How To Prevent Knots And Split Ends

 We all have experience seeing little pieces of hair on our bedroom or bathroom floor, after spending a few hours de-tangling our hair. Many of us wonder if there is a way to stop the split ends and knots from hitting the floor. The days of splits and knots stealing our hard earned length are over.

Ladies, you can cut down on breakage with a few tips and tricks.

Preventing Knots

No Harsh Shampoos: Wash in Sections
Again, you want to make sure you use a gentle cleanser that will not cause damage to your hair. When you part your hair into sections before washing, it reduces tangling and the forming of knots.

Use Protective Styling
When you wear your hair out freely, you have the tendency to develop knots. Protective styles like twisting and braiding protect your ends from knots. If you want to wear your hair out, you want to choose stretched styles to avoid the formation of knots.

Stretch your End
Curled up ends can cause knotting.  If you are wearing twists, bantu knots, twist out, you want to make sure you stretch your ends at night. Also, you can set your ends on rollers to stretch your hair out.

Preventing Split Ends

Use the Right Comb

The best comb for natural hair is the wide toothed comb. You want to avoid using small tooth combs because they tend to cause more split ends due to the edges of the comb’s teeth snagging against the hair.

No Harsh Cleansers: Moisture and Conditioning Often

You want to find a shampoo that will not mess up the moisture balance of your hair strands. Harsh shampoos with sulfate leave the hair dry and cause breakage.

Of course, moisturizing is the key to keeping your hair supple and pliable. Depending on your hair’s texture and ability to seal moisture, you want to moisturize daily or every 3 to 4 days.

Minimal Manipulation of Hair

Protective styles can be your best friend when trying to avoid the creation of split ends. You want to keep your styling to a minimal in order for your ends to become stronger.

Wrap Your Hair Up at Night

Always keep your hair wrapped up with a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase. Sleeping without having anything on your head on a cotton pillowcase will leave your hair extremely dry and susceptible to breakage.

Treat Your Ends with Care

Your ends are actually the oldest part of your hair. Make sure you moisturize your ends and your scalp in order to stop breakage in its tracks.

Going Au Naturel? Here's What you need to know.

Gone are the days when ladies couldn't do with out retouching, braiding, and fixing the popular human hair in all types and  ranges. Yes!! Women are going back to their roots and rocking the naturel look with much gusto. The look has been spotted on women in different styles either worn as an Afro, a bob, or a blow out.  Indeed the times are changing and Fashionistas who are seemingly tired of the usual,  have opted to go Big on the latest trend. Hence, your favourite fashion blog is here to let you in on the details of this trend.

When you begin your journey of becoming natural, there are many things you have to learn. You have to figure out how to take care of your hair, what products will work on your hair and  how to keep your hair growing month after month.

Natural hair lingo is something to know as well. If you are just beginning your transition into natural, you may be confused by all the abbreviations and new terms. Below are some of those terms for the Afrocentric Chic

BC (Big Chop)

This is the first step to transitioning for many women. You cut off your relaxed ends to reveal the natural texture of your hair.

Baggy
It is a great technique to seal in moisture to your tresses. You apply a moisturizing agent to your hair and cover it with a plastic cap or saran wrap.

Braid Out
It is when you take out your braids, it creates a full, crimped hairstyle.

Co-Wash
It is when you wash your hair with conditioner. No shampoo is necessary.

Coils
A common hairstyle for short and medium length hair that looks like tiny, sectioned curls.

DC/DT
DC is Deep Conditioning. DT is Deep Treatment. This is typically done for amount of minutes or overnight. If your hair is very dry, it can be done once or twice a week.

Hair Elasticity
Showcases how the hair that can stretch out and return to its regular shape without breaking.

Hair Lengths
Hair lengths usually have abbreviations.
EL- Ear Length
NL-Nape Length
SL- Shoulder Length

Hair Porosity
Can your hair can soak up moisture or not? The more porous, the quicker the water will be absorbed.

Henna
Henna is a plant used to make a mixture that essentially conditions the hair. Henna can also add a reddish tint to your hair. For those with the salt and pepper look, this can help colour the grey roots

Secret To Getting Curly Hair: Flexy Rods

             USING FLEXI RODS FOR  CURL AND MAINTENANCE

Whenever you want to give the illusion of a full head of curls, grab a flexi rod set. Flexi Rods create consistent sleek, bouncy, spiral curls. Yes, the rods can give off an intimidating feeling. The noodle shaped tools are as flexible as pipe cleaners and are easy to clean.

