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By Dena On February 7, 2010
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If you haven’t been to our forum lately, then this would be an excellent time to pay us a visit! In celebration of BHP’s Two Year Anniversary, we are having one of our most generous raffles! We are giving away the following prizes: Hairfinity Hair Vitamins, Simply Growth Hair Vitamins, Butterfly Hair Care Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner Combo, LaBoutique Organics $30 Gift Certificate, Makebas Magnifiscents Gift Basket, Brendita’s Body Works Spa Day Collection Petite Basket, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and Afrokinks.com $25 Gift Certificate.
We are delighted to offer such amazing prizes to our BHP Members, as well our future members! If you want to sign up for our raffle, don’t hesitate to do so. Just register to join the forum, and PM one of the Mods or Admin for some credits to allow you to buy tickets. Hurry now, you only have seven days left!
Go to the http://forum.blackhairplanet.com to join the Raffle.
By BhpPress On February 6, 2010
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Blessings Hair & Beauty Studio:
On the Cutting Edge of Hair Extensions
Professional Hair stylist Kendra Timmons utilizes the newest hair extensions method called Microlinks Cold Fusion.
Arlington, TX – January 30, 2010 – As the versatility of hair extensions has moved to a new level in the beauty industry, Kendra Timmons, founder of Blessings Hair & Beauty Studio in Arlington, Texas has become a professional expert in the use of the newest and most cutting edge hair extension method called Microlinks Cold Fusions.
Generally, Hair Fusion is a method of hair extensions that can be applied either by a hot or cold (no heat) application. The more traditional method, called Hot Fusion, has been used by high-profile celebrities for years. This strand by strand hair technique uses a hot adhesive to attach small strands of hair to your natural hair. This technique is used to add length, fullness or highlights to the overall hair look and feel.
One of the newest hair extensions methods utilized by Ms. Timmons is called Microlinks Cold Fusion. This is a strand by strand hair method that gives a very natural look, for which many clients, celebrity status or not, request primarily due to its low maintenance and versatility. Cold Fusion is perfect for clients who desire safe, flawless, undetectable strand extensions without chemicals, heat, braid, glue, threads or waxes. It is also used to add fullness, length or highlights and most importantly, is great for all hair types and textures, which is one of the reasons Ms. Timmons has mastered the Microlinks Cold Fusion technique over the past three years. “Fusion is generally a preferred method, as fused hair extensions can last 3-6 months with a skilled application and proper salon and at-home care. They are very natural attachments and are not easily distinguished from the client’s natural hair”, states Ms. Timmons.
“Fusion extensions are more expensive than other hair extension methods offered, but if you want a long lasting, natural look, then Fusion extensions may be for you,” further states Ms. Timmons who has over 15 years professional experience and whose cutting edge hair styles, precision cuts and weave artistry has allowed her to maintain a consistent and ever-growing client list.
Those who are interested in Fusion Extensions must meet with Ms.Timmons for an initial consultation to determine whether they are a good candidate for extensions. If so, a full day is set aside at the salon for the application of extensions. A maintenance and upkeep appointment is scheduled afterwards to ensure the extensions are holding properly. Then, the client need only to return for regular styling and hair trims.
Blessings Hair & Beauty Studio also offers the following specialties that include chemical services, designer cuts, weave artistry, skincare and makeup applications.
For a private consultation or for more information on Fusion Hair Extensions or other hair extension methods, contact Kendra at Blessings Hair & Beauty Studio at 817-277-2858 or info@blessingshairandbeauty.com .
About Kendra Timmons
Kendra Timmons is a licensed Barber Stylist, consultant and educator who is on the cutting edge in the latest hair industry trends and styles. She has trained and studied under some of the country’s most well known and leading industry hair care professionals. Most recently, Ms. Timmons was a featured stylist in the reality WE TV (Women’s Entertainment TV) – http://www.wetv.com/bridezillas/about-the-brides cable series, “Bridezilla.”
Kendra has a diverse business portfolio that includes “Shop Talk with Kendra” a blog radio show, and Next Level Salon Strategies, a business dedicated to helping beauty professionals take their businesses to the next level by focusing on education, creative artistry, business management, mentoring and community outreach.
