Black Hair Care: How To Take Care Of Cornrows

Cornrows and braids are one of those timeless styles that have crossed all gender and ethnic gaps. In fact, nothing is more beautiful than heedful of intricate braids and rows and no two styles are exactly alike. That is why more and more people are choosing to express themselves and their individual style through braiding and rowing.

But as with all styles, cornrows come with their own special challenges and problems. One of the most obvious problems associated with any tight braiding technique is breakage. While black hair has fewer tendencies to break than Caucasian hair, it can still take a great deal of abuse if the braids are not done and cared for properly. In addition to breakage, you can also experience dull, frizzy and dry hair as a result of wearing cornrows or braids.

To avoid all of these drawbacks and to keep your braids looking shiny and neat, follow the following care tips:

· Choose your artist wisely – As with any artistic field, braiders come in many levels of expertise. Be sure to choose one that has been in the business for a good while. Also, ask to see sample photos of the stylist’s work. This will give you a good idea about their level of expertise.

· Grow hair to proper length - In order to get a good braid, your stylist has to have enough hair to work with. A good rule of thumb to follow on length is 10cm for straight hair and a minimum of 5 cm for curly hair.

· Cleanse without disrupting – Granted, shampooing your hair with all of those rows and braids is not an easy task. To clean down to the scalp without disrupting your style you can use a shower massager or dental water pick.

· Wrap to prevent frizz and breakage – When you’re sleeping, your hair comes into constant contact with your pillow and your movements cause friction and tension to be applied to your braids. This can result in fly away hair, frizz and breakage. To avoid this simply wrap your head with a do rag or cloth before sleeping.

· Keep salon appointments – If your braid artist tells you to get a trim every 6 weeks, do so. And if he or she tells you to get your braids redone within a certain time frame, be sure that you do. This will help keep your braids looking neat and fresh.

How To Do Cornrow Braids - Learn how to to this simple braiding technique.

Sexy Hair Tutorial For Short Hair

Now, First of all, What is Hair Made of?
Hair is composed primarily of proteins (88%). These proteins are of a hard fibrous type known as keratin. Keratin protein is comprised of what we call "polypeptide chains.” The word, polypeptide, comes from the Greek word "poly" meaning many and "peptos" meaning digested or broken down. In essence, if we break down protein, we have individual amino acids.

Many amino acids joined together form a "polypeptide chain". Two amino acids are joined together by a "peptide bond", and the correct number of amino acids placed in their correct order will form a specific protein; i.e. keratin, insulin, collagen and so on.

Short Hair Cuts! Sexy Styles!
Short hair cuts reflect self-assurance, readiness to take new challenges! That is a definite turn on. Nobody wants to be the demure, boring and conservative type of gal! We want to be viewed as an individual who rises to the challenges of today’s society! And a sexy short cut says it all! Short hair shows you are cool, confident, in control, and too busy to spend hours fussing with your hair, because… there is so many more important things in life which we should be spending our time on!

Bobs are always a short hair style always in high hair fashion and can be custom cut and colored to enhance any type, texture or length of hair.

The right bob style, like a beveled bob, can also work with any face shape. Adjustments can be made to the fringe or bang area, length and layers to play up some features and minimize others.

Keeping Hair Moisturized
Hair normally has a moisture content of approximately 10%. If your hair’s moisture content drops below this level the key is to increase the hair’s ability of attract and retain moisture. This is accomplished by using moisturizers. Good one have "humectants" that not only replace lost moisture but actually attract moisture and retain it in the cortex of the hair. Essential fatty aids (EFA’s) are great moisturizers.

Regardless if you are growing out your layers between hair cuts or growing them out to one length on a more permanent basis, create texture in your tresses to instantly blend the layers into the rest of your style.

So, what are you waiting for? We urge you to find out more about the various sexy short hair styles and get one today! But before you go running off for your short crops, do find out more about what TYPE of short hair styles fits your fact features! Come and find out more! Find the style that suits your perfectly!

Hair Straightening Tips and Tools

Women from all walks of life are always battling their hair.  Those who have straight hair always want it to be curly. Those blessed with curls want theirs to be straight. With the many innovations in the beauty field that are emerging daily, there is certainly something to meet the needs of everyone. And for those men and women who do long for super sleek and shiny hair, then they are truly lucky to find the line of Sedu flat irons and the Sedu hair straighteners.

Sedu flat irons are some of the most highly regarded tools in the hair straightening line by numerous leaders in the beauty and cosmetic industry. The Sedu Company has been an innovator for leading the way in hair care products and professional items for many years and their experience shows. Their flat irons and hair straighteners are some of the most sought after in the industry. Those who have found Sedu swear that they will never use any other company's hair implements again!

The Sedu flat irons, which are specially coated with either ceramic or tourmaline, are famous for causing absolutely no damage to any hair type, No matter if your hair is coarse or fine, long or short, thick or thin, you will certainly benefit from using a Sedu flat iron. They are made from the very best quality materials and will transform your unruly mop into your crowning glory in a matter of minutes.

