The difference contiuned.........  

Posted by: LadyBird

The rest of the article from http://www.ourhair.net

Sometimes we use relaxers in hopes of making our hair more manageable (manageability being subjective) because they are used to loosen the curl. Unfortunately they can cause more damage than help. There are currently two classifications of relaxers in use - lye based (sodium hydroxide) and no-lye (calcium or guanidine hydroxide). Relaxers de-fat the scalp and permanently alter the structure of the hair and scalp. This compounds the problem of dry hair and breakage since the hair is stripped of natural emollients and less resilient than untreated hair. Never use relaxers on damaged hair. Never use relaxers on hair previously treated with cold wave products (Jheri Curl, Wave Noveau, etc.) or vise versa. Allow the hair to grow out before changing chemical services.

Another breed of relaxers called demi perms enable tight curls to be replaced by larger, looser ones. Demi-perms are usually used on short hair, giving a controlled shape to short cuts; on long hair they produce a loose spiral curl look. The more advanced perms involve softening the hair by weaving it onto rollers and then neutralizing it so that the curls are permanently set into their new shape. To prevent frizzies and maintain the definition of curls, special lotions called curl activators and moisturizing sprays are used to revive and preserve curl formation.

If we don't want to deal with our own hair or want a straight look for a while on natural hair, weaves can offer an alternative. Hair weaving and braiding is a great way to wear straight and curly hair styles without harsh chemicals. Weave hair can be braided or bonded onto natural hair or chemically treated hair. Hair weaves can spare our hair the trauma of harsh chemical service and the problems associated with it - hair loss and breakage. Be aware of the problem of Traction Hair Loss, a problem associated with improper hair weaving and braiding. This happens when the hair is pulled too forcibly too often which will disrupt the hair follicles, cause scar tissue to form and, ultimately, hair loss. To help prevent this, avoid braiding or pulling the hair into tight braids. Similar problems can also result from misusing perms and relaxing chemicals. Weaving hair manufacturers are now producing weaving hair specifically for Afro textured hair. Yaki hair is an excellent texture and color match for our hair. Other types of hair can also be blended with our hair for a natural look.

Tips to keep African American and Ethnic hair beautiful:


Use a wide-toothed Afro-comb for curly hair and a natural bristle brush for relaxed hair. Combing will help spread the natural oils through the hair, making it look shinier and healthier. Use intensive pre-shampoo treatments.
Massage the scalp regularly to encourage oil production.
Shampoo as often as you feel necessary but only lather once, using a small amount of shampoo. Rinse thoroughly. Towel-blot, don?t rub hair.
Once a month try a hot oil treatment, which will lubricate dry scalp conditions as well as moisturize brittle hair.
If you have a delicate fringe (bangs) or baby fine hair around the hairline (sometimes from breakage, sometimes an inherited trait), use tiny round bristly and a hairdryer to blend this hair.
Gels are good for molding hair into shape; choose non-greasy formulas that give hair a healthy sheen.
If you use hot combs or curling tongs, make sure you shield the hair by using a finishing spray.
Braided hair needs a softening shampoo that maintains the moisture balance and helps eliminate dry scalp.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 . You can leave a response and follow any responses to this entry through the Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom) .

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