Hair Extensions How To

GET HEALTHY HAIR NOW – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHEMICAL RELAXERS

Hair breakage, hair thinning, lack of hair growth, scalp irritation, scalp damage and hair loss – These are just some of the complaints from many who experience problems due to the misuse of chemical hair relaxers. In fact, the FDA lists hair straighteners and hair dyes among its top consumer complaint areas. Yet, in so many stores around the country, chemicals are available for everyone to use, without much instruction, a powerful process which transforms the basic chemical makeup of the hair strand.  Before beginning any hair treatment, especially one that introduces chemicals to your hair, you owe it to yourself to be well informed. Armed with a better understanding of this process, you will be able to make good decisions with regard to hair and scalp care.

If you have naturally tightly curled hair you have the option of styling it using products specifically designed for your hair type as it is, or the option to straighten the hair which opens up further hair styles to be available to you. However, chemically straightening the hair should be carefully thought out and thoroughly studied.  We have compiled essential information on chemical hair relaxers and urge you to read the following carefully and, if not for yourself, share it with a friend.

His name was Garrett Augustus Morgan and he was born the seventh of eleven children of former slaves. He is best known for his invention of the automatic traffic signal and gas mask. But it was around 1910 that he stumbled upon what would become his contribution to the hair care products industry and what would pave the way for several other entrepreneurs and manufacturers over the next hundred years.

While working in a sewing machine repair shop attempting to invent a new lubricating liquid for the machine needle, it is widely believed that Morgan wiped his hands on a wool cloth, returned the next day, found the woolly texture of the cloth had “smoothed out”, and set out to find how the liquid chemical had changed the texture as it had. He experimented on an Airedale dog, known for their curly textured hair, and the effect was successfully duplicated.

Morgan then tried his lubricating liquid invention on himself, called it a “hair refining cream”, and thus patented the first chemical hair straightener.  He founded a personal grooming products company which included hair dying ointments, curved-tooth pressing combs, shampoo, hair pressing gloss, and the one that started it all: the “G.A. Morgan’s Hair Refiner Cream” (advertised to “Positively Straighten Hair in 15 Minutes”).

How can chemicals “relax”, or straighten hair? Well first of all, as assumed, the chemical would need to be potent enough to do so. Both lye and “no lye” relaxers are very strong chemicals that work in the same manner by changing the basic structure of the hair shaft. The chemical penetrates the cortex or cortical layer and loosens the natural curl pattern. This inner layer of the hair shaft is not only what gives curly hair its shape but provides strength and elasticity. Once this process is performed it is irreversible.

This process which produces the desired effect of “straighter” hair at the same time leaves hair weak and extremely susceptible to breaking and further damage. One must keep in mind that relaxers do not help the hair, but actually strip it. So by applying chemicals to the hair, even if it is to achieve a desired effect, is never really to the benefit of your hair health.  Due to this, it is first strongly recommended that it be applied only under the direction of a hair care professional with a record of success with healthy hair care and chemical straightening, and that the client regularly obtains conditioning treatments before and after the process.

Possessing a healthy scalp beforehand decreases the possibility of problems occurring. Relaxers should never be applied to already damaged hair, or on someone who has had scalp damage. Age should also be considered. Although your young children may want to have the hairstyles they see on adults or other young people, parents should seriously consider applying such strong chemicals to young hair and the potential damage that could last a lifetime if misused; most times it is not necessary to apply any chemical product to young hair.

“Over processing”, the excessive use of relaxers on the hair or applying the chemical to already processed or relaxed hair, is the most typical misuse of these chemicals. Once the initial relaxer is applied to “virgin hair” (or a “virgin relaxer” is performed), “touch-ups” (or chemical applied thereafter) should only be applied to new growth between 6-8 week periods (or more). This however, depends on the rate of hair growth and condition of the hair as advised by your hair care professional. (Some say that even six weeks is too soon to reapply relaxer to new growth). And it is standard to wait at least 2-4 weeks before applying hair color chemical (or dye) to recently relaxed hair, if applied at all. We remind readers that the more chemicals applied to hair the more possibility of damage may be experienced.

 We are well aware that chemical straightening is an option that many people will choose regardless of the education they receive on the dangers and cautions in doing so.  So we ask that if you are going to make the choice to chemically relax your hair that you take ever precaution necessary.  Seek the service of a reputable hair care professional who is concerned with the overall HEALTH of the hair.  A hair consultation should be suggested during which the hair may be felt to determine its elasticity and strength. Your scalp should also be inspected. And any problems you currently are experiencing with your hair or scalp should be disclosed to the stylist at this time. The stylist may also ask you pertinent questions regarding your current hair regimen and products you typically use. Your stylist may even recommend other methods to style your hair besides chemically straightening it. Even after you’ve personally done your research the stylist may strongly recommend that relaxing your hair ought not be done or that it is not needed. Their recommendation should also be carefully considered.

