Top 10 Tips on finding a professional hairstylist

How do I Find the Right Professional to maintain my hair?

You are not in Atlanta, sad face, (b/c if your were in the “A” you would obviously come to me) and are seeking a professional to care for your tresses.

Searching for the “RIGHT” professional is like hiring someone for the job of S.imply K.eeping Y.our H.air H.ealthy. Don’t just hop in anyone’s chair that claims they do natural hair. That’s a HUUUUGE NO NO. You may come out looking like Ciely from “The Color Purple” or like Coolio. (Yeah, I don’t think either is a good look) LOL Well here are 10 tips on searching for the Best Natural Hairstylist in your area.

1) Write down and ask questions.

Remember this IS an interview; you want to hire the best person for the job. Here are a few questions you can ask (its best to ask these questions in person as you can see with your eyes rather than your ears:

A)   Are you licensed?

B)   Do you regularly go to training classes? If so what was class and when was it?

C)   What products do you use?

D)   Are you familiar with my hair texture?

E)   Do you have a portfolio of YOUR work? May I see it?

F)    Do you have references that I can call?

2) Request to see images of THEIR work.

This way you can get an idea of what your hair will possibly look like. Make sure it’s their work that they are showing you. If you are unsure just ask.

3) Great work is not cheap and cheap work is not great.

Although there may be very few exceptions to the rule, but overall a Great Professional Stylist won’t be cheap. If you are hung up on the price you are doing your hair a huge disservice. When you are searching for a professional, know that their prices should be in line with or slightly higher than others that do the same great work. So don’t be scared because of the price. Invest in yourself and treat your hair like royalty. When you do you will definitely see a difference. Even if you can’t afford to see your professional stylist on a regular basis, they will be able to give you a regiment for you to care for your tresses at home. Budget seeing your stylist on a quarterly or bi annual basis, more regular if your finances allow.

4) Product Knowledge

When you’re asking the potential stylist what products do they use also ask the following questions.

A)   Why they prefer that line?

B)   What are the benefits of that line?

In doing so helps you to understand the stylist level of knowledge and their choosing of products used for hair care. If you get a stylist to tell you “What ever you bring in is fine.” Or they use non-professional products that can be purchased at any beauty supply store. ANND if you see black gel or beeswax. RUUUUUNNNNN Forrest RUUUUUNNN

5) Explain services and techniques they provide.

Many stylists will offer several techniques to styling and nourishing hair. Usually there are different techniques offered for different textures, curl/wave patterns, density, elasticity and porosity. (There is no such thing as a HAIR TYPE.) When a stylist offers certain services inquire about why are they provided and what are the benefits. A knowledgeable stylist will be able to explain and show the benefits of each service provided. As you the client may need those services during visit or in the future.

6) Inquire about recent training.

Stylist that truly have a passion for maintaining healthy and stylish hair will seek classes or extra knowledge to pass on to their clients. The hair industry is constantly changing in trends and techniques. So those that stay in the know will give you more bang for your buck. Because, Its your hair and you should know. Besides a stylist can’t do your hair if there is none there. LOL

7) Request references

Ask if you may contact a client to inquire of a potential stylist work ethic and client services. Remember you are interviewing the best person for the job of caring for your hair.  A great stylist won’t mind you contacting a client, as they know that their clients will give awesome referrals. Call or text this client on the spot while in the salon in front of stylist, this way the stylist doesn’t have chance to coach them into giving a positive referral.

8) Consultations are a must.

If the potential stylist doesn’t require consultations or do one prior to service being rendered then you may be doomed. Consultations helps to give insight into what can be expected of your stylist, level of expertise/knowledge of what they do, and also gives the stylist a better idea of what you the client are expecting/ want. They also give you a feel for personality and to see if the two of you are a personality match. You also get to see the set up in which they provide services. Are they clean and neat or filthy and messy? Is the salon environment suiting to your needs and wants? Is it big, noisy and gossipy or is it small, serene, and intimate?

9) Overbooked and overworked Stylist.

When you go into a salon, are the clients waiting for hours before services are performed?  (Which you may ask the clients seated how long have they been awaiting services? & Is this a regular occurrence?) Do the clients look happy? Does the stylist look tired and exhausted? If so you just may want to reconsider. Stylists who are overworked and overbooked tend to not be very personable. Usually they may be on phone with friends and family having regular conversations, or they act as a drone…Next, sit in chair, shampoo, condition, deep condition under dryer (to buy time), rinse, dry, style or rinse, style, dry…Next repeat cycle again and again, with little to no conversation or showing genuine interest in their clients.  This type of environment can be draining and a all day task. If you don’t mind spending all day in a salon by all means. But for those who have a life and enjoy having inspiring conversations with their stylist this environment may give you a headache. (pulls ibuprofen out, and sips on flasks from purse LMAO).  You want to go somewhere where you feel important as the client and the attention is on you. Although some of you may like being recognized as “NEXT” or  the lack of engaging in conversation, so this may work for you. Lol Good luck with that.  Stylist to regular customer; “I’m sorry what’s your name again?”  Client; “Its ______ and I’ve been your client for 3 years.” Stylist to client;  “Ooooops, my bad, its been a long day.” (Yeeeaaahhh right. SMH)

10) Do you feel, confident, comfortable and assured?

Finally at the end of your search, Are you confident that the stylist you have chosen will take care of all your hair care needs and wants? Are you comfortable with this person doing your hair and in their salon environment? Has the stylist has assured you that they are knowledgeable, well trained and professional in their craft? If the answer is YES, then congratulations you have hired the best person for the job of S.imply  K.eeping  Y.our H.air H.ealthy!

As you can see a lot should be considered when searching for the “RIGHT” professional to entrust your crowning glory. This is not something that should be taken lightly. As the wrong person will leave you bald like Demi Moore in G.I. Jane or looking like Stevie Wonder’ing Where My Hairline Went. Either way, for long luscious, healthy hair, a knowledgeable professional will ensure your hair is and looks at it’s best!

The Loc Journey - Understanding your Locs

The Loc Journey - Understanding your Locs

Whether you are starting your loc journey or are a veteran of the loc game. Locs are beautiful and unique to each individual. Your locs won’t look just like anyone else’s. Kind of like how not everyone looks just like another person, well unless you are a twin, triplet or quadruplet, etc. so your locs won’t look exactly like another. Your hair is individual to you. Own it and make it fit you, enhance you, and crown you!

On your loc journey you will encounter several phases. I will elaborate on each of the following phases: (1) Budding  (2) Locking/ Teen  (3) Mature and (4) Senior Locs. There are also several mini milestones in between: (A) Hang Time  (B) Mickey Mouse Ears  (C) OMG, their touching my neck  (D) Full Ponytail  (E) Top of Back  (F) Mid back  (G) lower back & (H) butt length or longer; these are all exciting mile markers in your amazing loc journey.

Budding

The first phase of the loc’ing process, this is when you begin to feel a small round hard spot in your hair. Locs begin to lock in the middle first. Then they start to loc towards the ends and afterwards it grows towards the scalp but never locking there. The hair growing from the scalp has to be groomed.  Your hair should start to bud, within usually 2-3 months, with the help of a professional loctician.  You say, “Well, my hair is so frizzy”.  This is caused because your hair is starting to wrap around it’s self to give you that loc look.  “But why does my scalp itch like crazy?” During this phase you will notice more itching, especially if you were shampooing your hair on a regular basis, like once a week. Don’t fret; your scalp is in shock. It’s used to getting cleaned once a week and now it’s been 3-4 weeks and the itching is just its way of screaming for water.  Nothing a little peppermint and tea tree oil can’t fix.  Spray your scalp with oil mixture, then take a steaming hot towel and go through parts.  

