November 2013 Curls Night Out - Panel Discussion

Organized by: Columbia Curly Girls

Hosted by: Curls Natural Hair Care Products

Panelists:

Tracey-Lovely Products, Inc. (in the natural hair care business for 40 years) spokesperson

Chasity Shipman-Owner of Nappyology 101 (619 Lady St, Columbia, SC 29201)

Wilbur- Hair repair & texture specialist at Nappyology 101(the science of hair)

Keisha (not pictured)- Locs specialist at Nappyology 101

The overall theme of the night was definitely how to get and maintain healthy hair through the science of natural hair.

Hair Care Tips & Facts:

·         Hair should be trimmed every 8 to 10 weeks, 3 months at most

·         When your hair goes through different stages, it needs different things

·         It needs to be washed once a week: "Each head of hair is a work of art; your canvas must be cleaned"

·         Braids should only stay in 6 to 8 weeks

·         Shampoo, condition and treat hair with braids

·         Issues with breakage come from bad products

·         Your hair texture is not necessarily what state your hair is in presently

·         There are at least 7 to 8 hair textures

Product PH Levels:

All hair products (esp. shampoo) should have pH level of between 4.5 and 5.5.

These levels are considered neutral and will seal cuticles. Using products with a pH of anything higher than a 6 will dry out hair. Most conditioners have correct pH levels in order to get results. But some companies, in order to save money, will not make sure their shampoos are at the correct pH levels as well. It was suggested to call product companies to inquire about pH levels if they are not on the label. A lot of sulfate-free products compensate with a higher pH, so be careful. You can also test your products at home with pH strips. PH is important!

Note: Since apple cider vinegar has such a high pH, it just strips the hair of everything. So an apple cider vinegar rinse may not be the best idea.

Moisture:

Moisturized hair begins with using the correct shampoo. This way you are not trying to play catch-up by the time you condition. You really can't moisturize hair with oil. Whenever you’re using oil on extremely dry hair, you are only covering up the dry hair. Hot oil treatments just weigh the hair down, so most times they are not needed. Instead, for extremely dry hair go with a hair reconstructor treatment. Their molecules are smaller than conditioner molecules, so they are able to penetrate the hair shaft. This moisturizes your hair from the inside out. Your scalp will benefit from the same regimen as your hair since they are share the same pH. Using wax or grease directly on the scalp can clog pores, just like with your face.

When transitioning, you have relaxed and natural hair. You have to pamper (put moisture into) the relaxed hair so you don't lose it. The natural hair will actually suck out moisture from relaxed and then it will pop off.

Protein:

Keratin is the protein that makes up hair, so it works well in products. However, be careful because while protein strengthens, it also pulls out moisture. It is best not to use shampoos or conditioners that have added protein. Instead, do an occasional protein treatment. Most natural hair ladies don’t need much protein. How can you tell if you need more protein in your hair? Remember: Low protein=low/no elasticity

Color:

Those with colored hair should use color-treated products (ex. kera-care color-treated line).  It's an advantage when your hair is short. The lighter the color, the more the hair was exposed to the chemicals used to lift the color. The longer your hair becomes the weaker it will be. If you want your hair to reach a longer length, its best to stick with semi-permanent color. Keep color-treated hair pampered and let it dry naturally or under a hooded dryer.

Heat:

In the wrong hands, heat can sometimes be worse than chemicals. Roller setting hair and then sitting under a hooded dryer is much better than using a blow dryer. This is because using a blow dryer will lift the cuticles even more. When cuticles are closed, hair has a more polished, shiny and defined look.

Note: Heat damage can also close cuticles but this is unhealthy for the hair.

Remember:

When reading info on the Internet,

Always research the science to back it up.

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed hair stylist and am only reporting on the information discussed during the open panel. Everyone’s hair is different, so these suggestions may or may not work for you.