How to French Braid Black Hair

Black women were French braiding their hair long before it was called a French braid. Women wore what was called invisible cornrows in their hair as part of a cultural hairstyles and because this hairstyle was beautiful and easy to maintain in black hair. With the influx of easy styling options like relaxers and perms, braiding has become less popular and so the art of braiding has suffered. Fortunately, this skill can be learned quite easily.


Instructions

Step1:Prepare your hair to braid. Moisturize or oil your scalp and hair before beginning the French braid. This will give the hairstyle great shine and make it easier to braid. Brush your hair with a good bristled hairbrush to remove kinks and tangles. After brushing your hair thoroughly, brush the sides in and upward motion to create a Mohawk hairdo. The cool thing about black hair is that in most cases the hair will stand up and hold this shape, making it easier to create the French braid.

Step2:Start at the front of the scalp and gather a 3-inch wide by 2-inch section while separating it into three parts. Hold the outside sections in each hand between the index fingers and the thumb. Hold the center section by wrapping the middle finger of the left hand around it.

Step3:Take the section of hair in the right hand and cross it over the center section taking hold of it with the middle finger of the left hand. You will drop the section currently held by that finger as you pick up the new section.

Step4:Using your free right hand, you pick up an inch thick section of hair with your index finger and grab the middle section you previously dropped with your thumb. This is your new right section.

Step5:Repeat the last step, this time leading with your left hand. Cross the hair you are holding in your left hand over the center section and grab it with your middle finger of your right hand dropping the middle section. This will free your left hand to pick up a section of hair and the middle section.

Step6:Continue Steps 4 through 6 while alternating hands braiding all the way down the center of the head. When you get to the end, braid any remaining hair and secure it with a band or hair clip.

How to Apply Temporary Hair Extensions

Temporary, glue-in hair extensions are a relatively easy way to experience longer, thicker hair. They will last up to six weeks with proper care and maintenance and can be replaced easily. Change your look as often as you like with hair extensions that can be applied with bonding glue.

Step1

Clip all of your hair high on your head. Starting about one inch above the nape, use the pick to make a straight, horizontal line in hair from one end to the other.

Step2

From one end of the extension track, measure the amount of hair needed to cross the back of the scalp. Cut a piece of the track a little smaller than this length, as you do not want ends of extensions flipping up beyond your natural hair.

Step3

Make a line of bonding glue along the weft of the piece of extension hair you have just cut. Wait 30 seconds before applying so that glue will not drip.

Step4

Press and hold track with glue at the base of your natural hair that you have horizontally parted. Be sure to press along every part of the track to avoid air bubbles or loose spots. Try to avoid getting bonding glue on other parts of the hair, as this causes sticky tangles and may have to be cut out.

How to Grow Long Hair in Black Female

How to Grow Long Hair if You Are a Black Female

1. Have an experienced hair care professional or stylist trim your split ends.(Please note, a "trim" or "dusting" removes between 1/8 to 1/4 inch of hair.) If you have badly split ends, an inch or two may need to be removed, but it is healthier for your hair in the long run. Remember, trim only for split ends-- otherwise have 1/8 inch trimmed every 8 to 12 weeks: hair grows just one half inch per month and if it is cut more frequently, you will not see any length, since it is being cut as often or more than it is growing.

2. Wash hair as needed depending on your hair type and health. This could be every three days with products that do not contain alcohol or harsh sulfates and are pH balanced. Do not over-wash (once is usually enough), as over washing can cause a dry condition, which will ultimately lead to breakage. While washing, massage your scalp. This will reawaken sleeping follicles and promote thicker healthier hair.

3. Use a regular moisturizing conditioner after every wash, but deep condition at least every week. One week use a moisturizing deep conditioner. The next use a protein or reconstructing conditioner. Doing so will make your hair healthy and strong.

4. Use a daily moisturizer or leave-in conditioner as black hair is prone to dryness. Apply the moisturizer (without petroleum jelly, petrolatum or mineral oil) to the hair from roots to ends and gently massage in. Do this daily or as your hair requires--you want your hair to feel soft and pliable.You may have to experiment with what works for you but Black Hair Creme Moisturizer, Doctor Miracles,Carrot Oil Cream

5. A light oil (olive, soybean)applied sparingly may be used on your hair after applying a water-based moisturizer in order to seal moisture into the hair shaft and give your hair a nice natural shine. These oils can also be used to relieve a dry scalp.