Locking / Teen

This is the phase where your hair is beginning to take on the look and shape of locs. By this time, which is usually after 5-6 months, you will need to do loc shearing (should ONLY be done by a trained professional) to help remove those frizzy hairs from each loc. This process will help to create a more defined loc look. (Everyone may not need this service, just depends on your curl pattern) This phase is where you will reach the following mile markers: (A)“Hang Time” YEAAAAHHH, *does dougie!!!* LOL – This is where your locs will dangle and have weight.  (B) Mickey Mouse Ears- this is where you will be able to pull the locs in the front into 2 small ponytails your the locs will kind of stand up and stick out resembling “Mickey Mouse Ears”.  (C) OMG, they’re touching my neck- will fall in line with the Mickey Mouse Ears and/or the last mile marker of (D) Full Ponytail- When you are able to pull all your locs into a ponytail. WooHooooo *does praise dance while shimmying* Your locs will be in this phase up until they get about just above shoulder length.

Mature Locs

Here your locs will be about shoulder length –  (E) top of back and  (F) mid back, milestones.  Locs in this phase will enjoy the plethora of styling options. Most will say this is the perfect length for locs. I consider this the fun phase. Play in your hair; explore what styles fit you best.  Your loctician will be able to style your locs in a flattering manner.  Sometimes people will try color in this phase as some get bored with their hair at this point. So to spice things up color is introduced either via highlights of full on color via professional loctician. Have fun with your locs, for they compliment you and speak to your personal style

Senior Locs

Locs that are lower back and longer in length; which at this point your locs are beyond maturity, are considered to be in the Senior Loc phase.  Color is also introduced in this phase to give a new life to your hair. In this phase locs will have a few down sides.  Locs can and will feel heavy, more so when they are wet. As because of weight of hair can sometimes cause neck problems. Some people will decide to cut or trim hair in this phase. You may also notice thinning at the scalp, especially if you are not seeing a trained loctician on a regular basis. To prevent thinning at the scalp interlocking is recommended to keep bases strong and pull in unlocked hairs. With this length hairstyles will become bigger/bulkier for updo’s. Depending on your style choice and comfortableness you may also be limited on hair designs.  I see many people rock really fabulous styles. So if you like big hair this is where fun truly comes in.

Locs are fun, stylish, fashionable at any length.  Along with regular professional loctician visits your locs will be healthy and creatively designed to fit your personal needs, wants & personality! Your locs can live a long exciting life as long as you care for them as you do your health. Just  S.imply  K.eep Y.our  H.air  H.ealthy. 

Detangling Woes

Detangling Woes

Today you ask Why is it such a fight when it comes to detangling my hair?

Many natural hair sisters struggle with detangling issues. To help you better understand why and how. Here are a few tips.

First things first… Natural Hair does NOT mean skip or “Pass Go Salon”. So many women “Go Natural” to avoid the cost and time spent at salons. Well if this is the reason you went natural, in comes reality (slaps across face) that is THE WORSE thing you can do. In the transitioning phase hair is more resistant. Hair has memory and has to be trained what to do. So in the beginning your hair will be tighter in curl pattern and some areas will be denser than others.  

Trims

All hair requires trims periodically. This helps remove and prevent split ends. Split ends and two textures of hair will cause tangles. If you are transitioning to become natural from relaxers (no it’s not a perm- perm makes hair curly not straight) you must must MUST cut off that relaxed hair. Too many times I’ve seen women come in with a tangled bird’s nest on their head because they are too scared to do The Big Chop because they lack length. Welp, guess what, if you don’t and you shampoo your hair like you would if you had relaxed tresses…you are going to have a hot tangled mess on your head.  Trims are so vital when rocking natural hair. They help to eliminate tangling.

Shampooing

When shampooing natural hair, you CANNOT shampoo it as if you have straight or relaxed hair. Brush hair, prior to wetting, with a wood paddle brush. Then wet hair with water. Apply shampoo in your hands and emulsify (rubbing hands together) apply shampoo on outer perimeter. Work up lather by very gently rubbing hands together on small sections of hair. Once lathered run fingers through sections to further distribute product. If you need to scratch your scalp, insert fingers at scalp scratch in small sections. Each time you want to move to another section remove fingers and reinsert near that area. By taking your time to shampoo, you reduce the chances of your hair tangling during shampooing. As you rinse run fingers through your hair. Make sure water runs clear before applying conditioner.

