Monday, September 24, 2012

Foods That Make Hair Grow


Food For Hair Growth: Natural Hair Care For Thinning And Falling Problems
Author: Rafael Karimov




Do you want to find out the best food for hair growth? Do you want to solve your hair thinning and falling problems by consuming useful foods for natural hair care? Then read on this article to discover top 3 amazing foods, the use of which you might even not know when it comes to getting rid of hair loss and providing natural hair growth.

Top 3 Amazing Foods For Hair Falling and Hair Regrowth

1.   Apple

You might know that an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. But eating 1-2 apples a day also helps to block DHT and keep hair loss away.  Apple Polyphenols nourish the scalps and promote hair follicles to grow strong, healthy new hair.
Special scientific studies conducted in Japan have proven that Apple Polyphenols (extracted from the apple which is the best food for hair growth) can increase hair growth by more than 300which is really amazing result.

2.   Rooibos (Red tea)

Being a rare and exotic African tea, red Rooibos contains 37 unique antioxidants and various minerals, calcium and potassium.
So if you drink a cup of rooibos tea every day, you will provide all your body with 37 unique anti-oxidants that will nourish your hair follicles.

3.   Green Tea

According to a leading American Research Company, Green Tea is an amazing food for hair growth with antioxidant properties. It has been tested and proven to really stop hair loss. The studies have shown that when Green Tea is applied directly on the scalp, this amazing substance acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to naturally eliminate hair loss in both men and women at a surprising rate of 97
But what if you are too lazy or too busy to buy and consume the above mentioned foods for Hair Growth?  Then your best choice should be Smart Organic Products that provide effective natural hair care for thinning and falling problems both in women and men.

For more information on what feautures you should consider while choosing hair product,
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/food-for-hair-growth-natural-hair-care-for-thinning-and-falling-problems-1196385.html

About the Author
Get your FREE 32 Page Report Where Beauty Expert Rafael Karimov Reveals the Killer Secrets on How You Can Naturally Stop Hair Shedding, Baldness And Hair Thinning Forever Without Going to the Doctor!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

One of The World’s Greatest Hair Care Products for Women of Color


When choosing a hair care product for your hair you want it to work with whatever hair type you may have. All products are not equal and will not give you the results you desire if you choose the wrong one. One in particular that is hot on the market is Pantene Relaxed and Natural. This formula is created for African American woman who chemically relaxes their hair or wear it natural. It gives the hair life and shine without the high price.


RELAXED & NATURAL FOR WOMEN OF COLOR MOISTURE RENEWAL™ SHAMPOOThe Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural Moisturizing Shampoo Gently cleanse the hair without drying it out. This shampoo penetrates deeply into the hair creating softness and giving it vital nutrients that African American hair needs to be healthy. This moisturizing shampoo strengthens the hair while leaving a lovely scent.



RELAXED & NATURAL FOR WOMEN OF COLOR MOISTURE RENEWAL™ CONDITIONERFor manageable and tangle free hair The Pantene Pro-V Conditioner is exactly what you need. Use it for dry and damaged hair. This formula softens your mane while providing your tresses with vitamins and strength. It leaves the hair light and frizz free for better combing and styling.


RELAXED & NATURAL FOR WOMEN OF COLOR DAILY OIL CREAM MOISTURIZERYour hair care product should feed your hair, giving it essential oils without weight it down. The Pantene Pro-V Relaxed and Natural for Women of Color Daily Oil Cream treats and nourishes dry and damaged hair without making it feel heavy. It repairs split ends, prevents breakage and restores natural shine and health to your locks. It also has a lovely scent.


All three plays an important part at giving you the hair you want and need. Together they all promote hair growth, shine, improve elasticity and strengthen your mane for admirable beautiful looking hair without the salon price.


For your chance to win a Pantene Package leave a comment about your hair troubles and if you think Pantene will solve them. Contest ends November 1, 2012.


5 Winners will be chosen

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Argan Oil Benefits for African American Hair



Argan oil became a beauty icon just a few years ago and every since it has been flying off the shelves everywhere. This special oil which is known as Moroccan oil has amazing benefits not just for hair but for skin as well. It is very much like an anti-aging solution and a hair therapy all in one. Agran oil can also be used for dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and wrinkles.

How is it made?

“Pure Agran oil is derived form he kernels of Argan trees that grow in the Southwestern regions of Morocco. The kernels are then cold pressed to extract the vitamins that the oil offers including vitamin e and essential fatty acids” (Tiffany Washington, Is Argan Oil Worthy Of all That Buzz, madammenoire.com, July 2012).  Many people consider it the miracle oil to sooth all ailments. Companies now more than ever invest in this golden oil because of the effective benefits and high demand of it.

The benefits for women of color

Agran oil soothes away your hairs ills. This popular hair oil treats dry, damage, coarse and color-treated hair. It creates a shine of health for your locks and gives it vital nutrients that the hair needs. Using this hair oil is perfect for those who use flat irons, curling irons and blow dries their hair on a daily basis.  Argan oil is beneficial for all African American hair types and it is great at eliminating frizzy hair, while promoting hair growth. This product is good for all hair types.

Many stylists recommend that you apply it to your head to avoid heat damage. Substitute hair spray for Moroccan oil to reduce product build up. It adds a light beautiful shine with increase softness. Argan oil makes the hair stronger and improves its texture. It has essential nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin F and has UV ray protection (Jody Morse, Moroccan Oil: Benefits for Healthy Hair, Dailyglow.com, 2012). When shopping for Argan oil go for the purest because it won’t give your hair that heavy greasy feeling. If you want your hair to be healthy and always looking its best consider hair care products that have natural ingredients.


Monday, September 17, 2012

Healthy Hair Advice For African American Women

Top Five Hair Care Secrets By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Miles]Tracy Miles 


 Who wouldn't love flaunting shining and bouncy tresses that speak of good health and quality hair? Perhaps you too have always wanted to show off bouncy, shiny, and healthy hair but felt lost thinking about how to achieve it. Here are the top five hair care secrets that can help you in your endeavor:

 � Take care of your health: Remember that your hair reflects the health of your body. So, if you are not leading a healthy lifestyle or are not consuming a nutritious diet, your hair won't have a healthy shine, irrespective of whatever product you use. Intake of biotin, B complex, amino acids, folic acid, iron, pantothenic acid, zinc, black currant seed oil, flax seed oil, and silica are found to be good for the health of your hair. So, give your body the best nutrition and see how your hair gets a healthy glow.

 � Stick to your trimming routine: You should get your hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks to stay away from split ends. This holds true even when you are growing your hair longer. Trimming your hair regularly will keep it looking healthy and helps you steer clear of hair care headaches in the long run.

 � Use professional services or products: It's important to use professional services for your hair as too much of trial and error on your part may damage your tresses. So, whether it's choosing the right coloring agent for your hair or selecting the shampoo or conditioner, it pays to seek the advice of a professional hair care specialist. It also pays to purchase over the counter products from trusted brands that have been in the industry for a while.

