My Battle With The Gray 

I get asked a lot of questions from women and customers in general about the best techniques for covering gray hair, repair thinning edges, protecting hair from heat damage and improving hair moisture. And although I am not a hair stylist, I have learned a lot over the years about maintaining a healthy head of hair. I've worked with a few stylist and have gotten some really good advice for many of the questions I'm about to answer.

For instance, lets jump into the gray hair battle. I call it a battle because I've had a lot of experience with trying to cover my own gray hair. I think I was 23 years old when I noticed my first gray strand. And it honestly freaked me out. So I started going to the salon for color treatments. But as I got older, my hair became harder and harder to color. Permanent hair color would only last maybe a week before small strands of gray started peeking through again. Learning that gray hair can be tricky to color; I eventually found a stylist who used a permanent dye with a low volume developer to cover grays. Semi permanent color is another option to treat gray hair. And It works well for clients who don't have stubborn grays like mine. A demi permanent color is ammonia free. It opens up the cuticle slightly and will last up to 24 shampoos. I suggest that you schedule a consultation with your stylist and discuss options that are best for your hair.

Hair Edges 

Thinning hair edges is a situation that affects women in all age groups. The causes can be hereditary or from wearing hairstyles that create a lot of tension around the parameter of the head. If your experiencing this, I would suggest giving your hair a break. Try wearing hair styles that don't pull and tug on your sensitive edges. Wigs and lace frontals are a good option for "resting your edges". And if done correctly, these options can cover your thinning edges while your hair re-grows.

When preparing your hair for bed, use scarfs or headbands with a satin or silk lining to protect your fragile edges. I invested in satin pillow cases that are very cool and comfortable to use at night. Cotton pillow cases can cause friction and tug at hairlines that are already experiencing damage. 

Heat Damage

The best way to protect your hair and avoid heat damage is to not apply heat to your hair on a daily basis. Try pin curling or wrapping your hair at night. Secure it with a silky scarf to hold your hair in place.  Also, apply a good  heat protectant to your hair before applying any styling techniques. Conditioning treatments and leave-in products are also another great way to protect your strands. 

Hair Moisture  

And let's not forget about dryness. Dry hair can be very frustrating. I can't stress enough about the damage that heat and hair coloring can cause to your hair. Conditioning treatments can really alleviate the problem. Here are a few to consider that will promote healthy growth within your tresses.

• Hot oil treatments once a month or twice per month for extremely dry hair.
• Try different products with shea butter or olive oil to nourish your scalp.
• Massage a light, leave in conditioning oil into your hair once per week. It helps to stimulate blood circulation and promotes growth.The oils will also help to stimulate growth and protect and strengthen your hair. 
• Deep condition your hair regularly. At least  By adding moisture to your hair, it improves texture, and penetrates the hair shaft. This helps to  reduce breakage and split ends and improve your hair's health and elasticity – Dry, brittle hair snaps and breaks under tension, and no one wants breakage      

Heal Within

Fill your diet with vitamins and nutrients. Some of the best hair vitamins for women of color and for the growth of other hair types are Biotin  (Vitamin B7), Vitamin C and Niacin (Vitamin B3). Two of the best minerals for healthy hair growth are Iron and Zinc.

Do you have questions about your hair or hair extensions? Send us an email at: support@hookedonbundles.net