Oct 2014 21

 

 

As a licensed hairstylist, I’ve seen it all when it comes to hair problems.
However, when it comes to Black women’s hair I give the toughest advice to help discourage bad styling habits.
 
Honestly, most women suffer from some type of hair problem.
However, few women know that they can have the hair they always wanted, if they learn to follow a few hair rules.
To get great hair, and maintain it – requires following a routine, and having a bit of discipline. 
 
If you are willing to change your bad hair habits, and commit to a healthy hair routine, you will have the hair you want -Guaranteed!
 
So, if you are ready to make a change, I am willing to hold your hand through the process.
 
If you have specific questions regarding your personal hair issues after reading this post, just leave me a comment below, and I will talk you through any problems or questions you may have.
 
Now, let’s get started.

 

 

 

Method 1 of 2: Keep Your Hair Healthy

1.) Keep your hair moisturized. 

 
This is by far the most important tip to growing long, strong, beautiful hair.
 
Black hair is naturally very curly, so oil from your roots takes a much longer time to travel down the strand towards the ends of your hair (which the oldest and most fragile part of the hair).
This means you need to spend more time managing the most damaged and dry part of your hair – the ends.
 
 
  • Always use conditioner every time you wash your hair. 
  • Look for conditioners that advertise the improvement of dry, damaged, or brittle hair. Apply the conditioner after each shampoo, and leave it in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out.
  • Use a deep-conditioner every 1-2 weeks. Leave it in for at least 20 minutes with a plastic conditioning cap, and then rinse out.
  • You can make your own deep-conditioner at home. Although it may sound strange, mayonnaise is a wonderful deep-conditioner! Rub it into your hair, and leave in for 15 minutes. Rinse out the mayonnaise with your regular shampoo and conditioner. Repeat this every 1-2 weeks for ultra-soft hair.
  • Try a leave-in conditioner. This is a special kind of conditioner that can be rubbed into your hair after showering while it is still damp. It does not need to be rinsed out, it will also keep your hair from getting greasy-looking or piece-y. This can be done after every shower or between washes, whichever works better for your daily routine.

 

Soothing Massage 2.)

Use oil in your hair. 

Since it takes such a long time for your hairs’ natural oils to travel to the ends of your hair, infuse your hair with oils to supplement those your scalp already creates. However, AVOID petroleum and mineral oils.

  • Try using castor oil (or Jamaican black castor oil). This has been used for hundreds of years to increase the softness of your hair and aid in faster growth. Rub some oil between the palms of your hands, and run them through your hair to incorporate it to as much of your hair as possible.
  • Lavender oil is not only made from a popular flower, but has shown to improve hair growth up to 44% when rubbed into your locks. Use the oil on wet or dry hair in addition to other natural oils to help expedite your hairs’ growth process.
  • Moroccan oil is a new type of oil becoming very popular for its intense moisturization and de-tangling abilities. Although it can be pricy ($30 for a single bottle), reviews make it seem worth the cost. If you aren’t willing to pay that price, look for imitation versions for similar results at your local drugstore or beauty supply store.

 

 

 

 

Trim your hair when needed.

Although your goal is to grow your hair, fried hair ends can slow your natural hair growth process.
Trim your hair if your ends are split, or if your ends feel constantly dry to keep it in tip-top condition.
Only trim off the damaged hair don’t trim anymore than necessary.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Take vitamins that boost hair growth

 

There are many supplements and vitamins available for oral consumption which help your hair to grow very fast. This is optional.

 

  • Biotin is considered the best vitamin to take to boost hair growth. It is available in capsule form at many health food stores, or for purchase online. It helps to renew the cells in your hair, allowing the hair to grow longer, faster.
  • Vitamin B6 is a great supplement to take to aid in hair growth, as it blocks the testosterone receptors at your hairs’ roots. Too much testosterone released into your follicles makes hair become thin and slows growth. B6 blocks some of this testosterone, to help your hair grow faster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protect the ends of your hair. 

