Hairducation: What is Hair??

In order to have power over something you have to be as knowledgeable about it as possible, 

Welcome to this short series on the Basic Science of Black hair...


Part 1)

What is hair?

Hair is primarily made of a special type of protein called “keratin.” Keratin is the same tough, water insoluble material that  animal hooves, horns, finger and toenails are made from.

The cuticle (scales) on outside of our hair.

Each hair on your head grows from a hair follicle, a tiny, sack-like hole in your skin.   


At the bottom of each follicle is a cluster of special cells that reproduce to make new hair cells. The new cells that are produced are added on at the root of the hair, causing the hair to grow longer. 

The strands of our hair are constructed  with three layers: 

This is the inside of a human hair!

1) The Cuticle:


 An outer covering of  protective overlapping keratin scales  (think of the scales on a fish!)  

2)  The Cortex:


A middle layer of keratinised protein fibers , ( imagine putting a pencil inside  of a drinking straw, the cortex would be the straw!) 

3)  The Medulla


A central 'core' of round cells within the cortex (imagine filling a drinking straw with tiny beads, the medulla would be the beads, if present in your hair)

A medulla is almost always found in coarse hair, and often is absent from naturally blonde hair and very fine hair.

The living tissue that makes your hair grow is hidden inside the hair follicle. 
The shaft, the part of a hair that you see, is made of cells that aren't living anymore. 


This should be remembered when you are colouring your hair or thinking of perming it!


Hair and skin:


The main difference between hair and skin is, If you cut yourself, your skin can and will heal, since it's  a living tissue.  


If you damage your hair, it can't heal.   As the hair itself is dead!  (only the roots and follicle beneath the scalp are alive)  Healing damaged hair is difficult, tis often better to cut the damaged hair away and wait for it to re-grow again!


Quick hair facts:  

• The average full head of hair has between 120-000 and 150,000 strands of hair growing form the scalp!
• Hair grows on average between 1/4 and 1/2  an inch per month- 
• You can grow in 1 year 6 inches of hair!
• Hair growth can be stimulated by increasing the blood circulating on the scalp.
• The Scalp Hydration Serum on www.root2tip.com and the ROOT Energizer, also on www.root2tip.com, are great ways to stimulate healthy hair growth!
• African hair is the weakest hair of all the races
• African hair has a higher density than all the other races
• African hair can grow to a longer length than you imagined if it is nurtured and treated like silk!

Long Afro hair!!

5 year old girl with waist-length Afro hair!

Healthy Hair  TIP!


The most significant component of your hair is the keratin it's made from.  If your hair is breaking or feels weak, top up the protein in your hair by consuming a diet, high in Protein and invest in at least monthly protein treatments, especially if your hair is chemically processed.


Remember, Protein gives your hair muscle!

www.root2tip.com

Premium natural Haircare solutions for Men, Women and Children with textured hair!

The hair growth cycle...HAIRDUCATION, from ROOT2TiP

Hair Growth Cycle...

Have you ever wondered why in the summer time your hair may grow faster, or at some time during the year you experience some kind of GROWTH SPURT?

Read on for some quick scientific facts about how our hair grows!

The Hair growth Cycle!

Hair Growth in 3 Phases!

There are 3 phases to the way our hair grows:




The Anagen phase ( this is where the hair growth takes place!) it can last between 2 and 6 years!

The Catagen Phase ( this is where the hair transitions and you can shed hair)


The Telogen Stage ( this is where the hair rests and no growth takes place)



So how do we grow really long hair?

It has been said that a persons' 'Anagen phase' is genetic, so the length of time you can grow long hair or that period of which the hair is 'Actively' growing' is determined by genes.  Is this true?  I would say that is debatable.

Long afro hair, shrinkage on the left, stretched on the right!

In truth, 88% of the time all of us are in the Anagen-active' phase of hair growth, but are we seeing that hair growth?  Most of us are maybe only seeing 30-40% of hair growth at any one time, this is down to our styling methods, chemicals in our hair products and bad hair practices that stunt our hair growth and lead to breakage.



Maximise your Anagen phase in 3 simple ways!




Read on...

1)     Keep your scalp healthy.  Keep it cleansed, moisturised and stimulated.

how?  conditions like dandruff, flakes and an itchy scalp to not aid the hairgrowth cycle.  By regularly washing your scalp, oiling it with a natural stimulating scalp oil, I love the scalp hydration serum @ www.Root2tip.com, and by massaging your scalp deeply, you will be sure to maximise your Anangen-active phase of hair growth.


2)    Retain your ends! - 

The ends of your hair are the oldest, by holding onto them and keeping them healthy you will see hair GROWTH!

 Keep your hair moisturised daily and pay attention to the TIPS!  breaking tips will lead to no real hair length, that is noticeable.

3)  Maintain a healthy diet high in protein!

Hair is primarily a strand of protein, so to keep the strands you grow, nourished and healthy from the inside, be sure to eat a diet that includes protein sources: Pumpkins seeds, fish, Tofu, chicken, Soya, beans, pulses to name a few!

So how will you Maximise your hairgrowth cycle this YEAR?

www.ROOT2TiP.Com

the beginning of Premium Natural Haircare...

www.root2tip.com

Protective Style your way to LONG hair this YEAR!

