Black Hair OMG!

Whether it’s a job interview, date, meeting, or party, one way to leave behind an unforgettable impression is through your fragrance. A situation I found myself in a few weeks back will put this into perspective, here’s what happened.

[See Popular Article "Onion Juice Recipe For Natural Hair Growth"]

The long-awaited day had finally arrived when myself and two very special friends would meet for dinner. We had not seen each other in close to six months and had finally found a date that suited us all despite our busy schedules.

I was the first to arrive at the restaurant that evening and minutes later the ladies followed. The very minute we saw each other we filled the restaurant with laughter, screams and excitement, as we embraced each other with a group hug and kisses.

Now here is where things get interesting...

One friend in particular caught me off guard as I leaned in for a hug, she wore her hair as she usually does in a tightly defined twist out, but this time unlike others her hair smelled somewhat magical. I had never experienced anything like it! If you could bottle the smell of an ocean view whilst laying down on a tropical beach sipping on a mango mojito, then that was exactly it!

The evening continued with laughter, a few more hair sniffing sessions, and as usual in-depth discussions about the future.

But I’m sure what you’re more interested in knowing, is whether or not I found out the name of the mystery product that left behind such a lasting impression. You bet I did! It was called Shea Decadence Mango Sorbet (Shine & Define Styling Balm)

Sound familiar? Well, if you’ve been on the blog long enough you’ll know I already use and love the Shea Decadence Mango Lassi Conditioning Hair Milk, which has the same scent. But the secret according to my friend is to pair the milk and styling balm together for the full fragrant experience, something I had yet to do.

I don’t know about you but I’m pretty big on fragrances and love that they have the power to change your mood and even the mood of those around you. Having a great body fragrance is one thing, but try amazing smelling hair too, it’ll change your life and have heads turning, trust me!

If that isn’t enough I recently learned that huge fragrance brands such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Viktor & Rolf, Byredo, Valentino, Thierry Mugler etc, have also caught onto the wonder of hair perfumes, and have their very own hair perfume ranges.

I just picked up a bottle of the Chanel Chance Eau Vive hair perfume after smelling it last week, and can’t wait to use this alongside my Shea Decadence duo. Next on my list is the Sachajuan Hair Perfume which has some amazing reviews.

In my time within the natural hair kids space, I’ve received tons and tons of questions. Surprisingly enough, a lot of those questions involve how to properly take care of an African American baby’s hair.

The reason why getting these questions is so surprising is because from the moment your child is a newborn to around four or five months of age, taking care of an African American child’s hair should be EASY breezy!

And I'll show you how to make it easy and give your child a headstart towards healthy, gorgeous, growing hair!

IMHO, parents of beautiful Black babies put waaaaay too much pressure on themselves to start their child’s natural hair journey off right.

Nowadays you’re swamped with so much information regarding natural hair; it’s hard to know when and where to begin. The reality is, whether your child is born with a full head of hair or a few random strands – in the beginning – you really don’t have to do too much to it at all.

[Learn The TRUTH about the Ïnversion Hair Growth Method... HERE!]

Protect Her Scalp 1st Over All Else!

Babies have very sensitive scalps and their skulls are soft and still developing. Pulling or tugging on the hair and using heavy products just isn’t a good idea. You’ll have plenty of time for that; and you’ll be wishing for the days when a little baby shampoo and a drop of oil were all you needed to set your child up for maximum hair growth. (Because that is really all you need.)

Here are a few more do’s and don’ts regarding African American baby hair care.

Don’t use the same products that you use on your hair on your baby’s. Most products that are formulated for adults have chemicals in them that are way too harsh for a baby’s head of hair. Using adult products (even certain mild ones) on your baby’s hair can cause your baby’s scalp to become irritated and could even cause rashes and excessive dryness.

Do use a mild sulfate free baby shampoo on your baby’s hair. Cara B. is a great line baby and child haircare line that’s formulated with African American babies in mind.

Do keep your baby’s hair and scalp clean, but don’t over wash. Given that newborns and infants have sensitive skin, you’ll only need to bathe them a couple (no more than a few) times per week. As far as their hair is concerned, you’ll probably only need to wash it once per week. Over-washing can cause dryness which isn’t good if you want your baby’s hair to grow.

Do be gentle. As I mentioned before, your baby’s hair and scalp are still super soft and sensitive. Use shampoos sparingly and lather it in gently. Rinse with lukewarm water; and if your baby’s hair is long enough to need detangling, use a wide-toothed comb and detangle gently starting from the ends.

Do use a little oil after washing, but don’t overdo it. Extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed) is great for babies as it’s relatively light and works wonders at sealing in moisture. A dime size amount should be more than enough for a newborn or infant with a TWA (teeny weeny afro). Use a soft baby brush to distribute the oil evenly.

Do be on the lookout for your baby’s hair to make “the change”. During the first few months, your baby’s hair still has the residuals of all of those good “juices and berries” that were in your belly. It will be soft, shiny, and seem easy to manage; but after a few washings, your baby’s true hair type texture should begin to reveal itself.

It may be drier and retain moisture less easily. 

DON'T PANIC SIS!

Look, don’t panic; but you do need to take action. You may simply want to consider going ahead and adding a moisturizer to your baby’s hair care routine. Soon the real fun with your child’s hair will begin. 🙂

Do resist the urge to “style” your baby’s hair daily. I know how stinkin’ cute they are, but barrettes, and hair clips should be saved for special occasions only.

At this time in your baby’s life (from newborn to around six months) it’s your best bet to just leave your child’s hair alone and just let it “do what it’s going to do”. Over manipulation and the use of heavy barrettes can snap your baby’s hair off right at the hairline.

If you feel like you need to add a girly touch to your baby’s tiny fro, use a satin-lined headband making sure that it’s not too tight, and that’s it’s removed once your event or picture taking is over.

Don’t panic if your child has a spot in the back that just “won’t grow”.

It’s actually more common for newborns and infants to have a bald spot in the back then you think.

Babies sleep on their backs a lot, and that friction can do a number on the back of a baby’s hair. Once your baby starts spending more time on their belly, chances are that that spot will fill in beautifully – without you having to do too much to it at all.

If the bald spot is something that really concerns you, consider having your baby sleep on a satin baby blanket.

See Cara B's Haircare Line For Black Babies HERE!

An anonymous reader asked...

“Can I change the texture of my hair?" The answer is “Yes”.

Natural hair is extremely versatile and the texture can be manipulated lots of different ways.

The way in which the hair grows from your head cannot be changed however but and why would we want it to? Remember, the more knowledgeable you are about your own texture the easier it will be to change up and experiment with different styles.

Styling Techniques That Change Texture:

PRO TIP #1:

Play around with the amount of hair you use. Try a small and chunky twist out. The results are extremely different. Try curling the ends of twist or braids for a smoother look.  Also, for a different spin stretch curls (wear up in a high bun or ponytail for a day or two) before doing twist or braid outs. The texture will surely be different on...

• Twist Outs
• Braid Outs
• Bantu Knot Outs ( SEE THIS Bantu Knot Out ALTERNATIVE Tutorial!)
• Pin Curls (Wet or Dry)
• Flat Twist Outs
• Stretch Curls
• Rod Sets

PRO TIP #2:

Rod Sets are a LIFE-SAVER! They add a lot of body and make hair appear to be thicker!

Treatments That Will Temporarily Change Your Curl Pattern: 

*Keep in mind that these treatments require touch ups just like a relaxer. Be sure to do the proper research before devoting yourself to any one of these treatments.

Henna Treatments

Henna- I recommend henna. It’s natural and safe and cheap! There are reports that over time henna can alter and loosen curl patterns. This however has not been proven and varies for different women.

After my henna treatment I did temporarily see a looser curl pattern (which made me nervous) but it was restored as I repeatedly rinsed and cowashed my hair.

Curly Nikki swears by Henna

The Brazilian Blow Out - Is It Worth It?

Brazilian Blow Out- This is a soothing protein treatment. Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex the hair is covered by a protective layer of protein that eliminates frizz and soothe the hair cuticle. Ishea, of Six Twenty Seven Blog posts: 

“The blowout is a smoothing (not straightening) treatment that coats your hair shaft with a protective protein layer. This helps to smooth and reduce frizz. I must stress to everyone your curls are not going anywhere. This isn’t a relaxer, texturizer or anything harsh and permanent. Since there is no chemical change to the composition of your hair there is no line of demarcation or permanent change to your curl pattern. This is a conditioning and smoothing treatment that gives you fabulous results lasting anywhere from 12 weeks to 4 months. Over time as you wash your hair the protective layer around the hair shaft fades away”.

- Ishea

 It is a 90-minute treatment and can be costly ranging anywhere from $125.00- $450.00 

*Warning!

Most of these treatment contain formaldehyde. There have been reports of burning of the lungs, eyes, skin and scalp. There have also been reports that these treatments have caused permanent respiratory damage. For more information on the risks see this article about Brazilian Blowouts on Black hair. 

Sooo... Have You Tried Any of These? How Have They Worked? What’s Ways Do You Manipulate Your Curl? 

Don't get it twisted, a very important part of your Natural Hair journey is to teach your child to love and embrace their natural African hair; passing the torch of enlightened knowledge from one generation to the next. 

In a world where straight hair is favored over textured, kinky, coily, or curly African hair, it’s important that they look to you as their defender and source of knowledge.

As parents, what you say pales in comparison to what you do. So, lead by example. Treat their hair with loving care and teach them how to maintain their Natural Crowns.

Choosing the right products and hairstyles for your gorgeous little angel needs to be done with the highest consideration. This can be a bit intimidating to some parents and may seem like a lot of work. Many times, this very anxiety could lead to parental neglect, resulting in the ruined health of their kid’s hair, which could further lead to permanent damage in their adult years (e.g. a receding hairline).

