Is the Dry Winter Frizzing Up Your Hair?

Winters are a difficult time for hair. Come winters and the hair woes maximize with dryness and frizz. Frizz can interfere with your efforts to tame your hair in a style that lasts throughout the day. This is especially true for African American hair types that are thicker and sometimes curlier. But the use of excessive, chemically-strong curly hair products can only worsen your worries.

Why does hair frizz in winters?

Hair is made up of complex protein that is very sensitive to the amount of moisture in the environment. Protein bonds in the hair expand and stretch when the hair is wet or absorbs moisture from the air. During winters, the hair is exposed to multiple environments due to indoor heating, cold winds, slight drizzle, snowfall and pollution all at one go. These differing and constantly changing levels of humidity lead to the frizzing of the hair. Woolen caps and clothes can lead to sweating even on the scalp and haphazard drying can also add to the frizziness. It can also be caused due to dryness as a result of cold weather and with the unavailability of moisture in the air for the hair to absorb. The extent of frizz also depends on hair type, volume and health besides the effects of the environment.

Tips for frizz control

• Winter is the right time to go natural and put out of sight and mind all styling products and procedures like relaxing, straightening, weaving and extensions. This will help the hair react better to deep conditioners, while eliminating the stress of unnatural processes. 
• Using a deep conditioner for natural hair at least once a week  helps in dealing with frizz due to dryness. Natural oils also work wonders as deep conditioners in the winter season. 
• Wrap your hair in a soft fabric like satin or silk before going to bed. This eliminates the chances of friction with the pillow while preventing the loss of moisture from the hair, leading to minimization of morning frizz. 
• Style your hair in hairstyles that provide protection and tame the frizz as well. You can try loose braiding and similar hairstyles that are minimum fuss and easy to manage. 
• Wash your hair with shampoo  a maximum of two times a week. Over washing in winters can lead to dryness and frizz. You can wash your hair with just water on the other days for clean and fresh hair. Washing with just water does not eliminate the natural hair oils like shampoos do. 
• Avoid using blow dryers and stick to air drying your hair in the winters. Washing hair in the evening so that it is dry and ready the next morning is a great way to minimize the use of blow drying. 

Each hair type and quality is different than the other, and it is advisable that methods that suit your particular needs are made use of instead of a taking generic approach to tackle frizz in winters. Taking simple measures mentioned above can go a long way in making your hair behave well during the winters and it always helps to remember that even superstars have bad hair days. 

Three Reasons to Protect Your Hair While Sleeping

Protecting your natural hair is a ‘round the clock mission, especially if your goal is to retain length. That includes while you’re sleeping. Even healthy hair can easily be damaged if left loose while you’re sleeping. We’ll discuss how to protect your tresses each night. First, though, let’s consider three important reasons you should.
To Protect Your Hair from Moisture Vampires
Your luxurious cotton pillowcase may feel like heaven against your skin, but it’s a nightmare for your curls. The thirsty, absorbent fabric acts as a vampire, sucking vital moisture from your tresses. As your hair dries out, it becomes vulnerable to damage.
To Minimize Friction
You likely make some movement while sleeping. When you move, any loose hair rubs against the fabric of the pillow, creating friction. That friction can be quite damaging to hair. The hair tangles and gets caught in the fibers of the pillow, breaking off.
To Protect Your Fragile Ends
Your ends are the oldest part of your hair. Just as our bodies weaken with age, so does the hair. Therefore, your ends are more prone to damage than the part of your hair closer to your scalp. Leaving fragile ends unprotected while sleeping results in further damage and breakage.
How to Protect Your Hair While Sleeping
Moisture is the key to healthy, more pliable hair. Give your hair a boost of moisture by working a moisturizing cream or lotion, like Afrikoko Silky Hair Lotion, to prep it for your night time routine. Protect weaker ends by securing them in large braids or twists. If your hair is longer, you might want to use the pineapple method to create a high ponytail. Just make sure that the ponytail isn’t too tight.
Once your hair is styled for bed, it’s time to tie it up with a satin or silk scarf. This will protect your edges, which also tend to be more fragile. Lastly, slip on a silk or satin bonnet. If you don’t like wearing a bonnet to bed, you can opt for a satin pillowcase instead or try our MYHoneyChild MicroFiber Towel to lay on your pillow to protect your tresses at night . If you’re a wild sleeper and frequently wake to find that your scarf has slipped off during the night, consider using a satin pillowcase in addition to your bonnet.
It’s tempting to slip into bed at the end of a long day without protecting your hair first. But going to sleep without protecting your tresses is a recipe for dry, damaged hair. Thirsty cotton and other fibers sap essential moisture from the hair. Loose hair rubs against the pillowcase. The resulting friction causes fragile ends to tangle and break.
Protecting your hair by moisturizing it at night; securing it in a protective style; tying the hair up with a satin or silk scarf; and then wearing a satin bonnet or sleeping on a satin pillowcase will reduce friction and minimize nighttime damage.

