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Detangling 101

By Amina On October 31, 20093 Comments

Detangling – 101

tanglesDetangling the hair is crucial for anyone who has hair long enough to experience the issue of tangles.  I must admit, I did not always know the best methods for detangling, but with trial and error I have become pretty good at the process.  Upon transitioning to natural, and doing the twist-outs, bantu knot-outs, etc.,  I had to change my whole train of thought as far as ridding my hair of the tangles.  When my hair was relaxed I would comb it from roots to ends without conditioner; if I were to attempt such methods now, I would be bald!   When you do not take your time with detangling, you cause knots, splits, and snapping of the strands.  There are certain steps that one must take to carefully preserve the hair.  Detangling the hair is no exception!  Keep in mind this is coming from a natural’s perspective, however, everyone can take some tips from the reading.

Try these techniques:

  • Pre-poo with oil (EVOO is the best for me) in order to create more slip which allows the tool that you are using to glide through the hair more easily for the detangling process
  • Always start from the very ends and work your way up to the roots
  • Use conditioner to loosen up your curls before attempting to detangle
  • Do not attempt to detangle when the hair is not wet (being damp is not enough)
  • Detangle the hair in the shower, with conditioner in it, under running water
  • Detangle in sections, it makes things much easier
  • Some opt to wash previously tangle free hair in large twists or braids
  • Try not to manipulate the hair at all once it is styled (this is for the naturals especially, chemically straightened hair is an exception to this rule)

Use one of three tools

  1. Fingers – less stress on the hair, may leave some tangles behind
  2. Wide Tooth Comb – will get many of the tangles out, gentler than the Denman for most
  3. Denman brush or similar (my fav) – gets almost all of the tangles out, but if not used correctly will take strands out too

Detangling properly promotes length retention and leads to healthier hair.   The longer the hair, the more prone it is to tangles.  Save yourself some strands.  Try these techniques and I’m sure your hair will love you for it! Until next time, Happy Healthy Hair Growing!

Use conditioner to loosen up your curls before attempting to detangle
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Excelsior Millennia Mud Reconstructor review

By evanny On November 6, 2009 No Comments

They say:

  • Thickens hair
  • Won’t weigh hair down
  • Reconstructs bonds for healthy hair

excelsior mud Do get mud in your hair! Your hair will thrive on the minerals from the earth found in Millennia Mud Intensive Hair Reconstructor. No dryer time needed. This product infuses hair with essential bio-active minerals extracted from volcanic residue and blended with beneficial oils to create balanced moisture, internal strength.

I say:

I used this reconstructor because #1 I’m running out of my Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor and #2, for those of you who know me, I have a PJ habit that’s not breaking anytime soon. I really wanted to try out something new. Well let me tell you, I applied this to my hair after pre-pooing and shampooing my hair and my oh my is this a good reconstructor! It not only strengthened my hair, but it made it feel incredibly moisturized! I mean, I’m not used to having an experience like that with reconstructors. Reconstructors usually focus on rebuilding the lost protein in the hair and that’s it. After I used Millennia Mud I didn’t feel the need to DC. That’s unheard of! I would most certainly recommend this reconstructor. I’m giving it 5 out of 5 stars.

He utilizado esta reconstructor por 2 razones. # 1 es porque no yo tengo nada de mi reconstructor Aphogee 2 minutos y #2, para la gente que me conocen, tengo el hábito del “PJ. Es cuando tu compras muchas productos del cabello sin razon. Tenía muchas ganas de probar algo nuevo. Aplique el producto al cabello después de lavarme el pelo. Este es un reconstructor bueno! No sólo reforzó mi cabello, pero se hizo sentir increíblemente hidratada! Quiero decir, yo no estoy acostumbrado a tener una experiencia como esa con los reconstructores. Reconstructores suelen centrarse en la reconstrucción de la pérdida de proteínas en el cabello y eso es todo. Después de milenios de barro utilizado no sentí la necesidad de condicion profunda. Yo sin duda recomiendo este reconstructor. Me estoy dando 5 de 5 estrellas.

