The Big Chop… Is it Really Worth it?

I know a lot of young ladies out there including myself who are considering going back natural and the thought of having to go through the long transitioning process sounds like you will have your work cut out for you so going for the all in option of the Big Chop may seem more desirable!

The big chop refers the act of cutting all of the relaxed hair off and leaving only the new growth. This strategy of going back natural is it worth it? … You decide, and for now I’ll just take you through the pros and Cons of the ‘Big Chop’.

Pros:

One Texture

When you cut off all of your relaxed hair, you immediately have only one texture to deal with. Women who are transitioning often have difficulty working with two different textures, so the big chop eliminates all of that. You have one texture to style.

Easy Care/Time Saver

Short cuts are very low maintenance and easy to care for, & your styling routine will be cut down to mere minutes. Apply the products of your choice and brush, comb or pick your hair. You may have to find new products for grooming, such as water-based gels and mousses. But shampooing and conditioning should also be quick and simple once you eliminate all of the combing and de-tangling.

No Weather Worries



When your hair is relaxed or pressed, how many times have you run for cover when it began to rain? (HATE IT) Did you have a collection of plastic rain caps, umbrellas and rain coats at the ready? (I DID) With the big chop water won't ruin your style. This can be extremely liberating. In addition to no longer worrying about the weather forecast for the day, you can feel free to swim anytime because your 'do won't suffer from getting wet.

Before you bask in all the advantages the Big Chop brings it is important to know that not everyone loves how their hair looks when it’s short. If you feel that your head is too large or not the perfect shape for such a short cut, my advice is to stay away from the big Chop. 

Cons:

Few Styling Options

With your hair cut short you don't have really a lot of styling options available to you. so is either you rock your mini afro or result to changing up your look with wigs from time to time.

Negative Attitude from others 

It's your hair, right? Unfortunately, as some women who have big chopped have discovered, it may be their hair, but everyone has an opinion about it. This could be your parents, significant others, siblings, even strangers on the street! Many women who cut their hair ultra short will face some negativity from someone in their lives. The trick to getting through it is to remain strong and confident in your decision. At the end of the day, it is your hair and no one else's.  

 

 

 

 

Celebrities & Transformations!! GUESS Who's Weaving It Up

Most people assume that weaves are mostly worn by certain races, but in reality everyone wears weaves. 

Celebrities in Hollywood are always keeping up with the latest trends and styles, and as their style changes their hair changes. They wear hair extensions, whether it's for temporary use such as appearances, or an everyday addiction. It's unfortunate there aren't many stylists out there experienced enough because a lot of celebrities suffer from major hair loss; such as Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears, and many others. In this blog post, I will be showing celebrity hair extension makeovers. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the read!  J

Nicole Richie's extensions showing. The placement is extremely off. If you are a new stylist, placement is key; You need to make sure you do not go extremely high up, because when the wind blows, this will occur!

Improperly Installed

Here is another picture of Nicole's hair extensions they are full, well groomed, and the color is on point. She looks simply Amazing!

Properly Installed

Britney Spears is known "notorious" for having the worst hair extensions ever. She shaved her head, and went through a craze of wearing her hair up and not caring about whether or not the hair extensions were showing. I think her and her stylist are both to blame, but Britney more. 

#Frugal

Now In this picture Total Transformation

Jennifer Lopez has been seen an style icon her hair extensions are neatly done, as an artist, and actress She is constantly in the spotlight and wants her hair to look extremely full. Whoever styles her hair regularly does an amazing job to conceal the hair extensions for the most part. 

Lindsey Lohan went through a Britney Spears phase of not caring whether or not her hair extensions were showing. 

#OnPoint



Blake Lively's Transformation Astonishing Props to the Stylists!

Before

After

This is only a teaser of celebrities who wear hair extensions & it's so exciting to see them transform to various styles. I hope this also helped those of you that enjoy pointing out which celebs are wearing extensions or not. 

Remember #1 color match, #2 sometimes you can see how their attached at root, #3 sometimes you are also able to see their natural hair underneath. (shorter length peaking out)

How to care for your hair when wearing weave

Our own hair may become tiring at times the constant styles we have to come up with every day the before we go out! Trust me It’s a workout on its own. So thank God for the Weave! (TGFTW).
While the weave affords you a lot of versatility, & protects your hair it is possible to neglect your hair while wearing one. When you take care of your hair when its weaved up rest assured that when removed, your new growth is healthy and lush.

To avoid Neglecting your hair when wearing weave follow these simple tips.

