Bring your curly hair back to life and add Volume

Hi ladies! We get this question all the time, "how o I bring my curls back to life"? Well as you know, curly hair is work. My suggestion is that you invest in a diffuser! A diffuser will add volume back to your curly hair minimize frizz. Below is. Great reticle I found on greeting and diffusing our curly hair.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO DIFFUSE CURLY HAIR

If you have curly hair (or just want curly hair) then a diffuser is a must-have item in your beauty arsenal. What is a diffuser? It's an attachment for your blow dryer that changes the air flow from a direct stream of air to a more diffused (get it?) wide circle of air. This helps to minimize frizz, since there's less hot air aimed at any one part of your hair, so it's perfect for curls. If your blow dryer didn't come with a diffuser, you can buy a universal one that will attach onto the nozzle (just make sure it's the right diameter before you buy).

For help using this tool, we talked to Ouidad, a curl expert and founder of the Ouidad line of hair products (specifically for curly girls) and Ouidad salons, which specialize in cutting and styling curly hair. She walked us through the step-by-step process for diffusing hair -- everything from the products to use, the temperature of the blow dryer and even exactly what to do with your hands. Follow her guide and you're sure to wind up with defined, frizz-free, volumized and shiny curls.

Even if you don't have naturally curly hair we got tips to get it that way with a diffuser. See how you can go from wavy to full on curly in a snap.
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After shampooing and conditioning, Ouidad says to use a spray conditioner to lock moisture into your hair immediately after showering. This will help minimize frizz and keep hair feeling soft. A few to try: Aussie Sydney Smooth Heat Protector Plus Leave-In Conditioner Spray, $4.23, or Aveeno Nourish and Condition Leave In Treatment, $6.49.

If your hair is wavy you can skip this step because it may weigh down the curls you're trying to create.

Next: The "rake and shake" method

See Next Page: Step 2: Use the "rake and shake" method
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Ouidad has a signature method for applying product that helps curls keep their shape so your final look has more definition. It takes some time but the results are worth it.

To start, divide hair into five sections: one at the front of your head, and two sections on each side of your head. Take one section at a time and rake product through it with your fingers. Use a styling lotion for curly hair (try Bumble and bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme, $27), or a foam or mousse for wavy hair (try Samy Curls Constructor Activating Mousse, $5.99).

After you've smoothed the product on the section, hold on to it by the ends and gently shake your hair to help natural curls form. If you skip this step your curls will loose their shape. You can divide each section into smaller sections as well for the shaking to help each individual curl form.

Extending the life of your Sew In

You can extend the life of your sew in by months to a year by using these two products!

1- weft sealer, used to seal wefts to prevent shedding. Purchase this product at www.hollywoodweaves.com

2-Nylon Thread

Take care of your Hair under your Weave

A few tips for taking care of your real hair under your weave. To promote healthy hair growth under your weave/protective style, you should:

• Yes, you still need to shampoo your hair on a regular basis. Concentrate the shampoo on your scalp and work it in with the balls of your fingertips. Then work the shampoo down the weave hair, but do not ball it up on the top of your head. Instead, work your fingers straight down through the hair to the ends. Let the water help guide the shampoo down. It's important to keep the weave hair as straight as possible to prevent matting and tangling.
• Don't Neglect the Weave
• Also, when caring for your hair, you must care for the weave hair as well. Just because you'll eventually remove it doesn't mean you can neglect it. Besides cleansing, weave hair needs to be combed to work tangles out. It should be secured at night, either under a satin cap or scarf.
• Remove it After Six to Eight Weeks
• Your hair will likely grow about ½ to 1 inch beneath the weave. Near the end of the recommended time frame for wearing it, the hair growth will cause it to be looser. Listen to your stylist's advice on how long to leave a weave in. If you extend this time too much, not only will your weave begin to look old and ragged, your new growth may begin to mat and loc.

The Difference between Indian and Brazilian Hair

Clients ask me many times over about the difference between Brazilian and Indian Hair. This is my personal opinion about the differences:

1. There is not much difference between the two until you start dealing in Curly Textures. Brazilian hair has a tighter curl than does Indian hair.
2. Indian Hair is slightly more coarse.
3. Indian Hair and Brazilian Hair both blend well with African American Texture Hair.
4. My personal favorite is Indian Natural Wave or Indian Curly.
5. Brazilian Curly does not flat iron the best at all times. Indian Curly is a great curly to straight hair.