Here is a step by step guide on how to use the No-Heat needed Flexi Rods to achieve curls.

Wet the Hair.
You can either wash your hair or wet your hair using a spray bottle. We recommend applying a wrapping lotion to get the best curl results.


Detangle Hair.
Section a small part of your hair and use a tail comb to detangle it from root to ends.

Grab a Rod and Roll.
Wrap the end of your hair over and under the tip of the rod. Then, roll the hair around the rod vertically. Keep repeating steps two and three until your entire head is done.

Let It Dry.
Put on your satin bonnet and fall asleep until the next morning. Make sure you bend the rods in the direction that is most comfortable for you. If you have a bonnet dryer, sit under it for 40 minutes to 50 minutes. You will know your hair is dry when your ends are fully dried.

Take Rods Out and Enjoy.
Finally, you want to take each rod out carefully without damaging your hair or the curls it has created. Say hello to beautiful curls! To keep your flexi rod curls maintained, just moisturize and pin-curl your hair before you go to sleep.

ALARM : Perms Linked to Uterine Fibroid Tumors and Early Puberty

A new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology definitely adds a point to the #TeamNatural tally with a published paper from researchers at Boston University linking hair relaxers to uterine fibroid tumors in women and early puberty in young girls.

Led by Lauren Wise of Boston University’s Slone Epidemiology Center, scientists followed more than 23,000 pre-menopausal Black American women from 1997 to 2009 and found that the two- to three-times higher rate of fibroids among black women may be linked to chemical exposure through scalp lesions and burns resulting from relaxers.

Women who got their first menstrual period before the age of 10 were also more likely to have uterine fibroids, and early menstruation may result from hair products black girls are using, according to a separate study published in the Annals of Epidemiology last summer. Three hundred African American, African Caribbean, Hispanic, and White women in New York City were studied. The women’s first menstrual period (menarche) varied anywhere from age 8 to age 19, but African Americans, who were more likely to use straightening and relaxers hair oils, also reached menarche earlier than other racial/ethnic groups.
While so far, there is only an association rather than a cause and effect relationship between relaxers, menarche, and fibroid tumors, as Tamika Fletcher, co-owner of Natural Resources salon in Houston, pointed out in a Fox report, the hair care industry isn’t regulated by the FDA so there’s no telling what black women are putting in their hair and how harmful those products may be.

These studies go way beyond the damaging effects chemical relaxers may have on one’s hair, women and girls may be damaging their reproductive systems with some of the hair products they use, making it even more critical to know exactly what you’re putting in your hair and in your body.
How do you research the hair products you use and make sure their safe?

8 Hair Myths––Debunked

By now you probably know that washing your hair every day can dry out and damage your locks, which is why experts recommend only sudsing up two to three times per week instead. That got us thinking-what other long-standing hair beliefs can't be trusted?  Read on for what experts  had to say about everything from treating greasy strands to understanding your hair's natural texture. 

Myth #1: Slather on mayonnaise and olive oil to deep condition your hair.

While kitchen staples like mayo and olive oil do contain moisturizing properties, adding heaping handfuls of the stuff to your locks isn't the ticket to silky hair. The success of this treatment depends on the type and texture of your hair,  If your hair is fine, limp or sparse, you'll see a greasy or heavy result. But if you have thick, coarse and extremely dry hair, mayo and olive oil can be a low-cost alternative to deep conditioning treatments, so long as you apply them correctly.Distributing one tablespoon of either ingredient into clean, damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then thoroughly rinse with a gentle cleansing

Myth #2: Always comb your hair from top to bottom.

Though nearly every hair commercial features women brushing their locks from the roots downward, combing wet hair in this manner can actually cause breakage. Avoid snapping strands by combing your hair from bottom to top instead. Start at the ends and work your way up. This will put less stress on your hair than if you started at the top and had to pull downwards to detangle a massive knot. Use your other hand to hold onto the hair above the knot you're detangling so that the pressure doesn't pull the hair from the roots, which could cause hair loss. 

Myth #3: Nothing will ever change the natural texture of your hair.

Baffled by why your naturally stick-straight hair has suddenly turned wavy? It has to do with the length of its growth cycle, nutrition and medications. While the actual hairs we have are technically dead, the scalp and hair root are not. Medications affect the strength of the hair root and can lead to curling or color changes. Additionally, they can weaken the root, eventually leading to hair loss, as happens with chemotherapy." Stress, age and hormones may also play a role in how your hair texture behaves, turning thick hair thin, or coarse hair fine.

