How Does Hair Change As We Age? What Causes Gray Hair? Can Stress Cause Gray Hair? Does Menopause Cause Gray Hair? And how to embrace your gray for all the "gray hair don't care" babes! We'll shed light on these topics and provide some helpful tips for keeping your hair healthy, smooth, and hydrated as the years go by. So without further ado, let's dive in! How Does Hair Change As We Age? Just like any other living thing, our hair goes through cycles of growth, aging, and even death! It sounds intense, but these steps are all a part of the natural cycle of hair health– and results in the replacement of old strands with new hair follicles in a span of 2 to 7 years. This is what helps keep hair fresh and silky over time – so keep calm and trust the process! However, our hair typically starts to age and deteriorate in quality when we hit our 30s – eek. Aging hair can lose its density, shine, volume, and softness. The most visible sign of aging is that hair color starts changing from its natural shade to gray, silver, and white. An added frustration  about this transformation is that gray hair strands are weaker versions of our previously colored hair follicles, meaning gray hair typically has thinner, coarser, lighter, and frizzier properties – very prone to breaking.  Not what anyone really wants to hear, we know! But what exactly is causing your hair to age and more specifically, to lose its color? UGC: @freshbeautystudio on IG What Causes Gray Hair? As we age, the hair follicle (the tube where hair strands pop out) becomes weaker and produces less melanin which causes it to regrow gray. Melanin is what determines our unique hair color– so a lack of melanin will result in no hair pigmentation, or gray/white hair.  Melanin is an essential pigment produced by the follicle and is responsible for: Hair color: eumelanin for dark hair, pheomelanin for light hair, and a varying mixture of both produces various hair colors Hair protection: shielding hair from the sun and harsh elements  Hair health: keeping the hair vital and strong   If this melanin becomes less sufficient, the hair color starts changing to gray, and it becomes less protected from harsh environmental factors like sun, dust, smoke, pollution, and UV light.   Unprotected gray hair is susceptible to more damage from environmental factors (sometimes resulting in hair conditions like dandruff, itching or dry scalp) and also damage from heat styling and chemical processing.  And unfortunately, that's not all: Gray hair – since it now lacks the necessary melanin that helps keep hair hydrated – starts changing your hair texture, often becoming more wiry, coarse, frizzy, and dry. This can lead to extra breakage as hair becomes more brittle.  There are many factors that can cause gray hair, and some of them are out of your hands. One of the biggest factors of graying hair is your genetic makeup. According to a Nature Communications study published in 2016, the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) gene is responsible for regulating production and storage of melanin. While we aren’t able to control our genetic makeup yet, there are some actions we can take to help aging hair. Like we said - prevention, not correction! Let’s get into the tips. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Regina Burton (@burtonregina) Can Stress Cause Gray Hair? Research has shown that yes, stress can cause gray hair. For starters, it's already proven that our visible hair color is determined by melanocytes (pigment-producing) cells, which are made from the "melanocyte stem cells" inside the hair follicle – remember that tube where hair strands pop out? This research proved that when we are continually stressed, the stress produces a harmful chemical called norepinephrine into the melanocyte stem cells living in the hair follicle. The norepinephrine then disables the melanocyte and stops it from producing new melanin pigment. Unfortunately, due to the absent monocyte stem cells and melanocyte pigment, their hair strands lose their visible color– turning hair gray. So If you've been wondering what causes premature gray hair, consider a little evaluation of your emotional grievances and stressors. Take a deep breath and try to get some zen.  Fortunately, premature graying from stress can be prevented– and we'll share how. But before that, let's look at another unconventional condition that can cause gray hair and hair loss– Menopause. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ANNIKA VON HOLDT (@annikavonholdt) Does Menopause Cause Gray Hair? The short answer: Yes, Menopause is another major cause of gray hair. There are various hormones in women – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc. – all responsible for different functions in how a woman's body works. However, as a woman ages, especially in her menopausal age, the level of these hormones starts to drop. And as research has shown, the drop in these hormones leads to an increase in other hormones (androgens), which in turn affects the follicles, causing them to regrow gray.  