5 Tips To Protect Your Natural Hair Under A Sew In

Ladies I know many of you love weaves. They allow you to switch up your look from long to short, straight to curly; even try new bold colors and everything in between. Some even say that weaves are less combersome to maintain than their own natural hair. (when I speak of natural hair in this blog, I mean your own hair that grows from your scalp.) In other words weaves can be fun, adventurous and professional, but you MUST protect your natural hair underneath. Here are a few tips on what can be done to save your beautiful tresses from stress or tortures of sew in weaves.

Tip #1

Braids should not be so tight that it feels like your brain is oozing out of your pores. Ladies if this is what you feel, then your braids are absolutely too tight. You know its too tight when you have to take medications to numb the pain and/or you begin to get white bumps that itch from your hair follicles being under too much stress from tightness. So if your scalp is on fire or you are resulting to pain meds to alleviate your discomfort, you need to find another stylist.  You should also advise your stylist when it begins to hurt so they can adjust pressure and tension.

Tip #2

Always use a net and silk thread. Silk thread reduces the breakage and tangles that cotton thread does. Cotton thread leads to split ends from rubbing against the your natural hair strands. When wearing sew ins, utilizing a net helps to displace tension from the braid to the net. Nets help to secure the weave and prevent breakage. It also allows more versatility to your extension style; you don’t have to fret about braids showing when wearing different styles. Choose a soft quality breathable net that doesn’t scratch the skin and allows proper airflow. Nets also provide a smoother laying sew in minus lumps and bumps.

Tip #3

Never wear your weave longer than 3 months. Ideally you should not wear a weave longer than 2 months. To extend wear to up to 3 months, you must shampoo, condition and completely dry your braided hair. Cleaning your hair prevents build up of products on your extension hair and your natural hair keeping it soft, manageable, tangle free and reduces shedding. Completely drying your hair prevents mold and mildewing of scalp. When your hair molds/mildews the only treatments to resolve the smell is blade-to-blade or chemical relaxer. Otherwise your hair will have a hideous smell that is toxic. By your hair being braided and under the weave extension, it will require longer dryer time.  I know, I know you hate the dryer, but there is no way around this one ladies!

Tip #4

Only use quality human hair for extension services.  Synthetic fibers are found in lower quality hair brands and will cause damage to you natural hair as it acts like a cotton and sucks moisture out and leaves hair dry and brittle. Quality human hair does come at a higher price but the wonderful thing about hair is, like shoes or purses, when you invest in good quality product it will last you a long time, if you take care of it. I have known some women to keep their extension hair 3-5years, whereas the low quality extensions last only 1-2 sew ins, a span of maybe 6 months. As with anything in life when you take care of something it lasts.

Tip #5

Seek a professional stylist for installing and maintaining your extension hair. A great, knowledgeable stylist will use the best quality products to ensure the longevity of your natural hair and weave hair.  They will also do flawless installs that won’t leave you bald when you take out your purchased hair. Professional stylist comes at a higher price but still having your natural hair in tack in priceless. Please don’t become subject to experiment with unlicensed or untrained stylist who braid too tight and use low quality hair that leaves you looking like Sherman Hemsley aka George Jefferson (LOL). All jokes aside, if you truly care about your hair you will invest in it while you will see the difference and results of quality over quantity.

Ladies its your hair, well in this case its someone else’s LOL, but neither the less, care for it as if it where your own grown from your scalp. If you follow these tips you will be more pleased with your own hair and your extension hair. The better you care the longer it last. Always remember to tie your hair up when sleeping, working out, or any activity that may cause your hair to tangle or sweat. Sleep on satin or silk pillowcases to protect your hair from breakage at night. It’s quite easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy.

The Ugly Truth Behind Reality TV

I was having a conversation with several clients and the topic of reality TV came up. As we were talking I had this revelation: That many of the women portrayed in these shows are miserable and unhappy. Think about it, in the most popular ones that cast black women, really look at these women. Nice clothes, nice cars, nice houses, makeup on point (well for some) and that’s it. What else do they have?

Many of the women on the reality TV shows mask their pain behind expensive material goods and pounds of make up. So I say to my young impressionable girls/ladies that watch these shows and are enamored with what they see, “Is that really the life you want for yourself?” “Do you really just want a bunch of overpriced goods to flaunt while feeling empty on the inside?”