 

How to cut a dark caesar Video & Pictures

By Julian On November 5, 2009 No Comments

The Dark Caesar hair cut is one of the latest men’s hairstyles that has swept America. Alot of barbers aren’t familiar with the cut so I thought I would put some pictures and a how to video to show you the reader. The how to video on cutting a dark caesar is really good. You will get alot of good information.

Named after Julius Caesar this is a men’s hairstyle, with a short, horizontally straight cut fringe. The hair is layered to around 1 to 2 inches all over. The dark caesar is hair cut that is primarily worn by African American with straight defined edge line with line up side burns.

Here are a few photos of Dark caesar hair cuts:

1360_main12360waves

Dark Caesar Videos:

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Natural Styling Guide DVD

By BhpPress On November 4, 2009 No Comments

NSG-Logo-blackThe Natural Styling Guide DVD was created by a chemist and one of the industry’s top stylist to help women around the world embrace natural hair and feel confident about their hair no matter the texture. The Natural Styling Guide provides a step by step styling demonstration of ten different styles on DVD for individuals with natural hair or those transitioning from the relaxer and don’t want to do the “big chop”. Want curly, wavy, straight styles? or styles that are gym friendly?  Then this product is for you!

Don’t have a stylist? That’s okay. The Natural Styling Guide DVD provides step by step demonstrations to make it easy for the average person to follow and get great results.  In our before and after pictures, the before pictures show many different hair textures; however all the after pictures have smooth and silky results.

If your hair is already natural or if you are transitioning from the relaxer the Natural Styling Guide DVD will show you that you have options! If you’re thinking about going natural, let us show you how to obtain the long, thick tresses that have been held hostage by the relaxer for far too long. It’s time to free yourself from the damaging effects of relaxers and heating elements, while improving the overall health of your hair, naturally.

www.naturalstylingguide.com

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natural hair style before kidsnatural hairstyles kids

 

Natural Hairstyles – Part I

By Amina On November 4, 2009 2 Comments

Natural Hairstyles – Part I

Natural black hair is very versatile and may be styled in many ways.  I can remember going to the salon when relaxed and loving the swing & feel of my hair, but hating the fact that every other woman in there who was being styled hopped up out of the chair looking just like me!  That was scary!  They had us hopping up out of our seats after paying $45, just to look like every other woman in the salon.  Never again I say!

Remember no two natural heads are alike…there is so much versatility involved when referring to natural hair. You may see a style on one person’s head that you would love to try, yet you may never be able to repeat it exactly on your own head, but that is okay too.  That just shows the level of uniqueness and individuality that is involved when it comes to natural hair.



fro

short fro

The AFRO

Self Explanatory! The afro is the classic style for a natural.  You can achieve it through the wash-n-go method, the blowout method, and many other ways.  Once you have it, there is very low manipulation required thereafter.  The afro can be the perfect accessory!  It feels great to rock it out and to wear it boldly!

The Curly Fro

Very popular in the natural hair community [made even more popular by ItsMsHeatherNicole featured in the video below], the curly fro is a style that is done for an easy, care-free look without compromising the curly-ness or the cuteness!

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braid out

The Braid-Out

This style may be achieved by doing cornrows or plaits on the hair after washing and partially air-drying it. Let the braids stay in until completely dry. Take the braids out, fluff, and go! [Youtube vid provided by curlychronicles]
braid out

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This is only part one of a series.  These styles are only a few shades of the wide spectrum to show what natural hair is capable of!  Stay tuned for the complete series! Until next time, Happy Healthy Hair Styling!!!

 

Anti Breakage Techniques for Relaxed Hair

By Dena On October 31, 2009 No Comments

Shelby from Philadelphia, PA asked:

I seem to have lots of breakage since my first relaxer. What are some anti-breakage techniques for my relaxed hair?

As you have learned, Shelby, because your hair has been permanently altered with a harsh chemical, it becomes a task to keep your hair healthy and strong. The good news is that you have taken the first step in keeping your hair on your head, seeking advice. As I always say, knowledge is power, and that is equally true  in our healthy hair journeys.

There are some steps that you can take to ensure that your relaxed hair doesn’t break and shed.

