I came across this link posted on another site: http://www.nappturality.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t118056.html viahttp://indulgenceiskey.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-do-i-need-to-do-with-my-hair.html
My jaw dropped!! Looks like I just might try them all and cross them off as I go :) Happy Stylin!
1. Bantu knots
2. Bantu knots in the front with a twist out in the back
3. Bantu knots in the front with a braid out in the back
4. Bantu knots in the front with bantu knot out in the back
5. Bantu knots in the front with braid outs in the back
6. Bantu knots in the front with braids in the back
7. Bantu knots in the front with braids pin curled in the back
8. Bantu knots in the front with braids set on curlers in the back
9. Bantu knots in the front with braids set on rods in the back
10. Bantu knots in the front with braids set on straws in the back
11. Bantu knots in the front with cornrow outs in the back
12. Bantu knots in the front with cornrows in the back
13. Bantu knots in the front with flat twists in the back
14. Bantu knots in the front with pin curl outs in the back
15. Bantu knots in the front with pin curls in the back
16. Bantu knots in the front with pin curls in the back
17. Bantu knots in the front with rod set in the back
18. Bantu knots in the front with rod set in the back
19. Bantu knots in the front with straw curls in the back
20. Bantu knots in the front with straw set in the back
21. Bantu knots in the front with twist outs in the back
22. Bantu knots in the front with twists in the back
23. Bantu knots in the front with twists pin curled in the back
24. Bantu knots in the front with twists set on curlers in the back
25. Bantu knots in the front with twists set on rods in the back
26. Bantu knots in the front with twists set on straws in the back
27. Bantu knots in the front with wet curler set in the back
28. Bantu knots in the front with wet set in the back
29. Bantu knots out
30. Bantu knots out with scarf around the hairline
31. Bantu knots with scarf around the hairline
32. Braid outs
33. Braid outs with scarf around the hairline
34. Braids
35. Braids pin curled
36. Braids pin curled with scarf around the hairline
37. Braids set on curlers
38. Braids set on curlers with scarf around the hairline
39. Braids set on rods
40. Braids set on rods with scarf around the hairline
41. Braids set on straws
42. Braids set on straws with scarf around the hairline
43. Braids with scarf around the hairline
44. Cornrow edges up with bantu knots in the middle
45. Cornrow edges up with bantu knots in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
46. Cornrow edges up with bantu knots out in the middle
47. Cornrow edges up with bantu knots out in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
48. Cornrow edges up with braid outs in the middle
49. Cornrow edges up with braid outs in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
50. Cornrow edges up with braids pin curled in the middle
51. Cornrow edges up with braids pin curled in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
52. Cornrow edges up with braids set on curlers in the middle
53. Cornrow edges up with braids set on curlers in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
54. Cornrow edges up with braids set on rods in the middle
55. Cornrow edges up with braids set on rods in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
56. Cornrow edges up with Braids set on straws in the middle
57. Cornrow edges up with Braids set on straws in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
58. Cornrow edges up with curled braids in the middle
59. Cornrow edges up with curled braids in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
60. Cornrow edges up with pin curl outs in the middle
61. Cornrow edges up with pin curl outs in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
62. Cornrow edges up with pin curls in the middle
63. Cornrow edges up with pin curls in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
64. Cornrow edges up with rod set in the middle
65. Cornrow edges up with rod set in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
66. Cornrow edges up with straw set in the middle
67. Cornrow edges up with straw set in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
68. Cornrow edges up with twist outs in the middle
69. Cornrow edges up with twist outs in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
70. Cornrow edges up with twists in the middle
71. Cornrow edges up with twists in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
72. Cornrow edges up with twists pin curled in the middle
73. Cornrow edges up with twists pin curled in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
74. Cornrow edges up with twists set on curlers in the middle
75. Cornrow edges up with twists set on curlers in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
76. Cornrow edges up with twists set on rods in the middle
77. Cornrow edges up with twists set on rods in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
78. Cornrow edges up with twists set on straws in the middle
