Bald Edges

Hey Ladies I have found a problem that some of us suffer with, and that's balding edges. Some may think they have tried everything but some of the simplest things can prevent and even help those edges to grow back. If you love micro braids or braids of any kind for that matter just don't do it. Braids causes stress on edges from the pulling. In some cases the hair can actually be pulled from the scalp from the excessive stress. Another thing give up the phony pony. Usually when trying to put hair into a pony tail we try to get it as smooth as possible, which means tugging until all parts lay down. Stop. You are hurting your edges. You also do not need to keep putting gel on the thinning hair, while it may give you a satisfying appearance, your edges are still suffering. Try to refrain from getting a touch up while your edges are in a weak state. Adding chemicals to an already thinning hair will just speed up the process. While not having a touch up may seem like a hard task you should not turn to the flat iron. A flat iron can be just as bad as using chemicals, because of the high temperatures involved in flat ironing. Show your edges you care by massaging the affected area. Make sure to massage and not rub, because rubbing the affected area will further the problem. Moisturize the area and wear styles that require little to no stress on the edges. Remember you must maintain your regime to get your edges back, because if you don't then the hairline will keep receding. Getting back those edges takes time and patience, and chances are it will take several weeks before you begin to see improvement. However, do not be discouraged, because in the end you will have a head full of healthy locs.

Silicones

African American women are known for having dry hair. If you are natural then you should know that although your hair maybe be stronger, it is susceptible to breakage at every point the hair bends. The coils of the hair makes it almost impossible for the sebum from the scalp to reach the ends of the hair. The looser the coils makes it alot easier for the sebum to nourish the ends of the hair, thus maintaining a balanced pH. Those that choose to relax their hair also have to worry about the end of their hair being nourished along with the overall strength. The chemicals in relaxers not only weaken the hair, but it also dries it out. So what does breakage lead to? It leads to the notorious split ends. Everyday we are bombarded with ads that claim to mend split ends. Alot of products that is said to mend split ends contain silicones.
When most of us hear the word silicone we think of them as being used on the body. However, silicones are used in some of our everyday hair products, especially in those claming to mend split ends. Anyone that knows how hair grows and functions also knows there is no way to repair damaged hair. Once the hair has broken it will remain that way until those scraggly ends are chopped off. Silicones act a glue, and temporarily seal the split ends of the hair. The silicone causes the hair to look healthy, because it not only falsely mend the ends but it also give the hair shine. Once the product wears off the breaking ends will fall off, and sustain damage. The best way to prevent damage is to keep the end moisturized. If you get split ends just get rid of them, because it improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Exotic/Natural Hair Ingredients: What’s it all about?

Everywhere we look new products tout some new tropical oil, fruit, or veggie that’s guaranteed to make our hair 100% better. Well, what’s really up with all these “nature’s finest” products? What does it mean when new see things like pearl extract, oyster shells, green tea, algae, kelp, papaya, sugar cane, babbassou or Abyssinian oils? What do we know about these products and what is the true significance of them on our hair? Many of today’s products contain a blend of natural oils, exotic extracts, and hydrating humectants needed to create healthy supple hair. Let’s look at few and try to decipher their special purposes in hair care:

• Aloe Vera - Vitamin rich moisturizer (B1, B2, B6, C, Choline, + 18 amino acids)
• Green Tea Extract – Soothes and moisturizes dry hair and scalp.
• Calendula Extract - Increases hair shaft elasticity and flexibility to prevent breakage. Penetrates the core of the hair shaft to help restore keratin levels.
• Chamomile - Strengthens hair, adds sheen.
• Coconut Oil -Rehydrates hair, and restores shine and bounce.Also offers protection from sun damage.
• Soy Protein – Reinforces and strengthens hair. Stimulates hair growth.
• Coconut Milk - Natural curl moisturizer that softens, moisturizes and defrizzes hair.
• Mango & Shea Butter - Ultra rich emollients that provide intense conditioning from cortex to cuticle.
• Avocado Oil - A natural moisturizer is an excellent conditioning oil and contains large amounts of vitamins A, D, & E. The purest oil provided by mother nature! Naturally protects hair from ultraviolet rays.
• Kukui Nut Oil - An emollient obtained from the Hawaiian kukui nut. Helps deter moisture loss.
• Algae Extract -Rich in minerals, and very moisturizing.
• Lecithin - helps maximize hair growth and strength.
• Oyster Shells & Pearl Extract – Used for their mild protein. Strengthen the hair, while increasing elasticity and porosity.