Also, during a woman's menopause, the blood vessels responsible for supplying hair roots with nutrients start to diminish, which reduces the ability of the melanin pigment to maintain the hair color, resulting in graying. With all these causes for hair aging, how can we help to keep our hair as fresh as can be at any age? Check the list below babe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grece Ghanem (@greceghanem) Tips For Maintaining Hair’s Vitality Over the Years So how can we keep our gorgeous gray hair luscious, full, and hydrated as we age? Here are a few quick tips: # Consume More Protein Start eating more protein-centered diets, at least 40 to 60 grams daily. Hair follicles majorly contain a protein called Keratin. We have a feeling if you’re here, you probably already know a thing or two about keratin ;) Structuring your diet around a lean protein source in each meal is a great way to sustain protein levels in your hair! Another way is through the usage of keratin-rich hair products– *Gussi has entered the chat*  Gussi products are structured around a healthy dose of hair’s favorite protein building block: keratin. Using Gussi’s keratin-rich products is a fantastic way to boost hair health and ensure your beautiful hair is maintaining vital levels of protein as you age.  # Take More Vitamins Vitamins aid hair growth, so consuming more of the vitamins you lack can help to keep your levels in check. Most especially, iron, riboflavin, biotin, vitamins A, B, C, D, B6, and B12. (BTW - many of these vital hair vitamins are found in Gussi’s nutrient-rich At-Home Keratin Treatment!). There’s plenty of great options for hair, skin & nail boosting vitamins available almost anywhere you buy food, drugs, or supplements.  # Take a Chill Pill (Figuratively)  We already dropped the bad news that stress can lead to premature hair aging. But the upside is that there’s never been more ways to combat stress than there are today. Do things that make you happy and less anxious. Mindful meditation, walks outdoors, and unplugging from your devices are all viable solutions to excessive stress. Hit the gym for some yoga or pilates, curl up with your fave mag or a good book. Spend more time with loved ones, even if that has to be a FaceTime vs IRL.  # Take Good Care Of Your Hair and Scalp This is very important, as no one is born with perfect hair that stays forever. We’re all human!  Caring for your hair protects it from the symptoms of hair aging we want to avoid, like brittleness, frizz, and breakage.  Keep your scalp gently cleansed and hair always nourished - we love leave-in conditioner and deep conditioning masques for extra boosts. Use high quality towels and combs, and check your shower water to ensure it’s not too harsh or too hot. Frequent gentle brushing and regular trims will also help keep strands feeling and looking their best. And if you want fabulous hair that’s  shiny, smooth, and frizz-free, then use clean, high-quality, hard-working  hair care products like the Gussi collection of shampoo, conditioner, and at-home keratin treatment. Our keratin-infused collection delivers all of the good stuff hair needs, without any harsh or nasty chemicals it doesn’t.   Gussi Benefits for Aging and Gray Hair  While we love embracing gray hair, the accompanying symptoms… not so much.  When it comes to hair treatment to help love any of the 50 shades of gray (sorry, couldn’t help it), nothing beats Gussi’s at-home keratin treatment. For our gorgeous gray hair gals who need a little extra help with smoothing, defrizzing, and maintaining hair strength– Gussi is your new best friend!  The DIY Gussi keratin treatment provides your hair follicles with the right amount of protein needed to smooth, tame, and add nourishment to the hair, especially as it changes texture from going gray. That's why here at Gussi, we've produced the most efficient Keratin Treatment products free from formaldehydes, parabens, and phthalates. Just the good stuff in here! You also don't have to worry about your beautiful gray hairs developing a brittle texture– Gussi will give your gray hair the best soft, smooth, and shiny texture you desire Are the Gussi benefits applicable to aging hair as well? Absolutely! Gussi’s Keratin Treatment is beneficial for hair health at every stage. Gussi contains ingredients with anti-aging properties plus keratin proteins that provide your hair follicles with the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of hair cells. The Protection Plan Upkeep Shampoo and Protection Plan Upkeep Conditioner can also help nourish the hair and prolong your at-home keratin results for up to six weeks. Check out these incredible results on one of our featured gray hair girls: So if you’re a "gray hair don't care, babe," Gussi’s got your back big time!The Bottom Line…Aging doesn't have to be the end of healthy hair for you. While many factors lead to gray hair including aging, menopause, vitamin deficiency, and more, Gussi Keratin Treatment Kit can help you maintain the best healthy hair, and keep your grey locks hydrated, luscious, and healthy!