If newly chemically straightened hair is not given special treatment and care it can become brittle, dry, damaged and break. Relaxed hair will tend to be drier and break easily. When combing it may be best to use a large tooth comb and start from the tips of the hair up to the roots. Regular deep conditioning is a must. Remember once you’ve made the decision to chemically straighten the hair you should also make a decision to commit to regular quality conditioning treatments to maintain not only the look you want, but the healthy hair we all desire.

http://www.gethealthyhairnow.com

Intimidated about buying an expensive hair care product? Join the club. Taking the plunge and purchasing a salon grade hair care product is a scary choice for most individuals, especially when you peruse the ingredient label for your favorite drugstore shampoo and conditioner, which costs you only $10 and it includes the same ingredients as the salon shampoo and conditioner. But, don’t be fooled, there is a difference between your drugstore shampoo and salon shampoo, despite the ingredient listing. Just like a Toyota Camry can look a Mercedes, and have all the right components to be a Mercedes, you notice the difference when you get behind that steering wheel.

If you are uncertain about what salon grade products to purchase, try Frederic Fekkai’s Glossing Shampoo, if you don’t mind a shampoo that contains many chemicals. Or even better, try Beauty 4 Ashes ® GodHead Silky Smooth Shampoo if you want a salon-quality, all natural shampoo.

Frederic Fekkai

PROS: Frederic Fekkai’s products are renowed for leaving the hair soft, shiny and silky, while providing it with a few hair goodies that restore damaged locks.

CONS: The products are very expensive for a very small amount and contain many toxins, sulfates, and parabens. Here is a listing of the ingredients in the Glossing Shampoo ® : Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocobetaine, Cocamide MEA, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Decyl Glucosamide, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/Cocoate, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-60 Almond Glycerides, Vitis Vinefera (Grape Seed) Extract, Glycol Stearate, Panthenol, Methoxy PEG/PPG-7/3 Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Prunus Amygdalus (Sweet Almond) Protein, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Glycene Soja (Soybean) Protein, Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Polyquaterium-59, Cinnamidopropyltrimethyl Ammonium Chloride, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Fragrance (parfum), Benzopheneone-4, PEG-150, PEG-150 Distearate, Citric Acid, Trisodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200).

Beauty 4 Ashes GodHead ®

PROS: Their products are completely all natural, and contain natural soap agents, no parabens, no sulfates, and tons of hair repairing natural oils and extracts. The products have nice scents and are divided by hair type—ethnic and non-ethnic. GodHead ® products have achieved popular acclaim for leaving dry and damaged hair softer, healthier, and stronger. They also were voted top out of current natural shampoos for producing shine, vibrance, and fullness in dull and thin hair.

CONS: The products are less expensive than Fekkai and give you much more; however, they are all natural and made fresh to order. Thus, you can only find them at select salons and spas and at Beauty 4 Ashes’ website, wwwdiscoverb4acom.

As a stylist for over 15 years of both ethnic and non-ethnic hair, I would recommend you take the plunge and purchase a salon-grade product. I am not selling this to you as propaganda, I receive no credit or money for this advice. I only tell you this as a salon professional who has used both $1.00 VO5 and $5.00 Pantene on my clients’ hair and $29.99 GodHead ® and Frederic Fekkai on my customers’ hair. Especially for my clients with hair coloring, chemicals, or heat styling, Beauty 4 Ashes ® GodHead ® products maintainsthe health, shine, fullness, and length of their hair better than cheaper shampoos. To put it simply, I have to cut their hair less due to split ends and they get to avoid the big chop and who wants to cut their hair when they didn’t intend to?

Paul Mitchell ® and Beauty 4 Ashes ® are two salon professional companies that create high-quality hair care products with hair healthy ingredients. Paul Mitchell, which makes synthetic based hair care products, prides itself in creating products which leave the hair stronger and more vibrant. Although formerly only available at the salon, you can now purchase many of their products in your local high-end drugstore, such as CVS.

