Are Braids and Weaves Really Causing Black Women to Go Bald?

Well that answer is easy. Yes and no. Let me explain. There are several facts to consider before pinpointing the cause of baldness on a particular hairstyle. Sure there are some serious concerns you should consider before retreating to braids or weaves as an alternative to more traditional hair solutions. On the other hand, braids and weaves have also been given suggested to women who are looking to grow their hair out. So which one is it? As with everything involving hair, it’s always a matter of opinion. I’ll dive into the facts and you can be the judge for yourself.

We all know at least one woman who has worn braids repeatedly and as a result has seen her natural hairline recede over time. This is known as traction alopecia. The reality is poor implementation of braids or weaves can cause this problem. Poor implementation could be too tight braids and the use of too much hair. This problem could also be a result of wearing the same hairstyle for an extended period of time. Obviously, these are all fixable problems with the right consultation. Unfortunately, braiders and stylists who install weaves often skip this step to avoid unpleasant confrontations with paying customers. Hence, there is a downward spiral of activity resulting in a loss hair and hope.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can find women who have worn braids and weaves for many years who have healthy growing natural hair. They have found the happy solution of wearing the hair styles they desire without compromising the overall health of their hair. By insisting on quality installations over cheap fixes, many of the aforementioned problems simply vanish. Remembering you have a choice and demanding proper care starts with self-education. This is one lesson you don’t want to learn at the hands of experience.

For example, requesting braids that aren’t so tight and requiring ample moisturizing treatment is essential to your experience. Also, knowing you family genetics is important. If the women in your family have a propensity to lose their hair, you may want to stay clear from any hair style that could accelerate that process.

In the end, it’s not the hairstyles that are guilty of causing baldness in black women. It’s the choices that are being made. It’s the lack of education and consultation with stylists and doctors. Take it from my experience as a salon owner; this is one issue you want to address on the front end. Most of the pain and anguish I see on a daily basis from balding women could have easily been prevented.

So remember, healthy hair starts with healthy choices. Choose to work with professionals that care about your well being (hint, they sometimes cost more). Choose to avoid repetitive hair styles that stress your hair. And lastly, choose to be proactive in taking care of you. Until next time, happy hair day to you!

CaMia Hopson is the owner of Dreamweavers Studio in Atlanta, Ga. Dreamweavers specializes in making hair fantasies come true everyday at an affordable price. You can reach her at emaildreamweavers@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6273920

Growing Your Hair Using Braid Extensions

Growing Your Hair Using Braid Extensions

We found this very interesting article, hope you like it!

Braid extensions seem like the best way to grow out a bad haircut, transition from relaxed hair to natural hair or to just let your hair rest from the daily styling, and manipulating. In the past I have used them for all of the above, but it wasn’t until a couple of years go I learned to reap the full benefit of braid extensions. Braid extensions allow direct access to the scalp, which makes it easier to cleanse the scalp and strengthen the hair without having to handle the hair.

Many people have extensions put in and after six to eight weeks take them down and notice a ton of new growth, but also notice a ton of shedding. This article will provide you with extension secrets that will allow you to see MORE growth and LESS shedding!

First I will start with the basics. Whether the hair is in a weave, extensions, natural or relaxed, the three most important component to growing healthy hair is keeping it clean (water), deep conditioning (protein), and moisture (flexibility). If you neglect any of these three components you are not giving your hair an optimal environment for healthy hair growth. One of the most important tips for braid extensions is to make sure your braids are not put in too tightly. Getting your hair braided should not cause pain; minor discomfort maybe, but not pain. Tight braids can lead to traction alopecia or thinning edges. If your braider is braiding too tightly, do not be afraid to let them know and if they can’t accommodate your instructions; you should not allow them do your hair.

Braid extensions, synthetic ones, come coated in a chemical. This chemical strips the hair of its natural moisture, which can lead to an itchy scalp, dryness and eventually to brittle hair and breakage if it is not combated with a good moisturizing routine. In order to strip the extension of this coating, you should take the entire braid out of the package and submerge it in a bowl of apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it under cool water. The smell will be gone before the extensions are applied.