The ends of your hair is the most brittle and damaged (as they receive the least amount of natural oils), and are the most prone to breakage.
Leaving the hair down constantly increases the likelihood of breakage, so put your hair up sometimes to help prevent this.
  • Keep your hair in a bun using bobby pins to help keep your hair in place. If possible, don’t use a ponytail or rubber band, as these can break your hair when you remove them.
  • Braid your natural hair. This helps keep the ends of your hair from being exposed and damaged further. You can choose to do dozens of small braids, or a few large ones, but make sure you leave the ends free of ponytails so that you don’t rip out strands when you remove them.

 

 

 

 

 

Cover your hair whenever possible. 

To help your hair soak in the oil and nutrients you have been supplying it with, cover it in a satin or silk scarf, or in a bonnet.
Although you can’t do this all the time, wear one during the night to prevent damage from the elements.
  • Use a satin scarf, as this material does not absorb oil like cotton and other synthetic fabrics do.
  • Sleep on a satin pillowcase so that the oil from your hair doesn’t get sucked out while you sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

Try using a protein treatment.

 

These are products that add protein to your hair to fill in the parts of your strands that are broken or damaged.
Although they benefit hair only temporarily, they can help your hair to grow longer over time.
Ask about protein treatments at your favorite salon, or beauty supply store.
  • Protein treatments have the biggest positive effect in relaxed or treated hair, but can be used on natural hair as well.
  • When you are looking for a protein treatment, read the bottle. If a type of protein (animal or plant based) is not listed in the first five ingredients, it probably won’t do much to help your hair.
  • There is no difference between animal or plant based protein hair treatments.

 

 

 

 

 

Eat healthy foods.

Certain foods have proven to increase hair growth, and are great for nourishing your scalp and strands.
Try to eat more of these foods to get your hair growing strong and long!
  • Salmon, avocados, and pumpkin seeds are full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which help you hair follicles to stay healthy.
  • Spinach, eggs, greek yogurt, and lentils are all great sources of protein which enrich the strands of the hair.
  • Blueberries are a source of vitamin C which is important for strong hair. Too little vitamin C leads to hair breakage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Method 2 of 2: Avoid Damage

 

Avoid The Use Of Heating Tools

High temperatures make your hair dry and brittle, increasing the chances of breakage.
If you must use heat on your hair, try to limit it to once a week at most.
  • Allow hair to air dry whenever possible. The heat from blow dryers can be especially damaging, as it is combined with a strong blast of air – another culprit for hair damage. If you must blow dry your hair use cool air, not hot or warm air.
  • Keep the use of flat irons and curling irons to a minimum. Because these can heat upwards of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you are literally cooking your hair.
Below you will find some heat-free styling methods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steer clear of hair color.

The chemicals in hair dye are a major cause of hair damage. Using dyes often can prevent hair growth,  and damage the entire strand of hair.
If possible, don’t dye your hair at all. However, if you must dye your hair, spend at least three months between hair dye sessions.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Spread out time between hair relaxing sessions.

If you get your hair relaxed, you know how damaging it can be to your hair. Although getting your hair relaxed frequently may be tempting in order to maintain straight locks, try to wait as long as you can between sessions.

  • Spending at least three months between hair relaxing treatments can help aid in hair growth.
  • If you are able and willing, try foregoing relaxing your hair for a natural look instead. This will not only give you versatility in your hairstyle, but increase your hair’s ability to grow faster.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid real-life stressors.

 

Stress has shown to have a negative effect on hair growth and overall thickness, so do things to make your life as anxiety-free as possible.
Stay away from things that stress you out, and incorporate more things into your life that put you at peace.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be gentle to your hair.

Although sleeping and daily activity can make your hair difficult to manage, don’t try to control it through power-brushing and a strong hand. Instead, be soft-handed to your hair to ease out tangles and knots.

  • Brush your hair slowly. This will help to reduce the amount of breakage your strands experience. Always begin brushing from the top, and work your way down. However when combing the hair do the opposite and comb from the ends up gently.
  • Use a comb or boar-bristle brush to brush your hair. Avoid using a brush that has knobs on the ends of bristles, as these can get caught in your hair and cause more damage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoid wearing extensions and tight braids

( Or Wear With Care!)

