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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
Vogue has just released one of the most anticipated campaigns of the year- and guess what? It’s an H&M campaign!
The Alexander Wang collection at H&M was long awaited, and it does not disappoint.
Ever since Alexander Wang and H&M announced a possible collaboration at the Coachella festival in April, the fashion world has been gaging to catch a glimpse of the collection. Well, the wait is over!So, here is your chance to indulge in the new Alexander Wang collection for H&M. Scroll down to review the campaign. Let me know what you think of the campaign. Do you love it? Do you hate it? Or, are you not that impressed? xx, S. Lenore To read more about the collection visit Vogue.com by clicking on the link below. http://www.vogue.com/3000375/alexander-wang-hm-collaboration/ All images are curtsey of Vogue. Com
Do you want to make a statement with your Halloween costume this year? Do you consider yourself to be too fashionably posh to sport the typical Halloween costume? Well you’re in luck! Below you will find some costume inspiration that is more on the glamorous side.
Rankin, and beauty editor Andrew Gallimore teamed up again for a new take on the death mask. This collection of masks was inspired by their previous work entitled “Rankin’s Alive In The Face of Death exhibition”, which also featured death masks.
This year’s new death inspired masks are more colorful, and glamorous. These masks are nothing like any other masks that celebrate the macabre nature of death. These masks are sheik enough to wear with evening gowns, or party dresses! Halloween masks do not always need to be scary they can also be glamorous! The masks below can be recreated by handcrafting, or just with makeup. So, scroll down and be inspired!
S. Lenore