5 Dangerous Hair Practices That Cause Major Damage

There are so many great YouTube tutorial vids out there, but beware... Most of the persons doing tutorials ARE NOT hair experts. They are the experts to THEIR hair. Keep in mind what works for some does NOT work for all.

I was watching the viral video with the young lady who was doing a hair curling tutorial and she burnt off her hair. She was calmly talking and the smoke was sizzling as she continued to talk. When she pulled the curling iron away her curled hair was still attached to it! Oh, the horror!! Surprisingly enough.. I did the SAME thing to my bangs when I had relaxed hair. Burnt hair IS NOT a good look!!

I've decided to count down the top hair practices that can cause hair loss in some individuals. In fact, I have had personal experiences with many of these dangerous practices. It is my hope by sharing that someone will take precaution and not lose handfuls of hair.

TOP 5 DANGEROUS HAIR PRACTICES

#1. Using products that cause your scalp to burn. A little tingle is not dangerous but if you feel flames starting then that is a BAD sign. Wash your hair and scalp IMMEDIATELY and rinse it well. A few years ago I used a product by Dr. Miracle that caused the burn and I thought it was working. Instead, I ended up with red, irritated bald spots in the area where it was applied. I understand and recognize that some people love these products, but I'm sharing MY experience. Someone else might find that a specific natural oil causes and irritation.

#2. Using hair tools that rip the hair out and cause broken hairs. Combs that have close together teeth and hard brushes are a definite NO. While I don't totally finger detangle, I will say that when using combs and brushes, I am EXTRA careful. Wide tooth combs are way better than the combs with the close together teeth. Detangling brushes like the Tangle Teezer are great but can cause further damage on fine hair. Don't pull snarles. Take your time and detangle from the ends up.

#3. Using products with heavy dyes and fragrances. Some people are not sensitive to dyes and fragrances. But, then there are those of us who have to use products with no dye or fragrance. How does this cause hair loss? Skin allergies translate to scalp allergies. If it irritates your skin then it will irritate your scalp. I've had to return or throw away MANY products because the dyes caused sores and lesions on my scalp. I didn't understand the culprit until my dermatologist told me that I am allergic to dyes. While a product may seem enticing, I pass if it has dye in it.

#4. Using hair accessories that have metal pieces. Now this hair practice is particularly damaging. You find a beautiful hair accessory and you look forward to wearing it. So, you wear it in your hair then go to take it out. Chunks of hair come out with it. Why? Because the metal piece gets caught on some of your hair. Be CAREFUL. A pretty accessory IS NOT worth hair loss.

#5. Manipulating hair TOO tight to achieve a style. You want to achieve a high hair bun, two strand twists, or fake pony and you brush, brush, brush then pull it SO tight that your eyes are stretched. You've achieved the hair style, but your edges are thinning and other parts of your hair are breaking off. Was it worth it? I've learned the hard way that forcing my hair into certain styles takes a toll on hair length retention. Some styles just AREN'T going to happen until my hair grows a little. While some styles may NEVER happen. I've accepted that fact and I've moved on.

What are some dangerous hair practices that you feel stunt hair growth and/or cause hair loss?

World Class Hair Regimens: Building an International Regimen-Part 1

Hair regimens are so fun to build and even moreso when you incorporate hair tips from other cultures! Why are international hair regimens SO effective? They contain tried and true methods for hair growth. These hair growth aids have been used for centuries to grow and maintain voluminous locs.

When I was newly natural I became so interested in finding out how different cultures grew and maintained LONG, beautiful hair. From the lengthy black tresses of the Polynesian, Samoan, and Aborigine people to the gorgeous braids and locs of Carribean and African people, I wanted to know how various people successfully retained hair length. Was it a magical elixer? My curiosity led me to make connections and similarities amongst cultures.

#1. Gentle cleansing removes build up from the scalp and establishes an environment conducive to growth. The plain, old country folk of the U.S. know that there are many uses for apple cidar vinegar including cleansing the scalp. An apple cidar vinegar rinse also balances the PH level on the scalp. The Native American people used the Yucca plant for cleansing. Yucca is known for its natural ability to soap up. Also, yucca is famous for aiding in growth. Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab soap provides gentle cleansing and aids in thickening the hair. It has a light sense and creamy white pearlescent color.

