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    <title>
      <![CDATA[ESSENCE.com Unlocks the Secrets to Growing Healthy Hair]]>
    </title>
    <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:24:15 GMT</pubDate>
    <description>
      <![CDATA[ESSENCE.com Unlocks the Secrets to Growing Healthy Hair]]>
    </description>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Get the Hair You Want & Deserve]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Tired of spending money on hair products and services that promise to strengthen, protect and grow out your hair, but simply don’t work? ESSENCE.com enlists the help of hair growth expert and celebrity stylist Eugene Smith from the Ted Gibson Salon New York to unlock the secrets of growing healthy hair.&#x000A;By Qianna Smith&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:10:21 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/371/full/Ted-gibson-before-after-rochelle_1_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[The Expert]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[A native of Washington, D.C., Eugene Smith specializes in the fortifying and growth of all types of hair textures. Some of Eugene’s celebrity clientele includes Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Wanda Sykes, and Zoe Saldana. Eugene appeared with salon owner Ted Gibson on Oprah Winfrey’s Great American Haircut special. With years of hair care knowledge and experience, we put his skills to the test.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:41:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/472/full/Eugene-Smith_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Poor Chemical Services]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Five Reasons Black Women Struggle With Growing Their Hair&#x000A;REASON ONE&#x000A;“Relaxers and hair color should be handled by professionals only.&#x000A;The biggest problem I find with hair breakage in women of color is improper relaxer treatments. Whether it’s overlapping onto previous relaxed hair or not properly neutralizing or color too soon after a straightening, a relaxer is a strong chemical that can break or damage hair if not used carefully by a professional,” says Eugene.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:24:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/881/full/Ted-gibson-before-after-ashley_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Salon Hopping]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Five Reasons Black Women Struggle With Growing Their Hair&#x000A;REASON TWO&#x000A;Eugene also believes finding the right salon and stylist is an investment for your hair’s future because, “if you find a stylist you feel comfortable, stick with them. Every time you sit in a new stylist’s chair, you become at the mercy of that stylist’s talent and experience.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:15:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/381/full/ted-gibson-salon_1_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[No Relationship With a Stylist]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Five Reasons Black Women Struggle With Growing Their Hair&#x000A;REASON THREE&#x000A;Build a hair-growing relationship with your stylist. Eugene, who has many high-profile clients, suggests: &#8220;Find someone that is invested in growing your hair long and healthy. He/she needs to learn your hair history, and together you and your stylist can come up with a plan to get your hair where it needs to be. Your relationship with your stylist should be no different from that of your doctor.&#8221;&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:42:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/492/full/salon-service_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Trim, not Butcher]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Five Reasons Black Women Struggle With Growing Their Hair&#x000A;REASON FOUR&#x000A;I’ve had had many stylists go scissor-happy with my hair and Eugene says, “an inch is not four inches. If it’s your first visit to a new salon and with a new stylist, ask your him/her to show you how much they plan to cut. A confident stylist will have no problem making their suggestion to you, where you than can both agree to a compromising length.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:17:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/382/full/hair-cut_1_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Protein Treatment Myths]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Five Reasons Black Women Struggle With Growing Their Hair&#x000A;REASON FIVE&#x000A;“Protein treatments are an excellent solution for repairing damaged hair, but no more than once a month. Anything more than that could result in breakage,” advises Eugene.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:53:49 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/732/full/hair-protein-1_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Help! My Hair Won't Grow!]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[The average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and the hair on your scalp only grows at an average of one-tenth of an inch weekly. &#x000A;When you do the math, this can explain why the hair is slow to grow. Making a commitment to grow out your hair is also an investment of your time to do what is needed to grow strong and healthy locks. Are you ready to enter Eugene’s 12-step hair rehab?&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:51:16 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/722/full/hair-folicle_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab: Step 1]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[&#8220;Hi, my name is Qianna, and I have a hair growth problem.&#8221; The first step to any recovery is admitting you have a problem and finding the right stylist to address your needs. Eugene says an assessment of the hair is necessary to find out what problems are actually occurring with the hair. “I’m usually looking for any breakage, over-processed, damaged hair that needs to go. I’m also thinking about what style I can give you that will save you as much length as possible.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:31 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/811/full/DSC_1062_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 2]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[LISTEN&#x000A;&#8220;This is where you tell me your hair history, any problems you’ve had in the past with relaxers or color. I find out your hair routine, and together we come up with a plan to grow your hair out,&#8221; says Eugene, who stresses the importance of finding a stylist that is committed to you and your hair needs.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:42:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/491/full/hair-tools_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 3]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[COMMITMENT &#x000A;The third and most important step is changing the way you think and how you handle your hair. Reaching your hair’s full potential is easy, according to Eugene, who says the commitment starts when “you stop saying ‘my hair won’t grow’ and begin saying ‘my hair will grow’. This is where you and I, together, commit to growing your hair out. I suggest frequency of visits, products you should be using, and at-home maintenance.