I say to you young ladies (girls) that a person with a lot of money that has no one that truly loves them or cares about them in their life is miserable. Money can by temporary happiness. But it can’t buy love. I’m saddened by how so many of our young black girls aspire for nothing more than a sexy body, lots of money and expensive clothes, shoes, and cars.

Ladies you are beautiful as you were created. Stop killing yourselves to be something/ someone you are not. The women you see on TV cry every night before bed, drink to mask the hurt or do some type of drugs to numb the pain. Hence the reason for a full face of makeup every time you see them on camera or off. They are hiding the face of insecurities, pain, mistrust and lack of love and true friendships.

Love who you are naturally. Think for a moment what do you truly have a passion for doing. Something that is so near and dear to you that you could do it for free. That’s your passion, work towards obtaining that and being the best you, you can be. Look in the mirror and say: “I am powerful, I am smart, I am beautiful and I am a queen. I will accomplish any and every thing I put my mind to. Today I will be a better woman than I was yesterday because I love me and he (most high) made me Phenomenal!”

Stop settling for less than. Stop being a clone. Stand up and Stand out. Be different, be unique, be YOU! Love the skin you are in. Be proud of yourself. Your past is just that YOUR past. It does not have to be an excuse for your future. We all have made mistakes and made bad decisions. From this day forward make better decisions, make choices to become the best woman you can be. When you know better you do better. Trust me no one has a squeaky clean background. Just make steps in the right direction, do something you love and have a passion for and be great at it.

I felt like someone needed to hear this and read some positive words of inspiration and encouragement. I pray that these words falls upon the ears and eyes of a young girl/lady that is doubt of herself, a young lady who feels unworthy or undeserving. You are confident, you are strong, you deserve the best and nothing less. Smile because you love yourself enough. If not I have love for you and I believe in you. I know I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but I know your story and it does get better.

Peace and blessings my beautiful black queens!

How to Combat Dandruff

We have all pretty much at some point dealt with this issue. Uggghh those pesky white flakes of dead skin, really annoying right?  Let’s talk about one of the common scalp conditions that plagues many people…DANDRUFF *big sigh*

What are the symptoms of dandruff, you ask?

Dandruff usually is white, dry or oily flakes.  It’s also accompanied by itching of the scalp. Change of season worsens symptoms.  Especially fall and winter months due to the fact that there is less humidity in the air and heating your home in winter dries in home air which leads to dry scalp and skin. 

Sometimes the size of flakes can vary from as small as the top of a dressmaker’s pin

To medium size like the top of a push pin

Or Large like buttons

So now you are thinking, what causes dandruff?

There are several causes such as dry skin, not shampooing your hair often, irritated oily skin, psoriasis, yeast like fungus, eczema & adverse reactions to products.

Let’s break each of these causes down.

Dry Skin

Just that simple, dry skin is caused from lack of moisture. During winter months the cold air combined with heated homes pulls moisture out of your body. You will notice increased itching and dry patches on skin. Your scalp will produce the smaller dry dandruff flakes.

Not Shampooing Often

Usually this will occur in people with locs and people of color, as they don’t shampoo the hair on a regular basis. Ideally you are supposed to cleanse the hair once a week to keep hair fresh and to remove build up. Over product usage can cause build up and dandruff.

Irritated Oily Skin

This is also medically known as seborrhea dermatitis. This type of dandruff is usually plagued with red oily skin that is topped with scales that are white or yellow in color. These flakes tend to be much larger than dry skin dandruff.

Psoriasis / Eczema

These flakes are large, thick and kind of grayish in color. Usually people who have psoriasis/eczema on the body will have it in the scalp.

Yeast Like Fungus

Also medically known as Malassezia. This fungus can stay on the scalp of a healthy person and not cause any issues. The over abundance of oils either secreted from the scalp or applied to the hair from a product that you use on a regular basis will create an ideal growth area for the fungus to get out of hand. It will cause more skin cells to grow. The excess skin combines with the oil on your scalp creating clumps of dandruff similar to seborrhea dermatitis.

Adverse reactions to products

Some people have sensitivity to products. One ingredient in particular paraphenylene diamine (PPD) will irritate skin causing scaly, itchy, red scalp. Sometimes people may cleanse the hair to often causing drying of the skin on your head as well as using too many/ too much product which can irritate the scalp.

Now that we have identified and explained the causes in detail let’s discuss how to treat dandruff. As we all know dandruff is pesky and annoying as it itches and leaves flakes on your clothes, so you become OCD with dusting flakes off of you. Arghhhh that tedious task.

