Curly Haired Diva

Be Fearless. Go Natural.

Hello Beautiful Ones,

You seek CURLS, CURLS, and more CURLS! You have either surpassed the Big Chop Phase or the Transitioning Phase and are ready to fully embrace your beautiful texture. You luv the new length of your natural hair, but need some assistance?

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Establish a Healthy Hair regimen. Discipline yourself and maintain a weekly routine. Use the K.I.S.S. Method: Section and Detangle, Pre-poo, Cleanse, Deep Condition, Moisturize, and Protect. This will keep hair soft, manageable, and free of knots and tangles. Get in the habit of caring for your hair, because it will:
1. Control Frizz & Ease Managebility
2. Soothe & Condition Your Scalp
3. Deeply Moisturize Your Curls
2. Train Your Curls. Because of the bends and curves in our hair strand (afro-textured hair), it is easier to train compared to chemically altered hair. Experiment with styles that will define your curl pattern: Two Strand Twists, Bantu-Knots, and the new Curlformers.
3. Detangle Regularly. Try to finger detangle at least twice a week, depending on length and thickness of your hair to reduce knots and tangles. Detangle in Sections. Limit tangle teasers, wide tooth combs, and Denman brushes to wash days. Start from ends to roots to reduce stress on the hair strand.
4. Co-washing is great for curlies. Use a lightweight conditioner to clean the hair. This can add intense and much-needed moisture without stripping the hair.

Stay encouraged on this journey!

 Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Photo Credit:

nappyjoy.tumblr.com

 

Keep It Simple, Sexy: Cleanse > Shampoo

 

Keep It Simple, Sexy

Use my K.I.S.S. Method to Build a Solid Healthy Hair Regimen

Hello Beautiful Ones,

The primary purpose of cleansing the hair is to remove dirt, excess oils, and product buildup from your hair. Cleanse your hair regularly to prevent dryness and also to prevent dirt and grime from building up on the hair shaft. Too much buildup can block the hair shaft from absorbing moisture. Also, bacteria can brew from a lack of cleansing and can lead to unpleasant odors.

Last time, I discuss conditioner washing or co-washing to cleanse the hair. This week, I will focus on washing techniques using commercial shampoos.



Let’s take a look at the K.I.S.S. Hair Regimen:

Ideally, this process should be done every 7-10 days…

Section Hair

Detangle Hair

Pre-Poo (Optional)

Cleanse Hair >>> Shampoo

Deep Condition Hair

Moisturize and Seal Hair

Protect Hair

I typically cleanse my hair once a week, or every 7-10 days using a commercial shampoo or by co-washing. Only when it is in an elaborate updo, I wash bi-weekly. I will not shampoo my hair more than that because I do not want to run the risk of stripping the natural oils from my hair.

Previously in the Section and Detangle step, I discussed sectioning and detangling the hair, followed by either braiding it  or twisting it. This aids in the cleansing phase, especially if your hair is medium to long in length. Women with TWA's do not have to worry about the Section and Detangle step. Braiding or Twisting the hair prior to your shampoo will decrease manipulation and  reduce the likelihood of tangling. Naturally, the braids will loosen while cleansing. If this happens, just pause for a second to re-braid your hair, then resume cleansing your hair. Braiding the hair and keeping it braided will offset the need to detangle hair during the later steps in the K.I.S.S. Method. Other benefits include the assurance that your hair strands are going in the same downward direction; away for the scalp. You do not want to use the method of scrubbing hair together with shampoo and hair piled all over your head. This can create tangles and knots, like a bird's nest, and can lead to breakage. The less stress you place on your hair during the cleansing phase can help to preserve the hair strand by not breaking the hair or damaging the hair cuticle.

Water temperature plays an important role when cleansing the hair. Warm water expands and lifts the hair cuticles, while cold water contracts and tightens hair cuticles. It is best to cleanse hair in warm water, not hot water. Hot water can damage the hair cuticle, causing the hair cuticle to drastically lift. This can cause them to crack and peel, resulting in dry,  parched hair.