With the information overload we face on the regular, it’s no wonder so many people have questions regarding the reality of keratin hair treatments. What is a keratin hair treatment, actually? How long does a keratin treatment last? And the biggest question of all, is a keratin treatment good for your hair? At Gussi, our commitment to safe, effective ingredients plus easy at-home use sets our at-home keratin treatment apart from the pack. Let’s run through the most common questions asked about keratin treatments and debunk these common keratin myths once and for all.  What is Keratin? Keratin is the HBIC of all proteins–acting as an essential structural building block, boosting your hair, skin, and nail health from the inside out. All of our bodies naturally produce keratin– so when you use Gussi’s At-Home Keratin Treatment, you’re boosting your hair's keratin content, increasing the positive properties this powerhouse protein has, i.e. hair fullness, shine, and smoothness.  What is a Keratin Treatment? A keratin treatment is a process that restores keratin into your hair cuticles and shafts, making up for the natural loss of this vital building-block protein. The goal of a keratin treatment is to allow your hair to look shinier, smoother, and more frizz-free than it would naturally. While people often associate keratin treatments with hefty prices, mandatory salon visits, and only stick-straight hair, Gussi’s At-Home Keratin Treatment won’t break the bank and is super easy, even for the most novice at-home beautician. It works on all hair types and allows you to keep that beautiful natural texture, if you want to! Not to mention,  100% formaldehyde & cruelty-free. Big wins all around.   How Much is a Keratin Treatment? One of the biggest concerns for hesitant first-timers is the expense of in-salon keratin treatments. Dropping $100-$500 (the average cost range of one in-salon keratin treatment in the U.S.) can feel extreme, we get it. That’s why our At-home Keratin Treatment Kit is so cost-effective at only $65 USD - and many users are able to get more than one treatment out of the kit. We wanted to ensure that every hair lover could afford the power to take their hair health and styling into their own hands!  Is Keratin Treatment Good for Hair? Gussi’s At-Home Keratin Treatment prioritizes you and your hair’s health above all. That’s why Gussi is created 100% formaldehyde free, as opposed to many in-salon treatments that do contain formaldehyde. (BTW - formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that’s banned from beauty products in many places around the world such as the European Union, Canada, and Australia). We cannot speak to the health and safety of other keratin treatment brands, but we can say that the ingredients and means of production in all Gussi products are of the highest quality, safe, and completely cruelty-free, not to mention proudly made in the USA! Our At-Home Keratin Treatment replaces lost keratin in your hair, helping your hair grow longer and making it stronger and less prone to breaking, while also sealing up split ends and adding smoothness and shine. What is Keratin Made Of? Keratin, like all proteins, is made up of amino acids that aid in the characteristic resilience of this vital component. Four extraordinary amino acids within this lineup are Lysine, Cysteine, Arginine, and Methionine. The integumentary (hair, skin, and nail) system depends on this crucial protein's structural stability, allowing for collagen-dense, anti-oxidant properties to exist within your hair and skin. Keratin’s amino-acid makeup allows for the strong, healthy, shiny hair you love so much. Can You Do Keratin Treatment At Home? With the Gussi At-Home Keratin Treatment, absolutely! There’s no greater flex than the feeling of achieving salon-level results at home, for a fraction of the cost. Gussi makes the at-home keratin treatment application a breeze. With easy-to-follow instructions, and safe, cruelty-free ingredients, you’re destined to get the unbelievable results you’re searching for, without ever having to leave your home! How to Apply Keratin Treatment at Home For Gussi’s At-Home Keratin Treatment, we’ve made the steps as easy as 1-2-3-4-5. (Wash, Treat, Rinse, Dry Lock) Plus, most of the tools needed to apply the treatment you’ll likely find in your bathroom already. A towel, plastic comb, brush, blow dryer, and flat iron is all that you need to get your Gussi treatment underway.  Even if you’re a first-timer, these easy-to-follow instructions and uncomplicated directions are accessible for any at-home hair stylist of all skill levels. It’s so easy, even our moms can do it - we swear.  