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/831/full/DSC_1066_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 4]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[TO RELAX OR NOT TO RELAX&#x000A;“If a relaxer is necessary, the precise strength and relaxer type is used. I try to avoid relaxing the hair bone-straight; instead I like to loosen the curl. This keeps the hair stronger and keeps the bounce and vitality,” says Eugene.&#x000A;Eugene is also an advocate of women wearing naturally pressed hair, after years of handling clients that have been traumatized by relaxer treatments. Never use a box relaxer, warns Eugene, who advises chemical treatments be done by a professional.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:33 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/851/full/DSC_1059_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 5]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[ASSESSMENT&#x000A;Your stylist must assess what kind of treatment the hair needs.   &#x000A;“Whether the hair is lacking protein or moisture, the proper conditioning treatment is used,” says Eugene as he applies the Ted Gibson Goodnite serum onto my hair ($200, beauty.com).&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/791/full/DSC_1074_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 6]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[SHAMPOO&#x000A;An ultra-rich moisturizing shampoo is necessary for growing out healthy hair, according to Eugene, who performs a good scrubbing to prep my hair for the conditioner treatment.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/841/full/DSC_1085_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 7]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[CONDITION&#x000A;A strong moisturizing conditioner is extremely necessary to stimulate healthy hair growth. Your stylist should give you a good head massage, which arouses the root shaft where new hair cells are formed.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:56:29 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/771/full/DSC_1087_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 8]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[HAIR PREP&#x000A;African-American hair is fragile, according to Eugene, who warns that our hair needs to be handled very carefully.  “Proper pre-styling products are essential to preventing stress on the hair. I like to use Ted Gibson Hair Sheet Treatment before applying any heat. It protects the hair, detangles and provides a quick leave-in conditioning treatment to the hair.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:01:02 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/912/full/DSC_1113_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 9]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[HAIRCUT&#x000A;“The haircut that I decide on is usually one that involves a starting-out process. I am very sensitive to the client’s desire to have long hair. I tend to cut off as much of the problem area the first time, and then lightly trim every eight weeks (or every relaxer) as the hair grows longer,” says Eugene.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:01:03 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/932/full/DSC_1099_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 10]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[STYLING &amp; FINISHING&#x000A;Heat is not the enemy, says Eugene. “Hair that has been properly prepped can withstand some heat, even in the damaged stages. Unfortunately, in the beginning the hair lacks the bounce and shine, but as the hair gets strong and healthier, it begins to have a new life.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:00:59 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/084/862/full/DSC_1103_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 11]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[POST ASSESSMENT&#x000A;“Once the hair has been cut and styled, the client sees the results of their new, freshly manicured locks. This is where we discuss at-home maintenance,” says Eugene, who recommends that you take home whatever products your stylist used on your hair.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:53:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/572/full/Treatment-or-no-treatment_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Hair Rehab Step 12]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[FOLLOW-UP&#x000A;I was so pleased with the results from Eugene’s hair care treatment. My hair looked and felt stronger than when I first walked into the salon. Hair growth results take 2 to 3 months so stay tuned as I further investigate the clinical solutions to hair growth. Eugene has put me on the road to hair recovery. Track my progress in PART II of “Unlocking the Secrets to Growing a Black Woman’s Hair.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:23:05 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/278/721/full/eugene-smith-from-the-ted-gibson-salon-with-qianna-smith.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Stephanie−NYC]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Euegen&#8217;s clients speak out about his 12-step hair rehab program.&#x000A;“When I first came to Ted Gibson salon, I did not believe that I would ever be able to have long hair. A previous stylist who told me I needed a relaxer also told me that some people’s hair just don’t grow long. Boy, was she wrong. Since meeting Eugene, I have grown my chin-length damaged bob to a thick, beautiful length that reaches almost the middle of my back. I no longer get relaxers and I have the most beautiful hair of my life. It’s all about finding a stylist who supports the growing process!”]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:44:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/521/full/hair-growth_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Donna−Englewood, New Jersey]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[“I first started coming to Eugene in May 2006. At that time my hair was in bad shape. It was about to my shoulders, but it was thin and damaged, especially at the ends. Somehow, even though I had just met Eugene, I let him convince me that I needed to cut my hair if I wanted it to grow. This was hard for me because it always took my  hair so long to grow, but I knew he was right. After he cut it, I have to say that I hated it. My hair was now about ear, maybe chin-length, and I felt ugly. I didn’t want to be seen.  Looking back, that was the best thing I could’ve ever done to my hair. It’s been almost two and a half years now, and my hair is now well below my shoulders, shiny and healthy. I didn’t really believe Eugene when he said he could grow my hair. I had heard that before, but he really did it. I love the way my hair looks now!”]