 � Use proper hair care products that contain sunscreen: Take the advice of your hair care specialist while buying hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners etc that will suit your hair texture. Opting for products that contain sunscreen will help to keep your tresses safe, especially if you have to work for long hours outdoors. However, please take note that too much of shampooing often robs the moisture and can make your hair dry.

 � Choose the right comb: You should use a wide-toothed comb on your wet hair to avoid breakage. However, you can use a brush when your hair is either dry or barely damp. I hope the above tips help to improve your personal hair care routine and good luck in turning heads your way!

[http://www.nioxinshampoo.org]Nioxin shampoo has a great range of products for you to choose from such as the [http://www.nioxinshampoo.org/nioxin-follicle-booster.php]Nioxin Follicle Booster, a great solution if you are suffering from thinning hair. Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Five-Hair-Care-Secrets&id=4312015] Top Five Hair Care Secrets

Hair Care Advice For Black Women During Winter Season



Winter Hair Care Tips For Black Hair By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Simpson]Eddie Simpson

 The winter is here and in full effect in Michigan; which means a change of wardrobe, driving conditions and should mean a change in your hair care regimen. If you were lax in your hair care during the warmer months, you may have survived with minor damage, but if you do not take some serious precautions during the colder months, come Spring, you will definitely regret it. Because the winter months can wreak havoc on your hair, it's very important to choose low maintenance styles so that you do not have to comb or brush often. It's also a great idea to incorporate a routine that causes very little stress on your hair such as letting the hair air dry instead of blow drying it; finger combing the hair instead of using an actual comb; or if you do use a comb, use a wide tooth comb. Also, chose good moisturizing hair care products that do not contain mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum, SLS or SLES, as all of these cause dryness.

 The harsh cold and frosty winds can cause excessive dryness and dandruff, and if you don't retain or replenish the moisture in your hair, damage will soon follow. The best way to combat this is by protecting the hair. During the winter, I never leave out of my house without my hair being covered. I generally wear a satin or silk scarf under my winter hat to preserve the style as well as prevent direct contact with the harsh material most hats are made of. In the winter the air becomes extremely dry and harsh; inside and outside. In order to retain moisture in your hair during the day, it is good to use a humidifier to emit humidity in the air inside of your home or office. This will not only combat dry and brittle hair, but can help prevent or minimize dandruff. Many women opt to wear protective styles during the winter.

Protective styles are styles that guard the ends of the hair from the elements; buns, braid extensions, and weaves are a few protective styles to consider. Each of these styles are generally low maintenance, and if maintained properly will allow you to preserve as much of your hair as possible throughout the winter months. If you choose to wear a bun, it's important to make sure that the hair is not pulled back too tightly, as this may cause stress on the hair line. It is also a good idea to take the bun down every night and lightly mist the ends (about the last 2 inches of hair) with a good moisturizing spray such as Growth by Sweet Nature by Eddie; and then lock in that moisture with a heavy oil such as castor oil. This will leave the hair super soft, strong and moisturized in the morning.

 Braid extensions are also a great choice for winter months. If you follow these simple tips, not only will you preserve your hair, but you will have much stronger, softer and healthier hair come Spring. If you are going to use synthetic braiding hair such as yaki, kanekelon or other synthetic fibers, it is best if you soak the hair in apple cider vinegar and then rinse in cool water before getting your extensions put in. Synthetic braids come coated with a chemical that causes our hair to become dry; this will strip the chemical away. Another way to reduce dryness is by spraying the hair with a braid spray every day, again the Growth Spray by Sweet Nature is an excellent braid spray. You don't have to drench the hair; a fine mist throughout the extensions will suffice.

 Weaves are considered protective only if they are sewn in and your own hair is cornrowed, out of harm's way. In this case, the only thing that is essential to retain moisture is to make sure that it is replenished on a regular basis. Depending on the quality of the weave, it's a good idea to run water through the hair on a regularly, followed with a good moisturizing spray. Regardless of which protective style you chose to rock during the winter, it's important to make water your best friend; drink plenty of it and let it run through your hair often. You don't have to shampoo your hair every time you get it wet, but just letting water run through your hair will restore lost moisture.

 When I wear braid extensions, I let water run through my braid every other day; although I wash them only once a week. I also try to kick up my water intake to no less than sixty or so ounces a day. The best way of all to combat winter damage is to be proactive. If you start out with your hair strong and healthy before the winter, it will be a lot easier to maintain and preserve during winter. Adopt a weekly routine of washing with a moisturizing shampoo void of SLS and SLES; a good deep conditioner, and good moisturizer that does not contain mineral oil, petrolatum or paraffin, as these ingredients lead to dryness.


 I am a healthy hair care specialist, creator of Sweet Nature by Eddie comprehensive healthy hair care system, author of Relaxed or Natural, You Can Have Beautiful, Healthy Hair, and the owner of http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Winter-Hair-Care-Tips-For-Black-Hair&id=1885273] Winter Hair Care Tips For Black Hair

Saturday, September 15, 2012

How To Use A Hot Oil Treatment



It is pretty simple to use an hot oil treatment for your hair. Applying these oils to your scalp nourishes it completely and repairs damage that has been done to it in as little as one day. Hair oils offers the hair important benefits that the hair desperately needs to keep it healthy and full of life. Hot oil treatment is a deep conditioner for the hair to either keep it at its best or to reverse the harm that has been done. Using this particular hair therapy is very easy and quick to apply.



  • First thing to do, thoroughly wash your hair with your shampoo as you usually would do.
  • Next apply your hair conditioner to your hair and leave on the amount of time it says, then rinse. Or you could skip using the conditioner and just go straight for the hot oil.
  • Before you put the oil on your head heat it up in hot tap water in a cup for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Lightly dry hair with towel, try not to squeeze out all of the water from your hair.
  • Now get the hot oil treatment from the water open it up and begin applying it to your hair and scalp.
  • Massage it gently and the way through to the scalp and hair making you get it all over your head, especially your ends. Massage head for at least 3 minutes.
  • Place a plastic cap onto your hair and let it stay on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes. To shorten the time length just sit under a blow dryer for 10 minutes or use your blow dryer for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse hair and style as usual.

As you can see it is simple and easy to use a hot oil treatment. To strengthen and repair damaged and dry hair use it once a week. When hair is healthy use about every two weeks. Buying a leave in conditioner will also help keep your hair looking great and reduce breakage by repairing the cuticle of the hair, which is the layer that protects it.


Vinegar Hair Care Remedy Improves Hair Texture


How to Make Your Hair Silky and Shiny With Vinegar


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
To make your hair light, healthy, shiny, and silky, here are some great tips for using a natural product everyone keeps in the kitchen - vinegar!

