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The Wash n Go. There is nothing wrong with a “wash n go” unless you wash n
go, go, go. In other words, when you do a wash n go, often
the hair is simply shaken out after it has been washed. If
you clean the hair, it should still be detangled to release
the shedding hair, stimulate the blood vessels, and promote
growth and prevent other damage. An issue that occurs often
is that one can over shampoo, causing severe dryness and
brittle hair. Doing this may also create lifeless, flat
hair.
C-Washing. Co-washing, means using conditioner only. It is important to
keep the hair conditioned but over conditioning can occur.
Too much conditioner can build up an excessive amount of
protein in the hair and cause the hair to harden and break
off. Co-washing may also weigh heavily on strands, creating
a grey film and will dull the hair. While co-washing is
great to help “tame” curls, it can be overused. Try a
leave-in conditioner that can be used more frequently and
encourages you to moisten the hair regularly without leaving
the buildup and weight on the hair.
No Manipulation. There is such a thing as over manipulating the hair,
but no manipulation is a recipe for disaster. If you don’t
comb, brush or detangle your hair at all, it may become
matted and locked in ropes. The locs form because the hair
that is to shed isn’t being released and winds up tangling
with outer curls, creating the locs. This is true even for
those who only finger comb their hair. If your hair locks
and you don’t have the patience or someone who knows how to
take the locs apart, you may be forced to cut your hair,
possibly leaving your hair uneven and without a flattering
shape.
Over Protective. Wearing protective styles is meant to give the hair a
break from a lot of pulling, stretching, heat and styling,
but you can be over protective. If you choose to wear a
weave or extensions, it is possible to have them in too
long. If you wear them for a prolonged amount of time, you
are apt to thinning, breakage, matting and hair loss.
Extensions should be left in no longer than their
recommended time as directed or as advised by a stylist.
Knowing
your hair type/texture, will help you to be mindful of the
potential for your hair to matte and/or lock up. You can get
a perimeter touch up or weave tightening, to avoid stressing
the hair line (with braids/kinky twists), but the extensions
should be removed altogether before any locking would take
place (typically three to four months where locs begin to
bud) or if you are experiencing a sudden episode of hair
loss. You could be allergic to the hair, the hair could be
braided too tight or you could be experiencing an illness as
well.
Neglect. It is easy to neglect our hair. When the hair is relaxed and
you may go days without combing or brushing it, it is less
likely to tangle up or matte because of the texture that
will not intertwine with others straight strands. Having no
elasticity makes straight hair fragile but curly hair can
become more fragile if it's not being cared for.
Hair must be
cleaned and conditioned at the least, but finding motivation
to create styles keeps your natural journey from being
uneventful and causing you to second guess your decision.
Maintaining a good hair care regimen both day and night,
will promote healthy hair growth. Neglecting the hair
includes not washing or conditioning; not detangling; and
leaving protective styles in too long.
Natural hair
isn't more complicated, but it requires a plan of care and a
routine to encourage an overall healthy head of hair. It is
a journey, complete with rest stops, alternate routes and
extended stays in certain seasons. But once you become well
acquainted with your hair, you will be able to establish a
healthy regimen that can make your hair grow and flourish in
the summer sun.
Dealing with hair thinning or loss? Register for the
upcoming workshop “Edge Control” on July 22, 2017 from 10:00
AM-12:00 PM at The Kitchen Salon located at 3030 N. Reynolds
Rd. Toledo, OH 43615
www.thekitchensalon.com
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