For more information about Kendra Timmons or Blessing Hair & Beauty Studio or other related resources please visit the following websites –
blessingshairandbeauty.com
kendratimmons.com
LuxeHairExtensions.com
blogtalkradio.com/shoptalkradio
By T On February 5, 2010
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There are all sorts of hair care issues. Whether it’s breakage, porosity, dryness, flaky scalp or thinning/shedding, hair problems almost always have a source, and for many, chemicals are a source that many seem to overlook when considering their hair care woes. Some complain about breakage, damage, split ends and other problems, and claim that they just wash and condition their hair and do “nothing” to it, but they fail to mention that the hair is relaxed—which is most likely the problem itself.
When one relaxes, hair problems are almost unavoidable and must be met with near-professional care. Some take very good care of their hair, and reap good results. Others just don’t do well with relaxers, but fail to admit that their hair may not do well with relaxers at all. Consumers should understand that relaxers are not “one size fit all” and not everyone should have a relaxer.
So is a relaxer for you? Consider some of these chronic hair symptoms related to relaxed hair to better assess if your relaxer is hindering your healthy hair potential. This is considering that you have done everything imaginable (protein treatments, deep conditioners, trims and professional care).
- Does your hair stay dry/brittle, no matter what intensive, moisture treatment you do?
- Is your hair still porous, even after ACV and other acid rinses?
- Does your hair break at every touch or pass of a comb, regardless of protein treatments?
- Does your shedding never end?
- Do you always have split ends?
- Is your hair not growing (or are you not retaining length)?
These are key indicators that, perhaps, relaxers may be the cause of your hair care issues. For some, having relaxed hair and having healthy hair can be an oxymoron, much like having healthy, color-treated hair. It is difficult to maintain chemically-treated hair, not that it is impossible. But some relaxer users who experience chronic damage from relaxers should accept when they have made a “mistake” by using a relaxer in the first place, and should come to terms with the fact that relaxers may not be the way for them.
By Dena On January 29, 2010
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Magical Mending Products: Can Split Ends be Mended?
There are tons of products on the market reporting claims of mending and repairing those pesky split ends. Have you ever tried these products that make these claims? Well, more than likely you have experienced the same disappointment that I have when I realized that those split ends were there to stay!
The truth of the matter is that once your ends have split, they have done just that, split, (gone bye-bye) and cannot be mended back together magically. Yes, there are ways to make those ends appear mended, but this is like placing a band-aid on a gun shot wound.
The magically mending repair serums and formulas give a false illusion by sealing them together temporarily. The damaged ends will soon reappear, so watch out!
The real danger to using products that claim to mend ends is that your ends are steadily making their way up to the hair shaft, thus causing the rest of that strand to break off. So what may have began as an inch or two can travel and become five inches in no time!
Why not depart with those wretched ends and save yourself some money, time, and effort? Damaged ends not only look unkempt, but they cost you more money than they’re worth. So take that money that you were tempted to buy the magical products with, and invest in a nice trim! Your hair will thank you for it, and so will your fans!
By Amina On January 29, 2010
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Rose Water for Hair
Imagine the pleasant scent of fresh roses lacing your strands, while infusing your hair with moisture as it coats the tresses. Rose water is one of the earth’s best kept secrets. Many fail to realize just how many healing properties that rose water has.
Rose water can be recognized first and foremost for its lovely scent! Refresh day old hair with a rose water spritz; it has the potential to make your hair look, feel, and smell a new!
The porosity of your hair will stabilize as well with one of nature’s fine elements. The pH value of rose water is closer to that of the hair in its optimal state, therefore, it works to repair the porosity. This allows the hair to retain the proper amount of moisture in; and the cuticle will remain smooth.
Rose water is made from soaking rose petals in distilled water. This extracts the nutrients from the roses and puts them into the water. There are no artificial ingredients in pure rose water.
