African American Hair Care
1. Hair Care <-click here
2. The Basics <-click here
3. Shampooing & Conditioning <-click here
4. Styling <-click here
5. Final facts to keep in mind <-click here

Q&A
from "Today's Black Woman" mazagine issue Apr/May 2005
Hair & There
Questions & Answers
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Where to begin on the subject of hair care?.. There are many questions out there, and there are many answers as well... Let's Begin

 


Avoid cheap shampoos they tend to die out the hair faster. Thus preventing you from keeping your weave in as long as you please. Use a salon quality shampoo (Mizani, Kera Care, Sebastion, BBD, etc.) .
Cheap conditioners should be avoided, the conditioners sometimes are watered down giving less than the needed amount of conditioning to keep the hair from drying out. .

Squeeze the shampoo through your hair. Avoid scrubbing, rubbing or bunching your hair together. Condition your hair well with a good creme based conditioner..

After washing and conditioning your hair apply a leave in conditioner. Pat excess water from your hair and allow your hair to dry completely before going to bed. Never sleep with with your hair wet or damp..
Night Time...
When you go to sleep be sure to wrap your hair, using any bonnet will help your hair from getting tangled in the morning allowing you to get up and go. Also don't expect your weave to just sit there and remain looking the same way as the first day you got out the shop. You must care for your weave as if it was your own hair!!...
Weave Recommendation's . !! Sew In's !!

Opheratique the #1 selling brand name hair. Although Opheratique is fairly new to the weave industry, it has had a remarkable success in the past 3 yrs. This fine remi hair is made with the most improved weft, the cuticles of this hair are in the same direction. The hair is garunteed to last atleast 7-8 months (with proper care). It comes in a variety of selections. Its quality is top of the line.
**Italian Perm Yaki: For the natural, beautiful look. Theres no need to get a realaxer, this hair will blend in naturally with your natural texture of hair.
**Italian Silky Yaki: For the more formal relaxed look. The hair is fine and silky, and has that natural "I just got a relaxer look". But Still blends in naturally..
**Spanish Wave: For the slight wave look. Has a brilliant marvelous look of its own.
**Bohemian Curl: Do you have a tight jerry curl in your hair?.. and you dont wanna damage your hair with a relaxer?.. Try the all new bohemian curl, for tht nice manageble tangle free curl that look lucious and beautiful!!...
**Indian Hair: 100% Indian Hair. No Chemicals, Non treated hair comes in two colors only, thus making it natrually 100% Indian hair.
Indiremi is the 2nd best top quality hair. It's texture so soft nd lucious, and it's highly appealing. Unlike most weaves this weave is unnoticable. It blends perfectly with your hair, without a doubt!!.. .
Goddess Remi Yaki, the most popular weave known in the market today!!.. Its Remarkable silky texture, has that soft natural look. For those who have silky hair this is the best one out there for you. Its outstanding 4-5 month wear, is incredible!!...
**Classic Goddess Remi: Many people have the tendency to believe that this is a fake Goddess Remi. There Wrong Classic Goddess was one of the first remi hair textures. although it is not as great as the Goddess Remi (yellow package) its texture and quality is still outstanding and incredible. .

**Goddess Remi (Yellow Pack): The improved and upgraded version of the Classic Goddess. Its textur is still above most weaves. .

!!.. Glue In's ..!! .

 

