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A Treasured Locks e-Publication
Nature. Beauty. You.
Table of Contents
African American Hair Structure
2
What is my hair type?
4
What are the hair care basics?
4
How do I deep condition my hair?
8
Which oils should I use (and avoid)?
8
How often should I wash my hair?
9
How do I handle natural hair?
9
Why is my natural hair so dull looking?
10
How do I handle permed hair?
11
Should I go permed or natural?
12
How does a relaxer work?
13
Are no-lye relaxers better and/or milder?
14
How about natural relaxers?
15
What do I look for in a stylist to put in my relaxer?
16
Can I remove a relaxer from my hair?
18
How do I transition from relaxed to natural hair?
19
Is there a pill to fix my hair problems?
20
Is there something that will make my hair grow really fast?
21
How do I care for my child's hair?
22
Should I use only "natural" products?
23
What is Shea Butter?
23
How can I regrow lost hair?
24
Where can I find some good hair styles for me?
25
Your hair and you...
25
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African American Hair Structure
What's different about our hair? Why do we need different products and
routines? African hair is made of the same “stuff” as non-African hair. The
difference lies in the way those components are put together or the structure
of our hair.
The structure of our hair can cause it to be more prone to breakage and
dryness. Because of this, black hair care needs are different from those for
other types of hair. Our hair can have up to twice the amount of “cuticle” or
outer layer. Our hair is kinkier, which makes it more difficult for the oil
secreted from our scalps to reach the ends of the hair.
But, keep in mind there is a continuum of hair types. Especially since most of
us are of mixed heritage, African American hair and bi-racial people's hair can
vary widely. Even within a single head of hair, there are different hair types.
So, there is no one solution for the care of all African American hair. However,
it is helpful to know, generally, what type of hair you have.
Intuitively, you might think African hair is "tougher" than Caucasian hair and
can handle more stress or abuse. After all, it is coarser and thicker. Actually,
African hair (especially if treated like European hair) is more fragile than
Caucasian hair. For this reason, we suggest using products made especially for
our hair, whenever possible. Today, there is a wide range of excellent products
made specifically for the needs of African American or Textured hair.
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The parts that make up your hair are:
Cuticle: Outer layer of the hair. It is made up of layers of scales which interlock with
the cells of the hair's inner root sheath to firmly anchor it in the follicle. This is a thin
and colorless layer. Black hair's cuticle layer can be twice the thickness of that of
white hair.
Cortex: The middle layer. It is composed of cells which are tightly bound around one
another. These bands provide the hair with elasticity and strength and are very
receptive to chemicals. As a result, they can easily be influenced (or damaged) by
dyes and relaxers.
Melanin: Contained in the cortex and is the substance that determines the color of
our hair and skin. The more melanin, the darker the hair or skin.
Follicle: This is the name for hair before it emerges from the skin. Follicles are
composed of many elements including carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Healthy
amounts of these elements can improve the hairs' condition and appearance once it
emerges.
Sebaceous/Sudoniferous Glands: Attached to the hair follicle are the sebaceous (oil)
and the sudoriferous (sweat) glands. The sebaceous glands open and close
continuously to release a waxy sebum oil into the hair follicle and onto the scalp. The
sudoriferous glands contain many small structures with porous openings leading to
the skin. They produce substances which dry on the skin including salts, acids, water
and bacteria. If not completely dissolved and effectively removed from the scalp,
they can help cause severe itching and dandruff. Thus, the scalp problems some
people experience in the early stages of locs.
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What is my hair type?
You may ask "Why should I care?" Well, mostly you shouldn't. But, knowing
your hair type will allow you talk with others and research products, styles and
regimens that are best for your particular hair.
There are controversies surrounding hair type methodologies that use works
like kinky, nappy and other words that have less than positive connotations for
some people. Others that use numbers, tend to lump all African American hair
into one big category. There is a system called LOIS that uses the hair shape as
the defining hair "type".
More information: http://www.treasuredlocks.com/what-is-my-hair-type.html
What are the hair care basics?
You should picture your hair as a collection of fine fibers. You should treat it as
gently as you would a fine washable silk blouse. The better you treat your hair,
the easier it will be to grow and the better it will look.
