Seasonal Hair Tips – Winter Edition
Winter Hair Tips
Get your hair geared up for the winter! With the days getting colder, and the air becoming drier, we have to take extra precautions with our hair. Most of us want growth and all of us strive to have healthy hair, therefore we have to work hard to get it! We can no longer stick to the “same ol’ same ol’” when it comes to managing our hair, because if we do, we get the same old results. Below are some quick tips to keeping your hair together for the winter!
Protect the Hair
- Protective styles such as Buns, Twists, Bantu Knots, Pin-Ups, Braids, Wigs/Sew-Ins, etc. are a great way to retain length and avoid potential damage from the weather.
Moisturize and SEAL
- Invest in a Good Moisturizer – Most say ditch the glycerin (a humectant) because of its ability to draw moisture out of the hair into the dry air during winter months. Try a good water/aloe based moisturizer.
- Moisturize your hair often to avoid the cold air drying it out
- Seal the ends with a good natural oil. Castor oil, Coconut oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil are examples of a few.
Beware of the Big Bad Wolf Wool!
- Invest in satin lined hats and hair accessories; the wool ones will surely take your hair out.
- Our beloved wool peacoat collars will snatch out the hair as well, so keep the hair away from it by pinning it up or wearing a scarf.
Condition
- Continue to do those weekly Deep Conditioning Treatments
- Keep co-washing if you wish.
Overall ladies (and gents) tweak your hair routines and techniques a bit if you wish. Along with the weather, it is a good idea to change our regimens up as well. The hair will thank you for it every time! Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
How to Manage Multi-Textured Hair
How To Manage Multi-Textured Hair
Many of the natural haired sisters have hair that includes multiple textures. A host of us have issues taking care of our hair due to its complexity (or what seems to be complex), however, it is not as difficult as it may seem ladies!
Throughout my hair, I have textures that are coarse and thick in the nape and temple areas, seeming to be an area that may be described as “4b”. While in the front of my head, the hair is slightly looser and less dense. However, my coils are defined more in the back than in the front. Regardless of the difference in textures, feel, and densities, I love all of my tresses just the same!
You may find that one part of your hair holds moisture better than the other section(s). What I do to remedy this is to add more moisture and attention to areas that require it. Concentrate a little more on areas that may need it. I find that I get the best results overall from products that work well on the most coarse parts of my hair.
Quick Tips for Better Management of Hair:
- Find products that work well on the “problem” areas of your hair and use it throughout
- Concentrate more product and work it into the area that is more coarse/thick/dense
- Make sure your hair has the proper balance of moisture and protein
- Control the porosity of your hair with products that have the proper pH balances
- When straightening, use lower temperatures on the thinner areas of your hair and slightly higher settings on the more coarse areas
- Always detangle properly
- Always treat your strands with care, treating the most “difficult” areas of your hair as gentle as the easiest areas
I hope these tips help someone! Remember to listen and love your hair – your hair will always love you back!!! Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
Alternatives to Chemical Straightening Products
Alternatives to Chemical Straightening Products
Many African Americans choose to use a chemical approach to straightening their hair. This is primarily due to the length of time that the chemicals can give you perfectly straight hair. The convenience of having straight and tangle free hair is appealing to most. These chemicals that are placed on your hair can cause your hair damage. The chemicals that are typically found in hair straightening kits include guanidine hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and ammonium thioglycolate. These are very harsh chemicals that can leave your hair damaged resulting in breakage. The breakage caused by relaxer damage is usually irreparable. There are alternatives to these harsh chemicals to take your curly hair to straight hair without the damage. Follow this guide to aid in finding some healthy alternatives to harsh chemicals in your hair.
There are a myriad of products on the market today that will straighten your hair. They do not provide the long term straightening but they are much less harsh on your hair and scalp. There are flatting irons like the Sedu Flat Iron and there are also hair straightening solutions, serums, and creams. You must be warned about the dangers of too much heat, though. Use heat sparingly on your hair as this too can cause severe damage. Check out the reviews for different hair straightening products before sinking your money into them. Reviews are a great way to gauge the true effectiveness of a product. Epinions is a great review site.
Straightening African American hair requires the high temperatures of a flat iron when chemicals are not used, this high heat can damage the hair follicles and leave hair looking brittle and broken. When using any flat iron to straighten hair, make sure to moisturize the hair often. You may also want to purchase a good heat protectant to shield your hair from heat damage.