  • Deep condition weekly. I suggest at least for an hour.
  • Use a protein conditioner when your hair shows signs of damage or breakage to restore health and strength.
  • Wear a satin bonnet or scarf to sleep at night. The pillowcase causes breakage. A satin case would do as well.
  • Drink lots of water. Hydration is key to keeping hair moisturized.
  • Moisture is key for healthy hair, so moisturize and seal as needed.
  • Wear protective hairstyles so that your hair doesn’t rub against your clothing and break off.
  • Avoid harsh brushing.
  • Detangle properly. Detangling 101
  • Avoid over-usage of shampoos. Co-washing is an excellent option!

Follow these easy tips to avoid breakage.  I assure you that these tips will prove effective for you!

 

What conditioners are good for co-washing?

By Dena On October 30, 2009 No Comments

Charlayna from Chicago, IL asked:

What conditioners are good for co-washing?

Well, Charlayna, this is a great question that many ladies new to co-washing have as well!  Once you decide that you will begin to include co-washing in your regimen, you need to make sure that you are going about it the best way. There really are no right or wrong ways to co-wash, however there are some ways to ensure that you gain the  most from the experience.  Refer to my blog on co-washing for more tips.  Co-washing Tips and Techniques .

First off,  for all practical purposes, it is not necessary to spend more than a few bucks at the most for your co-wash conditioners. Most ladies choose to use a cheapie conditioner due to the fact that the product will not sit on your hair as a deep conditioning agent. Co-washing serves the sole purpose of moisturizing the hair. Any cheap conditioner can serve this purpose, and since you are not using a shampoo,which can dry hair out, the conditioner alone will do fine.

I asked the ladies over at BHP (a black hair care forum) what their fav co-washing conditioners were and these were the results:

Herbal Essences Hydralicious

Suave  Tropical Coconut

Suave Humectant

VO5 Moisture Milks (Strawberries and Cream; Passion Fruit Smoothie)

Tresseme Curl Moisturizing & Smooth and Silky

Pantene Moisture Renewal

Healthysexyhair Pumpkin Conditioner

V-05 Silky Experiences

Charlayna, as you can see, most of these conditioners are cheapies. You can save money and have healthy and beautiful hair all at the same time….Happy Hair Growing!

 

Coconut oil for Black Hair Growth

By Dena On October 25, 2009 2 Comments

Tressa from Portland, OR asked:

Does coconut oil make black hair grow?

Coconut oil is definitely a treasure that black women can benefit from. When coconut oil is used regularly, it has a myriad of benefits, with hair growth being one of them! Coconut oil has been shown to aid in hair growth as well as shedding. Coconut oil replaces proteins in the hair which when deficient, hair loss is inevitable.

Coconut oil is a moisturizer that keeps the hair in it’s healthiest state. And remember moisture is key for hair retention. The lack of moisture is what prevents many black women from retaining length.

Another thing coconut oil does is stimulate the scalp when you massage with it. I suggest applying pure coconut oil a few times weekly and massaging your scalp each time you apply it. It will also contribute to healthy scalp by helping to rid it of fungus and bacteria.

Watch the hair benefit from coconut oil’s properties. I am sure with consistency, you will reap its benefits, Tressa!

 

Should black men use hair conditioners?

By Julian On October 24, 2009 No Comments

Should Black Men use hair conditioners?This question comes from Dale in East St. Louis, Missouri:

Hello, Dale, this a great question that deserves a specific answer. I first of all would like to say that I use conditioners everytime I wash my hair.  Shampoos dry and strip out natural hair oils when you use them. I like to use conditioner and a  leave in like  Infusium 23.  I am thinking as a  general rule to always replenish oils that were taken out when you shampoo your hair. However some hair styles might need special products like for dreads and braids.

Seek the conditioner that is specific for you hair type. If your hair is naturally oily don’t get a conditioner with a high oil based formulation.  Also you don’t want a girly smelling condtioner either, so smell before you apply.  Read the ingredients to make sure there aren’t any harmful chemicals in it, and find the specfic formula that keeps your hair and scalp healthy. 

It’s just as important for a man to keep their hair healthy and conditioned as it is a woman. Women will appreciate your desire to have nice hair as well!

 

 

Pin curls: A Heatless Wave (Tutorial)

By Dena On October 24, 2009 No Comments

pincurl for articleI can remember the days when I would hot curl my hair every morning before I went to school!  I would cuff the ends, bump the bangs, and add some ringlets here and there! There was no end to the madness! To top it off, using a  heat protectant?!  That was unheard of!  Well, when you learn better you do better! I am now committed to the “no direct heat” cause. This cause, originated by yours truly, was brought on by more  force  than choice.  My hair was begging for me to toss out the flat irons and give it a break.  So I did…

 Well, dreadfully, my heatless venture begin. After countless nights of tossing and turning from wearing plastic rollers, I knew there had to be a better way to enjoy  curls without the fuss! I resorted to foam or sponge rollers. For some odd reason, they didn’t like my hair! Seriously, either I don’t know the correct technique or my hair type is not meant for sponge rollers. So, I started surfing  The Tube for alternative ways to curl hair, and I stumbled across the ladies demonstrating how to pin curl! When I thought of pin curls, the roaring twenties came to mind, I never really imagined that I could accomplish the perfect curl with this look!

 So after some experimentation, alas, I have come to adore and appreciate the simplicity and convenience of the pin curl! The fact that I can take a hand full of bobby pins and a comb, and achieve the most bouncy and long lasting curls is amazing to say the least!

Here’s a quick tutorial on how  I pin curl my hair. Now, bear in mind that there are several different ways to pull of the curl, but this is the way that I have adopted and it works nicely for me. You will need long bobby pins or clamps, a rat tooth comb, a light moisturizer or oil is optional (I don’t necessarily use this), and a satin or silk scarf for tying.

  1. Start off with clean dry hair. (emphasis on dry) Pin curls on wet hair just don’t work for me.
  2. Part off a small section of hair.  (If you want to apply some oil sparingly, this will be the time.) Use the amount of hair that you want the size of your curls to be. This will equate to the size you use with rollers. Smaller sections will produce tighter curls. Larger sections create a wavy look.
  3. Using both hands, start with the end of your hair and use your fingers to roll your hair, actually treating your fingers as a curling iron.
  4. Roll up until you have reached the roots.
  5. After you have rolled the section of hair lay it flat on your head and hold it with one finger.
  6. Secure it to your head with the clamp or bobby pin. Make sure it is secure enough  to remain down, now.
  7. After ensuring that the curls are secure and in place, tie your hair down with your scarf and go to bed!

Now when you wake up:

  1. Take the pins out.
  2. Using either a wide tooth comb or your fingers,  gently pull through the curls. (Naturally, the less manipulating and pulling through you  do, the longer your curls will last.)

Voila, beautiful bouncy waves/curls right  at your fingertips!  Experiment and discover the technique that is best for you!  Have fun with your new heatless curls. See… you can have beautiful and healthy hair!

 

How to moisturize African American hair

By Dena On October 23, 2009 No Comments

Chasity from Biloxi, MS asked:

I need some tips on how to keep my hair moisturized. Please help me to get my hair soft and shiny!

Chasity, the important thing to remember when attempting to moisturize African American hair is to select the right products that cater to your hair’s needs. Initially, you want to use a water-based moisturizer. Please refer to my blog on some product suggestions– Water based moisturizers for black hair 

  1. Begin with clean hair.
  2. Part the hair into sections
  3. Apply the product (make certain that the first ingredient is water) to the hair sparingly.
  4.  After you have applied the product throughout your entire head, you need to seal.
  5. Seal with an oil to lock the moisture in.
  6. I suggest using a light oil such as jojoba, coconut, or a mixed oil. Some people opt to use a commercial oil that combines several oils such as Hot Six Oil.
  7. Repeat as needed. You can do this as often as daily.

Moisturizing doesn’t end at just that, you must keep that moisture locked in and avoid drying products that contain alcohol. Avoid the spray sheens as they only sit on top of your hair. And do not penetrate the hair shaft.

You can have moisturized and healthy hair. Take the time and effort that is required in order to enjoy the benefits!

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