Should I Get a Keratin Treatment?

You love you kinks, coils or curls. But sometimes you wish you could be natural and have sleek, frizz-free hair that is longer and straighter. If this is you, you’ve probably given some thought to trying out a keratin treatment, or the Brazilian blowout. With the popularity of keratin treatments and a crop of over-the-counter products that promise the same results in the comfort of your home, perhaps you’re wondering if this treatment is right for you. Here are a few facts you’ll want to consider before you decide.
What is a Keratin Treatment?
Keratin is a fibrous protein that forms the basis of hair and nails. It is used in many hair products which are designed to fortify hair strands. Seems harmless enough, right? But a keratin treatment is a different animal altogether. It is a semi-permanent chemical process designed to make hair stronger, straighter, shinier and frizz-free. Keratin alone cannot deliver on these results long-term. Two factors are required to give the treatment staying power: formaldehyde and heat.
Many salon keratin treatments contain formaldehyde. This gives the treatment long-term effects; glossy, straight hair that lasts for several weeks. Formaldehyde is toxic and suspected to be a carcinogen (cancer-causing), especially when combined with the second key component of the treatment—heat. When the keratin treatment is applied in the salon, heat is used to seal it to the hair cuticle. This bonds the treatment with hair strands so that it will last through shampooing, sweating, etc. However, if the stylist applies too much heat for too long, serious breakage can occur.
A keratin treatment isn’t like getting a blowout. Your hair doesn’t return to normal after a wash or two. The treatment alters the internal structure of hair. Many have reported serious, irreversible damage to their tresses. So, if you’re considering this treatment, research the product and the stylist that will be applying it. Then weigh whether or not you’re willing to take any possible risks involved.
What About At-Home Keratin Treatment Kits?
Perhaps you’re reluctant to go with an expensive salon keratin treatment. What about keratin treatment kits designed for use at home? Are these safer since you can regulate the amount of heat applied? Not necessarily. While most at-home products don’t contain formaldehyde, they do include other chemicals which are proven to have adverse effects to the respiratory system and skin. Then there are recent consumer complaints about a popular at-home keratin treatment kit, Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion 30-Day Smoothing Kit. The product has since been discontinued and the manufacturer is being sued by hundreds of consumers due to hair loss and other irreversible damage.
Are keratin treatments worth the risk? This is something each person must decide for herself. However, the article, The Straight Truth About Keratin and Other Hair Smoothing Treatments on Oprah.com said it best: “The bottom line: The only way to guarantee that you're not getting a hair-smoothing treatment that could expose you to unacceptable levels of formaldehyde is...to not get the treatment.”
If your hair is frizzy and unmanageable, try consulting with a natural hair stylist who can help you find products and treatments that will make your hair look and feel its very best.

Five Reasons Your Edges May Be Thinning

One of the most distressing problem naturals encounter is thinning edges. It can be particularly frustrating when you’ve worked so hard to take good care of your natural hair. Thinning edges may be caused by a variety of reasons that range from medical conditions and prescription medicines to mechanical stress.
Medical reasons, of course, require a discussion with your doctor. However, here are five possible reasons your hairline might be thinning that are easily remedied.
You’re too rough with your edges.
The hair in your hairline tends to be more fragile than the rest of your hair. Brushing this fragile hair with coarse bristles or a small tooth comb can cause the hair to snap and break. Avoid using small tooth combs and brushes with rough bristles on your delicate hairline. Sleek edges are nice, but the damage caused by harsh styling tools outweighs the benefit. Consider using a light gel and your fingers to smooth edges instead. Never brush your edges when hardened by hair gel.
You’re manipulating the fragile hair around your edges too much.
Since your hairline is fragile, frequent manipulation puts it at risk for breakage. If your edges are thinning, try low-manipulation and protective hairstyles to reduce the stress on your hairline. Avoid other sources of unneeded manipulation, like the nervous habit of twirling or tugging on your hair.
Your hairstyle is causing stress to your hairline.
Neat, perfect braids or a nice, sleek ponytail look polished and last longer. However, achieving that look can cause damage to the fragile hair at your hairline. If your ponytail, afro puff or braids are pulled so tightly it causes pain or lifts the corners of your eyes, then your hairline is at serious risk for damage.
Make sure hair isn’t braided so tightly that it damages the hairline. Don’t braid the fragile hair in your hairline into small, tight braids, as these will cause undue stress. Lastly, be sure that your ponytail or afro puff isn’t pulled too tightly. If you pineapple your hair at night, ensure that the high ponytail you sleep in isn’t ravaging your hairline.
You have fine hair and your edges are particularly fragile.
Thinning edges can be a problem for all hair types. This is especially true of naturals with fine hair. The delicate nature of fine hair makes the hairline even more susceptible to breakage. You can’t change your hair type. However, being aware that your fine hair puts your edges at greater risk for damage will enable you to be more proactive about protecting your hairline.  
The bonnet you wear at night is damaging your edges.
It’s important to protect your hair at night. For many naturals, that means sleeping in a satin bonnet. However, take a closer look at your satin bonnet. If it has elastic around the inside edge, that elastic can snag and pull the delicate hairs in your hairline. The simple fix is to tie a silk or satin scarf around the hairline to protect your fragile edges. Then secure the bonnet over your scarf.
A thinning hairline can be scary and frustrating. However, if your edges are thinning due to tension caused by hair styling, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to stem hair loss and re-grow hair. If you’re unsure what is causing the hair loss, consult with a natural stylist. Once you’ve discovered what’s triggering the problem, break the bad habit immediately. Apply a growth serum, castor oil or a few drops of rosemary or peppermint oil added to a carrier oil, like olive oil. Massage it into the affected areas nightly. This will help stimulate hair growth.