6. Avoid using blow-dryers as much as possible when drying hair as the excessive heat causes dryness, damage and breakage. Air drying hair is the best method. If the volume of your hair is increased with air drying you can do one of two things: first: apply moisturizer,then air-dry-- this will decrease the volume without causing damage; or second - apply moisturizer and use a dome or bonnet dryer on a cool or warm setting. Never use the highest setting!

7. To get your hair to grow long, you also need to comb it carefully. Be sure to use a wide-tooth comb with no seams and comb it gently from the ends first, as combing from the ends will detangle hair as you comb higher and higher. Never comb from the roots to the ends until your hair is completely untangled.

8. Avoid daily and/or excessive brushing of your hair, as black hair is fragile. Excessive brushing can strip the hair of its protective layers. If you trying to smooth your hairline, brush gently, use a soft boar bristle brush, and make sure your hair is completely dry and moisturized.

9. Make sure you also wrap your hair with a silk/satin head wrap or bonnet before you go to bed at night. Without this protection, your loose hair will move about as you sleep putting stress on your hair, drying it out, and causing split ends.

10. Treat your hair from within by taking a multivitamin. Use a hair vitamin that will increase your hair growth rate and lenghthen your natural anagen (growth phase). Also drink at least eight cups of water and eat healthy foods such as fish, fruits, vegetables and nuts, and by exercising regularly to provide good circulation to the scalp.

11. Relaxing - Now this is where all of your washing and conditioning treatments can either pay off or be sabotaged by damage. First of all, do not relax your hair more than once a month. Be careful not to relax hair “bone straight.” This robs the hair of its natural elasticity and causes it to break easily. Assess your hair before attempting to relax it. It may only need to be washed, moisturized, and straightened with a heat tool. If you must relax it, choose a mild relaxer or use a "press" creme supposedly it's organic and better than normal relaxers it only needs to be reapplied every 3 months and the hair won't break if you stop using it; ask your local hair dresser that deals with black hair about it.

12. Applying the relaxer: It is best to have someone else apply the relaxer because they have a full view of your head. Before you begin, rub a generous amount of scalp protectant in your hands and apply to the entire hair shaft. Petroleum jelly can be used. Pay close attention to the ends of your hair when applying the protectant. This is to protect hair that has already been processed. Next, apply the relaxer using the manufacturer’s directions. Follow the timing chart so you do not over process your hair. Be sure to wash out all of the relaxer with warm water. Apply a neutralizing shampoo and wash and rinse at least three times. If there are still traces of relaxer in your hair, continue to wash until all traces have been removed. Once all traces of relaxer have been removed, apply the neutralizing shampoo to the hair again. Leave the neutralizer in for 10 minutes. It is very important that you leave the neutralizer in for 10 minutes. Do not skip this step. Next, the neutralizer can be rinsed. Now you can apply the protein treatment, and then follow with the moisture treatment as previously discussed.

How to Grow Long African American Hair

How to Grow Long African American Hair with Vitamins

Step #1: Eat leafy greens. Dark green leafy vegetables are the best foods for hair growth because greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals your body and hair needs to stay healthy, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Try eating mustard greens, spinach, salads, and cabbage. These are your normal Sunday dinner foods, however, to grow your hair longer, you should incorporate them into your weekly meals. Of course, this will require you to cook more from home. But, there is hope. If you are not a chef, try buying fresh vegetables and using olive oil to sauté your veggies. You can also do this with frozen vegetables. Also, below is a list of some very tasty, green, hair growth stimulating leafy vegetables and methods for cooking them. These tips are recommended by the Center for Young Women's Health.

Arugula has a peppery taste and is rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium. Arugula can be eaten raw in salads or added to stir-fry, soups, and pasta sauces.

Chicory has a slightly bitter flavor and is rich in vitamins K, C, and calcium. Chicory is best eaten with other greens in salad or when added to soups and pasta sauces.

Collard Greens have a spinach-like flavor and are rich in vitamin A and calcium. They are best if you boil them briefly and then add to a soup or stir-fry. You can also eat collard greens as a side dish. Just add your favorite seasoning and enjoy!