Beauty 4 Ashes ® is Paul Mitchell’s all natural hair care products equivalent, creating high-quality, hair healthy ingredient packed hair care products. Because Beauty 4 Ashes ® products are all-natural and made fresh to order, they are only available in certain salons and spas, which agree to stock their products according to their shelf life guidelines. However, you can purchase their products online at their website, wwwdiscoverb4acom. Unlike many “natural” hair care companies, Beauty 4 Ashes ® GodHead ™ products are truly all natural, containing no artificial preservatives, parabens, glycols, silicones, or sulfates. Their products also contain essential and natural oils that detangle hair and give it lubricity and shine, instead of tons of extracts. Headquarted out of Chicago, the company has instantly become a brand name in many hair salons, especially their GodHead Silky Smooth ™ products, which are acclaimed as hair care products that leave the hair sleek and more manageable without the use of chemicals. In the United Kingdom, the GodHead ™ Max Moisture and Gro ™ Shampoo is a staple. I have tried them both and love them both. The company also sets itself apart by including scriptures with every product they make. It gives you that feel good vibe like Philosophy ®

Remember, don’t be fooled! Cheaper shampoo manufacturers and even more expensive, less quality hair care products manufacturers will tell you that it is a myth that salon grade products are better for your hair. But, if that is the case, why do they seek to imitate their formulas? Also, keep in mind that to truly maintain healthy hair, you must look at long term, not immediate results. Sure, a cheap shampoo can make your hair “look” and “feel” good by using silicones and hair stripping inexpensive detergents, but what happens to your hair over time? If you must go to the drugstore to purchase your hair care products, spend the extra few bucks and opt for Paul Mitchell. If you want an even healthier choice, that has no chemicals, but provides the same results, try Beauty 4 Ashes GodHead ™ products. Yes, you might have to wait a couple of days to get them, but why not have hair care products that are natural and made fresh to order for you?

Do you have dry frizzy hair, if your hair falling out? Have you colored your hair and hate the dry frizzy hair you now have? Do you have split ends? Breakages? You may have noticed that your hair is growing to slow and you now want faster hair growth

Well you can fix it with a good diet and I am going to recommend a few things to eat that will grow your hair longer

First step to grow longer hair is to take a good multivitamins, biotin, and drinking plenty of water. With it- this simple tip is so powerful and by itself will help your hair grow faster

Next step is you need protein for fast hair growth; this includes peanut butter, steak, chicken, etc. Protein is really good for your hair and it will make your hair grow faster however be sure to drink plenty of water to rid your body of the toxins that protein produces when digested.

Understand that without the right nutrition your hair will begin thinning or even fall out you need the right balance of amino acids and B-vitamins. Key vitamins for hair growth include vitamin B-6, biotin, Inositol and folic acid; you also want the following minerals in your diet such as magnesium, sulfur, silica and zinc

Another key mineral for hair growth is Beta-carotene. This mineral is key because it is converted to vitamin A, which is crucial to long hair growth it will also help maintain normal body growth and bone development; vitamin A will promote the growth of healthy skin, hair and nails. To get Beta-carotene, be sure to consume green and yellow vegetables and fruits.

And I mentioned above protein Is Important for long hair growth as hair is composed of keratin which is a protein, a diet that is low in protein may cause hair loss and hair thinning. So be sure to consume lots of protein-as it will result in improved hair growth.

Other supplements that will promote long hair growth include calves liver, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ and a granulated lecithin to promote long hair growth, strong hair and overall beautiful hair. Soy protein has been proven by numerous studies to strengthened the hair and promote fast hair growth. To get soy drink lots of soy milk!

To promote fast hair growth , be sure to stop smoking , stop consuming diet and regular sodas, these tend to stop normal hair growth, be sure to avoid sugary foods a very important factor in promoting hair growth is to treat it delicately, stop unnecessary brushing, combing or handling. Do not use hot water when washing your hair; do not use hot blow dryers or other hair care tools that may stress the hair with heat or chemicals

. You also want to use a weekly scalp massage to provide instant stimulation to the hair follicles. This will get your hair growing fast

Do a series of ongoing herbal oil treatments to protect and nourish the hair’s shaft. I recommend Mira hair oil! And finally be sure to get regular trims to remove split ends and allow the hair to look and feel healthier.

And finally for long hair growth keep stress away from your life and get plenty of rest and sleep to allow your body to grow hair at an acierated pace.

You’re different, you’re tough, you’re matchless… you’re punk! You’re yourself! And you want everyone to know it. You need hair cut styles that most people don’t see in a lifetime. You need to leave you’re mark. You need good punk hair ideas.

I will tell you about some of the most weird hair cuts I’ve seen to this day, and maybe some you see every day, but they’re all punk hair cuts nevertheless. Used by women, men, teenagers and even some children!

Starting With

The Mohawk. I think this is the most common of them all, but with some creative innovations it can be reinvented all from the start. Instead of dying your hair plain yellow, try painting something different. I once saw a woman with cheetah patterns on the sides of her 6″ Mohawk which made it very different from all the others. Scarlet red, electric blue or others might do the work but look for something unique.

Spikes, also on the list of common punk hair cuts. But as the Mohawk, with creative ideas you can make them look as you want. My brother left the house the other day with eight or ten 7″ Spikes covered in aluminum. That was so crazy! Although it was for a Halloween party, everyone saw that hair as if they had never seen Spikes in their life.

