CROWN SECTION soreness, thinning & breakage CULPRITS & SOLUTIONS (part 1 of 2)

This video, created by GreenBeauty on YouTube, is very helpful for those experiencing crown damage, soreness and thinning. I have been there and after paying extra attention(protein, more moisture, sectioning off) to that area, was able to reverse most of the damage. If you're suffering from any of the above, check out this video.

Cliff Notes:

• Bald Crown Condition is known as Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) 
• CCCA is the form of scaring Alopecia on the middle section of the scalp that results in hair loss
• Early symptoms start with soreness, itching and burning in that area of the scalp 

5 Ways to Deal with Hair Envy

I'm pretty sure we have all been there before. You know, when you see someones hair and love it a little too much. Then all these thoughts start running through your mind. Wishing your hair looked like hers(or his), thinking of ways to get it that way, not liking your hair anymore or just plain hating on what you see. Does that sound familiar to you? If so, then here are some healthy ways to deal with that hair envy. 

1.) Realize that just because his/her hair is beautiful, it doesn't mean yours isn't. 

6 Do's and Don'ts to Maintain or Grow Your Edges

DO tie your hair down with a satin or silk scarf at night

DON'T tie it too tight. Also, steer clear of bonnets with the rubber, stretchy perimeter. 

DO massage your scalp

DON'T do it too often(daily) or massage too vigorously. You could cause more harm than good. 

3 Ways to Save Money on Healthy Hair Care

Are you on a budget or looking for ways to reduce the amount of money spent on your hair? Taking care of your hair does not need to cost you an arm and leg. So many of us believe that the more money you spend on something, the better value you are receiving. But generally speaking, that does not apply to hair care. So if you're looking for ways to save some cash, keep on reading.

1.) Minimize or Eliminate Salon Visits-  If you're visiting a salon frequently, costs can add up quickly. Try to cut back on your visits or eliminate them all together. I remember when I was relaxing

Salon Visit Tips - Weave, Wigs or Braids Installations

Are you tired of doing your own hair and want to visit a salon to get your weave, wig or braids installed? We all need a break from time to time and that's what salons are here for. Just make sure you exercise due-diligence when searching for a salon and before booking an appointment. Look at reviews, go in for a consultation and ask opinions of past and present clients.

Visiting a salon for the first time can sometimes be nerve wrecking especially if you're typically a do-it-yourselfer. So if you're nervous about your hair health, here are some tips: 

• Wash and deep condition before the visit: Many salons ,who specialize in these types of protective styles, prefer for you to come with your hair already washed. Washing and drying hair adds to the time of the service and their goal is to finish your hair as quick as possible.  Having a clean scalp and strong hair is essential when wearing a protective style. So when washing your hair, make sure you do a light protein deep conditioner afterwards to strengthen your strands. *If you do end up getting your hair washed at the salon, ask to deep condition afterwards.*

5 Hair Hacks

1.) Use eyeshadow to add a pop of color

This was the craze back in 2013-2014, but will colored hair ever really go out of style? I doubt it. So if you get that itch to add some color to your hair, but aren't ready to make that permanent commitment, then use some eyeshadow. I used Maybelline Color Tattoo and it worked great. Plus it's so easy to wash out

2.) Use gloves when finger detangling

Quick Tip: Finger Detangling with Gloves

Image Source 

Do you finger detangle? Well try wearing a pair of tightly fit, vinyl gloves when doing so.

I discovered the ease of detangling with gloves when doing my Henna and Indigo treatment last week.

My fingers glided through my hair and I was left with no visible breakage.

Think detangling with a smooth, wide tooth, seamless comb. That is the feeling I got when detangling with my gloves on.

The added perk is that you won’t chip your nail polish in the process.

Try it out and let me know how it works for you!

How I finger detangle:

• Lightly dampen hair with detangling spritz
• Separate hair in about 8 sections
• Work with one section at a time
• Grab one section and gently separate (in a horizontal motion) the hair little by little
• Then rake fingers through hair in a combing fashion, stopping whenever met with tangles.
• If tangles are found, gently tug at each strand to gently remove the hair from the shed hairs that caused the tangles. (That was a mouthful!.LOL)

That’s all folks. Finger detangling doesn’t take me any more time than detangling with a comb. I only use a comb about once a month and finger detangle about 3 times a month.

