For Men Only

      
Guys, I hope you didn’t think I forgot about you! Hair is hair and men go through just as many hair woes as women. In some instances, the men are worse! Whether its ego, insecurity or something else, men spend a lot of money on products and many times it’s the wrong product. So guys, this is for you… pay close attention. 

      

     You have 2 groups of men when it comes to hair products. First we have the men who will purchase the newest product and try every gel, cream or spray out there. These men probably spend more on products than the women, in the course of a year. Secondly, we have the men who really could care less. These men use whatever their wives or girlfriends leave in the shower and if they can’t find any, they’ll even resort to using SOAP! (Please stop!)  But in both instances, I also find that men tend to overuse products. It shouldn’t take more than a dime-nickel size amount of shampoo, unless you have longer hair.  Keep in mind that dirty hair doesn’t lather very well, so if you are using a lot because you are looking for the lather, there is no need. It will lather on the second shampoo and at that time you should use even less.

     
     I also find that men rarely use conditioner. Remember, hair is hair and all hair needs conditioner. Because there generally isn’t much heat styling among the men, a conditioner may not be needed daily, but don’t exclude it completely from your regimen. Even if you don't have hair, a healthy scalp is still important.

       
     I suggest American Crew or Redken for Men. They smell great and there’s something for every hair type. The conditioners are pretty light so you don’t have to worry about product buildup. If you are a guy who uses a lot of heavy creams and gels daily or you tend to have oily hair, I suggest using a cleansing shampoo. Depending on the brand it may say cleansing, purifying or clarifying on the bottle, so don’t fret, it’s the same thing.  If you tend to have dryness or a few flakes, try using a moisturizing shampoo and follow with good moisturizing conditioner. The Citrus Mint shampoo by American Crew, is a crowd favorite. It gives a nice tingle and cooling sensation on your scalp. Other notable brands are Sebastian and Paul Mitchell. All of these items can be found at professional salons or purchased online.

The Sleeping Beauty

How many nights have you gotten minimal sleep because you are trying to preserve your hairstyle?  This may not be relevant in other cultures, but this is a trying issue for women in the black community. You’ve waited all week for your appointment, stayed all day in the salon and avoided rain, humidity and sweat to maintain your look. But nighttime always comes and sleep is needed. So now what do you do- Sleep Pretty?

There is no need for you to sleep upright in order to still look cute in the morning. For years, you have been told, “Just wrap your hair up”. WRONG! Unfortunately, that is not the answer for every style. When preparing to lie down for the night, think about the shape of your hairstyle. Why tie something flat around your head if you are trying to maintain fullness? The wrong headgear can ruin a style more than if you didn’t do anything at all! So here are a few suggestions:

The bonnet is good for curly styles. Sets, afro’s, braids…actually any style. It works just like a shower cap, without being plastic. Comfortable and plenty of ventilation, so don’t worry, you won’t wake up sweating.

This is a good one for short styles. You can keep your style in order up top without having to tie it all down and re-curl every morning. Too much heat styling is never a good thing so getting through the night is imperative. This is also a good idea for medium-longer styles that are fairly straight with just a little volume up top. You can roll the top with about 5 Velcro rollers and wrap up the bottom and finish off with this type of wrap.

These types of full headscarves are great for styles that are smooth, straight or flat, like cornrows for example. If you aren't interested in having volume or body and you prefer a smoother style, then this is what you should be using. Full coverage scarves come in many styles and are easy to find every from beauty supply stores to Walmart and CVS.

Although its African American women who mainly use these items, I would suggest them for anyone. Does your long hair get in your way at night? Do you find your significant other lying on top of it? Then you too should consider these options.  And for those of you, who absolutely can't sleep with this, don't want to or your MATE doesn't want you to, then set your hair free!

  Just be sure to replace your cotton-covered pillow with a satin or silk pillowcase, to maintain moisture and prevent breakage. Good luck & Sweet Dreams!

Hair Recipes - Print & Post

 Great hair care products can be costly. And with our current economic situations, many people have opted to sacrifice their manes, in exchange for basic survival of these hard times.  But don’t fear! Even if we are broke, we don’t have to look like we are.  Your kitchen is full of items that can be used to help maintain the integrity of your hair until your next appointment. Beautiful hair doesn’t have to be expensive as you'll see below:

Growing Pains-The Transition

     At one point or another, we have all gone through the agonizing process of growing out our hair; men included.  Whether it’s for length, volume, change of style or from a bad hair experience; it always seems to take forever.  Isn’t it funny how when you wear your hair short it tends to grow like weeds, causing you to get it cut every 3 weeks! But SOON as you want length, your hair turns its back on you.