Conditioning

After you have fully rinsed out shampoo, now you may apply your conditioner. Do the same as shampoo by putting conditioner in palm of hand, emulsifying and applying to sections. Use your cleaned wood paddle brush to help with distributing product and keeping hair tangle free. After you have brushed your tresses, use wide toothed comb, utilizing short strokes to prevent breakage. Once you are able to comb through freely, rinse conditioner out with cool water while smoothing with fingers. Rinse until water runs clear.

Drying

Now its time to towel blot your hair. Take towel and wrap completely around hair, then squeeze. Pull towel down hair slowly, while continuing to squeeze. Remember to squeeze as tight as possible or wring hair with towel. NEVER NEVER NEVER place towel on hair and rub across hair in a back and forth or side to side motion. This is how you get tangles.  You are trying to prevent tangling. After you have removed all excess water from hair, you are now ready to apply finishing product and style or blow dry. Apply 1-quarter size amount of product and emulsify then apply in sections. If you are styling proceed to style. Blow-drying alternate from hot to cool settings to lock in moisture. (ex. 3mins hot, 2mins cool or 5mins hot & 2mins cool) 

By getting regular professional salon trims and taking your time during shampooing, conditioning and drying; you will have much less tangling. Contrary to popular belief, natural hair does not alleviate salon visits, especially during your transition. Natural hair is super fun, sexy, and elegant with a plethora of styling options. Have fun with your hair but make sure to take care of it.  Natural hair will stress you if you are not S.imply K.eeping Y.our H.air H.ealthy!  

Is Co-washing good for the hair?

Is Co-washing good for the hair?

First of all you wash clothes, cars, dishes and your body; you shampoo your hair. (Hence shampoo for hair and soap for all else. LOL)  But for the sake of the term “co-washing” I will use it. I have been reading, hearing and seeing about this ridiculous faux pas.  Many of you have fallen into this trend of co-washing. Well just to clear the air, its not considered washing if you are not removing dirt and build up. So technically washing your hair with conditioner is like washing dirty dishes with oil. You wouldn’t do that now would you? Well maybe some of you would try it because you saw a YouTube video of someone doing it. LMAO. But I wouldn’t eat or drink using your dishes. Ewww. Or it’s like taking a shower and instead of soap using lotion. Hmmm wonders how funky people would be if someone actually tried that. (Gags a bit)

I mean really, so you are going to take your dirty hair and put conditioner on it and seal in the dirt and build up in your hair, totally not cool, SMH. You should shampoo your natural hair at least 2 times using hot water. Hot water lifts the cuticle layer of your hair, which is where your products sit when you apply them. Your first shampoo is to lift & loosen dirt. Your second shampoo is to remove dirt. Shampooing your hair with a clarifying shampoo helps to remove dirt from natural oils, sweating or outside debris and build up from the plethora of products that you use in your hair.  Clarifying shampoos are clear, see through. They will be also labeled as daily cleansers. The second shampoo should be a moisturizing one. Moisturizing shampoos are creamy and opaque in color.  They are great for replenishing the moisture that you just removed with the clarifying shampoo. Your hair should feel squeaky clean once done shampooing. If it doesn’t shampoo again until it does.

Follow up by utilizing a conditioner to help seal in the moisture. If your hair is severely dry you can use a steamer or place a processing cap on and sit under dryer for 15-30 minutes. From what I have found in my product junkie days is that products that are aimed at Caucasian people tend to be more moisturizing to textured hair. These products are not harsh like some of the ones geared towards textured hair. When rinsing conditioner out use cool or cold water. This helps to close the cuticle layer and seal that moisture into your lovely tresses.