Quick Tip: 5 Ways to Use Shampoo

...that does not involve shampooing your hair. 

If you are a reformed product-holic like myself, you probably have a lot of products that you don't use. 

I have purchased many different shampoos before I found my staple, most of which I gave away, but I did keep a few for the below purposes. 

If you want to know a few ways to use up shampoo you have sitting around...keep on reading. 

1.) Cleaning hair scarves- What better way to clean off the hair products residue from your scarf than to wash with shampoo! I clean my scarves once a week and prefer to use shampoo to get the job done. I just fill up my sink, add a big squirt of shampoo then get to cleaning!

The ABC's of Girls' Hair Care

I decided to re-post this for my cousin who is looking for ways to care for her daughters hair.
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When looking for information on a product I purchased a while back, I came across this article on a website called http://www.mmmproducts.com/. I preach these practices all the time on my blog, but I love the way this was written and formatted, so I decided to share.

These are such useful tips (they may throw some advertisement in there, which is understandable). This may be targeted to parents caring for young girls hair, but these tips are useful to all.


The ABC's of Girls' Hair Care
By Will Williams, M&M Products Director of Education

Always moisturize hair before combing. This reduces the chances of hair breakage due to dryness. Moisture aids in the flexibility of hair, allowing the teeth of the comb to pass through the hair without causing breakage.

Be careful when braiding hair. Hair that is braided too tightly, especially in the fragile temple and forehead regions, can easily come out due to traction damage.

Combing hair should be an exercise that does not yield breakage. By using the GroHealthy Method of combing, you will realize less – if any – breakage.

• Moisturize and run fingers through hair.
• Using a large tooth comb, start at the lower nape and part hair. When combing, start at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the crown.
• Employ the same method when combing the sides: Start at the temple and work your way up to the curve of the head.
• In the front top, start at the front hairline. Taking small partings, work your way back from the forehead to the crown.
• Once this initial combing has been completed, comb hair to style.

Don't be afraid to ask questions of your stylist, especially when chemical applications are concerned.
Each shampooing should be followed by deep conditioning.

Frequently shampoo and condition hair, at the very least once a week. Twice would be good, depending on hairstyle and texture.- I think once a week is just fine

Good ingredients are a sign of good products. Be sure to check the ingredient listing before purchasing a product. Stay away from mineral oils and petroleum – those ingredients clog the pores. Look for natural ingredients, such as cucumber, tea tree oil, shea butter and olive oil, for healthy daily maintenance.

Healthy hair requires a regimen. Put your child's hair and scalp on a schedule.

Information is at your fingertips with a phone call or by jumping on the information superhighway. You can always find tips and advice at www.mmproducts.com.

Just be sure to keep the scalp moisturized without weighing the hair down with heavy greases and oils.

Keep an ample supply of all the hair care products you use.

Leave the curling and flat irons in the drawer. Putting heat on your daughter's hair too frequently will cause it to become damaged and weak.

Patch Testing

I recently added Tea Tree Oil to my Aloe Vera Mix and also my Sulfur Oil mix(that I occasionally use). I never used Tea Tree oil and because my hair is in twists, if I were to experience extra shedding, I would have no idea until I take them out. So, I decided to do a patch test of both mixes to make sure I wouldn't experience any adverse reactions. 

Sometimes we're so excited to try a new product,  we forget about the risks that can involved.

 Especially for products that touch our scalp like Shampoo's,Conditioners, growth aids and oils. Any irritation to the scalp can cause unnecessary shedding or long term scalp issues which can stunt our growth. 

So...for all trying out new products..Don't forget to do a Patch Test First!

How to do a Patch Test:

1.) Apply a small dime-sized drop on your skin- Most use their wrist/arm

2.) Allow the product to dry preferably overnight

3.) The next day, check the area you applied the product for signs of irritation or redness

4.) If everything seems fine...go ahead and give the product a try

5.) Make sure to wash that product off the area you tested it on!

If you still experience bad side effects such as breakage or shedding after using the product...