Myth #4: If you have greasy hair, skip conditioner.

Greasy hair is caused by the overproduction of sebum; a waxy, oily substance that comes from the tissues of the scalp-so skipping conditioner altogether is not going to cure the problem. Instead, she recommends those with greasy locks to "shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair only, steering clear of the scalp. Once your hair is dry, applying dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil. Since oil deposits can build up on styling tools and redistribute them throughout your hair, also recommends keeping your brush clean by occasionally using a fine-toothed comb to remove the hair that can get stuck in its teeth. To remove oil and build up, dip both your brush and comb into a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo, rinse with warm water and let dry face down. 

Myth #5: You can't dye your hair while pregnant.

Pregnant women need to be concerned with what they're exposing their body to. The big concern for me is that some hair products contain formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that  any woman, pregnant or not, steer clear of. Formaldehyde will be noted on a product's ingredients list, so to be safe, choose a dye that doesn't contain it, opting instead for one that has as many natural ingredients as possible, such as henna-based dyes. If you go to the salon for color, ask your stylist what ingredients are in your hair dye, and see if there's a more natural option to pursue. (Note: Formaldehyde can also be found in Brazilian blow outs, a hair-straightening treatment.). 

Myth #6: You have to constantly change up your shampoo and conditioner in order to get great results.

If your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner don't seem to be working as well as they used to, don't rush out to pick up new brands. Contrary to popular belief, hair doesn't "get used to" products-build-up and residue is usually to blame for lackluster locks. Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term,. Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favorite products.


Myth #7: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.

While regular trims are a great way to keep your hair healthy, monthly snips won't turn you into Rapunzel. "On average, hair grows about half an inch every month regardless of whether or not you trim it.  "While cutting ends will prevent damage and encourage stronger, healthier hair, it doesn't tell the roots to grow faster." However, healthy hair may appear longer, since it's free from dry, damaged and broken ends. So visiting your salon every eight to 12 weeks is still the key to maintaining healthy, long locks.

Myth #8: All hair grows at the same rate.

Ever wondered why the perfect symmetry of a fresh haircut never lasts?Hair grows at different rates on every part of the body, including on your scalp. Hair goes through three phases of growth, and each area of your body has different phase times. While there's nothing you can do to even out your hair growth times, regular trims will keep your style looking consistent.

Make Me Beauty Place!

Make Me Beauty Place continues to maintain its place as the Number 1 Hair place on the mainland . Situated in the heart of Lagos - Surulere , this Salon prides itself not only with their cascade of hair trends but is also known as the Go-To- Hub of most celebs in these parts .

Here are a few of their Head-stunners .....................

For more images and contact -------------.http://www.facebook.com/MakeMeBeautyPlace

Hair Loss Linked to Braids and Weaves in New Study – How to Prevent It.

 A recent study in the Archives of Dermatology found that braids and weaves may contribute to permanent hair loss in African-American women. The report reads: “The resulting prolonged traction [used to create the styles] can produce chronic folliculitis, which can eventually lead to more scarring.”

Almost 60% of 310 women surveyed for the study had central hair loss with scarring. Among those with the most serious hair loss, 57% wore braids and weaves, as seen predominately in African-American women, this type of hair loss, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, centers on the vertex (crown) of the scalp and spreads peripherally.

Most women of color wouldn’t be surprised by these statistics as any tight style can break your hair if not done properly. But a woman’s hair is her crowning glory so it’s important to nurture it with optimal care so hair loss and permanent scarring doesn’t become your reality.

Take heed to these tips that will help you achieve longer, stronger and healthier hair:

*Give Your Hair a Rest from Tight Braids and Weaves

While you can wear braids and weaves if you’d like, be sure to care for your hair while it is styled, refrain from getting these styles frequently and avoid too-tight braiding and sewing when wearing weaves.

*Wash Hair Regularly

It seems like this should be common sense but many women of color don’t wash their hair often enough to avoid messing up their hairstyle. The foundation to healthy hair is clean hair. Women of color should wash and condition their hair a minimum of every 10-12 days, but this can vary depending on your hair type. This is also true when wearing a weave because dirt can cause bacteria to build up, which leads to infection. Be sure all to remove all shampoo and sit under a hooded drier after.