African hair will tend to be dryer and more prone to breakage because the
structure makes it more difficult for the oils to work their way from the scalp to
the ends of the hair. If you relax your hair, you've weakened the hair and
reduced the ability for the scalp to naturally oil it.
The points where the hair curls and twists are also points where the hair tends
to break. The more of these points (as in African hair), the more the hair is
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prone to breakage. Also, because our hair is kinky, it tends to tangle more and
pulling these tangles out can cause breakage.
The basics:
•
Either section the hair and plait it, tie it back or wrap it up using a scarf
before going to bed, this will reduce the number of tangles you have to
comb out the next morning, reducing the chances of breaking your hair.
•
Sleep with a satin scarf or sleep cap on your head or with a satin pillow
case. This helps avoid split ends caused by the rubbing of your hair
against a "rough" cotton pillow case. It also avoids moisture being
wicked out of your hair into your cotton pillow case.
•
Wash your hair no more often than every week to week and a half. More
than that can dry it out.
•
Comb your hair out while you're conditioning it to remove the tangles
while it's wet and relatively slick.
•
Oil your scalp on a regular basis with a good natural oil like shea butter.
A daily moisturizer is not a bad idea.
•
Do a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment once a month.
•
Massage your scalp on a regular basis to promote circulation and oil
production.
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•
Avoid overuse of products with mineral oil or petroleum. They tend to
block the pores and are not readily absorbed. If your mother used
Vaseline® on your hair, stop.
•
If you exercise and sweat, rinse the salt out of your hair even if you don't
wash it. Condition it afterwards with a daily leave-in conditioner.
•
Always use a leave-in conditioner after washing your hair.
•
Put as little heat as possible on your hair. Heat, especially combined with
perms is very damaging to hair.
•
Avoid alcohol based products unless you have a need for a water-free
shampoo to cleanse your scalp (for example while you're waiting for
your locks to lock).
•
Remember that water (moisture) is your friend and get plenty - inside
and out. If you used to press your hair or blow it out and learned to fear
water on your hair because it would draw up, you need to get over this.
Spritzing a little water on your hair every day is a good idea. Get a spray
bottle and just spray it just a little.
•
Eat a proper diet. Vitamins and protein are essential for proper hair
growth. We have nutritional supplements specifically designed for hair
and skin health. Hair Growth Supplements
•
Find a style that works with your natural hair type and growth pattern.
The less you work against your hair, the less stressed it will be.
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•
Do not relax your hair until it is bone straight. This is just asking for
trouble. Why relax your hair until it has absolutely no body or curl and
then put heat on it to try to get that curl back?
Some tools you should have in your kit
•
A good shampoo: They will be more expensive. But, they'll use more
gentle cleansers and be more concentrated. You may find they save you
money in the long run. And, your hair will definitely show the difference.
•
A good acidifier (a conditioner with a low pH): Acidifying the hair adds
shine and detangles.
•
A good hot oil treatment or deep conditioner: It is an all natural based
shea butter treatment. Apply the conditioner or hot oil treatment to the
hair and scalp, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 15-20
minutes. Alternatively, you can wrap your head in a towel. Then wash
the hair thoroughly. This is very important for dry brittle hair.
•
A good leave in conditioner or daily moisturizer: This is what you'll put
on your hair after you've thoroughly cleaned it to continue to provide oil
and moisture.
•
A comb for your hair type. Don't try to drag one of those skinny toothed
combs through your natural kinky or curly hair. You'll just end up pulling
it out and breaking it off.
•
A good boar bristle brush (use sparingly though).
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•
A spray bottle to mist your hair.
•
A scarf, cap, or wrap to wear on your head at night- or a satin pillow case
(well, two).
How do I deep condition my hair?
A good hot oil treatment or deep conditioner is essential. Hair Repair Products
Apply the conditioner or hot oil treatment to the hair and scalp, cover with a
plastic cap and sit under a dryer for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can wrap
your head in a towel. Then wash the hair thoroughly. This is very important for
dry brittle hair.
Which oils should I use (and avoid)?
