Showing posts with label alopecia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alopecia. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I do Solemny swear to preserve and protect my edges

“Aw man! What's going on with ole gurl's edges?” Maybe even you've asked this about your own hair. There are two main causes of this problem: chemical abuse wrought by relaxers and texturizers and daily hair care/styling practices.



When we subject our hair and scalp to such harsh chemicals, there are going to be adverse effects,one of them thinning edges. The best way to combat this is to immediately stop using all chemicals; but I guess if you're reading this you're in transition or already natural.


Women who have just bc'ed (big chopped) and have short hair tend to style it tightly in order to keep the short hair in check. For instance,your afro puff is cute,but it may be a lil' too tight. Stylin' and profiling' can be done, but not at the cost of your edges.

Loosen up, literally;try a new style if that doesn't work. Wearing tight scalp braids,micro
braids, and glueing in tracks are also big no-no's. You shouldn't need a bottle of Tylenol
after getting your hair done. Tell the stylist to go easy; If you're too intimidated to do
so,then it's time to find a new stylist.

Another culprit may be using a gel with too much protein. Protein is good, but
like everything else it's only good in moderation. Excess amounts can harden the hair
causing it to snap off. Instead of that protein-enriched gel, try IC Fantasia or Eco styling
gel. They always relax my rebelous edges.
There are a few ways to reverse these effects and get your edges to be lush
(again) .Try massaging the scalp with rosemary-infused evoo*. It's not so hard to loosen
your hair accessories from around your hairline. More obviously you should be more gentle when brushing and
combing your edges into submission. It may take a while, but you will notice a difference. And remember, don't sacrifice the health of your hair for the sake of looking
good.





* If you can't find rosemary-infused oil or don't want to make it yourself, then add10
drops of rosemary essential oil and 4 drops peppermint essential oil to 4oz. Of evoo(extra
virgin olive oil) or any natural,organic oil of your choice.






















Saturday, June 13, 2009

Why his hair is longer than hers: Men having longer hair than women
















It has long puzzled me on how a man could have long, thick, and luscious hair;while some women have thin ,short, and or brittle hair. Then I realized , men are not as concerned about hair as women. Meaning they don't flat-iron their hair every morning,curl it every night, or manipulate it as much. They want to be neat and presentable, that's it.



On the other hand, women want to be glamorous. Curly today,wavy yesterday,and bone-straight tomorrow. With a side of orange bangs,red tips, blue roots,and purple highlights. A woman's arsenal can consist of blow-dryers,flat-irons,hot combs,relaxers,coloring-kits,brushes,combs,hair gels,hair lotion and potions, pomades...I think y'all catch my drift. But all a man might have is a brush,a comb,some pomade,and a scull cap.



Men who choose to wear their hair long obtain the length by following the three postulates of healthy hair: no chemicals,wearing protective styles, and no heat.A majority of men follow these postulates subconsciously.They don't know they're wearing protective styles;all they know is that they look good in their braids,twist,or loc's. And if they're wearing any of these three styles, they don't feel the need to chemically or thermally treat their hair.


Some women will disobey all three postulates at one time. They will rock a relaxer and color-treat their hair, wear it down everyday; after they have flat-ironed it. At night women will go to sleep on a cotton pillow, with no head covering; sans cap ,scarf etc. While her boyfriend or hubby lies next to her,in his scull cap,do-rag,bandana or whatever it may be.


After all this mind-bogging analyzing and assessing, I've come to the conclusion that some men have longer hair , because they keep it simple and healthy. At the same time women can be too complex trying to keep up with hi-fashion styles that require excessive manipulation. Too much manipulation can cause thinning and breakage.


What women need to realize is that they can be stylish,professional,and beautiful by keeping it simple; while maintaining a full head of healthy, full hair.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

The Importance of " greasing" your scalp

It's important to "grease" your scalp, because your scalp is skin too. You put lotion on your skin, so you must moisturize your scalp too.Doing this also keeps dandruff to a minimum.(Don't put lotion on your scalp though)

It is most beneficial to "grease" your scalp with a natural, organic oil or butter that has been melted down and infused with follicle-stimulating herbs: Such as rosemary,lavender,ginger,cayenne pepper, garlic,peppermint,and or thyme.

(I am currently in the works of making a scalp balm that will contain all of the aforementioned, except for garlic and thyme. I will add ayurvedic herbs and some others, maybe even sulfur. It will not be for sell. )

However, there are some ingredients that should never be placed anywhere on the human body,especially the scalp. They are petrolatum and mineral oil. Beeswax is okay, but I wouldn't place it on my scalp. I see it as too thick.

If I were to use a thick butter, such as shea or cocoa butter, then I would melt it down , then whip it. When using liquid oils, it is best to put the oils in a plastic bottle with a nozzle such as a color applicator bottle form Sally's. Idealistic oils are sweet almond oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil,soybean oil,canola oil,etc. Like said before , infuse the oil with your favorite herbs to give it more nourishing properties.


I actually enjoy "greasing" my scalp;great for ME time.

Just remember, the more natural the better and there is nothing like "greasing" your scalp and then getting a good "scratchin'" with a comb after. Make ya' fall right ta' sleep! ( excuse me I had a country moment. Yall know I'm from South Louisiana!)

Additional Notes: People with natural hair textures of 2c and below will not appreciate scalp "greasing" as much as those with coilier,curlier, or kinkier textures. The natural oil secreted from their sebaceous gland spread across their scalp and down their hair shaft easier. Therefore it does not need additional moisture. But the more textured your hair is , the more assistance it will need in maintaining its moisture.