How to Combat Dandruff?

There are several shampoos that are geared towards reducing the appearance of dandruff and relieve the itchiness. These shampoos are made for the skin aka your scalp. DO NOT apply on all of your hair, because it will dry your hair and make it brittle. 

The key ingredients in these shampoos are as follows:

Selenium Sulfide – found in Dandrex, Selsun Blue

Zinc Pyrithione – found in Nioxin Scalp Recovery, Selsun, Head & Shoulders

Salicylic Acid – found in Neutrogena T-Sal

Coal Tar – found in Denorex, Neutrogena T-Gel,

Ketoconazol – found in Nizoral, Dandrene & Extina

Natural remedies

             

Many of my naturalistas and locstars will prefer the natural route to combating dandruff and itchy scalp. So here you go:

            Tea Tree Oil

There are a couple ways to apply: 1) Add 4-5 drops of oil to about 4oz of distilled water. Spray directly on scalp. 2) Pre cleanse scalp with witch hazel (for those that are not able to shampoo the hair weekly) placed on a steaming hot towel. Apply diluted tea tree oil (dilute with carrier oil or water) directly to scalp.

Black Soap           

This soap is absorbent of oils and kills bacteria. It also is soothing to irritated skin from psoriasis and eczema.  It is rich in Vitamins A and E. It is a natural exfoliate and removes free radicals.

Apple Cider Vinegar

After shampooing hair to remove most build up. Drench scalp with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), Let sit for 15-20mins then shampoo out with moisturizing shampoo (Creamy in color). This helps to regulate the pHHhh dnfohhfhfh balance of the scalp while adding shine.

            Rosemary Oil

This oil is a part of the mint family. It has anti-fungal properties that kill yeast while soothing itchy scalp. Dilute by adding several drops to distilled water and spray directly to scalp.  You can combine this oil with the tea tree oil to create a phenomenal scalp treatment for dandruff.

I personally prefer the natural remedies for treatment of dandruff as many of the oils and products have multiple uses other than scalp conditions. So you get more bang for your buck with the purchase of those items. Just make sure you are buying 100% pure products. Many of them can be purchased at an herbal, health food, or African Import Store. Pure essential oils will only come in dark amber glass bottles.  (If the bottle is plastic then its not 100% pure, it has been diluted already) I use the natural remedies for my clients and they have said that over time the dandruff has subsided and or been completely eliminated as well as their hair has also become super shiny and soft. So as I give you the tools and the knowledge you will see that it’s really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

Maintaining Healthy Hair Internally

One of the most asked questions I get is: “How do I maintain healthy hair?” or “What is healthy hair?”

Healthy hair is hair that is soft and pliable, it has body /bounce, shine and no split ends.  To elaborate, this means that your hair is well moisturized which gives you soft, pliable and shine. Your hair no split ends which means you are getting ends trimmed on a regular basis. Hair will naturally have body and bounce when its not weighed down with a ton of products. Shampooing and conditioning hair will help with all of the aforementioned traits.

So you say to yourself,  "I’m already doing this but my hair doesn’t seem to be healthy.”

Well, let’s see what else promotes healthy hair.

Maintaining healthy hair starts from with in.  I tell my clients what you put in your body comes out in through your hair, skin and nails, as they are the waste product of the body. So to ensure you have healthy hair you want to consume healthy foods, such as: fresh fruits, vegetables, protein & plenty of water. It’s not that difficult to do.

When you consume many unhealthy foods such as: fried foods, processed foods, sweets and breads it takes a toll on your hair. Because the grease has to be excreted from your body sometimes it can come out through your scalp in the form of large greasy dandruff flakes. Also when you ingest a lot of grease it causes acne. This excess grease will sometimes prevent color from taking on your hair.  When you are not consuming enough water it can cause dry brittle hair, dry scalp that leads to dry dandruff. Also not eating enough fresh fruits and vegetables leads to hair loss.

So let’s take a look at what foods will help you maintain healthy hair. (We are going to get a little technical here.)

Spinach, Kale, Chard & Broccoli

These green veggies are all high in Beta Carotene, Vitamin C and Iron. Iron keeps blood and healthy oils circulating: by transporting oxygenated blood throughout the body, and to the hair follicles. Beta Carotene is turned into Vitamin A once digested.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of protein and are rich in Iron, Zinc, Sulfur and Selenium. Iron is amazing for the hair because it helps to carry oxygen to the hair follicles. Iron deficiencies can cause hair loss (this-hair loss will be a repeated trend). Zinc & Selenium provide antioxidants that protect from harmful effects of the sun and the environment. It also helps to strengthen hair and stifles hair loss.