Many other flat irons and hair straighteners have the tendency to dull and dry your hair, but not those in the Sedu line. Sedu flat irons will turn frizzy hair into a smooth mane in a snap! These flat irons have temperature settings which are easily set and moderated so that anyone can find the perfect heat setting to best benefit each individual's hair type. Even those who have tried other Sedu brand products in the past will find the addition of a Sedu hair straightener to their daily hair regimen of great value. They will be amazed at the results and will wonder why they did not happen upon these great products any sooner than they did!

Another great thing that you will find with the Sedu hair straighteners that you will not find with many other companies is that Sedu offers their flat irons in a variety of sizes. Many people with longer hair have never experienced the unique problems of using tools that are too large to try to smooth shorter hairstyles. Sedu has an answer for this issue.

The flat irons come in several different widths and sizes so that you, too, can successfully straighten your hair no matter the length. The same goes for longhaired ladies as well! The larger irons are dynamic for covering a lot of hair in a short amount of time, while the smaller ones work well for shorter hair or for areas where you need a bit more precision and accuracy.

Some may balk at the price tag that comes along with such a high quality product as the Sedu hair straightener. However, once you have the opportunity to use the product and experience for yourself just what a good job it can do, you are sure to find any way possible to keep the Sedu flat iron on your bathroom vanity.

 They do run a little higher than some of the other flat irons that you will find in discount stores and other chains, but you will never get the user satisfaction from these other flat irons the way that you will with the Sedu.  In this case, you are truly paying for the quality of the product, not just the name on the box. Sedu equals quality and satisfaction, and you will hear this from the numerous customers and professionals who swear by the Sedu flat iron each and every day.

Now it's time to find out what all of the buzz is about. If your unruly hair is driving you crazy and you are looking for a hair straightener, which will smooth and create shine without inflicting damaging heat and breakage, then you need look no further than the Sedu flat irons and hair straightening implements. The Sedu brand is known and trusted by professionals in the beauty industry and customers all over the world, and once you try it, your name will be added to the list of those who wonder what they ever did before finding this perfect hair styling tool.

How to Braid Hair

Hair braiding is a way to style hair you can do at home, but it does involve a learning process. Once you know how to braid hair, you can transform your own or someone else's hair into a cute new style in just a few minutes. Here are some easy instructions on how to braid hair.

  To braid another person's hair or do the front of your own head The hair should be clean and dry. If it is wavy or curly, you may want to blow dry it straight first to make the braid more even. Add some styling gel to smooth any flyaways and make the hair more manageable. Comb the hair to remove tangles. Divide the hair into three even sections.

 Place the left section between your left index finger and thumb, let the middle section hang free and place the right section between your right index finger and thumb. Hold the middle section with your right middle finger and pull it so it passes behind the right section.

Extend your right thumb and index finger so the right portion of hair becomes the new middle section. Using the left middle finger, pull the middle section behind the left section.

Extend or straighten the left index finger and thumb to move the left section into the middle. Shift the portion of hair hooked in the right middle finger so it sits between the right index finger and thumb. Repeat the process.

Then shift the portion of the hair hooked in the left middle finger so it sits between the left index finger and thumb. Continue until the braid is the desired length. For a tighter, more compact braid, pull the middle section into a horizontal line as you move it to the right or left. If you prefer a loose, elongated braid, simply shift the middle section to the right or left, letting it remain in a vertical line.

 When the braid is done, secure the end of the hair with a covered rubber band. Add a bow or barrette as desired. Be sure to pull the portions of hair as evenly as possible so the tension remains consistent. If the tension is tighter on one side, your braid will twist to one side instead of lying flat. Avoid pulling too hard, as this may lead to hair damage.

  Braiding the back of your own hair Comb your hair before you begin and remove any tangles. Divide the hair into three even sections. Some people have found that if you braid your hair when it's damp, say 30 minutes to an hour after a shower or bath, it does not get frizzy and is easier to work with. Lift your left elbow to shoulder height and make a thumbs down fist around the left portion of hair.

Do the same on the right side, letting the middle portion lie against your spine. Extend your left index finger and hook the right section of hair. Pull it in front of the middle section, letting it slip completely out of the right hand. Take the middle section of hair with your right hand, pull it to the right side, and then resume the thumbs down fist position with both hands.

 Extending your right index finger, hook the far left portion of hair and let it slip completely out of the left hand. Shift the portion of hair in your left hand into a thumbs down fist and then release the left index finger. Make a thumbs down fist with your right hand and then use your left index finger to hook the far right section. Continue the process until the braid is complete.

To braid very long hair, you may have to free a hand to pull the sections through. Secure the braid as it develops by pressing your knuckles into it as you shift your hands for the next cross. Use a covered elastic to secure the finished braid and decorate as desired. Experiment with using different hand positions. You may discover a technique that works better for you.

  Practice leads to success The first time you try to braid hair, it will go slowly. Practice your technique and be patient until you know how to braid hair. It may take some time to discover your rhythm. Braiding will become much easier with the more times you do it. If you're braiding a young child's hair, ask that she keep her head still. Give her a hand mirror so she can watch you do the braiding. If her hair is too thin and fine for an elastic to hold the braid, use pipe cleaners.