Braid extensions are generally expensive to have done, therefore many women do not wash them in order to preserve them, but this is not preserving the health of their own hair. There are several ways to effectively wash extensions without causing too much damage to them. One option is to:
Pour a couple of teaspoons of shampoo and apple cider vinegar (ACV) in a cup,
Fill the cup with water.
While in the shower, run your head under the water (luke warm or cool; not hot)
Pour the shampoo/ACV concoction directly onto the scalp,
Lightly massage the scalp only.
Continue this until you have covered the entire head
Rinse thoroughly

Another option:

Fill a 4 oz bottle halfway with water
Squirt a teaspoon or two of shampoo into the bottle
Fill the rest with apple cider vinegar (Shake up the mixture)
Run your hair through the water (remember luke warm or cool; not hot)
Spray the scalp directly with the concoction. You can also spray the length of the braids with this, but be sure to massage the scalp only and rinse the hair really well.

Next, it’s time for deep conditioning. I use the spray bottle method mentioned above, but I focus more on the length of the braids instead of the scalp. Be sure to use a conditioner that is actually a deep conditioner, and not just a cheapie pour in and wash out conditioner. Now, you need for the conditioner to penetrate your hair shafts, so you need to stuff all of those extensions into a processing cap, at my house, we call them grocery bags. I keep my hair under the bag from 15-60 minutes, and work up some body heat by taking a hot shower; exercising; or you can sit under a hooded dryer. Rinse the hair with cool water. It’s not as important to rinse completely, it’s actually good to leave a little conditioner behind.

The last step is to moisturize the braids. Sweet Nature Growth Spray is one of the BEST braid sprays. It’s made of a blend of 7 natural oils, Aloe Vera Juice and 3 all natural herbs. This spray doesn’t only leave the hair moisturized, but it awakens the scalp with every use. The hair should be moisturized daily, especially if step one (ACV dipping) is skipped. It’s also important to make sure the entire length of your hair is well moisturized and not only scalp.

If you use this process weekly, when you take your extensions out, not only will you lose less hair, but you will grow more hair because of the direct access you have to your scalp.. Your hair will also be easier to comb and manage as well as much softer and healthier.

I am a healthy hair care specialist, creator of Sweet Nature by Eddie comprehensive healthy hair care system, author of Relaxed or Natural, You Can Have Beautiful, Healthy Hair, and the owner of http://www.fabulousblackwoman.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Simpson

African American Braids for Black Women Hairstyles

Among the list of leading dark hair styles braided styles is probably in the top ten. Braiding is certainly referred to as some sort of interweave of three or more strands, strips or lengths of hair overlapping inside a angled style. Hair salon greatly enhance braids by making use of human hair to produce integrate forms and colorful styles. Regardless whether you might have shorter hair or possibly rather long hair Braids tend to be an alternative for any women.

This natural black hair style – natural look happens when the ladies give up resting their hair and get started on utilizing natural products that tend to be free of chemicals. There are numerous braids for black women hair styles available if you are pursuing an all natural hair style. Braiding is a typical occurrence for all those doing natural hair style. It is easy to maintain additionally, the style and design looks really good. There are many of items on the market that will help you. Make sure and learn about the product to check out how the products will work with your hair.

So what are the Best Braided Hair Styles for Black Hair?

Not an easy task just to make a choice for you is it?

So what are the best braided hair styles that you should go for? Take a look at these five fun and great-looking crisscrossed styles that you can use to update your look, no matter what your mood, outfit or what the occasion is!

Remember, for black hair, maintaining moisture is difficult to do. Make sure you use black hair products..

Read it at Braided Hair Styles For Black Hair

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Welcome to Braids for Black Women!!

Welcome to Braids for Black Women!!

This is the place for black women to find their favorite style braids. So glad you made it to this blog! We find the best information around the world to bring to you the best about your favorite braids. Be ready to receive the very best information at Braids for Black Women.

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