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:43:36 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/502/full/hair_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Maya−NYC]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[“When I think about my hair history, there are really only two periods: before Eugene (B.E.) and with Eugene (W.E.). I try not to revisit the B.E. vision too often (split ends, lots of breakage, and that sinking feeling that my hair might never grow back). With Eugene, my hair moves and it’s a lot more fun. I don’t have to keep my dust-buster in the bathroom for emergency cleanups of broken hair before friends come over. And the best part? It is growing evenly and thickening up beautifully, and all I have to do is show up every week, invest in the process (much cheaper than a weave) and let Eugene work his magic.”]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:44:18 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/511/full/back-of-hair_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Operation Hair Care]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[I have spent hundreds of dollars on hair care products like many women, searching for a miracle in a bottle. With so many products on the market, it can be difficult and costly finding a styling treatment that actually repairs hair breakage and stimulates hair growth. I sent Eugene on mission to find ten products that deliver their bang for their buck. Check out his top ten finds.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:28:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/392/full/beauty-store_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Dr. Miracle's Feel It Formula Temple & Nape Gro Balm ]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[The temples and the nape of the hair are the most fragile and tend to break the easiest, according to celebrity hairstylist Eugene Smith. “I like this product ($7.99, walgreens.com) because it specifically targets those areas. Excellent for relaxed, braided, weaved or natural hair, it has a &#8220;feel&#8221; formula tingling sensation that stimulates blood flow to the scalp in the temple and nape area that continues to work even after you stop feeling it.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:37:13 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/442/full/Dr-Miracles-Feel-It-Formula-Temple-Nape-Gro-Balm_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Ted Gibson Products]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Ted’s Daily Cleanse Shampoo ($24, drugstore.com) and Hair Styling Sheets ($17.50, sephora.com) are great professional quality products for at home use. The shampoo is for the woman who washes her tresses on daily basis and the hair sheets are great for over use, leaving your hair feeling healthy and soft.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:59:27 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/772/full/ted-gibson-Daily-Cleanse-Shampoo-Hair-Sheets_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[PHYTOSPECIFIC Vital Force Crème Bath, Damaged, Brittle Hair]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[“I really like the benefits of the PHYTOSPECIFIC line, for curly, frizzy and relaxed hair. With a blend of plant oils and Shea butter, this particular conditioning crème bath ($36, drugstore.com) meets the needs of hair that has become porous through chemical treatments or damaged by excessive styling. It penetrates to the core of the hair to rebuild its natural defenses, strengthen brittle hair fibers and regenerate the scalp. Its antistatic properties offer an easy detangling,” says Eugene.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:49:32 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/901/full/3-PHYTOSPECIFIC-Vital-Force-Creme-Bath-Damaged-Brittle-Hair_1_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Hair Care Line]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[Pantene Pro-V designed a line of products just for women of color. Check out this affordable conditioning mask ($6.02, amazon.com) and daily moisturizing conditioner ($4.99, walgreens.com) for relaxed and natural hair. &#8220;It nourishes your hair, helps repair damage, and stops shedding due to breakage,&#8221; says Eugene.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:59:19 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/762/full/Pantene-Pro-V-Relaxed-Natural-Hair-Care_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
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      <title>
        <![CDATA[ApHOGEE Protein Treatment]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[This is the ultimate at-home treatment ($20.99, sallybeauty.com) to stop hair breakage, according to Eugene. “It goes in and rebuilds hair structure within six weeks. Perfect for relaxed hair, this unique treatment is formulated with magnesium and modified proteins which fuse into the hair with the application of heat. The result is stronger hair strands and breakage is drastically reduced.”&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:36:46 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/412/full/Aphogee-Two-Step-Protein-Treatment_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Essential Oils]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[During the cold winter months, many women experience a drier scalp. Eugene believes, “Nothing is better than natural oil. KeraCare Essential Oils for the Hair ($25.35, amazon.com) is just that. A rich blend of high quality natural oils that moisturizes dry hair and scalp, helps protect against dryness and revitalizes chemically processed hair. It&#8217;s my choice for hot-oil scalp and hair treatments. It keeps the hair soft and does not weigh hair down if used properly.”&#x000A;An itchy scalp can also keep the hair from growing in healthy, shares Eugene, who recommends using Doo Gro Stimulating Growth Oil ($5.99, walgreens.com) to prevent dandruff and to soothe dry, brittle hair.]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:27:48 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/089/891/full/hair-oils_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>
        <![CDATA[Cantu Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment ]]>
      </title>
      <link>http://photos.essence.com/galleries/unlocks_the_secrets_to_growing_a_black_womans_hair</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[&#8220;Not everyone has damaged hair. So even if your hair is in good condition, you want to keep it that way. This treatment ($4.99, drugstore.com) prevents breakage before it starts by penetrating and moisturizing hair from the roots to the tips. Its made with pure shea butter and essential oils to replace vital oil to your scalp and your hair, leaving it stronger and healthier with a natural shine,&#8221; says Eugene.&#x000A; Check out part two of our healthy hair investigation &raquo; ]]>
      </description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:36:53 GMT</pubDate>
      <media:content url="http://photos.essence.com/system/images/gallery/000/087/422/full/Cantu-Grow-Strong-Strengthening-Treatment_src.jpg" type="image/jpeg"/>
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