Keys To Black Healthy Hair

Top 10 Ingredients For Black Hair

2010-11-21T20:45:00.001-08:00

In the next 5 weeks, I will be posting The Top 10 natural hair ingredients for black hair and what they do for our hair. I will be updating you with 2 top hair ingredients each week.

#6. Jojoba Oil - It is a natural ingredient that works not only for black hair but for all types of hair. It improves damaged hair and conditions hair. It is good to use as a hair sealant because it prevents hair from dryness and loosing moisture. It is also good to apply to conditioners,shampoos, and moisturizers because it will improve the health of your hair and will add a healthy shine to your hair. Can also be used as a make-up remover and as a facial, body,and lip moisturizer.

#5. Vegetable Glycerin - Adds moisture to dry hair. Strengthens hair and helps hair grow. If you have relaxed hair, it softens new growth making your hair more managebale and smooth. By adding water to glycerin, it can be used as a daily moisturizer. Rememeber if used as a moisturizer, don't apply a lot because a little goes a long way.

Rocking The Hair Trend : Lace fronts

2010-11-17T17:52:00.001-08:00

Originally, lace fronts were designed for people who had alopecia and for cancer patients. But today, lace fronts are gladly worn just because a person wants to. Lace fronts are wigs but are more natural looking than actual wigs because they have a lace mesh hair line that looks like a natural hair part. They can actually pass as looking like a hair weave. But they are even more versatile than wearing a hair weave because you can create a new hair part on either side of your lacefront without exposing any tracks. Even though, lace fronts are nothing new, they are still popular and are good to wear whether you are growing out your hair or to simply change up your hairstyle. When wearing a lace front, you can choose to glue or tape it around your hairline for secureness. Or you can just put it on, make sure the combs in wig are attached and secure to your hair, and there you go. Here are two of my favorite celebrities that are well known for wearing lacefronts, Beyonce' and Tyra Banks and they are rocking the hair trend.

Hair Tip Of The Day!

2010-11-17T17:43:00.001-08:00

Make sure to neutralize properly after washing out hair relaxer. This is a very important step because a neutralizer stops the hair relaxer from continuing to process in your hair. It also works in your hair to bring hair back to it's normal ph balance. Improper neutralizing leads to hair breakage and hair loss. Here is what you do: after washing the relaxer out your hair, wash hair with neutralizing shampoo 3 times. Then apply neutralizing shampoo to hair one more time and let it sit in your hair for 5 minutes. This way, the neutralizer will really work in hair to bring hair back to it's normal state.

Top 10 Ingredients for Black Hair

2010-11-14T14:59:00.001-08:00

In the next 5 weeks, I will be posting The Top 10 natural hair ingredients for black hair and what they do for our hair. I will be updating you with 2 top hair ingredients each week.

#8. Castor Oil - It cleanses hair, removes toxins from scalp to promote better scalp circulation, and it also thickens your hair while it grows. Should be applied to scalp twice a week.

#7. Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Adds moisture to dry hair. Good oil to use for hot oil treatments.

Q & A

2010-11-11T17:22:00.001-08:00

Q : What is a hair sealant and what type of sealant is good to use?

A: A sealant is hair product that is used to lock in moisture in your hair. It should be applied to your hair after you use a moisturizer to prevent the mositurizer you just added in your hair from easily leaving your hair. The best type of sealant to use is a natural oil such as jojoba oil, olive oil, castor oil, or african royale hot six oil.

Hair Tip of The Day!

2010-11-11T16:46:00.001-08:00

Always wear a satin scarf at night! They are very important to wear at night because they are the best hair protectors. They protect your hair from tangling, loosing style, breaking, and drying out. If you feel uncomfortable wearing a scarf at night because of your boyfriend or husband, make sure you atleast sleep on a satin pillowcase. But still a satin scarf at night is better. For the best hair protection, especially if you fear your scarf may come off at night, wear a satin scarf and sleep on a satin pillowcase.

Top 10 Ingredients for Black Hair

2010-11-07T16:00:00.001-08:00

In the next 5 weeks, I will be posting The Top 10 natural hair ingredients for black hair and what they do for our hair. I will be updating you with 2 top hair ingredients each week. So, let's start with...

#10. Honey - Adds softness and shine to hair.

#9. Avocado Oil - Not only is avocado good to eat but it also benefits hair. Avocado oil comes from avocado fruit oil. It easily absorbs into the scalp and moisturizes hair. It is packed with proteins and vitamins that encourages hair growth such as vitamins A, D, E, B6, folic acid ,and iron. Also, it has a natural sunscreen protection against the harmful UV rays from the sun.

Some types of Alcohol good for hair?