Blueberries, Sweet Potatoes, Strawberries, Tomatoes and Kiwis

All of these are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin C is extremely important to help with blood flow and circulation to the scalp and overall hair health it promotes growth and color. Too little of this vitamin will cause brittle hair which is the leading cause of breakage and split ends. Vitamin A is vital as it produces and protects the healthy oils for the scalp. A lack of this nutrient will cause dry scalp and dandruff.

Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Low Fat Cheese and Skim or Almond or Coconut Milk

These foods are a great source of Vitamins D & B5 as well as Protein.   Vitamin B5 metabolizes fat, carbs and protein and provides nourishment for all your body’s cells. The lack of it can cause slowed hair growth, hair loss (Oh here it is again) and possible closing of hair follicles. Vitamin D acts as a receptor to activate the hair follicle producing hair growth and color.  A lack of it can cause premature gray hairs.

Fish, Chicken and Nuts

These lean foods will provide the hair with Protein, Biotin, Omega 3 Fatty Acid, Vitamins E, D, & B. Protein is the what hair is made of along with keratin, so when you consume a healthy portions you are providing this nutrient to maintain strong strands of hair. Lack of this can cause brittle and dull hair along with hair loss (yet again). Biotin is crucial to moisturizing/ strengthening your hair, skin and nails.  It also turns the food you eat into energy; which promotes hair growth. Omega 3 Fatty Acids provides oils needed to hydrate your hair, skin and nails. Vitamin E protects the hair from free radicals and is essential to cell regeneration and scalp circulation. Once again lack of this slows hair growth; which leads to hair loss (I did warn you that this is a trend).

Now you are saying, “how can I consume all of this stuff that I’m not used to eating?” One way is start off small and gradually increase. You can start by adding one healthy meal a week and then slowly increasing to 2-3-4 times a week. Substitution is another way, The “Eat This and Instead of That” technique.  Example: Instead of mashed white potatoes do mashed sweet potatoes or even better mashed cauliflower (Google or Bing Recipes, its delicious).

As you can see its best to consume fresh fruits and vegetables because they contain many of your antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and enzymes that all promote healthy hair, skin & nail growth. Without those nutrients they all lead to hair loss (aka: shedding) not to mention in today’s world it is so much easier to consume these foods by means of Smoothies and Juicing. Although, I am a fan of Smoothies (via NutriBullet) because you are able to blend the whole fruit or veggie without leaving behind any pulp so you get the full nutritional value of the vegetable or fruit.  Look up the plethora of Juicing and Smoothie recipes, (Mmmm soooo tasty). So try making a smoothie with all the good stuff in it and bake, grill or pan sear instead of frying. If you follow this you will be well on your way to S.imply K.eeping Y.our H.air H.ealthy.

           

Interlocking Locs

To interlock or not that is the question.  Many of you have inquired about interlocking your locs. Today I will dispel a couple myths about the technique. It’s interesting topic of conversation. As I have heard some unusual quotes about it.

Myths#1 – Interlocking thins your locs, dreads, dreadlocks, dreds, and starter locs.

Does interlocking thin out your locs? The answer is NO. When done properly interlocking actually strengthens your loc base. It pulls in all those loose flyaway hairs that don’t have a loc home into place. This technique helps to keep locs the same size. It also eliminates that feared “fro-locs” look.  

Myth #2 – You can tell a difference when locs have been interlocked.

Can you tell a difference? Yes, but it’s a very slight difference in the size of your locs versus palm rolling. Locs will become slightly smaller in size if you interlock on a regular basis. Although, when you alternate between the two you CANNOT tell a difference.  Also if you are going to a professional they will know how to do it and it’s mostly undetectable to the untrained eye.

Myth #3 – Interlocking causes locs to split

No, when a professional does your interlocking it will not cause your locs to split. The only time I have seen locs split from interlocking is when an untrained person does them and does not change direction in which they are interlocking. This is when you get one loc to become two separate locs, which at this point it is not considered interlocking.  That method is called loc splitting. You may notice a small split once freshly done but that will grow out and you won't notice that at all, especially when you get new growth.

