To Perm or Not to Perm...That is the Question!

One of the Bad Habits we tend to do is Over- Process our hair. Some African -American hair tends to be coarse in texture and when our natural texture starts to grow out from the root it can be very frustrating to maintain certain looks and styles with two different textures. It very important to stick to the recommeded stretch between perms (8-10 weeks) if not longer. My recommendation would be 10-12 weeks, so that your new growth can grow out to at least an inch; minimizing your chances of over- processing the hair is that already relaxed. Over- processing your hair can be one of the leading causes of breakage prevent you from retaining length.

Here are some Do's and Don'ts to consider to prevent Over- Processing:

Do- Wait until the recommended time between stretches, usually indicated on the box of the relaxer. (If your still not sure, do a simple internet search or ask your beautician who may be more familiar with your hair).

Do- A Protein treatment before you Neutralize(Shampoo). This helps to bring your Ph levels back to range that is considered optimal for relaxed hair.

Do - Deep Condition with every wash (Especially after a perm). Your scalp and hair will love you for this, since you've just stripped your hair during the chemical process. A deep condition will put some of those much needed nutrients back into the hair.

Don't- Style your hair in tight braids, twists, or apply too much heat immediately after a perm. (When the hair has just been chemically relaxed; the hair has undergone a stressfull process and the scalp may need some time to recuperate).

Don't- ever put the relaxer on the ends of your hair. (Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and it has surely been process already- if your ends are a bit shabby; you most likely need a trim).

Don't- Leave the perm on the hair too long. (Perming the hair to Bone Straight can do more harm that good. It can eventually lead to thining, flat, and life-less hair). Try   Tex-laxing or aTexturizer.

If you have an event or special occasion that you would like to attend but you're
in-between stretches. You can Co- Wash your hair and wear a braid/twist-out style. Be sure you wear a scarf and Edge control product( Weave- Aide) to keep the edges down. Slap on Half- A- Wig, a cute handband, and call it day!

Most importantly, embrace your natural texture. If it's not bone straight, So what!
If Beyonce can rock it....So can you.

The Introduction

I am created this blog in an effort to help myself, as well as, others who long have struggled with achieving long healthy hair without sacrificing style. I know many of you share my story and throughout years have caused great unintential harm and damage to your hair.
I am a self proclaimed (unlicensed) Weave-ologist!

I have over 15 years of experience of styling, weaving, and relaxing my own hair as well as many friends, family, and clients. With that being said, I have struggled with caring for my own hair because it did not act like the silky remy virgin weave I have grown accustom to wearing. It seem to never grow, never-ending split ends, breakage, and shredding glore.

In my opinion I had BAD HAIR. Since my natural hair is very course in texure, often dry, sandy browish color; I have found it quite frustrating to deal with at times. Through my journey I have discovered that I didn't have bad hair at all. I had Bad Habits ( Hence the title). For many of us ladies, hair is probably one the most important aspects of our appearace. In my opinion, no other community have been hit hardest, than the african- american community. 

 

However, there is been no greater time to care for our hair. The hair business has evolved and weaves are no longer the only options. There are Half- Wigs ( my favorite), Full Wigs, Closure pieces, Braided styles, Ethnic hair products, etc. all easily accessible and affordable. We still have to remeber that underneath that fly hair style our hair is still there and needs some love too!