"SUMMER HAIR"

by Crystal Styles

Journalist / Columnist
Contributing Writer - Black College Today Magazine
 

Author – “Knot Afraid of the rain” publishing Winter ‘14

Social Media / Asst. Dir. of Marketing  - Brands: Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils, Texture My Way, Organics, Kids’ Organics, Africa’s Best and more.

 
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Some of yours, some of theirs, we don’t care but your hair does

Ladies, I thought I’d get your attention with this title.  Now that I have it, let’s talk about how to nurture your doo in the summer heat and humidity, especially if you’re a naturalista trying to hold your elongated twists and curls in place, while stepping out at summer festivities. Like me, you probably get pretty frustrated with figuring out what to do with your hair when the atmosphere is not quite working with ya’.  Some days you wear your own textured hair, other days you might press those tresses straight, or slap on your handy wear-n-go wig.  Mid-week you’re sitting for a quick weave, and if you have enough time, you just might get a full sew-in.  Of course, all of these versatility choices are just fine, as long as you’re taking care of your real hair better than you’re caring for the summer extensions. Even while wearing body wave, deep wave or straight weave, you must remember to wash, condition and moisturize your own hair underneath, as needed.

rush-n-go hair

Too often, because of busy class and work schedules, social living and tons of other priorities, it’s easy to fall into a slump of not caring for your own hair, covered over with summer their hair. You know - out of sight, out of mind.  Lots of ladies tend to acclimate to the habit, if you don’t see it under the wigs and weaves, that means it’s not necessary to maintain it--NOT!  Don’t fall into the trap.  Human hair is like grass growing from the roots of the earth.  If you cover it up with a mat without sun (vitamin D exposure), sufficient moisture and nourishing soil, it will eventually wither, turn brown and brittle, and simply fail to grow strong and healthy.  It will lose its vibrant hues and sheen.

You’ve heard it countless times, natural hair must have lots of moisture, even more so in the summer, in order to maintain style manageability, void of that dry feel.  And I know what you’re thinking--all I need is a good moisturizer for my mane to seal in the softness  and elasticity, and I’m good.  If you’re thinking that, you’re correct but only partially.  Did you know moisture and nourishment, inside the body, are more essential to how your hair behaves, than the moisture you put on top? Yes, nutrients aren’t equally important but hands down are more superior than your favorite hair products.

On average, the rate of hair growth is about 0.5 inches per month.  However, diet and overall health play key roles in how fast or slow your hair will grow.  It would be nice to believe that hair products, alone, can cause your hair to come in faster and maintain length but unfortunately, that's not the case.  Having a healthy diet of lots of H2O, fruits, vegetables and the right protein balance, along with exercise, and scalp massages (which stimulate blood flow), all aid in how fast you will see beautiful new growth and luster, even during incalescent weather.

“The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it. "Healthier follicles? Healthier hair. Healthier scalp? Healthier hair!" states New York nutritionist Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet.

i’m moisturizing & eating healthy, but why is my hair shedding more in the summertime?

Hair sheds at a normal rate of 100 strands per day, so don’t be alarmed.  A healthy dose of moisture balance (inside and out) helps to prevent excessive breakage and shedding. Wearing protective styles and using less heat is a good regiment to follow. Prepping your hair at night for the next day will significantly minimize usage of excess heat for rush-n-go styling each morning.  Here are a few night-time tools and techniques to consider: roller sets, flexirods, pin curling, wrapping, twisting, braiding and bantu knotting. Be sure to cover your mane with a silk or satin scarf, or use a satin pillow case if you’re uncomfortable with binding your hair down while sleeping. 
     

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Just a little side note for a later conversation.  Try not to get all bent out of shape when your hair goes "Poof."  Definition: when textured hair reverts back to its original curl pattern, after it has been pressed with heat, keratin treated or flattened using the pin curl method.

It's your hair, the hair that grows textured from your scalp naturally.  So embrace it, while learning and trying new techniques that work best for you, not what others think will work best for you.

And please ladies, stop comparing your hair--what it does and doesn't do, to your BFFs, family members, classmates and co-workers.  Champion your own tresses.  Work with what cha' got and be happy!

We’ll talk more in-depth on Crystal-Knows Blog and in Black College Today Magazine, September-October edition, about other reasons for abnormal hair shedding, and some solutions to help slow down or stop excess diffusion of your tresses.  Stay tuned for healthier hair tips for a healthier you.