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? 

Natural Hair Theory

 

 I love watching The View with my clients and stylists in my salon.  It always fosters some heated or intense discussion.  I saw this video (again) while browsing the internet and decided to post it to my blog!  What are your thoughts on the discussion? 

Loc Virgin

I decided to write this blog after receiving quite a couple of questions and concerns about starting locs, maintaining locs or even the difference between the two main techniques used to start locs.  My advice, before anything, is YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO LOC!!!

I understand there are various purposes as to why some individuals loc their hair.  Some reasons may be religious, but in the case of wanting to simply transform your hair and wear it in locs, I’ve provided some help for the loc virgins out there. 

The traditional form of loc’ing the hair is a technique known as twisting or palm rolling. After your being the palm rolling process, your stylist should instruct you to not wash your hair for about 3-4 months.  However, another technique catching the eye of many loc virgins is the interlocking method.  You don't have to go through the long 4 month process of a dirty scalp. 

Interlocking utilizes a tool.  A lot of people use a crochet hook but I do not promote this because it tends to snag, pull and rip your hair.  But there are loc tools available for purchase (just ask me and I'll be sure to point you in the right direction).  The loc tool interlocks the hair counter clockwise.  Why? Your normal curl pattern is clockwise. So, loc'ing your hair counter clockwise will stop your hair from curling and unraveling. 

Here are 3 important reasons why I prefer the interlocking method and use it on my own locs:

1. Cleanliness is next to happiness (for your hair).  It is important for your locs to be clean and wearable for both men and women.   KEEP IT CLEAN.  It is important that your hair remains clean because as it beings to loc, all the dirt and debris that accumulates will stay in your hair.  I believe in clean hair and a clean scalp.  If you loc your hair today, using the interlocking method, you can wash your hair the same day. 

2. The interlocking process keeps each lock strong and reinforces the loc to the scalp.  As locs grow out and get heavier they will not unravel at the ends.  With the Palm rolling process, hair can become weak at the base. For example: think about a paper clip - if you keep twisting a paperclip in the same direction long enough, you'll be able to break that paper clip into two. 

3.  Time is money, honey! You don't have to come into the salon as frequently! You seek the ultimate freedom with your locs, right? Well, palm rolling requires you to come in frequently to continue to allow your locks to progress into a tight role.

If you’re beginning for the first time, the interlocking process is definitely encouraged by myself and many other loc stylist and experts. 

Also, it is important to know that every loc process is different.  On average, it takes 6 months to a year for a loc to mature.  however, it really depends on your curl pattern.  

Corse hair: hair locs faster.

Loose hair: hair takes longer to loc.  --- it's vital that this person uses the interlocking method.  

Ultimately, locking is a process and interlocking is the best technique to use if you are considering.  

I cannot stress that you have to be ready to loc.  If you're concernd about how to take out your locs, versatility, styling, and not being able to wear your hear in an afro or pressed, I believe you are not ready.   

Nevertheless, loc'ing is a wonderful experience.  I am currently on my second set of locs and for everyone who wants to try it out, I encourage you to go for it! Experience a new you in 2011.

Is your hair happy?

Your Hair is Beautiful

Hey Everyone, 

I came across this video from a friend of a friend about her friend! I know, sounds confusing but there are only 3 degrees of separation between myself and the news reporter who went natural on TV. Check out the video.  There are some other stories in it that will "WOW" you. They are truly inspirational and send a deep message! You are beautiful in every single way, even with your natural hair.

When Rochelle Ritchie started her TV career as a news reporter, she was TOLD she needed to get extensions/weaves. When she did, she became more successful.  This video is a hair journey for Rochelle Ritchie, WPBTV News Reporter (West Palm Beach, FL).  Her decision to go "Natural" on television was a perfect opportunity to show all women that our natural hair is not only gorgeous and attractive but also acceptable in Corporate America. I'm excited for Rochelle Ritchie and her new journey with her short and natural hair cut. She had a lot of courage to abandon a image that was expected of her and had created a stepping stone for her in her career.  The result, she's even more radiant and successful.  


I'll leave you with this... Your hair is your hair. Your hair is beautiful. What ever you do to it is your choice but just know that some styles are more detrimental on your hair and scalp than others. So, LOVE YOUR HAIR! 




Have a good day!   

ESSENCE HOT HAIR SPECIAL ISSUE!!!

So, Essence just released their Hot Hair Special Issue magazine and I think it is great.  Not only do they profile sistahs rocking their styles straight, natural and/or in a cute a-symmetrical buzzed cut, but they also give great advice on how to care for your hair.  


Essence.com says, "In its first issue dedicated to hair, ESSENCE highlights the unique relationship between African-American women and their hair with the launch of HOT HAIR, an interactive experience covering all things hair -- from root to tip. This special issue covers all of the beauty needs, questions, concerns and triumphs of African-American hair care and style..."


WOW! I definitely encourage all of my sistah's to check out this special issue! There's no doubt that our hair is a focal point and it's up to us to keep it happy and healthy.  Hopefully, from here, good, high quality magazines with hair care information will continue to be produced.  Although it is really great to see magazines celebrate the versitility of our hair... it would be great to have a natural hair magazine that is completely filled with natural styles and natural hair care advice... but that's just me.  :-) 


Nevertheless, the hairstyles are beautiful and inspirational and I hope you all go and check out this truly special issue.  


Check out these hot videos covering the Magazine issue from Essence featuring Monica and Goapele!
Click here Essence Magazine's Hair Anniversary - KickMag.net


Have a HAPPY HAIR day!