Oils, pomades, daily moisturizers, leave-in conditioner and creams will make
the hair feel more soft and flexible. They are particularly important to be
added to permed hair which has been stripped of some of its ability to oil itself.
Mineral oil and petroleum use should be minimized or avoided. These products
can tend to clog the pores, are not easily absorbed into the hair and attract
dust. If you use products with these oils, try to use the ones that have the least
amount. Generally, the further down the ingredient list, the less there will be in
a product. So, try to use products where these are listed near the end.
Some natural oils to try are shea butter, jojoba oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil.
We have a great selection of oils, pomades and moisturizers for every hair type
and style.
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Oils are best applied to wet hair to help hold in the moisture already there.
Creams or leave-in conditioners can be used on days when you don't wash or
wet your hair. The type of oil or cream you use in your hair is going to depend
on your hair type and may take a little it of experimenting to find what works
best for you. Also, the time of year and your hair's exposure to the elements
will vary your routine.
How often should I wash my hair?
This will depend on your hair type and how prone your hair is to drying or
becoming oily. As we said earlier, not all African Americans have the same type
of hair. Generally speaking, our hair tends to be dry and shampooing too often
will worsen that. Rinsing your hair with plain water every day and washing
once every week to ten days works for most of us. Bi-racial people may want
to wash their hair more often as it may tend to be more oily. By the way, when
you dry your hair, do not rub it. Rubbing your hair can cause breakage. Blot it
with a towel.
How do I handle natural hair?
If you have super curly, kinky or (dare we say it?) nappy hair, your hair is best
handled wet. You may find it easiest to comb it with a wide tooth comb while
in the shower. Give up on that skinny little European comb and get one made
for your hair.
Try to avoid combing your hair while dry as the comb will tend to catch and
break the hair. If you need to comb your hair while it's dry, be gentle. Try to
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spritz with some water or a cream first. You can use an unbraid product like
Black Earth's Protective Mist Bodifier or Royal Roots Detangler. If you're
unbraiding your hair and get to some tangles, pull them loose with your fingers
before you go on combing. Other than this, follow the basic guidelines above.
Why is my natural hair so dull looking?
This is a question we get quite often. First, we need to set some expectations.
With the obvious caveats about how we all have different hair types due to our
diverse ancestries, Natural African hair is going to appear more dull than
Caucasian hair or even permed hair. It's just the structure of our hair.
Our cuticles on our hair, because of the curvature do not lay flat. Flat cuticles
reflect light better making that hair appear shinier. If you try to make your hair
shine like someone with permed hair or a White person, you're going to end up
making a mess of your hair.
Having said that, we can make our natural hair look very healthy. There are
two things that many of don't get enough of on our hair - Water and Oil. Make
sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and wash your hair often enough (as
described earlier). Make sure you are oiling your hair with good, natural oils
that the hair can absorb. Too much of the wrong kind of oils, can actually
damage the ability of the hair to absorb moisture and make the hair appear
even more dull.
Natural African hair is beautiful. But, it must be maintained properly to be and
appear healthy.
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How do I handle permed hair?
First of all, make sure you have a good stylist. If you do apply your perm at
home (which we do not encourage), be sure you follow the directions
religiously. Make sure you apply touch-ups only to new growth. Do not
overlap the perm on to the already permed hair. Follow the general directions
for hair care above.
Additionally...
•
Dry your hair slowly and with as little heat as possible. I try to allow a
couple of hours to wash my hair. I wash it and towel blot it. I apply a hair
and scalp oil. Then, I walk around the house for a couple of hours and
let it air dry as much as possible. Finally, I blow it dry the rest of the way
and begin my conditioning and styling routine.
•
Wet your hair as much as possible (at least twice a week). Spritz it with
water daily or rinse it in the shower every day or two.
•
Use a leave-in conditioner and/or moisturizing pomade. Again, this is
especially important for relaxed hair as you've stripped the hair of some
of its ability to oil itself and its protection against moisture loss.
•
Have your hair trimmed on a regular basis (whenever you have a perm
applied). If your ends split, this split can travel along the hair shaft
causing damage to the hair further up. Don't hang on to damaged hair
for the sake of its length. If your hair has been damaged by a bad perm
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or general abuse, trim it back and let the healthy hair grow out to make
up for it. Keeping the damaged hair around can actually begin to
damage the healthy hair.