79. Cornrow edges up with twists set on straws in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
80. Cornrow edges up with wet curler set in the middle
81. Cornrow edges up with wet curler set in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
82. Cornrow outs
83. Cornrow outs with scarf around the hairline
84. Cornrow ponytail
85. Cornrows
86. Cornrows in the front with bantu knots in the back
87. Cornrows in the front with bantu knots out in the back
88. Cornrows in the front with braid out the back
89. Cornrows in the front with braid outs in the back
90. Cornrows in the front with braids in the back
91. Cornrows in the front with braids pin curled in the back
92. Cornrows in the front with braids set on curlers in the back
93. Cornrows in the front with braids set on rods in the back
94. Cornrows in the front with Braids set on straws in the back
95. Cornrows in the front with cornrow outs in the back
96. Cornrows in the front with curled braids in the back
97. Cornrows in the front with pin curl outs in the back
98. Cornrows in the front with pin curls in the back
99. Cornrows in the front with rod set in the back
100. Cornrows in the front with straw set in the back
101. Cornrows in the front with twist outs in the back
102. Cornrows in the front with twists in the back
103. Cornrows in the front with twists pin curled in the back
104. Cornrows in the front with twists set on curlers in the back
105. Cornrows in the front with twists set on rods in the back
106. Cornrows in the front with twists set on straws in the back
107. Cornrows in the front with wet curler set in the back
108. Flat twist edges up with bantu knots in the middle
109. Flat twist edges up with bantu knots in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
110. Flat twist edges up with bantu knots out in the middle
111. Flat twist edges up with bantu knots out in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
112. Flat twist edges up with braid outs in the middle
113. Flat twist edges up with braid outs in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
114. Flat twist edges up with braids pin curled in the middle
115. Flat twist edges up with braids pin curled in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
116. Flat twist edges up with braids set on curlers in the middle
117. Flat twist edges up with braids set on curlers in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
118. Flat twist edges up with braids set on rods in the middle
119. Flat twist edges up with braids set on rods in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
120. Flat twist edges up with Braids set on straws in the middle
121. Flat twist edges up with Braids set on straws in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
122. Flat twist edges up with curled braids in the middle
123. Flat twist edges up with curled braids in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
124. Flat twist edges up with pin curl outs in the middle
125. Flat twist edges up with pin curl outs in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
126. Flat twist edges up with pin curls in the middle
127. Flat twist edges up with pin curls in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
128. Flat twist edges up with rod set in the middle
129. Flat twist edges up with rod set in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
130. Flat twist edges up with straw set in the middle
131. Flat twist edges up with straw set in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
132. Flat twist edges up with twist outs in the middle
133. Flat twist edges up with twist outs in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
134. Flat twist edges up with twists in the middle
135. Flat twist edges up with twists in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
136. Flat twist edges up with twists pin curled in the middle
137. Flat twist edges up with twists pin curled in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
138. Flat twist edges up with twists set on curlers in the middle
139. Flat twist edges up with twists set on curlers in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
140. Flat twist edges up with twists set on rods in the middle
141. Flat twist edges up with twists set on rods in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
142. Flat twist edges up with twists set on straws in the middle
143. Flat twist edges up with twists set on straws in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
144. Flat twist edges up with wet curler set in the middle
145. Flat twist edges up with wet curler set in the middle and a pretty scarf where they meet
146. Flat twist ponytail
147. Flat twists
148. Flat twists in the front with bantu knots in the back
149. Flat twists in the front with bantu knots out in the back
150. Flat twists in the front with braid outs in the back
151. Flat twists in the front with braids in the back
152. Flat twists in the front with braids pin curled in the back
153. Flat twists in the front with braids set on curlers in the back
154. Flat twists in the front with braids set on rods in the back
