Month: June 2016

How Do You Make Your Gray Hair Work For You?

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In my many years in the industry of cosmetology, some call it hair dressing and hairstyling. Repeatedly, I get questions about gray hair: How do I prevent getting it? When will I get it? Why isn’t it gray all over? How can I color my hair gray? These are questions that many of us face, both women and men. In my research, this is what I have discovered…
There are cells in our hair follicles called “melanocytes”, which generate pigments, the main ones being melanin. This gives our hair “color”. In most cases, the more melanin that is present, the darker the hair color. The less melanin, the lighter the hair color. Whenever these melanocytes stops producing, the result is transparent hair, that is gray. The transparent hair against your dark healthier hair gives the appearance of gray hair.
One way to deal with your gray hair is to alter your look with a new and exciting hair cut. This keeps you fresh and can give you a sense of sex appeal.
eeSome choose to recapture the once natural color, which oftentimes, dates the individual, while others opt to change the shape of their hairstyle. This can reveal a new and exciting individual. There are few processes used to create this. The most successful ones are done under the care of a trained colorist. Maintaining your new look is an ongoing process, such as permanent hair coloring, foiling, low lights and highlights and dimming hair color products. For best results, transitioning does not happen overnight. It is a process that takes time with a dedicated professional. For more on this topic, you may email me at eeub143@gmail.com.
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Caring for Locs and Twists

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There are various styles of locs and twists that appear to be carefree. Dreadlocks don’t need to be brushed and require very little to no trimming. While otherlocs hairstyles require combing to put hair back in place, tucking the hair back into the dreads is part of the maintenance routine. Contrary to some people’s belief, clean dreads lock up and tighten faster than dirty, soiled locs.

Most people who wear this style notice their locs look better when proper maintenance of cleaning and palm-rolling/latching is a part of their styling routine.

If your stylist is not maintaining your look, it is your job to keep them twisted. Caring for your twists requires routine maintenance that involve shampooing and conditioning, re-twisting before bed at night depending on the style and moisturizer to help control the twists. Leave-in conditioners are essential when wearing twists. This controls frizzes and holds hair together for a smooth, coil twist. twists

In order to get the desired style when your hair is twisted, a haircut will provide a foundation for the shape and silhouette that will support twists.

The product selection is far too large to name one that will fit your type and texture of hair.  To minimize buying unnecessary products, you should purchase your products from a hair care professional who specializes in these kinds of looks. Always remember to protect your beautiful tresses, be it locs or twists, by avoiding cotton pillow cases or other products that will absorb moisturizers when sleeping. Silk or satin are highly recommended. For more information, contact me.

 

 

What’s Better, Natural or Relaxed Hair?

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As I service clients, throughout the years, there has been the question as to whether natural or relaxed hair is better. The answer to that question will vary. In the natural hair community, business is booming. There is a lot of new information and products that are designed to capture that market like never before. With this movement, it supports the $9 billion dollar beauty industry.

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Natural hair, today, represents the diversity in various cultures that has played out in fashioning our hair. Some would say it’s healthier to rock your natural hair; however, that is not necessarily so. This debate could go on for some time, the pros and cons of wearing your hair natural or chemically relaxed. You choose.

Here are some points to consider:

  • Many people who claim to wear natural hair use some form of chemical hair color. Most people who wear locs, twists and braids have to apply a great deal of tension on the hair and scalp. This stresses the follicles, therefore, damaging the health of natural hair growth. Such tension, over time, creates and accelerates possible hair loss.
  • Some would argue that pressing the hair is better than using chemicals. I say, overexposing the hair to heat can lead to irreversible damage to naturally textured hair.
  • The cost of maintaining natural hair and the time it takes to maintain it often requires more time than thought was necessary.relaxed
  • Wearing chemically relaxed hair gives a smooth and silky texture to the hair, which could provide versatility. However, proper application gives you a desired control of the texture of your hair.
  • Chemical relaxers, when improperly applied, can cause damage to the hair, leaving it dry and brittle. You should not apply chemical relaxers on your own hair and expect to achieve healthy results.

The beauty in either option is when using these techniques of styling your hair, the challenge is finding the one that works best for you. Both come with advantages and disadvantages. You must discover which best accommodates you and your lifestyle.

How to Select the Right Conditioners for Your Hair

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For years, many people, both clients and professionals, have asked me the question, “How do I select the right conditioner for my hair?” My answer is always that there is no way to do this without a proper hair analysis, which happens during the initial consultation. There are so many options out there and using the wrong one could really weigh your hair down or leave you static, dry, or even brittle hair.

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Three majors elements should always be considered: porosity, elasticity and density.

  1. Porosity is the ability to absorb moisture. Moisture is very important for chemically treated hair or natural hair that has a tendency to become dry. A proper balance of moisture is essential.
  2. Elasticity is the ability of the hair to stretch and return without breakage. Many times, this is absent after over-usage of chemicals, styling tools or exposure to elements, such as the sun, cotton, etc.
  3. The density is determined by how many hairs are in a square inch, meaning the thickness of your hair, which is determined at the scalp. The choice of the proper conditioner can provide the end results that most people are seeking.

The proper hair conditioner should always be purchased from hair care professionals to obtain the best results.

 

How Often Should You Shampoo Your Hair?

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There are many opinions on the frequency of shampooing. However, at the core of it all, the frequency will vary from one person to another.

There are a few considerations that will determine how often you should shampoo your hair. This can vary from genetics, physical exercise, exposure to chemicals, diet, as well as stressful conditions. All hair produces a natural oil called sebum. Shampoo is an emulsifier that captures and traps excess oil, dirt, and product residue, which you then rinse out to clean the hair. Image result for salon retail

Experts say there’s no single answer to how often people should shampoo. You may not need to do it as often as you think. It usually comes down to personal preference. For guidance, take a look at your hair type and styling choices. Hair care professionals have been trained to identify shampoos for your specific type of hair and styling preferences. Purchasing shampoo from your stylist or salon offers the necessary support if you have questions how they best work.

 

For more information, visit a professional hair care salon.