Rose water can be found at your local grocery store in the international food isle. Don’t hesitate to try rose water, this is safe for use on natural or relaxed hair; you will love it for at least one of its nourishing properties! Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
By evanny On January 21, 2010
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Pin curls are a style that is notoriously known for mostly being performed on dry hair. Not too many women like the idea of doing wet set pin curls. Some say that it simply never works. The truth of the matter is the age old adage “Practice makes perfect”. In my experience, a wet set holds the curls longer and they turn out very bouncy and light. Let’s get started:
Wash and condition your hair as you normally would. Gently towel dry your hair and comb out any tangles. Apply setting lotion if your hair is very fine or difficult to hold a curl. Allow your hair to slightly air dry so it is more than damp, but not wet. Assemble bobby pins and a rat-tail comb to be within easy reach. Use the rat-tail comb to part your hair, or if you’re like me, you can just use your fingers to give the hair a more natural look when it’s finished. Use the rat-tail comb, or your fingers, to section hair in one-inch sections. Wrap the sectioned hair around your finger tightly while holding your finger close to your head. Slip the pin curl off your finger and pin it to your head with a bobby pin. You may need to use two bobby pins to secure the curl to your head, crossing one over the other in an “x” position.
Continue to place pin curls randomly until all the hair is in pin curls. Wrap a scarf around your head to keep pin curls in place while you sleep. If you are not going to sleep on pin curls, it’s best to hold the pin curls in place with short clips to reduce a crease line from using bobby pins. For a more full look, roll the curls in opposite directions for more body. Meaning roll a curl towards the left and then do a different curl rolling towards the right. Hopefully these instructions will be of use to you. I’m sure that with practice, you’ll have a beautiful, longer lasting wet pin curl set.
By Dena On January 2, 2010
5 Comments
Amina is one of our top authors and editors here at the BHP blog. She is also a loyal and valuable BHP forum contributor. She’s always full of healthy natural hair care information, as well as creative ideas for styling. She is super inspiring to naturals and transitioners on our forum! That’s why we were so pleased that she took the time to sit with us for an interview.
Where are you from?
Detroit, MI born and raised!
What influenced your decision to transition to natural?
You know what, there was not one key element that made me go natural. It was just something that I did: cold turkey. I was simply tired of getting a relaxer. I knew that I had mastered styling my relaxed hair, so much that it began to bore me. Why not discover and embrace the beauty in my natural coils?
How long have you been completely natural?
I’m embarrassed to say I am not totally sure! I did not mark the date on my calendar since my last relaxer, or write down the date that I clipped all of the relaxed ends off either. That wasn’t important to me. I just say from Fall 2009. I know for a fact I had clipped all of the relaxed ends by then.
What are the pros of being natural as opposed to being relaxed? The cons?
I am very health conscious, so being chemical free is a great aspect of being natural to me as well. My hair is thicker now and healthier. Not to mention that the versatility that comes with being a natural is exhilarating! I love big hair; and the fact that I have so many styling options is phenomenal. If I want to straighten my hair – I can, but without compromising my coily curls. My hair is my best accessory. I enjoy the fact that I stand out in a crowd, and I can show people that natural hair is beautiful!
Honestly, there aren’t really any cons in my book. Naturals and relaxed heads alike have certain issues to combat with their hair. I had to deal with splits and breakage when relaxed; I deal with knots and moisture retention as a natural. The biggest con that I would say is the socially acceptable aspect of natural hair (especially in the workplace). A natural has to disprove the myths of natural so called “nappy” hair everyday.
What are some of the daily challenges that you face being natural?
Daily challenges – not so much. The biggest challenge I have to combat with my hair would be keeping the tiny knots that form on my hair to a minimum. When relaxed it was split ends, now that I’m natural it’s those darn knots!!!
What are your favorite products?
I love, love, love natural products. I buy the vast majority of my products at the health food store, not the beauty supply store. Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, Coconut Oil (EVCO), Castor Oil, Olive Oil (EVOO), Nature’s Gate Lavender & Aloe Conditioner, henna, and Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. I can’t abandon my VO5 Moisture Milks Conditioner either.
How long have you been engaged in your healthy hair care journey?
