My Favorite Natural Hair Picture of the week

The detail in this style really caught my eye!

Do I have Dry Scalp or Dandruff? What's the difference and how can I get rid of it?

I believe that one of the most confusing subjects pertaining to hair, is trying to figure out. What those annoying flakes are that like to pop up, while you tryna look cute. I mean it is very unattractive for a guy to see while combing his fingers through your hair a halo of flakes sitting on your shoulders. And you can't hide from wearing black your entire life. So let's together get to the bottom of this. So prince charming won't get scared and run from the site of "the little snow storm" in your head.

For years we have told ourselves and others that African Americans can not get dandruff. Which is totally FALSE in fact there  is found to be a higher prevalence of dandruff among our African American adults than Caucasian or even Chinese adults.

And when it comes down to dry scalp unfortunately we hold highest in that category as well. And even though from far away to you they both are the same. They are actually two totally opposite conditions. One is when your hair is too oily (dandruff) and the other is when your hair is too dry (dry scalp) so let me break it down a little bit more for you.

Dry Scalp looks grey or ashy. The skin may flake or peel off as well as become itchy and inflammed. If scratched or left untreated. Your scalp may also scale, these scales are white or may appear silver. And can be very thick and intense. Some people are drier than others which means basically your scalp is dehydrated and that can lead to hair breakage or loss.

Causes of dry scalp: washing hair in excessive hot water, winter, cotton hats and scarves, washing hair too often and of your diet.

People get confused in thinking they need oil to solve the problem. But if your an avid reader of my blog you know, that oil is not moisture. Oil makes hair shine, it does not moisturize the scalp. So please stay away from ingredients such as mineral oil, and petroleum based products.

Now for dandruff it is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis which is a scalp condition that not only affects African-Americans but ALL RACES and ethnicities. It is a common flaking of the scalp that regularly affects 15 to 20 percent of the worlds population. Which means you are not the only one fighting this battle.

Cause of dandruff: Its hard to say exactly what is the cause of dandruff, some causes are stress, diet, hormones, and weather.

Now that you have a better understanding of the two, let's try to get rid of it!  First things first go and see a dermatologist to find out what you have.

When you find out, here are some helpful tips to having a healthier happier scalp.

To treat and get rid of dandruff:
First find a shampoo that contans eucalyptus, menthol, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil. Concntrate on more natural products because some of them maybe too harsh for your hair. Also you may just add one of the oils to your everyday moisturizing shampoos.

Step 1: Take a parting comb and gently lift the dandruff off the scalp as much as possible.
Step 2: Shampoo hair twice with Dandruff shampoo with lukewarm water.
Step 3: Apply a moisturizing conditioner to scalp with a plastic cap and sit (no dryer) for 10 mins.
Step 4: Rinse hair thoroughly
Step 5: Apply a leave in spray/heat protect and blow dry and style as desired.

Please stay away from oils and other heavy products. (Dandruff loves oil)
You may repeat this treatment twice a week.

Another remedy which is what I use on my clients is:
Step 1: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with equal parts water add a drop of Tea Tree Oil or Peppermint oil.
Step 2: Section hair and apply to scalp only. Sit with plastic cap for 20 mins.
Step 3: Rinse with moisturizing shampoo follow by conditioner.

How to treat and get rid of dry itchy scalp:
1. Stay away from mineral oils, and other heavy products.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Try to wash hair every two weeks. (If you do hardcore cardio,then your excused)
4. Use steamer with moisturizing conditioner for 20 mins. Once every month or depending on climate change.
5. Eat dark vegetables, like Kale and greens.
6. Try Profolla Silk Moisture Shampoo and Conditoner.

If this doesn't work, then maybe you don't have it. And you should talk to a dermatologist to find out.

A Sneek Peek in My Chair

How to do a Natural Blow out

Shampoo and Condition hair with Natural Sulfate Free products.

Blow Dry Hair with a leave in heat proctectant

Set Flat Iron between 375 and 400 depending on thickness of hair.

Apply a little bit of oil to each section for thick hair, if hair is thin apply a small amount through out.

Slowly silk hair atleast 2 reps a section. Let section cool and move on to next one.

Hair should not be combed until you are finished with straightening entire head.

Once finished comb hair into desired stlye and finish with a light shine spray. (Non-alcoholic)

To maintain wrap hair at night and tie with satin scarf. Never comb with a small teeth comb. Use paddle brush or wide tooth comb.

A Sneek Peek in My chair

This is one of my clients. I two strand the hair in small partings, then rolled small rods spiraling up to scalp. And set under dryer for 45 mins. She is transitiong and is 30% natural. Which is why I used the rods, to curl relaxed ends. Hairstyles usually last 3 to 4 weeks. At night sleep with satin/silk cap/pillowcase, use light moisturizer on scalp every 3 to 4 days or when needed.

My Favorite Natural Picture of the week

I love this pic because my head is shaved too and this is a great idea for a classic bridal look!

For the kids: Should I relax or give my child braids?

This seems to be a very tough question for many hard working mothers. I alaways hear, " I dont have the time to do her hair every morning, can I relax it or put it in braids?" Well, thanks to Chris Rock movie " Good Hair" it helped alot of women defer from putting chemicals in their children's hair. But, yet they still dont know how to take care of it. And some still choose to put the relaxer in it anyways.

As a child develops up until they reach pubirty, the hair is still weak. Which makes it very easy to damage their scalp. It doesn't matter if it is a kiddie perm or regular strength relaxer, the chemical is the same. What people dont understand is that what you put on your scalp goes into your bloodstream. So I am telling you that when you give your child a relaxer you are allowing this chemical to flow in your childs bloodstream. and because your child has not fully develope that means her immune system is not strong enough to fight off dangerous and harmful foregin objects in her body. Which can lead to long-term health problems. Or as she becomes an adult she can devlope Alopecia in the scalp. Kids should not be allowed to get relaxers until 18 when they are fully develped.

Now your wondering well, "If I can't give her a relaxer than can I give her braids?" Sorry this is not an option either. Let me clear something up, it is ok to braid her hair but not weave braids. Braids are cute and they help you to not do her hair often. But they too are harmful to the scalp. Weave is very dry and is stronger than hair from the scalp, due to the chemical process they perform on the weave. It makes it last longer but it also pulls the hair when braiding and most mothers leave braids in their children hair for months thinking only about what works for them. Kids are very active and are wild sleepers so these styles are not made for a childs lifestyle. Kids dont pay attention to their scalp. They more than likely will not tell you if their scalp is too tight, dry or if one of there braids fell out. Though the hair is put up in braids and looks the best. It is in the most fragile state. And if one continues to wear braids, all that pulling on the hair will eventually damage the root and also will create Alopecia into adulthood.

Now, I know you feel like you are running out of options but if you know me and my blog you know what I am going to say. Natural Styles are the best way! It is very easy and very cute! Doing twist or leaving it curly is absolutely the best way to care for your childs hair. You letting her hair rest and continue to grow longer and stronger. Give's your child's hair a fighting chance to be healthy. They can still be active and even sleep wild. The key is to start while they are young by just doing simple twist as they get older the easier and easier it will become to style it. Now, if your child is already in the relaxer phase you transition her out by two strand twist with rods. Here are some other great ideas!

two strand twist into ponytail

let her locs flow free

two strand flat twist

two strand ponytail

flat twist and curls

My Favorite Natural Picture of the Week

This little girl is absolutely darling!

Her hair was twisted, then dried and taken apart and accesorized with a cute bow!

Simple but very chic!