It is best to wash hair in shower. You can wash in the tub or sink just make sure you braid hair first to decrease the amount of manipulation. Use a shampoo that is acid pH balanced and formulated for dry hair, since black hair tends to be dry. I recommend a sulfate-free shampoo for weekly cleansing and a gentle clarifying shampoo for monthly cleansing.

Cleansing Steps

1. Adjust the water temperature to a warm setting.
2. Tilt your head back and thoroughly wet your hair. Do not scrub your hair. Rinse for 1-2 minutes to free it of product buildup and residue.
3. Now, use the pads of fingers to gently loosen dirt from scalp.
4. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of shampoo into your hands. Distribute the shampoo throughout the braided sections concentrating on root and scalp area.  Do not focus on hair, because it can have a drying effect to hair. The length of hair will receive shampoo runoff.
5. Massage cleanser onto scalp in a circular motion, allowing hair to move gently between your fingers. Do not pile hair on top of head or use too much manipulation- can lead to tangling.
6. Allow shampoo to sit undisturbed for a minute. This will allow the dirt and debris to attract to the shampoo so they rinse away easily.
7. Work the runoff lather along the braids or twist in a squeezing motion to penetrate the hair shaft to remove product buildup and dirt. Never scrub the hair.
8. Tilt head back and thoroughly rinse the hair. Rinse well to remove any traces of shampoo.
9. If your hair is really sweaty or soiled repeat steps 4-8. Be careful of over-cleansing; you don't want to strip natural oils from your hair.
10. Next step deep conditioning (Discussed next week)

Next step... Deep Conditioning

I hope this information helps.

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty


Photo Credit:
blkgirlsrock.tumblr.com

Tips to Maintain Hair While Working Out

Who Said Black Women Can't Workout Because of Our Hair?

Hello Beautiful Ones,

There is an ugly stereotype that exist about black women and exercise: Black women rather save their hairdos than workout. We are working to dispel this stereotype and make our health a priority. So many women are involved in activities that contribute to healthier lifestyles such as running, swimming, walking, and many more activities.

I believe the number one question that women ask me is, "How do you workout on a healthy hair regimen"? Well, let me tell you it is possible. It just requires planning and discipline.  Here are a few tips I would like to share with you that you will find useful:

Straight Hair (Straight-Stylers)

• Cleanse hair often. Reserve full shampoo and/or conditioning sessions for times when hair has been severely sweated out or soiled to avoid daily manipulation and too much heated styling.
• To preserve hair straightness, pin the hair up high on the head in a loose ponytail and tuck ends away or try loose pin curls before working out. This will prevent your hair from touching the sweat that has accumulated on your neck and shoulders.
• I recommend an occasional use of a light serum or an anti-humectant product on the hair to prevent premature reversion (too much use of a serum can lead to dryness and breakage; use sparingly).
• You can wear a sports band or satin scarf & cotton bandanna (place cotton bandanna around satin scarf to effectively absorb the sweat) around your hairline to soak up the sweat during your workouts. This will reduce the hairs around your hairline from reverting. Remove sweaty cotton scarf and leave on satin scarf until hair dries.
• Do not loosen ponytail or pin curls until your hair is completely dry to keep your hair stretched out.
• To combat frizzy/curly edges, do not retouch it with a flat iron or hot comb (daily heat styling can lead to breakage). Instead use a light pomade (gel can wet the hair causing reversion).
• Apply pomade to edges with your hands. Smooth pomade with hands or use a brush gently to slick your edges back.
• Wrap with a satin scarf around your hairline. Leave the scarf on until you are ready to leave your house; the longer the better.
• Remove scarf. Now you are left with smooth edges.
• Try "wet bunning" hair, if you do not sweat too much in your head. This is done by cleansing, applying a leave-in conditioner, then pulling hair into a ponytail and bunning. This style will keep your hair looking cute and stylish so you will not have to worry about ruining your style or too-much manipulation. It will also keep sweat from the ends of hair, because it is tucked away. Apply pomade to edges, wrap with a scarf, remove scarf, and you're done. Once you feel the need to wash, you can quickly and easily do so.
• Try a dry braid-out to avoid using heat
• After workout, dampen hair with water in a spray bottle.
• Section hair into four parts.
• Use a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, or hair butter lightly.
• Divide each of the four sections into two equal parts. Braid hair into 8 plaits, place perm rod on the ends of hair. Cover with satin scarf.
• In the morning un-braid hair and fluff with fingers
• Try a roller set to avoid using heat
• Use a leave-in conditioner after workout and set hair to rollers to offset the volume at your roots.
• Workout around your healthy-hair regimen. Do your more intense, sweat-inducing cardio days before wash day. For example, if you normally do your wash and straighten routine on Sundays then, Monday-Thursday you can do your strength training and low impact workouts that will not leave your hair soaked. Then Friday-Sunday you can do your hardcore cardio that will sweat your hair out as it begins to revert to kinky…. just in time for your wash day.