These come in many colors and children usually have them readily available. When you're learning how to braid hair, it might help to visit a hair salon where they do braiding and watch the stylists braid their clients' hair. Another good practice technique is to braid the hair of a doll or hair mannequin.

Essential Hair Accessory

In the 80s, the hair accessory was invaluable. Almost every style involved some sort of hair accessory or embellishment to really set it off. Today, the hair accessory is not a part of everyday style and care should be taken as to when and how to use the hair accessory so that you will not look dated.

With that said, there are some occasions that scream for hair accessories: Work, social occasions and formal events may all have you searching for the perfect hair accessory to set off your look. While different occasions will call for different hair accessories, a good rule of thumb to follow is to choose the sedate hair accessory over one that could not go unnoticed in a crowd of a few hundred or a few thousand.

While choosing the right one can be tricky, there are a few pointers that you can follow to help you pick the perfect hair accessories to complete your look. Here are just a few:

" Work. In many work situations, you will likely have to wear your hair up. No matter if your type of employment requires it or you simply like to change your look now and then, wearing your hair up calls for the right hair accessory to do the job. The number one rule to finding the right hair accessory for work is to avoid banana clips at all costs. I mean, who still makes these things? Apparently they're making money at it or they wouldn't still be producing these torture devices of the 80s. Don't further their cause: stop buying this hair accessory. The second rule is to choose hair accessories that closely match your hair color or that blend nicely with it. Matching a hair accessory to your clothes is only cute when you are 5-years-old. What you choose will depend largely on your length of hair and how you like to wear your hair up. For French twists, choose hair accessories that resemble over-sized hair clips. Simply twist and clip.

" Social and formal occasions. In social and formal occasions you have a greater opportunity to express your artsy side through hair accessories. Again choose sedate pieces over garish hair accessories. Classy pieces can be perfect for social occasions, whereas a little sprig of flowers or garnishment may be needed for formal occasions. Formal occasions are the only time that is okay to match your hair accessory to your clothing. But still, do not go overboard. What attracts the eye should be the beauty of your hair, not too-busy hair accessories. If in doubt about what hair accessory or how much of it to include, opt for the simple solution: use as little as possible.

The bottom line with hair accessories is that too much of a good thing can confuse the eye and make your do look garish. Simple hair accessories, on the other hand, can make a bold beauty statement that makes your hair the talk of the office or party.

Bobs And Short Haircuts

Bobs and short haircuts for women made their debut in the 1920s and were greeted with raised eyebrows and allegations of scandal. Since then, bobs and short haircuts for women have become permanent fashion fixtures and are here to stay. Bobs and short haircuts can be quite easy to manage and can look appropriate for any occasion, depending on how they are shaped and styled.

The classic bob was a blunt cut that made the hair the same length as the ears all around (except the front, of course) with a hint of curl formed by old-fashioned curlers. Today, there are as many bobs and short haircuts as there are types of women who wear them, and the famous bob has evolved to fit almost every fashion requirement.

Styling bobs and short haircuts can be quite simple, since there is less hair to work with. However, trying an unfamiliar style also has its challenges, and sometimes patience and trial and error are required before creating the perfect look.

· For a classic, blunt bob, make the hair straight all around, and ask the stylist for bangs. Using gel, comb your wet hair straight as you blow dry. Spray it well.

· For a Pageboy bob: Use a wide-barrelled curler and curl the back of your hair and bangs under. Wait for the curls to cool, and brush gently, encouraging the large curls, with a large, round brush. Spray well.

· For a flip bob: If you like the mostly straight bob with a little flip in or out at end, use a flat iron to make most of your hair straight, and make your hair flip in or flip out at the ends by twisting inch wide sections around the flat iron.

· Kinky bob: If you do not have naturally curly hair, create curls using wacky curlers or by using a narrow-barrelled curling iron. Leave the curlers in your hair for at least a half and hour and blow your hair dry, or, using a curler, wind your hair around the iron in one-inch wide sections. Use a pick to arrange your curls and spray well.

· Layered Bob: If your hair is layered, and you would like a soft, natural looking bob, rinse out your conditioner well and work mousse through your wet hair. Dry well, using your fingers to style your hair and twist some strands of hair for extra wave.

· Super glossy bob: This look is great for formal events. Use shampoo and conditioner specially designed to bring out the sheen in your hair. Sculpt wet hair with gel and brush straight. Blow dry on a low setting, and finish with a hair spray that will make your hair very shiny.

· Super short bob: Paris Hilton sported this bob shortly before getting her hair sheared. This bob requires very little maintenance. The hair should be cropped close to the face. Use a little mousse to give the hair a bit of volume. You needn't worry about making the bob very curly or very straight, since this is a natural looking hairdo. Simply use mousse, coax your hair into the desired style with a brush as you blow it dry.