   Well I can’t make it grow any faster, but what I can do is give some tips to get you through the process.  Although it may seem backwards, but continue to clip your ends to promote proper growth. Also, be sure to condition. These 2 things are the main hair requirements we must all live by (see previous entry on ends trimming).

From Layers to No Layers

  To grow out layers, please remember that hair needs to grow out from top to bottom. When getting your trims, take a bit more off of the bottom layer, than you would from the top. Eventually, the top will catch up (or grow down) to the bottom and you will be all one length and you can continue to grow long from that point. To those on the outside looking in, it may seem like you hair is at a standstill during this time. But trust me, this is the only way without chopping it all off and starting over completely. If by chance you choose NOT to cut more off of the bottom, then eventually you will end up with the same style that you have now, just a longer version of it. Don't get me wrong, thats not a bad thing, it just depends on what your ultimate goal is. But doing it the first way that I explained will be less traumatic instead of having to cut alot of length off at one time to achieve a blunt style.

Growing Out Your Current Style

    The type of style you are wearing now will determine the process here. For example, a short hairstyle, such as mine, would allow you to continuously taper the back, until the top reaches that area. At that point you will grow it all at once. On the other hand, to take your hair from one shape to a completely new one may require more drastic measures. (Or a whole lot more patience)! Example: A style that is layered shorter around the face would have a ways to go before it could be turned into something like an angled bob. The reason is because the length on the bob is on the front and the length on the layered style is on the back. Hope that makes sense. If not, see me after class :)

     In the meantime, a few other basic ideas would include  braids, roller sets, updo’s, or wigs. Also experiment with various style options like styling a different direction or adding flips or soft crimps (like waves, nothing like 1982).

     But if you are the type who still has no patience, then make an appointment for a few “follicle enhancements” -also known as weave or extensions. There are many types of extension services to fit every budget.

Like I always say…If you can’t grow it, SEW IT!

The Great Dryer Debate

“How long do I have to stay under here?” 
    That is the question most asked in salons (besides prices).

But is the answer always “an hour”?
     
     Proper drying time is essential when trying to achieve a particular style. In many cases, not drying properly can cause frizz and even mildew.  This happens more often with styles where the scalp isn’t easily accessible. (Example: Sew INS & Updos).

     But does EVERY style require sweating for an hour? Um…No! Dryer time is determined by hair length, thickness and type of product in the hair. Some products that are of lighter consistency dry much faster than heavy creams & gels used to set or mold hairstyles in place. Foaming products and setting lotions are the quickest ways to go when dryer time is needed. Just be sure not to over do it

     True enough there are stylist who put you under the dryer as a way of buying more time for themselves. Its cruel, but it’s the truth (don’t tell them I told you:). But let's be real; I haven’t always been a hairstylist. I was once where you are now and I knew at age 18 that my short crop style did NOT require 1 ½ hours of intense heat! When picking your style, consult with your stylist about the required drying times. I’ve had clients that routinely pick styles that require little to no dryer time. In many cases, the stylist wishes you didn't have to sit so long either, since it makes their day flow a bit faster and keeps the room at an even temperature. We'll just add this to the list of "necessary evils".

     You can make your dryer experience go a bit faster with a good magazine, an Ipod or MP3 player or even a good nap! Excessive bathroom trips, reaching for new magazines, trying to talk on the phone or having your head hanging out so that you can hear the latest gossip, will just prolong the process.

Just know it'll all be worth it in the end, when heads start turning :)

Remember....Beauty is pain!

       

                

Nairobi Wrapp-It Shine                                                Foaming Lotion      

                                                              Paul Mitchell 

                                                Foaming Pomade

                                      *not recommended for fine or thin hair*

 

   

Shedding vs Breakage --Get The Facts

     Many times our hair goes through changes for many reasons. Weather, age, environment, stress, diet, medication, hereditary, products and sometimes just because that’s what hair does. The first key to combating these changes is to find out what is causing these issues and determining if your issue is shedding or breakage. If you find that nothing in your life has changed, then just assume it’s the natural shedding process that hair goes through. Whether we like it or not, hair sheds approximately 50-150 strands per day. However, breakage isn’t supposed to happen.

Houston, we have a problem.

     When your hair sheds it will come out at the full length of your hair. In other words, it’s coming out at the root. Anything shorter than your hair length is breakage. Overly dry hair and scalp is the #1 reason your hair will break. MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE – I cant stress it enough because we all need it. You know what its like to feel thirsty, so imagine what your hair is feeling!

