Split Ends....How Many of Us Have Them?

What are split ends?

Split ends, scientifically known as trichoptilosis, occur when the hair cuticle and/ or cortex is destroyed. Hair will then split into two or more strands. Once a person gets split ends, it is best to get a pair of shears and start cutting (or go to a stylist that can do the honors for you). The possibilities of getting split ends are practically endless. Damage can occur from hair styling, dying, excessive heat use, overexposure to sunlight, excessive washing, and the list goes on.

How can I prevent split ends?

Though there are ways to decrease the amount of split ends you may get, there is no way to completely stop getting split ends altogether. To help combat split ends, it is recommended to keep the ends of your hair moisturized, avoid excessive heat use, get hair trimmed on a regular basis (it will grow back! ever heard of "mo' hair, grow hair"???), wear protective hairstyles, and using leave-in conditioners.

***And ladies, please invest in a good pair of shears to trim your own hair....do not use the scissors your mom uses to cut fabric or the scissors children use to cut paper. I am pretty sure the use of those types of scissors will increase the amount of split ends you will get. I threw this one in for free :)

Straight or Curly

Natural Divas,

Do you prefer to wear your hair straight or curly? It's a big question in the natural hair community. Some divas swear off heat, whereas others embrace and are completely open to it.

Personally, I prefer my hair in its naturally curly state. This may be because I really like "big" hair, and my natural hair falls into that catergory.

So, which do you prefer?

Naturally Chic...Transition Talk

Kashonda is attempting to transition to natural hair for the third time, and as the saying goes "third time's a charm!" Her personal natural hair journey is very inspiring, and should encourage anyone who is considering making the transition. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the interview!

How long have you been transitioning to natural hair? Almost ten (10) months, and I can't believe I've lasted this long!!

What has your journey been like so far? Like any other journey, it has it's ups and downs. I have a great support system. My husband has been very encouraging, probably because both his sister and daughter have natural hair. Most of my friends are either already natural or transitioning like me. Sometimes my hair looks great and sometimes not. My mom could be a little more supportive, but that's ok mom, you're the greatest!! It has taken these ten months for me to get to know my hair and what does and does not work for it.

What made you decide to go natural? Actually, this is my third attempt at going natural. The first time, I gave up after about 2 months, the second time after 3 months. Now, I'm just determined and it also helps that so many of my friends are sharing this journey with me or guiding me along the way. However, I decided to go natural because I actually like having hair in the back, I actually like the thickness of my hair and with the relaxer, both of these were becoming nearly impossible. The relaxer was breaking and thinning my hair. I have hair just like my mom, who is in her 50s with thick beautiful hair. So, I know that thin hair is no where in my blood. Plus, even when my hair was long, it was impossible for me to wear a ponytail because of the breakage in the back. I've always wanted to sport my natural hair and last October, I'd finally had enough of relaxers. And hopefully, there's no turning back now.


What hairstyles have helped make your transition easier? I started out flat ironing my roots. I've also worn sew-ins, buns, and now I'm "rocking" a braid out! Lol

Have you found any products you like? I love Creme of Nature products (conditioner, deep conditioner, and leave-in). They do great with my 4a/4b hair. I also use my own mixture of shea butter, olive oil, jojoba oil, vitamin e oil, castor oil, tea tree oil, coconut oil, and peppermint oil. Curls products work well with my hair also.

What words of advice, if any, would you give to others who are currently transitioning? 1. This process is not for the weak. Some days your hair will look great, some days not. Working with two textures is very difficult and you have to be willing to put in the time required to take care of your hair and be willing to become knowledgeable of natural hair and all that it requires. In other words, this is high maintenance! 2. Be confident, not everyone will like your natural hair, it may take some time for you to get accustomed to how you look with natural hair. You have to be sure of yourself and the decision that you've made to be a natural chic. Know that the natural you is beautiful. 3. What works for others may not work for you. 4. Run from the phrase "good hair". I can't believe that people still use it. Stay away from anyone who does! Lol 5. Moisturize, wash with conditioner, deep condition often, shampoo less, wash in sections to avoid knots, stay away from heat, find someone to share the journey with, and enjoy it!

Do you have any natural hair inspirations/ idols? Who? My best friend Vernadette from grade school. She has been natural since our first year in college when natural wasn't such the trend that it is today, and she hasn't turned back, her hair is awesome. Jill Scott's afro is bad. My sister-in-law Brittany is so confident with her hair and we have similar hair textures. My line sister Khira visited me last October and I saw how healthy her natural hair was. She was one of my inspirations for going natural.

What problems are you currently facing with your transition? Just working with the two different textures is difficult. I also had one horrible experience with knots. Now, I wash my hair in sections and haven't had any knots since. I wore a sew-in twice for about three months each. I had my natural part so that the hair would look like mine. I had to flat iron the part that was left out so that it would blend. I'd heard horror stories about how too much flat ironing could lead to permanently straightened hair. I just knew that this was impossible with my very coarse hair. But guess what, that little part that was left out of my sew-in is now permanently straightened. No more flat ironing for me. Transitioning and natural hair require a lot of time too. So for me, it's sometimes difficult to find the time to work with my hair. I'm now wearing a braid out and I love it!!