155. Flat twists in the front with Braids set on straws in the back
156. Flat twists in the front with cornrow outs in the back
157. Flat twists in the front with cornrows in the back
158. Flat twists in the front with pin curl outs in the back
159. Flat twists in the front with pin curls in the back
160. Flat twists in the front with rod set in the back
161. Flat twists in the front with straw set in the back
162. Flat twists in the front with twist outs in the back
163. Flat twists in the front with twists in the back
164. Flat twists in the front with twists pin curled in the back
165. Flat twists in the front with twists set on curlers in the back
166. Flat twists in the front with twists set on rods in the back
167. Flat twists in the front with twists set on straws in the back
168. Flat twists in the front with wet curler set in the back
169. Flat twists with scarf around the hairline
170. French braid outs
171. French braids
172. Pin curl outs
173. Pin curl outs with scarf around the hairline
174. Pin curls
175. Pin curls with scarf around the hairline
176. Ponytail
177. Rod set
178. Rod set with scarf around the hairline
179. Single French braid straight back
180. Straw set
181. Straw set with scarf around the hairline
182. Twist outs
183. Twist outs with scarf around the hairline
184. Twists
185. Twists pin curled
186. Twists pin curled with scarf around the hairline
187. Twists set on curlers
188. Twists set on curlers with scarf around the hairline
189. Twists set on rods
190. Twists set on rods with scarf around the hairline
191. Twists set on straws
192. Twists set on straws with scarf around the hairline
193. Twists with curls
194. Twists with scarf around the hairline
195. Two French braids on either side
196. Wet curler set
197. Wet curler set with scarf around the hairline
198. Wet set your whole head part it and clip back the part with pretty hair clips
199. Wet set your whole head pull it back with a pretty scarf
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(¸.•´ (¸.• tia¸.•*´¨)
In The News: More black women finding beauty in natural hair
BY DEB GRUVER
The Wichita Eagle
This article says so much that many of us know and have heard before. It makes me kinda sad to know that there are young girls out there that are afraid to live with what God gave them because "people" won't accept it. Like I always say "People don't have a heaven or hell to put you in" so don't worry about what they say or how they feel.
I would love to see more article out there like this. Read it, enjoy it, and share it!
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Hair Staples
Items that I must have in my house at all times, with these basic items anything is possible:
Note: These items are only the "must have" basics.
Buns
Here are a few more bunning options that I did not previously post:
Still keeping my hair off my shoulders to prevent breakage and maintain length.
Roller Setting
I decided that since I had a little extra time with the holiday weekend to attempt my first roller set. I read on one of those hair blogs/websites that when roller setting 4abc hair, it was impossible to get smooth curls. That is my problem with the internet..you have people that have never touched your hair telling you what it can and can not do. I have had my hair long enough to know what is possible and what's not. I am here to declare that smoothness can be achieve through roller setting on 4abc hair!
Supplies:
Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
Sweet Almond oil
Spray Bottle with water/conditioner mix (for detangling)
Elastic Hair Bands
Annie Magnetic Hair Roller
Duck Bill Clips
Rat Tail Comb
Hair Brush (yep you read right)
Home Clips
Shea Butter/Coconut Oil Mix
Hair Dryer
I did my roller set on clean conditioned hair. First, I separated my hair into three sections with a column going down the middle. The column is where I started rolling. Using my rat tail comb I made smaller sections and used the hair clip to hold the rest of my hair back. For each section I detangled very well, applied Aloe Vera, and then sweet almond oil. (Note: Sweet almond oil was used because I like the shine that it gives my hair).
I used the hair brush to evenly distribute the gel and oil and also to smooth before rolling. If you detangle properly the brush will move through your length easily. I did not roll my hair straight down. I came in at an angle to encourage smoother roots. I used elastic bands for the curls within the interior of my hair but only rollers for the edges. I didn't want a lot of tension on my edges and I didn't want the indention from the band to show.
After I was all rolled up, which took about 45min-1hr(keep in mind this was my first time), I sat under the dryer until dry. If the hair is not completely dry, you will experience some reversion and frizziness, so be sure to do this on a day that you can sit for as long as needed. After removing roller wrap your hair until you are ready to take it down. I used the shea butter/coconut oil mix to apply to my curls prior to wrapping. This was an attempt to decrease frizzes.