What are you waiting for?! Do Keratin Treatments Damage Hair? On its own, a keratin treatment won’t cause damage to your hair when applied according to our easy-to-follow instructions and maintained properly. When you’re blow-drying or ironing your hair to set the treatment, we recommend taking extra precautions to ensure perfect results every time! Be sure to not overheat your hair, as too much aggressive heat after keratin application can alter the results. Stick to our “How-To”, and you’ll have perfect results every time, with lush, healthy hair for weeks on end.  How Long Can You Leave Your Keratin Treatment In For? At-home Keratin Treatments with Gussi are a breeze– only needing to be left in for approximately 20 minutes depending on your hair type! No more sitting for hours at the salon. The Gussi At-Home Keratin Treatment is as quick as it is easy. For most users, the whole process can be done in an hour from start to finish! What Can I Do To My Hair After a Keratin Treatment? Gussi’s At-Home Keratin Treatment isn’t like the other treatments out there. Right after “locking in'' your Gussi Keratin Treatment, you’re free to do as you please with your luscious locks! While other keratin treatments may set harsh restrictions– with Gussi, the list of “Do’s” far outweighs the “Don’ts”!   After Gussi Keratin Treatment Application You Can: Use Gussi’s Keratin-Infused Upkeep Shampoo and Conditioner or any other sulfate-free high-quality S&C Wash your hair Style your hair - heat, braids, anything! Dye your hair Get a sweat in  Whatever else has your hair and self-feeling confident and fabulous! Will Sweat Ruin A Keratin Treatment? Nope! Gussi’s keratin treatment is sweaty workout-ready. As soon as your keratin treatment sets with the flatiron, you’re all set too. The only other thing to keep in mind is that sweat can occasionally make hair want to frizz up more. So, whenever you may be breaking a sweat post-treatment, we recommend simply braiding your hair into a chic ponytail or tight bun to keep it off your face. Easier to get your gym groove on that way, too. Can I Dye My Hair After A Keratin Treatment? Of course! The keyword here is *after* – Dying your hair post- keratin treatment is totally fine! As we’ve discussed, Gussi isn’t like the other keratin treatments out there. You’re free to color your hair after your keratin treatment, so long as you’ve followed the instructions properly, your results will continue to shine! If you have recently colored your hair, we do recommend waiting until you have reached the 5-wash mark after your color service to use Gussi. That way you can ensure your color is locked in, and your hair is in optimal condition for a keratin boost! Are Keratin Treatments Safe? Gussi’s At-Home Keratin treatment is in fact, totally safe. While other keratin treatments can contain formaldehyde, which can be extremely harmful, Gussi’s keratin treatment is 100% formaldehyde free, plus it’s safe for furry friends since it’s certified cruelty-free by both PETA & Leaping Bunny organizations. What we’re basically saying is,  hair has never had it this good! So when deciding on an At-Home Keratin Treatment, stick with Gussi for a 100% safe and effective treatment method.  What Shampoo To Use After Keratin Treatment? Using the wrong products post-keratin treatment can change your results from ‘YAS!’ to ‘meh’ in an instant. That’s why Gussi created the Protection Plan Keratin Infused Shampoo for all of your post-keratin treatment maintenance needs. Prolong your results with this ultimate upkeep keratin-infused shampoo. If you don’t want to use Gussi, we won’t be THAT offended - please just ensure you choose a high-quality, sulfate-free option. How Long Does Keratin Treatment Last on Curly Hair? You can expect your at-home keratin treatment to last up to six weeks, depending on environmental factors and how well you maintain the treatment. As we said earlier, being intentional about your personal hair maintenance efforts can make all the difference. A keratin treatment every few months will have you covered. Can I Do Keratin Treatment While Breastfeeding? Gussi is formulated 100% formaldehyde-free, and contains zero dangerous chemicals, though, to be extra safe, we always recommend breastfeeding moms, or expecting moms to double-check with their physician for a professional recommendation before you begin your smoothing treatment. For more information regarding Gussi’s At-Home Keratin Treatment, or other products, head on over to our FAQ page! We love seeing your results post-keratin treatment, so be sure to follow us on social media (@gussihair), and tag us in all of your selfies with #gussiUP!