- I love the body & sleekness that I get with my hair when I use curling & flat irons, but I am fearful of the damage all the heat my be causing my hair. What are some other style options?
- A roller set wrapped into a doobie is probably your best solution. First off, roller setting requires a lot less maintenance since the curls are much more resilient. Secondly, roller sets give tons of bounce and body to the hair without the need for daily heat application. Try the following simple steps during you're your next home styling session.
1. Roller set your hair and dries it under hooded dryer.
2. Once the hair is completely dry take the rollers out and comb or brush your hair around in wrap.
3. When your comb is down, you will have big loose wavy curls with lots of body.
- I'm an avid ponytail wearer. I've come into a phase where I want a more mature look and would lo to wear my hair down. But I suffer from lots of breakage. What can I do to correct the damage but still improve my style in the process?
-Start by paying attention to your hair health from the inside out. Try adding a multi - vitamin, hair vitamins like biotin and insitol, and flaxseeds oil to your health regimen. Much of your hair damage probably comes from a lack of moisture coupled with excessive brushing and the tension caused by the hair accessories used to hold your ponytail in place. Give your hair a break from heat and tension. Visit a professional stylist for a deep-conditioning treatment. To stay stylish while your work to bring your hair back to health, ask a pro what weaving options are available to you that limit tension on the hair and require minimal styling. Half wigs may be a great solution
-How do you know if a perm is being applied correctly?
-It is always best to seek the help od a prefessionla stylist when performing any chemical process. They can check the condition of your hair and scalp bfore they begin. If your hair scalp before

BASIC
1. Always BE GENTLE with your hair, particularly if it has been chemically treated.

This includes coloring as well as relaxed hair or curly-permed hair. If you had chemical treatments, then always treat your hair as though it is damaged, even if you don't have split
ends.
2. Always use a wide toothed comb, even for styling
Make sure the teeth of the comb are very smooth. Jagged edges on the teeth will "catch" and pull your hair out.
3. Invest in a good, brush.
Brushing the hair is to help distribute the natural oils from the scalp down the length of the hair. Use a softer brush and more patience when brushing your hair.
4.Tie your hair up at night.
This prevents your hair from "catching" on the pillow case and breaking off. This also keeps the natural hair oils in your hair and not in the pillowcase.
- Use satin scarves to tie your hair up in. Do Not use cotton scarves, it will draw the moisture from your hair.
-Or, invest in some satin pillowcases. They don't have to be expensive ones, just a satiny type of material that will allow the hair to "glide" while you sleep.

5. Check all of your rollers, pins, clips and other styling aids for smooth edges.

- Just like with the comb, rough edges will "catch" on the hair and pull your hair
out, 2 to 3 stands at a time.
- Avoid elastic bands that are not smooth. Non-smooth bands (terrycloth covered material covered, rubber) get caught in the hair and will pull the hair out.
- Avoid rollers with "teeth". These sharp edges will pull your hair out as well. Use the smooth, magnetic rollers, but never sleep in them.
6. Use less heat on your hair, especially if it is chemically treated or damaged.
-Styling heat is probably the biggest enemy of African American hair. Reduce the use of heated appliances as much as possible. If you must "bump your ends" then allow your hair to air dry instead of blow-drying it.
-Instead of heated appliances, try using wet sets once a week, then, wrap your hair at night. This will protect your hair better.
Shampooing & Conditioning
1. Use shampoos that have a low pH, somewhere between a 4 or 5.
Acidic shampoos temporarily close the cuticle of the hair. If the pH of the shampoo is not located on the bottle, pH-testing papers are available at most drugstores and pharmacies for nominal cost. Or, use neutralizing shampoos, the "post relaxer" type. These have a low pH because they are used to neutralize the alkaline effects of a relaxer.
2. Use conditioners to detangle and temporarily smooth the hair cuticle.
Don't leave a conditioner on longer that is suggested by the manufacturer's instruction. You don't get "more benefit" from leaving it on longer but you may break off more hair. Instant conditioners will help to detangle hair and temporarily coat the hair with protein.
Leave on one to three minutes. These are better for natural hair. Deep Conditioners are better for chemically treated hair. These usually stay on for 20-30 minutes. Use a heating cup, set on low or medium heat, to help the conditioner temporarily replace the keratin lost through hair damage.
3. While shampooing and conditioning, try not to tangle the hair excessively.
4.Be Patient.
Clear all tangle and snarls with the fingers first, then, starting from the bottom, using your wide toothed comb, complete the detangling process. Using an oil lotion at this stage, while the hair it still amp will help keep the hair moisturized and helps ease out the tangles.
5.Rinse your hair twice as long as it took to wash it.
Shampoo residue will dry your hair and break it off.
Styling
1. Hair Dressings:
There are quite a few different types of hairdressings ranging from the gel hairdressings to the heavier pomades. Essentially, hairdressings are lubricants that help the hair not to "catch" on itself or the comb/brush helping to become more "manageable." Most hairdressing will also add varying degrees of shine as well as "control".
2. Gel Hairdressing:
Designed to add shine and help "control" the hair. Example: Let's Jam Power Shine.
3. Cream Hairdressing:
Designed to moisturize and add shine, however, they do not provide as much control as the gels. Example: Vitapointe,
4. Oil Lotions:
Heavier weight than cream hairdressing. Add more "control" as well as shine and moisture. Example: Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer.
5. Pomades:
Heavy-duty lubrication, shine and control. There are generally two types, oil based and the water-soluble type. Example: Black Magic Pomade
6. Oil sheen Spray.
Add extra shine to style hair. Great for finishing. Example: Revlon Finisheen Oil Sheen Spray
Final facts to keep in mind
1. Stay away from alcohol based products:
Alcohol is extremely drying to African American Hair.
2. Find a good stylist, someone you can trust:
- Ask about their moist recent training: a good stylist invests in continuing education.
- Check the products they are using, a good hairstylist will invest in good quality products to use on your hair.
-Remember it's your hair. You must keep in control of the situation. Don't allow a stylist to perform a service you didn't ask for or tell you that a service "can't be done" on your type of hair. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.
3. Never rush when doing your hair:
Always be patient and GENTLE. If you don't have the time to wash your hair and properly, condition, detangle and style it, don't do it. Wait until you do have the time.
Q: My hair was in no condition to have it relaxed, but I had no other choice. Please tell me of a product I can use to restore moisture, elasticity, and stop breakage.
A: You should never chemically treat your hair if you are aware of its unhealthy state.Click here More There are other alternatives to straightening hair, whether you press it or wear it natural. With today's fashion trends, there are a variety of natural styles that can suit your lifestyle. But, in order to restore your hair back to healthier condition, you most follow a hair care regimen consisting of conditioning and maintenance. Try Profective line of hair care products. There line of hair care products is designed to stop breakage, split-ends, and dryness by more than 80%. We also recommend that you have a consultation with a licensed cosmetologist.
Q: I'm always on the go. My hair is of medium length. When I start my workday my hair looks great, but by five the curls tend to drop, and I lose my polished look. What do you recommend for a busy sister like me?
A: The ThermaCell Cordless Styling Tool Product line is perfect for you! This compact line of styling tools can easily be carried in a purse, glove compartment or even a briefcase. The appliances derive their heat source from a disposable cartridge that lasts for up to three months. The ThermaCell line includes the ThermaCell Cordless Compact Straightening Iron, ThermaCell Cordless Curling Iron and Styling Brush, and ThermaCell Refill Cartridges.
Q: I've used a lot of different shampoos, but I can't seem to find the right one. What kind of shampoo works best for African-American hair?
A: A non-alkaline, detangling, moisturizing shampoo is the best combination for black hair, such as Crème of Nature, and Optimum Care Collagen Moisture Shampoo.
Q: My hair is dull and lifeless. I tried using a crème conditioner and it helped somewhat, but my hair is still not as healthy looking as it should be. Any suggestions?
A: Sometimes your hair needs more than the boost of a basic moisturizing conditioner. Motions CPR Critical Protection & Repair Protein from PRO-Line International is specifically formulated to rebuild and repair hair, maintain a healthy, new, strengthened condition, and help prevent future damage. Power-packed with deep penetrating, strength-enhancing proteins, it rebuilds fragile hair from the inside out. Simultaneously lightweight silicones and special emollients help mend split ends. Salon-tested conditioners fortify and soften hair, while an extra dose of essential humectant increases your hair's moisture factor.
Q: I have the worst case of dandruff and I don't know what to do. Is there anything out there that addresses the dandruff problems of Black women?
A: Yes! We have just the product for you! Crème of Nature Anti-Dandruff Shampoo was formulated just for you. This great product controls itching and flaking. Also, the product conditions as it cleanses.