Twists, Braids, Extensions, Weaves, & Wigs (Protective Stylers)

• Cleanse hair frequently. Keeping your hair clean and moisturized is a must. Try to shampoo and condition your hair weekly or bi-weekly. Hair can become extremely dry with extensions, which can lead to dandruff and breakage.
• It is a good idea to dilute your shampoo and conditioner with water to decrease product build up.
• Place shampoo and conditioner in a applicator bottle for easier placement between the tracks or along cornrows lines and along the length of the braid extensions. Be gentle when shampooing your braids or weaved styles. For weaves, keep hair in a downward position to prevent tangling and frizzing. For big, curly weave I would twist my hair before I workout to prevent tangles. Always, gently pat dry with microfiber towel.
• If you frequently wash your extensions, fully dry your hair under wigs, weaves and braids once you have washed it. Damp hair in a warm environment can brew bacteria & mildew and can cause unpleasant odors.
• Add a small amount tea tree oil to conditioner to relieve a dry & itchy scalp.
• After workouts, once the hair is dry. Moisturize with moisturizing sprays throughout the hair. This will combat dryness and keep your hair strong.
• Use a leave-in conditioner on weaves to keep hair soft and shiny.
• If you experience a dry, flaky, and/or itchy scalp, use an astringent, such as Sea Breeze, a cotton swap or cotton ball to gently remove dulling excess oils and dry scalp cuticles. Use the astringent in between braids after workouts to remove accumulated sweat and dirt. This will get rid of sweat and the bacteria that produces odors. Follow with a light-weight moisturizer or spray so scalp won't feel tight or dry.
•  Always wear a satin scarf or satin bonnet at night to protect the hair.
• For weaves & wigs, use a a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair. Start from ends to roots to avoid pulling hair from track.
• When wearing lengthy weaves, try wearing in a loose ponytail to limit the amount of sweat that accumulates on the ends of the hair.
• Toward the end of the week, several days before wash days, I would wet my extensions, lightly put in a leave-in conditioner and braid the hair, to reduce straightening my hair to blend and spending hours straightening the weave.
• Braid or twist hair prior to workouts to decrease the time it takes you to prepare for bed or prepare for work.
• I like Organic Root Stimulator Weave Rx Oil-Free Hair Freshener to eliminate odors and it freshens up my weaves and wigs.