The choice of professional flat irons can be an overwhelming to the average shopper. The Sedu Flat iron, the Chi-flat iron, and the Instyler are just a few of the many irons on the market. There are also many serums, solution, oils, and straighterners in the market too. Look for natural ingredients that have protein, mayo, and eggs, because these products are great for your hair. Look on line to get good reviews before you buy.
There will be times when a flat iron will not straighten the hair in the wanted or needed manner. In these cases, a chemical relaxer may be needed to create the smooth look of straightened hair. The chemical straightening of hair requires a four step process that will need to be followed carefully to prevent damage to the hair and the hair follicles and roots. If you adhere to these you are likely to acquire less damage.
Chemical Straightening
There is a four part process to chemically straighten your hair. The first step is a test. You are testing a small strand of hair to see how it will react to the chemical. You will need to see how long it takes for your hair to reach as well as the strength, texture and elasticity of the hair. If your hair tolerated the test well, than a scalp protectant like Vaseline will need to be applied to protect the scalp. Some supply stores will have it labeled as a base. A wash of chemicals is then applied to the hair and rinsed off with hot water. Be sure to use a neutralizing shampoo that is colorized to demonstrate when all chemicals are thoroughly washed out. The final step is when the scalp is relaxed with a conditioner. Use a good conditioner that will thoroughly deep penetrate your hair follicles. It is very important to have your hair professionally straightened as there is serious damage that can occur if it is not done properly. Home relaxer boxed kits are usually bad news. Professional products performed by professionals are the safest route to take.
Chemical relaxers are not recommended for African American hair; But if you must get a chemical relaxer, there are steps that you can take to ensure proper application and maintenance of your hair so that it will remain as close to strong as possible.
Save Those Strands – with Heat Protection!
Save Those Strands – with Heat Protection!
For countless seasons, I was putting more and more heat on my hair with NO protection! If only I had known then, what I know now about heat protection, I would’ve spared my precious strands plenty of distress. Heat damage breaks down the hair shaft, stripping the hair of its natural proteins. Whether you notice breakage the day after styling without a thermal protectant, or a couple of weeks later, over time your hair will definitely show signs of damage.
Most of us have been taught to put oil on the hair before using direct heat, however, this method further damages the hair, allowing it to literally fry when the oil and heat combine, especially since most oils do not penetrate the hair shaft (oil during a deep conditioning treatment under a hooded dryer is okay, as this is indirect heat). We should have, in fact, been advised to utilize some sort of heat protectant before manipulating our strands.
Thermal protectants are designed to work with heat in order to save the hair from the damage caused by blow dryers, heat styling tools, and even UV-ray exposure from the sun. Although using heat on your hair is not the healthiest way to style your tresses, some find it necessary in order to achieve their ideal style. If you are among those who decide to use heat as a method of styling your hair, it is imperative that you protect it!
Benefits of Thermal Protection:
- Reduces split ends
- Reduces frizz
- Reduces overall heat damage
- Reduces breakage
- Sometimes conditions as they protect
Partial List of Heat Protectants:
- Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer – $6.99
- Nexxus Heat Protects – $12.99
- Tressemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray – $4.99
- Fantasia hair Polisher Heat Protector – $7.99
- John Frieda Frizz Ease Heat Defeat – $6.99
- Aussie Sydney Smooth Styling Heat Protector + Leave-in Conditioner – $3.99
Invest a few extra bucks on one of these before you heat style and save those strands!
Co-washing Tips & Techniques for Relaxed Hair
Co-washing Tips & Techniques for Relaxed Hair
There are many techniques and strategies that women of color rely on for optimal hair care. Co-washing is a technique that both natural and relaxed heads of hair have benefitted from. My point of view will be from the relaxed perspective. So, what is co-washing? Co-washing is simply washing the hair with conditioner only. Shampoo is eliminated from the process when co-washing. When you first enter the world of co-washing, there are a few important things that you need to be aware of. When I first started co-washing, I had to learn my hair and how it reacted to co-washes, and also determine if it were for me. I did determine that co-washing is beneficial to my hair, (during certain periods, I will explain that later.) I have compiled a list of benefits and tips that I have experienced and researched about co-washing.
First, it is important to understand that co-washing is not for everyone. From my experience, co-washing works better on relaxed hair when it is in good condition and in strong. When relaxed hair is limp and weak, co-washing can only add to the problem, as it is very softening. Remember, there is such a thing as too much moisture. Too much moisture results in flat, limp, and lifeless hair.