The Big Guns

I have no names for these, but I will describe them as so.

I saw a woman wearing this hair style. She had long straight hair, but she shaved parts of it. She had like half of her hair shaved except right over her ear; she kept that hair long but dyed yellow. The other half she had a part or her hair shaved but it was minimum and she wore her hair sideways toward the shaved part. Really crazy but the style looked good on her, perhaps because she showed confidence.

This one works for short hair styles. Parts of the hair being shaved, and the parts where hair has been left, tie a little pony tail making that piece of hair to spring up in the air. Dying your hair red or blue gives it a special look. There are a lot more hair cuts for punks but I’ll talk about those on another article.

KeraCare produces quality products for African American hair, especially if you have an itchy scalp from braids or hair weaves. However, their shampoos and conditioners tend to sometimes leave black hair dry and brittle, unless it is there detangling shampoo. As a result, although their products will help your scalp, they will leave your hair looking like you did it yourself. If you have a relaxer or chemically treated hair, and are use to using products like Elasta QP, Motions, or TCB, then it is long over due to make the switch to all natural hair care products.

Just because you buy natural hair care products does not mean you have to cut your hair and grow a mini afro or get dreads. You donâ??t need natural hair! There are several benefits of using all-natural hair care products, especially if you have relaxed hair. One of the best all-natural products on the market is Beauty 4 Ashes GodHeadâ?¢ Silky Smooth System for Ethnic Hair. The shampoo and conditioner in the system are loaded with vitamins and natural oils that will not leave your hair dry like KeraCare, but instead will hydrate your follicles and nourish your roots. You can even use products like GodHeadâ?¢ Max Moisture and Gro System to lengthen your hair and extend times between getting relaxers. You can find their products at wwwdiscoverb4acom

Here are the top five Hair Care Tips for Black Hair according to Hollywoodâ??s Celebrity Stylist Michelle Vincent.

Hollywood Stylist Tip# 1 for Black Hair: Stop using low grade hair care products that contain sulfates: Even if you get a perm or wear weaves, your hair needs the most nutrients that it can receive between salon visits.

Hollywood Stylist Tip# 2 for Black Hair: Buy all natural hair care products, most natural stores carry Jasonâ??s or Aubrey Organics ® Shampoos or you can by Beauty 4 Ashes ® online.

Hollywood Stylist Tip# 3 for Black Hair: Take care of your hair from home. You can do it! Wrap or roll your hair before bed. Donâ??t just sleep on it without a protective covering, which can lead to split ends and result in YOU getting your hair CUT.

Hollywood Stylist Tip# 4 for Black Hair: Drink plenty of water and reduce your intake of junk foods. Take a B Complex on a daily basis.

Hollywood Stylist Tip# 5 for Black Hair: Buy Silk pillow cases and hair wraps. Avoid cotton, it can lead to hair breakage.

If metal clip on extensions are continually worn and the tension on your hair is not regularly alleviated, scarring can occur as well as permanent hair loss, leaving the wearer with a less then desirable appearance they’ll be forced to deal with for their rest of their lives.

In today’s modern society, most people think only of the final appearance of their hair.

(2) The continual over processing with Chemical treatment such as bleaches, dyes, or strengtheners disrupts the keratin structure in a manner that reduces its tensile strength.

The hair follicles can become fragile. At first the hair fall out is not so noticeable because the clip on extensions are disguising it. Add brushing and combing your hair, you will note a difference in the reduced thickness of your hair line but ignore it initially. Later on some people might experience heavy fall out which can occur with brushing, combing and washing your hair. On top of that using extreme heat to fashion each day can also permanently damage the hair follicle.

If detected early, traction alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early. However, permanent loss can occur too slowly for immediate detection. Hair loss is often occurs in the front, but is also subject to the immediate adjacent area to where the clip in extension were pulling and damaging the hair root.

(1) The sad truth of the matter is that permanent traction alopecia does not respond to medical treatment such as minoxidil or finasteride since by its nature, the loss is different then genetic hair loss.

The only way one can treat traction alopecia is with transplants. Follicular unit hair grafting has been identified as the only practical solution to treating traction alopecia. Hair transplant clinics are reportedly seeing a rise in the number of patients with traction alopecia and say the results can be good to excellent.

However this can be a costly approach especially whilst clip on extensions appear so cheap. What you have to consider is whether wearing clip on extensions for over 6 hours a day versus the value of your own hair. Which is worth more?

There are over 18 different extension techniques. It is important that you find a technique that is suitable for your type and life style. There is a misconception that hair extensions can be worn permanently for up to 6 months at a time.

In today’s society, you need to hold on to what you’ve got, look after what you have and start being kinder to your hair.

