Mildew is Not for You

How to Prevent Mildew and Mold in Your Hair

Yes, this is a real issue. You won’t believe how many people suffer with the funky smell of mildewed/molded hair. The remedies that are found online may only work for people with a straighter curl pattern as opposed to those that have curlier patterns.  As a professional stylist, when I was fresh in the game, I dealt with two clients that had mildewed hair. One had locs and the other had natural hair. With the locs I tried everything listed online from vinegar, to tea tree oil to Listerine and everything in between and absolutely NOTHING WORKED. After several treatments their hair still had a sour smell. (I was baffled) Eventually my client decided to go with blade-to-blade treatment that ended the sour smell (as he reported back to me) and our client stylist relationship. :-(

My other client was a naturalista, she worked out everyday while keeping her hair in a ponytail, which caused the mildew.  We tried EVERYTHING aforementioned to get rid of that gosh awful smell, once again NOTHING WORKED. So with the advice of a seasoned stylist I was told to utilize guanidine or sodium, lithium or potassium hydroxide also known as relaxer. After consulting with my client she had decided to get the chemical service. Lo and behold it worked, no more smell, even after subsequent visits the smell was gone. 

Now with that I’m just going to be completely honest with this concern of some.  It’s a foul odor that offends yourself and others. NEVER ALLOW your hair to become a breeding ground for mildew/mold, because you can silence the smell for a few days but it will come back. Once your hair has molded or mildewed you truly only have 2 options: blade-to-blade treatment (a cut, the big chop, clipper service…yuuuup no more hair) or chemical treatment (relaxer service…creamy crack).  Neither of which: naturalists, locstars or dreadheads will want to do voluntarily. So the question is “How does one’s hair mold/mildew?” Let me explain this in detail.

Cause of Mold and Mildew in Hair

Mold spores are naturally found in the air and they are invisible to the naked eye. Dark damp places are havens for these spores. Mildew comes from moisture that is trapped inside your hair shaft and doesn’t completely dry. Many of you favor ponytails, buns and stylish updos, yup your go to style is Wonderland for mold /mildew spores. (Gross, I know). For those of you who like to shampoo your hair and HATE to sit under dryer, those that like to Deep Condition Treatment (DT) over night or those that work out or sweat a lot in the head.  You have to allow your hair to dry preferably with heated air as oppose to air dry hence the mold spores will be attracted to your damp hair and will make home in your ponytail, bun or style.

Prevention

If you are an avid shampooer, overnight Deep Conditioning Treatment or active individual or someone who sweats a lot in the head, you will need to do the following:

1)   Spray scalp with a tea tree/ peppermint oil/ witch hazel blend prior to drying your hair to assist with the prevention of mold spores hibernating in your tresses. Studies have shown that essential oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties. (Great for those with cute styles that want to maintain and keep.  After spraying scalp and hair with this blend, blow dry hair completely dry by alternating between hot and cool settings to better gauge the dryness level of your hair)

2)   Also those that sweat a lot in the head or are extremely active need to shampoo more often and do an Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) rinse. You may even want to do a soak in Baking soda water to help remove build up and mold/mildew spores.  I would recommend alternating between the two. One week do ACV, the following week do Baking Soda Soak. Both will need to sit for approximately 5-15 minutes. If you are deep conditioning without a dryer, sit with product on hair for 30-60 minutes. (No need to sleep with hair wet all night, inhibiting a grounds for mildew)

3)   Completely rinse all products out of hair. Rinse hair until water runs clear. Also, squeeze hair as tight as possible to ensure all products are out of your crown before drying. ALWAYS use a clean dry towel to remove moisture out of your tresses, by wrapping hair in sections with towel and squeezing as hard as you possibly can. Wring all moisture out with the towel.

4)   Allow your hair to completely dry. You can do this by several methods, blow-drying, sit under hair dryer or using a hand dryer if in restroom no hair dryer is available. Dry hair alleviates the ideal conditions for mold and mildew to grow.

