Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Braids & Hair Extensions

Braids can help just as much as hurt.

Braids and weaves are commonly applied when an individual wishes to discontinue the use of perms to obtain natural process free locks. When special care is taken during this process, the desired affect may be achieved in allowing you to grow a healthy virgin mane with very little to no disruption.

More often than not braids are applied and incorrectly cared for resulting in extreme hair damage, hair loss and balding of temples. Should you encounter this problem you can rest easy knowing there are countless black hair care products that reverse the thinning and balding process like Organic Root Stimulator Fertilizing Temple Balm and Organic Root Stimulator Scalp Scrub 6 oz. with Cup & Brush that work together in restoring growth and health to your extremely delicate temples and sides. Contrary to what many believe, braids and hair extensions are not a "set and forget" matter. The health of your scalp determines greatly the health of your new growth. There are many different black hair care products and even oral supplements taken that help promote the look and overall health of your hair with or without extensions.

One such black hair care product that many speak for are the Hairfinity Vitamins that are said to work wonders. These vitamins are taken twice daily and have been claimed to grow hair an astonishing half inch per month as oppose to a mere quarter inch by African American women normally. Many swear by this black hair growth product saying that they have experienced noticeable health and growth just in the first few weeks of taking this product.

Do's & Donts of Braids and Extensions

  • When washing braids ensure hair is dried fully before pulling and styling. Hair is most vulnerable to breakage when wet. Two black hair care products that I highly recommend are Dr. Miracle's Intensive Healing Oil Hair & Scalp Treatment and Organic Root Stimulator Jojoba Oil. Keep scalp hydrated as wearing braids can result in dry flaky scalp. Try not to scratch an itchy scalp as it not only breaks the hair at the root, but also tears the scalp which will hinder the growth of healthy hair. If you are experiencing itching, dryness and discomfort try using Organic Root Stimulator Anti-Itch Scalp Oil to soothe your irritated scalp.

  • Never pull tightly on edges to style. Prolonged tension around hair edges can result in hair loss from the root and possible long term or even permanent baldness. Remember, edges are extremely sensitive so never allow too much tension.

  • Braiding too tightly is not only uncomfortable but can cause blisters as well as hair loss.

  • When removing braids do not use a comb! Hair can be dry and brittle from long term braiding and needs special moisture treatment. Combing the hair while loosening can cause extreme breakage. Instead apply a moisturizer to the hair as you loosen the braid with your fingers. After removing all the braids apply strengthening conditioner to ensure minimal breakage while restoring your hair's natural elasticity.

  • It is not recommended that you process your hair until at least a week prior to removing braids as your hair needs time to recover.

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The Importance of Moisturizing

Its a fact that women of ethnic backgrounds face more issues with their hair than any other race because of the texture of our hair. The tighter the curl the more prone to dryness and breakage your hair is. Many moisturizers with petroleum bases just sit on the surface of the hair follicle without actually penetrating the shaft while clogging the pores of the scalp which hinders hair growth.

Processing and permanents add more dryness to hair as it straightens, making already dry hair hard and dull. However, there are many different types of black hair care conditioners that promise a smooth and silky tress. If you experience severe breakage and dryness its a good idea to invest in a reputable line of black hair care products that contain very little or no alcohol, as it dries the hair further.

For softness and strength, you may want to consider two different treatments. To regain strength from breakage and thinning, consider using a black hair care treatment that contains keratin to reconstruct the hair follicle. For softness and shine, it is recommended using cream moisturizing conditioners. Of course keeping the scalp hydrated but not heavily oiled will help promote a healthy scalp which means beautiful healthy hair.

Over the years I have tried many different hair black hair care products that claim to give you dramatic results. Needless to say a lot of them failed. However, in my journeys I have happened across some rather amazing black hair care products that actually deliver on their promises.

Motions - Motions CPR Conditioner Protein Reconstructor by Motions does exactly what it promises. After using this product for the first time I experienced a dramatic difference in the amount of shedding I was experiencing. With treatments that strengthen hair like Motions CPR it is vital that you use a moisturizing conditioner afterwards because it alters the texture of your hair largely.

Dr. Miracle - Dr. Miracle's 2in1 Tingling Shampoo & Conditioner is another great black hair care product that promotes healthy strong hair. I especially loved the cool tingling sensation it gave my scalp as I washed my hair and the minty aromatic smell of the combo. It is not completely necessary to use a softening conditioner with this product but I always used a moisturizing conditioner after shampooing for added softness and shine.

Organic Root Stimulator - Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise so far is my favorite hair treatment. The olive oil line of black hair care products are simply amazing when it comes to restructuring hair. I have had the very unfortunate experience of over processing my hair from bleaching, dying and perms. My hair was so damaged that when I washed it often times a great deal of my hair washed down the drain. This was a lifesaver for my hair and my confidence. I used the hair mayonnaise mixed with a raw egg as suggested for critically dry and damaged hair once weekly after my shampoo and began to see amazing results. I used the olive oil, oil sheen every day as well as the olive oil moisturizing lotion that brought vitality and life back to my hair almost instantly.

Mizani - MIZANI Moisturizing Hair Care Kit and its related product line falls under the high end of black hair care products. Users rave about the special formula found in Mizani conditioning products that hydrate and revitalise. While Mizani black hair care products cost just a bit more than some of the other common black hair care products, consumer reviews show that when it comes to a product with the quality of the Mizani line of black hair care products price doesn't matter

Aphogee - APHOGEE Serious Care & Protection Hair Care Kit is another well trusted line of products that deliver on its promise. Aphogee products as well as Mizani and Dudley products are more infamous among salon professionals but are widely used among its satisfied patrons in the comfort of their own homes.


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