#2. Oiling the hair and scalp provides antibacterial protection and it seals in moisture. The Aryvedic oil treatments of India provide great benefits for sealing in moisture. Even if you can't afford the more exotic oils, coconut oil has amazing penetrating properties and benefits. Essential oil, such as tea tree has been used by the Aborigine for centures as an antifungal treatment. Jamaicans and Haitians both use castor oil for the hair and skin to keep it moisturized and free of problems. In fact, castor oil is known to produce healthy hair and heal skin conditions. For added benefit try Jamaican Black Castor oil with coconut or lavender oils. You might even blend your own oils to boost the benefits.

#3. The food of champions helps hair to grow long and strong. It is no secret that exotic diets provide the nutrition essential to health and gorgeous hair. Our hair is like a billboard for what is going on inside of our bodies. Exotic spices, consummable oils, fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent for establishing and maintaining good health. The delicious pineapple used in many dishes contains bromeide, a chemical that helps flush your system of excess water.Spicy foods, such as those that contain curry kick up flavor and helps to satiate you.

Readers, what parts of your regimen is borrowed from other cultures?

Lessons from the Hairball & Beyond!

Looking back on my hair journey I can truly say that I have learned from my challenges AND milestones. It is important to not only learn from your mistakes, but also your successes. Just the other day I was styling my hair and I noticed how it is longer and thicker. I also noticed that I don't have as many split ends as I used to have earlier in my hair journey. Finally, it occurred to me that I don't use as much product to style my hair even though it is longer. So, what changed?

Lesson #1. Consistency
I noticed that even if I skipped one day if moisture then my hair would not have a major setback. But, if I had a full week of consistent moisture and sealing, then by the next month my hair was in GREAT shape. This concept is similar to diet and exercise. If you have an off day then get back up and keep going.

Lesson #2. Perseverence
When I look back at my hair journey and even now as I continue on growing my hair out, I have persevered. If you have suffered from a scalp condition and/ or hair loss like me, then you'd understand that you must NEVER stop trying. The proof is in the curl. I kept trying to improve my hair and scalp. As a result, my scalp is significantly better and my hair is growing well.

Lesson #3. Responsibility
I've learned that my hair journey is MY responsibility and no one else's. Thanks to blogger, Golden Blaze at goldenblaze.blogspot.com, for reminding me to trust my own instincts. Products and techniques are not cookie cutter, so I must discover what works best on my hair. This means reading ingredients and researching to determine if it is something that I should invest in.

Lesson #4. Appreciation
I keep photos of my hair in different stages to celebrate my milestones. I can see a visual of when my hair reached past my nose; chin; and now to my chest. It is a reminder to be grateful for every inch of healthy hair on my head. I remember when I could barely get my hair into twists and there were bald spots that I hid with scarves. I'm SO appreciative of my hair becoming healthier and longer.

Lesson #5. Acceptance. So what if my hair doesn't curl the same way another natural's does! So what if my hair isn't as thick or long as someone else's. My hair type is a part of my DNA and it is what makes me unique. It makes me proud of my ancestry and the glorious function of my Afro textured hair. THIS hair is amazing and it allows me to go from curly fro to picked out fro, picked out fro to twists, twists to twist outs, twist outs to blowouts, blow outs to flat ironed. I mean, the possibilities are endless. I accept my unique and versatile hair.

Readers, what great lessons are you learning along the way in your hair journey?

Cocktail n- Style!

Channel your inner mixtress!! Cocktails aren't just for happy hour fun or dinner party hijinks!! Curlies have been cocktailing products for effectiveness for years. One product by itself doesn't produce the results, but two make it just right! So, if you've ever felt like Goldilocks and you just can find the "right" product, then get ready to be bold and experiment with cocktailing.

How do you know what to cocktail? Well, there are many ways to cocktail without making a mess of your hair. But, be warned.. cocktailing can come with a price. If you're an adventurous curly, then this may be for you. You might just produce the perfect product for conditioning, styling, or refreshing.

Cocktailing has helped my hair tremendously. Because of cocktailing I can now have two strand twists that hold together with very little frizz. I remember watching YouTuber Charjay mix together a gel and pomade together and that gave me the idea to mix together the products that I used separately. The first time I did it, my hair felt like it rejoiced. I had the juiciest, firm twists ever!

Here are some easy ways to get your feet wet in experimenting with cocktailing:

1.Conditioner cocktails can allow the hair to receive optimal moisture. Mixing a thick conditioner with another slippery conditioner can give you the perfect mix for deep conditioning or rinse out. Get your favorite deep conditioner and the desired amount of rinse out conditioner.

2. Styler cocktails help the hair to hold style longer. Sometimes a gel by itself doesn't hold the hair well. But, if you combine gel with pomade then there is a moist yet medium hold. Experiment with the amount of gel and pomade to get your desired hold. My all time favorite cocktail is the Nubian Heritage Edge Taming Taffy with the Shea Moisture Curling Souffle.

3. Spritz cocktails can give the hair a boost to condition and moisturize the hair. Add your favorite leave-in with a little water and/or aloe vera juice. For super conditioning add oils, such as castor, jojoba, or grapeseed.

Make sure you test a small amount of your cocktail on a small section of your hair BEFORE using it on your entire head. Often times, cocktailing takes practice but it is SO worth it when you get the desired result.

Readers, what products have you experimented with cocktailing?

Multi textured Hair Care

Last Sunday my dad shared a story about his cousin cutting his hair years ago and he exclaimed that she said "You have about three different textures on your head! I stared at my dad in awe and I realized that I got my multi textured hair from him. I have type 3c in the front of my head; 4b in the middle (crown area); 4a on the sides and some 3c in the back.What is multi textured hair? It is simply hair that has more than one texture or type. One section might have dry, thirsty coils whereas another section might have looser coils. Often, I have heard other naturals exclaim frustration with having more than one hair type.

Multi textured hair can be frustrating. Why? Because there are usually styling and moisture concerns with the section that has the tightest curl and coil. Usually, that section is harder to moisturize thus leaving it looking quite different from the rest of the hair. So, what's a multi head to do? I have simple solutions that I've used that may also help you.

#1. Focus on that drier, tighter haired section by applying additional product. Divide the hair and smooth on conditioner. Use your fingers to smooth to the tips of your hair.

#2. Gently detangle that section and avoid ripping out the hair. Use a wide tooth comb. Make sure your hair is sopping wet with conditioner before attempting to detangle. Detangle hair in sections.

#3. Make your own super hair booster mix with your favorite oils and aloe vera juice to add to your conditioner. Shake it up, apply, and enjoy the benefits of moisturized hair.

#4. Spritz your hair and give that section extra TLC. Be sure to spritz your hair twice a day preferably morning and evening to ensure that you keep dryness at bay.

#5. Try using a heavier creamy conditioner on sections that are drier. Put a little on your fingers and apply sparingly ONLY to the extra dry section.

#6. Use some heat when deep conditioning to ensure that the conditioner is penetrating your hair.

#7. Seal your hair with nourishing oils to lock in moisture. You can choose which oils are best for your hair. Heavier oils like castor and olive oils are especially good in the winter. Lighter oils like almond and grapeseed can be mixed with the heavier oils add benefits to the oil mixture.

Just remember to treat your hair gently and it will thank you. Yes, it's frustrating to have all these different textures competing on your head, but caring for all of them will make one HAPPY head. Instead of lamenting about your multi textured head, celebrate it's uniqueness!! Turn your wash days into spa days and treat your hair to a special session of TLC. You won't regret it!!

Readers, how do you cope with multi textured hair?

When DIY Becomes S.T.U.P.I.D

I am ALL for learning about your hair and its needs. But, sometimes being a DIY (do it yourself) natural is detrimental. Yes, even professional cosmetologists can truly mess up people's hair through mishaps and irresponsible practices. However, there are times when you don't have the answer and turning to the YouTube and blog "experts" is just not going to cut it. While I have respect for the popular vloggers, mostly all of them do not have medical licenses or even a cosmetologist license. When do you need to step back and get help?

#1. When your scalp is red, badly flaking, and itching MOST days. If you are constantly scratching and seeing flakes the size of a small pet, then it it is time to get help. If you touch your scalp and it is tender. Then, it is time to seek help.

#2. When your hair is shedding more than normal and this has happened for more than a couple weeks. Abnormal shedding is a sure sign that something is going on either externally or internally. On average humans can shed up to 100 hairs a day. If you see a sizable amount of hair above and beyond your normal shed, then that is a red flag.

#3. If you can see through to your scalp without parting it and there is a spot as bald as a baby's butt, then you need to seek professional help. Alopecia is a medical condition that has to be evaluated by a medical professional. A professional can distinguish among the different types of alopecia to determine which type you may have. The different types require varying forms of treatment.

#4. If your scalp has bumps and/or is oozing or weaping fluid then you need to see a doctor. DO NOT pick or mess with areas that have bumps. Bursting a scalp bump can cause infection which can spread to other parts of your body. Putting a warm compress on it can help to draw out the fluid without causing other issues. Gently wipe the fluid away with a warm clean cloth then pat dry with a towel. Seek medical attention if you have this problem.