 Curly, Wavy, Kinky-Curly Stylers

• Cleanse, condition, and moisturize hair frequently. Co-washing in between full washing sessions are a great option for you to gently remove sweat and dirt without stripping the hair by using harsh surfactants that are found in most shampoos. There are also a lot of sulfate-free shampoos that can be use weekly to cleanse hair. Gentle, clarifying shampoos are great to use once per month  or as needed to remove product buildup, sweat, dirt, and debris.
• If you experience a dry, flaky, or itchy scalp, use an astringent, such as Sea Breeze, a cotton swap or cotton ball to gently remove dulling excess oils and dry scalp cuticle. Use the astringent in between braids or twists after workouts to remove accumulated sweat and dirt. This get rid of sweat and the bacteria that produces odors. Follow with a light-weight moisturizer or spray so scalp won't feel tight or dry.
• Add a small amount tea tree oil to conditioner to relieve a dry & itchy scalp
• Pineapple your hair. Pull your hair into a high “pineapple” ponytail with a scrunchy. It will get your hair out of the way and prevent body sweat from getting to it. Also, the scrunchy will allow your hair to effortlessly fall back down when released without leaving a dent.
• You can wear a sports band or satin scarf (place cotton bandanna around satin scarf to effectively absorb the sweat) around your hairline to soak up the sweat during your workouts. This will keep edges pretty smooth. Remove sweaty cotton scarf and leave on satin scarf until hair drys.
• Do your hair at the gym. If you are in the habit of styling your hair at night before bed and working out in the evening, then style your hair at the gym. If you’re worried about your hair frizzing up at the gym while you work out, then twist/braid it up right before exercising then pull the twist and braids into a ponytail and go.  Once your home and showered, you can go straight to bed rather than trying to style your hair for the next day.
• Pick care-free styles. Braids, cornrows, flat-twist, two-strand twists, buns, and updos are easy styling options
• Trying "banding" at night (placing elastic bands along the twist or braid) to keep hair stretched.
• Workout around your healthy-hair regimen. Do your more intense, sweat-inducing cardio days before wash day especially if you like to keep your hair stretched.  

You can read all the tips and intertwine them to build your own workout healthy hair regimen. Do what will work best for your lifestyle and your hair. Keep It Simple, Sexy!

Rule of thumb: Luv Your Hair. Luv Your Body. Luv Yourself

I hope this information helps!

Good Luck on Your Hair & Fitness Journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

 Photo Credit (Ari Nicole Parker):
http://frugivoremag.com/2012/02/nicole-ari-parker-invents-headwrap-that-saves-your-hair-from-sweat/

The Big Chop Diva

Be Fearless. Go Natural.

Hello Beautiful Ones,


So you decided to do the Big Chop? You did not want to undergo the long "grow-out" transitioning period and are you having trouble managing your new TWA (teenie-weenie afro)?

Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Establish a Healthy Hair Regimen. Just because your hair is short does not mean you should not put just as much care into it as when it was long and/or relaxed.
• I recommend these TWA basics:
• Sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash weekly,
• A good moisturizing conditioner for weekly deep conditioning treatments
• Leave-in conditioner
• A  moisturizer and sealant (A butter or  an oil)
• A good styler
• A wide tooth comb and denman brush
• A Spray Bottle
• Massage scalp. Scalp massages can to stimulate hair grow. Try an oil like coconut or jojoba oil and lace with essential oils like rosemary, lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil.
2. Let your grow freely at first to learn your curl pattern. Hair care should come before styling. I would recommend try coils or twists to jump-start curl definition. It may not grow in the same curl pattern. You have to train your curls.
3. Add Cute Hair Accessories to add flair to your new "do". A a cute headband, cute combs and clips, a  flower, or jeweled adornments. You can always wear nice makeup and put on a cute pair of earrings.
4. Stay Encouraged. Hair does not grow over night. Unfortunately there is no magical or miracle product to grow hair quickly. Develop a healthy hair regimen, drinks lots of water, eat healthy, keep your hair clean and moisturized, and protect your ends.

What transitioning challenges have you encountered? Please share.
 Stay encouraged on this journey!

 Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Photo Credit:

Chrisette Michele: http://gofro.tumblr.com/tagged/twa

Keep It Simple, Sexy: Cleanse > Cowashing

 

Keep It Simple, Sexy

Use my K.I.S.S. Method to Build a Solid Healthy Hair Regimen

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Now that we have discussed Step 1 and Step 2, I would like to discuss the third step, Cleansing. This is a very important step of the K.I.S.S. Method. The goal is to remove dirt and product build-up. The goal is for your hair not to feel stripped- maintain natural oils.

In this post, I will discuss only Co-washing for those who prefer this cleansing method over shampooing.

Let’s take a look at the K.I.S.S. Hair Regimen:

Ideally, this process should be done every 7-10 days…

Section Hair

Detangle Hair

Pre-Poo (Optional)

Cleanse Hair >>>Co-wash (optional)

Deep Condition Hair

Moisturize and Seal Hair

Protect Hair


Co-washing is another name for conditioner washing. This is a hair washing method that skips the shampoo stage. Your hair is cleansed with conditioner instead of shampoo. Most women prefer to co-wash because it provides an easier comb-through because it is a moisture-boosting washing method.. It also helps maintain your natural oils. Unlike some shampoos, co-washing reduces the negative effects on hair that harsh sulfate-based shampoos can cause.