•
Touch up frequency will vary depending on your hair type and how fast
it grows. I need to go pretty often. Two to three months is fairly normal.
Should I go permed or natural?
You didn't really think we were going to answer this one. Did you? This is one
of the hottest debates I've run across in years. Our job is to inform you and let
you make the best decision for yourself. There are pros and cons to each. This
is a highly personal decision.
Don't go natural to please those sisters who think all women who wear perms
are selling out to the white man and have low self esteem. Don't wear a perm
because you feel that going natural is a political statement that you don't want
to make. Having said that, the reality is that if you go natural, some people will
assume certain things about your political and social points of view. If you
wear a perm, some people will think you have low self esteem.
Permed or Relaxed
•
Generally the norm in the U.S.
•
Easy to style the hair
•
Hard on the hair - works by actually breaking the hair down
•
Requires diligent care to keep the hair healthy
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Natural
•
Back to nature
•
Some do it for religious reasons (locks) or political reasons - you may be
lumped into this category by strangers
•
Has cost some people jobs - a man was fired for wearing locks (upheld in
court). A woman was fired for wearing two-strand twists.
•
May require greater self esteem to put up with the looks and comments
•
Better for the hair
•
Easier to maintain
•
Less styling options (debatable)
How does a relaxer work?
Time for a really quick science lesson (keep reading, it will be really quick and
painless, I promise). There is a scale called a pH scale. It ranges from 0-14.
Water is right in the middle with a pH of 7 and is "neutral" (neither acidic or
basic). Substances with higher pH are called alkali, caustic or basic. Solutions
with lower pH are called acidic. The farther from the number 7 (either high or
low), the more the solution will do in terms of burning or breaking chemical
bonds.
The pH scale is a logarithmic scale. What that means is a whole number
difference is greater than you might think. A solution that is pH 8 is ten times
more basic than a solution that is ph 7. One that is a pH 5 is 100 times more
acidic than a pH 7. That's as far as we need to go for our purposes. End of
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lesson. Relaxers, whether lye or no lye, have a very high pH (very near the top
of the scale). In other words, they are caustic.
Relaxers work on the same principle as commercial products like Liquid
Plumr® that you'd buy to remove hair from your sink or drain. Relaxers break
the hair down. Relaxers work because they break the bonds that actually give
strength to the hair. This causes the hair to straighten. Therefore, relaxed hair
is, by definition, weaker than natural hair. Relaxers also deplete the hair of
sebum (the oil your scalp secretes). Combine that with heat and you can really
end up with a problem. That's why it is of the utmost importance to be careful
when putting in relaxers and to give relaxed hair the best care possible.
Does this mean we are against relaxers? Absolutely not. If a quality relaxer is
applied properly and the hair is maintained properly, your hair can definitely be
healthy. However, your hair will be weaker than if it were natural and will be
more prone to problems. These problems are not insurmountable as long as
you are aware of how to take care of your hair.
Many people have asked us why we don't sell relaxers. Our policy is that we do
not sell relaxers because we think they should be applied by a professional in a
salon setting.
Are no-lye relaxers better and/or milder?
There is a myth that no-lye relaxers take all the worry out of straightening the
hair. Pardon the pun, but that's a lie (lye). No-lye relaxers are more gentle on
the scalp. But, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) has received complaints
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of scalp irritation from no-lye relaxers as well as lye relaxers. The same safety
precautions apply to both. Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide as the active
ingredient.
With no-lye relaxers, calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate are mixed to
produce guanidine hydroxide. It's the hydroxide that makes the relaxer
reactive (basic) and the way they work is the same. Many people have
reported no-lye relaxers leave their hair more dull and have gone back to lye
relaxers. If you're having problems with scalp irritation using a lye relaxer, you
might want to try a no-lye relaxer. But, don't believe that it's somehow more
healthy for your hair.
How about natural relaxers?
There are products on the market that call themselves "natural relaxers". We
have gotten many questions about them. After doing a lot of research, we
have finally found a natural relaxer we can sell with confidence. That relaxer is
the Natural-Laxer MIXTM from Baka Beauty Products. However, the term
"relaxer", in this case, may be misleading. We think that may be why the
natural relaxers have gotten a bad rap.