• First things first get your hair in good shape before putting in your new hair. Its also suggested that one should take a break from the weakening chemicals in relaxers or dyes to get a head start in avoiding breakage. Make sure your hair is clean, well-conditioned and free of buildup from dead skin cells and styling products like gel; these can cause dryness, flaking and itching.

• Second apply oils to your scalp. Even though your weave is in don’t forget to give your scalp the nourishment it needs. Work natural oils beneath the weave onto your scalp and massage it in. Now you will have to be careful when adding oils to your scalp depending on the type of extensions you choose, if its human hair getting a little oil on it won’t hurt, but synthetic hair doesn't need any additional products.

• Thirdly when wearing weave do not wear them too tight, for it puts tension on the hair follicles, which can make your hair fall out, and possibly contribute to hair loss. Ladies we don’t want this! You want take out that weave and show the haters you got Healthy Hair as well J

• Fourth, accoding to research you should gently shapoo your scalp at least once a week to keep it at its healthiest, for it reduces the buildup of products used from styling your extensions and dead skin cells. If you wear clip-in extensions, remove them first. Clean and dry them separately before reattaching. If your weave or extensions are sewn, bonded, or glued into your hair, separate your natural hair from them as best you can. Then wash, rinse, and condition your real hair separately from your faux hair. Towel-dry gently before you comb through or blow-dry.

• Fifth DON’T OVER DO IT even if your hair look superb and neat, don’t leave in your weave for more than 6 weeks at a time it should be removed for proper cleansing of the scalp and deep conditioning of the hair.

• Lastly take care when removing extensions especially when some glue is used to secure the weave for the desired style. The glue contains chemicals that can cause hair loss, so any remaining glue can adhere to hair and become nearly impossible to remove without losing hair in the process.

 

Natural oils that are good for your hair

Oils are essential for your hair. They keep it healthy, prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Even if you use them for scalpmassages, for home-made masks and treatments or just as an integrated part of your regular hair products; oils are simply amazing for your hair.

Below are four great oils that can be considered to use in your hair whether it may be daily use treatment or simply mixing the together.

Castor Oil

This oil is a great addition to your hair care treatment. Castor oil is a natural oil that contains numerous fatty acids and phytochemicals that provide many healing properties. Black castor oil also offers many benefits when used in your hair. The authentic oil is thick and carries a unique scent. The oil is processed by first roasting the seeds after which the beans are boiled to extract the dark brown liquid. The higher the ash content from the beans is thought to increase the effectiveness of the oil.

Castor Oil works for all hair types and textures. The oil works on the roots and not the hair itself, it moisturizes, thickens, strengthens and rapidly increase hair growth. It increases blood flow to the scalp, by supplying valuable nutrients to hair follicles. Black Castor Oil will also prevent hair breakages, dandruff, eczema and dry, itchy scalp.

Castor Oil

Olive Oil

Olive oil is made from whole olives that produce fat when pressed. The vegetable is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals & soaps.

Extra virgin Olive oil has many benefits for your hair. Olive oil seals in moisture, conditions, and improves the strength and elasticity of your hair; it also helps with dry, itchy scalp and kills head lice. Olive oil can be applied to dampened ends to seal in moisture as an effective way to prevent split ends. Mix olive oil with your favorite conditioner, and use it as a deep conditioning treatment.

Olive Oil

Carrot Oil

It is rich in carotene and other antioxidants. Carrot root oil has amazing results for regeneration and stimulation of the follicle cells and skin.

It contains vitamin A, which is well known and used for many years as a hair growth treatment, for men suffering of hair loss caused by the male pattern baldness.

This oil is in fact a super-critical carrot root extract, emulsified in Jojoba oil. It is one of the few oils which are solid in their pure form.

Carrot Oils

Argon oil

Argan oil is pressed from the nut of the fruit of the argan tree. Some benefits of using this oil in your hair are the following

It helps hydrate the hair in a natural way, the argan oil is also able to penetrate the pores of the hair follicles and shaft and thus is able to enhance the elasticity of the hair, and it contains a lot of natural anti-oxidants as well as vitamin E that will help strengthen the weakened hair strands.

Argon Oil

Sources

CH16. (2013, May 11). 9 Benefits of Argon Oil on hair. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from CH16: http://ch16.org/6-9-benefits-of-argan-oil-on-hair/

Curly, N. (2013, July 19). Jamaican Black Castor Oil for hair growth. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from Naturally Curly: http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/jamaican-black-castor-oil-for-hair-growth

Farm, R. F. (2014, February). Olive oil for hair growth. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from http://www.robbinsfamilyfarm.com/olive-oil-for-hair/

HairGrowthOil. (2012, December 4). Hair Growth oils that promote hair growth. Retrieved February 20, 2014, from http://hairgrowthoil.net/