Every since I joined the BHP forum (May 2009), I started to learn about the do’s and don’ts of hair care. My healthy hair journey took off then! Through trial and error, I found what works for my hair and what does not. Now I have a solid regimen.
By Amina On January 2, 2010
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Protein and Natural Hair
Jamie of Jackson, MS asks: How often should protein be used on natural hair?
Protein treatments should be used on natural hair when it is needed. Since the keratin bonds in the hair are not being broken down in order to straighten the hair (which happens with chemically relaxed hair), we naturals do not need to apply protein treatments as often as others. However, we do need to use some sort of protein in order to maintain the proper balance of protein and moisture that the hair needs.
You may opt to use a light protein such as soy milk or silk proteins that are found in many conditioners. These light proteins maintain a good balance of protein in the hair andare not damaging when used often. However, a treatment such as a Reconstructor or Keratin treatment will not need to be used as often otherwise it will cause protein overload. Note, if you are using more heat on your hair and straightening the hair often, you will need more protein than others. Excessive heat breaks down the hair over time as well.
Try using something like the ApHogee 2 minute reconstructor maybe once every 4-6 weeks or so. Assess your hair; only you will be able to truly tell if your hair is lacking protein or not (as I am not able to touch it and see it). If the hair is mushy, breaking, and your curls are limp, more than likely, the protein-moisture balance is off; go for the protein. HTH!
By Amina On January 2, 2010
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How to Stretch Shrunken Hair
Women have become creative in ways to “stretch” the shrinkage that comes with having true afro-textured hair. Shrinkage is a dilemma that naturals face every time water touches our textured hair. Though shrinkage may be embraced when manipulating the hair into certain styles, often styles requiring length are limited due to the hair drawing up (I’ve seen natural hair with 75% shrinkage). Below are a few ways to stretch shrunken hair.
Use a blow dryer. Blow dryers can obviously be used to free the hair from its shrinkage, but they must be used with caution. A low setting and a heat protectant must be coupled with using this tool, because the direct heat has the ability to alter the textures of the hair if not used properly and carefully.
Use rollers under a hooded dryer. This works like a charm for some, giving them length, without compromising the volume of the hair. The indirect heat is not damaging as flat irons or blow dryers would be.
Use the banding method. Many ladies can be found on youtube using this method to stretch the hair by wrapping rubber bands, scrunchies, and small cloths around the hair to extend its position, stretching the afro in result.
Put plaits in the hair and allow it to air dry. Plaits have been known to stretch the hair more than it would if the hair were left to air dry with two-strand twists or without any styling at all.
“Pineapple” the hair by pulling it up into a high pony at the crown of your head. The “pineappling” method stretches the length of the hair up to the crown, by extending it after it has been in that position over time. Be sure not to pull the hair up too tightly, or you will cause tension on the strands.
By Amina On January 1, 2010
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Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is known for its beneficial qualities from its culinary uses to its many healing properties. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, commonly recognized as EVCO, is produced in the best way to retain the highest content of nutrients in its purest form. Few know of the greatness it does for the hair, I am here to share what I have gathered from using EVCO.
- Coconut oil is very light on the strands and is one of the few oils with moisturizing properties.
- EVCO can be used as a base for other oils, such as castor oil or essential oils.
- May be used as a deep conditioner by itself, free of other agents, to condition the hair naturally. There is no risk of over-conditioning with EVCO, as the hair will just soak it right up.
- Great for Pre-Poo treatments, as it protects the hair from the drying effects of sulfate-laden shampoos.
- Seals in moisture and leave-ins.
- Wonderful for scalp massages because it is so light.
- Lightly conditions hair and does not cause a greasy, weighed down feel.
- Helps in length retention when applied to ends consistently.
Relaxed and Naturals may enjoy the many benefits that coconut oil has to offer. Try some out and see if your hair loves it as much as mine does. Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
Many ladies (and some gents) have difficulties when it comes to recognizing shedding and breakage. Often, we have no problem actually seeing the hair fall out. However, sometimes it is difficult to tell whether the hair is constantly breaking, or if it is just going through the shedding phase. The following aims to provide some help for the issue.