I strongly believe that the trick to the roller set is to use a water based product that you know will give your hair some slickness and almost weigh it down. Since it's water based the weigh down will not matter because the product evaporates.
Trying Henna for the First Time
This is my first time trying Henna. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. Here's my step by step process.
First:
I read recipe after recipe trying to determine how I wanted to mix my henna. After reading about the drying effects of lemon and ACV I didn't want to go that route. I also read a few blogs and posts about unfavorable results (but not too many) when mixed with oil-since I read that more than once I didn't want to do that either. The only thing I read about that didn't come with complaints was mixing with yogurt. My Mix:
1 package of Jamila Henna
1 1/4 Cup of yogurt
A few shakes of Cinnamon (I couldn't take the smell).
I let that sit on the counter overnight.
Second:
I washed my hair using a clarifying shampoo, detangled in the shower using conditioner, and then towel dried my hair.
Third:
While wearing gloves, I applied Henna to damp hair.
Fourth:
Let the Henna sit on my hair for 3 hours.
Let the Henna sit on my hair for 3 hours.
Fifth:
Rinsed under plain water until the color of the water was just lightly tinted, then with Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner until the water from my hair was coming out clear. I didn't use gloves with this step fortunately I did not have any staining on my skin or hands.
Rinsed under plain water until the color of the water was just lightly tinted, then with Suave Tropical Coconut conditioner until the water from my hair was coming out clear. I didn't use gloves with this step fortunately I did not have any staining on my skin or hands.
Sixth:
Applied deep conditioner and sat under the dryer for 30min.
1/2 Jar of LeKair Cholesterol
5 drops of rosemary oil
5 drops of peppermint oil
1/4 cup of Olive Oil
1 tbs of Honey
Seventh:
Rinsed again, this time with cold water.
Now I am noticing the softness and the color. I was surprised to see so much color since I only left it on for 3 hours. However, I did have in some commercial color that I did a few months ago.
Last step:
Styled my hair!
This was truly an all day process.
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Thanksgiving Day Twist Out
I took these twists:
And did this:
The two strand twists were worn for 3-4 days prior to untwisting. I did not use any product to untwist but I did spray on some Aloe Gro nightly. I used my pick to lift my roots and then fluffed with my fingers. I would have liked it to be a little bigger but I was content with the outcome.
I ♥ Their Style
Every time the Obama's step out, THEY STEP OUT. I sooo want to be like Michelle when I grow up! :)
Braid to Ponytail
We started with a square part on the top of her head. Pull the hair towards her ear and make a simple braid.
The picture below is the simple braid.
Before you pull the hair into a ponytail back comb a small amount of hair behind the braid. Then pull all the hair into a lower ponytail.
We added a black ribbon for fun. The hairstyle is as simple as that and you have a really cute style.
Question and Answer: Swimming and Hair Care
I don't swim, my head does not go under water, every summer I get near water I nearly down. So when I got this question I was like "How in the world should I know?"
Time for research! I may not know how to care for swimmer's hair but I know how to suggest people that do.
(I love Google chat!)
Q: Don’t you want to come up with me a style for my hair when I start swimming next week? And I need a conditioning treatment to hold in moisture and protect it
A: I just read something about that....let me look
Ok, so I am thinking that what would work for natural hair would also be good for relaxed hair. So far everything else I have read about seems to work across the board
Q: Do u recommend a moisturizing conditioner?
A: My hair loves water based conditioners so I use Suave however, you may want something thicker. You should co-wash your hair with conditioner; you can use a cheap one for that. I would even leave some conditioner in, just a little so it won’t leave a residue. You will be amazed at the difference. Then use the good conditioner to deep condition once a week. You want to keep it moisturized so that the pool water won't dry it up and cause it to break off.
Ok, last bit of info.....
This lady is relaxed and swims:
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Toddler Hair
As most of you know who have toddlers know it is very difficult to come up with new ideas especially when they have thin straight hair. So here we go with another idea.
