Hair Care Tips

African-American/Black hair in general is more brittle, coarser, dryer and curlier (nappy) than those of non-African decent. Because of this, hair care for a Caucasian would be different than for an African, who needs to be more careful when treating his/her hair because it is more delicate.

Hair Care Tips

A healthier lifestyle will result in healthier hair.

Massaging your scalp on a regular basis will stimulate oil production, which will help reduce the dryness of your hair.
Daily shampooing is not recommended, ethnic hair is dryer than other types of hair, shampooing strips away the oils from your hair so try shampooing once every 3 to 7 days instead.
If you engage in daily activities that causes you to sweat, it is recommended that you rinse your hair out with water and only use shampoo on occasion. If you feel the need to use a mild shampoo, go ahead and do so.
Use a mild moisturizing shampoo with a low PH level when washing your hair.
Don't use a 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, use a separate shampoo and conditioner, 2 in 1's aren't suited as well for dry hair.
When washing your hair rub only in one direction to avoid tangling.
Shower with warm water; hot water can dry and/or irritate the scalp.
Oil your scalp after shampooing. With your hair still moist, massage the oil into your scalp and brush out to the ends of your hair.
Use a conditioner when you shower, it'll moisturize your hair, give it extra protection, add shine, reduce static, and makes it easier to untangle.
Use a leave in conditioner, it'll hydrate and protect your hair. A leave in conditioner on your hair is the equivalent of moisturizer on your face.
Don't rub your hair dry with a towel, instead blot the water out of your hair. Rubbing will cause your hair to tangle and you'll risk breakage.
Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as blow dryers.
Use a wide toothed comb or pick to comb your hair. It makes it easier to comb if your hair is slightly moist so the comb can slide easier across your hair. Using a leave in conditioner will also make your hair easier to comb. If your hair is very wet, wait until it dries more; hair is most fragile when it is wet.
If you encounter a tough knot or tangle, use your fingers to loosen it and then continue combing.

Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it. Using a brush to detangle your hair will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off.
Use a soft boar hairbrush on your hair daily; this will distribute the oil at the root of your hair and scalp to the rest of your hair. Dampen the brush slightly before brushing.
Get a hot oil treatment once a month which will remoisturize your scalp and hair.
Hair can get caught on cotton pillow cases and break when you are sleeping, especially if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep. Using a satin or silk pillowcase so that your hair will slide across the pillowcase without getting caught.
An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a silk or satin scarf over your hair before your sleep to prevent breakage.
Avoid hair products that contain alcohol which drys out hair.

To set up a consultation with Char in Atlanta or Baltimore, please call 443-653-0182.  Thanks!!

If you have additional tips, please post them below! Thanks!

9 Tips for maintaining your weave

A hair weave requires careful maintenance otherwise; you may spoil it much before its time.

You need to be careful right from combing to washing it. Some of the nine common tips you should keep in mind while dealing with weaved hair are as follows:

1. Most often you start to comb from base to the end but to comb weaved hair you should start from the end and then gradually move upwards to the base.
 
2. Brush before you wash or shampoo your hair and rinse between the tracks to remove the residues.
 
3. You have to abstain from washing the hair for two weeks to set the weave. Always use mild water while washing the hair, as too hot or too cold water may lock the hair at the base.
 
4. Avoid using harsh products be it for washing, styling or conditioning.
 
5. Use of alcohol based product mars sheen of the hair and you should not use them.
 
6. Ensure professional weaver care and make sure you do not skip regular tightening touch-ups.
 
7. Use of cotton pillowcases and sheets may adversely affect the shine of your hair so better use a silk or satin scarf to wrap up your hair.
 
8. During blow-drying, you have to apply higher temperature to straighten and dry the hair. Use variable temperatures for the natural and commercial hairs.
 
9. If you are on a seaside and wish to swim, either use a swim cap or saturate and rinse the hair by applying a cream rinse before plunging in.

Xoxo,
Your  hair care specialist CHAR