The natural relaxer we sell is an all herbal hair treatment. It is kind of an herbal
texturizer. It is not a straightener. You simply are not going to get kinky black
hair to become bone straight in an "all natural" way. What our relaxer does is
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gradually allow the natural curl pattern to relax. This causes the hair to be less
kinky and somewhat straighter. It also makes the hair softer.
Some interesting side effects of this relaxer is that you end up with less
tangles, less breakage and the hair is actually strengthened and encouraged to
grow by the relaxer. The relaxer also helps prevent reversion of pressed hair.
The relaxer works with a cumulative effect. After the first application or two,
the differences will be subtle, but noticeable. Over time, the relaxer makes the
hair softer and softer. This is an excellent treatment for damaged permed hair,
an aid in transition from perms to natural hair or a conditioner/detangler for
natural hair.
What do I look for in a stylist to put in my relaxer?
First of all, find someone with hair you like and ask her where she gets her hair
done. If she lets you touch her hair, touch it to make sure it's healthy (please
ask first!). Talk to the stylist before you make an appointment. Make sure she
seems professional and knows what she's doing. A bad perm is a horrible
thing. You could end up with damaged hair, bald or even permanently
disfigured. And, remember a perm is permanent. Mess one up and that hair is
ruined permanently (until you cut it off).
Before she begins:
•
She should check the condition of your hair and scalp before she begins. If
your hair is weak or your scalp has any cuts, scrapes or sores, she should not
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do the perm. A perm on already weak hair can cause your hair to break off. A
perm on a scalp that is not healthy can be absorbed into the body and cause
problems.
•
She should check for allergic reaction and test the perm on a strand of your
hair.
•
She should choose a perm appropriate for your type of hair. Not all relaxers
are the same. Some are more reactive (stronger) than others. The stylist
should consider - whether your hair has been relaxed before (touch up or
retouch), whether your hair has never been relaxed (virgin), whether your hair
is colored and whether your hair is fine or coarse.
•
She should protect your skin (and clothes) with a cape and or a towel.
•
She should protect your scalp with a jelly or thick cream
Once she begins:
•
Once the stylist starts applying your perm, she should pay attention to your
head and not talking on the phone, taking lunch breaks or attending to other
clients. Applying a perm requires her complete attention. She should work
quickly to avoid over-relaxing your hair and/or burning your skin.
•
Retouches should only be done on new growth. This is a common mistake
people make when putting in perms at home. I know, I used to. Do not keep
relaxing the ends of your hair over and over again.
•
Your stylist should use a timer (and pay attention to the timer). It's always
better to leave the hair a little underdone than overdone. Even with the timer,
she should check your hair continuously.
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After she's done:
•
She should rinse your hair very well with warm water.
•
She should wash your hair with a neutralizing shampoo. It's important to use a
shampoo with a lower pH to neutralize the high pH of the relaxer. The reason
this is important is the pH of the neutralizing shampoo stops the reaction of
the lye. Using a regular shampoo will allow your hair to continue to break
down beyond the point where you want it to be.
•
She should rinse your hair again.
•
Before it is dried, she should deep condition the hair.
•
She should handle your hair gently as she's drying and styling it.
Can I remove a relaxer from my hair?
If you've read this far, you probably already realize the answer is "no".
Permanents are called permanent for good reason. The bonds in the hair are
destroyed when the hair is relaxed. The part of the hair that has been relaxed
will never be "natural" again. The only way to get rid of relaxed hair is to cut it
off or wait for it to break off. Waiting for the hair to break off is not a good
transition option. But, some women choose it because they are uncomfortable
giving up the length they've worked hard to get. There are ways to transition
from relaxed hair to natural hair. But, the relaxed hair will never be natural
again.
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How do I transition from relaxed to natural hair?
This one is a very frequently asked question. We get calls and e-mails from
people hoping we can tell them what they want to hear. The true answer is
there is no really quick or easy way. To reiterate (in case you haven't read the
other questions). A relaxer is permanent. It cannot be removed. There are no
products that will remove a relaxer (other than scissors).