Steps

With White Vinegar
  1. Mix the white vinegar with water. This mix should be one part water and three parts vinegar.
  2. Apply the white vinegar and water into your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the mixture evenly, and massage your scalp to ensure you get the roots.
  3. Wait for 5-10 min. Waiting for a couple minutes will allow the mixture to soak in.
  4. Rinse the white vinegar out well. You may want to shampoo after the rinse to ensure you get all the vinegar out.
    • Some people prefer to shampoo before adding the vinegar, as vinegar can be used to restore proper pH to your hair[1]. Play around with a few different patterns and see what works best for you.
  5. Dry your hair.
With Apple Cider Vinegar
  1. Get a bottle of organic apple cider vinegar. For best results, make sure it is also raw and unfiltered.
  2. Mix the vinegar with water. There should be about 10 parts water to 1 part vinegar. If you want, you can also add a squirt or two of honey for moisture and shine [2].
  3. Apply the mixture to your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the mixture evenly, and massage your scalp to ensure you get the roots.
  4. Shampoo and/or condition. Once you've let the mixture sit for a few minutes in your hair, rinse it out using your regular shower routine.
    • Some people prefer to shampoo before adding the vinegar, as vinegar can be used to restore proper pH to your hair[3]. Play around with a few different patterns and see what works best for you.

Tips

  • Keep a spray bottle of one of the mixtures in your shower. Use it for stripping the residue from your hair as well as to keep the soap build up off your shower walls.

Warnings

  • Make sure the vinegar is mixed with water, because pure vinegar can burn your face.
  • Do not get the solution into your eyes as it will sting.

Things You'll Need

  • White vinegar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Honey
  • Warm water
  • Hair
  • Towel

Sources and Citations


Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make Your Hair Silky and Shiny With Vinegar. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Blood Pressure Medicine Can Cause Hair Loss




Our hair is the crown of our beauty and part of our heredity.  Hair makes you look attractive, sassy, sexy and sophisticated. When the hair starts to fall out it can make you lose your confidence and change your appearance. There are a variety of reasons why hair loss occurs. Stress, scalp condition (alopecia), hair styling, improper use of hair chemicals such as perms and hair dyes can damage your tresses and cause it to shed, become dry and unappealing.

What’s it made of?

Hair is a thin, willowy, thread-like fiber made of a protein called keratin, which is found in your teeth, nails, toenails and skin. The body grows at least 100,000’s of hair. There are three layers cortex, cuticle and medulla. The root of the hair is located below the surface of the skin. Wrapped around it is the hair follicle, an opening where the hair shaft begins to grow.



Blood Pressure can cause hair shedding

When your body is stressed and if you take medications it can have a negative effect on your tresses. All medications have some type of side effects; though it may not affect you, it can take wreak havoc on others. Blood pressure medicines can be the reason you are suffering from hair loss. According to LiveStrong.com you can experience thinning hair within a few days to a few weeks when taking your medicine. Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL and atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic) might cause you to lose your hair. Most cardiologists don’t consider beta blockers as the best alternative to treat high blood pressure. Seek advice from your doctor about your meds (peoplespharmacy.com).

If you are experiencing hair loss you should think about the medications you are consuming. Your doctor may not tell you the side effects of medicines, so it is your job to do some research and read the side effects information on the bottle of your prescriptions. Other drugs that are used to treat certain medical conditions that may cause you to lose hair is depression, cholesterol, diet pills, glaucoma, heart medicines, inflammation, ulcers, hormonal and thyroids (American Heart Association.com)

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Is Losing Strands Of Hair Everyday Healthy?

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Is It Healthy to Lose Few Strands of Hair on Daily Basis?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_A_Heard]Tom A Heard

Hair is one of the most obvious parts of the human body that readily catches people's attention when trying to determine the attractiveness of an individual. It then becomes worrisome when, for some reasons or the other, you just started noticing that you are losing strands of your hair on daily basis. An average adult possesses about 100,000 to 150,000 hair strands and loses about 100 of them daily. Losing 100 hair strands a day is not a matter of concern, but it is so, when it crosses that limit and the replenishment is not done at par with the lost suffered.

Actually, it is not a bad thing to lose your hair; I mean we all experience that every day. It is all just part of the normal cycle that our hairs have to pass through. The process only becomes frightening when you notice that the hair you lose on daily basis is in excess of the usual. It should also be noted that the definition of "normal" and "excessive" amount of hair to lose daily varies from person to person. Experts have said, though, that the denser your hair, the more hair you will lose daily, and it is normal.

Some of the reasons which cause hair loss are intake and application of excessive chemical medicines and cosmetics respectively. Some emotional causes are insufficient blood circulation, anxiety, stress, anemia, mental tension, depression and general weakness. Dietary habits which cause hair loss are excessive intake of coffee, tea and too much of oily, fried, greasy and spicy food.

The phenomenon whereby you start noticing a sizeable part of your hair falling off daily could be attributed to a variety of factors. Aging, genetic conditions, skin diseases, unhealthy diets, menopause and chemotherapy are some of these factors that have been identified. When one is suffering from acute hair loss, the first step that the person should take is to find out the root cause for the acute hair loss so that it becomes easy to find a way to fight the cause.

There are different options available for treatment, among which is Ayurveda. This type of treatment makes use of diet, herbs, oil massage and yoga, meditation, among other options for treating hair loss. Green leafy vegetables, yoghurt, non-alcoholic drinks, vitamin C, vitamin B complex, sulphur, zinc sesame seeds, aloe vera and some essential fatty acid are some of the Ayurvedic dietary treatment option. Horsetail, Rosemary, stinging nettle and sage tea are also good herbs for fighting hair loss. Massaging your hair with such oils as Brahmi and Bhringraj oil will also do your hair a lot of good.

This site, [http://www.ayurvedictreatmentforhair-loss.com/]Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair Loss, was specially set up to provide essential information on Ayurveda methods that could assist you in halting hair loss and promoting hair growth. This is where Ayurvedic Treatment for Hair Loss comes in to provide you useful information on Ayurvedic treatment options for hair loss.

We have a group of expert writers, who are adept and experienced when talking about Ayurveda treatment for hair loss & [http://www.ayurvedictreatmentforhair-loss.com/]alopecia

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-It-Healthy-to-Lose-Few-Strands-of-Hair-on-Daily-Basis?&id=7271578] Is It Healthy to Lose Few Strands of Hair on Daily Basis?

Get a Healthy Scalp and Stop Thinning Hair




Scalp Problems and Hair Shedding
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susane_Dean]Susane Dean

Many times, hair loss and scalp issues or problems go hand in hand.  There's really very little debate about that among people who have personally suffered both (often at the same time or occurring close in time period.)  What is widely debated though is whether the two are really medically related.  Ask any one who has suffered through shedding hair which seems to correspond with, precede, be related to, or follow scalp problems, and that person will likely tell you that he or she believes very strongly that the two are connected.  However, having gone through this myself and having spent a lot of time asking for assistance from many different folks in the medical community, chatting on hair loss forums, and  interacting with other sufferers, I can tell you that not every one agrees with this.  This article then, will discuss why I think the two are absolutely related and what you can do to treat both issues.

What Exactly Is Burning Scalp Syndrome Anyway, And How Does It Relate To Shedding?: Typically, any shedding that seems to correspond with a scalp issue (pain, tingling, burning, flaking, discoloration (pink or red) or tightness) gets lumped into the category of being called "burning scalp syndrome."  What is this exactly?  The phrase describes painful and burning sensations that stem from excessive shedding of the hair (otherwise known as telogen effluvium or TE.) The theory goes that as many hair follicles are dying off and ejecting the hair, it can cause sensations in the scalp.

I can tell you from experience that some doctors feel that this is physiological and that you are transferring the psychological pain and worry that you are experiencing about the shedding into physical troublesome symptoms onto your head. I've even heard stories of folks being prescribed anti depressants for this (like the problem is all in their head and not on it.)

This is only my opinion, but I don't buy this.  When my shedding was at is peak, my scalp was literally an angry red color that was painful to even the slightest touch.  My husband noticed it's color without my having to say a word.  I doubt my emotions could've caused this indisputable and very noticeable physical reaction.

Even men can fall prey to the burning scalp diagnosis.  There are studies which have indicated that men who are suffering from AGA (androgenic alopecia or genetic male patterned, baldness) have tighter, more tense filled scalps than those men who have full and healthy heads of hair.  Is this psychological or does it have something to do with the issues going on in their scalp (DHT, dandruff, shrinking follicles, etc.)?

Whether you can definitively answer this questions or not, scalp problems which happen at or around the same time as hair shedding or often painful and troublesome.  Because, to support a fertile and healthy environment to get your hair regrowing in a normal manner and texture (you don't want cycling hair that is miniaturizing and getting smaller), you need for your scalp to be as healthy and free of inflammation (and clogging particles) as you can possibly get it.

Is Treating The Scalp Helpful In Treating The Hair Loss? Here is my theory on burning scalp syndrome or hair shedding with scalp issues - no matter which came first.  If they are occurring together or one is contributing to another, you must treat them both.  You need a healthy scalp to help with hair regrowth and you can't allow clogged or tight follicles to cut off the nutrients or the circulation to the hair that is trying to grow, remain, or regrow on your head.

And, any time you are shedding, this mechanism is causing inflammation in your scalp (which I think is what causes the pain and redness (or pinkness)).  If you don't address this, the hair loss and scalp pain can only worsen and feed upon themselves.  In short, it's a cycle that keeps going round and round until you stop it.

But, here is where most people make mistakes, even when they are trying very aggressively to stop it. They throw harsh treatments, shampoos, and chemicals at the problems. Dermatologist will sometimes give in and give you harsh prescription shampoos and steroids.  This is like pouring acid onto an open, oozing and painful wound.

And, do you know how much irritating alcohol is in growth stimulants like rogaine?  While I agree there is a time and place for treatments that encourage hair growth, harsh options will likely intensify the problem. Instead, based on my personal experience I believe you need to be on a gentle anti inflammation regimen.

Worse, many women panic and start throwing hormone treatments at the hair loss.  They go back on or off birth control pills. They try HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or try to self medicate with thyroid or adrenal stimulants.  This can seriously prolong your shedding (I know this from experience.) Swinging hormones will often destabilize your hair and worsen your shedding.  Hormone issues are the number one cause of hair loss or shedding in women. So, you don't want to worsen these issues by taking your hormones up or down drastically.

A better option is almost always treating the inflammation and scalp issues first.  You want to get the inflammation under control totally before you tackle the hair loss. Often, once the inflammation begins to wane, the shedding will get much better.  Then, you can begin to support healthy regrowth and ridding your scalp of clogging or inflammatory substances that are choking out your hair or impeding its recovery.

  Healthy Scalp And Hair Resources is a website I put together to share my own hair loss story (as well as what worked for me) and to offer information, support, and sources for natural, inexpensive, non irritating (and effective) treatments for people with shedding and scalp issues. You can read my story at http://healthy-scalp-resources.blogspot.com/

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Scalp-Problems-and-Hair-Shedding&id=1559213] Scalp Problems and Hair Shedding

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Natural and Colored Hair Care Milkshake Remedy


How to Make a Hair Care Milkshake

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Milkshakes are a yummy summer treat, or just edible all year round. Here's how to make a truly beneficial hair milkshake to boost growth, shine and even add some nice natural highlights, use this yummy shake once a fortnight, and you'll have stronger, shinier, softer and all round sexier hair.

Steps

  1. In a glass, mix 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons of honey. Mix until the mixture is combined.
  2. Boil hot water, add two bags of Chamomile tea to a glass and add boiled water until it is a quarter way up the glass. The Chamomile will help bring out red highlights. Brunettes and redheads should use Chamomile or if Chamomile is unavailable, substitute chamomile with 3 teaspoons of Cinnamon and 2 tablespoons lemon juice mixed. Blondes should use 5 table spoons of lemon juice only.
  3. Mix the yogurt and honey with the hot water and tea (or lemon) concoction. This can be done by stirring or in a blender.
  4. Cool the milkshake down for ten minutes and slowly apply to hair.
  5. Leave in for 30-45 minutes and wash as normal in the shower.

Tips

  • Make sure to cool the shake before applying to hair to avoid burning.
  • Add other ingredients like olive oil, almond oil, castor oil, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar.
  • If you have oily hair, add 1 tsp lemon juice to your tea or hot water.
  • If you have dry hair halve the lemon juice or just add to your tea to any of the aforementioned oils.
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Make a Hair Care Milkshake. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

How To Cut Off Split Ends


How to Trim Your Own Split Ends

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Not every trim requires a trip to the salon. Taking care of your own split ends can keep your hair looking sharp between visits.

Steps

  1. Obtain a pair of hair shears. Normal scissors will gnaw through your hair and cause you more split ends. You can purchase them online or at a local beauty supply.
  2. Cut perpendicular to the hair strand. This will keep the end stronger than a slanted cut would.
  3. Make the cut about 1/4” above the split to ensure a healthy end.
  4. Try trimming against a light background if you have dark hair and vice versa.

Video


Dusting

  1. Start with a section of hair and cut off the split ends of individual strands. You can use one of the methods described below if you wish.
    • Take a small section of hair, and twist it. The ends of the hair will pop up out of the twist and you can see split ends and trim them.
    • Spread out a section of hair with your fingers. Place your index finger over the top of the section, the middle finger adjacent and underneath, and your ring finger over. Basically weave it through these three fingers. As you slide your fingers down the section you should see bad ends popping out, so trim them. Continue all the way down the strand. Be prepared for eye strain!
    • Take a section of hair, leave it loose and search through it for split ends.
  2. Start on a new section and repeat.

Trimming

  1. Ask a friend or family member to trim your hair. It's useful if they have some experience cutting hair. You can trim your own hair if you are careful.
  2. Wash and condition you hair. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb while the conditioner is still in. This will separate your hair into sections.
  3. Take a section and bring it forward, take the end of this hair section and hold it firmly between two fingers just above where you want to trim, and make the cut.
  4. Bring the next section forward and repeat.
  5. Make sure you comb your hair very well and do not disturb the ends of the section. It is also important to keep the cut and uncut section separate and cut the same amount of hair off each section.

Tips

  • It's recommended to use special scissors made for cutting hair, as normal household scissors will damage hair. Don't forget that hair scissors are very sharp and are designed to prevent the hair they grasp from slipping out, so if you pinch some finger skin in them by accident, you probably will have a pretty deep cut in your skin. Use with caution!
  • Products that claim to "heal" split ends are false. They will only temporarily glue split ends together. They may help prevent messy hair however.

Warnings

  • If you are a child, get an adult's help for this. It will turn out looking much better because a second person is in a better position to see whether a cut will leave a "hole" or make a portion of hair too short.
  • Unfortunately going to a professional and asking for a 1 inch trim to get rid of splits often results in the loss of much more hair than 1 inch. Part of this may be due to the hairdresser deciding that he/she knows better than you, and part of it may be not being firm or clear enough in your instructions.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Trim Your Own Split Ends. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Perfect Shampoos For Colored Hair


Hair Fashion Of 2012 Include Vibrant Hair Colors: Are You Game?

Author: jaisikawilsonn
The 'Spring-Summer 2012' fashion week saw pastel-haired models scorching the ramp. The 2013 cruise-resort shows for Chanel and Marc Jacob also featured this chic look, which is now donning the covers of top fashion magazines. This has made sulfate free shampoo brands in demand, as you need the best products for your hair, if you want to maintain such looks.

Dare to color hair?

Applying crazy colors on the hair is not a new trend. For decades, we have seen rock stars and celebrities flaunting their hair in extra bold colors. Bright hues of pink, green, yellow, electric blues, or purples have always popped eyeballs and made us think, "what are they doing?"

Another question that comes to the mind is, "how do they take care of their hair with such colors?"

Well, the first question is a matter of personal choice, but the answer to the second question lies in sulfate free shampoo brands. They are gentle and natural-based shampoos, designed for all hair types, including color-treated hair.

This is the reason why you can see the 2012 runaway trend dipped in colors. It is time to come out of the recession and brighten up your moods. Another reason is that color products, nowadays, are not as harsher or darker as they were earlier. You can also get ammonia-free color products. The sheer range of choices in hair styling, coloring, and cleansing products have made people ready to experiment with daring make-overs.

Fairy tale hair
Colors make you feel happy. Shades like deep blue, magenta, turquoise, purple, and jewel tones look great on brunets, while lighter hues of pink, peach, yellow, rose, and gold look terrific on blondes. Gray, with a touch of lavender, looks lovely on ladies with elegance.

Hair care

According to dermatologists, bright hair colors last only for 15-20 days and then start to fade. You may need to apply hair gloss to maintain the sheen of the color. Moreover, you need to use shampoos and conditioners designed specifically for color-treated hair.

Remember, permanent dyes can strip off the natural oils from your hair, giving them straw-like texture. Use semi-permanent hair color instead, as it only gets deposited on the strands. Moreover, you should discuss with your stylist about the choice of the color and the correct technique to color hair. For example, if you are a brunet and wish bubble-gum pink hair, you may need to first bleach your hair to let the color set in better on the strands.

Ladies with thin hair must choose highlights rather than coloring their entire mane. Highlights add fullness to tresses. They should also use hair thickening shampoos.

Be careful while washing brightly-colored hair. Do you know the H2O molecules of water are responsible for fading the color? So, avoid being under the shower for too long. Make sure to use only the best hair products designed for colored hair. Keranique revitalizing shampoo is one of the products that falls in the best products category.

Celebrities, such as Kate Perry, Lady Gaga, and Minaj, are the pioneers of coloring hair crazy. Now, an increasing number of celebrities like Emma Watson, Carrie Underwood, Sienna Miller, and Lauren Conrad are flaunting delectable hair colors. You, too, can join the bandwagon, but make sure to use only the best sulfate free shampoo brands to avoid damaging your hair.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/hair-fashion-of-2012-include-vibrant-hair-colors-are-you-game-6152843.html
About the Author
Keranique offers a collection of top sulfate free shampoo brands, including Keranique revitalizing shampoo, voluminzing conditioner, hair thickening shampoos, and more. Visit the site to order these products.

No More Brittle Hair and Split Ends







Dry hair causes brittle hair and split ends. Dehydration of the hair can be set off from excessive heat and not properly moisturizing your ends. No matter what style you choose it will not appear attractive if it’s too dry and damaged. Hair breakage will occur and your hair loses its appeal. Applying heavy grease to the hair may add shine and moisture but it will weigh it down and it won’t be bouncy.

Using the right hair care product will not only give you the hair you deserve but it will add value to you hairs elasticity. And even so, not using a hair care product will do the same. I know you are wondering what I am talking about. I’m talking about oils, not just hair oils but oils that can be used in a variety of ways contributing to your health. I know you’ve heard of Olive Oil, right? Who hasn’t?

Whenever my hair is dry I use Luster’s Pink oil Moisturizer and Olive oil after styling my hair. This omega fatty rich oil gives hair life and shine without weighing it down. It is full of antioxidants which are good for strength, youthfulness and beauty on the inside and out. Olive oil has been castoff in my family for over 15 years. At first when I saw my mother using it I thought she was silly. I’d only known this particular type of oil for cooking not for skin care and hair.

As I got older of course I had experimented with a lot of hair care items to see which was perfect for my hair type. And believe me having thick and course hair is not easy to maintain. Sure, it’s stronger and easy to hold hair styles, however it was a pain to comb especially when it was time for a perm. I was reading the Ebony magazine one day and there was a topic that caught my eye. The topic was about stars revealing their beauty secrets. Tamara, the twin from the TV show called Sister, Sister said that “olive oil does wonders for her skin.”



Without hesitation I decided to try it out. I applied it to my hair and I have to admit I liked what I had seen. It instantly made my hair feel soft and smooth. It gave my hair a beautiful light shine and I was feeling it. Then I tried it on my skin and at first I didn’t see a difference, so I gave it more time. After a week or so I noticed that my skin didn’t dry out as quickly as it usually did before I started using the olive oil. My skin became softer and it appeared well nourished. I use it all the time, but you have to apply a small amount at a time because too much will soak through your clothing leading to staining and the odor of the oil.

According to Daily Glow.com “Olive oil is used for brief scalp massages to increase the blood flow that will then relieve brittle and dry hair.” It can be used as a leave in conditioner to promote hair growth in areas where balding and thinning is a problem. It reduces frizz, adds shine and aids in the treatment of split ends. http://www.dailyglow.com/reverse-brittle-dry-hair-with-natural-oils.html

Other essential oils are great for skin and hair such as coconut, jojoba and argan oil. The difference between the argan, jojoba and olive oil is that you can’t cook with the argan and jojoba oil like you would with olive oil. These oils are perfect for reversing hair damage. Argan oil is an excellent regimen for hair and skin.  You simply can’t go wrong with either.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Simple and Quick Hairstyles for Fall 2012

I was just doing some browsing because I love looking at new hair styles. I came upon a few and I think they are cute and simple styles that doesn't require much time to maintain. Some people like to change their hair during the seasons of Fall and Summer and I think these are perfect for those looking for a change. Choosing a different hair style can be confusing if you don't quite know what you want. And what better way to browse around at trendy hair styles than by searching for celebrities because they are always up to date with the latest hair cuts. Celebrity hair styles are always hot because they have the pros to tell them what's right and what's not.




















African American Women How To Regrow Your Hair Naturally


7 Natural Hair Regrowth Treatments For African American Women

Author: Charles Zoe

African American women can lose an excessive amount of strands for a variety of different reasons. Medical issues such as a vitamin deficiency, lupus, anemia, stress, hormonal fluctuations caused by childbirth or menopause. Natural remedies have been used for centuries as an aid to fighting baldness. The simple mixing of various foods and herbs have proven to be some of the best treatments for controlling a thinning hair problem.

1. Use good quality hair care products based on your hair type, be it oily, dry or normal. Herbal shampoos and conditioners are a good bet as they are free of harmful chemicals. You can also try using hair mask for damaged hair to restore the vitality and sheen to your hair.

2. All of the chemicals and heat African American women use during the styling process make their strands very vulnerable to breakage. You can use natural oils to protect your strands from the harsh treatment. Natural oils also provide the strands with proteins which will stimulate growth. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or castor oil.

3. Sage and Rosemary - These two herbs are useful when applied externally. How you would go about this would be to create a liquid out of a few different herbs, these would be sage, rosemary, peach leaf, nettle root all in water and boiled together. You would then strain the liquid from the loose herbs and wash your hair with the liquid daily.

4. If using a blow dryer, keep the setting on cool and when brushing hair use a brush with long bristles and wide spacing between rows. Always brush hair slowly and gently so you do not pull the hair out at the root. Never use sharp clips or rubber bands as these will pull at the roots and break off the hair. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and change your shampoo and conditioner. Massage the scalp gently after shampooing to stimulate the hair follicles.

5. While excessive washing can result in hair loss, washing your hair to remove the dirt and the dead cells is important for faster hair growth. Keep your hair brushes clean and make sure that you do not brush in the old dirt and oil. Avoid brushing your hair when it is wet and skip all the chemical dyes and styling tools to prevent hair damage.

6. The process of styling and the hair products that African American women use can also lead to excessive shedding. Perms, the heat from blow dryers and flat irons, and the harsh chemicals in some styling solutions strip away the protein from black strands. These proteins must be replaced or the strands will snap and break off.

7. Jojoba Oil - This is a traditional Mexican and southwestern native American remedy that they used for dandruff and hair growth. It is also helpful with other conditions such as eczema, seborrhea, psoriasis, and dandruff. One other benefit is that it is a natural moisturizer and will not irritate hypoallergenic skin.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/7-natural-hair-regrowth-treatments-for-african-american-women-4545086.html
About the Author
Author is an online medical researcher on hair loss treatment and yeast infections treatment. Click read more on hair loss treatment, yeast infection treatment.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Black Women Hair Loss Solutions


African American Hair Loss

Author: Alanna Brown
In the United States, there are approximately 21 million women and 35 million men suffering some degree of baldness. Ninety-five percent of that is due to androgenic alopecia, which accounts for various ethnicities, including African American hair loss. But for this particular ethnic group, there are other alopecias that have historically caused significant hair thinning.
The Specific Causes of African American Hair Loss
In addition to androgenic alopecia, commonly called pattern baldness, there are two conditions present mostly among people of African descent.
  • Traction alopecia
  • Central cicatricial centrifugal alopecia
Traction alopecia is gradual hair loss as a result of constant or frequent harsh pulling on the hair. Most commonly seen in African American women due to the cultural styling of their hair, this condition can result from corn rows, braids, extensions, weaves, ponytails, and barrettes. The thinning will begin to manifest in a recession at the periphery of the scalp, meaning the frontal and rear hairlines, and behind the ears.
Central cicatricial centrifugal alopecia (CCCA) is another major cause of African American hair loss, however, it manifests at the top center of the scalp. This condition is the result of traction alopecia in combination with the continued use of abrasive chemicals and/or heated appliances. These chemicals, such as relaxers, bleaches, and dyes, weaken the keratin structure of the hair, thus undermining its tensile strength. For example, an amalgamation of chemical straightening and weaving in hair extensions will result in CCCA over time.
Curing African American Hair Loss
The same general solutions that exist for alopecia affecting Caucasians and other ethnic groups are also available to people of African ancestry. Rogaine (minoxidil) is an FDA-approved medication used to stop hair loss and possibly stimulate re-growth. It is available over the counter and administered topically. The only problems with Rogaine are:
  • It is not affective at restoring hair to the hairline, thus would only be useful for treating CCCA.
  • It currently exists only in a liquid formula, which is typically ineffective with, and not conducive to, the typical hair care practices of African American women.
An excellent way to permanently reverse African American hair loss is through hair transplantation. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a favorable method due to its single follicle extraction process, which leaves little scarring and enhances the overall result. However, with FUE or any hair transplant technique, the following specifications must be considered:
  • African American people typically have curly or kinked follicles, which are difficult to excise without a raised transection percentage. In addition, the follicle tends to have a stronger attachment to the surrounding tissue, making the hair more difficult to excise.
  • African American people have heightened scarring tendencies, including a tendency to keloid during healing.
To avoid raised transection rates and severe scarring, hair restoration surgeons must take special care when treating African American hair loss.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hair-loss-articles/african-american-hair-loss-5777998.html
About the Author
Author: Alanna Brown, content writer for DermHair Clinic
At DermHair Clinic, our goal is to impart the latest innovations for hair restoration, and to provide information on recent discoveries in the field.
Sign up for a free online consultation or visit http://www.dermhairclinic.com/

How to Take Care of Black Girls' Hair: Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Take Care of Black Girls' Hair: Step-by-Step Instructions

Perm Hair The Healthy Way

Straight, long, bouncy and healthy hair is what most of us desire. If you are looking to perm your hair or you have already endure the process of getting an perm there are steps you should consider to keep your hair healthy. Perming your hair is not just about getting it straight. It's about maintaing the nature of your hair by keeping it strong and beautiful. Because of the chemicals that are in a perm it can easily damage your hair. That's why it's important to do it the right way, always follow the directions of the perm kit.



Healthy hair takes effort and wise decisions when it comes to your locks. Deep conditioning is essential when it comes to caring for your tresses. Most of African American women desire long straight lively hair and in order to get it, you have to know what you are doing when it comes to maintaining it. When it comes to perming your hair follow these tips:



  • Always follow the directions in the perm product kit
  • Never leave the perm on no longer than what it says
  • Gently come your hair after shampooing it, don't comb so rough
  • If you hair get tangled, spray a detangling product onto your hair for easy combing.
  • Use the conditioner in the perm kit
  • Then use a hot oil treatment for added protection of your hair. Because after perming your hair your hair is fragile.
  • Try not to blow dry your hair and if you must set the blow dryer to a low setting. Or you can allow the hair to air dry if you have the time.
  • Wrapping the hair is a great way to style it and let it dry without the use of hot curling irons or flat irons. Unless you want to add a few curls or a hump to your hair after combing out the wrap.


The most important thing to remember when perming hair is to follow the directions and try to avoid as much heat as possible. Too much heat can damage hair and make it dry and brittle. Nourish your scalp by lightly greasing it at least twice a week and conditioning it once a week with a hot oil treatment and after that reduce to using hot oil hair treatments to every two weeks.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Hot Oil Treatments Gives Hair Essential Benefits



Weak, thinning, brittle, dry hair and split ends is our hairs enemy.  Achieving luscious, fuller and hydrated hair takes effort and the right hair care products. When your hair is not at its best then you can’t look your best. Shampooing hair is important, but so is conditioning and not the ordinary conditioning, rather a deep down penetrating oil that will repeat exactly what your conditioner will do and more.

Deep conditioning, such as a hot oil treatment is one of the most effective ways of achieving strong, soft and healthy hair. It has been used in my family for as long as I can remember because my family loves the benefits of hair oil. When using the product you see a significant difference in as little as one day. A hot oil treatment reverses hair damage giving your scalp great nutrition for quicker new growth and stronger tresses.

Hair oil treatment has been around since the 1900’s. A woman name Madam C. J. Walker created hot oil treatments and other hair care products to give woman the beautiful hair they desire. Now, these items are being used in salons, at home, spas and being sold in beauty stores everywhere. Hair oils are used to nourish and reconstruct hair follicles and moisturize the scalp so that healthy hair can regrow. There are many types of hair managements; however these natural oils offer astounding effects. Because of the need to heat the oil it marinates in the scalp more effectively which then gives you immediate results.




If you have weak hair using this hair therapy is the best way to go because it works, it’s inexpensive and it contains essential vitamins to maintain gorgeous hair. This powerful oil prevents hair loss, reduces fizziness and brings your locks back to life. As you will want your body to be fit, your hair should be as well.

The hair care market is booming and hair oils are taking a big chunk of it, about 50% of the market. Because of the increase of styling and chemicals applied to hair, damage is occurring more often and hot oils are high in demand because of the essential ingredients it has to rapidly repair hair back to its natural state. In the last five years the hair oil industry has reported twice as much healthy digit growth produced by damaged hair due to lifestyle and environmental changes, (Himani Chandna Gurtoo, Hindustan Times New Delhi, and July 15, 2012.)

Although consumers continue to damage their hair, maintaining their appearance is a necessity and they are becoming shamefaced of the harmful effects that the hair suffers. In reality hot oil treatments is a recovery system that they turn to, to reverse the harsh side effects. There are a variety of hair oils ranging from coconut, avocado, olive oil, argan and etc. There are millions of hair oils being sold in the US because of the high demand of such an effective hair care product. Any beauty business that invests in it will definitely gain great profit.
Olive oil is very popular because of its natural benefits it gives to the hair for added shine and strength. It has been around for thousands of years, it contains beauty-boosting properties that improve the image of your skin and hair. The hair oil industry is a billion dollar market promoting products that aid in human beauty. Salons, beauty stores and spas use these products because they know how beneficial they are to there business and customers. Hot oils are not only used for hair but also for skin care as well. They will always be current because of the lifestyle and the environmental changes.

Hairtrade.com has seen a generous amount of sales when it comes to hair oils. One in particular is Moroccan oil. These natural products offer benefits for the entire body at a low cost depending on where you purchase them. Argan is another favorite in the hair care industry. Queen Helene hot oil treatment is one of the most top selling hair care products. Selling these beauty products is critical to an entrepreneur that’s in the beauty business. Now more than ever people are revolving to these natural oils for healing of the hair and nourishment for the body. They are so easy to use and come with a variety of brands, such as jojoba, carrot, placenta and many more.

Damaged, brittle, frizzy and dry hair can be maintained by creamy conditioners; however they don’t offer the powerful results that the herbal hair oils do. Some people don’t know why they have bad hair and it’s because of the condition of the scalp. By feeding the scalp you can grow soft, long and attractive hair with these special oils. It’s a phenomenal market in the hair care industry.


How To Grow Your Hair Long and Strong


How to Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
If you are a Black female wanting to get over the stagnant hair growth hump, here are a few must-do steps for you!

Steps

  1. The most important step in creating a growth-friendly environment is DEEP CONDITIONER! !!Deep conditioner is so important because Black women tend to have curly new-growth. These curly roots make it difficult for your hair's natural oils to move down the hair shaft and moisturize the length of your hair. Deep conditioning after EVERY WASH not only replenishes whatever nutrients were stripped from the shampoo, but it also strengthens your hair for whatever styles and weather your hair will see before the next wash.
  2. The most effective way to wash your hair is with a solution of 50% shampoo plus 50% warm water. Mix the diluted solution ahead of time (about 5 minutes) and pour it over your hair when you are ready to wash it. Very gently work the solution through your hair at the scalp without tangling the length. Tresemme Moisture Rich and "KeraCare" Hydrating are both excellent shampoos. Wash hair as needed depending on your hair type and health. This could be every week with products designed for dry hair and which do not contain alcohol or harsh sulfates and which are pH balanced. Do not over-wash (once is usually enough), as over washing can cause damage, which will ultimately lead to breakage. While washing, rub your scalp very gently. This will reawaken sleeping follicles and promote thicker healthier hair. If your shampoo is normally thick, dilute it with warm water before using it on your hair. This will make the shampoo easier to rinse out which will allow you to treat your hair more gently as you wash it.
  3. Use a protein re-constructor. "ApHogee Protein Re-constructor" is excellent for dry hair types. Doing so will make your hair healthy and strong. Relaxers and shampoos can be very damaging to your hair. Relaxers are made specifically to change the structure of your hair so that your hairs are straight. The main purpose of shampoo is to rip your hair of all bad elements, dirt, etc... Both then of course will also remove needed nutrients and shielding from your hair leaving it dry and fragile. These products can be used of course. You just have to be sure you understand what's happening to your hair so you know how to nurse your hair back to health afterwards.
  4. Before applying the moisturizer, wet your hair with water. Apply a moisturizer (which does not contain petroleum jelly, petrolatum or mineral oil) to the hair. Start about 2 inches away from the roots and apply the moisturizer all the way to the ends. Do this daily or as your hair requires - you want your hair to feel soft and pliable. You may have to experiment with what works for you.
  5. Apply a light oil (olive, avocado,sweet almond etc) sparingly. This may be used on your hair after applying a water-based moisturizer in order to seal moisture into the hair shaft and give your hair a nice natural shine. These oils should never be applied directly to the scalp because it may block your pores and lead to Alopecia or hair loss.
  6. Make sure you use a heat protecting oil, moisturizer, or shampoo/conditioner when using blow dryers. The excessive heat causes dryness, damage and breakage. Air drying hair is a bad method for medium or long hair as water gets locked into the top of your hair and it can cause colds and brittle roots.If the volume of your hair is increased with air drying you can do one of two things: first: apply moisturizer, then air-dry. This will decrease the volume without causing damage; or second: apply moisturizer and use a dome or bonnet dryer on a cool or warm setting. Never use the highest setting unless you have strong hair.
  7. Make sure you clip your ends every 6-8 weeks or every time you have your hair relaxed. When you have split ends and you don't cut them, they will continue to split all the way up your hair shaft, which will cause hair loss.
  8. Comb it carefully to get your hair to grow long. Be sure to use a very wide-toothed comb with no seams and comb it gently from the ends first, as combing from the root's will detangle hair as you comb higher and higher. Never comb from the roots to the ends until your hair is completely untangled.
  9. Avoid daily and/or excessive brushing of your hair, as black hair is fragile. Excessive brushing can strip the hair of its protective layers. If you are trying to smooth your hairline, brush gently, use a soft boar bristle brush, and make sure your hair is completely dry and moisturized.
  10. Treat your hair from within by taking a multivitamin. Use a hair vitamin that will increase your hair growth rate and lengthen your natural anagenesis (growth phase). Also drink at least eight cups of water and eat healthy foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and by exercising regularly to provide good circulation to the scalp.
  11. Consider going natural if you wish. However, relaxers have come a long way in the last 30 years and it is quite possible for African American women to have beautiful and healthy relaxed hair. But you may choose not to go under the chemicals and want a different look. Stop perming and learn how to take care of your natural hair texture. You can follow these rules just as permed female would with some exceptions, you will need more conditioner than instructed, a wide tooth comb (never use a brush, it will snag your curls). You will need to only wash your hair with conditioner (co-washing) instead of shampoo. Shampoo is harsh and will already dry your curly hair more than it is. Natural hair and perms can both be long and beautiful if you know what you are doing. With natural hair you may straighten it but to protect yourself from heat damage (hair that breaks and doesn't curl up or set).Try blow drying with a comb attachment and wet setting before you give it a quick sweep with a flat iron. There are many forums, videos and communities that you can use to chat with women who have decided to grow their hair in it's natural state. Remember to stop tugging on your hair and brushing it with bristle brushes, this will break your hair and cause you to bald, Traction alopecia. Use protective styling or styles that have low manipulation , twists/extensions, bantu knot sets. Remember when you braid your hair to braid loosely, or you will end up pulling out your fragile hair.
  12. Relaxing - Do your homework on both relaxer products and hairdressers. You will need a quality relaxer and an excellent hair dresser to achieve healthy relaxed hair. The long hair forum is a great source of information. Now this is where all of your washing and conditioning treatments can either pay off or be sabotaged by damage. First of all, do not relax your hair more than once every 8-10 weeks. If you can stretch longer, even better. That is 4 times a year or every 3 months. Do not allow your hair dresser to apply relaxer to your previously straightened hair--it will become over processed. It should be applied to the new growth only.
  13. Apply the relaxer. It is best to have someone else apply the relaxer because they have a full view of your head. Before you begin, rub a generous amount of scalp protectant in your hands and apply to the entire hair shaft. Petroleum jelly can be used. Pay close attention to the ends of your hair when applying the protectant. This is to protect hair that has already been processed. Next, apply the relaxer using the manufacturer’s directions. Follow the timing chart so you do not over process your hair. Be sure to wash out all of the relaxer with warm water. Apply a neutralizing shampoo and wash and rinse at least three times. If there are still traces of relaxer in your hair, continue to wash until all traces have been removed. Once all traces of relaxer have been removed, apply the neutralizing shampoo to the hair again. Leave the neutralizer in for 10 minutes. It is very important that you leave the neutralizer in for 10 minutes. Do not skip this step. Next, the neutralizer can be rinsed. Now you can apply the protein treatment, and then follow with the moisture treatment as previously discussed.
  14. Moisturize your hair as often as needed. Black hair is dry because of the natural tight curl pattern. It is difficult for the oils from the scalp to make it down the hair shaft. Moisturize the hair ends with natural oils (olive, avocado, sweet almond,orange extract.)
  15. Most importantly stick to it. Don't give up if you don't get immediate results, it will all pay off when you have long, sexy hair.

Video

Helpful tips to grow hair past shoulder length and beyond!

Tips

  • "HairFinity" consultations are a good resource for finding products that will work for your individual needs.
  • Make sure you have a healthy scalp, your hair won't grow if your scalp isn't clean and healthy.
  • Stop that chop-happy stylist. A chop-happy stylist is the hair dresser who grabs the scissors every time you show up. To grow hair long, you need to keep them from cutting so much of your hair. So how do you stop a chop-happy stylist and the scissors of doom? Here are a few tips
    • If all else fails remember "money talks". If they don't trim your hair when you ask them not to, give them a huge tip and they'll never trim it again, unless you ask. Just be sure to tell him/her the tip is for respecting your wishes. Don't be cheap either! A $2.00 tip won't do, make it $15-$20 and you'll never have to worry about the scissors of doom again!
  • If your hair dresser cuts your hair behind your back without telling you, they don't respect your decision. If this happens it's time to leave and find someone who will respect your wishes.
  • Wearing your hair braided will help your hair grow because no heat is being put on it. Just make sure to constantly moisturize your scalp and spray your hair with braid spray so the braids don't dry out.
  • If extending time between relaxers, use Rusk Smoother Leave-in in wet hair. Wrap with a satin scarf, and sit under a heated dryer for 30 minutes.<
  • Trim your ends regularly to avoid the splits moving up the hair. Even though this seems like it may shorten your hair, over time you'll need to trim less and less and then the fruits of your labor will show.
  • Wrap your hair at night and cover it with a silk scarf or if the scarf slips a lot use a satin pillow.
  • Consider wearing silk robes and shirts as well during the day. Walking around with your hair brushing against cotton shirts all the time can cause your hair ends to break off. Otherwise, put your hair up in a protective style (bun or butterfly clip).

Warnings

  • It is rarely necessary to cut off more than an inch or two unless your hair is severely damaged. Getting hair healthy so you don't have split ends is the best way to get long hair.
  • Make sure your braids are not too tight because this can lead to thinning hair, especially around the temple area.
  • Keep heavy oils, "grease" and gels out of your hair. Gels tend to thin and break off hair, heavy oils and "grease" take away volume and movement and also break off hair. Only use light oils (i.e. olive oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil, ...)

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