Meet Alon Shalom Alon Shalom is a celebrity hairstylist based in West Hollywood, California. Alon’s name is synonymous with the highest level of style, sensibility, and sophistication. Originally from Tel Aviv, he has been an Angeleno now for almost three decades. At his namesake salon, he’s been transforming his clients’ hair for more than 28 years.  We asked Alon what is his favorite thing about being a celebrity hairstylist is:  “I get to work with beautiful people from the inside out. If you don’t have a good heart, don’t sit in my chair! I’m blessed to have very inspiring clients who have been with me for a long time and are much more than fabulous looking, they’re also doing a lot for their communities.” We love that! We also had to ask what inspired him to come to work every day: “When a person tells me that they feel much better about their look and themselves when they leave the salon. A client texted me recently saying that she went to an entertainment industry dinner (as we Angelenos love to do) and that a couple of stylists came over to her table specifically to tell her how amazing her hair looked. She was so flattered and felt a boost of self-confidence to go rock the party. In moments like these, I know I’m doing the right thing. I just love making people feel good about themselves.” Understanding his inspirations helped us get a better idea of how truly passionate he is about hair and making people look and feel great. Professional hair advice  We absolutely love hearing what professionals have to say about frizz and how to tame it, so we had to ask Alon Shalom about it. These are some of the best hair care tips for those who want to tame their frizzy hair or if you are simply looking for healthy hair tips.   Q: What type of hair is most prone to frizz? A: Textured hair like curls or waves tend to frizz due to the nature of the hair pattern making hair inherently more dry, and also gray hair as it’s more coarse. Hair that has been put through a lot is also more likely to frizz than virgin hair that hasn’t been ‘tortured’ with dyes, chemicals, heat.   Q: What causes frizz? A: Frizz occurs when the cuticle is open and not smooth. This means the hair is dry and/or damaged, which can come from a number of factors. It gets damaged from coloring, over-processing, and lots of heat styling. Sun damage can cause frizzy hair - think of how the sun can dry out your skin, it’s the same for hair! Frizz is often genetic based on your hair type. Also aging is a big point, as the hair structure changes over the years as the body produces less proteins. Think about it: when you are a child, your hair is super smooth. But as you age, the hair changes due to hormone changes in the body and the subsequent graying of hair.  Gussi comment: The sun can damage hair? Don’t we know it! Check out our blog on how to prevent sun damage to your hair.   Q: How do anti-frizz products help combat frizz? A: Anti-frizz products close the hair cuticle, taming the coarseness of the hair. These are usually different types of oils or products that contain proteins.    Q: Who should be using anti-frizz products in their hair care routine? A: People with curly and wavy hair that tends to be frizzy. People with gray or graying hair. I have many clients with gray hair who want to embrace this hair color, but hair tends to be more coarse and needs extra moisture, which is why anti-frizz products are a great way to keep gray hair smooth and shiny. Anyone who’s a fan of coloring or heat-styling, which is pretty much everyone these days!    Q: There are lots of different types of anti-frizz products like shampoos/conditioners, topical products, and masks. Is it important to use different ones and why? A: It’s important to address frizz in your entire hair care routine. Don’t just throw on an oil at the end. Start with a good shampoo (don’t cheap out here!), use an anti-frizz conditioner, and use a deep treatment mask occasionally. One thing to pay attention to when choosing the right products is to pick ones that are not changing the natural texture of your hair. Frizz can be a good thing in that it also creates volume in the hair which you obviously don’t want to lose. Use anti-frizz products that let you keep the natural texture of your hair but still make it smooth. Curls definitely need more moisture from heavier nourishing products like masks and creams. The curlier your hair, the more care and likely products are needed.   