TIPS FOR TRIMMING OUR TRESSES...

Hello fabulous fellow naturals!


I find it oh so very important that we contain as much information on healthy hair care as possible.  Trimming our hair , in my opinion is just as important as anything else in our hair care regimen.   It's also just as important that its done correctly.  In my last post I asked what were some of the goals for our hair during this amazing journey.  And, some answered length , some answered health , and then some answered both length and health.


Which now brings me to the topic on hand.  We must get rid of those dead.. split ends.  Especially for the fabulous naturals who are looking to gain length...in fact for all fabulous naturals, looking to gain length or not.
The fact is by holding onto the ends of your hair that are split, its possible the damage will travel up the hair shaft and now more damage is done.  Its important to know there is absolutely no magic product that will repair damaged ends of our hair.  Yes, there are things we can do to prevent them, but nothing to get rid of them once they are already there. Besides, simply cutting them off.


Remember ladies its only what......hair, and it will grow back.  So, don't be afraid to trim those ends when needed.  When I worked in  hair salons , some of my customers would hate to get their ends trimmed.  It was like pulling a tooth (lol) even after explaining that its best for their hair. And, the dangers of holding onto dead ends, They eventually gave in (lol) , not only did they give in they then began to see for themselves the benefit.  Lets go further:


A FEW CAUSES OF SPLIT ENDS:


Intense excessive heat like curling irons, blow dryers, etc.


Stress on your hair to much pulling , chemicals such as color, relaxers, over uses of combs and brushes ( I use to see this in the salons often) all of these will and can cause damage to the cuticle and cortex of the hair strands.  Which will in turn cause breakage and split ends.  And don't forget those Bobby pins they can cause serious damage to our tresses as well. If you must use Bobbie pins please...please...please make sure they have the rubber tips , if the rubber comes off they are evil...stay away from them.


Another item to watch out for is our winter clothing , coats , sweaters, winter scarfs and yes even some of our winter hats. be sure to line your winter items with a lovely silk scarf. To all of my sisters in Islaam who may be reading, please make sure to wear a silk scarf before putting on your khimar/ hijab ( head covering) this will help tremendously in retain moisture and help in preventing split ends, insha Allaah ( god willing).   Lets talkTowels...towels will snag your hair strands causing them to snap, break and or even cause yes...split ends.  I've witnessed this myself    I never use towels on my or my girls hair to dry, we use t-shirts.


WANT TO AVOID SPLIT ENDS...READ ON :


 Avoid excessive heat...I said EXCESSIVE, meaning blow drying daily, curling irons, flat irons.  I made it a rule the only time I use heat is when I DC ( deep condition), using the thermal heat wrap and or a steamer ( in which I hope to get one soon , :)


Keeping those precious ends moisturized and sealed.  Remember dry ends lead to split ends, wear protective styles, twist , braids, etc.  Keeping your ends tucked away from time to time will help as well.  Remember the ends of our hair is the very oldest, and we must take extreme care of them.


Avoid using rubber bands , another evil...stay away from them.  Try using the holders with cloth on them and without the metal part in the middle.


Deep conditioning, do so often this is a very important step in my regimen, I do it more often during the winter months.  But, I can not have a successful wash day without a moisturizing deep conditioner.  And , once again pay very close attention in adding a good amount of your favorite deep conditioner to your ends.


Be, very gentle with your hair.  I am a heavy handed person, I've been told this often especially from my girls when I do their hair ( sorry , babies).  I have since gotten a grip on that ( lol) in making sure to be gentle...gentle...gentle with our hair.


And remember to keep those ends trimmed, dusted which ever makes you feel better.


YOU SAY YOUR READY TO TRIM:
There are many ways this can be done


Twist and trim- simply twist your hair and trim.  I feel this is best when done on dry stretched hair.  This way you can see exactly just how much your taking off.  With out any surprises. I have had great results with this method.


Blow drying your hair and trim-  This way is not for me, I actually have no desire what so ever to straighten my hair, ever.  But for you fabulous naturals who do straighten your hair this may be right down your alley.  Its simple, After blow drying your hair you can then flat iron it, take small sections of your hair and trim.  I do not recommended this method , because once again I don't like the idea of using this amount of heat on our hair. Adding a   Heat protected product or not.


Lastly, go to a professional . This may be the very best option for those fabulous naturals who may not be scissor skilled.


FOR THOSE FABULOUS NATURALS WHO CHOOSE TO TRIM YOUR SELF :


When buying your shears ( scissors) please make sure you are using ONLY hair cutting shears.  Not, your sewing shears, not shears used to trim " fluffy" ( your pet) , and not your shears used to trim your garden.  They must be hair cutting shears.  They are very inexpensive, easy to obtain you can buy them at your local beauty supply store.  So , no excuses ladies, using shears that are dull is guaranteed to snag the ends of your hair...its guaranteed.  Which will cause damage to your entire hair shaft, especially your ends.  Once , you get your self a good pair of shears , put them up and away and DO NOT use them for absolutely anything else other then your hair.  Your hair will thank you for this, trust me.


So, just wanted to share a few tips with you Ladies, in hopes that it will help someone seasoned to being natural or just making that first exciting step in their natural hair journey.


Thanks a bunch for reading and stopping by.  And, remember ladies to always stay naturally fabulous!


                                                                         TAKE CARE :)