· Emo bob: Although emo's claim to ignore fashion, the bob has hit even the emo crowd. Cut your hair into a blunt cut with scissors. Don't worry if the ends are not exactly even. Dye your hair black and add red or frosted highlights if you wish.

Bobs and short haircuts can create a very "sweet" look. A short haircut that has as much sass and elegance as a bob is the "pixie" look. This hairstyle is great if you have an oval face and want soft bangs that emphasize your eyes. The back is cut in the shape of a wedge, and more hair is left at the top. The bangs can be curled under or combed straight. A little curl is quite feminine and brings out the eyes.

Hair Care Through Egg

Egg has become an important part of your hair and skin care diet. Everyone wants to have beautiful and lustrous hair. With the use of raw eggs anyone can find themselves with beautiful hair. One need not cross the seven continents to find a raw egg. Every house can easily get a good supply of raw eggs. These can be used for making some of the best hair conditioners. The properties of egg create a needed impact on your dull and dry hair. It helps the hair to recreate itself. It maintains the texture of your hair by the presence of the important elements.

Some Home Based Recipes

For strong and beautiful hair you can mix 2 egg yolks (depending on length of your hair) with 2 tsp. castor oil. Massage this mixture on your hair. Keep it for sometime then rinse it thoroughly.

Whip up two raw eggs. Pour this mixture on your hair by massaging. Let it dry. Shampoo your hair and then give vinegar and water rinse. Follow this procedure every month for soft and smooth hair.

Beat egg yolk thoroughly to make a frothy solution. Add 1 tsp baby oil and beat again to make a proper mixture. Add water to this mixture and apply it all over your scalp. Once dry, rinse well to get a proper conditioned treatment.

Mix egg yolk in 1/4 cup of yogurt with a little lime skin. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply it to every single strand of hair. After applying keep it for 10 minutes and then wash it off. The combination of yogurt and egg is very good for your hair.

Mix a whole egg to lemon juice. Whisk it properly. Once applied on your hair keep it for sometime. Rinse it thoroughly. This combination gives a shine to your dull hair.

Beat egg yolk to make a frothy paste. Add 1/2 tsp. olive oil and beat the mixture again. Slowly and steadily add 3/4 cup of luke warm water. After shampooing, massage this conditioner and leave it for few minutes. Rinse it later.

It is a good hair treatment for people who are in water most of the times like swimmers, surfers etc. Mix egg, olive oil and peeled cucumber to make a good mixture. Spread it evenly on your hair and keep it for 10 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly.

Mix together 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp. almond oil and 1 tbsp. yogurt. Make a frothy paste and apply it on your hair. Rinse it in 1/2 hours time. This will smooth your hair and moisturize it evenly.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Caring For Your Wigs

There are a number of reasons why people use wigs.  Some men use wigs to cover a bald spot or a receding hairline that resulted from hereditary premature balding.  Some women use wigs so they can wear outrageous hairstyles and hair colors without subjecting their real hair to the risk of damage that such styling can cause.  Some women, on the other hand, resort to wearing wigs to restore their confidence after losing their hair while undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

A wig can be made of either real human hair or synthetic hair.  A wig that is created by an excellent wigmaker can appear as real as the hair that grew naturally on the wig-wearer’s head.  No matter how like real hair a wig appears to be, its appearance can quickly deteriorate if it is not cared for properly.  Just like real hair, a wig needs to be maintained to keep it in good shape.

Washing is essential to the maintenance of wigs.  A wig must be washed after being worn around six or eight times if its wearer lives in a place where the climate is hot and humid.  If the wearer lives in cooler climes, it is perfectly all right to wash the wig being used around 12 to 15 times.  However, if the wearer is active athletically, does a lot of wig styling, or is often exposed to dust and dirt, the wig should then be washed at least once a week.

To wash a wig, cold water and wig shampoo should be used.  In the absence of wig shampoo, gentle baby shampoo will do.  A wig should never be subjected to harsh cleaning chemicals and detergent.  Before washing, the wig should be shaken out or fluffed out gently.  The shampoo is then applied to a basin of cold water; a capful or a teaspoonful of shampoo is enough.  The wig is then left to soak in this mixture for around two to five minutes.

When the time is up, the wig is then rinsed in cold water.  The wig should merely be shaken or swirled in the water, never scrunched or twisted while wet.  When all the shampoo is rinsed out, the excess water may be gently squeezed out of the wig, but without twisting it.  For best results in wig washing, wig conditioner may be applied to the wig.  Afterwards, the process of rinsing it in cold water is repeated.

To dry a wig effectively, the excess water should be blotted out with a towel, and then the wig should be left to dry on a separate towel or placed on a wig stand made of wire.  The wig should be air-dried.  A blow dryer should never be applied to a wig, and the wig should not be exposed to direct sunlight or direct heat as well.  Exposing a wig to any source of heat is always the quickest way to ruin it.

After the wig has become dry, it can then be styled using a wig comb or a wig brush, or even with just the fingertips.  To create curls on a wig, liquid mousse specially formulated for wigs may be applied to the wig, and then the strands of the wig are gently twisted and scrunched to make them curl.  To leave a wig’s locks straight and smooth, applying liquid wig mousse and brushing it lightly is enough.