Our list only gives you a peak at the ever expanding list of natural and exotic ingredients found in many commercial and all-natural products today. So don’t be uninformed! Know your hair products and what they offer for your hair. Happy growing!

Heat-LESS Hairstyles for the Summer

If you want to keep your healthy beautiful hair, frequent use of your curling iron or straightening iron is a big NO NO!! Many of us need to ease-up on excessive use of heat stylers, and give our hair a much deserved break. Our suggestions are actually quicker and easier than heat styling! So if your hair is damaged or suffering from sun exposure, the less additional heat you apply, the better your hair will be. Check out these simple solutions:

• Loose Braids: These easy to do braids create volume and wonderful waves on any hair type. They can be done on damp or dry hair. Just apply your favorite water-based moisturizer or styling cream. Form 2-4 loose braids around your head. Keep the braids loose at the top (so there isn’t a pronounced kink where the braid begins), and tighter from the middle down. When hair is almost dry, take out the braids, shape the waves with your fingers, and let hair dry the rest of the way.

• Tight Braids/Crimping: These braids yield a beautiful “z” shaped curls. Separate hair into sections—make medium-tight braids on the top and bottom layers. This one works well overnight, to help produce some serious crimps.

• Rag Curls: I bet your grandma did it too! Rag curls may take some time to get the hang of, but next to foam rollers, nothing gives your longer lasting curls. Cut an old t-shirt or satin cloth into 6-inch strips. Take a small piece of hair, place the rag strip at the bottom, and roll your hair up towards your scalp. Secure the twist by tying the two ends of the cloth, so the twist is snugly held near your scalp. Leave in overnight for a head full of wonderful curls in the morning.

• Bantu Knot Curls: Want a roller set look without rollers?. Apply a bit of cream moisturizer or setting lotion ( conditioner works great too!), and start twirling sections of your hair around your finger. Forming your hair into a few large twisted sections. Continue twirling as you wrap hair around itself and secure with bobby pins or an ouchless ponytail holder. Let them dry completely, then finger comb for volumous curls!

So give that hair a break and spend more time having fun, with these simple quick heat-less styles!

Shea Butter: A Hair Treasure

Shea butter, an ivory colored fat, is produced from the kernel of the fruit of the Karite tree that grows wild and abundantly throughout the savannah of central and West Africa. The healing properties of unrefined shea butter are extensive. To get the full benefits of shea butter, use only unrefined shea butter. Unrefined shea butter comes in blocks or can be bought already packed in jars. It is odorless if 100% pure or can be bought ready fragranced with essential oils. Shea butter can be applied directly to the scalp as a moisturizing treatment for dry, itchy scalp & dandruff, and the butter can be applied to the length if the hair shaft to moisturize, add shine, and strengthen the shaft.

Shea Butter is an excellent deep conditioning treatment for dry hair. This thick and super rich emollient is great for parched dry hair. Melt shea butter, and apply to hair as a hot oil treatment after shampooing. Comb through and rinse for silky soft tresses. It moisturizes hair from roots to ends, and adds shine and healthy luster. It helps stop hair breakage and split ends. Although it can be applied directly to the hair, it tends to be a bit hard in its natural state. You can also make shea butter easier to apply by melting it on a low heat, adding natural oils like extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil and stirring until thoroughly mixed. The natural oil should make up about ¼ the amount of the shea butter. Pour the mixture back into a jar. By adding the additional oil, the shea butter will remain relatively soft when completely cooled and be easier to apply to the hair.

You can also make a wonderful shea butter cream by melting unrefined shea butter and combining it with an equal amount of natural oil. Cool the mixture over a bowl full of ice, while you whip it with an electric mixer. Whipping it as it cools will yield a velvety smooth cream that can be used for your hair and body. This recipe also makes an excellent hair moisturizer and sealer for both natural and relaxed black hair.