     In most cases breakage requires a haircut of some sort. Now exactly how much you will need to cut depends on how severe your damage is (seek a professional for consultation). In this instance you want to do moisture and/or protein treatments weekly or bi-weekly, to get your hair back in order. This can be done in the salon or go to your local beauty supply and pick up some conditioner for home. You should change your pillowcases to silk or satin, it helps in retaining moisture. Also drink plenty of water; add more protein and veggies to your diet and most of all, BE PATIENT!

     I know, I know…easier said than done. But hair grows at its own pace, regardless of what ad you see on TV or in the back of your favorite magazine. (We’ll touch on this in the future). Breakage is never a happy time; we’ve all been there. But one good thing that can come from this is a new hair-do! Possible styles depend on the location of your problem. For example, if you have breakage at the nape of your neck, then a cute bob style may come out of this. An all over super short cut isn’t always required just because you have breakage; this is where a consultation comes in. And if you are a bit hesitant about what that stylist is telling you, feel free to seek another professional. Consultations are generally free anywhere you go. Remember: The true definition of good hair is HEALTHY hair!

**Great products to try**

Please note: Some products may be available for purchase in salon only

 
Nioxin Deep Repair Hair Mask

Essations Moisture Sheen Conditioner
ApHogee Keratin 2-Minute Reconstructor 

      

Trimmed Ends - What A Good Look

      The battle continues between client and stylist when it comes to trimming ends. Consider it a necessary evil, but necessary nonetheless. That “length” that you are holding onto isn’t cute…because the people behind you can see through it - Ha!

      But seriously, your hair needs trimming approximately every 6 weeks, unless you are drying it out and damaging it more with excessive heat and styling, then you may require more (which you do NOT want to happen). African-American women are the worst at this, mainly because our hair does not grow as fast as other races. Therefore the sistas are more likely to not get it done out of fear that it wont grow back. But trust me, it does and it grows back in healthier form. When you get your ends trimmed on a regular schedule you shouldn’t lose more than ¼ of an inch. It’s when you DON’T trim it on time that you lose more than you wanted or expected.

     I understand there are many hairstylists out there who have ruined your trust when it comes to anyone coming close to your locks with anything sharp. But I promise, there are many of us who do understand the difference between a trim and a haircut. Ask your stylist to show you what they are cutting and what you need removed.  Just understand if you have 2 inches of split ends (for whatever reason) you need to cut 2 inches. Cutting 1 inch means you still have 1 inch of split ends and not getting it done completely is just like not getting it done at all, so be realistic.

A trim is off of the very ends of your hair shaft. If you came in with 700 layers you should leave with 700 layers…just layers with even ends. If you came in with layers and leave out all one length, you just got a haircut (and are probably instantly ticked off).  Now if every time you get your hair done the stylist wants to trim your ends, its one of 4 reasons:

1.    You don’t come in often enough so its that time again

2.    You didn’t cut enough off and still have split ends

3.    Damage is occurring somewhere between appointments

4.    You have a scissor happy stylist…. Run! 

If you wear a relaxed style, get your ends trimmed when you get your 6week touch-up so that you can stay on schedule. If you go natural, wear braids, weaves or only go into the salon for color touch ups, trim it during those appointments as well. So in a few of those instances, it may very well be 8 weeks, but I wouldn't suggest going any longer. Good luck and  Mo’ Hair!

Your Support Is Needed

Hello Everybody!

    I want to take a moment to request your support of my blog. I enjoy what I do and helping of others with their hair issues, but there is also a bigger purpose for my starting a blog of this nature. With your support, my information and advice may be used through other avenues.

    So please, don't just read the blog, please support it by becoming a follower. Click on the "Follow" button on the left side and let me know that you are a fan. This is the only way for my blog to be successful. Help me to keep helping you! And as we grow in number, I can upgrade to a direct site that will continue to help you with your hair needs.

     Thank you in advance. And if you have any questions, please ask or just click the "HELP" tab on the top right corner of this site. 


Sincerely,

FARRAH

 

The Introduction

Welcome to The Hair 411 by Farrah

Here you will find advice, cute styles, product info and more! Join in the fun & post your questions, comments, and experiences or just vent your hair frustrations. But please be respectful because it’s all love!

Any questions I can answer or suggestions to the page, please just post it and it shall be addressed to the best of my ability. Be sure to bookmark this page and send it to your friends and family. Thanks for your support and as we say in the business – Mo’Hair!!!