Since I workout daily, co-washing is a great way for me to cleanse my hair that will not cause dryness or a tight-scalp feeling. I mainly co-wash in the shower to remove dirt, sweat, and product build-up. Afterwards, My hair feels soft and moisturized and it makes styling easier. Under time constraints, I co-wash when I don't have time to do the entire K.I.S.S. Method.

You can co-wash if your hair is relaxed or natural, although it is mainly used in the natural hair community. Most naturals prefer this gentle cleansing method because natural hair tends to be dry and requires moisture constantly.

Using this method, the hair is simply washed with warm water using a gentle, light-weight conditioner.  Most conditioners on the shelf include gentle cleansers in their formula. Conditioners of this type will do deposit heavy films on the hair strand and  will remove dirt easier. You can co-wash effectively for long periods of time as long as your moisturizers and oils remain light to moderate in use.

The main obstacle in co-washing is managing product buildup on the hair strand. Since there is no shampoo being used, weekly products, especially those containing heavy oils, will build up on the hair strand. If this happens, the hair strand may refuse moisture. This can lead to hair breakage. I recommend using a clarifying shampoo occasionally, at least once per month and the other three weeks in the month you can follow a shampoo free regimen to manage issues with product build up from only co-washing.

Next week I will discuss Part 2 of the Cleansing phase... Shampooing.

I hope this information helps.

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Reference:
Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care, ( Stafford, Texas: Saja Publishing Company, LLC, 2011).

The Straight Styling Diva

Going From Relaxed to Natural

Tips You Can Use if You Are Transitioning and Preferred to Wear Your Hair Straighten

Hello Beautiful Ones,

In my circle, I am one of the few people that has transitioned and is now fully natural and prefer to wear my hair kinky curly 100% of the time. I understand. You don't want to do the big chop and cut all of your relaxed ends all at once. You prefer to transition into your natural hair style but maintain the smooth and sleek look a relaxer can provide.

Here are some tips to consider:

1. Establish a healthy hair regimen. Discipline yourself and maintain a weekly routine. Use the K.I.S.S. Method: Section and Detangle, Pre-poo, Cleanse, Deep Condition, Moisturize, and Protect. This will keep hair soft, manageable, and free of knots and tangles. When you get in the habit of caring for your hair, it makes transitioning much easier.
2. Get your hair trimmed regularly during the transition phase. I'm sure you are experiencing breakage. This is contributed to the length you carry past the line of demarcation (where your new growth meets your relaxed hair). The weight of the newly grown hair causes your hair to break faster; therefore, you must trim your ends regularly until the relaxed hair is fully grown out.
3. Less heat the better. Limit Flat Iron/ Curling Iron Use. Only press hair 1-2 per month.Only Invest in a good heat protectant/blow dry cream to allow straighten style to last longer. If your hair tends to "puff up", instead of grabbing a flat iron, try alternate styles like a Bantu Knot Out, Braid-Out, Flat Twist-out, Updo, a Bun, a Rod-set, or a Roller-set. Also, try Protective Styling to give hair a break from manipulation.
4. Plan ahead. Establish a wash day when it is convenient for you to take time to care for your hair and style your hair.

As I stated in a previous blog post, if you prefer it straight invest in good products: shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, heat protecting spray or serum, a blow dryer, and a  good ceramic flat iron. Hair can burn between 400-451 degrees, depending on the texture of your hair.  Please use the flat iron seldom. Blow dry and flat-iron hair on a low or medium heat setting. Choose styles (the ones mentioned above) where little heat can be applied in between flat iron use.


What transitioning challenges have you encountered? Please share.
 Stay encouraged on this journey!

 Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty


Photo Credit:
lipstickalley.com

Keep It Simple, Sexy: Pre-Poo Treatment

Keep It Simple, Sexy

Use my K.I.S.S. Method to Build a Solid Healthy Hair Regimen

Hello Beautiful Ones,

Last week I discussed the first steps of the K.I.S.S. Method: Section and Detangle. I hoped that article helped you get rid of those occasional stubborn knots and tangles. Gently detangling hair makes the other steps a breeze. Remember the K.I.S.S. Method is an easy way to approach healthy hair practices and build a simple hair care regimen.

Let’s take a look at the K.I.S.S. Hair Regimen:

Ideally, this process should be done every 7-10 days…

Section Hair

Detangle Hair

Pre-Poo Treatment (Optional)

Cleanse Hair (Co-wash optional)

Deep Condition Hair

Moisturize and Seal Hair

Protect Hair

The third step :

Pre-poo Treatment

Pre-poo or Pre-shampoo treatments are hair treatments applied before the cleansing step. These treatments are optional, but I find them beneficial because that add much-needed moisture and softness to my hair. If you have extremely dry hair or suffer from breakage, I recommend adding this step to your regimen. It can help your hair regain suppleness and elasticity. When I use a clarifying shampoo, pre-poo treatments help to retain my natural oils and my hair feels less stripped.

Pre-poo treatments can be done with natural emollients/oils or commercial conditioners, or a combination of both. You can choose to warm your treatment before the application. For simplicity, sometimes I warm coconut oil, then add a few drops of lavender and rosemary oil and apply it to my hair and sleep with it over night. For those who prefer a conditioner, I use a water-base conditioner such as Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner. When my hair feels a little fragile, I use Queen Helene Cholesterol. Make your selection based on the needs of your hair. Remember, experimentation is the key.

Pre-poo treatments are typically done 20-30 minutes to washing or you can use them as an overnight treatment. I prefer the overnight treatment, because I believe it works best for the treatment to fully penetrate my hair fibers.

If your hair is short, it should not take long to apply the treatment. If you have medium to thick hair with length, it make take about 10 minutes to apply. It helps if you have a mixing bowl for a oil/ conditioner combination, applicator bottle, and a plastic cap.

Applying the Pre-Poo Treatment:

1. Since you have already detangled your hair (from previous step), apply the pre-poo treatment to each section untwisting the twisted hair, smoothing the treatment onto hair in a downward motion from root to tip, and re-twisting the hair that was loosened. Apply to scalp also. Work one section at a time. Only use fingers  (can cover hands with gloves) during this step, no combs or brushes.
2. After the hair is covered with the pre-poo treatment, use the pads of your fingers to gently massage your scalp in a circular motion.
3. Next cover, your entire head with a plastic conditioning cap. If you plan to use an overnight treatment cover with a satin bonnet over the plastic cap, so you won't stain your pillow case with oil. The benefit of overnight treatments is it will help to insulate the treatment and your body heat will warm your hair for a deep conditioning effect. If you don't plan to use an overnight treatment, you can still cover with the plastic cap and wrap your hair with a warm towel from your dryer. Or you can sit under a dryer for 20-30 minutes. If you don't choose to apply heat, leave on for at least an hour or until your hair begins to soften to get the deep conditioning effect.
4. Remove plastic cap. Rinse the pre-poo treatment out of hair. If you use a sulfate shampoo, leave a small trace of oil in hair. Hair will feel less stripped. Hair should not feel oily or sticky. Shampoo and condition hair as normal.

This is an optional/personal choice to incorporate a pre-poo treatment. It is not meant to be too complex. If you decide to use this method and use an emollient, make sure you apply light. You don't want greasy hair, because it will make the cleansing phase more difficult. Don't create more work for yourself.

Good Oils/Butters for Pre-Poo Treatments

• Almond
• Argan
• Avocado butter (melted)
• Castor
• Coconut
• Grapeseed
• Jojoba
• Olive
• Shea butter (melted)

*Sometimes I add essential oils as stimulants (Cedarwood, Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, or Tea Tree)

Good Water-based Conditioners for Pre-poo Treatments

• Aussie Moist Conditioner
• Dove Care Conditioner
• Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner
• Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner
• Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
• Queen Helene Cholesterol
• Suave Moisturizing Conditioner
• VO5 Moisturizing Conditioner
• Trader Joe's Refresh Conditioner

Next, I will discuss the Cleansing Step...

