I'm apart of #TEAMNATURAL hair!!! I've taken my hair through many phazes and this is where i'm sticking!!! its not as bad as everyone thinks!!!! I'm very glad that magazines are catering to us by presenting more styles and hair products thats beneficial to us!!! Heres alil info that i have.....ENJOY!!
As we all know we go through four seasons. Throughout these seasons we take our hair through many changes. A little color here, cutting some there, braiding it up, wearing it down, etc. In this fast approaching season of winter, it is very important that we take the time to maintain the hair and give the hair what it needs in order to be strong and grow to its full potential. Although we as women wear our hair in two different states, natural and relaxed, we still find ourselves to have to go through the same routines day in and day out.
It seems as we begin to get very lackadaisical and not care for our hairs as much as we would in the spring and summer months. Our hair be comes dull, and brittle, and we are ok with that. Since its cold and we are trying to get from point A to B in the cold weather , we just want to be able to pull it back in a ponytail and go. But in doing that we are contributing to the damage that happens. For those who try to maintain the well kept look, curling irons, flat irons, as well as many products are use that cause just as much damage as the pulled back, pulled tight ponytail.
While this season has us doing the most, and the least to our hair, we never stop to think why our hair really looks like it does, and feels worse. Then in the spring, when the first streak of warm weather hits, the salon is back crowded, but your beautician has no idea the battle what sits under your hat that he/or she may have to spend two more seasons to correct. Money will be dished out, and services are rendered. The true intelligent beautician who knows and already expected this battle, if they were not helping you maintain your hair during the winter, should know your hair type and be able to nurse your hair back to health.
Well how can you help not only yourself but your beautician? I’m glad you asked. Its time to weigh out your options, and begin to see the simple do it yourself steps that can make all the difference. For both women, with hair in both natural and relaxed state, the simple saying “you are what you eat” has a lot of weight and validity. In the transition between fall and winter, there are two major holidays. We are very thankful for Thanksgiving and very merry for Christmas, and all the goodies they come along with. Not saying that’s these two holidays can damage your hair, because if you eat large like this every day, and not according to a balanced diet, it shows through your hair.
We should be mindful of what we eat and drink regardless of the season. Water should be incorporated into our day. The fast food, not so much. Believe it or not it comes through and shows in our hair. Drinking an appropriate amount of water and eating a balanced amount of vegetables helps us conquer half the race. If on medication, that also is a factor in the hair. Medication coats the hair and can cause certain processes done to the hair that may have been done in the past to revert. If you have ever wondered, its best that your beautician/ cosmetologist has the knowledge to let you know what is going on with your hair. He or she is not a doctor, so questions that they can not answer, you should be directed to a dermatologist.
When it comes to you and your hair, be it relaxed or natural, you must know one thing. That is to know your texture. Knowing your texture is important simply because it helps you to understand your hair. No it is not nappy, just overly curly. Do you have a deep s or z pattern in your curl of hair? Is your hair resistant? In the crown area of your head is it very curly, but in the front and back curly yet manageable? You may have different textures in you hair, which is not uncommon.
Women who have natural hair, the simplicity of maintenance is up to you. Braids or twists, roller sets, rod sets, press and curls, or sew- in weaves are great options. Each one of these styles allows your hair to rest. Heat would not be applied to your hair which is beneficial. Shampoo and deep conditioning should happen to the discretion of your cosmetologist to maintain the strength and polish of your hair. Also, your ends should be trimmed to keep the process of growing in order.
Knowing your hair and texture also helps with being able to identify which products may help or hinder your hair. What may work for some, may not work for you. But, products that have natural and organic ingredients, such as olive oil, watermelon seed, shea butter, and other natural nourishing ingredients are good for your hair. When conducting your own shampoo & conditioner service, and when proceeding to styling, do not overload your hair with product! It may either be extremely oily and heavy, or light and dry. Portion your product use. You may not need as much product as you think. If your hair is thin, very little product is needed. If your hair is thick, maybe a little more than the size of a quarter or to your discretion may be used. When reaching the point for beauty rest, reach for a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to wrap your moisturized mane.
If opting for a braided up style, or a sew in, be cautious to the extremely tight, eyes pulled back braids. Those can be detrimental to the thinning and breaking of hair, especially around your perimeter. Your beautician should know that the braid does not need to be tight in order to stay. The same goes to the women with relaxed hair.
To the woman who thinks that when her hair curls up to the point where she’s in the “ouch stage” and quickly calls her beautician saying its about that time for a relaxer, this part is for you! When entering into the winter months, consider still seeing your beautician to up keep your hair. He or she may care for your hair and see things in your hair that you may not. As I said earlier to the woman with natural hair, an end trim following a shampoo and deep condition may be necessary, to the discretion of your beautician.
You too can opt for the less heat obtaining styles, such as a roller set, rods, braids twists, or sew-in or bonding services. Its just very imperative that proper care is taken care of. But it is not a good decision to receive a relaxer then go forth getting braids. The state that your hair is in after being relaxed is a straight and silky state. Enough has been done to the hair. Its best to wait at least a week or two to get braids. A silk or satin scarf or bonnet should be a finishing touch. As I stated earlier, product knowledge and experimentation may have to happen. You may have to test the waters to find a product that works and helps maintain styles and looks that you may want to achieve.
Either way, natural or relaxed, it can be as dressed up or dressed down as you would like. Tis the season for simplicity, and why not have your hair exude beauty, but only you know how little effort has been put forth! Maintaining your hair, be it on a budget or not is not as bad or difficult as you may think. Its up to you to invest in your crown and glory. Remember, spring is coming, and to show the beauty of what you have been working on will be a proud moment.
(C) 2010 D.M.W.M
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