Let’s talk hair trends, at the moment literally hundreds of Black women are taking up crocheting, not of the type your Granny used to do, but the art of Crocheting hair into the head to give the illusion of thicker longer hair, or simply for a new style.
Crochet Braids… Are they safe for my fine afro hair?
I had an email last week from a lady asking about whether the crochet twists she had installed 8 weeks ago at a hair salon were the cause of her hair breaking off really badly along the front and sides.
Here is what I said to her:
Crochet braids are yet another trend women with natural hair are adopting without identifying whether their hair is suitable or in a healthy enough state to accommodate such styling. However what I see with the install of crochet ‘anything’ is a lack of guidance when choosing to have this hairstyle. If you have hair that is thinning or fine, or perhaps breaking or prone to excessive dryness, then Crochet braids may not be for you.
If you opt to use a qualified hairdresser for your natural hair, he/she should do an assessment of the current state of your hair to determine whether or not the hair will withstand the weight of the crochet hair or braids for eg.
The ‘Crochet’ technique requires your own hair to be cornrowed, whilst individual pieces of hair are threaded through your cornrows along the base until the whole head is complete. Although the hair feels light, the pressure comes from the threading crochet hair through each cornrow. Weak hair will snap off when manipulated in such a way.
If you feel your beloved crochet braids, although they have a very natural appearance and offer a quicker solution to natural hair extensions are causing you hair to thin or break, stop doing them. If you are unsure speak to a qualified hairdresser or stylist who should be able to tell you the truth.
Many women, whether they be more mature in age or younger, will experience the greying of their strands throughout their lifetime. However it’s not something we have to accept gracefully.
Scientifically can your hair grey hair be stopped from coming through? Essentially not, however there are certain Ayurvedic herbs that will slow down the greying process and I attest to that. Our Root Energizer Super Growth oil, contains a combination of potent Ayurvedic herbs that reduce the production of grey hair deep down in the root. I have maybe one or 2 grey hairs, whilst my younger sister in has sprouted hundreds of greys.
I have been an avid user of the Root Energizer for years, so I believe that has been the reason for my sparse grey hairs.
So how do you cover grey hairs?
The only hair dye I would personally recommend to cover greys that I have experience of is the Bigen range. It has been around for many years and it contains no harmful synthetic ingredients that are likely to cause damage, however do test beforehand. You simply mix the pot of powder with a little water and apply it following the instructions.
I would warn however that using any type of colour on your hair may lead to the hair feeling drier than usual, so do ensure you condition and moisturise your hair daily to avoid this. Our Quench crème is an amazingly light crème that will coat strands without being greasy.
So if you choose to colour those pesky greying strand, ensure you commit to the follow up care to maintain healthy hair.
My baby’s hair is not growing- can I use a growth oil on her?
If you have a little baby that is between 3 and 10 months old, you may have noticed the changes their hair has gone through from birth up until they approach their first birthday. Your baby’s hair may have started off really straight and fine and is now starting to coil or kink. Maybe the baby has lost half their hair at the back of the heads whereby they rub their heads on their sheets.
All of these changes are completely normal. In fact there are still more to come so do not worry about your child’s hair not growing as expected! What you should do, however, is routinely wash the baby’s hair with a sulphate free mild shampoo, and then use a mild conditioner aimed at children. Our Cowash for children is a light softening conditioner made with Olive oil, great for baby hair.
Keep your baby’s hair moisturised and look after their scalp if that’s what you can see more of. The scalp will be what produces their future hair so ensure it is not dry and deal with cradle cap issues as they arise.
Do not use hair growth oils on a baby’s hair or products called ‘Baby don’t’ bald! Believe it or not there are products on the market aimed at mothers worried about their baby’s hair is not growing.
I actually came across such a product (believe it or not!) and listed within the ingredients were extracts of animal placenta!! Such extracts cause harm to babies by giving them hormones they should not have in their bodies.
Instead, use a product like our 97% Natural Heavens hair milk, when Extra virgin Olive oil is not enough. Use a light natural moisturiser daily to keep the hair soft and hydrated. Most of all do not stress the baby hair or scalp by using inappropriate hair bands that are too tight. Just let the hair be and be patient, allowing the scalp to mature. A soft scalp will grow hair in time. A stressed scalp will struggle.
Give your baby’s hair a chance to be as natural and free for as long as possible.
Take Care,
Sal
Founder, formulator, Hairducation Expert