Since she is only 2 it is sometimes hard to get pictures so these are all taken after the hair has been done so I will do my best to describe what was done.
Around the front of her face I made 3 ponytails.
Once the ponytails are in place I took the middle ponytail and separated into 3 pieces. Take one piece and pull it towards the far side ponytail and take half of that ponytail and secure with an elastic.
Do the same thing on the other side. This gives you a total of five elastics.
If this doesn't make sense please ask questions and I will explain further.
2 Messy Buns
Sorry it has been awhile since my last post I have been out of town on a business trip but I am back and here is another hair style.
Make a part in the center of her head. Then take a small section and pull the hair through to make a twist.
Take another small section of hair and pull it through to make another twist.
Do this to both sides of her head.
The picture below is a picture of the top of her head.
Make 2 ponytails and on the final flip of the elastic don't pull all the way through.
We then made messy buns with elastics and bobby pins
The picture below is a picture of the side of her head.
Aloe Gro Treatment
I recently came across this vid on YouTube in which the Vlogger was creating a mix to use called "Aloe Gro." I was impressed by how she gained 5inches of growth in 4 months so I decided it was worth giving a try. Also, I can tell by the ingredients that even if I did not experience amazing growth that it would be beneficial to my hair and scalp in other ways.
So far, I have been using the mix on my hair and my hubby's hair for 3 days. He says he is experiencing less itching. I love the refreshed feeling the mixture gives.
Check it out, try it out:
Sunday Style: Twist Updo
I saw a video on YouTube and just had to try it!
Here's my version:
[The hubby complimented this style a lot :)]
Gratuitous Plug: Dupointe Lifestyle Group, LLC
Non-hair related post
A while back I would able to enjoy the most delicious desserts I have ever had (and I love food) compliments of Dupointe Lifestyle Group. This company was founded and operated by two determined men that have a love for food that tastes good. I urge you to contact them to cater your next event. The food was absolutely fabulous and I am not exaggerating.
The funniest thing that happens is once someone starts eating one of infamous Dupointe Dozens cupcakes, the person gets completely quiet and does not move or say a word until the food is gone....yep it is just that good. Happens every time.
Check out their site: Dupointe Lifestyle Group
Oil Rinse
I stumbled upon the Oil Rinse technique one day while searching for ways to moisturize my hair.
*If you’re suffering from dry, brittle hair, you may want to do an oil rinse. Oil rinses are great treatments for natural hair and can help soften follicles and promote hair growth.* Click the link above for more info.
I had no idea what to expect but it turns out that I really like it. It was so simple and not as messy as I assume it will be. I'm going to just put in some two strand twist and call it a day. Now this was truly super simple!
While styling:
My hair felt super soft
My hair felt super soft
Detangling was a breeze
I didn't have to use any other products
I noticed that my curls were really defined.
Next time I will focus more on my ends but overall I really like this treatment.
(I would post pics but my batteries are dead)
*update, I did take a pic with my Blackberry, it's not the best quality but it's better than nothing
Mixtress Moment: Holding Cream
After not being happy with the performance of many gels and trying to avoid the alcohol content in them. I came up with this:
2/3 cup of Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner
2 tsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Sweet Almond Oil
4 tsp Honey
The conditioner can be substituted for a scent or conditioner of your choice, just be sure that it is not to thick. A thick conditioner may leave too much residue on your hair.
I a little bit of every hair type on my head and then held the style in each area. This mixture has become a staple in my product stock.
Tip: If you have an essential oil scent that you just love, use a plain scented conditioner and add a few drops of the EO for a nice smelling holding cream.
Know your stuff: Oil Sheen ingredients
I remember how I used to coat my tresses in oil sheen back in the day. Attempting to make my hair shine like gold because of course if your hair is shiny, it must be healthy.....not. Too bad I learned this lesson the hard and costly way. Using oil sporadically and lightly may be okay for your hair but overdoing it can lead to dryness and breakage.