Do you think you will BC or Let it Grow Before You Let it Go? Let it grow before I let it go definitely. I plan on transitioning until either January 2011 or July 2011.

Protective Styling - Tree Braids

Hi Ladies!  This weekend, I got tree braids. What are tree braids? I thought you might ask. This is a braiding technique where the stylist cornrows your own hair, and leaves the extensions out.  Once the style is complete, all of your hair will be in cornrows, and the extensions will hang out. I know I just horribly explained that...but here's what the people at From Grandma's Kitchen have to say about it:

Tree braiding is similar to micro-braids but distinguishes itself from this traditional style by allowing a smooth transition from the braided section to the loose hair. The idea is as you braid your way down the hair, you remove small portions of the hair to be braided from your revolutions. The removal of this hair camouflages or covers the braid allowing for a more natural look to the braided hair.

Here are a few pictures of tree braids I found online:

You can use straight or curly hair.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This style typically lasts 6 - 8 weeks. I will let you gals know how long I keep mine. What are your thoughts????

Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo & Conditioner

I know I always talk about products I'm trying or products I like....but I felt it was time to talk about a product I dislike. I heard rave reviews of Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner. I saw videos on YT of people who swore by it. Sadly, I cannot say the product has lived up to the hype...for me.

Why do I dislike it, may you ask? I am not a fan of this product because it caused me to have extremely dry scalp. At first, I thought it was the shampoo...so I tried to co-wash with the conditioner. The problem was still there! This was no normal dry scalp. I would have to wash my hair, or face the possibility of people thinking there was a snowstorm on my head. Dramatic? Yes. Truthful? Absolutely.

Some people may love this product, and I am not knocking it if you do. All I can say is that the shampoo and conditioner were not friends to my hair...or scalp for that matter. If you used this product and had a different experience, please share. If you want to share your own horror story about this "organic" (a name that is particularly misleading) product, please do so.

As a matter of fact, I dislike this Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner so much that I am swearing off Piña Coladas for a year....or 6 months....no, no, a month.....okay, maybe just a few days, but you catch my drift.

Natural Hair...According to Janice

Janice, a long-time natural, who learned to *treasure* her naturally curly hair.

How long have you been natural? 5 years

Why did you get your hair relaxed? As a kid in elementary school, I remember looking at all the other kids around me who had straight hair, and I wanted to be like them. One day, I asked a neighbor how she got her hair to be straight, and she informed me that she had a relaxer. That same day, I asked my mom for a relaxer. She told me I was too young and did not need one. I was finally able to get the much desired relaxer in junior high because I really wanted my hair to be straight. My naturally curly hair seemed unmanageble, and I could never wear it down because it was so curly and frizzy. I was excited to get my hair relaxed in junior high!

Did you big chop? No.

When you get bored with your hair, what do you do? I don't ever get bored with it. I sometimes get tired of the maintenance. When I get tired of it, I comtemplate getting a relaxer or cutting it but I haven't followed through on either of them. :-)

A lot of members of the natural hair community are against cones, heat, and weaves. Are you? No, I am not. I feel that you should use what's best for your hair. I can't judge anyone's hair but mine.

How has the use of heat affected your hair? I haven't used heat on my hair in over a year. I do not remember any negative effects from using heat.

What is your current hair regimen? I wash my hair DAILY (which is what I get tired of). I use the Generic Brand of Matrix Curl Life. I purchase it from Sally's. It is called Beyond the Zone Noodle Head (Orange containers) and it is a lot less expensize than Matrix. I shampoo it and condition it daily and I let it hair air dry. That is all I do!

Were you ever a product junkie? Any favorites? I was at first and I can't even remember all of the products I used. I am satisfied with Noodle Head for now.
How often do you deep condition? Rarely; maybe once in 5 years.

What are some “professional” natural styles you wear? I wear my hair down mostly. I do not like headbands or clamps. I let it freely flow. I joke around and say that my hair does itself every morning! LOL!

What has been your best natural hair compliment…from a man? Good question; I do not know. They usually say that I stood out because of my hair and want to touch it.

 What advice, if any, would you give to newly naturals or those currently transitioning? Hang in there. :-) I went natural because my hair and scalp told me to go natural. They made it very clear that chemicals were not for me. I am not a natural expert...I just happen to be natural. I would say listen to your hair. I do not think everyone should be natural and can relate and understand the relaxed sistas as well. I say do you----whatever that is!

Protective Style: Braids

Whether you're thinking cornrows, micros, tree, or box braids, this style can help protect the ends of your hair. Can't find a stylist? If you're in the Jackson, MS area, try BB's African Hair Braiding. 

(micro braids)

Micro braids typically last between 2-3 months, and can be styled according to your liking. Just make sure the stylist does not braid your hair too tightly, as it can cause hair breakage.  Pay close attention to those edges! Happy Tuesday Ladies!!!!