Sources:
1. Basil M Hantash, MD, PhD, Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH. (2005) Traction Alopecia, Emedicine.com
2. Cheryl Guttman, May 1, 2003 Alopecia Options for Black Women, Dermatology Times,

The popularity of braids, dreadlocks, add on hair / wigs, weaves, natural hair styles, and hair extensions with or without glue is exploding.

The key importance and selling point for the Take Down removal cream is that it is an oil based cream. This key factor allows women to transition easily from wearing braids to a relaxer in the same day.

Most women of color assume that after removing braids or extensions they have to wait 1 week in order to relax or straighten their hair, but because Take Down is a cream- not a spray. and is an oil based product.

It protects the scalp and hair so that a chemical relaxer can be used. Most people or stylists don’t have the time or patience to remove fusion, braids, dreadlocks, weaves or hair extensions the right way. And the average consumer goes to the salon to undo or “take down” a style.

And if the hair stylist does not have proper understanding of how to remove any of these styles, they just pull and tug, which ultimately damages their client’s hair. But now there is a solution.

The Take Down® brand is not only unique, but is the lead product for the removal of all add-on-hair styles in the beauty industry. It is a very strong cross over product, for all types of women and hair textures.

Every one from hollywood,models, entertainers to the everday college student wears some form of hair extensions, braids,and add-on-hair.

Anyone who has removed fusion, hair extensions, weaves that are saturated with bonding glue, or tiny micro-braids, understands the hassle. When removing hair extensions with fusion, braids, weaves or dreadlocks, the hair can become dry and matted together, so it can take hours upon hours to remove these styles. And often, once these styles are removed, unhealthy, broken hair is left behind.

Introducing a new product that helps detangle hair and aids in the fast and easy removal of fusion, braids, hair extensions, weaves and dreadlocks. TAKE DOWN® makes the pain, tangles, knots and damage associated with removing these styles old news.

With TAKE DOWN®, women and men who desire changing their locked hairstyles don’t have to cut their Dreadlocks off any more, they can salvage all that beautiful hair. With TAKE DOWN®, you have no more hair loss, damage or balding. And definitely no more excess fusion adhesive or bonding glue stuck to the hair and scalp.

TAKE DOWN®, THE REVOLUTIONARY HAIR REMOVAL CREAM penetrates through the hair and softens the hair as you comb through it. This natural cream can be a relief from the pain of combing out knots and clumps of tangled or matted hair once you have taken out the extension, braid or dreadlock. This revolutionary process makes removal of braids easy, fast and painless…

TAKE DOWN’S ®, revolutionary and unique selling points sit squarely with its ability to address a strong, yet previously overlooked, need in the hair care market.

copyright 2007 GBA Ent

Get Healthy Hair Now – How to Grow Long, Healthy Hair

Growing long, beautiful and healthy hair is not an extremely difficult process. It does not require the upscale hair products hawked by salons, handfuls of expensive vitamins, or any sort of sacrifice to the long hair gods. What it does take is common sense, dedication, and a lot of patience. Indeed, growing long hair is actually more a question of what you shouldn’t do rather than what you should!

If you make the commitment to closely follow the twenty steps below, not only will you grow long hair but your hair will be in beautiful condition throughout the process.

This guide was written specifically for the person who wants to grow extremely long hair – waist, hip, knee-length or even longer, but it will benefit anyone who is seeking longer locks. Keeping your hair in excellent condition, at extreme lengths, takes more caution and conscious effort than it would if you intend to keep your hair shorter, at mid-back length for example. If your goal is to encourage healthy hair growth but not to the extreme, then certain modifications may be made to a few of the steps below and still maintain successful results. If you use common sense and don’t allow damage to occur, you know you’re doing the right thing to promote healthy hair at any length.

It is also important to keep in mind that just about everyone has a “terminal length” which is the longest your hair will grow based on the active growth period of your hair follicles (the growth cycle of individual hair follicles turns on and off as determined by your genetics). Nothing here can help you alter your genetically predetermined terminal length. That being said, you’d be surprised how incredibly often what was thought to be terminal length turns out to be nothing more than hair too damaged to continue to grow… an easily resolved issue!

Hair loss, extreme dryness or any sudden change in your hair’s condition may be due to a medical condition, often thyroid issues. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner rather than from this guide. That being said, you might want to check out our disclaimer below.

Please feel free to experiment and tweak the below steps to best suit your own hair type and growth goals.

1.  The first step to growing long, beautiful hair is by far the most important. It is absolutely non-negotiable for anyone who wants healthy hair at any length, but it is also by far the hardest step you will have to follow. In order to have long healthy hair you absolutely have to start with healthy hair. You must cut off every inch that is considerably damaged. If you are going for extreme length, from that point on you will have to treat your hair like delicate, antique lace at all times. Remember, once your hair is at your waist the ends can be as many as six years old. Your hair will go through a lot of trauma in six years no matter how careful you are with it. Because there is absolutely no way to repair damaged hair, you must start out with healthy hair to have healthy hair when it’s long, there’s no way around it. If your hair is not very damaged up the entire shaft, you may start with a very healthy trim and then continue to trim monthly to maintain your length until all the damage is gone; however, keep in mind that if the amount of damage does not continue to decrease using this method, you didn’t remove enough of the damaged hair to begin with and another healthy trim is in order. You’ll save precious time by removing as much damage as possible from the very beginning and immediately implementing the steps that follow to your now beautifully healthy hair!  Remember, long damaged hair is never as pretty as shorter healthy hair, and because healthy hair needs to be trimmed less often and doesn’t break as easily, the result is much faster growth overall. I learned this step the hard way and wasted ten years trying to grow damaged hair I refused to cut… hair that started literally growing like a weed when I finally bit the bullet, did the dirty deed and stopped doing all the horrible nasties that initially resulted in the damage. Duh. Learn from my pain.2.  Always trim your hair often. Damage to your hair will move up from the ends and the only way to stop the damage in its tracks is to remove it as soon as it happens. Trim hair a half inch every month or so (the average rate of hair growth) if you are maintaining your length. If you are actively growing your hair, trim it a half inch every three or four months. In between trims it is beneficial to sit in bright light and snip any splits off the ends of individual hairs with a good pair of hair cutting scissors. If you are persistent with this method, regular trims may be able to be postponed even longer. If your hair begins to show damage, it is important to trim it more often! Damaged hair doesn’t grow, it breaks, and damage will only increase with time.3.  If you don’t have someone you trust implicitly to trim your hair for you, find a salon that caters to long hair, has a long hair specialist, or at least be sure to glare at your stylist as menacingly as you can while you clearly explain your hair-growth goals before letting her come at you with scissors. It also helps to ask the stylist to show you exactly their perception of the amount of hair you want trimmed by showing you what they think is the same distance from the end of their comb. It also helps to remember, it is not in the best interest of most salons or stylists if you rarely make visits to their salon, which is definitely a conflict of interest! If your hair is short and styled, you are always there spending money for maintenance. If your stylist tries to convince you that your long, healthy hair should be cut, run screaming from the salon immediately! Make sure that anyone whose advice you consider, be it a stylist, friend or family member, has only the best interest of YOUR acknowledged hair growth goals in mind. Otherwise smile politely and ignore every word they say. You absolutely are not too old, too thin, too short, too gray, too anything to have long hair.4.  Avoid using any heated appliances whenever possible. No blow drying, no curling irons, no hot rollers, and especially no flat irons or crimpers! If you absolutely must blow dry do so minimally, and contrary to popular belief, it is best to let your hair dry naturally for as long as possible and use the blow dryer just to finish it off at the end if you must. If you must use hot rollers, use flocked or soft rollers, not spiked plastic rollers. If you insist on using curling irons, flat irons or crimpers on a daily basis, really long healthy hair isn’t in your future. If you do use heat on your hair, be sure to use a product that will help protect your hair from it and keep in mind that every time you apply that heat you are likely to cause some damage.5.  Don’t use any harsh chemicals on your hair. Definitely no perms and no peroxide! If you must color, use non peroxide color, henna (but not if you have very dry hair… henna tends to be drying but does help to “plump up” fine hair), or even make your own natural hair color. Hair color with low peroxide is more tolerable, but using these products again and again will eventually affect the health of your hair, it is unavoidable. No perming or straightening ever for any reason. These chemicals actually break down the structure of your hair and completely rebuild it… no other chemicals meant to be applied to hair are more damaging. Don’t do it.6.  Avoid chlorine and saltwater. If you go swimming in either, shampoo your hair as soon as possible after exposure. If you are blonde, you may want to consider using a shampoo specially formulated to remove the green tinge that can come from exposing your hair to chlorine. If you swim very often, invest in a good bathing cap (and to be really kind to your hair, apply deep conditioner and take advantage of the body heat that will be generated while you’re wearing it). If you spend a lot of time in the sun, use a conditioner that provides SPF protection against the sun’s rays, or cover your hair with a tightly-woven hat or scarf.7.  Be extremely careful of what kind of hair jewelry you use. Never use metal barrettes (the “French” style) and absolutely NEVER use rubber bands, they will tear your hair when you try to remove them. Avoid anything that has sharp or rough edges, such as plastic combs with rough seams or hair claws with metal hinges. Never put anything in your hair that attaches with Velcro or springs. If you take anything out of your hair and a significant amount of hair comes out with it, don’t ever put it back in your hair. Scrunchies are very hair-safe, and several can be used if your hair is very long. 8.  Never put your hair in any kind of style that will put undue stress on the individual hairs… no tiny braids, no extremely tight coils. If you pull all or some of your hair into a braid or a ponytail to create your hairstyle, make sure it isn’t pulled tight enough to put stress on the roots of your hair. Pulling hair tight repeatedly commonly results in bald patches! If you go after the long hair “quick fix” and put extensions in your hair, be forewarned that your own hair will likely be significantly more damaged when they are removed than it was to begin with. Dreads almost always have to be cut off to be removed and are tremendously damaging to hair.9.  Avoid extreme diets. If your body isn’t getting enough nutrition, neither is your hair. Even if you try to avoid fat, it’s essential that you don’t completely eliminate all fat from your diet. Your hair (and body) will surely suffer for it. If you tend to restrict calories then be sure to take a multivitamin (any comprehensive one will do) to make sure both your body and your hair get the daily nourishment they need.10.  Be very gentle with your hair when it is wet. Don’t rub your hair vigorously with a towel; gently squeeze the towel down the length of your hair.  NEVER brush your hair when it’s wet, this is when your hair is at its most delicate. Use a very wide-tooth comb to smooth wet hair. In fact, it is best to avoid brushing your hair under most circumstances, a wide-tooth comb is almost always a better choice.11.  Be very careful with what you choose to style your hair. When you do use a brush, use only natural boar bristle brushes, which are useful in distributing sebum (your hair’s natural protective oils) to the ends of your hair and to remove loose hairs. If your hair is so thick that a boar bristle brush won’t penetrate, there are several smooth wood brushes on the market that will be kind to your hair. Using a wide-tooth comb is far less damaging but it is important to choose a comb that is molded or has smooth seams (use a bit of sand paper to smooth rough seams if necessary). Comb your hair often throughout the day to detangle it. Work in small sections, always starting close to the ends, combing down in long, smooth strokes until all tangles are removed, and then starting the next set of strokes higher on the same section of hair. Knots are very hard on your hair and it’s best to avoid them at all costs. Tiny knots that absolutely cannot be removed by any other means should be cut from your hair, not torn. Also, avoid back combing or “teasing” your hair with a fine-tooth comb. This lifts and tears the cuticle, destroying even the healthiest of hair in a very short period of time.12.  Comb your hair to ensure all knots have been removed before shampooing. After the knots have been removed, use a boar bristle brush to remove loose hairs, which will also cut down on knotting during shampooing.13.  Let your hair get dirty once in awhile. That’s right… permission to be lazy, what more could you ask for? Don’t shampoo, spend the entire weekend in bed drinking, eating chocolate covered strawberries, all while those wonderful natural conditioning oils work their magic. Don’t forget the boar bristle brush before shampooing to distribute those oils. 14.  Don’t pile your hair on your head when you wash it, that’s just asking for knots. I recommend using shampoos free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Sodium Laureth Sulphate.  Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a harsh (caustic) detergent that can “actually damage the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, causing dryness, roughness, scaliness, fissuring, loss of flexibility and reduction of the barrier functions of normal healthy skin.  The lipid dissolving action of some detergents, including SLS, cause damage to the moisture retaining ability of the cellular level resulting in water loss and loss of water-binding ability” (Cosmetic Science, C. Prottey, 1978).   Apply shampoo only to the roots and wash your scalp, then work the shampoo to the ends. You may find adding a bit of water to your shampoo or very quickly ducking under the shower spray after initially applying it to your hair will increase lathering significantly, making it easier to work the soap to the ends of your tresses. When you apply conditioner, work it through to the ends of your hair, smoothing and detangling gently with your fingers as you go. Continue smoothing your hair as you rinse. This will make combing your wet hair much easier and less likely to tear.15.  If you wash your hair often or have very dry hair, you may want to consider using only conditioner to wash it on occasion. If your hair isn’t very dirty the conditioner will easily rinse away surface contaminants16.  Rinse your hair in as cold water as you can stand. Not only will this make the cuticle lay flat and less likely to snag and break, but by the same token you’ll get the added benefit of very shiny hair that’s easier to comb wet. Yes, you will get used to doing this, even in the shower, and it is wonderfully invigorating for your whole body, not just your hair17.  If your hair is especially coarse, extremely curly, you didn’t heed my stern advice in Step 1 and your hair is damaged or if it is prone to damage easily, you may want to consider using a leave-in conditioner in addition to a regular rinse-out conditioner.  In some cases, leave-in conditioners may replace rinse-out conditioners altogether.18.  Become familiar with the ingredients in your styling products. Once you know what affects your hair positively or detrimentally, you will be able to effectively choose products that contain ingredients that are best for your hair type. For instance, some people find that their hair does not respond well to silicone products (found in most “smoothing” or “anti frizz” products and many conditioning shampoos), if used over a long period of time. Any ingredient that ends with the suffix “cone” in the ingredient list is usually a silicone derivative and should be avoided by those sensitive to it.  Products that nourish your hair with natural are excellent alternatives to the chemical laden, overpriced high-end lines sold in department stores and salons (I can personally recommend HerbalNature Alternative Hair Products). Either way, what matters most is to use whatever works best for your hair, not what is necessarily the hottest trendy product or for that matter, the most cost efficient product. By the same token, it helps to clarify your hair as often as needed by rinsing with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. to remove build-up of product in your hair and avoid the damage to the cuticle this can cause if left unchecked. As a whole, this is one step to growing long, healthy hair in which using common sense rather than falling victim to marketing ploys plays a huge role.19.  Deep condition your hair at least monthly, even if it’s in good shape this will help keep it that way. If your hair is dry or damaged, deep condition weekly. Hot oil treatments are a good alternative for very dry hair or for extra conditioning (but be forewarned, to some extent hot oil treatments will lift any non permanent color you’ve added). You might want to try washing and applying conditioner at night, wearing a shower cap to bed, and rinsing in the morning for a really intense conditioning treatment as well. A word to the wise… conditioning nights have been conclusively proven to be detrimental to romantic evenings with the significant other. Use this information to your own best advantage based on the current status of your relationship.20.  Lessen the friction on your hair whenever possible. Don’t sleep with your hair loose or if you must, use a satin pillowcase. If your hair is very long and prone to getting caught in car windows, seat belts, doors, or even under your butt when you sit down, it’s important to remember that all these things can cause damage to your precious locks. Wear your hair braided or in an updo hairstyle whenever possible to avoid daily wear and tear. And we all know, no matter what promises hair product manufacturers claim, the ONLY way to fix damaged hair is to CUT IT OFF… perish the thought!