Dandelion Greens have a bitter, tangy flavor and are rich in vitamin A and calcium. They are best when steamed or eaten raw in salad.

Kale has a slightly bitter, cabbage-like flavor and is rich in vitamin A, C, calcium, folic acid, and potassium. Kale is tasty when added to soups, stir-fries, and sauces.

Mustard Greens have a hot, spicy flavor and are rich in vitamin A, C and calcium. They are delicious eaten raw in salads or in stir-fries and soups.

Spinach has a sweet flavor and is rich in vitamin A, C, iron and calcium. Spinach tastes great eaten raw in salads or steamed.

Swiss Chard tastes similar to spinach and is rich in vitamins C, K, and calcium. It is beststir-fried or eaten raw in salads.

Step #2: Eat More Protein. Try eating more fish and BEANS. Yes, beans, nuts, and meat all contain protein, which will keep your hair shaft it’s strongest and prevent hair breakage. Limit your intake of pork, bacon, etc… Don’t even use them to season your leafy vegetables. Again, if you are not a cook, try buying soy protein shakes. Protein shakes come in many different flavors and are especially great to help thicken thinning hair.

Step #3: Change What You Drink: Limit your intake of alcohol, acids, and drinks that contain unnatural sugars. Instead, substitute water! By drinking at least 6 to 10 glasses of water everything in your body will function at optimal condition barring any major illness. Your hair will thrive because your increased water intake will transport the necessary nutrients your follicles need to your scalp.

Step #4: Use all natural hair care products that contain ingredients you can place in your body and that are great for hair growth. Try Beauty 4 Ashes Super hair growth shampoos and products. They contain many hair healthy ingredients, such as amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and natural herbs. But, if you need to repair your hair, eating well as well as using a hair healthy product will help. Instead of focusing on hair growth, try GodHead Silky Smooth by Beauty 4 Ashes. It will repair any hair damage that you have. wwwdiscoverb4acom

Step # 5: Also, consider taking vitamins. Omega 3 and 6 are great for African American hair, as well as Amino Acids and Vitamin B. If you do not like vitamins, eat more biotin-enriched foods, such as cauliflower and bananas. Biotin is one of the few B family vitamins; yet, biotin is an important player in energy metabolism and the production of various enzymes. Consequently, it plays a vital role in determining the health of your hair.

Growing Black Hair

Growing beautiful black hair is actually fairly simple and easy. It only takes a little common sense and time to achieve that long beautiful length that you've always wanted. After reading this article you will no longer look towards the so-called "guaranteed" hair growth products nor will you rely on wigs, and hair extensions to add length to your hair because you will know how to actually add length to your hair naturally. So lets look at some hair facts about our hair so we can begin to learn how the hair grows and what we need to know to keep and add length!

Hair Facts

1. All hair including black hair grows an average of 1/2 inch per month.

2. African American hair is the driest hair type in all the races on the planet

3. Hair is dead. Not alive!!

Now we will take a look at some of the myths and mistakes that black women believe to be true. These myths will be revealed so you will now be able to take a common sense approach to growing your hair long, strong and beautiful.

Hair Myths

1. Clipping the ends makes your hair grow - FALSE

2. Hair food and vitamins make your hair grow - FALSE

3. Washing your hair too much will dry out your hair - FALSE

4. Braids make your hair grow. - FALSE

The first myth: "Clipping your ends will make your hair grow". This myth is ABSOLUTELY false! Clipping the ends does nothing, but makes the hair look neat. It does not prevent breakage nor does it promote hair growth. I mean use common sense! How can cutting the hair make the hair longer? In reality this only makes the hair shorter and prevents women from adding length.

The second myth: "Hair food and vitamins make your hair grow". Another false myth. Hair is dead so why does it need food or vitamins? Nothing will make your hair grow faster. Hair grows an average of 1/2 inch a month. Greases, hair food greases, or pills will not add length to your hair.

Myth 3: "Washing your hair too much will dry out your hair". FALSE! Black hair is the driest hair on the planet and we need moisture to prevent breakage so how can washing it dry it out when water is moisture? The only way you will dry your hair out through washings is by using harsh shampoos. Use a pH balanced shampoo that is geared for your hair type instead and wash your hair weekly.