A wig can be cut and styled as its wearer sees fit.  However, to get the cutting done properly, the wig should be taken to a professional wig stylist. A professional wig stylist should be able to customize the wig for its wearer.

Storing the wig is also crucial in maintaining its condition and quality.  To store a wig properly, it must be placed on a wig stand.  Placing a wig on a wig stand will help the wig retain its shape and form.  Before it is stored away, however, the wig should be brushed or fluffed out using a wig comb or a brush made with wire.

After the wig is placed on its stand, it should then be covered with a hairnet.  The hairnet is supposed to protect the wig from dirt and dust.  The wig on the wig stand should always be kept in a place that is far away from heat and humidity, as well as free from dust.  Protecting the wig from dust will prevent its wearer from getting allergies.

There are many reasons why people wear wigs.  No matter what these reasons are, however, the important thing is that wigs should be taken care of properly, just as if they are the wearer’s real hair.  A wig that is maintained properly for always will remain looking beautiful for a prolonged period of time.

Have Hair Care

Having a hair cut can change your look completely. It can be better or worse. Sometimes you will feel better when having a new cut or color. Here is the story of hair.

The mysteries of maintaining beautiful hair should have been uncovered by now, but for many women finding a simple way to keep their hair looking wonderful is as elusive as it was to women centuries before. The desire for beautiful hair is not new. Ancient Egyptians shaved their heads and wore elaborate, heavy, braided wigs to achieve perfection. European history also abounds with torturous hair styles including the ornate, powdered styles wrapped around frames and horsehair which attracted vermin. All in the name of beauty.

Today, fashion still influences a woman's hairstyle but that doesn't mean you have to subject your hair to needless damage. Take advantage of the tips below on caring properly for your hair.

Even though your hair is not a living part of your body, itstill needs proper care for optimum health and beauty. One of the key elements to having shiny, healthy hair is to allow the natural oils in the scalp to lubricate it. The hair closest to the scalp benefits from natural sebum oils the most while longer hair can become dry and brittle from a lack of these oils.

No matter what exotic ingredients it's made up of , shampoo performs a simple job of removing excess oils, pollution and styling product build up from the hair. All of your hair needs gentle cleansing but it is the top two or three inches that is most weighed down with natural oils and dulling hair products. Concentrating the washing in that area will reduce the amount of oils removed from longer areas of hair which can be over dried from the stripping of oils and extended contact with shampoo.

Conditioning on the other hand should be used sparingly, if at all, on the top inches of the hair while concentrated on the ends. Conditioning is an important step to replace needed oils and provide protection from styling agents such as blow dryers and irons.

Your hair will look its most beautiful when you choose a style that requires the least amount of heat and product damage. Protecting your hair with conditioners is key, but choosing a style that suits the texture of your hair will eliminate the need for more torturous styling tools.

Frizzy and dry hair can benefit from the application of silicone based products. Bear in mind that a little goes a long way and concentrate the product on the ends of your hair.

When blow drying keep the blow dryer at least six inches from your hair to prevent excessive damage from the heat. Blow drying in the direction of the shaft (down the length of hair) will create a smoother appearance.

Anytime you use chemicals in your hair you should make sure your hair is in a healthy condition before applying the treatment. Overuse of these treatments can damage hair beyond repair and affect the results of the products.

Your hair will look shinier and feel thicker when you remove dried and split ends. Trimming the hair every 6 to 8 weeks will keep it looking its best.

Taking simple steps to maintain healthy hair will put you on track to more 'good hair days' than you ever thought possible!

5 Steps To Perfect Hair

Your hair is your crowning glory. Look after it and it will shine for all the world to see. You don’t always need expensive treatments, or visits to a hair salon to manage your hair professionally. There’s so much you can do yourself.

1. For shiny, healthy hair think first of your body’s intake. Your hair is really just a reflection of what you are inside. A good balanced, nutritious and healthy diet will do more to make your hair shine than any shampoo or conditioner. And drink eight to ten glasses of water a day too; hair is 25% water, so don’t let yours go thirsty!

2. Dry your hair after washing in the ambient temperature of your room after using an absorbent towel to soak up the excess moisture, but don’t rub hard. If possible, don’t use blow-drying, flat irons, curling irons or hot rollers. Artificial heating will leave your hair brittle and damaged in time. Be natural whenever you can.

3. Prevent unnecessary hair damage by using the right kind of hairbrush. Only comb wet hair with a wide-tooth comb, combing from end to root, but avoiding touching the root. Detangling wet hair with a hard steel comb can create a lot of damage, so don’t!

4. Remove trichoptlosis, or split ends, like this: take small sections of your hair and carefully twist them in a gentle downward motion. The split ends will stick out. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut into the twisted section, but not right through, to remove the damaged cuticles and leave a natural layered look. Cut roughly the same amount from each twist to balance the effect.

