Black Hair Care Tips for the Summer

Friday, 09 July 2010 11:48

It's finally summer time and you are probably ready to have some fun in the sun! If you are anything like me, you are likely trying to soak up every bit of summer because before you know it, winter will be here again. I love biking, taking long walks, swimming, or spending all day at amusement parks during the summer months. All of these activities are great for my mind, body and soul, but wreck havoc on delicate tresses if they are not properly cared for.

It's just as important to take extra precaution in the summer's sun as it is in the harsh winter's frigid weather. Many people don't realize that the sun dries out the hair and may leave it brittle if it's not properly and regularly moisturized; remember, just because there's humidity in the air, doesn't mean there's automatically moisture in your hair. Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and flourishing during these wonderful summer months.

1. Keep your hair protected by wearing buns, extensions, or twists to avoid total exposure to sun
2. If you are planning to stay in the sun for long periods of time, use a protective sunscreen on your hair before stepping out. Be sure to wash the hair afterwards.
3. Stay away from heating appliances such as flat-iron, hot combs, or curling irons. If you MUST use them, be sure to use a heat protectant.

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Make Your Own Clip-In Extensions

Thursday, 01 April 2010 18:05

Change your style as often as you change your mind! If you love the look of hair extensions but are short on time and money, you should definitely opt for the clip-in weave.  Jessica Simpson made clip-in hair extensions famous with the launch of her hair extension line, "HairDo". Clip-in hair extensions allow you the flexibility to change up your style at a moment's notice and look more natural than the typical sewn-in weave. With clip-in hair extensions, you can maintain your regular hair care regimen by removing the extensions whenever you like! Go from short to long instantly! It takes a little bit of patience to get started, but once you finish, you'll love the results. Plus, who has time to sit in a chair for 8 hours to get a fresh weave all the time!

Here's what you'll need:

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Avoiding Product Build-Up

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 15:20

We've all experienced product build-up at some point or another. Ever wonder why your style doesn't look quite as fresh as it did on the day of your salon visit? Or, have you noticed that your hair has lost its luster and bounce a few days after a fresh wash and style? Chances are you are dealing with the side effects of annoying product build-up.  Basically, product build-up is residue or film that sits on the scalp caused by the environment or usage of products that contain ingredients that are not water soluable.  Some of these products include gels, pomades, hairspray, and shine serums.  Conditioners and hair treatments that are improperly rinsed may also contribute to product build-up.

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Black Hair Relaxers and Children

Monday, 26 October 2009 15:07

It is no secret that the Black Hair Care industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Black men and women spend thousands of dollars every year on styling, black hair care products, hair extensions, weaves, wigs and accessories. As a self-proclaimed "product junkie," I too fall within this category. As Black women, we take great pride in our hair and what it represents. Sure, we would all love to have the sentiment that India Arie displayed in her song, "I Am Not My Hair," but the truth is, many of us are.

History has taught us that hair not only represents who you are, but what you are.  As I watched an episode of the Tyra Banks Show this afternoon, which originally aired in August, I found myself full of emotion as I listened to 5 young black girls describe what their definition of "good hair" was.  The episode entitled, "What Is Good Hair?" explored the lives of 5 women and their daughters growing up in a society where hair and self-esteem are one in the same. During the episode I watched as a 3 year old little black girl suffered through what seemed to be a painful hair-relaxing experience. Why a 3 year old child would need

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Celebrity Stylist Marcia Hamilton

Friday, 09 October 2009 19:13

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with one of the industry's most sought after Celebrity Stylists, Marcia Hamilton. Tremendously talented, Marcia has earned accolades and recognition within the industry as not only a passionate stylis, but as an edgy and trendsetting Hair Artist.  We invite you to check out her website at http://www.marciahamilton.com. Her editiorial work is AMAZING!

USN: How long have you been a hair stylist?

MH: I have been a licensed hair stylist for 10 years.

USN: Briefly describe a typical day as a celebrity hair stylist.:

MH:- A typical day as a celebrity hair stylist means waking up early. Arrive at celebrity's home, set up and wait. Then style hair along with the make-up artist in about 50 minutes. Caravan to press junket, do touch ups. Work, work, lunch. Head to studio location for a print shoot. Do complete change on celebrity. Shoot look, do 1 more look, shoot. Wrap and leave. Head to salon, meet client for shampoo, blow-dry and trim. Grab dinner and head home!

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