As their parent, you must avoid tension when braiding or tying, chemical products, and direct heat. After all, the golden rule to natural African hair care can be summed up in these few words: The effort you put in is what you get out.

Now, the fun part begins – creating a healthy hair routine based on your child’s unique hair type. A hair routine doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive. The trick is to be consistent and experiment to determine the best approach.

Cleansing Natural Hair:

Regardless of the many debates about using shampoo, the best way to get rid of dirt and build-up that clog pores and prevent moisture from penetrating the hair follicles is to use shampoo. When washing your child’s hair, remember that children are active, so their hair picks up dirt much faster than yours.

Use My Natural Hair Kids Gentle Shampoo (sulphate- and paraben-free) that won’t irritate your child’s skin or eyes. Focus on cleansing the scalp and allowing the soap to run down the hair shaft, and not tugging and pulling on the hair. Try not to shampoo more than once a week, depending on the ability of your child’s hair to retain moisture, as this can strip the hair of natural oils.

Conditioning/Deep Conditioning Natural Black Hair:

Deep conditioning gives your hair an extra coating of moisture that is always needed for natural African hair to protect itself against dirt, sweat, and the weather elements that dry out your hair. It also makes detangling easier, which can help to ease the painful experience of detangling that every kid resists with all their might. The My Natural Hair Kids Soothing Conditioner and Kids Hair Repair Tooty Fruity Mask coat the hair shaft effectively, thus providing slip to make the texture softer and more manageable for that dreaded detangling session. All natural deep conditioners will give your child’s hair the extra boost of nutrition that they need for healthier, stronger, and longer hair, and is essential in a natural African hair regiment for kids.

Moisturizing Natural Hair

Keeping natural African hair moisturized even when styling in braids is a must. Children are specifically prone to dryness and damage of their hair because of their daily activities. So, it is important to moisturize their hair as often as possible. This can be done by hydrating with water and then applying a small amount of My Natural Hair Kids Curly Whirly Cream or Kids Kiddy Hair Butter to the damp hair. These products are specially made for natural African hair. To complete the L.O.C. method, seal the hair with the Moisture Locking Oil to keep it moisturized.

Growing Baby Girl's Natural Hair!

Natural Black Hair Night-Time Routine

Yes, you read right! This is not made up – it’s an element that quite a few Naturals do not incorporate in their natural African hair regiment. If your hair is not protected during this time, it will be prone to breakage and losing moisture. During your child’s night routine, use a silk bonnet or pillowcase to avoid the friction that causes breakage, and to prevent the hair from losing moisture and its natural oils.

Detangling Natural Hair

This is usually the part where things get a little crazy. The unpleasant pulling and tugging with screams of “you’re hurting me!” and the mom’s impatient reply of “don’t be naughty; just sit still!” The worst problem is single-strand knots, which make detangling difficult and cause breakage to the hair.

Here’s how to avoid “traumatic” detangling.

DO NOT AVOID DETANGLING. This will just worsen the situation.

Split ends can also cause dryness and knots on the ends, so try to trim off dead ends.

Make sure that the hair is hydrated and moisturised. Don’t detangle dry hair.

Use a wide-toothed comb, detangling brush, or vent brush. Section the hair to make it more manageable and to ensure that you don’t miss any parts.

Start gently from the ends and work your way up. Do not tug and pull on the knots. This must be done with patience.

Styling Natural Hair

Protective styling like braids, twists, and knots can be a real lifesaver in terms of giving you and your kid a break from styling every day. It protects the hair against damage, dirt, and harsh elements.

These 3 points are vital for styling:

1. The style should not be tight. Do not pull or tug the hair into the style. This causes discomfort, breakage, and hair loss.
2. Never leave the style in for longer than 2 weeks.
3. Moisturise the hair before styling and whist in a protected style. Use oils or oil sprays to retain hair moisture and protect the hair.

Curl Patterns and Porosity

The My Natural Hair products for African hair are well known for their moisture-rich features. Knowing your curl pattern and hair porosity helps when using the products.

Type 2 Wavy to Type 3 Curly Hair may need fewer products to prevent weighing down the curls, especially when your child has fine hair. After washing and conditioning the hair, you might want to apply the Kids Curly Whirly cream and then seal it in thereafter with a small amount of the Moisture Oil to facilitate a smoother defined curl.

Type 3 Curly to Type 4 Coily/Kinky Hair that is thicker usually needs a lot more moisture, which will require something extra added to styling, like the Kids Kiddy Hair Butter.

• Low-Porosity Hair– Lighter or liquid-based products will help prevent product build-up. Use moisture-rich products with ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, or coconut oil.
• Medium-Porosity Hair – Avoid using products with protein in them for daily use. Deep condition periodically with a product that does include protein.

High-Porosity Hair – Leave-in conditioners and moisturizers will provide your hair with moisture throughout the day, but use a sealer, such as the  Moisture oil, to retain moisture and prevent dryness.