Natural Hair and the Job Hunt

Perhaps you’ve been wearing your natural hair in a corporate environment for many years, but suddenly you experience a job loss. Is natural hair a disadvantage during your job search?
Many naturals believe that it is. They feel they must game the system by wearing a wig or weave during a job search. But that doesn’t have to be the case. You can rock your natural hair in a corporate environment, including during your job search. Here are five tips to help you have a successful job search without ditching your natural hair.
Do Your Research
Learn as much as you can about the organization you’ll be interviewing with. (This is a rule of thumb that applies to all interviewees.) What is the company culture? Is it ultra-conservative? Is the company diverse and progressive? The answers to these questions will not only help you decide how to wear your natural hair. They can help you determine whether the organization is a good fit for you. After all, do you really want to land a job that will make you miserable?
Visit the company’s website. Review any info on the executive team. Take note of how current employees are styled and dressed. Even if the photos are stock photos, it will still give you a good idea of what the company finds acceptable.
Don’t Try the Old Bait and Switch
Your first thought might be to straighten your tresses to conform to what you think the company will find acceptable. Many job hunters feel the need to press or blow-dry natural hair. Others might decide to wear a wig or weave. If these hairstyles aren’t part of your regular hairstyle routine, don’t feel that you must present a completely different hair texture in order to land the job.
If the company has a problem with your natural hair texture during the interview, it will likely be a problem once you’re hired. So rather than sending the message that natural hair isn’t appropriate for the workplace, select a style that proves that it is.
Tone It Down
We love the versatility of our natural hair. It can be low-key or an expression of our unique personalities. So maybe you’ve been rocking the biggest ‘fro you can manage in screaming pink. While that might work in a business that welcomes creative expression, it probably won’t work for the average corporate gig. (That applies no matter the color of your skin or the texture of your hair.) So consider toning it down a bit.
During the job interview isn’t the time for your hair to take center stage. So keep it conservative. Find a hairstyle that feels like you, but that won’t distract from your qualifications and experience during your interview. A bun or low ponytail works well for longer hair during an interview. For shorter natural hair, select a fresh, neat style like a wash and go. Make sure that hair is in tiptop shape to get the best results.
Healthy Hair is a Crowd Pleaser
Moisturized, well-maintained hair isn’t just healthier, it’s more appealing. Another great reason to properly care for your natural hair.
Thirsty hair and split ends make natural hair look wild and unkempt. Well-nourished hair that is free of split ends is shiny, healthy and more easily styled. Take care of your hair regularly and consult with a natural hair stylist if your hair isn’t in its healthiest state. When your hair is healthy and moisturized, it will be easier to achieve the desired style on the day of your interview.
Be Confident
A lack of confidence is apparent during the interview process and will damage your chances of landing your dream job. So go into your interview confident, knowing your natural hair looks its best. Make your credentials and experience the star of the show and let your winning personality shine through.
The job market is tough and the smallest factor can be the difference in landing a job or not. However, rocking your natural texture doesn’t have to be a disadvantage during a job hunt. Just be sure to research potential organizations to see if they are a good fit. Don’t try to fool potential employers by switching up your texture just for the interview. Tone down any style that might be a tad too bold for the corporate world. Keep your hair healthy. Then be confident in your qualifications and let your personality shine during the interview.

