Hair Care 101

What did I want to talk about today people, HAIR! Even more importantly, the poor condition of BLACK HAIR!

It is a known fact that a big part of a woman’s “sexy” has a lot to do with her hair.  So women are notorious for spending a lot of time at the hair salon, or house calls at the person who does your hair, fussing around with it.  A lot of us do the old, “do it yourself” jobbie on ourselves even, after all it seems so simple for what the hairdresser’s charges to do it, so why not?  The result of this is that our hair is put through wrong techniques, and suffers from severe damage, in some cases permanent hair loss.  

One of my biggest pet peeves is that our young ones’ hair is also put through the same poor hair maintenance, with most girls having their hair chemically processed all in the name of softening it. They not only have  their hair retouched, but also constantly put through the regime of  braiding, and in some cases weaves; before they even start talking properly.  By the time they are old enough to decide what they want to do with their own hair, they have NONE!   

Many find that due to the mismanagement of their hair, with the application of harsh chemicals such as hair relaxers & texturisers, that they have unhealthy, discoloured hair that is weakened due to these excessive and destructive treatments.   

This was certainly done to most of us, and what we “responsible adults “then do is to repeat the cycle with our young ones.  I encourage you to please STOP! 

I have heard, and familiar with all the arguments for poor management of our hair, from tough, spongy, stringy, to difficult hair.   I do not profess to have all the answers, neither am I claiming that I too have not done the same, however I have learned and endeavour to correct the errors of my way, and hope you can learn from my experiences. 

Good hair care starts with good nutrition. The state of your hair has a direct link to what you eat & drink and and how you treat it.  

·           Ditch the alcohol, fizzy and sugar laden drinks for good old water.  Water is a good source of hydration and plays a key role in healthy looking hair.  Dehydrated hair does not grow well. 

-      Have a good overall balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially A, B12, C, E, Zinc, Omega 3, iron, & minerals.  These sorts of nutrients are brilliant with maintaining the condition of our scalp, prevents dryness, and provides natural oils to encourage growth and replenishment. 

 
·         Foods rich in proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains are all great sources of the nutrients above.  I am a Fish lover.  I love simple to make fish such as salmon and mackerel.  Simply steam with vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, & carrots.
 
·         Greens vegetables are a good natural source of Iron, calcium, Vitamin A & C.  This supports your hair follicles, and acts as natural defence against the elements.
 
·         Beans, nuts, such as Brazilian nut are one of the best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.  Beans contain proteins, which help prevents excessive hair breakage.
 
·         Trim the hair often (every 4weeks)
 
·         Stay away from heat
 
·         Stay away from chemicals
 
·         Use natural hair oils as opposed to creams or petroleum based creams.  Oils such as Almond or olive. 

      I am in no doubt claiming that if your hair is thin that you will grow thick hair overnight if you follow the advice above, however you will notice the condition of your hair is much improved.                                        


      Do let me know how you get on. Comments always welcome   J

Uche xoxo