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Hello Beautiful!

You emailed us and as promised, we answered. Check out this week’s Strand Therapy Q&A. Keep the questions coming. Be sure to send them to strandtherapy@gmail.com. We love this stuff!

Hello My Name is Kandyce,

I am Biracial, I’m mixed with Black & White! I have never really learned how to do my hair as a child and now as a grown up.   I need help with what to do with it.  I have always wore it in a pony tail, but now I’m going with the natural look. I have always put relaxers in my hair because that was the ease’s way to do anything with my hair. I haven’t had a relaxer in my hair now for about a year now, and I’m clueless on what to do with my hair. All around my edges is nice and soft curls but in the middle of my hair it is very coiled.  Well the other day i decided to flat iron my hair and do a self trim & I’m no styles at all. Well needless to say i messed up my hair all the way.  I cant even put it up in a pony tail with-out putting clips in the front,back, & sides. Please help me on what to do now!!!!!! – Kandyce

Dear Kandyce,

Having a variety of hair textures can be difficult.   But we have a few moisture-packed solutions for you.  Based on what you’ve shared, I recommend limiting your shampooing to 1-2 times a week.  Why?  Glad you asked.  Cleansing the hair too often can cause dryness and frizz because it depletes the hair of natural oils that are essential for healthy, moisturized hair.  Now when you do cleanse, I recommend the following from Design Essentials.

  1. First, shampoo with Organic Cleanse Deep Cleansing Shampoo. This shampoo will gently remove any impurities, dirt, or excess oils on the hair and scalp.
  2. Second, shampoo with Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo.   It helps restore and replenish the moisture on the scalp and hair.
  3. Condition with Express Instant Moisturizing Conditioner.  Express is quick, lightweight, and super nourishing.  For best results, apply Express and then use a wide tooth comb to gently detangle the hair.
  4. Rinse with cool water. (Cool water locks moisture in the hair)
  5. After you cleanse and condition, apply Hydrate Leave-In Hydrating Conditioner for additional moisture and protection.  Remember to use a wide tooth comb to evenly distribute the leave-in conditioner.

Now your hair is prepared to style!

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When selecting a style, keep in mind how much time you want to spend on your hair everyday.  It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself.  Check out the Design Essentials Natural Step by Step Styling Guide found at www.desginessentials.com/natural to select from a variety of simple, natural styles.  I also recommend visiting a licensed professional who focuses on natural hair (since you’ve recently allowed your relaxer to grow out).  A professional will be able to better assist you with their recommendations on daily styling and manageability.

I hope this all helps and I wish you luck with your beautiful hair!!

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Hello,

I read your recent post on Black Planet News and wanted to reach out because I’ve been natural for more then 10 years now, and I still never know what to do with my  hair in the summer months. I sweat a lot on my head so my styles never stay the same.. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Regards,

Jeanology

Dear Jeanology,

Summer months can be tricky…especially with natural hair.  I have found some of the best summer styles for natural hair depend on your level of outdoor activity.

During the summer months, I recommend trying a 2 Strand Flat Twist Set.  Use a firm hold setting lotion to twist your hair.  Then sit under a hooded dryer. Take out the twists once your hair is dry for a beautiful, textured style.  I love this style for two reasons. First, you can exercise with this style. 2nd, you can wear the flat twists as a style as well.  Now keep in mind you will need to re-twist your hair at night to help reset the look (if you want to make the style last longer).  Check out this style and others at www.designessentials.com/natural

Let me know how this works for you!

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Hello Natalie,

I have a question about my hair. Okay so i have been goin natural for about 4 years now and my natural hair is curly but when its wet it shrinks dramatically. I was wondering if you knew of any hair products i could use to keep my hair straight even when its humid or anything outside. Also how often should i get my hair trimmed and treated? -Nelia

Dear Nelia,

The best way to keep your hair from shrinking is by continuing to wear it straight.  When your hair is silked straight, it will aid in transitioning the hair into a straighter, smoother position.  Keep in mind your curls will not be completely straight.  They will just have a looser curl pattern.  However, if you are looking for something to permanently loosen your curl pattern, you may want to try a texturizer.  A texturizer is a chemical service that’s designed to slightly and gently loosen your curl pattern.  It will also dramatically reduce frizz.

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I’ve been saying that I want to go natural for a while now. The last time I attempted to do so, it had been 14 1/2 weeks since my last perm and I had given in at that point. Right now I’m at almost 9 weeks since my last perm and my scalp hurts when I attempt to do something with my hair. It’s very frustrating. Any suggestions on what I need to be doing at this point? – Crystal S.

Dear Crystal S., 

It sounds like you may be experiencing dryness on both your previously relaxed ends, and now with your new growth.  So, I would start you off with an intensive moisturizing maintenance (shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner) regimen.

Moisture will also help with detangling and overall healthy hair growth. Try the following products from Design Essentials.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

  1. Cleanse the hair with Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo. This shampoo will help to restore and replenish the moisture on the scalp and hair.
  2. Condition with my favorite deep-penetrating conditioner- Stimulations Super Moisturizing Conditioner. Apply the conditioner, and then use a wide tooth comb to evenly distribute the conditioner and to detangle.
  3. Rinse with cool water. Cool water locks moisture in the hair.
  4. Once you’ve cleansed and conditioned, spray HCO Leave-In Conditioner for additional moisture and strength. Remember to detangle with a wide tooth comb!

For transitioning from a relaxer to natural hair, I recommend a flat twist set.  Be sure to rod up the straighter ends with perm rods or flexi rods so the curl pattern matches from root to end.  Also, make sure you are using a firm hold, flexible setting lotion when styling.  A flexible setting lotion will allow the hair to be easily manipulated without causing any damage to the hair.

Lastly, I do recommend a good cut at minimum every 6-8 weeks to make sure all of the dry ends are removed.  Dry ends easily turn to split ends, and split ends allow moisture to easily leave the hair. All of this can lead to dry, damaged hair.   So hair cuts are essential.

Good luck with your hair. I’m sure it will be gorgeous!!

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