I’m guilty of wearing extensions, braids and wigs sometimes; however I love to wear my natural hair out more often than wearing hair extensions.
I am the kind of woman who loves variety, but I limit these styles for certain occasions.
I do not wear these styles for long periods of time, also I do not wear these styles tightly applied!
 
If you occasionally wear extensions, braids, or wigs, it is important not to wear anything too tight, or anything that causes frictions to your hairline- THIS IS THE  MOST IMPORTANT THING TO AVOID!
 
If you apply these styles too tight it WILL cause stress on the roots of your hair, making the hair more likely to break from the root.
 
So, make sure you find a knowledgable hair stylist who knows how to protect your natural hair while wearing extensions or braids. Or, just avoid these styles completely.
 
If you choose to wear a nice wig occasionally, NEVER WEAR IT TO BED!
 
Wigs will cause friction on the scalp while you are sleeping. This WILL cause your hairline to become thin.
 
Also, only wear wigs on seldom occasions, never daily for long periods of time (you can wear wigs on special occasions to enhance a look), and remove the wig as soon as you get home! This is how you can prevent any damage to the hair. 
 
Never use lace front glue, or adhesive. They cause unavoidable damage! Only use hairpins to secure a wig.
 
Don’t use the combs attached to the wig, this will also cause unavoidable damage!
 
 

Photos of Celebrities with, and without there hair extensions, wigs or braids.

(The celebrities with damaged hair wear these styles too often, or too tight!)

Kim Kardashian with and without her hair extensions

Kim Kardashian with and without her hair extensions

Kim Kardashian showing thinning hair due to hair extensions

Kim Kardashian showing thinning hair due to hair extensions

kourtney kardashian

kourtney kardashian

singer Brandy with and without hair extensions

singer Brandy with and without hair extensions

Britne & Jordan showing damage due to hair extensions

Britney & Jordan showing damage due to hair extensions

Britney Spears showing damage due to hair extensions

Britney Spears showing damage due to hair extensions

Britney Spears showing damage due to hair extensions

Britney Spears showing damage due to hair extensions

singer Ciara with and without hair extensions

singer Ciara with and without hair extensions

Beyonce in one of her many wigs

Beyonce in one of her many wigs

Janet Jackson with and without hair extensions

Janet Jackson with and without hair extensions

 Hair extensions are always used during fashion shows

Hair extensions are always used during fashion shows

actress Gabrielle Union with and without hair extensions

actress Gabrielle Union with and without hair extensions

singer Beyonce without and without her wigs

singer Beyonce without and without her wigs

kourtney kardashian getting her extensions applied

Kourtney Kardashian getting extensions applied

Jennifer Love Hewitt getting her hair extensions

actress Jennifer Love Hewitt getting her hair extensions

actress Keke Palmer with and without hair extensions

actress Keke Palmer with and without hair extensions

singer Michelle Williams with and without hair extensions

singer Michelle Williams with and without hair extensions

rapper Nicki Minaj without her wigs

rapper Nicki Minaj without her wigs

rapper Nicki Minaj without her wigs

rapper Nicki Minaj without her wigs

actress Gabriel Union with and without hair extensions

actress Gabriel Union with and without hair extensions

actress Angela Simmons with and without hair extensions

actress Angela Simmons with and without hair extensions

actress Taraji B. Henson with and without hair extensions

actress Taraji B. Henson with and without hair extensions

 actress Raven Simone with and without hair extensions

actress Raven Simone with and without hair extensions

actress Sanaa Lathan with and without hair extensions

actress Sanaa Lathan with and without hair extensions

Model Tyra Banks with and without her wigs

Model Tyra Banks with and without her wigs

singer Solange Knowles with and without her wigs

singer Solange Knowles with and without her wigs

Again, if you have specific questions regarding your personal hair issues after reading this post, just leave me a comment below, and I will talk you through any problems, or questions you may have.

xxx,
Sophia Lenore