1.) Clean/Clarify Your scalp and hair- with the normal product you always use- You want to remove any trace of the product

2.) Follow up with a Deep Conditioning Treatment

*This has been posted before but edited to add my bit on Tea-tree oil

Quick Tip: For Those Who Deep Condition on DRY Hair

Many people deep condition on dry hair before shampooing to save time. Some also Prepoo with conditioner. If you do either, lightly spray your hair with WARM water before adding the conditioner to your hair.

The warm water will open your hairs cuticle which will help absorb the conditioner so you receive it's maximum benefits.

You will also use less product because your hair is slightly damp.

*I like to use filtered water when I spray my hair. I have a Brita Bottle that I barely used because I tend to purchase 24 packs of Water(I know I'm killing the environment..but hey, I recycle).

I just fill it up with warm water then squirt in my spray bottle.

Quick Tip- Panthenol

Try using products that contain Panthenol.

Panthenol is the alcohol form of  Vitamin B5. It is marketed in a variety of hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners and leave-ins to help "thicken" hair  because it can penetrate the hair shaft increasing the hair diameter by a small percentage.

Although Panthenol is a form of alcohol, it is actually very moisturizing and has similar characteristics of a humectant.

The one product that I use that has Panthenol high on the ingredient list is my Nexxus Headress leave-in. It's not only moisturizing, but I do feel like it makes my hair stronger and more moisturized.  

Quick Tip: Glycerin in the Winter

As many of you know; Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the air to your hair or skin.
Now in colder weather, there isn't much moisture in the air...so it's a little more difficult for Glycerin based products to work their magic (FOR SOME...some people have absolutely NO issue!).

So on to the Quick Tip:

Apply your Glycerin based moisturizer BEFORE showering in the morning.. then SEAL with an OIL once getting out of the shower.
The moisture or steam from your hot/warm shower will act as the "moisture from the air" and once you seal...that moisture will be locked in!


To Read a little bit more about Glycerin in Colder Months..Check out this blog post on The Natural Haven.

Examples of Glycerin Based Hair Products:
S-Curl
14-1 Hawaiian Silky
Care Free Gold
Basically anything with Glycerin as the second or maybe third Ingredient

Follow 6-FOOT-LONG-HAIR on Twitter for updates on Ms.D and all things hair!

How to Steam Hair at Home- Without a Steamer

Steam treatments are great for your hair because they open the hair cuticle to allow a deep conditioner or oils to penetrate the hair shaft giving more moisturized, healthier, softer and stronger hair. In the long run, steam treatments(along with other healthy hair practices) contribute to our hairs health.

Professional Steamers can cost as low as $100, but the benefits of steaming hair is worth the purchase. I for one, wont be purchasing a steamer until I reach my hair goal (BSB)...so for now, home made steam treatments will have to do.

There are Two Ways I know to a Steam Treatment without a Steamer:

Option 1- Using the Shower and Hot Water

Place Deep Conditioner(or oils) in Hair
Place Plastic Cap over Hair
Go to your bathroom and Turn on the Hot Water then Close Your Door
The Steam from the hot water will give you a mild Steam Treatment
To not waste water you can shower, shave...or do whateeever you want in there


Option 2- Turban and Plastic Cap Method

What you need:
Plastic Cap or Bag
Hair Turban
Pot
Water
Hooded Dryer

What you do:
Boil some water
Place Plastic Cap over Hair (that has the deep conditioner or oils in it)
Place the Turban in the Boiled water for about 10-15 seconds
Remove Turban and squeeze excess water out (maybe with tongs to avoid burning)
Remove the plastic Cap and Place Turban over hair
Place A Plastic Cap(or bag) over the Turban
If needed tie a scarf over the plastic cap to avoid any dripping and to secure heat/moisture
Sit under a dryer for 10-30 minutes

5 Things NOT to Do ......

...when starting off on a healthy hair journey!

1.  Do not compare your hair to others. 
2.  Do not buy every product you see based on a simple suggestion or product review
3.  Do not THINK what works for one person will work for you
4.  Do not put all of your faith in a Stylist...Learn to style your own hair(minus the chemicals) No-One will Love your hair more than you.
5.  Do not forget to do your RESEARCH!