Brazilian Curly

Indian Curly

10 Great Shampoos for African American Hair

So I was reading this great natural blog, happens to be semi dedicated to black hair, and I came across this great article I wanted to share with you ladies. I agree with most of these items. I always say that you have to try different products out until you find what works for you . I have been using Formula234 for about 9 months and I must say that it is the best Cleanser/Nutrient product I have ever used in my life on my hair.

Below are a few tips from the article with a link to read more:
http://blackdoctor.org/8016/top-10-shampoos-for-black-hair/

The main characteristics to look out for when purchasing moisturizing shampoo are as followed:

1. Alcohol-Free Shampoo  –  First and foremost the moisturizing shampoo has to be gentle. Safeguard your hair against losing more of its natural oil. You must therefore avoid shampoos with alcohol or its derivatives.
2. pH-Balanced Shampoo  –  The natural pH of your hair is about 5. To keep the outer cuticle closed and maintain the shine of your hair, you have to ensure that your hair’s pH is kept at a normal level. Look for moisturizing shampoo with a pH from 4.5 – 5.5. It should take your hair back to a stable balance. Also if the label says it has anti-static ingredients (such as trimethyl alkonium chloride or ammonium chloride) to prevent or eliminate fly away hair, it is what you are looking for. Be aware that the ideal moisturizing shampoos also contain the buffering agent sodium citrate, which is a compound that releases more acidifying ions when acidity is low and absorbs acid when acidity is too high.
3. Shampoo with Natural Moisturizing Oil  –  Use oil-based moisturizing shampoo to seal in water. This keeps your hair moisturized longer. Go for

To read more: visit http://blackdoctor.org/8016/top-10-shampoos-for-black-hair/

5 tips to keep your hair healthy and shiny!

1. Mash a ripe avocado (pit removed) with one egg, then apply to wet hair. Avocados are rich in vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals that will help restore luster to your hair, says Stephen Sanna, expert colorist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City. Leave on for at least 20 minutes, then rinse several times. Repeat once a week for damaged hair and once a month for healthy hair.

2. Use one part apple cider vinegar and two parts very warm water to help balance the pH level of your scalp and bring out natural red highlights. It may be smelly, but it works, says Federico. Simply pour the vinegar mixture onto your hair, massage it into your scalp, and let it dry for a few minutes. Then wash hair as usual.

3. Mix one egg with a small amount of shampoo, apply to your hair for five minutes, and rinse well. This “shampoo omelet” helps to enhance the protein in your hair.
4. Make your own conditioner. Here are some simple tips to condition your hair using some everyday household ingredients:
Rub enough mayonnaise into your hair to coat it, wait up to an hour, and wash it out. You’ll be amazed at how soft and shiny your hair is, thanks to this great protein source.
Substitute condensed milk for your regular conditioner. The protein provides an extra-special shine.
Mix 2 ounces olive oil and 2 ounces aloe vera gel with 6 drops each of rosemary and sandalwood essential oils. Olive oil is an emollient, aloe hydrates, and rosemary adds body and softness.

5. Take one to three 250-milligram capsules of borage oil, evening primrose oil, or flaxseed oil one to three times a day. All are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid, great for keeping hair (and nails) moisturized, says Kathleen W. Wilson, M.D., an internist at the Ochsner Health Center in New Orleans and author of When You Think You Are Falling Apart.

Which Extension Method is Right for You?

Hi Starlets!

I have been getting a ton of questions on what extension method may be the best. As I am no hair stylist, I am just the creative director for HollywoodWeaves Virgin Hair that happens to love hair, I am no expert in that area. I will give you my opinion though.

I believe that there is no one perfect or best way. I personally like a combination of them all depending on the look I want or how long I want to keep it. For example, everyone is raving about the Malaysian Technique, and it is pretty awesome. The downside is that for most african american women, if they work out, sweat and they natural hair swells. This will cause you to have to do more to keep this sew in up.

I love the braid down technique because it allows your natural hair resting time and growing time.
Another great one is clip in extensions. Clip ins give you length and fullness without the commitment to a long term style.

I suggest speaking with your professional stylist and discussing what your lifestyle is, what your hair goals are, and what your expectations are to get a better idea of what is best for you.

Clip Ins