2010-11-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

So today, I was doing some research online to see if all alcohol is bad for hair. Come to find out, not all types of alcohol is bad for our hair. They are called fatty alcohols.
Fatty alcohols are non-greasy, non sticky ingredients often used in hair products to make them thick and creamy. They are used as emollients ( hair softeners),add moisture to dry hair, and conditions hair. Here are some types of good alcohols that you should not be afraid of : Cetyl or cetearyl alcohol, ceteth-2-20, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, and propylene glycol.
Now there are some alcohols that we should be afraid of because they dry out hair and makes hair frizzy. These alcohols are usually added to some hair products such as holding spray, to make product evaporate quickly in hair, not to help hair. Here are some types of alcohol that you SHOULD be afraid of : Ethanol, SD alcohol, SD alcohol 40, alcohol denat, propanol, propyl and isopropyl, and ethylene glycol.

Grocery stores sell stripped salon hair products?

2010-10-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

Picture from : http://peggyshairsalon.com/

If you don't know by now, there has been this debate going on about whether professional salon brand name products are okay to purchase at grocery, drug, or retail stores. Now, I'm not talking about regular hair products such as Cream of Nature shampoo at grocery stores being stripped. Please don't get that confused. Far as I know, there is nothing wrong with buying those type of products at a supermarket.
I'm talking about grocery stores selling professional hair products such as Paul Mitchell or Nexxus. Some tests have found traces of salmonelia in professional hair products from grocery and drug stores. It has also been stated that some professional hair products at these stores are expired or about to expire.
It is even rumored that products have been contaminated by diluting or refilling empty bottles with other products and can be the reason why products are cheaper to buy at supermarkets. This is also called Diversion. Diversion is when professional hair products are being bought from places other than a salon such as grocery, drug, and retail stores.
So to be safe, it is better to buy professional hair products from a salon because legit distributors sell the most guaranteed and real products to licensed salons, professional stylists, and colorists. It is also okay to buy hair products at your local beauty supply stores ( which is what I do ) because the person or people who owns the store has their license to sell products. Now in conclusion, it is stated that this situation happens rarely but it is good to know in case you suspect stores near you are doing this.

Hair Budget Tip

2010-10-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Occasionally apply your own relaxer touch-ups. Make sure to read all instructions. Put a protective gel around hairline and ears. Don't leave relaxer in hair for more than 20 minutes to avoid over processing. My mom helps me apply the relaxer because there is no way I can apply a relaxer to my hair by MYSELF in 8 minutes lol So you should get someone who knows what they are doing to help you apply your relaxer.
Smooth the relaxer through but not on to previously relaxed hair, DON'T apply relaxer to previously relaxed hair, only retouch newgrowth. Make sure that relaxer doesn't get on your scalp to prevent a burning sensation. Rinse relaxer throughly out and neutralize 2 to 3 times.

Hair Tip Of The Day!

2010-10-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Take a Multivitamin Daily! Multivitamins are good for your body, hair , skin, and nails. They increase blood circulation which is the key to hair growth. Poor blood circulation increases your chances of getting retarded hair growth, thinning of the hair, even bald spots! The hair vitamin of your choice should contain iron, zinc, folic acid, biotin, and MSM.
The cells in your body needs oxygen to reproduce normally, this is why iron is needed. Iron is very important especially for people who are anemic because there is not enough oxygen in their blood. Zinc is good because it prevents hair damage and hair loss. Folic acid and biotin helps hair grow at a faster rate. MSM is really important because it lengthens your anagen ( growth ) phase. The longer your anagen phase, the longer your hair.
Hair has 3 phases. Anagen - growth stage and lasts from 2 to 6 years. Catagen - shedding phase, lasts from 1 to 2 weeks. In this phase, the hair follicle shrinks to about 1/6 of your hair length. Telogen - resting phase, lasts about 5-6 weeks. During this phase, the hair does not grow. At the end of this phase, the hair follicle enters the anagen phase again and then the whole process starts over.
For example, say your anagen phase lasts for 2 years. If this is so, you will only achieve shoulder length hair before entering the resting phase. Now, if your anagen phase lasts for 4 years, then your hair will grow down your back before entering the resting phase.

Hair Tip Of The Day!

2010-10-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Use Heat Protectants! It is very important when you straighten your hair to use a heat protectant. Heat protectants protects your hair from heat damage and makes your hair straighten better in the process.
Personally, I use Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum.
It is really a good product. It didn't make my hair greasy and it prevents my hair from frizz. Also, it brings shine to my hair and it smells good.

Rocking The Hair Trend : The Bob

2010-10-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

This hair cut is a classic! It is a hair cut that is cut straight around the head at your jaw-length, neck length, or shoulder length. Hairstyle is often worn with a bang. This look can be achieved by cutting your real hair, full sew-in weaves, or wigs. Here is rapper, Nicki Minaj rocking the hair trend.

Picture from: http://www.yk2daily.net/

Hair Product Review : Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner

2010-10-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love this product because it actually does what it says. It replenishes lost moisture and strength back into my hair. Now when I air dry my hair, I never have to worry about my hair feeling rough afterwards because it detangles and softens my hair. I have been using this leave in conditioner for a month now and I definitely see an improvement in the softness of my hair. Love:)

Price at my local beauty supply store is $8.99

Black Hair Recipe

2010-10-12T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hot Oil Treatment: Hot Oil Treatments prevents hair breakage by adding lost moisture to dry hair.

What You Will Need: 6 tsp of olive oil and a small mixing bowl.

Directions: Put olive oil into small bowl. Heat the oil in the microwave until warm, NOT STEAMING HOT! Apply the oil to your hair, hair ends, and scalp. Put on a plastic cap. Let it sit in your hair for 30 minutes. Rinse out and shampoo hair.

Don't Purchase! : Blue Magic Bergamot Hair & Scalp Conditioner

2010-10-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

Okay y'all, Blue Magic Bergamot Hair & Scalp Conditioner is definitely not the hair product to use as a daily moisturizer or to put on the scalp. I know a lot of people (including me) used to put this in their hair usually when they would press or flat iron their hair. Or if we thought our scalp was dry, we would put this on our scalp.
This hair grease claims to moisturize and condition our hair and scalp. It even claims that it is not GREASY! (really?..okay), and it says it prevents hair breakage,hair dryness,and itchy scalp. But little did we know that their ingredients are actually bad for our hair. These are their ingredients: Petrolatum, Lanolin, Olea Europaea ( Olive) Fruit Oil, Lecithin, Isopropyl Myristate, Fragrance, Yellow 11, and Green 6. I underlined the ingredient that is really a "no, no" for our hair and scalp. Petrolatum is not good to leave in our hair because it clogs and dries out our already dry hair.
When our pores are clogged, this prevents circulation. Poor circulation = no hair growth. So y'all, this product is not what we should have in our hair regimen at all. Trust me, I used to use this product for YEARS and my hair and scalp ain't never change until I STOPPED using this hair product.

Q & A

2010-09-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Q: Is hair shedding the same as hair breakage?

A: No, there is a big difference. Shedding is natural and is all a part of your hair cycle. The life span of every hair strand on your head is between 2 to 6 years. So, it is possible to shed between 60-100 old hairs per day. Hair sheds from the ROOT and hair sheds in long strands of hair. So, if long strands of hair are coming out your hair, then that's normal.
However, hair breakage occurs at your HAIR ENDS and is noticeable. Your hair ends is the oldest part of your hair. Our hair ends usually break because they are dry, damaged, and not taken cared of. So,when you comb your hair and see little tiny pieces of hair in the comb and in the sink, that's not hair shedding, that's hair breakage.

Hair Budget Tips

2010-09-20T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hey BHC! Even though, it's a recession, women are still not hesitant to spend a lot of money at the hair salon. Now, I'm not saying there's something wrong with that, but there's nothing wrong with trying to save money too. Here are a couple of tips to help you save money and how you can skip some salon trips.
Tip#1 - Try Student Services: Whether you want a hair cut, style, or color, every now and then, consider going to a cosmetology school. Don't worry, licensed cosmetologist watch over the students as they style your hair. Hair services are a lot cheaper too.
Tip#2 - Color Touch Ups: Every 6 weeks, new growth starts to show again. Let's think, if a hairstylist can learn how to do our hair, why can't we? While doing a color touch up, make sure you put a protective gel around your hair line and ears. Wear gloves, follow all the instructions, and keep track of time.

Hair Tip Of The Day!

2010-09-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Apply a protein treatment to your hair every month. A protein treatment helps stop severe hair breakage. It hardens your hair so your hair can become stronger. This is very important to apply to your hair because remember, if our hair keeps breaking, then our hair will never gain length.
I use Aphogee's 2 Step Protein Treatment. Step 1 is the protein treatment. Step 2 is the balancing moisturizer. The balancing moisturizer is really good to use after a protein treatment because it softens your hair. I apply a protein treatment to my hair every month before I deep condition my hair.

Hair Tip of The Day!

2010-09-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

There are two types of conditioners which are instant conditioners and deep conditioners. Instant conditioners are the ones you put in your hair, then rinse out in 2 minutes. They appear as if they did something to your hair but really does nothing to improve the condition of your hair. A deep conditioner is what you should use instead because they contain protein that strengthens your hair and ingredients actually work into your hair shaft to increase scalp circulation. This leads to hair growth. Also, they provide lubrication for our dry hair.
After shampooing hair, squeeze off excess water out your hair with your hands. Put deep conditioner on hair and rub your fingers through your hair. This evenly distributes the deep conditioner through hair. Put on a plastic cap and sit under a hood dryer for 20 minutes. Heat causes hair shaft to swell open so the ingredients can work into the hair. Without heat, the deep conditioner won't be able to fully work in your hair. Rinse conditioner out afterwards. After rinse, apply a leave in conditioner to hair to soften and detangle hair. Then apply a hair moisturizer while hair is still wet to lock in moisture. Air dry or blow dry with the dryer on medium or cool and style hair afterwards. A deep conditioner should be applied to your hair once a week.

