Hair Care Tips

As I was sitting on my bed last night pondering on my hair goals for 2010 I started to flash back on my hair journey. Growing up I always thought that my hair couldn't grow...and if it did, it would didn't grow past my neck (NL: neck length). I finally gave up on my hair and decided to just cut it all off in the summer time and rock a weave during the winter months. A co-worker of mine told me about Long Hair Care Forum, and after reading the many posts I found out my hair actually had hope.

Everyone’s hair grows...at different rates, but it grows. The main reason why a lot of African American women have problems with hair growth is because they don't understand the concept of retention and very often abuse their hair and scalp.

Here are some tips for you ladies:

1. Remember the ends of your hair are the oldest and it must be taken cared of. As long as you keep your hair moisturized and protect those ends you should be straight. If possible, try to moisturize your hair nightly and tie your hair down with a silk scarf. If you don’t have a silk scarf then use a silk pillow case to protect your hair while you sleep.
2. When you apply moisturizers or conditioners to your hair...never neglect the ends of your hair!
3. There are wonderful growth aid products out there such as Mega Tek and Ovation Cell Therapy. Products like these boost the rate of your hair growth.
4. Eating healthy, drinking plenty of water and exercise also helps with the health of your hair.
5. Massage your scalp nightly. You must NOT scratch your scalp if it gets flaky, try massaging more, patting, or softly removing scales with a comb. Scratching tears the skin or makes it easy for bacteria to enter and infections to arise.
6. Heat can be your enemy. Try to limit the use of heat (i.e. flat irons, curling irons, pressing combs and blow driers). If you do use any of these products, try using them at a low temperature.
7. Protective Styling is your friend! I've managed to keep my hair healthy and I was also able to retain my length by using weaves as a protective style. There's plenty of protective styles you can use such as bunning, weaves, braids, half wigs, wigs, lace fronts.....the list goes on!
8. Deep conditioning is your friend. Try to do this weekly and your hair will thank you. To spice up your deep conditioner, try adding a little honey or extra virgin olive oil.
9. When detangling, try using conditioner to soften your hair and then detangle starting from the ends up working your way to the roots. I love Mane and Tail's Detangler!!! Treat your hair like fine china...handle with care and always remember that your hair is most fragile when wet.
10. We all like that creamy crack called a relaxer and let’s not forget that color box. If you do color or relax try to keep it at a minimum. I personally relax my hair ever 16-18 weeks, instead of the usual 6-8 weeks.
11. Dust or trim your ends when needed to avoid split ends. I trim my ends after each relaxer process.