July Q&A - Hair Vitamins, Lye vs. No Lye, Growing Edges, Crown Breakage + MORE - Your Hair Questions Answered!

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

 


Back at it again!

You know the drill, sis :)

Every month I host an IG Story Q&A and I pick the most frequent questions that I wasn't able to answer in my stories and post them here on the Blog. 

It's a long one, so lets get started!

BEST BRAND OF VITAMINS FOR HAIR GROWTH?

I wouldn't say there's a "specific brand" of vitamins that's best for hair growth, but taking a daily multi-vitamin that contains (or in addition to) the basic essentials below, is great for promoting healthy hair growth and increasing fullness:

Biotin 

Iron (especially if your are anemic or you have low ferritin levels)

Vitamin D

Vitamin C

Omega 3's

Zinc

It's important to have the above in your daily multivitamin; however, if the amounts are low, you may want to supplement to increase your nutrition levels. Don't forget protein is essential! Calcium and collagen are great additions, too.

IS THERE A PROBLEM IF I CHANGE FROM NO LYE TO A LYE RELAXER?

No problem at all! Many notice a positive difference right away after they switch. I've always been told it's better to go from No Lye to Lye verses Lye to No Lye. 

I HAVE CHRONIC DRY HAIR, ALL THE PRODUCTS JUST SITS ON TOP OF MY STRANDS. WHAT CAN HELP ME?

Seems like there could be some buildup on your strands. To start, do a clarifying shampoo (this will rid your hair of any product or build up inhibiting products from penetrating), follow up with a sulfate-free moisturizing shampoo, then do a moisture deep condition under a steamer or heat cap for 30-45mins. Do the LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method 2-3x/week to lock in moisture. Try baggying your ends, in between wash days, to keep that moisture momentum going. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO PROTEIN TREATMENTS OR DOES THAT DEPEND?

It really depends on your strands. Some people find a rhythm where they do protein treatments bi-weekly or monthly and that works for them, while others wait much longer. If you are unsure, do the strand test to see what your hair is telling you:

Take a shed strand, tug it slightly on both ends. If the hair stretches and stretches and then snaps, chances are you need a dose of protein in your strands.

If the shed hair snaps and breaks easily, with a slight tug, you need more moisture in your regimen.

Check out this post for more details on Protein Deficiency:

Hair Breakage 101: Protein Deficiency

WHAT ARE SOME CHEAP PRODUCTS THAT WORK WELL FOR RELAXED HAIR?

Some affordable brands that work well for Relaxed Hair would be: Aussie, Herbal Essences, Creme of Nature, Shea Moisture, ORS Olive Oil, etc.

WHAT IS YOUR REGIMEN ONE WEEK BEFORE RELAXING YOUR HAIR?

Here is my regimen 1 week prior to relaxer day: 


After my wash day, I put my hair in a high or low bun, I moisturize and seal throughout the week but I'm very gentle with my hair and I DO NOT touch my scalp or apply any oils until the day before my relaxer touch up.

Low manipulation is key! I just leave my hair alone as much as possible.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ADDING ESSENTIAL OILS TO CARRIER OILS FOR HAIR?

I love it! My favourite carrier oils are JBCO, Coconut oil, Avocado oil and Olive oil. My fave essential oils are Rosemary, Peppermint and Lavender!! They are all nourishing, stimulate blood flow and help to promote hair growth.

HOW DO I GROW MY EDGES BACK?

For me, the best thing for my edges has been Jamaican Black Castor Oil in combination with scalp massages. This has helped to promote growth and fullness. Try adding some essential oils to stimulate blood flow which also helps to promote hair growth. Also, refraining from tight hair styles, over processing your hairline during your relaxer touch up and ensuring that you cover your hair at night with a satin scarf and/or bonnet will help to protect your edges.

PLEASE RECOMMEND PROTEIN FOR RELAXED HAIR AND MOISTURIZING DEEP CONDITIONERS

Head over to my latest video where I share Moisture-based and Protein-based Deep Conditioners (based on ingredients) to incorporate into your hair regimen:


DO YOU ALWAYS GET A TRIM AT THE SALON? IF NO, HOW DO YOU TRIM YOUR ENDS YOURSELF?

Yes, I go to the salon for my trims. The reality is, I just don't trust myself to cut off enough. LOL. I do own a pair of sheers for small dustings, i.e. SSKs or split ends - but that's it.

WHY DOES RELAXED HAIR TURN BROWN AFTER SOME TIME?

It's linked to elevated pH levels in the strands. This is a characteristic of high porosity hair as well. I used to have a brownish tint to my hair when I first started my hair journey but overtime, and as my hair got healthier, my hair got darker and remained that way.

I HAVE TEXLAX HAIR. DOES YOUR REGIMEN STILL WORK FOR THIS KIND OF HAIR?