Myth #4 – Interlocking hurts

No, trained professionals will not interlock extremely tight to cause pain or traction alopecia. Professional will have an array of tools to do this process, all of which are determined by the size of the locs and the amount of new growth. It should not be an unbearable pain or to the point where you are in need of pain pills to help give you relief. If you are going to someone who is causing you extreme pain, fire him or her immediately. As too tight interlocking will cause traction alopecia which causes your hair follicles to become strained and begin to shed hair then eventually closing of hair follicles creating bald patches.

Cons of Interlocking

When not done by a skilled professional it can cause loc splitting, thinning, traction alopecia and pain. It is very important that you research your stylist before requesting this service from them. This technique is a delicate one and should be done by ONLY A HIGHLY SKILLED & TRAINED PROFESSIONAL. Use extreme caution when getting pricing on this service, as lower cost usually equals less care is taken to maintain the integrity of your hair.  Ask many questions and request referrals.

Pros of Interlocking

It helps to pull in loose new hairs to keep base of loc strong and same size. It also helps to prevent that “fro-loc” look after sweating, swimming, getting rained on or after shampooing your locs, dreads, dreds, dreadlocks, and starter locs. Its great for those that work out a lot, sweat a lot or for those that swims often. You can shampoo your locs with out having to retwist them. Interlocking is a great alternative to palm rolling because in can last as little as 6 weeks and up to as long as 3 months depending on how fast your hair grows.

Interlocking doesn’t have to be scary or painful. Just ensure you are hiring the best professional for the job, as this process is just as delicate as color application.  Remember its really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

If you still have questions or concerns...Leave a comment below and we will respond. Thank you so much for reading this blog.

Loving Your Locs

Oh the wonderful world of locs, dreads, dreds, free forms, dreadlocks, starter locs, 2 strand twists, interlocks, sister/brotherlocks and loc extensions. (Or whatever you like to call your hair) LOL There’s so much versatility in wearing your hair loc’d, no matter the diameter, the length, color and density; So don’t fret you have a plethora of styling options to fit your needs and wants.

Everyone will have something that they don’t like about their hair. (Hey even I do, and I’m a stylist.) It’s your hair, be proud of it and love it because you could be bald, although some pull off being bald very well. Your hair is beautiful and I love it!

Well here’s a list of some of the things I hear from new clients:

1.     My locs are frizzy.

- Its all in the curl pattern & texture. Softer less curly hair will be frizzier as locs. While coarse and overly curly hair will look smooth with no frizz.

2.     My locs are too small

- Make sure when starting locs to bring in a picture of how you want your locs to resemble. Usually once you start off locs the size can’t be changed without extensive work being done. Consultations are a must to get a clear understanding of how your locs will look once they mature. You can combine locs in a way that you don’t create “Snake Tongues” and they look uniform down the entire shaft of the loc.

3.     My locs are too big

- See answer above, although there is a way to make locs smaller with a delicate process that can be performed by a professional. This particular technique can be done in a way to keep the bases of locs strong and while giving you a fuller look.

4.     I can’t do this grey.

- Haven’t you heard, “Grey is the new black”! Time to get with the trend! LOL ok so you have a few grey strands its okaaaay, just a little wisdom. :-) Buuuuuut if you absolutely can’t do the grey you have options… COLOR!!! :-)

5.     They don’t look like locs, not loc’d yet.

- Many of my starter loc clients will say this usually after the 3^rd - 4^th month after I have congratulated them on being loc’d. Most have told me that they felt like their hair didn’t look like locs until around the 9^th – 10^th month. Even after I have showed them that their hair is actually loc’d much sooner than that. Usually what happens is that in their head starter locs don’t look like locs until they get “hang time” or they are not “frizzy”.  This is the classic “My locs don’t look like his/her locs.” Line…Boooo and you look exactly like someone else and you are not a twin. Hmmmmm LOL

6.     My head too big for certain styles.

- Now some of you know you got a big chrome dome on your shoulders, while others are in complete denial. LOL Luckily for you I’m good at styling with your head size in mind. But so what your parents blessed you with a large cranium, guess what… That just means you have BIG BRAINS!!! :-)

7.     I have a big forehead, try to conceal it.

- This one’s funny because I used to say this. (Ha) Well when you have BIG BRAINS sometimes the forehead has to accommodate for the extra. So with this small issue embrace it and show it off proudly. Well if you are not that proud then look for styles that will cover and conceal. Or for the ladies, you go another route and cut some bangs.