Speaking from experience, NEVER EVER allow your hair to become a vacation home turned into permanent residence for mold or mildew. COMPLETELY DRY YOUR HAIR when it becomes, damp or wet with moisture from water or sweat. By following the aforementioned steps will help you to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy.

Winter Hair Care Tips

As of late its been extremely cold for the deep south and most people all over the U.S. are experiencing freezing temperatures along with ice and snow.  In the famous words of Outkast “Its colder than a polar bear’s toenails!” ( Turns  on heated blanket while sipping some hot tea. Look I’m a southern gal and I don’t do well in cold weather. LOL ) While trying to keep warm here are a few tips to keep hair soft, pliable and reduce dry scalp.

Dry Air, Dry Hair

When its cold out the humidity levels are low and your heat is up high two things that are culprits for sucking moisture out of your hair.  ( Ahhhhhhh )  So what do you do? During winter months its okay to use heavier creams and pomades, as your tresses will need it. Heat sucks all the moisture out of the air and your hair so you will need to be proactive with a moisturizing regiment. I’m a fan of natural oils and butters, but there are also hair products that can be great for keeping your crown soft and pliable. I like to opt for Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil and or Jamaican Black Castor Oil {JBCO} during the winter months, as these are heavier. You won’t need a lot, as with any product too much can cause buildup.  When using the oils, butters, creams and pomades: you should use only a quarter size amount (less) depending on how thick or fine your hair is.  Just emulsify in your hands and apply in small sections of your hair and scalp.  Do this any where from 2-4 times a week. ( In my Phaedra Parks voice: Silky smooth, mmmm hmmm ) LOL

Clean Hair is Good Hair

Make sure to shampoo and condition once a week or every two weeks. The more products you use the more you should cleanse your hair. In a weeks time you should only rotate between 2-3 products, anything more than that is excessive and you will have build up and resistant tresses. When you begin to get build up on your hair it will become hard to style and maintain certain looks, you will also see smoke if your are using flat irons or curling wands. ( SMH - yep your hair is dirty at that point, then your hair gets an attitude and says “look heffa, I ain’t styling today or tomorrow til you clean me, whet” LMAO )  Its good to clarify your hair at least once or at most twice a month with a good clarifying shampoo ( Dr Bronners’ Peppermint Castile Soap, Goldwell’s Dual Senses Deep Cleansing or Paul Mitchell’s Clarifying are great shampoos for deep cleansing ). This helps to remove all of the products that you have used in a week to two weeks time.

Steam Therapy makes Hair Happy

Utilizing steam therapy helps to replenish moisture from color, heat and cold weather damage. 

Sitting under a steamer for 20-30 minutes with a heavy conditioner with added drops of oils ( olive, coconut, or JBCO ) will open your cuticle layer and allow moisture to penetrate through to the cortex layer of your hair. This can also be without a steamer by applying conditioner oil mixture and using a plastic processing cap and sitting under a dryer for the same amount of time 20-30 minutes.  ( If your hair is really dry it will gulp this up like a fish, or more like chicks that hang out in and around the VIP section of the club waiting for a “baller”…THIRSTYYY gulp gulp, LOL ) Once done rinse with cool water, which helps to seal and close cuticle layer, then apply a small amount of coconut oil to prevent frizzy hair and style, as you like.

Healthy hair loves Satin Scarves and Pillowcases

Make sure every night you are wrapping your crown with a satin scarf if not invest in satin pillowcases ( which should be no more than $10-20 for a pair ). Cotton and cotton blend scarves and pillowcases suck the moisture out of your hair 

( like a baby drinking from a bottle…smack smack gulp gulp LOL ).   It will also cause shedding of hair and could leave you with a bald patch if you consistently do it and favor sleeping on a particular side. Even if you wear hats on a consistent basis wrap your hair or line your hat with a piece of satin so that it doesn’t dry your hair out.

Ok now that I have given you several tips to keep your hair from drying out during the winter months, now go make yourself a hot cup of cocoa or tea wrap up in your favorite blanket or robe and prop your feet up because its really easy to S.imply K.eep Y.our H.air H.ealthy!

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.