HELP! My Hair's Not Growing, I Need A Trim!

Good day, everyone! 

So, what's the deal with the title (you might ask)?  It sounds like an oxymoron, right? Well, I'm writing this blog to give you some insight on a common myth.  To trim or not to trim, that's that question! 

Often times when women come into my salon, their #1 goal is to increase their hair length.  However, there is this misconception that you must trim your hair on a consistent basis in order to achieve longer hair.  That's where this blog comes in handy.  I'm here to set the record straight and give you some facts. 

Trimming the hair came out of the practice of straightening hair.  When our hair is straightened on a consistent basis (with excessive use of chemicals and heat styling tools), it causes our hair to break and split at the end.  Just an insight - there are water molecules inside of our hair and when they get too hot, they swell, burst and cause cracks in our actual hair shaft (split ends). Now, if you are getting your hair styled with heat styling tools (properly), it is simply appropriate to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks.  But if you decide you want to transition to your natural hair, trimming can virtually become obsolete.  There is a complete paradigm shift.  If you’re looking for length, the #1 thing to do is not trim your hair every 6-8 weeks. 

The only time it is necessary to trim (with natural hair) is:

1.  If you are transitioning into natural hair and you have to cut off straight or over processed hair.  

2.  If you have curlier textured hair.  If this is you, you've probably noticed that as your hair gets longer the hair strands wrap around and create little knots at the end of your hair. 

3.  Lastly, if you’re not using the right products.  Your hair can become dry and brittle.  

I trim the hair of my natural hair clients once or twice a year. (I KNOW! SHOCKING, RIGHT?) But it's appropriate.  

I want to leave you with this...

What you do to the ends of your hair has no effect on what is happening at your scalp.  Remember, your hair grows from your scalp.  So, if you're not achieving the length of hair you desire, there is possibly something happening to the ends of your hair causing breakage.  If you're not seeing the desired length you want, and breakage is occurring at the ends of your hair, you should see a trichologist (like myself), or a dermatologist to see if there is a nutritional deficiency or hair shaft disorder.  But it could be something as simple as the wrong hair care products.   

Hmmm, hold that thought!  I just might write a blog on my recommended hair care products. 

Until next time, this is Dr. Kari.  at My Hair Is Happy.  

... stay tuned for Dr. Kari TV.  

Lovin' Her Natural

So, if you're connected to my facebook accounty, you've probably already seen my posts.  Nevertheless, I want you to check out my work on the lovely Kim Coles! Always a stunning beauty, she looks gorgeous with her natural hair! Ain't she cute? Go natural ladies-it looks good on us! Below is the link to the website that posted the photos, but as you know, I have to show you all the gorgeous photos myself.

NEW LOOK!!! COMEDIAN KIM COLES TAKES OUT HER EXTENSIONS . . . GOES 100% NATURAL!




Enjoy your evening, folks!  


Remember... Loved Hair is Happy Hair!





***Be on the look out for Dr. Kari TV streaming on YouTube within the next month***

Naturally Natural Tresses

So, I had a conversation with some friends about what it means to wear your hair "natural."  

I find it fascinating that there are multiple definitions of "natural" when it pertains to black women and our hair.  What is natural? Well, you know me! I took it all the way to Dictionary.com and looked up the definition (all 30 definitions) of natural.  One definition said, "not tinted or colored, undied.  Another said, "not treated, tanned, refined but original in its raw state."

... but really, what is natural hair?  What does it mean to wear your hair natural?

Some women who do not use chemicals or relaxers to straighten their hair consider their hair natural.  

Other women who only use hot combs to straighten their hair consider their hair natural as well.  

Then there are the group of women who consider their hair to be in its natural state when their natural curl pattern has not been altered.  

Say we take the last group of women with unaltered curl patterns and no chemicals in their hair.  If we add extensions for braiding, twisting or weaving, is their hair still natural? 

The list of questions can go on and on but one thing is for sure (in my opinion)...

HOW YOUR HAIR GROWS OUT OF YOUR HEAD, THAT'S ITS NATURAL STATE.  

We're all aware of this Natural Hair Revolution that is taking place.  It is referring to the curl pattern you were born with.  It is not altered by heat or chemicals. We see this in the "natural styles" that more and more women are wearing today: this incorporates the use of hair textures synthetic or human to enhance your natural curl pattern.  Some examples: kinky syntheic or human hair when double strand twisting your hair or braiding your hair. 

These are just my thoughts on natural hair and what I believe "natural" hair means. 

How do you define natural hair?