Everything Hair-Weaves and Haircare: Weaving is simply an embellishment. Similar to put...

Everything Hair-Weaves and Haircare: Weaving is simply an embellishment. Similar to put...: "Weaving is simply an embellishment. Similar to putting on makeup, a particular type of nail polish, clothing, luxury bags. The debate about ..."

I know it’s been a while since you’ve heard from me. When I began blogging, my sole purpose was to provide you with solid, accessible information that will help you maintain those healthy, shiny tresses. But for the last few days (or what seems like weeks) I’ve been hampered by writer’s block. I just couldn’t figure out what to talk about or maybe I just wasn’t motivated. That’s a lot like our hair. Sometimes it just doesn’t want to do what we want it to do!

Well, after a discussion with my colleague about Marcel Irons and Ceramic Irons and the potential damage that can be caused by the latter, I found myself doing extensive research about the topic. And so it seems that the block has been lifted. Ahhh!

We all want that sleek, straight, shiny Ciara-look, right? So how can Black women (or any woman with tight curly hair) achieve this? We use many methods such as relaxers, straightening combs, Keratin Smoothing Therapy and yes, flat irons. Before you fall into a flat iron craze (or if you already have) tread lightly or else your attempts to achieve A-List celebrity hair status may leave your ‘locs listless!

Dermatologist Paradi Mirmirani, MD. FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of California, San Franciso suggests that some ceramic irons can cause damage if used frequently and improperly. “The newer flat irons that have a ceramic coating instead of a metal one are marketed as providing more rapid and uniform heat transmission. While this allows for quicker straightening of the hair with less damage, it is really a classic case of buyer beware,” said Dr. Mirmirani. “We’re seeing that when these ceramic flat irons are used at the highest heat settings and on a daily basis to achieve straight hair, they can really take a toll on the structure of the hair and cause very noticeable problems that can be hard to repair.” (Paradi Mirmirani, 2008).

Based on Dr. Mirmirani’s contention if you use a ceramic iron on a daily basis to maintain your Ciara look, you are asking for what may follow - damage to the outer cuticle, causing weathering damage and eventually hair breakage which can be difficult to repair.

Hair weathering is described as dry ends or fly-away hair. However, if breakage occurs, it can happen anywhere along the length of the hair and cause that shaggy or limp appearance. This in turn may encourage flat-iron users to use the heated device with more frequency in an attempt to try and “fix” the problem, but all this does is lead to more damage.

To avoid this damaging cycle, let’s look at some steps to protect your hair.

§ Use flat iron less frequently, no more than 2-3 times per week.

§ Use on dry hair only.

§ Use a heat protector like Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Smoothing Serum by Mizani to coat your hair before applying any form of heat. Not only does this protect your hair, it also helps maintain newly straightened tresses longer.

§ The heat setting should be no higher than 347 degrees F or 175 degrees C.

If your hair is already damaged, then I suggest you see a hair care professional as soon as possible and refrain from applying heat and/or chemicals to your own mane. The hair specialist should trim the damaged ends to allow for new strands to grow and place you on a conditioning regiment until your hair is strong and healthy.

Once your hair is behaving beautifully and you have achieved the Ciara-look; you can follow her workout routine so you can also duplicate her toned physique. J