C13 14 Isoparaffin: mixture of hydrocarbons (mineral oils) derived from petroleum, and is used in cosmetics and personal care products primarily as an emollient, and also considered a thickening agent or gelling ingredient
Citronellol: used in perfumes and insect repellents and as a mite attractant
Hexyl cinnamal: is a common additive in perfume and cosmetic industry as aroma substance.
Hydroxycitronellal/Hydroxycitronellol: used in the creation and/or manufacturing of fragrance and flavor concentrates of all types
Isobutane: used as a refrigerant, as a propellant for aerosol cans and foam products
Isodecyl Oleate: made from decyl alcohol and oleic acid. Decyl Oleate is made from straight chained decyl alcohol, while Isodecyl Oleate is made from branched chain decyl alcohol
Linalool: naturally-occurring terpene alcohol chemical found in manyflowers and spice plants with many commercial applications, the majority of which are based on its pleasant scent
Propane: derived from other petroleum products during oil or natural gas processing. It is commonly used as a fuel for engines, oxy-gas torches, barbecues, portable stoves and residential central heating
Simmondsia: nique among plants in that its seeds contain an oil which is a liquid wax
Fragrance (Parfum): self explanatory
It seems that most of the ingredients are used for fragrance. Okay your hair smells great but what else? Keep in mind that this ingredient list is by no means all inclusive. There are some natural oils in a few oil sheens but there is also mineral oil and petroleum in them. The last thing you want to do is block out the much needed moisture that natural hair craves.
Some natural products that can give you the same shiny effect of oil sheen:
Sweet Almond Oil
Honey
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil
I personally prefer sweet almond oil for amazing shine. I'd rather avoid the risk of dryness and breakage.
Sunday Style: Curls
On Sundays I like to actually put some care into how I style. I'm not consistent with it but I am trying.
Achieve this look:
On damp hair apply your favorite oil or styling aid
Flat twist in 5 sections (or more if you prefer)
Flexirods on the ends of the twist
I left mine in over night to dry...remove rods, twists, and finger comb to your liking
Buns! Buns and more Buns!
I wasn't going to profile my buns but after I realized finding different ways to do a bun can get frustrating, I decided to just post every variation I could come up with this summer. I have been bunning for a few weeks now and here are some of the buns I started with initially:
Yes, the first image is not a bun...but it ended up being one.
Protein in your diet
The nutrients that we take into our body are reflect by our outward appearace. If you indulge in a lot of healthy snacks and drink lots of water, more than likely you will have that healthy glow. However, if you take in a lot of junk....you get the picture.Over the summer my husband and I began to workout and part of our work consisted of us drinking protein shakes. During this time I was also trying to discover the best hair care regimen for me. I began to look at different protein treatments and I am so glad that I did my research before I put one of those treatments on my hair. Too much protein will make your hair hard and brittle. Since I was drinking protein shakes daily, I was getting way more than my recommended daily value. When you intake too much of anything it gets absorbed into your body and/or excreted out. So basically, my hair got it's protein through my nutritional intake.
Hair is a protein so if your diet is rich in protein that will often result in better hair growth.
Protein Shakes:
1 Cup of fresh fruit (your choice)
1 Scoop of protein powder
1 squirt of lemon juice (optional)
1 tablespoon of honey (or more to taste)
1-2 cups of plain yogurt
Yummy quick delicious breakfast. There are many variations of making protein shakes but this is just how I preferred mine every morning. Now that it is getting cooler....I need to look into other options.
Twist N Curl
I attempted CurlyNikki's twist-n-curl for the first time. I was impressed with how curly my hair was and how smooth the curls came out.
This is definitely a style that I will do again.
For complete "how to" instructions on the twist and curl, please visit CurlyNikki
How well do you really know your hair? Part 1
Do you know the structure of your hair? Basic knowledge of hair will help you choosing how to care for your hair. With basic knowledge you may be able to eliminate a lot of trial and error from your natural hair journey (and save some money).