5. Hair loss can be slowed, or even reversed by applying a few simple tips, though they probably won’t cure an underlying condition. Biotin can help to regenerate hair follicles: blend bananas with honey, yoghurt and low-fat milk, and drink it daily. Supplements such as Vitamin B6, zinc and saw palmetto will help too, but eliminating stress and getting plenty of sleep may work just as well.

We are all obsessed with our hair, whether we are 9 or 90, male or female. Look after yourself first and foremost and your hair will reflect that care and attention. The Biblical Samson’s strength lay in his fine flowing hair. Your hair reflects your strength too.

Black Hair Basics

The typical hair and hair follicles of those of African descent are tightly curled, thus producing hair that spirals. Black hair also typically has a larger diameter than Caucasian hair and retains less water, thus its relative “kinkiness.” The many styling methods utilized on Black hair cause concern with hair loss. Black hair is very strong, fortunately so because Black hair styles cause a great deal of stress on the hair and scalp.

For example, using a hair pick to pick the hair up to a bushy style is a very damaging process due to the constant pulling causing stress on the hair shaft as well as the follicle. In fact, combing Black hair in general can create high stress on Black hair and cause breakage, which perpetuates dryness. Conrowing and braiding are methods of hairstyling that pull the hair tight, and this can cause a great deal of stress on the hair and scalp resulting in hair loss. Braiding that results in the hair being pulled very tight can cause traumatic alopecia, a hair loss that is caused by trauma to the hair and scalp. Traumatic alopecia is usually reversible with proper hair care.

Hot combs and relaxers used to straighten hair can cause a great deal of heat and chemical damage to hair and scalp, which can also cause traumatic alopecia, and over time can cause permanent hair loss. This becomes especially true when the heat or chemically processed hair is pulled tight by rollers or a hot curling iron.

Hot oil conditioners are excellent for Black hair, as hot oil treatments contain proteins and polymers vital to repairing the hair cuticles. Hot oil treatments involve heating the oil and putting it into the hair and scalp, then covering the hair with a plastic cap to allow the oil to soak in. Follow the recommendations on the treatment you are using for the amount of time you should leave the treatment on the hair. This process can heal breakages and shinier stronger hair will be the result.

Consider that hair relaxers commonly used on Black hair contain lye or similar chemicals that break down the hair shaft. Left on beyond the recommended time, these chemicals would eat right through the hair and cause it to fall out in clumps. This is why these same products are used in products like Drano® to clean clogged drains which often are clogged by hair. No-lye relaxers are very popular today, mainly because it leads people to believe that the product is not caustic. This is far from the truth. The combination of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are combined to form guanidine hydroxide, which could just as easily clean a sink. Repeated use of such products can cause some degree of hair loss, and if scarring occurs while using these chemicals, the hair loss can be permanent in that area of the scalp. One must ask themselves is it wise to place such caustic chemicals in the hair on a regular basis for the sake of desired appearance? The question must be answered by each individual, however the facts should be known.

There is little that can be done to alleviate this syndrome without changing the typical hairstyles of African Americans. There is a catch-22 concerning relaxing Black hair, since combing natural Black hair causes so much stress and breakage of hair, while chemicals cause so much harm to the hair and scalp as well. There are a few hair-relaxing products on the market that use chemicals and are somewhat less harsh than sodium hydroxide (lye) or its popular equivalent in “no-lye” relaxers: calcium hydroxide (quicklime) mixed with guanidine carbonate. One such product is called Natural-Laxer® and Sahara Clay® by Baka ProductsTM that has been on the market since 1990. This product is all natural and because it does not contain many of the harsh chemicals of commercial relaxers and actually contains only a finely ground plant called Daphne Gnidium and clay from Africa it is figured to be relatively safe. Of course this product does not straighten hair in most instances the same way as commercial relaxers, however it does tend to make Black hair more manageable. There is yet another product on the market that is reported to be 92-96% natural which is called Naturalaxer Kit In A Jar™ that does not require the applicant to comb through the hair during the application, which results in a lot less damage.

Of course the bottom line is once again, if you can leave your hair in its natural state then you will experience less stress and damage to the hair and thus prevent at least one cause of hair loss. There is a growing segment of the Black population that is becoming comfortable with wearing their hair in natural styles. One such style is dreadlocks. There are many rumors and myths concerning dreadlocks, as there is little proper information available concerning this style, and as with anything that is misunderstood many myths arise around it. Dreadlocks can and must be washed; otherwise they will smell badly like any other dirty hair. The best process to use to wash dreadlocks is to use a residue-free shampoo. Most commercially made shampoos leave residue and can cause hair not to lock, lending fuel to the rumor that hair had to be dirty to form dreadlocks. Clean hair actually locks much better than dirty hair, as dirt is a residue in itself that will inhibit hair from locking. For best results one should use a fragrance free, conditioner free shampoo. Dreadlocks do not react well to oily and greasy substances, yet there are many good substances that are on the market today that will assist you in forming dreadlocks.