8.     My locs are dry or itchy.

- Are you drinking enough water? Are you consuming enough fruits and veggies? Healthy hair, skin and nails start from within. So Drink up and opt for that apple or banana instead of that doughnut or bagel for breakfast. Moisturizing is imperative for locs; you must oil your locs weekly. Dry scalp is one culprit of itchiness. Too much oil is the other: consuming too many fried foods leads to over production of oil in the body. (Large flakes of dandruff) Keep a small spray bottle of a peppermint, tea tree & rosemary essential oils blended with carrier oil such as: Coconut, Apricot, Avocado or etc. You can add a small bit of water to help with absorption.

9.     My locs are thinning.

- Uh Ohhh, let’s get to the bottom of why your locs are thinning to begin with.

A) Your previous stylist was over twisting and styling too tight.

B) You retwist or interlock too often.

A & B: This causes stress on the hair follicles and weakens them which makes the follicle close up and stop producing hair.

C) You are aging.  

             As you get older heredity sets in. Some people’s hair gets finer (thin) while others hair gets coarser. Sometimes your hair follicles just naturally close up and stops producing hair. When this happens there is not very much you can do to reverse this aging process. There are a few short-term options to making hair look fuller.  Just know that they are short term and will have to be redone periodically to maintain fullness.

D) Health, Medications, Drug habits.

Your health plays a vital part of your hair, skin and nails. Make sure you are doing all you can to stay healthy by consuming fruits, veggies, nuts and water. When your health starts to fail, some people take medications that have a list of side effects. Be certain to read over all side effects and understand the risk of taking certain medications. As with medications the use of recreational drugs can also cause havoc on your hair. Color won’t take, hair has film on it, dry, breakage and brittleness are all effects of using recreational or prescription drugs. So stay healthy and say no to drugs! (I highly recommend the FARMacy instead of the Pharmacy.)

10. My locs are not long enough for any style.

- Contrary to your belief there are several styles for short locs (Unless you have comb coils on less than an inch of hair). When you go to a professional loctician they will be able to give you styles through out your loc journey. I have had clients to wear their hair up the entire starter loc to teen loc phase. Don’t limit yourself schedule your appointment today with a local professional loctician in your area for hot/ fierce styles for short locs.

As you see many of your concerns about your locs are really just all-personal self-conscious thoughts. When you are in the hands of a professional you will always love your locs, dreads, dreadlocks, dreds, free forms, starter locs, 2 strand twists, interlocks, sister/brotherlocks and loc extensions, because they will be healthy, shiny and pliable.  So look in the mirror, love what you see and hire a professional to care for your locs, as they S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

           

Missing In Action

Looks like I haven’t written a blog in awhile.  Uh Ohhhhh. SMH, my apologies for not keeping you updated. I know many of you were thinking has she stopped informing us? Did she quit? Is she alive? What the hell happened? LOL Well just to rest your mind, I haven’t stopped informing you. I did not quit on you. I am still alive. I will explain what’s been going on below.

So as some of you know, I was relocating my salon. I searched high and low, North, South, East, West and everything in between. I began my search the end of April, first part of June. I was seeking the perfect location to continue offering my amazing services to my wonderful loyal clients and to my new clients that haven’t met me yet.  The old location was almost ideal. It was the heart of Buckhead in Atlanta, with a prestigious address. The salon was surrounded with landmarks and banks. I had created the perfect serene atmosphere for my clients to feel at home when coming for services.  Many of you have passed completely out from being at peace in a quiet private environment. LOL (I have pics of you slobbering & videos of you snoring, ROTFLMAO…j/k)

Finally I ended my search in August when I signed the lease to my new location in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. It was a difficult decision to move the business from my place of comfort, which I had grown my clientele base for the last 3 years. I literally shed tears because I did not want to leave my beloved Buckhead location. For my clients that have been to my new salon they have all welcomed it with open arms of love! Although I am not fully set up, (as I await the installation of my new shampoo bowl.) I feel as though this new set up will prove to be one of the best decisions ever made (Trust me it was an extremely tough decision).

As I have been focused on finding the perfect location and work on getting the salon up and fully functional, I slacked off with some of my other responsibilities. This blog being one, working with magazines, posting pictures, IG, FB, Twitter and YouTube have all felt the drought of my due diligence to continue to grow my business. Let me assure you, I will not quit, I don’t give up easy, & I’m in this hair game for the long run… (Sings song: I want to be a billionaire soooo freakin baaad, buy all the things I never haaad.  I wanna be on the cover oooof Forbes Magaziiine, Smiling next to Oprah and a Queen. Oh Every time I close my eyyyyes, I see my name in Shining liiiiights. A different city every niiight oh IIIII, I swear the world better prepare for when I’m a billionaire J) *Does Dougie* Anywhooo, I see the success and prosperity for my clients and myself. If you are not a client, its time to become one, its all awesome blessings over here! So from here on out I am putting my focus and effort in my business and giving you the best I have to offer. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. 

