‘Pat Your Weave, Ladies’: How to Fight the Itch Yes. We’re all victims of it. We’ve been spotted in places where we thought no one was looking, combing through our tresses, patting furiously at the top of our heads, receiving sideway glances and mixed looks of confusion. The plight of the itchy scalp is seriously a b-word. The itch is experienced in a variety of ways. Sometimes it’s a tight weave that feels good for two days that sends our fingers on a wild and crazy roaming spree. Or it’s a harsh winter day that saps the living water right up out our roots. But what really triggers that fiery feeling on the top of our heads? One of the most common reasons for an itchy scalp is dandruff. It is a condition that is caused by the overgrowth of yeast on our scalp, which triggers inflammation at our roots and itching. The most noticeable downside of dandruff is flaking, or the peeling away of dry layers of the scalp. Another reason, which is most attributed to weaves and braids, is the tight contraction of the skin and lack of moisture and fresh air. If your hair is pulled too tight during the braiding or weaving process, inflammation of hair follicles can develop. When hair is trapped under a net or mass of hair for days without moisture, the scalp gets ridiculously dry, creating a spread of that fiery itching feeling. Sweating or getting the hair wet without properly drying the scalp can cause mold or mildew to develop and create an itching sensation as well. How can you make that burning sensation go away? Washing hair too frequently can dry out hair, leading to an itchy scalp. One way to lessen the pain is to reduce the amount of times you wash your hair. Oils for African-American hair is a treasure—a recommended once a week, or once every two weeks, shampoo is plenty. Consistently moisturizing the scalp is a must, especially for braid or weave wearers. Find a good nozzle that can be used to get a moisturizing hair cream down to the root of your scalp. An oil sheen spray with a stick nozzle helps you reach into those tiny cracks and corners of your scalp that need the most juice. Let your tresses hang free. Capping it down, wrapping it up, tying it up with a scarf—you name it, there are several moments throughout the day that we seek to protect our hair. Protection is a great thing, but sometimes all your scalp might need is some breathing room. If you find yourself in a raging itch battle in the middle of the night, try sleeping with your hair bonnet off – the air will help smoothe the scalp and reduce the pain. If you do suffer from dandruff, continue to use your anti-dandruff shampoo. If you have a severe case of an itch, one that results in pus forming bumps on the head, please take your scalp to a health professional to have the problem addressed. - Liana Membis Post from Coco & Creme: http://www.cocoandcreme.com/2013/05/pat-your-weave-ladies-how-to-fight-the-itch/ Yes. We’re all victims of it. We’ve been spotted in places where we thought no one was looking, combing through our tresses, patting ... Read more »
Five Ways to Keep Your Weave Fresh by Kweli Wright There’s nothing worse than a weave that’s unkempt. Matted hair with visible new growth and tracks will definitely get you a side eye. Whether you’re keeping late nights studying for that Master’s degree, a busy mom, or just a boss, you probably got that weave to help you save time and effort involved with doing your own hair, so why not make sure it looks as fly as possible? First thing’s first: get a weave by someone who knows what they’re doing. A properly installed weave will give you a great starting point. Also, shop around for supreme quality hair. It’s going to cost you upwards of $300 for the hair alone, but it will be worth it on those mornings when you’re in a rush and it only takes a few minutes to refresh your style to perfection. Hair weaves need help to remain smelling, feeling and looking fresh, so here are the best steps to take: Shampoo Whether you wear a natural or synthetic weave, it needs more careful care than your own hair because it’s missing the natural oils that come from your scalp. Every seven to 14 days (depending on whether you workout and/or sweat a lot), wet the hair first with lukewarm water and use a mild shampoo. Add a dime-sized amount of shampoo to your palm and rub it into your scalp with your fingers. Make sure to smooth the shampoo—don’t rub—onto the hair weave. Never