The purpose of the previous blog was to inform readers about gimmicks used in the one size fit all approach to hair care. Understand that hair care is unique and different for every head of hair. There is certainly a discovery process in trying different things to learn what will and will not work for your hair. So quite naturally, taking a chance to try out some these hair care antics are par for the course in discovering. However, under no circumstances should no one get to the point of discovery where the health of the hair and scalp is compromised. My goal in hair care, hair styling and blogging is to prevent hair damage and hair loss.This is my passion.
This year when you research or look up what the trends will be in 2016 for hair styling, your search will come up with: braids/twists extensions, tree braid extensions, straightened hair, short pixie cuts, and wash & wear hair. I doubt very little that there is much difference in hairstyles this year compared to last year. With the change of hair additions going from long, straight and wavy to long braids and twists; adding hair will pretty much be the same. As a matter of fact, hair extensions still trump as the most sought after of all hair styling options.
As a hair stylist, quite naturally I am not anti hair additions or any hair style that gives one a myriad of creative options wear their hair and express what makes them unique. So, go with the trend or be a daring trend setter. Either way, I'm a happy hair care camper. Just be sure to keep your hair on your head.
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| I love this look for the trend in 2016! |
What concerns me as a hair stylist about hair styling is not so much as the trends. What concerns me is this massive collection of untrained and unskilled people encouraging them to "follow." The follow me, like me, tweet, and give me hearts trend in hair care is scary from my perspective of working behind the chair. Why? For some reason, the follower translates what they are seeing and watching as their own hair. What I see are women who are devastated by the level of damage done to their hair, time and money lost trying out what the see on their phones, pads, computers and other devices. Don't get me wrong, I love looking at pictures that are posted on all the social networks. I also enjoy reviewing videos on YouTube to see what folks are doing and creating with hair. But when following and copying becomes synonymous, like it has in hair care and hair styling, "Houston, we've got problems."
Videos, blogs, periscoping, tutorials and photos main purpose are simply to inspire; not duplicate. Of course I can't watch look at every post and watch every video, but I do find the key words of "inspiration" are lacking. Many creators of these pages, links and videos are leaning towards a "monkey see - monkey do" indirect approach in their efforts to get viewers to buy into their act. Copying what someone does to their hair and trying it out on your hair is risky. In my opinion that is the equivalent of using someone else's toothbrush. Yep. hair care and hair styles like toothbrushes are great. They all have a universal appeal. One can watch videos and go to as many dentists as they like to learn how to properly care for their teeth. Yet, you will not find one dentist or person who will suggest that you use someone else's toothbrush and brush your teeth as they do. As a matter of fact, it is when your dentist customizes your visit that makes your experience more individualized. You get a sense of concern and care when your dentist demonstrates how to care for your teeth and gums and how "this' toothbrush is for your teeth and your teeth only. Imagine if your dentist reached over and took that toothbrush from another person's mouth and said, "here, do it like her" and walked away?
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| Follow for inspiration. Do not copy. |
Instead, read up on your product first. Call or visit the company's social media of the product you want to try. Companies love hearing directly from their consumers. Often times they will send samples or coupons that will give you the opportunity to try before you buy. Also, only buy travel size or travel size kits of the products you want to try. If you make smaller purchases, your closets and cabinets will not end up in a heap of unwanted clutter. Another option is to allow your hairstylist to try things out. This will give you the hands on chance to actually try and get instructions. Most hair stylists will give you pointers in caring for and styling your hair. If not, find a new one.
In addition,cosmetology schools and salon clinics are great places to try things out on your hair. Most cosmetology schools and salon clinics are offering service much cheaper than a hair stylist or regular salon services. Provided the service you want to try out do not require chemicals, you should be safe. Wait, don't turn your nose up to these options. The trade of are the free or deep discounted services and assistance you would receive in the form of a one on one about your hair.What is the worst case scenario? None, because you will not have spent much money and you can simply wash out the unwanted style. Your hair will be in tact. The style can be washed out or un-braided if you really don't like it. Lastly, keep in mind that even the greatest of hair stylists were students first. You would surprised to the many talents inside your local cosmetology schools! When I was in cosmetology school, I was very sought after. I tried many things out under the instruction of my instructors and the the help of my fellow students. The prices were well under 10 bucks.
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| Carefully follow manufacturers instructions. Resist cookie cutting the directions. |
Hopefully, by the time you read this and try out some of my tips, the only thing you will be following are the directions!
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