Human hair in good condition is surprisingly strong - one hair can hold the weight of a chicken’s egg. It is a hard, fibrous substance. We have to be very careful how we treat it because, unlike skin, it is not alive and cannot repair itself. Therefore, we need to correctly maintain its balance of protein and moisture to keep it in good condition.
The percentage of protein in hair is between 83% and 87%. The percentage of moisture is about 3%. The balance is made up of sugar, salt and trace elements. If this essential balance is maintained, the hair will stay healthy and strong. It will be in good manageable condition, soft to the touch and with a natural shine.
The outer structure of the hair shaft consists of a collection of transparent layers of interlocking scales, which are collectively known as the cuticle. Most people have from 7 to 11 of these transparent layers all wrapped around the delicate inner part.
The delicate inner part of the hair shaft consists of a collection of spring like fibers that are coiled around each other and suspended in a glutinous material known as a fatty acid. This is where the moisture and hard and soft proteins are found.
The outer root sheath of the hair follicle encloses the inner root sheath and hair shaft.
The inner root sheath of the hair follicle is located between the outer root sheath and the hair shaft. It is made of three layers: Henle's layer, Huxley's layer, and the cuticle.
Cuticle: the outermost part of the hair shaft.
Cortex: located between the hair cuticle and medulla.
The hair matrix produces the actual hair shaft as well as the inner and outer root sheaths.
Papilla: large structure located at the base of the follicle, made up mainly of connective tissue and a capillary loop, cell division is either rare or non-existent.
References
http://www.tintsofnatureusa.com/about_haircolor.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrix_(hair)
Deep Conditioning
Deep conditioning is very beneficial to anyone and everyone that has hair on their head. I consider myself to be doing deep conditioning treatments on my hair weekly. However, this is a topic and regimen that I never bothered to research and just relied upon my general knowledge to develop a deep condition routine. What I am doing has been working for me but if it could be better then why not give it a shot. Also, none the authors mentioned using a specific type or brand of conditioner to deep conditioner. One even stated that any conditioner can be used as a deep conditioner if left on the hair for at least 20-30 minutes. I examined various sources to compile the most frequently recommended suggestions and why those recommendations are made (I like to know the ‘whys’ about things).
According to the articles I read, deep conditioning should leave your hair feeling soft and moisturized. To achieve this outcome:
• Hair should be saturated with conditioner for 15-30 minutes.
Why? To allow the conditioner to penetrate
• You should cover your hair with a plastic cap, sit under a dryer, or cover your head with a warm towel
Why? The heat allows the hair shaft to swell and the cuticles to open and allow the conditioner inside. The heat helps increase the conditioner’s effectiveness.
• The conditioner should be rinsed out thoroughly and rinsing should end with a final cold water rinse.
Why? The cold water helps the cuticles to close and trap the moisture inside the hair.
Additional info that I found interesting:
The type of deep conditioner used should depend on the condition of the hair. If the hair feels mushy when wet and stretches a lot before breaking then a protein conditioner is required to restore the hair's strength. If however, the hair feels brittle and just snaps when any tension is applied; the hair is in need of a moisturizing conditioner. The aim is to get the hair to a stage where the hair is both strong but has a certain degree of elasticity. Too much protein will make the hair go hard and too much moisture will make the hair mushy. Moisturizing deep conditioners should be used in conjunction with protein deep conditioners in the hair care regimen to maintain a healthy balance.
So after reviewing this information I have decided to make a few changes to my regimen. I will now include heat and the final cold water rinse to my regimen.
Resources:
-Alma Campbell
-Lisa Richardson
-Alma Campbell
Toddler Ribbon Headband
Since my daughters hair is so thin we did a simple version of the ponytails.
I started and made 3 very small ponytails across the front of her head.
Then I placed the ribbon behind the elastics.
On the 2nd row of elastics I separated only the middle front elastic and pulled it across the ribbon and secured with 2 different ponytails (as shown above). For the remaining 2 other ponytails I pulled them straight across the ribbon and secured with only 1 ponytail (as shown below)
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