turn your head upside down while washing, as this can tangle the weave permanently. Scrubbing or bunching your hair could also tangle it; avoid friction whenever you have extensions. Rinse well and allow the weave to air dry thoroughly. TRY: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Shampoo Leave-in Conditioner Apply a leave-in conditioner to the weave, and your natural hair, after each shampoo. A dime-sized amount of product should be enough. Massage it in with your fingers, coating the gently. For freshening up during these in-between times you don’t have to wash again, just apply the leave-in conditioner to the dry weave. Avoid oils because they weight the weave hair down and will cause tangles and matting. If the hair looses it’s luster, especially after a few washings, you can use a minimal amount of argan oil. TRY: Crème of Nature Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher Anti-Bacterial Weave Spray A weave that’s braided, twisted or worn in locks will take longer to dry than a weave that’s worn loose. This lengthy drying time leaves your weave susceptible to mold and bacteria—and that musty smell. Give your weave a light spritz daily to kill bacteria, detangle it and keep it fresh. Use the anti-bacterial spray once a day, working it gently into the weave with your fingertips. TRY: Salon Pro 30 Seconds Weave Spray Drying It’s best to let your weave air dry (don’t towel dry either!), but if you must use a blow dryer start with the weft, then move to the ends and work your way up. Stick to the lowest heat setting possible when drying or using heated styling tools. Just like with natural hair, the heat can dry the weave hair and loosen the bond. Use a wide toothed comb for straight extensions and finger-style curlier weaves. TRY: Ouidad Wide-Tooth Comb Sleeping Never go to bed with a wet weave because it will encourage matting and that musty smell we mentioned. At night, loosely wrap your hair with a satin scarf but don’t tie it up in a tight style; that will cause tangles as well. Also, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase so not to disturb your weave. TRY: You can get a satin pillowcase from Bed Bath & Beyond. Original Post from Coco & Creme: http://www.cocoandcreme.com/2013/02/five-ways-to-keep-your-weave-fresh/ by Kweli Wright There’s nothing worse than a weave that’s unkempt. Matted hair with visible new growth and tracks will definitely... Read more »
Luxity Contributor Special Thanks to: Name Michelle Richardson Social Networks: Should be live links of the following: Facebook: Michelle.richardson.7140@facebook.com Instagram: MichRich2 Tumblr: mdoshearich.tumblr.com What hair services do you specialize in? I do multicultural hair. Extensions, color, cuts, Up-dos as well as natural hair care. I can pretty much do anything when it comes to hair. It's my passion! Do you travel to clients? I am open to traveling. Styles at: Celebrities Hair Design 104 W Palmer Ave Tallahassee, FL 32301 (850) 224-1188 Designers Touch 1116 W Ball St Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 752-2202 SMARRt Hair Stages Special Thanks to: Name Joana Botchway Social Networks: Should be live links of the following: Facebook: facebook.com/jbotch Instagram: Glamhead2toe Linked-in: Joana Botchway What hair services do you specialize in? Sew-ins Press (Natural Hair Care, Straightening) Extensions (Cut, Color, Style, Bonding) Braids (Individual Plaits, Cornrows, Tree Braids) Twist (Senegalese Twist, Yarn twist & Wraps, Flat Twist) Locs (Extensions, Repair, Maintenance, Style) Do you travel to clients? Willing to travel in the Southeast United States, anywhere else will be assessed on a case by case basis. Styles at: Naturally U 1141-A Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32304 850.386.8523 Special Thanks to: Name AJ Fuller Social Networks: Should be live links of the following: Facebook: Facebook.com/ImageIsUs Instagram: AJ_MakesHair_Fuller What hair services do you specialize in? Extensions Hair coloring Non-surgical hair replacement Natural Hair Smoothing (keratin treatment or hard press) Custom Cuts If not listed feel free to ask Do you travel to clients? Yes Name of your Saloon: Verielle Beauty Salon 1625-2 W. Tharpe Street Tallahassee, Fl 32303 404-798-9677 cell 850-219-3553 salon Special Thanks to: Name Michelle Richardson Social Networks: Should be live links of the following: Facebook : Michelle.ric... Read more »