Dreadlocks are formed through a process, not simply by not combing or brushing the hair. Generally, one should start with hair about two inches in length, and the hair should be separated into even squares of hair and twisted gently together using a bonding or gel substance. Many use natural beeswax containing no petroleum, while others use loc and twist gels specifically formulated for locks. Once the hair is separated and twisted into small locks, it is important that they are left alone and allowed to bond naturally. The length of time it will take to lock will depend on the coarseness of your hair, but one can normally expect to wait several months before locks begin to form. While the hair is locking, it will need to be washed. Here is where washing should be extended for a while if possible, so that the hair can be allowed to lock for two weeks to about a month without manipulation. When you do wash your hair, use a stocking cap or “do-rag”, and low-pressure water to make sure that the newly forming locks do not come loose. It will be necessary to rinse for a much longer time than you normally do, because of the lower pressure of the water and the lack of direct manipulation of your hair with your hands. The water is good for your hair and locking process, so this is not a problem. It is also imperative as indicated before that you use a shampoo that does not contain a conditioner and leaves as little residue as possible. A little research on your

part will be necessary here; your health food store should contain a variety of natural shampoos. Have a skilled professional or a friend re-twist the hair gently, reapplying the twist gel or beeswax that you used previously. Repeat this process every two weeks to a month, the longer you are able to wait the better, and within a few months your hair will begin to lock. Again, if you have a fine grade of hair rather than a kinky grade of hair, a beautician skilled at forming locks (“locktitian”) or a friend who is very familiar with the hairstyle should be consulted. Even though dreadlocks are mainly a hairstyle for Blacks, there are other races that have people that enjoy the hairstyle. In general, it tends to be a style of hair that in the long run will give the hair and scalp needed rest from the rigors of chemical and heat treatments and rigorous combing and brushing, and therefore can contribute to longer life for your hair.

Dealing with Dandruff

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF

Although the cause of dandruff is not completely understood, it is currently theorized that one of the main causes is a breakdown of the scalps natural lipid barrier, leaving it more exposed to infection by the microscopic yeast that is commonly found in the scalp.  When the yeast overgrows, it leads to an inflammatory response that kills off scalp cells at a high rate, which in turn slough off in sticky patches and flakes.


The condition is identified by:

- White or clear flakes on the scalp, through the hair, and on clothing.
- Itchy scalp which may be red and inflamed.

Some young teens find they develop dandruff when they hit puberty because their hygiene habits haven’t changed to meet the challenges of newly accelerated sebum production.

Stress, poor hygiene and poor diet can make the scalp more susceptible to dandruff.  High sugar foods in particular are known to exacerbate yeast infections.

The hair should be brushed regularly to loosen flakes and stimulate blood supply to the scalp, which will accelerate the natural immune response to infection.

TREATING DANDRUFF

There are few habits you can develop and natural treatments you can use to treat dandruff. 

Nutrition:  An excess of sugar in the diet can exacerbate any yeast infection.  Try reducing your intake of all sugars and refined starches while treating for dandruff.


Cleansing:  Massage your scalp thoroughly with your fingertips when shampooing.  This will help loosen and remove any dead skin flakes and help prevent the infection from continuing.  Wash your hair daily until the infection is cleared up.

Conditioning:  Use a protective hair condition on the ends of hair only.  Avoid getting conditioner on your scalp where it can clog pores and interfere with healing of the skin.

Other Treatments:

- Massage:  Massaging your scalp several times a day with the pads of the fingers only will stimulate blood supply to the hair follicles and help loosen the dead skin flakes.

- Brushing:  Brushing your hair thoroughly on a daily basis will help loosen and remove dead skin flakes, increase the smooth flow of sebum along the hair shaft, and increase blood supply to the hair follicles. 

- Wash Hands After Brushing and Grooming Hair:  Fungal infections of the skin are highly contagious, and it is easy to reinfect and spread to other areas of the body.  This is why it’s important to wash your hair daily and to brush out any loose dandruff flakes – so that healthy areas of the scalp will not be infected.  Washing your hands after brushing, massaging and grooming your hair will also help prevent reinfection or cross infection.

The following herbs and nutrients have been shown to reduce dandruff infections:

Natural Internal Treatments for Dandruff

Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vanadyl Sulfate, Gynema Sylvestre and Chromium are all natural regulators of blood sugar levels.  The can help prevent feeding the infection by keeping blood sugar levels normalized.

Olive Leaf and Oregano Leaf  are both natural systemic antifungal agents.

Natural External Treatments for Dandruff

The following herbs can be used as a tonic for reducing fungal infections on a topical basis.  Extracts of these herbs or a several drops of their essential oils dissolved in aloe vera gel or witch hazel can greatly relieve the symptoms of itching and flaking in dandruff.  Tea tree oil is particularly effective against fungal and bacterial infections.
Clary Sage
Desert Sage
Eucalyptus
Fumitory
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginsen
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapeseed Extract
Juniper Berry Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
Lemongrass
Myrtle
Oregano
Poike Root
Rosemary
Tea Tree Oil

The Fuss About Hair Washing

Children are especially difficult when it comes to bathing, what more when you have to wash their hair! Once your child is more comfortable in the bath, then you can start to introduce hair washing. I have left off washing my daughter’s hair for a while, until necessary, but she still goes mad. Cleansing involves washing and rinsing the hair.