Well its back to the grind of S.imply K.eeping Y.our H.air H.ealthy!

The True Cost of Being Your Own Stylist

You’ve decided to go natural and fire your professional stylist. Now you think that you have won the battle with your hair. Well take a look at the true cost of being your own stylist.

So you go to the beauty supply store and you are standing in front of shelves filled with products for naturally curly hair. Products range from $2.99 – $15.99. At first you decide to go with the cheapest product to cut cost. Say you purchase a shampoo and conditioner plus a curl pudding for a total cost of $15. Then you go home and use these products and it doesn’t give you the effect that you desire. Now you are back at square one, beauty supply store. This time you opt for a little more expensive product and you purchase shampoo, conditioner and curl pudding that runs you about $25. You try these products and still not the result you intended. Now you look online at YouTube and Natural Hair Blogsites and you go back to store to purchase the products recommended. Maybe this time you try natural products such as: EVOO ($8), Mayonnaise ($6), Greek Yogurt ($4), Honey ($5), ACV ($3) then you go back to beauty supply store and purchase more products shampoo ($13), conditioner ($15) and a curl pudding ($10). Not to mention you got in the car spent gas money, stood in the beauty supply store for about 30-40 minutes trying to decide on which product to purchase. You spent time researching online. It took you about 4-5 hours to do your hair each time. Now let’s tally the amount and time you have spent.

Products                                    Cost

Cheap Shampoo                       $5

Cheap Conditioner                    $6

Cheap Curl Pudding                  $4

Mid Priced Shampoo                $9

Mid Priced Conditioner             $10

Mid Priced Curl Pudding           $6

Extra Virgin Olive Oil                $8

Mayonnaise                            $6

Greek Yogurt                           $4

Honey                                     $5

Apple Cider Vinegar                  $3

Name Brand Shampoo             $13

Name Brand Conditioner          $15

Name Brand Curl Pudding        $10

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Total spent on useless products $104

Time (6 hours x 3 times {18hrs} + gas and travel to store and back home + research time spent on internet {$20/hr}) $360

Total for doing your hair 3 times is $464

Your numbers are more than likely higher as you may have purchased additional products like, detangling sprays, oil sheen, holding sprays, co-wash products, gels, oils, pomades and etc. The numbers I used are just basic and may actually be higher or lower depending your area of residence and product line purchased.  I’m being generous with valuing your time at $20/hr.

Going to a professional may run you about $60-90 and may take 1.5-3 hours. Stylist recommends product system they used and you purchased $60

Calculating on the high side

Professional Stylist 3 visits @ $90 =    $270

Professional Product System (1x)         $60

3 hours each visit = 9 hours

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Total =                                                $330

In comparison you have SAVED $134 and SAVED 9 hours of your time. Truly is it worth you worring about your hair and continue to struggle with doing it your self? Just based off this comparison it behooves you to seek a professional. Not only do you save money, but you also save time and stress. I don’t know about you but my time is valuable and I prefer doing fun things than things that stress me and takes up too much of my personal time. Ladies it’s really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy

Swim Caps on Ebay

Now available on eBay for purchase:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/XL-Swim-Caps-/271240773324?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=

Swimming Lessons

No Not really, but its hot out and many of you will be taking that dive in your nearest pool.  I will give you a few tips on how to save your locs, dreads, weaves and natural hair from being dried and damaged by chlorine. Chlorine is very damaging; it zaps the hair of moisture and fades color quickly.  Hair must be shampooed after taking a swim, if not you will notice hair will begin to break off and feel like straw. Moisture is the key when swimming.

Tip #1

Invest in a swim cap.  Traditional swim caps are made for bald to short fine hair and are meant for sleekness to increase speed, not to prevent hair from getting wet. Some of you may have a lot of hair, very thick and long so traditional swim caps may not work for you. I have the answer to that and will provide you with a solution. Larger swim caps come in 2 different materials; Lycra and the typical silicone. Lycra is softer on the hair and not as tight so your locs, dreads, natural hair & weaves WILL get soaking wet. Silicone is a rubber like material that is tighter, which will prevent your tresses from getting soaking wet but some strands will be a little damp. Make sure to pull cap down over ears, on forehead (beyond hairline) and below hairline on neck. Caps range in size and costs: from Large – Extra Extra Large and from $25 - $85.  This is a great investment especially if you swim a lot, because it helps to prevent much of the chlorine from penetrating your hair.