My Co-washing Routine
Co-washing is super simple!! The way I co-wash is to wet my hair, in the shower, the same way as if I were going to wash it. Next I apply the conditioner (I usually use Crème of Nature Conditioner) I gently massage my scalp for about 3-5 minutes, focusing on the new growth. I then go ahead with my showering. Prior to rinsing out the conditioner, I take a wide tooth comb to detangle. I rinse my hair out with lukewarm water and proceed with my styling.
As stated earlier, I rely on co-washing for certain times in my hair care regimen, as I benefit from it the most. That time is when I am stretching my relaxers. When I am in the middle to latter periods of stretching, when the new growth has gotten thicker and more difficult to maintain, co-washing does wonders for my hair! It actually softens up the roots and gives me a fresh start for at least the next few days. However, after a newly relaxed head of hair, co-washing is not recommended; the hair is in a more weakened state. I suggest focusing on deep conditioners for at least a couple weeks after relaxing.
Tips on Co-washing
- Use a cheapie or light weight conditioner, as it will not sit on as long as a deep conditioner and it will not weigh your hair down.
- Don’t over do it with co-washes. Too much co-washing just may cause damaged or split ends. I would never suggest that someone with relaxed hair co-wash on a daily basis. Two times a week is plenty for me!
- Sometimes people find that co-washing is not for them, so they opt to use a conditioning shampoo, (again Crème of Nature makes a good one) but keep in mind, most commercial shampoos contain sulfates, which is the ingredient that is drying to your hair, hence the reason for co-washing in the first place.
- Listen to your hair! Try journaling to track your co-washing progress and hair reactions. If your hair is shedding more, then you can probably attribute it to co-washing.
- Many people choose to allow the conditioner to sit on the hair while they shower with a plastic baggy to allow more penetration. This is not something that I do, however.
- Finally, do not completely rid yourself of shampoos. I still use a clarifying shampoo to avoid residue on my scalp. Many people that co-wash exclusively report a coating on their scalp that is difficult to get rid of.
Co-washing can be either beneficial to your locks, or it can do more harm than good. Let your hair be your guide!! Have a happy and healthy hair growing experience!!
Wake Up That Conditioner!
Don’t we all know how it feels sometimes, when you just can’t quite put your finger on something? You may know that something isn’t quite right, but you just don’t know what to do to correct it.
Well when it comes to your favorite conditioner, there may be just a tad bit of something missing. With our long list of pros on that special conditioner that we use (be it protein or moisture based), we may find that there may be one or two pesky cons. Fret no more, there is a solution!
With the method of “waking up” your conditioner, you can flip those little negatives into positives in no time. This entails placing simple additives into the product in order to give it that extra “umph”. Think you can’t afford it? Don’t worry about the price ladies and gents, ingredients that have worked for me in altering the conditioner include many things that we all can quickly pull from the kitchen cupboard. And get this: you only need small amounts, usually about a tablespoon or two does wonders for the hair (be sure to take into consideration the length of hair and the amount of product used when adding to the base conditioner). Check out these enhancers that add that natural touch to your conditioner, these are safe for all hair types!
Effortless Enhancers:
- Honey – a natural humectant that has proven to add shine and moisture to your strands
- Oils (Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Avocado Oil, etc.) – these add that extra touch to the product allowing it to further condition, smooth out the hair follicle, and retain more moisture. It also provides slip.
- Essential Oils (peppermint, tea tree, lavender, etc.) – peppermint oil stimulates the scalp, tea tree oil relieves itchy and dry scalps, lavender oil aids those experiencing hair loss and promotes growth.
- Egg – doing a cholesterol treatment? Want a little protein kick in that conditioner? Eggs are your ally!
- Cayenne Pepper (w/an oil of choice) – natural scalp stimulant
- Vitamin E - improves scalp circulation
Heatless ways to curl your hair!!
Heatless Ways to Curl Your Hair Beautifully
With all of the innovative and creative ways to achieve curls these days, who needs curling irons? Given, the damage that heat can have on your hair, it would be in your best interest to go heatless. However, although it is most women’s desire to toss the curling irons, the dilemma of not knowing how to attain the perfect curls without them exist. Ladies, there are a myriad of ways to realize a curly do without the assistance of, most times detrimental curling irons or direct heat. I will focus on a few of the more popular trends of heatless ways to curl your hair.
Pin curls happen to be a fabulous returning trend resurfacing from the forties. Pin curls are very easy on the hair. This method helps me to achieve body and waves. Depending on whether you want a wavy or tight curl, pin curls can help you to realize both if done correctly. The technique is not a difficult one; however, choosing the right products will determine the finished look. All of the suggested techniques should be performed after cleansing your hair. The materials needed for pin curls include but are not limited to: a rat tail comb, moisturizer, bobby pins, oils and a scarf. If you normally apply some setting lotion or mousse to define curls, do so after moisturizing to set the curl better. Basically the pin curl is achieved by parting the hair into sections; apply moisturizer to the sections before making pin curls. Comb through the hair until smooth. The pin curl is made by taking the section of hair and creating an actual curl with your hand, from root to tips. Next, flatten the curl to your head and secure with a bobby pin. More hair in each section will create a looser wavier curl. A tighter curl can be achieved by using less hair in each section. Also you may want to play around with the direction of the curl, depending on how you want the curl to fall to or away from your face. Before going to bed at night, wrap your hair somewhat loosely with a satin or silk scarf. In the morning do not comb through completely, your fingers can make a great tool for loosening curls.
Another popular curling method is rag curls. Don’t be fooled by the name, this can be quite the fancy do. Many women find this technique the most ideal due to the fact that you can find the materials literally lying around the house. The materials needed to create rag curls are: rags cut into strips, rat tail comb, moisturizers, and a scarf for tying. After sectioning off the hair into small pieces at a time, and applying moisturizer, you are ready to begin to roll your hair with the rags. Basically the technique is as simple as rolling hair with rollers, except you will tie the rag to secure. Quick tip: [In order to ensure no hanging tails, start from the very end tip and wrap tightly to make certain that end won’t get away from you.] I’ve found that when doing rag curls, applying a little mousse, guarantees that curls are set. Rag curls should not be combed out completely. You will achieve better results by using your fingers to rake through curls.
We do not have a complete guide of heatless curls without the mention of foam or plastic rollers. Before you frown upon this suggestion, remember that this traditional method is tried and true! Without putting too much emphasis on plastic rollers for the apparent reasons, (plastic rollers are a pain to sleep in); it may help to know that the plastic rollers work best if you are to sit under a hooded dryer. I don’t consider the hooded dryer entirely heat, as it not direct heat, but can still have its damaging capabilities. With that being said, I suggest sticking to the plastic snap on rollers if you are doing your hair in the daytime, and not planning to sleep in your rollers. At night, I am suggesting a foam or sponge roller. Sponge rollers offer body and longer lasting curls. I suggest applying a moisturizer and a foam mousse or light setting lotion, whether the hair is wet or dry. Quick Tip: [Roll the middle section of your hair going back, and the two sides should be horizontal, in order to attain a layered or more professional look.] In order to avoid hair snags and breakages, apply a satin strip to the foam rollers, this may also be purchased this way]
Whether you pin curl, rag curl, or use rollers, you are taking necessary measures to keep your hair heat free. The more heat that you apply to your hair; the more stressed your hair strands are. Keep your hair in tip top condition and looking fantastic simultaneously by keeping those curling irons locked away for emergencies only. Happy Hair Growing!!
Relax, Tex-Lax, or Texturize?
Relax, Tex-Lax, or Texturize?
As women of color, sometimes it is a complex decision to decide how to manage our hair. Is your desire to have bone straight tresses or do you want to rock more of a natural look? Sometimes the possibilities seem somewhat limited with African American hair. As Black women with a myriad of hair types and textures, exploring different options can be a bit challenging, however you may discover that there are quite a few avenues that you can take advantage of! Basically, if your mind is made up that going natural is not for you, it may be beneficial for you to investigate the ways to chemically relax your tresses.
To begin, it is important to realize what you want. If you’re aspiring bone straight hair by chemical processing, then relaxing to the maximum results, is the best choice for you. When you relax your hair, you are chemically altering the texture of hair, loosening tightly coiled hair and making it more manageable. Your hair is being permanently straightened, hence the term, “perm”. If you opt to get a relaxer, in order to get your hair bone straight, it is necessary to leave the relaxer in the recommended time suggested on the packaging. However, keep in mind that you are dealing with a chemical, and it is necessary to take caution as to not overdo it, which can lead to severe damage and breakage. The chemical, lye in relaxers are said to be faster acting and more powerful and effective in the straightening process than the no lye relaxers. Unfortunately, your relaxed hair does come with some drawbacks. If your relaxed hair is not maintained and deep conditioned regularly, you will experience breakage and hair loss. It is recommended that you attempt to stretch your relaxers, the amount of time between relaxers, in order to avoid overlapping which leads to breakage.