#5. If you are experiencing health conditions, such as sudden weight gain or weight loss and there is no specific reason, then please seek out help. These issues could signal a whole host of problems and then it's not just about hair--it's life or death.

The bottom line is while you may want to try to solve the problem all on your own, sometimes you have to go to a professional. By professional, I mean a licensed medical doctor. If you are a part of an HMO then your first point of contact would be to go to your primary care and then he or she would write you a referral to the dermatologist.

There are a lot of GREAT homeopathic remedies out there BUT you must be careful and know the side effects of them. Even natural ingredients can worsen your condition or even cause other problems. For example, did you know that rosemary oil should not be used by people with high blood pressure? Some extracts can even cause rashes or heart palpitations for some users. Seeking professional medical help for the initial diagnosis and plan for treatment is key.

Why should you take time to go to the doctor? Well, even though another may have the same symptoms, it may not be the same problem. Some scalp conditions are similar but only a trained professional knows how to diagnose and treat your specific problem. They are trained to analyze the scalp and ask the right probing questions to understand what is going on with your scalp.

Please heed my advice. Initially, I went to the dermatologist and I'm glad I did. I pursued answers about my condition and he provided me with a wealth of information and treatment. The prescription shampoos, ointment, and medication helped me on my journey. Although I have now turned to homeopathic treatment, I am grateful for the treatment I did receive from my medical doctor and dermatologist. Not going to the doctor when something is clearly wrong is like driving without your glasses when you need them to drive.

Readers, when do you determine it is time to go see a doctor for scalp related issues? Can you offer advice to those who are scared or can't afford to see a medical professional?

The Hair Growth Chronicles--Operation Grow It! (Day 1)

I'm still a lazy natural even with my new hair growth regimen. Why? Because I am not obsessing over my hair growth despite documenting my experiences. I wear my hair in protective styles during the week and wear it out on the weekends. While I want to grow my hair LONG, I'm not thinking about it until I have to share what it is that I've done. So, without further adieu.. Here's my day 1 observations.

Last night I mixed about a little more than an ounce of Pimento/Jamican Black Castor oil with a strip of Miconazole Nitrate (MN) cream. The oil contains a mixture of  Jamaican pimento oil, Jamaican black castor oil, grapeseed oil, peppermint oil, and eucalpytus oil. I used an old oil bottle that has a tip. I vigorously shook up the mixture. Then, I lightly sprayed my hair with my spritz mix (water, aloe vera juice, JBCO, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, rosemary, lavendar, and tea tree oils. Next, I used the bottle tip to dab small amounts of the mixture on my scalp. Initially, I felt a small tingle that most likely was the result of the stimulating effects of the peppermint and eucalyptus oils. I wrapped my head up in a satin headwrap and went to bed. When I woke up my scalp felt refreshed. There is no feeling of itchiness or irritation.

I drank my cup of Yogi detox tea a few hours before bed. The tea tastes similar to ginger. It is bitter but it has a taste of spicy undertones. I think the taste will grow on me. The only effect the tea has had is that I have had to urinate more. This is due to the cleansing of my livers and kidneys.

I will be getting in my evening walk on the treadmill today. My exercise shoes have to be pulled out and I have to pull my treadmill down. I didn't use it for several months now because a few months ago I fainted while using it. I became fearful that this would happen again, so I stopped exercising on it. I used to run on the treadmill up to about 45 minutes to an hour a day. I've decided to power walk from now on and I may even get back to using my kettlebells. Working up a sweat, feeling good, and increasing my hair growth? That sounds like a win/win situation.

Before I forget I want to share my new refreshening spritz that I've been using for the past few weeks. My son has used it for his hair too and he shared his opinion with me. I asked him how he compared it to the store bought leave-in spritz I used (Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier) and this is what he stated. He feels that my homemade spritz "leaves my hair more moisturized longer". With his positive reviews and my great experiences, I feel the need to share my spritz recipe.

Rosemary/JBCO Moisturizing Spritz
Use 1 small (8-10 oz) spritz or spray bottle and fill it 2/3 way with water. Add about a tablespoon of aloe vera juice. Next, add about a tablespoon of Jamaican Black Castor oil. Then, a teaspoon of grapeseed oil and a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Add about 8 drops of rosemary oil, 5 drops of lavendar oil, 4 drops of tea tree oil, and 2 drops of peppermint oil. Shake vigorously. Your spritz is ready to use. Store the mixture in a cool, dry area.