The Basic 5 of Healthy Hair Care

Proper hair care will lead to healthier, longer and better-looking hair. Bad hair care tactics, or not taking care of your hair can lead to breakage, fly away, frizziest, split ends, dull hair, and early hair loss. When it comes to hair care, there are a few basic rules that everyone should consider adopting for the long-term health of their strands. Although, everyone’s hair is different in many ways- texture, length, condition- all hair types, generally, require the same basic elements for a well-rounded, effective hair care regimen. Those elements are listed and explained below:

Lubricate- Oiling the hair is a fabulous way to keep the moisture content high from root to tip. There are a variety of oil choices...the two main ones tend to be Jojoba Oil, and Coconut Oil. Safflower, Almond and Grape seed oils are also excellent for oiling the hair. Oiling may be done before a wash to protect against harsh detergents or afterwards to help condition the hair and maintain moisture.

Cleanse-Cleansing the hair helps to maintain a healthy scalp, remove debris and pollutants, and prepare hair follicles for optimal growth. The frequency of your shampooing depends on your hair type, on the season and on whether or not you live in an area of high pollution. Do not use a lot of shampoo; it only causes depletion of protective oils and moisture.

Stimulate-Massages are a crucial part of your hair healthy program. Massages should be done daily to improve circulation, help stimulate and nourish the scalp and keep the skin loose, thus allowing the blood to flow easily to the roots of the hair. Stimulation can also be done by incorporating “stimulating” essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, cinnamon, ginger, clove, eucalyptus, basil, or nutmeg, into hair oils, shampoos, or rinses.

Strengthen- Routinely using shampoos and conditioners that contain proteins, keratin or amino acids help ward off weak, damaged hair. These ingredients bond to the hair shaft to fill in the cracks caused by damage and deliver stronger, healthier, longer hair, with consistent use. Deep conditioners with protein, applied for 15-30 minutes with heat, are high effective. They help to strengthen the hair deep inside the cuticle and provide more long-term benefits.

Moisturize- Dry hair leads to breakage, especially with daily styling and manipulation. Moisture is the single most important factor in determining healthy growth and retention of hair. You need to be seeking out products that promote the attraction and retention of moisture. Most moisture based products contain some type of humectants. Humectants are substances that attract moisture. Glycerin, honey, propylene glycol are a few common humectants. Moisture equals water. Oil is NOT moisture (however, it can be used to “seal” in moisture). Many commercial moisturizers will be mainly composed of water. Depending on the needs of your hair and your environment, moisturizing may be need to be done as often as 1-3 times per day or at least every other day.

Long, healthy hair takes dedication and time. Maintaining a consistent regimen will help you achieve the results you desire. So make the commitment today, to treasure your tresses and give them the time and attention they need to thrive.

The Mechanics of Deep Conditioning

How to Deep Condition Your Hair:

1. Either shampoo or rinse your hair first and gently squeeze out the excess water.
2. Generously apply your deep conditioner to damp hair, and focus on the ends. Work through with your fingers, or use a wide toothed comb to work through your hair.
3. Place the shower cap over hair, and then put the heating device of choice on your head for a full 20 minutes. You need 20 minutes to allow the hair cuticle to open fully, and let the conditioner completely infuse and feed your hair. After 20+ minutes or longer, take off your cap and let your hair cool for at least 5 minutes. This allows your hair shaft to close again.
4. Rinse hair with warm water until about 80% of the conditioner is rinsed out.
5. Do a final rinse with the coldest water you can stand. This is important to seal your hair shaft and get all the benefits of your deep conditioning treatment.
6. Apply a leave-on conditioner and allow your hair to air dry.
7. Do not wash your hair the next day. Give your hair a break after a deep conditioning for at least 24 hours. Let the treatment do its job without interruption!

I suggest deep conditioning weekly. By doing this, your hair will become healthier and shinier. It will regain its softness. Moisture-robbed hair is more subject to breakage and unmanageability.


What you will need:
Time — About an hour.
A Deep Conditioner — I really believe that you should invest in a high-quality deep conditioner. There are several to choose from. Look for natural oils, humectants like honey or glycerin, softening proteins like collagen, silk, or wheat.
Wide Tooth Comb
Plastic Cap — or an old Wal-mart bag if you’re in a pinch
Heating Unit — Dome dryer, Hot, moist towel, Blow Dryer Cap, or a Micro Heat Cap.