If you want to just grow your hair out to a natural state, be prepared for
breakage. Baka Beautiful's Natural-Laxer Plus is a great product if you want to
maintain your length while transitioning. We cannot guarantee there will be no
breakage. But, the Natural-Laxer can definitely help minimize it. There are
three good ways to transition:
•
Cut off the relaxed hair - depending on how much new growth and your
preferences you have a few styling options. You can wear a TWA
(tweeny weeny afro) or two strand twists pretty easily with almost any
length hair.
•
Braids and/or extensions - you can have your hair braided until it grows
to a length where you feel comfortable cutting off the new growth and
going with other styling options.
•
SisterlocksTM - SisterLocks can be started with one and one half inches of
new growth at the scalp. They are similar to dread locks but with a look
more like micro braids or very small twists. They leave you with many
styling options. For more information (including pictures) go
to http://www.sisterlocks.com
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•
Find a transition style - This great tip was given to us by one of our
customers:
"I just wanted to send you another hair styling option for those who don't
know what to do while growing out a perm and going natural. I recently did
this and when my roots began growing out, I would wet my hair and add oil to
it, then braid it while it was wet (Black Earth's Crinkles & Curls Styling Lotion
would be perfect for this). After it dried, my hair was left wavy and with lots of
texture and this helped to blend the natural roots with the permed ends. It is
important to keep your ends clipped regularly during this process so that your
split ends do not continue up the hair shaft and damage the natural hair. I was
able to wear my hair like this until I was comfortable with cutting all of my
permed hair off and wearing my 'fro." (thanks Sheena!)
Trying to transition in other ways, like pressing the natural hair as it grows in
underneath the relaxed hair, are going to make your hair prone to breakage
and can damage the natural hair you're trying to grow in. We don't recommend
it. While transitioning, try to find a style that will accommodate the new
growth coming in like twists or braids.
Is there a pill to fix my hair problems?
The short answer is "no". Well, actually, the answer is "yes and no". Proper
nutrition is essential for the health of your hair and protein is necessary. We do
offer supplements that can help with the health of your hair and skin.
However, there is no pill that will overcome the damage you do to you hair by
not properly maintaining it. Taking proper care of your hair is the only way to
ensure it will remain healthy. There is nothing you can put in your mouth or put
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on your hair to make it begin growing like a chia pet (at least nothing that
you'd really want in your body or on your hair).
The way to fix your hair problems is the old fashioned way - "Earn it". You've
got to develop a healthy regimen for your hair and stick to it.
Is there something that will make my hair grow really fast?
There are medications that will make your hair grow. For men, there is
Minoxidil (aka Rogaine®) and Propecia®. For women, there is Rogaine®.
There are also supplements that can help with hair growth. If your hair is
damaged, your nutrition is not optimal (and whose is?), or you have a scalp
condition, there are things that can promote normal hair growth that will make
it appear your hair is growing faster.
Also, if you hair is breaking off, it will appear that it is not growing. By
preventing that breakage, your hair will become longer. Before you run out
and buy a super pill or an ointment, make sure you're doing the day-to-day
things to give your hair a chance to grow on its own.
Our Treasured Locks H2G Hair Growth Serum is a topical (you rub it on your
scalp) product that can help with hair growth. Our hair growth oil is a carefully
selected blend of Emu Oil, Shea Butter Oil and other plant oils along with some
Essential Oils that have been clinically shown to improve circulation, provide
moisture, reduce inflammation and help hair grow to its fullest potential. See
our Hair Growth Supplements for more information.
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How do I care for my child's hair?
The same basic principles apply. Find a good children's shampoo if your child is
very young (so that it won't burn the eyes). However, as soon as you can,
move away from these. They tend to be drying for African American hair.
I recommend avoiding perms for as long as possible. Children have more
sensitive skin than adults. The chemicals in the perms are more likely to
damage their skin and hair. Also, they don't usually have the patience to sit
through the process of getting the perm.