http://www.gethealthyhairnow.com

First you need a natural hair extensions. Why? Will show you why herein. Make sure you have the right one for you and one that has no clips, glues or things that can further damage your hair. Be Careful.

Hair can be thin and baby fine at birth and naturally appear un-healthy. Not only do we encounter stress, lack of proper nutrients, bad lifestyle habits but hair naturally breaks and re-grows so we need to increase the strength of the hair follicle plus encourage our body to grow new hair.

First our care of our hair is a primary issue. Treat your hair like you WANT it to grow. This is why a natural hair extensions can help us with this. Why shampoo your hair every day and strip it of its natural lubricants? Yes, I know. It looks dirty, right? So, a natural hair extensions can cover up most of your own hair. Instead shampoo your own hair every 3 to 5 days. In fact if your scalp is dry, you might want to go longer. You will find this amazing and notice a definite thickening of the follicle. Research shampoos and conditions and find ones that encourage growth with no breakage. You might even try to contact a ‘hair growth’ clinic to ensure you get the quality you need. Stay away from cheapies. Treat your hair like it is fragile when you shampoo and condition it. Be gentle and use proper massage techniques

Give your hair a ‘rest’. When you are sick, you go to bed so your body can heal itself. Your hair is obviously not healthy so it is sick and needs it’s rest for a time. Again, treat your hair like it is fragile. There are proper massages, proper combings and even other tricks to implement to enhance your good care of your hair. Using natural hair extensions will allow you to give your own hair the rest it needs so it can become healthy again.

Stress and bad lifestyle habits might be things you cannot or dont want to change but you can still grow healthy hair. It just might take a little longer. Using the tips herein will still benefit your hair.

Nutrients are another major factor impacting our hair health. Our lives are so busy there is just no way to eat properly or to take massive amounts of herbs, vitamins, etc. so keep this simple. We can use Vitamin E which is for our skin, hair and nails. A decent amount of 1,000 mg a day should be enough. The other major vitamin is an un-tested theory that has worked well for alot of people and that is a prenatal vitamin. Vitamins that are coated are poorly processed by the body as the acid in the stomach has to firstly dissolve the coating which, by this time, the body is disposing of the vitamin leaving it without the desired affect of the vitamin. Prenatal vitamins usually are not coated and contain extra amino acids which are for hair, skin and nails. I have been told that we cannot overdose on vitamins so they should not hurt us as our body will just simply eliminate the excess. Yes, men too have successfully taken these as it appears there is nowhere else you can get all the ingredients in a prenatal vitamin in one place.

Drink at least one bottle of bottled water per day. Your body needs water for growth and health. If you can handle 3 or a day, that is even better but make sure it is at least one.