Black Hair Types

2010-09-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

Whether you're all black or mixed, all black hair is naturally curly. All black hair types have their own curl size. You can notice what type of hair texture you have when you finish washing your hair. When hair is wet, curls stretch out. But as black hair dries, it absorbs water. Hair then turns kinky ( tight curl state). Here is a list so you can know your hair type.

Type 1 - Hair is naturally bone straight with no curl pattern. Hair flows and shines. White people tend to have this hair. Hairstyle for hair type = Can flat iron and create more sleek shiny hair.

Type 2 - Hair is naturally wavy. There are different types of wave patterns and are categorized as 2a, 2b, and 2c. 2a - fine wavy, 2b - medium wavy hair, and 2c - thick and coarse wavy hair. Some hair styles for hair type = Can wear it naturally wavy. Can blow dry or flat iron hair straight. Up top is a picture of singer Chilli from TLC. She has type 2a hair. Picture from: http://newyorkcharityblog.files.wordpress.com/

Type 3 - Hair is naturally curly. Hair has a tighter curl state. Hair type is categorized as 3a, 3b, and 3c. 3a - looser curl pattern, 3b - tighter curl pattern, 3c - more tighter curl pattern ( may appear kinky). At times, hair can be hard to straighten. Some hair styles for hair type = Can wear hair naturally curly. Can blow dry or flat iron hair straight. Here is a picture of actress from My wife and kids show, Jennifer Freeman. She has type 3a hair. Picture from : http://www.perfectpeople.net/

Hair is naturally coarse and coiled. Hair may appear tight and strong but hair is really fragile. Tends to break easily and more prone to damage. This hair is the driest and is categorized as 4a, 4b/c. 4a - looser coil shaped hair and 4b/c- tighter coarse zig-zag shaped hair. Some hair styles for hair type= afros, cornrows, twists, braids,and flat ironing. Here is a picture of singer, Macy Gray. She has type 4b/c hair. Picture from: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/

I have type 4b/c hair. So what type of hair do you have? Don't be shame lol

Protective Hair Styles

2010-09-07T15:43:00.000-07:00

Protective hair styles are good when you're trying to prevent hair breakage, split ends, hair damage, and the continuous use of heat. If you continue to wear your hair in protective hair styles, your hair will grow. It is especially good for women who have shoulder length hair because you will be preventing hair from causing friction against your clothes. Some protective hair style options are hair buns, micro braids, hair weaves, wigs, fake pontails, and cornrows.

Rocking The Hair Trend : Half wig

2010-09-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

A halfwig is a wig that covers half of your head. It gives you a natural look because all you have to do is leave some of your real hair out in the front and blend it in with the halfwig. Make sure you straighten the hair you left out in the front. Apply some hair polish to hair so hair will easily blend in with wig. In minutes, it will look as if you just got a good hair weave. Halfwigs come in handy if you're not ready to wear a full wig or lacefront. Here's comedian, Monique rocking the hair trend.

Picture from: http://hotspotatl.com

Hair Tip of The Day!

2010-09-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

No Hair Brushes! Did you know that brushing your hair causes your hairline to receed? Back in the day, there used to be this myth going around that brushing your hair 100 times a day can increase blood flow leading to hair growth. Well, that's not true. Brushing harms the hair. Did you ever feel discomfort when somebody brushed your hair? Well that's because the hair brush was actually pulling out your hair. No, hair brushes should be used, this also includes wig brushes. Hair brushes especially the ones with the bristles should never be used to get the kinks out. That's what a comb is for. You should have 2 combs: a standard small teeth comb and a wide tooth comb. A comb with small teeth is for daily combing. A wide tooth comb is for combing hair after washing your hair, so you won't easily pull out hair.

Black Hair Recipe

2010-09-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Egg Shampoo Recipe: Yup ladies, eggs are not only a good protein to eat but also good for our hair. They also add shine to hair. I know this idea sounds gewy but again it's a good protein for hair.

What you will need: 1 egg, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of your shampoo of choice, 1 tsp of vegetable oil.

Directions: Whisk the egg throughly and then add it to the shampoo, water, and vegetable oil. Pour mixed ingredients into a empty water bottle. After using shampoo, store it in the refrigerator. This shampoo lasts for 2 weeks.