Too Lazy for Hot Oil Treatments? Try Oil Rinsing!

Oil rinsing has somewhat the same concept as Hot Oil Treatments, but saves a little more time. It could be done in numerous different way's, but I find the most effective is the below.

Shampoo or Co-wash
Apply Oil of your choice (can be warmed up) all throughout your hair- Leave in for like 3-5 minutes
Rinse with WARM water
Condition Hair
(if needed.. de-tangle, watch how the comb just glides through your hair)
Rinse Conditioner with COOL water
Proceed as normal(towel dry, apply leave-ins, so forth)

This is a great way to use up any oils you don't use and it really really really conditions your hair.

Afraid of Oily hair?- Ease up on the amount of oil you use!

4 Ways to Make Your Color Rinse Last Longer

In continuation from my last post, there are a few ways to make your color rinses last longer. Some have no issue with rinses, but for those that do..here you go.

1.) If you are relaxed, get a rinse during/after the relaxer process

2.) Process Rinse with heat- Sit under a dryer after applying a rinse

3.) Use Shampoos or Conditioners geared towards preserving color- If you can find a sulfate free one, that's even better

4.) Wash or Rinse hair with Cool Water only- Hot water tends to strip the hair color



Embarassing Story: I was going out to lunch with a friend and it was like almost 90 degrees. I was lost, so I pulled over and parked my car. Big Mistake. Should have kept it on for the AC. It was hot, I was sweating and my hair started to leak. I had the purplish/black rinse running down the back of my shirt and forehead. I was mortified!

Quick Tip- Seamless Combs

Do you suffer from Mid- Shaft Splits although you are doing "eveything" right to your hair?
Do you have weak hair strands?
If so, one thing you should evaluate is the comb you are using.
Now, we all know, when initially detangling or combing our hair in general, a wide tooth comb is preferred.
But sometimes you have to take an extra step and choose the "right" wide tooth comb.
Seams in combs can cause damage to your strands, so the best option is to use Seamless Combs!
They are typically more expensive then your normal comb, but worth it in the long run.


Now, instead of running out and purchasing a seamless comb, you could:
Soak your comb in water for a week or so
Then file the seams off


I was introduced to one the Seamless Hercules Sagemann combs by www.fromshorttolong.com and I could feel a change in my hair especially since I previously used combs with seams.

Exercising and Hair

I just came from one of the most fun, intense, and productive work-outs. Yes, I am talking about Zumba!
I loooooove Zumba..I felt like I was at the club..haha, but working out at the same time.
BUT I spent 45 minutes of that hour sweating my butt off. I knew as soon as I got home and took a shower, I would also co-wash my hair. BUT some people prefer not to co-wash their hair..and also like to preserve their hair style. So...let me offer a few tips.

First, you can:

• Try choosing a form of exercise that doesn't make you sweat too much..yoga,.maybe riding a bike, skating, taking a long walk..there are many options
• If you do prefer an intense work-out, maybe wait until the day of or before wash day to do so (this is for those who wash once a week)

For those that wear straight styles and prefer to wear your hair down:

• Wear your hair in a high-pony tail while exercising and do not take it down until it is fully dry. I would also invest in a sweat band, to soak up the excess sweat
• wrap your hair(like cross wrap or do a doobie) while working out, and do not take the wrap down until your hair is full dry

*For both above options, make sure you clean your scalp, using a Q-tip, with Sea Breeze, Witch Hazel or Rose Water



2 Things about Exercising:

• You should never sacrifice your health for your hair
• It should also not be treated as a chore- Do something you like!

Ditched the Towel

What's that dingy, discolored looking shirt you see? That's just one of the shirts I use to dry my hair. It got ruined in the wash, so I picked another purpose for it, which is to dry my hair.
It may be a little small, but it gets the job done. It's super absorbent and leaves my hair drying nice and soft. I chose this kind of cotton shirt, because it's a lot softer than the typical larger ones I have.
Using a towel to dry hair can cause unnecessary frizziness, snagging or tangling of the hair. If using a towel, always use a Micro-Fiber Towel, preferably turban style.