Tip #2

Apply a conditioner on your hair prior to putting on swim cap. (If you have color in your hair utilize a color conditioner) This will also prevent the chlorine from penetrating the your hair. Dampen the hair with a spray bottle of water then apply any kind of conditioner. I recommend a cheap kind as to this is not being used to soften hair or to moisturize it, but merely just acting as a barrier to prevent chlorine from entering the hair shaft.

Tip #3

After swimming shampoo out with a clarifying shampoo (clear in color) rinse clear, then follow up by conditioning with professional line of conditioner and let sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse clear.  This will assist in removing the cheap conditioner and the small amount of chlorine out of the hair.  Afterwards apply natural oil: apricot, almond, avocado, coconut or olive oil and dry hair with dryer or you can proceed with wet set.

Just following these three tips will keep your natural hair, locs, dreads, or weaves soft supple and moisturized. Don’t be a slave to your hair. Get out and enjoy the summer and get in your local pool. Its really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy!!!

OMG I’m a product junkie

So you have decided to make that transition and wear your hair natural. Now the daunting task of finding products that works well on your hair has set in. It’s extremely overwhelming when you walk into your local grocer, beauty supply or drug store and see so many products aimed at natural hair. All of the products on the shelf all claim to do the same and some will do something slightly different.  It’s quite an intimidating task.  You pick up product after product, comparing them and choose the one that looks pretty and says it will do all of these wonderful things to your hair. You purchase that product and you walk out of the store feeling quite confident that your natural tresses will look amazing and feel soft and moist.

You get home all excited about this product and you prepare to use it as the label implies, you style and dry and then it sets in…Defeat, disappointment and anguish. This product did nothing it said it would do. So you chuck it in the cabinet to become a dust collector and you head off to the store to purchase another product and another product and more products. Then you watch a YouTube video, read some natural hair blogs, ask some other natural hair friends, family and co-workers… back to the store you go purchasing all these products, and now the cycle has begun. Congratulations you have officially become a product junkie.

Well ladies I am here to save you time, money, frustration, and cabinet space.

First of all, know that everyone’s hair is different. People have multiple textures; curl patterns, density, porosity and elasticity on their head. Also your diet dictates how healthy your hair will be. So you can start by consuming a diet rich with fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. What you put in your body comes out through your hair, skin and nails; as they are waste products of the body. If you are not healthy from with in then you will see it in your hair, skin and nails.

Second there is a reason that professional stylists don’t use these products on the grocer, drug and beauty supply store shelves.  These products are geared towards the cost conscious consumer so they use low quality ingredients that causes build up.  Seek your professional stylist to recommend a product regimen designed specifically for your texture & curl pattern.  These products are more costly but the benefits will outweigh price.  By going to your professional stylist you also eliminate the frustration of purchasing products that don’t work.

Third know that some of these bloggers  & vloggers are paid to promote products so they are giving you a biased opinion.  It is actually against the law for bloggers and vloggers to not state that the product that they are promoting is a sponsored ad. Once they are caught with giving these “helpful tips” on products to use without informing their readers or viewers, they can face very hefty fines or risk their site or videos being removed.  (Scary I know) It’s becoming more and more difficult to believe what you see and read online.  If a person is not a professional stylist with license they are NOT qualified to give you hair care advice or tips. (Ooops did I just ruffle some feathers, Shrugs shoulders, sips water and continues typing…Oh well)

Don’t become a product junkie; stop wasting money, time and cabinet space. The solution is as simple as seeking advice from your professional stylist to maintain luxurious hair. They will be able to keep your natural hair looking and feeling as fabulous as you are.  Unless you are a twin, triplet or etc you do not look exactly like someone else, it goes the same for your hair as well. Don’t expect to have hair like Jada Pinkett Smith when your hair is more like Solange Knowles or hair like Chrisette Michele when your hair is like Tracee Ellis Ross. Your professional stylist will be able to show you similar textures to yours, so when you are selecting styles that you can choose ones that are similar to your texture.  Natural hair shouldn’t be such a daunting task. It’s really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy.