It's All in the Shampoo

When I was younger I experienced some tragedies in my life. You know: bad grades, spankings, standing in the corner and eating squash? While those experiences were tragic; they helped mold me into the refined young lady I am today. But (there is always a but), no tragic experience was more excruciating than (drum roll please) getting my hair shampooed.

Take your time when shampooing!

Oh my goodness it's a wash. I hated every moment of it. Whenever I reflect back on those days I shake my head and I think of my mother; poor thing. I use to think of her being that character in Moby Dick when the octopus would come out the water and attack. That is how it was for my mother. My hair would swell into this monstrosity of Afro, naps and kinks. My hair would attack my mom and her Afro comb while simultaneously snatching at my brain. I am telling you, it was horrific!

My poor lil mommy. What was she to do? She would threaten to cut it all off and she would curse my father's side of the family with every stroke of the comb grunting through her seething teeth. She would pause between every word as she combed, "You. Have. Thick. Nappy. Hair. Just. Like. Your. Father!" I remember thinking, "Well why didn't you pick another man?"

While the above mentioned story is interestingly funny; the selection of hair care products available back then was even more funny. Back in those days there were only a handful of products available for Afro hair and none of them did any of what was written on the bottles. Fast forward to today and the selection is too many to name and so overwhelming to choose from.

To make shampooing hair at home less tragic and with less hassle at home, I have four simple steps to selecting the right shampoo and the correct comb. I have 3 tricks to minimize the tangle.

The first step to hassle free shampooing is to identify your the texture of your hair. Hair textures come in 4 types. Curly, Kinky, Wavy and Straight. Some people can a combination of textures. The second step is to match the shampoo to the texture. For example, if you have wavy hair; your shampoo should read "wavy" hair on the bottle. The third step, I suggest the shampoo should also read to the condition of  your hair. For example, color treated, damaged, dry and the likes. The fourth is tricky. Do not purchase your shampoo according to your race. For example, words like "natural," "African-American," "mixed," "women of color," and the likes. Those words have a very large meaning and is generic for those who are looking for a shampoo that is formulated for their unique hair fabric.

Your styling tools should consist of a comb out comb or a long tooth comb out comb. Refrain from using smaller combs, flimsy combs or combs that break easily. Those types of combs promote breakage.

Three tricks for tangle free hair begins with a detangling conditioner (these conditioners are soley responsible for making the hair softer; thus giving it more slip). Next, be sure the hair is very wet. Wet hair combined with the detangling conditioner will give the hair more slip. Last, be sure the water is warm. Warm water makes the hair sofer; while cold water causes the hair to constrict and tangle more.

Shampooing is the foundation to hair being tangle free, bouncy and shiny. Take your time. Concentrate on massaging the scalp thoroughly; for it circulates bloods which provide nourishment and promote growth. Lastly shampoo your hair as needed. For some it's weekly and others it can be every few days.

If you take your time and use these tips; I am certain shampooing will be easier, less hassle and you too will conclude that, it's all in the shampoo!

Hair Affair

Love your fabulous self!

There comes a time in every persons life when they want something exciting, challenging and rewarding. They want that "something" to be something they can share with loved ones, co-workers and friends. They want to show that “something” off. They want that “something” to be something that will remain with them for sometime to come because they are very proud of it.

Typically that “something” would usually be a person, a goal or a thing. In this instance that “something” is your hair. Yep, your hair. Prior to becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I was a social worker. Back then, I had to come up with some pretty unique and cool ideas to help families modify their behaviors. I had to teach them new functioning behaviors to replace the dysfunctional behaviors. Now one might think I would have been teaching families how to shop, do time management and all that jazz? Actually, I taught the families how to have a love affair with their hair!

How is one to have a love affair with their hair? I suggests five simple steps to get that flat iron heated so you can smooth things out with your hair and let the love begin.

To begin this love affair with your hair, the first thing you need is hair. This hair does not need to be long, wavy, curly, kinky, straight or real. It just need to be hair. Rather you have some peach fuzz coming in, short, mid-length, long, very long or fake hair; you can get started.

Second, you need some time. How much time? That depends on how much love you want to give or receive. In the matter of having a love affair with your it is all about you. Considering you are the most special, set aside at least one day a week for one hour to do whatever you like to your hair. You could comb it, shampoo it, braid it, twist it, flip it curl it and the likes.

Third, you will need styling tools and hair care products. Remember, you get what you pay for. So invest in quality combs, brushes, shampoos, conditioners and other styling agents. Please do not confuse quality with expensive. The best place to start is with a little research or your hair stylist. Oh, and do not for get grandma! Grandma’s are full of hair care secrets.

Fourth, you will need some flexibility. Refrain from being rigid. It is only a hair style. If you do not like it, you can wash it out. Play it safe and do not put your love affair in jeopardy by using chemicals that you are not familiar with. The purpose of the love affair with your hair is self preservation. If you end with unwanted results from using chemicals, the love for your hair will quickly turn to hate. So play it safe. Make some time to get to know your hair first. Find out what it needs, what it likes and what makes it perform before you compromise that with chemicals.

Lastly, you will need a great attitude complimented by a clean and polished image. In my line of work, I am constantly informing women they need to tend the “total you.” The total you is mind, body, spirit and image. Start your mornings off and end your nights with a positive affirmation of how much you love you. Feed your body whole foods and drink lots of water. Exercise, dance, stretch; do something! Make sure your attire, face and the rest of your body is clean. It does not matter how much money you have or what fancy clothes, shoes or make up you wear; what is most important is that you are clean.

When you make the time and actually take the time to have this affair with your hair. You will be pleasantly amazed by how people notice how great you look. They will also notice that you are missing in action. They will want to know who you are with and what are you doing that leaves you looking spectacular. You also will not have any time for moping or unnecessary hanky panky. Think of it this way, once you get started with your hair; you will have very little time for nonsense and pouting.

I wish you love, peace and happiness with your new found love. If you incorporate the above mentioned ideas into your quest for love and happiness, I am certain you will reap the many many rewards for having a true love affair with your hair.

Hmph, you never know where that love may take you!