Avoid vigorous drying with a towel after washing your hair, as this will remove essential moisture. About 50 to 100 hairs fall out each day, while you're washing your hair, brushing or combing it, or just sitting still. If any more than 100 hairs fall out a day, you may want to look into your diet, and reorganize the nutrients you take in. Black Soap helps oily skin, blemishes & more and has been used for centuries. Ghanaians have also used black soap for bathing and washing their hair.

Doctor Denis, the demon designer, is always ready to prescribe the Comfywash system to solve that portable hair washing problem! I have read that washing hair with warm/hot water can rob it of its nutrients. I have never read anything negative about washing hair with cold water. I've stopped washing my hair altogether. The rest of you I feel are simply intellectually curious enough to wonder what might happen when a man simply stops washing his hair. First I have to brush out my hair, tangled from three days of not washing. But do not attempt this unless you are used to dry cleaning your hair!

When you wash your hair with detergent or soap, the grease sticks to the detergent or soap and washes away with the water. If you do choose to wash your hair daily, make sure that you are using a pH-balanced shampoo and only wash it once. Also, the more frequently you can wash your hair in the first few weeks, the more quickly you'll finish your "detox". Standing upright reduces back strain while washing hair for the caregiver or hairdresser. Let your hair hang naturally while you wash it, either standing in the shower or with your head leaning over the bath. Preferably, the hair washing aid also includes a liquid supply container and a pump for delivery of liquid from the container to the nozzle. Magnesium content of hair was most affected by washing, containing less than half of the magnesium of the unwashed hair.

How To Create A Stunning Updo

With prom season right around the corner, you are no doubt already thinking about how you want to wear your hair for the special night. While many of your friends may end up spending a fortune getting their hair done at a salon, you can easily do your hair at home and achieve stunning results. The key is in the details.

When creating updos at home, one of the hardest things to do is craft perfect twists and dramatic effects. But you can have equally stunning results by taking a few shortcuts. Here are a couple of ideas that you can do yourself at home.

Loose, Romantic Updo

Remember Kate Winslet’s hair in the Titanic? This classic, romantic updo is very simple to pull off at home. All you need is a medium sized curling iron, some bobby pins and super-hold finishing spray.

To begin, start with dry hair. Give your hair a once over with the hairspray and start to curl your hair in ringlets. You can do this by taking ½” sections starting in the nape while pinning the rest of the hair up. After completing each section, pull down another ½” parting and curl until the whole head is covered in Shirley Temple ringlets. (Don’t worry; it’s not going to stay like that.)

Next, pull hair in 1” sections from around the hair line. Twisting slightly and loosely, pull the sections up and back toward the top of the crown and pin into place. Continue around the entire perimeter of the head until all of the hair is pinned up. If the curls on the crown look a bit funky, rearrange them to where you would like them and pin into place. You can also leave tendrils of soft hair falling around the face and neck of this updo to create a wispy effect. Spray to hold.

Fun and Modern Updo

This updo is extremely easy to create. Start again dry hair. First, create a dramatic design parting in the front and top of the head. You can do a zigzag parting or an angled parting, really any parting that adds interest. Sleek the rest of the hair down and back to the nape of the neck in a temporary ponytail. Holding the ponytail in your fist, twist up until the end of the hair are pointing up and over the crown leaving only about 1” of hair to play with. Hold with a clip and fan the ends out with some pomade or styling wax. Spray to finish.

You see, it’s not that hard. And when your friends all show up with cookie-cutter hairdos and less money in their pockets, you can smile with the knowledge that you not only have an individual updo but that you also have more money to burn.

Great Hair Care Tips

If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair care.

1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type. While you can skimp a little on the shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look for products in salons that are customized for your hair type. For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.


2. Keep your appointments. Did you know that your hair will split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, even if it’s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser makes them good because they know what to leave on the head, not take off.

3. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape. The number one mistake that people make when choosing a new hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders, choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo.

4. Don’t forget your UV protectants. Just as your skin gets damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this, look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays that block UV rays.


5. Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static electricity to your hair. Don’t rub the towel back and forth over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like your would scrunch crackers in your soup.

6. Leave chemicals to the professionals. There is a reason why beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage with these products even if the package says that it’s way easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could end up looking like a clown and paying a stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for corrective color than they do for normal color processes)

7. Do weekly conditioning treatments. Even if your hair is extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind, sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals from your pool.



8. Get color for interest and body. Every cut needs a little bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights, lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it’s all good for your look.


9. Get an ionic ceramic flat iron. Instead of frying your hair with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all our work.

10. Choose your styling products wisely. Avoid products that leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to curl not to mention the white flakes.

While all of these tips won’t make you look like you’ve hired a personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember that you wear your hair everyday. Now isn’t it worth the time, effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?