My regimen works best for me and my strands. I built my regimen off of my hair's needs. It's hard to say whether or not it will work for others - I guess just trial and error. You can always use my regimen as a guideline and incorporate what your hair needs.

WHY DO YOU APPLY PROTEIN TREATMENT ON DRY HAIR FIRST?

For better absorption. Think of your hair as a sponge? a sponge adsorbs liquids better when dry as opposed to sopping wet. Since I wash twice a week, my hair isn't dirty by the time I apply my protein to dry hair. However, there are many instances where I apply my protein treatments after I shampoo, it just depends on how my hair feels.

LYE OR NO LYE?

Lye!!

HOW DO YOU GROW YOUR NAPE HAIR?


Check out my post on 7 Ways to Grow Your Nape Area


DO YOU STILL WEAR PROTECTIVE STYLES (BRAIDS OR WIGS) TO STRETCH BETWEEN RELAXERS?

I do not wear braids as a protective style. I used to wear wigs back in the day - need to get back on that! Loved it.

ANY PRODUCTS YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FOR A BALD SPOT?

Please see your family physician for an assessment as a bald spot may imply internal health issues.

ANY TIPS FOR CROWN BREAKAGE/REPAIR?

1) Avoid tight styles in the crown region i.e. ponytails, buns, clips etc. and opt for loose buns, wigs, etc. Move your bun and ponytail. Don't keep them in the same area each time.

2) Keep your crown moisturized (if excessively dry - do the LOC/LCO method in this area) and  stimulated (using growth oils and scalp massages).

3) Apply product to this section first and separate from the rest of the hair *attention and love is needed*

4) Do not apply the Relaxer there first! Rotate the areas you apply your relaxer to avoid stress/strain on  this particular section.

5) Be consistent with your regimen, take your daily vitamins, and drink lots of water!

WHAT IS YOUR WASH ROUTINE THE WEEK AFTER A RELAXER? DO YOU INCLUDE PROTEIN?

Yes, I include protein in my routine.  I typically wear my hair straight for a few days and then I go right into my regimen - shampoo, protein, moisture DC, leave-in etc. I also do a bond building treatment a few wash days after a relaxer.

Check out my Post-Relaxer Bond Building Routine Here:

WHAT VITAMINS DO YOU TAKE?

Currently taking a Multi-Vitamin, Biotin, Vitamin D, Omega 3's and Vitamin C.

I LOVE SCURL BUT IT MAKES MY FLAT IRONED HAIR FRIZZY. CAN YOU MOISTURIZE STRAIGHT HAIR AND KEEP IT SLEEK?

S-Curl should not be used on flat ironed hair - it will revert. I like to use either a serum or hair lotion/milk on my ends for moisture when my hair is straight. The lotion consistency doesn't revert my ends keeping it sleek and hydrated.

THOUGHTS ON ORS MAX MOISTURE LINE? HAVE YOU TRIED IT?

Haven't seen it at my local Beauty Supply Store so I haven't had the chance to try it out.

HEY SIS! IN YOUR RELAXER DAY VIDEO WHY DID YOU TIME FOR 25 MINS INSTEAD OF 15 MINS (TIME ON THE JAR)?



That's the processing time for my texture - it works! I don't have fine strands plus I stretch my relaxers, so I need to extend my processing time based on those factors. Anything less, I'll end up with under-processed roots.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE PROTEIN TREATMENT?

Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor and ORS Replenishing Conditioner!! Love them dearly.

WHAT DO YOU CHELATE WITH POST SWIMMING?

ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo - this serves as a chelating, clarifying and neutralizing shampoo.

PRODUCTS FOR LOW POROSITY HAIR (WASH DAY, TREATMENT ETC.)

Anything that has zero/low protein. Don't get me wrong, low porosity hair needs protein, just in smaller/less frequent doses.

Check out my recent video on How to Read Product Ingredients. This video will teach you how to read product ingredient labels so that you know how to select Moisture-based or Protein-based products and as a bonus, you'll get a product suggestion list of Moisture Based Deep Conditioners, Leave-ins and Moisturizers.  

As for Shampoo's, here are a few great ones:

Creme of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate Free Shampoo

TGIN Moisture Rich Shampoo

Keracare Hydrating and Detangling Shampoo

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey Intensive Hydration Shampoo

WHAT KIND OF PROTECTIVE STYLE DO YOU USE FOR STRETCHING RELAXER TIME? 

Typically, buns. 

I switch it up and move my bun around so that it's not always in the same spot. In between buns, I wear ponytails, braid outs etc. Honestly thinking about grabbing a wig as the colder weather approaches! We'll see *wink*.

That's it, sis! Until next time..

Xoxo



You Might Also Like

0 comments