When blowing the hair dry alternate between the hot and cool settings. This way it doesn’t burn your hair and it helps to seal that moisture in your hair. If you are noticing a fog or smoke when blow-drying that’s an indication that your hair is still dirty or it has product left on it. Go back and rinse until water runs clear. If you follow this regiment you will notice that your hair will be healthier, softer, and have more body. It’s not that difficult to have healthy hair. It’s really easy. Naturalistas, Always remember less is more when it comes to natural hair.

See more tips on website:
https://www.icare4hair.com

Maintaining Locs at Home

Maintaining Locs at Home

Greetings Loc Stars, so many of you have asked the infamous question:

“How do I maintain my locs at home?”

Well its very simple. DO THE LEAST.  

Yep that’s it that’s the answer to your favorite question.

Well, you say, “What does that mean?”

Here are a few simple things that even the novice of loc maintenance can do.

1) Wrap your hair up

Yes even men & boys to.

Utilize a satin or Spandex like material to wrap your luscious locs, dreads, dreadlocks, dreds, starter locs, braids, 2 strand twists, brotherlocks, sisterlocks, or loc extensions up. It’s as easy as wrapping your hair up at night, working out, when playing sports, or even doing house chores.  Keeping your hair wrapped keeps your loc or dread style in place. It also prevents breakage from your cotton pillowcases (which we will discuss later). Wrap your hair even after you have taken down your style, this just helps to keep the moisture in your hair and not on your pillow.  If you are sweating from working out or playing sports, please remove wrap and allow hair to air dry.  Not doing so will cause your hair to mildew. (Ewww are those stinky locs? face frowns up to indicate a foul smell)

2) Oil your hair and scalp with only natural oils

What are natural oils? You ask.

Natural Oils are oils that are not diluted or mixed with other carrier oils. Usually these oils are found in your local grocery store, health food store and herbal shops. 100% pure oils: Examples include; Olive, Coconut, Avacado, Almond, Apricot & Grapeseed are just a few that I use on my clients and myself. You’ll want to oil your hair at least once a week, or a little more for those with extremely dry hair. Keeping your locs moisturized makes them pliable and soft.

3) Drink more water and eat a healthier diet

Yes you have heard this a million times.

This is so very true. The more water you drink the more your hair, skin & nails will be nourished. What you put in your body comes out through your hair skin and nails. You will see better overall results when you improve your diet and increase your water intake.

4) Sleep on a Satin Pillow Case

Night Night Sleeping Beauties and Beaus

A satin pillowcase reduces the amount of friction you cause by tossing and turning or from a wild night after the club. LOL. Cotton pillowcases, which most people sleep on, dries hair out and makes it brittle. Friction from cotton causes breakage to the hair. For those of you who may have had a long day at work and are just to tired to wrap hair up will gain an extra 5 seconds of sleep by opting to just go to bed. Satin helps to keep moisture in your hair because it’s a much more softer fabric than cotton.

5) Get regular loc maintenance from a professional

Yes, that means Budgeting your Master Loctician into your finances.

Seeking the help of a professional will cultivate healthy beautiful luscious locs. A professional will use natural home made or professional products on your hair to keep it soft, pliable & fragrant (the smell good kind, that puts a smile on your face). Trims are required to keep locs looking neat and even. (Who wants to have scraggly looking locs, ewww gross) For those of you who have softer, wavier curl patterns, you will need loc shearing. This process removes the frizzy hairs from your locs. It gives your locs a much neater appearance.  Also interlocking is great for those that sweat a lot, work out, play sports or swim. This method is also great for pulling in those runaway hairs and strengthens loc bases.  So by scheduling your appointments as much as once a month or as little as twice a year, you will see a huge difference in the health of your hair.

Welp, there you have it a few simple tips to maintaining your locs, dreads, dreadlocks, dreds, braids, starter locs, sisterlocks, brotherlocks, 2 strand twists, or loc extensions at home. See now, that wasn’t so bad or was it? Just make sure that you are seeking the expertise of a professional to do regular loc maintenance throughout the year. In doing so will ensure a life long healthy relationship with your crowning glory of locs!