Good luck on your hair journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty



Don't Be Scared of a Little Sweat

Ways Exercising Can Stimulate Hair Growth

Hello Beautiful Ones,

There has been many instances in the past in which I avoided working out because I did not want to "sweat my perm out", end up with curly-haired edges, or just did not want my hair looking a mess. Not only did I deprive my body of much needed exercise which caused weight gain, but I was causing my hair to suffer. The first thing we think about when we think of exercise is our bodies. We almost never emphasize the benefits it can have on our hair. In the book, "If You Love It, It Will Grow: A Guide to Growing Long Afro-Textured Hair", Dr. Phoenyx Austin discusses a few ways exercise stimulate hair growth:

• Exercise helps regulate the glands which produce the hormones that will stimulate hair follicles

• Exercise improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to the dermal papilla, which will stimulate hair follicles

• Exercise boosts your metabolism, which will accelerate the rate at which your hair follicles produce hair

• Exercise reduces the release of cortisol (the "stress hormone"), which is responsible for pushing hair into the telogen phase (resting phase of hair follicle)

Now that you have the benefits of exercise on hair growth, this should be an incentive to work out, especially if long, healthy hair is your ultimate goal. Plan your hairstyles that is suitable for an active lifestyle, because hair growth and exercise work together.

Regardless of whether you desire long hair or not, you should still strive to healthy overall: inside and out. Moreover, let us all aim to make exercise a part of our lifestyle. Remember, many adverse health issues can be reduced with proper nutrition and regular exercise. Please do not avoid exercise to avoid messing up your hair.

Rule of thumb: Luv Your Hair. Luv Your Body. Luv Yourself

Do you avoid exercising because of your hair?

Coming soon... Tips to maintain hair when working out.


Good Luck on Your Hair & Fitness Journey!

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

Ask Hair Kitty Kitty

Brazilian Keratin Treatments

I am all about learning as much as I can about new hair care processes. I like to use a common sense approach when I try a new product, get my hair professionally styled, or when I try new techniques at home.

I want to encourage my readers to do the same. Do your research! I cannot stress that enough. If you want to try something and it doesn’t feel like the right thing to do based on your personal research, then you may want to strongly reconsider trying it out. To answer the questions of my readers, I like to use a pro vs. con analysis.

So, one of my college buddies texted me this question:

Q:     Speaking of hair, have you heard anything about Keratin hair treatments, good or bad? I want to lay off relaxers, but I’m not ready to go completely natural. I want to know some good alternatives.

Here’s my take on the Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatments:

Keratin is a strong protein made of amino acids. Our hair, teeth, nails, and skin are naturally made of keratin. The amino acids that form keratin have their own unique properties and can be hard like our teeth or soft like our skin.

               

Brazilian Keratin Treatments are also known as Brazilian blowouts, Brazilian smoothing treatments, Brazilian hair straightening, and Keratin hair treatments. Brazilian Keratin Treatments are one the latest trends in hair straightening, even for black hair. Some black women are using this method in addition to relaxers or to replace relaxers to tame frizz and straighten curly, coiled, or wavy textures. If used correctly, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment effectively fills in the gaps and weak points of the hair.

The method will temporarily straighten and smooth the hair by applying a liquid form of keratin and various levels of formaldehyde (a colorless, pungent, strong smelling gas used in many building materials and to form household products). The solution is dried onto the hair and sealed with a flat iron. The formaldehyde is used to hold the keratin molecules together, thus keeping your hair straight. In others words, it is provides a protective layer of protein around the hair shaft.

The process:

1. The hair is first shampooed, usually with a clarifying shampoo
2. The hair is then conditioned
3. After conditioning the hair, it is  towel-dried or blow dried and divided into sections
4. The Brazilian Keratin Treatment is applied and combed through the hair; it is not placed on the scalp, similar to the application of a relaxer
5. The hair is then dried with the treatment on it. Next, the hair is “blown out” with a hand held blow dryer
6. Then the hair is flat-iron using an extremely hot professional straightening iron. It passes through one section of hair about 6-10 times depending on the thickness of the hair.