Myth 4: "Braids make your hair grow". Once again another lie. Braids will NOT make your hair grow. It can promote damage if braided too tightly or give hair a rest, but it will not make your hair grow.

So now you know some facts and how to approach growing your hair in a sensible manner. Growing black hair is not about what products you use or how often you visit the salon. It's just common sense! Maintaining the proper moisture balance and keeping your hair well conditioned is the key to long beautiful black hair!

Tips on Maintaining your Hair Extensions

Your Hair Extension Maintenance is highly important, this will guarantee that you hair looks amazing and lasts!

1. Please do not wash your hair for 48 hours after the application of extensions. This allows your hair extension bonds to fully dry, creating a real strong and durable attachment between the Keratin and your hair.

2. Always brush your hair prior to shampooing to avoid tangles.Brush your hair slowly and gently. You can use your fingers to press down on your extensions at the scalp for extra support

3. Please only use the products I recommend during your consultation. Using other products may cause your extensions to slide out.

4. When conditioning your hair please only do so from the middle of your hair to the ends. Never condition your roots, this will cause the bonds loosen and fall out.

5. Use of hair spray around the bonds is fine. For other products please ask!

6. Never use any oils or silicone based products around the bonds such as frizzezz, Paul Mitchell, super skinny or biosilk serum. They are great to use on the hair ends if you like but thats about it! The oil in these products loosens and destroys the bonds.

7. Never leave your hair wet in a towel for more than 10 minutes. Always dry your hair, you can use the blow dryer set on a low or medium heat setting or allow your hair to air dry loosely. Do not have your hair wet in a pony tail, this will prevent the hair from drying thoroughly.

8. Never go to bed with wet hair. And always have your hair pulled into a loose pony tail or braid while sleeping. Please use a scrunchy and not a rubber band, as rubber bands tend to get tangled while moving around in your sleep.

9. Use of a proper extension brush is needed.

10. All extensions are done with 100 percent human hair so the use of flat irons and curling irons are fine. Do not use any hot appliance on the bonds, stay at least 1-2 inches away from your roots with hot irons, they will cause your extension bonds to melt.

11. When brushing your hair please be gentle. Remember that your hair is attached to the extensions. If you pull too hard this may result in the loss of extensions and your natural hair. Do not play with the extensions. Do not pull pull on them, twist them, or pick at then in any way. You will cause them to slide out. As I mentioned earlier you should brush slowly and gently and and can use your fingers as support to the extensions by holding them tightly against your scalp while brushing.

12. Please do not leave any extensions in longer than the recommended time! It is best to take them out every 3-4 months and then freshly re-place them.

13. Do not color or bleach the extensions!

14. Please have your regrowth colored by a professional who is used to working with extensions. Not all licensed professionals work with extensions or know what they are doing. I personally have most of my clients go to an expert that I highly recommend.You can ask me for his contact info and I will gladly assist you in making your appointment with him

15. Daily shedding of some extension hair is normal and nothing to worry about.

16. Losing between 10-30 bonds per month is normal and nothing to worry about, save any pieces that may slide out, many times those pieces can be re-used..

17. Do NOT have your hair blow-dryed at a hair salon!! This only guarantees that your extensions will be pulled on and come out faster. I go over the instructions with you and teach you exactly how to style your hair so that your extensions last long and do not come out.

Hairlocs Benefits

Hairlocs is the safest hair extension methods for all hair types. It does not use glue, heat, chemicals, sewing or braiding. You can also use this methods to attach other hair pieces such as wefts and custom fitted pieces.

This "time tested" method, combined with years of experience in the wig making industry, insures you with exclusive relationships with vendors supplying Hairlocs with quality " 100% full cuticle" human hair from Spain, Russia and Italy.

We at Hairlocs challenge you to find a better process for applying hair extensions and any and all hair pieces, wefts, integrations!!!

The Hairlocs Extension system is the safest method for attaching hair that results in the following benefits:

1. Safe for all hair types, Hairlocs was invented for fine and fragile hair and designed to be safe for years of use.

2. Quick and easy to apply without heat, glue or sewing

3. Even faster takedown that is painless on both you and your stylist

4. Only the Finest Quality "Full Cuticle" Spanish, Russian, Italian Hair is used from trusted sources for over 35 years