One alternative to relaxing is tex-laxing. Tex-laxing is actually applying a relaxer to your hair but for a short length of time. If your goal is simply to loosen your curl pattern, not to have straight hair, this is the best option for you. When you tex-lax your hair has more substance to it and you more than likely will have more body and volume to your hair. Many ladies with fine hair choose to tex-lax, due to the fact that they don’t want their hair to be altered to tissue fine hair. When tex-laxing, keep in mind that you won’t achieve curls if you’ve never had them to begin with, as this will only loosen your natural curl pattern. Tex-laxing should be done respectively, according to your new growth just as with a relaxer. As with any other chemical treatment to your hair, deep condition to ensure optimal results.
A texturizer is a great way to loosen the curl pattern as well; however, it is made specifically for this purpose, as opposed to the tex-laxing. A texturizer is ideal for people who want to avoid shrinkage and cut back on the frizzies. Some attempted naturals have chosen this route due to fact that they desired more manageability, but still wanted that versatility of curlier hair. Do not attempt to apply a texturizer to already chemically treated hair. If your hair is already relaxed, you must cut off all of the relaxed ends and start with virgin hair. A texturizer can help you to achieve beautiful results if applied correctly and properly maintained.
As you see you have options to choose from in order to achieve your preferred hair goals. Keep in mind that any option that you choose, you must take every step to ensure that your hair is thriving and growing. There is no such thing as not having choices with your African American hair. Figure out what will work best for your hair, and enjoy a beautiful head of hair no matter what you go for!
Tips for black hair growth
Tips for Hair Growth
Growing long and healthy hair does not have to be a dream for anyone. It is possible for anyone to enjoy a head full of healthy tresses, as long as you are diligent and consistent in your hair growth regimen. As with any goals that you set for yourself, it is important to develop and follow a strict plan of action.
Assess the health of your hair at its current state. Is your hair in a damaged state? If so, it is necessary to take the following steps in order to rid yourself of the damage and begin with a fresh start. If you want to achieve healthy long hair, it won’t happen if your hair is currently damaged. If your hair is dry and brittle, then you can assume that your hair is suffering some damage. What about split ends? Let them go ladies! Why hang on those frizzy ends that are only causing breakage and hindering your hair’s health? Cut your losses and get a good trim. By the way, split ends have no appeal, and will only take away from your overall appearance. Be sure to trim all of the split ends away in order to benefit the most from trimming. After arriving at the fact that you have damaged hair and you’ve snipped those dead ends away, begin a deep penetrating conditioning regimen. I suggest weekly. A protein treatment may be necessary if your hair is fine and too soft. However, if your hair is brittle and breaking off at the slightest touch, you may just be in need of a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment.
The next step is to develop a hair care regimen that is catered to your hair’s needs. Your regimen should include specific practices that will benefit your hair’s texture and length. You may consult a hair care expert to help you to determine which products are best for you. The key to making a regimen work is to be consistent. You are not promised results if you don’t stick with it. Your regimen should include a good shampoo, deep conditioner, and moisturizer. Trim as needed as your ends dictate to you.
Your regimen should also include a healthy diet. Not only does your physical health rely on a well balanced diet, you hair does as well. Potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese, just to name a few, promote hair growth. You may find these vitamins in certain foods such as bananas, brown rice, fruits, eggs, nuts, and chicken. It is also recommended to add a vitamin and mineral supplement to your diet. A hair vitamin is not necessarily recommended, as a multi-vitamin contains all of the essentials. Drink lots of water to promote a healthy scalp. Water hydrates your hair as well as your entire body. It is essential to maintain hydration to grow your hair.
Invest in quality products. Whether you want to believe it or not, quaility products costs more money and they are worth the investment. The top end products are more expensive because the ingredients are better. It is important to read the ingredients labels and do your research. Find out which ingredients are better for your hair, incorporate them into your regimen, and stick to it. As long as you are consistently caring for your hair with quality products, you are practically certain to see results.
Lastly be patient with your hair growing process. Hair grows about a half inch per month. Don’t expect miracle results from miracle promising products. You will be disappointed. You must take every necessary step to make it happen. Just do it!!