On average the results of the Brazilian Keratin Treatments last about 2-3 months. The cost ranges from $150 per professional treatment to $600 per professional treatment, depending on the stylist and the length of your hair. The process takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours. There are at-home Keratin straightening systems, but it is advised that you allow the treatment to be performed by a licensed hair care professional.

It is best for the stylist and the client to wear a mask during the application process because of the strong chemicals that are used. There are formaldehyde-free versions, but they contain a chemical with similar properties as formaldehyde. It is also recommended that you do not wash your hair until about 3-4 days after the treatment, because it takes time for it to settle in your hair. When you decided to wash your hair, it is best to use sulfate-free shampoos, so you do not strip the treatment from your hair. Before getting one, consult with your stylist and a health care professional to discuss the potential risks.

Now, the Analysis Pros vs. Cons

Positives                                                                                              Negatives

Gives hair a silky straight appearance and it lasts for 2-3 months	Excessive Heat Used
Smooths cuticles & Reduces frizz	Formaldehyde can cause cancer
Contains less chemicals than a relaxer	Lots of tugging  & pulling on the hair during the blow dry and flatiron phase
Claims that it will not break hair bonds and alter the structure of the hair as a relaxer does.	During treatment, you may experience symptoms such as watery eyes, burning throat, and a terrible cough
	Strong, unpleasant odor
	Expensive
	Can loosen curl pattern over time because hair becomes heat trained

 

Watch this video to see a Brazilian Keratin treatment performed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsWV0m6WXpI&context=C48d2395ADvjVQa1PpcFPg0Nn_HDdXMlM_4GJYNtfyE2Jom-vXypE=

The Breakdown (My analysis)

Should you try this?

Like a wise man once told me, if the negatives outweigh the positives, use with caution.

First, I question the use of formaldehyde. With prolonged exposure, formaldehyde is associated with certain types of cancer. Also, the short term effects of some individuals are watery eyes, burning throat, and coughing/wheezing which can be extremely uncomfortable. Who wants their eyes to water and throat to burn just to get a hairstyle. Ask yourself, “Is a temporary beauty treatment really worth you risking  your health”?

Moreover, I would not try it because I feel that our hair is too delicate to undergo excessive combing and tugging, and excessive heat styling (blowdryer, hooded dryer, then flat iron). If your goal is to have healthy-looking hair then the long term effects of this treatment can put a roadblock in your process. It is not worth the risk of damaging your hair. My advice would be to develop a solid and consistent hair regimen and alternate between thermal styling and protective styling (protective styles are great to retain length).

I would say a good alternative to a relaxer is to simply go natural. Do not be afraid. You do not have to do the big chop. You can successfully transition into your natural texture without wearing your hair in a kinky style.  If you prefer it straight invest in good products: shampoo, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, heat protecting spray or serum, a blow dryer, and a  good ceramic flat iron. Hair can burn between 400-451 degrees, depending on the texture of your hair.  Please use the flat iron seldom. Flat-iron hair on a low or medium heat setting. Other suggested styles are roller setting or rod sets, where little heat can be applied in between flat iron use, pin-curling your hair, twist & dry styles, and braid outs using the tension method (will discuss in future post).

Have you tried the Brazilian Keratin Treatment? What were your results?

If you are considering a Brazilian Keratin Treatment, I hope this information was useful.

Luv,

Hair Kitty Kitty

***Disclaimer***

I am not a medical doctor, dermatologist, cosmetologist, nor a licensed professional. I conduct my own research and give my opinion based on my analysis. I do not receive compensation for my opinion on any product or procedure. Please exercise caution when starting any new hair regimen or chemical procedures. If you have questions about how a particular product or treatment will effect or interact with your medicine, your scalp or your skin, please contact a health care professional. The reader will assume the responsibility of using the process discussed.

Photo Credit: http://sn3akrfr3akr.blogspot.com/2010/09/brazilian-keratin-treatment-on-my-hair.html

Reference: www.webmd.com/braziliankeratintreatment; http://www.cancer.gov/