5 Tips for Popping Curls

You wash and condition your hair, then step out of the shower. Your curls are popping—well-defined, shiny, moisturized and resilient. Then your hair dries. That’s when your wash and go suddenly goes wrong. The curls that were once glossy and defined are now dry and dull. Then, of course, there’s shrinkage.
We’ve all been there. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are five tips that will help you retain those glossy, popping curls.
Moisture is the Key
You knew that was coming, didn’t you? Moisture is the key to healthy-looking hair, regardless of the style. To crank up your moisture level, eliminate sulfate shampoos. Sulfates produce suds, but drain hair of its natural oils.
Either co-wash hair or use a curl-friendly solution like Honey Nutt Scalp Cleanser. Deep condition hair to give it an extra boost of moisture. Finish by smoothing a leave-in conditioner, like Aloe Vera Leave In Conditioner, on tresses while wet.
Avoid a Tangled Mess
There’s nothing cute about tangled and knotted hair. Make detangling a regular part of your routine. No special tools are required. Saturate wet hair with conditioner. Then gently finger detangle, starting with the ends. Patiently loosen single-strand knots. Many curlies find it easiest to detangle saturated, conditioner-coated hair while in the shower.
Aloe Vera—A Curl’s Best Friend
Aloe vera is particularly effective at giving curls that extra punch. Incorporate an aloe vera based leave-in conditioner or styling product into your wash and go routine. You can also add a bit of aloe vera juice to water in a spray bottle. Spritz on hair whenever curls need refreshing or while rewetting hair during styling.
Finger Shingling
Finger shingling is a method for defining curls. Simply separate hair into small sections. Freshen each section before you begin by rewetting it with the water and aloe vera juice mixture mentioned above. This is critical. When gel is applied to dry hair, it will leave hair hard and stiff when it dries, rather than soft and well-defined.
Use your fingers to spread a curl-defining product, like Sophia’s Coconut Hair Jel or Whipped Soy Hair Jelly on each small section. Rake fingers through hair, separating and defining curls.  
Leave Well Enough Alone
Once you’ve conditioned and shingled hair you can either sit under a hooded dryer or allow hair to air dry. Resist the urge to comb, brush or fluff curls as this will cause hair to frizz and lose the definition you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
For a wash and go with shiny, well-defined curls that last long after your hair dries, moisturize and detangle hair, use products that incorporate aloe vera, finger shingle to define curls, then resist the urge to fuss with those gorgeous tresses once you’re done. You’ll have shiny, popping curls that’ll make heads turn.

Improve the Health of Your Hair and Skin with Argan Oil

One of the hottest new trends in natural hair care right now is the use of Argan oil. Perhaps you’ve seen chatter about it online or the ingredient touted on the bottles of shampoos, conditioners and other products on the drug store shelf. But what is Argan oil, and what benefits does it offer?
Argan Oil—an Ancient Beauty Secret from Morocco
Argan oil comes from the Argania spinosa, or Argan tree. Often called “The Tree of Life,” the Argan tree grows on the edge of the Sahara Desert in southwest Morocco. The tree is well-suited for the harsh environment. With its deep, wide-spread root system that staves off the spread of the desert, the Argan tree is a vital part of the local ecosystem.
The fruit of the Argan tree is pictured. For centuries the kernels of the fruit have been pressed to extract the precious oil inside. The oil was used by natives because of its intense ability to heal and moisturize skin. In recent years, the amazing benefits of Argan oil have become known to the rest of the world.
The Benefits of Using Argan Oil
The oil from the Argan tree is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and anti-microbial agents. Argan oil helps repair skin damage and stimulates the skin’s natural defenses. Its ability to hydrate the hair and skin is especially beneficial.
Argan oil is one of the few oils (along with coconut oil, olive oil and avocado oil) capable of penetrating the hair shaft to deeply nourish and moisturize the hair. Other oils simply sit on the surface of the hair. Now that we understand why this precious oil has been hailed as liquid gold, let’s explore how it can be used to improve their health of your hair.
How to Use Argan Oil to Improve the Health of Your Hair
With its ability to nourish hair, sending intense moisture deep within the hair shaft, Argan oil can be used as a hot oil treatment or daily moisturizer for hair.
Argan oil boosts shine, reduces frizz and enhances the natural curl. Apply oil or a product infused with Argan oil, like No Mo’ Curly Hair Blues, to clean, damp hair in small sections from ends to roots. The amount of oil needed will depend on the length, type, and thickness of your hair. So go easy to start. Gradually add more if needed. Style hair normally. Argan oil can also be used on dry hair for a boost of shine and moisture.
With its anti-microbial and moisturizing properties, Argan oil can also be used to combat dry, itchy scalp. Just rub a little oil into scalp after cleansing.