My stylist told me the story of a three year old girl she was trying to give a
perm. Once the perm was in, the child decided she was ready to leave. The
stylist had to literally wrestle the child to rinse the perm out of her hair. My
older daughter is almost six now and has very thick and coarse hair. Her hair is
natural. I did a lot of research on the best way to care for it (one of the things
that motivated me to write this book and offer the products that we have at
Treasured Locks).
I intend to leave her hair natural as long as possible. It's really not any more
difficult to care for than if she had a perm. We use the natural relaxer on her
hair to make it more manageable (not straight). That and just using the basic
tips mentioned earlier have made caring for her natural hair much easier, she
has less breakage and tangles than she used to and we love the way her hair
looks natural.
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Should I use only "natural" products?
First of all, natural is a relative term. Once you mix two ingredients together,
one could argue the product is not "all natural". We believe that God put many
wonderful things on this earth to take care of our bodies inside and out.
Generally speaking, the less refined or manipulated a product the better.
We also believe God gave man the ability to improve upon his environment and
some chemical formulations (especially medicines) are extremely beneficial.
We promote products that we believe are healthy for your hair. All things
being equal, we prefer natural products over highly refined products. Even
when man tries to recreate nature by manufacturing or refining products (as in
the case of multivitamins versus fresh fruits or vegetables) he often damages
the delicate trace substances within or leaves things out.
However, all natural products will be less stable, may not look as nice, will be
more expensive and will have shorter shelf lives than less natural products. If
you like a lot of lather, you may be disappointed with all natural shampoos. So,
the decision is really up to you. We use both all natural product and less
natural products.
What is Shea Butter?
We're glad you asked. Shea Butter is a natural moisturizer derived from the
nut of a tree (the Karite tree) that grows exclusively in West Africa. It is highly
prized for its benefits to both hair and skin. It can treat a variety of skin
conditions including eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, stretch marks, etc. I personally
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have used it to eliminate an allergic reaction to the sun I've had for the past 10
years or so (every summer). My sister-in-law and another friend (with different
sun sensitivities) have experiences the same thing.
Shea Butter is easily absorbed into the hair and skin and can be used on the
face also (it's non-greasy). For more details, read Shea Butter Benefits.
How can I regrow lost hair?
That depends on how and why you lost your hair. It's easier for us to tell you
what not to do than what to do. Do not go for any "miracle" cures. Anything
that claims it can grow hair on a cue ball should be avoided. Our Hair Growth
Supplements are very effective for a variety of types of hair loss. But, they will
not cure all baldness. Minoxidil has been shown to be effective for women
with a certain type of hair loss. If you think you need Minoxidil, you should see
your doctor.
If you're a male and have lost your hair due to the natural aging process, please
do not spend tons of money on things that don't work. There are only two
medically proven treatments. One is Finasteride (aka Propecia). Propecia is a
blood pressure medication that has the side effect of growing hair. The other
is Minoxidil. Both work in about 30-40% of cases and both only work on what is
called male pattern baldness (thinning from the crown of the head). Minoxidil
has worked, in combination with other treatments, on frontal balding. But, not
often enough for the FDA to allow the manufacturer to make the claim. Both
drugs must be taken forever, to continue to be effective. Any gains made by
the drugs will go away within a few weeks if they are discontinued.
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Propecia has been known to cause sexual dysfunction in a small number of
patients. Minoxidil has been known to cause scalp irritation. Minoxidil must be
applied every day (two times/day is better) directly to the scalp and massaged
in. Due to the hassle, cost, possible side effects and limited effectiveness of
both drugs whether you take them is a personal choice. If you ever see my
husband, you'll see he opted to let nature take its course.
Where can I find some good hair styles for me?
There are a few good places we can suggest. For some potential hair styles, try
http://www.naani.com Also, Treasured Locks’ Blog in the Styling section has
tips from our real world experience and the experience of some of our
customers. If you want to actually learn how to create some of these styles,
there is a great video that will show you exactly how to do them in your own
home: Natural Hair Styling Guide DVD.
Your hair and you...
Everyone's hair is different and so should be their hair care. With the right
knowledge, routine and products, we can all treasure our locks.
If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please feel free to visit
Treasured Locks or contact me. You can also reach Treasured Locks on
Facebook (facebook.com/TreasuredLocks) and Twitter (@treasuredlocks)
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