KNOTTED STRANDS?
Over the years I have come across so many issues natural haired women are discovering with their hair. I’d like to help you all out by talking about some of them, what causes them and how to work with what you’ve got. We're dealing with knotted strands in this article. What they are, how they get there and how to minimize them. We've all had them from time to time - so what's the deal?
Would you like to try a wig or a weave to rest your natural hair? Sometimes you just want a break from styling your natural hair. There are lots of reasons why. You may be in a style rut, experiencing damage from over-styling, or maybe you just want a change for a little while. You can always wear protective styles to rest your hair but it still requires daily styling to maintain this as well as your hair is exposed, which you may not want.
Before talking about porosity, it is important to understand the hair strand and how the outermost layer of the hair works.
The outermost layer of hair is called the cuticle. Under a microscope, resembles overlapping scales. These scales can open and close like window blinds. Its purpose is to prevent or allow penetration of moisture and air (or anything else that touches the surface).
Hair porosity relates to the ability of the hair to absorb moisture through the cuticle layer. Your hair has the ability to absorb up to 50% of its weight when its wet. The degree of porosity is directly related to the state of the cuticle layer. Healthy natural hair with a closed and compact cuticle layer is resistant to penetration. Porous hair has a raised cuticle layer that easily absorbs moisture. As hair grays, the cuticle closes and the hair often becomes what is called "resistant" or "low porosity"
Top 10 Twistout Tips!
Written by Patricia Deecoily GainesTwist outs are one of the most popular styles for natural hair. Twists outs are done when you use two sections to make twists like a rope with your hair. When the hair has set, the ropes are untwisted and the hair holds a wavy, cioly pattern. Two strand twists can be done on just about any hair length or texture for spectacular results that can last for a week or longer. Here are my top tips for a long lasting and shiny twistout.
HAIRTYPING : Beware the Trap
Written by Patricia Gaines
What is it you say? Hairtyping is a trap? But I need to know what “type” my hair is so I can find the right products for me, right? Well, yes and no and how far are you going to push it? Hairtyping although good as a general guide, thick, thin, dense, sparse... can quickly become a crutch.You can analyse every strand on your head and check for a curl. Then you can scour Andre’s system and hope you qualify to be a Type 3 and if not, buy hundreds of $$ worth of product seeking that elusive “curl definition”. You will start comparing your hair to the hair of others and yours will not be as “good a grade” as who you are comparing to, but a “better grade” than that of others.
Lavender Essentials
Written by Patricia Gaines
Lavender is A Natural’s Best Friend. If I had to choose one herbal oil or infusion for my hair routine, it would be lavender.
If you are lucky enough to have lavender growing in a pot or in your garden, you are already familiar with the wonderful, fresh, clean aroma its leaves and flowers give to your skin after you handle it. But are you aware of its healing properties and the benefits it brings to both your hair and skin?