Q: What are the main ingredients that people should look for in an anti-frizz product and why? A: Choose products that are alcohol-free, paraben-free, and don’t contain any formaldehyde because those are just nasty. Daily products like shampoo and conditioner should also be sulfate-free. Natural oils like avocado, castor, or moringa seed oil, vitamins, and proteins are great for taming the frizz and improving your hair health.    Q: What are your top tips to prevent frizz? A:  Don’t over-shampoo your hair and don’t wash your hair too often. That way the natural oils from your scalp can reach your ends and prevent dry hair. Also, don’t be cheap with your shampoo - I can’t say this enough. Low-quality shampoo can actually ruin your hair, especially if you color it. I have some clients who complain about dull, frizzy hair and I always ask them: ‘what’s in your shower?’ Always use a good-quality daily routine. It’s the same as with your skin. Invest in high-quality products for high-quality results. A great way to create some extra shine is to rinse your hair with cold water and use a high-quality microfiber towel and a good brush. If you’re brave, do your whole hair washing in cool water.  Don’t over-bleach your hair and don’t overdo it with heat. Summer is a great time to give your hair a little vacay from heat tools and let it air dry naturally. It’s so easy put damp hair into a loose bun or braids after towel drying and sleep on it. You’ll wake up with soft waves and less frizz! What you eat also has an influence on how your hair looks. Take vitamin D, fish oil, biotin, and pumpkin seeds, which make your hair thicker and healthier.    Q: Is there anything else that you want to share to fight frizz and keep hair shiny? A: DIY masks are my family’s secret. My grandma always did a hair mask that we now all do almost as a family tradition. Mix olive oil, eggs, and avocado together, massage into your hair, and leave it on overnight. You can cover up with a shower cap so it doesn’t get on your pillowcase and sheets. This will give you the ultimate shine and gloss. And for everybody who thinks that’s too messy: just another reason to do a Gussi treatment!   Does Alon Shalom recommend Gussi? When it comes to having the best hair products to get soft and healthy, Gussi is definitely a must-have. From how to get healthy hair or simply adding to your hair care routine, Gussi is a simple at-home solution for your hair. So what does celebrity hairstylist, Alon Shalom, have to say about Gussi? Well we asked and he answered: Q: How did you discover Gussi? A: One of my long-time clients recently came in for her balayage and I was blown away by the restored health of her hair – it was so much stronger, smoother, and shinier than usual. I’ve been doing her hair for almost 10 years and I’d never seen it like this. I was totally shocked when she told me this was all from Gussi’s At-home Keratin Treatment! I’ve never felt her hair so soft and healthy!   Q: What do you think of Gussi? A: After checking out Gussi, I’m even more impressed that this is a clean, non-toxic formula delivering these impressive smoothing results without formaldehyde. It’s awesome that people now have an option to get a keratin treatment themselves at home. I really like that Gussi doesn’t break the curl so those textured girls won’t lose this cool factor of their hair and also their hair won’t lose volume.    Q: Anything you’d tell your clients who want to try Gussi for themselves at home? A: Make sure to do the Gussi treatment before coloring your hair, and also just to know that it really is possible for you to achieve a great keratin result yourself at home, it’s really easy! I have to say, Gussi’s just awesome.  Gussied Up If you want long-lasting frizz-free hair, while also deep conditioning and repairing your hair,  Gussi’s at-home keratin treatment is definitely a must-have in your hair care routine. After all, we’re celebrity hairstylist approved! Get smooth and shiny hair without having to worry about harming your hair. Using our keratin-infused Upkeep Shampoo and Conditioner also helps keep your hair strong and smooth.  Find Alon Shalom and Gussi on Instagram and show us how you #gussiUP

Clean beauty products are growing in popularity because they help users avoid the harmful effects of chemicals in cosmetics. But what is clean beauty? What does clean beauty mean for your health and wellbeing?