Hair Tip: How To Protect Your Hair Under Braids

        Recently, I have been sporting a variety of cornrow braided styles. It's my go-to look for Summer Sixteen (2016). It works great as a protective style as its gentle on my edges and keeps my hair out of my face. However, even though I wear protective styles, I find it very important that my hair itself doesn't get neglected. Personally, I take down my braids once a week and do a full wash routine. Here are a few tips to consider when wearing protective styles like cornrow braids. Also note that some of these tips are adaptable for other protective hairstyles. 

  1. Oil your scalp. It's important to oil the exposed scalp areas in between cornrows. It prevents and soothes itching, along with other benefits of oiling the scalp. I use a mix of Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Jojoba Oil for this step. Other carrier oils like Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Olive Oil work just as well. Each of these oils are known for their anti-fungal properties which help fight dry scalp and dandruff. For added benefit, I cover my head in a plastic cap for 5-10 minutes after massaging in the oil. This helps to open up the cuticles thus allowing the oil to penetrate the scalp.

   

  2. Oil your edges. Along with oiling your scalp, it's also essential to apply some oil to your edges. Yeah I know how you'll ladies love to slay those edges! Keep in mind, however, all the gels and edge control can actually be detrimental to your hair. Hence, applying a bit of oil along your hairline helps prevent possible damage. Oils such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Coconut Oil help stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth. Its a great way of regrowing your edges whilst wearing protective styles. 

 3. Moisturize your hair. The good thing about cornrow braids is that your ends are well protected even though your hair isn't exactly hidden (like under a wig or sew in). At the same time, you should pay special attention to the hair that is exposed. When wearing cornrows, I like to apply moisturizer or leave in directly on top of the braids, all the way down the length of my hair. I stop just before my hair ends and the braid weave continues. This helps to keep my hair well conditioned, soft and shiny in the hairstyle.

  4. Use a spray. Using any sort of moisturizing mist, braid sheen or anti-itch spray helps a great deal with this protective hairstyle. It provides shine to your hair and the braid weave which keeps the style looking fresh. The spray also acts as a sealant after applying moisturizer (or leave in conditioner). The anti-itch spray provides added benefits with the scalp oil massage. I often simply spray water onto my scalp to relieve itching. and to help easily spread the thicker oils like Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

  5. Wrap your hair. One of the most important habits in hair care is to wrap your hair at night. Its especially necessary for this particular style as it keeps the hairstyle neat, as well as, locks in moisture and protects your hair from frizz. Wrapping your hair is not limited to night time. You can keep your style wrapped in your down time or while doing chores, etc. 

        There you go! Five simple tips for keeping your hair maintained in protective styles like cornrow braids. These tips can be used daily or as needed depending on your hair. The main goal is to still have healthy hair once the style is taken down.  And remember, each of these tips can be easily adapted for box braids, twists, and even wigs or weaves.


Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz

Protective Hairstyle: Cornrow Braids

Cornrow braids. Kim Kardashian braids. Two braids. Boxer braids. French braids. Canerows. Call it what you want, there's no doubt that this style is so in style now. Everyone from relaxed to natural to naturally straight has been trying out this hairstyle. 

It's not a new style as it has been worn in the black community for Centuries. More recently, however, its been popularized by the Kardashian clan and other known celebrities. Social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest seem to be flooded with pictures of girls in this braided look.

It's an excellent summer style. It protects your hair from environmental aggressors like wind or sun. It also keeps it off your neck away from sweat damage. It also just looks great with any summer outfit. This style can be achieved with or without extensions. Personally, I like the length I get with the extensions. Either way, its a fun and easy style to wear. 

This is definitely my go-to hairstyle for the summer.

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz


Also see: How to Protect Your Hair Under Braids
 http://letshairthis.blogspot.com/2016/07/hair-tip-how-to-protect-your-hair-under.html?m=1

PRODUCT REVIEW: Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk

       

           When I bought the Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk, I actually intended to buy the Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Thickening Growth Milk. I know right, they sound kind of similar (just wait until you see the packaging). At the time my ends were very thin, fragile and breaking so easily. Hence, I wanted a product to thicken my ends and prevent breakage. I rushed in and out of the store in less than 5 minutes and only afterward realized I picked up the wrong product. I immediately started researching and comparing the ingredients, and studied the results of other users. Consequently, I decided to give the product a chance. By the way, it so turned out that I really just needed a trim to rid of those extremely dead ends (which I did get a week after). 

          Now, let's get to the review on Shea Moisture Yucca & Plantain Anti-Breakage Strengthening Styling Milk. Yeah, its a really long name with some really weird ingredients.  The label also mentions that it contains Baobab Oil and Cilantro Extract. The product is specifically for frizzy, split and breaking hair. It claims to improve thickness, strength and manageability of hair whilst reducing frizz and providing moisture and shine. In the Caribbean, Yucca, more commonly known as Cassava, is a strong source of carbohydrates. Plantain ,which is rich in B vitamins, is also somewhat a staple due to our Spanish influence. However, the Baobab Oil and Cilantro Extract really threw me over the fence. One sounds like an African language and the other is a seasoning herb. Nonetheless, Shea Moisture claims that they boost shine and fortify strength. It did not disturb me at all that the product contained ingredients that I was accustomed eating. I have great confidence in Shea Moisture products. I'm also aware of the benefits of Yucca and Plantain on the body and I'm a huge believer of what's good for the body is good for my hair.

                Pros                

          On the bright side, this strengthening milk absorbs very well into my hair. It literally soaks it up as if it was dehydrated. I apply it from root to tip and gently finger detangle. I tried it on dampened hair, as well as, dry, flat ironed hair and the results were exactly the same. My hair adores this product! On that note, I should mention that I have low porosity hair. This product being a "milk" provides a more lightweight feel as opposed to hair lotions or creams, hence it is more easily absorbed.  I cannot speak for other porosity levels but I can imagine that it should also work well once followed by a moisturize and seal. The anti-breakage milk also stays true to its claim that it can mix and blend with other products. I use it as a leave-in conditioner before I moisturize and seal. It neither weighs down nor disappears under layers of other products. It provides a strong base in my moisturizing regime. Altogether, my hair feels soft, yet strong and very manageable. 

                Cons               

          On the contrary, like most Shea Moisture products, it is on the pricey side. Although I seem to have no control when it comes to hair products, I will admit it is quite expensive for a moisturizer or leave-in conditioner. However, it was totally worth the price because it really, really works well. I'm glad it does to be honest because it's not so easy to return products at beauty supply stores down here. Secondly, the scent is highly (and I mean Highly!) perfumated. It has a very sweet scent almost like  a laundry detergent. The scent does tend to linger even after products are layered over it. Personally, I don't mind it but if you're not into really sweet scents then you may be deterred. 

           As you can tell, I love this product! Even with its high price and overly sweet smell, I continue to use this product regularly. It has quickly made its way to my Top 5 list of hair products. And definitely its secured a place in my daily and weekly hair regimen. I look forward to having healthier, stronger hair. So long are the days of my ends breaking off every time I touch them. Thanks Shea Moisture ;)

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz