Recent Posts
By Dena On October 31, 2009
2 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!
By Amina On October 31, 2009
3 Comments
Detangling – 101
Detangling 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
- Fingers – less stress on the hair, may leave some tangles behind
- Wide Tooth Comb – will get many of the tangles out, gentler than the Denman for most
- 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
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!
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!
By Julian On October 24, 2009
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“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!
By Dena On October 24, 2009
2 Comments
I 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.
- Start off with clean dry hair. (emphasis on dry) Pin curls on wet hair just don’t work for me.
- 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.
- 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.
- Roll up until you have reached the roots.
- After you have rolled the section of hair lay it flat on your head and hold it with one finger.
- Secure it to your head with the clamp or bobby pin. Make sure it is secure enough to remain down, now.
- 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:
- Take the pins out.
- 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!
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
- Begin with clean hair.
- Part the hair into sections
- Apply the product (make certain that the first ingredient is water) to the hair sparingly.
- After you have applied the product throughout your entire head, you need to seal.
- Seal with an oil to lock the moisture in.
- 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.
- 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!
By BhpPress On October 22, 2009
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Sofn’free GroHealthy Bathes Hair in Balanced Diet of Milk, Olive Oil and Omega-3
ATLANTA (October 26, 2009)
About M&M Products Company:
New Trio of Healthy Ingredients Satisfies the Cravings of Naturally Curly Hair — Why deny your hair of the same nutrients that your body requires to flourish?
Described as “Mother Nature’s recipe for healthy beautiful hair,” the new Sofn’free GroHealthy Milk & Olive collection contains an unusual medley of milk protein, olive oil and Omega-3 to strengthen, protect and beautify naturally curly hair. Created to address the structural characteristics and needs of curly hair, the line consists of five
new products made specifically for African-American and Latina women.
“Because the cross-section of a curly strand is oval, not symmetrically round like naturally straight hair, a curly strand has a greater chance to break if it lacks sufficient moisture and protein,” said Will Williams, director of education and product development at M&M Products Company, maker of Milk & Olive. Afro-structured strands in particular are twisted, causing them to often appear matte since uneven surfaces are unable to reflect a lot of light. Additionally, Afro-structured strands typically lose the outermost cuticle layers as they grow away from the scalp,
causing thinning at the ends and a greater propensity to shed and break.
“Curly black hair is gorgeous, so women shouldn’t consider these structural characteristics as shortcomings in beauty,” said Williams. “They just need to know that their hair might require some special attention to keep it strong.” The new line’s ingredients solve each of the aforementioned concerns. Milk protein contains calcium to strengthen hair and provide light reflective properties; its anti-irritant benefits soothe the scalp without causing build-up on the hair. Olive oil, long known for its ability to add shine and repair damage, also helps to promote a healthy scalp and well-moisturized hair. Omega-3, rich in essential fatty acids and recognized as a powerful nutrient for the body and brain, rebuilds, strengthens and protects hair from within. No other hair-care line has this triple-treatment combination. Available at beauty supply stores beginning November 2009 and at mass-market retailers thereafter, each Milk & Olive product has a suggested retail price of $4.99, except for the $1.99 treatment packet: Three-Layer Growth Oil delivers a trio of rich nutrients; a quick shake activates its ingredients.
Leave-In Treatment strengthens, softens and mends split ends with a mist spray application. Strengthening Crème provides hair with an anti-breakage boost.
Daily Growth Lotion encourages hair to resist breakage and a scalp to defy flaking.
Really Deep Conditioning Treatment pampers hair in a single-treatment packet.
M&M introduced a special version of Sofn’free GroHealthy for children in 2007 as the
first therapeutic hair-care line for children with damaged hair. Described as “Serious Therapy for Little Heads,” Sofn’free n’pretty GroHealthy also bases its formulas in natural ingredients.
M&M Products Company is a pioneer in the ethnic hair care industry, established in 1973 by two young African-American pharmacists, who introduced the first product formulated to soften natural black hair. M&M has since become an industry leader, with recognition in the mid-1980s as one of the fastest-growing companies on the list. Based in Atlanta and now privately owned by Iqbal and Yunus Kalla, M&M markets therapeutic and maintenance hair care and grooming products under the brand names Sofn’free, GroHealthy, Bump Patrol, Curly Perm, Easy Wave, and Salon Quality. Products sell in mass-market retails, such as Wal-Mart and Target, drug stores, grocers, beauty supply stores, and barber shops in every major African-American market and throughout Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. For more information, visit mmproducts.com and bumppatrol.com.
By Amina On October 21, 2009
2 Comments
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!
By BhpPress On October 19, 2009
No Comments
Ramondo Jones long time native of Knoxville Tennessee is the premier barber for African Americans, Military personal, and UT students who love the tight fades, slick fros, and butch military hair cuts.
Romondo has been cutting hair for 20 years and is consider one of the best in the whole Knoxville area. Whether you live in Farragut, Gatlinburg, or on UT Campus you need to make an appointment with Ramondo and see why he is so popular in the k-town. College students and High school students ask for the first time discount for first time cuts. Go get that high tight tapered fade today!
Ramondo Jones . (865)588-9153. Mon.Thur.Fri. 8am-6pm Sat.730am-4pm fades tapers fro’s.
The bantu knot-out creates beautiful waves and ripples that frame the face so well. It can be worn in an afro paired with shrinkage or it can be worn stretched out on dry hair.Play around with it – I love this style, hopefully you can appreciate it too! [Video credit: crownofhisglory] Check Out Some of these Video Tutorials on Bantu Knots
There are endless ways one can style an updo. You may start off with freshly washed hair, or hair that may be a few days old in order to refresh your look – either way the updo is the way to go!!! The Updo describes styles that may be created through pinning the hair up in different ways. These are just a few variations of executing the ideal updo!
