BY

TINA GRIFFUS

Stylist Team Member of 

So Curly, So Kinky, So Straight - The Salon

4160 Mayfield Road, South Euclid, OH  44121

HAIR…a woman’s crown and glory!  Something so important, yet most women don’t understand how tomaintain the general health of their hair.  As a woman, a cosmetologist, and a specialist in healthy hair, it’s not only my job but my right and my pleasure to assist women in gaining knowledge on the facts of haircare.  This article also includes little known facts and foods that will help you stay healthy from inside out.

Good health inside illuminates outside!

The Scalp

A typical scalp contains anywhere between 100,000 and 150,000 hair follicles before any serious case of hair loss.  Normally, hormones and heredity are responsible for those cases of hair loss in men and woman.  There are other cases of hair loss, including my own, that are caused by lack of education on the structure of the hair and scalp.

Extension Removal

Extensions are not harmful to the hair when the application, maintenance, and removal are administered correctly.  Whether your extensions are bonded, sewn, or if you have fusion, there are and during the process of bonding extensions and removing them improperly, I created problems I was unaware of.   As a result, I was diagnosed with Alepecia due to scarring or Traction Alepecia.  This is a devastating diagnosis that can be prevented with a little knowledge from our haircare professionals and a good understanding on the do’s and don’ts.

Cleaning and Conditioning

Cleaning and conditioning are also key in keeping a healthy head of hair.  For black women, knowing how often to shampoo and what type of shampoo to use is a huge factor.  All hair is not the same so understanding your hair type is extremely beneficial.  

Dry hair is the most popular among many black women.  Shampooing every two weeks is ample cleansing.  Personally, I’m a huge supporter of co-washing (conditioning wash) especially for women with dry hair.  Instead of shampooing too often and stripping the hair of its natural oils, you would rinse the hair thoroughly and apply a moisture rich conditioner and proceed with scalp manipulations.  Repeat and rinse thoroughly then style as usual.  This cleanses the scalp and adds amazing moisture and shine. 

Moisture

Moisture, especially for my black women, is another key component in healthy hair.  Not to be confused with grease!!!  Good healthy moisture such as virgin olive oil or coconut oil in conjunction with steam treatments are my personal favorite.  The steam opens the cuticle to allow the moisture to penetrate and adds a beautiful shine. 

A Few Tips and Tidbits

These are just a few tips and tidbits of helpful information to get you started on a fulfilling journey togorgeous  healthy hair.  As I stated earlier, beauty inside illuminates outside so here are a few tasty to add to your diet to promote strong, healthy, touchable tresses:

• Salmon - fatty acids promote shine and protein promotes strength
• Carrots - rich with Vitamin A - also promotes good vision... so it’s a win win!
• Poultry - protein, protein, protein
• And of course….WATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We’ve touched on a few issues that have hindered women from having healthy hair.  Improper weaving, lack of cleansing and conditioning regimens and lack of nourishing our hair with moisture.  

Always remember that moisture is key!!!   

LET’S GET BEAUTIFUL LADIES

© 2011 Tina Griffus - So Curly, So Kinky, So Straight - The Salon