Hi Ladies,

I have been very busy over the past 12 months with my fam, business and just life in itself on the hamster wheel, do you ever get the feeling you are just running and running, not even stopping for water!  thats me alot of the time.

Anyhow, I vow that in 2011, I will update my blog alot more regularly, and let you guys know what I am doing with my hair!  and if what I do to my hair, helps you with your hair then I am doing my job!

God is Great so if he is willing, I will do my best!

I want to start with a 2010 round up of what I did to my hair last year.

The hairstory so far!!

I have been transitioning from a tex-lax I did a couple of years back that allowed me to grow my hair down to near enough waist length but , I was not to pleased with the tex-lax texture...it was great at ending the single strand knots, but I just didn't like the texture I had, so I grew it out.

My tex-laxed hair!- I did not like the frizzy texture!

I was not going to big chop, so I just wore protective styles over the next 2 years and chopped the ends each time I had significant growth.  My hair grows quite predictably, so I probably get around 1/2 inch a month of growth, this is maximised by my fantastic hair oils I make and now sell!  www.root2tip.com check them out ladies!

So what is a protective style?

A protective style is a style that allows your hair to grow and rest but at the same time it 'protects your strand' from the daily wear and tear your hair usually goes through.

Protective styles include:

• Braids- with exstensions are best! 

• Weaves, (on braided hair that is not too toghtly cornrowed)

• Wigs ( I tried this for a while but my hair is thick and since I don't have time to cornrow it that often I don't    usually last that long in this form of protective!! 
• Twists- natural hair or with exstensions ( I prefer exstensions my hair is less likely to tangle this way)

Halfway through my braids! My head is big it takes a while!!

How long do you wear the PROTECTIVE STYLE for?

I usually wear my protective style for maybe between 3-5 months at at time!!  Wow - thats long I have heard many a lady say, doesn't your hair mat?  break, get dry? 

The quick answer to such questions is; yes, no and yes.   It will matt to some degree at the root where it's growing out, my last weave gave me 3 inches of hair growth so there was a little matting, but nothing a gentle touch and a ton of olive oil couldn't loosen!

No, I do not get any breakage, I treat my hair the same whether it's in a protective style or out. the same answer in respect of dryness, my hair drinks water, I have to wash my scalp every other day!

(DISCLAIMER!  I would not reccomend anyone else do the same, but it works for me due to the way I mange my hair whilst in the protective!)

Why do you keep it in a protective style for so long??

I am very committed to the kind of hair that I want, and I have always loved having longer hair, (however I now appreciate ' long hair is in the eye of the beholder, what's long hair to you, may not be long hair to me!)

Long hair to me is full waist length hair, is this an impossible dream to attain- No, especially if you are committed to your goals!

I also like the 'Kinder' surprise effect, in relation to the amount of hair growth I can achieve by just leaving my hair to 'GROW OUT' like a weed in the garden that is my scalp.  

I maximise my GROWTH using two oils, I use the SCALP Hydration Serum, 3-4 times a week and I use the ROOT Energizer 1 x a week.  I have been using this combo of oil for nearly 4 years now and my hair has never been healthier! 

My 2010 weave hair growth, 3 inches of hair in 5 months!

Feed your scalp to MAXIMISE hair GROWTH!!

Its so important to Nourish the roots of your scalp to ensure your roots continue to produce healthy hair.  My scalp loves to drink oils, if I don't oil and massage her for a day or so, she starts talking to me...feed me...feed me!!  its no joke!  my scalp loves to be HYDRATED!!  and why shouldn't she, the hair might be dead,  but the roots are most definitely alive!!

A Dry scalp = Slow to no hair growth!

Too many women I meet around the country whilst doing promotional launch days for my products, when I ask them...' what do you nourish your scalp with?  say ' Nothing or a bit of grease', the next question I ask is ' how often do you grease your scalp?  they then say...after a pause or two, 'not very often, so when I link their thinning hair or scalp problem to this very reason, (failure to nourish the hair roots).

I then go through the analogy God has blessed me with...a gardner will always pay attention to the roots of his crops to get them to grow healthy, he will ensure the roots are nourished and hydrated to maintain growth, this is when the penny drops!  So ladies we are all in the same boat.  

Women you do not have to acept a dry, flaky, itchy scalp, thinning hair or breaking hair!

My solution is quite simple!  Oil your scalp, massage it, keep her clean and she will produce the crops of hair you have always wanted!!

My hair after being in a weave for 5 months!  No Breakage! I trimmed a couple of inches.

If you look at any picture of my hair from now till 4 years back, the common thread you will notice since I have been using the SCALP Hydration Serum and the ROOT Energizer, is the THICKNESS of my ROOTS.  I treat my scalp like a field and cultivate my roots, to produce the crops of hair I want and desire!!

Winter Protective style almost completed- damn my Melon sized head!!

Cultivate YOUR own HAIR CROPS this YEAR!!

So ladies, tell me how will you be ensuring your hair is the way in which you desire it to be??  Its no good wanting something without working for it!!  God says 'if you ask it will be done'.  I am in LOVE with GOD!!  he always blesses my heart with its desires and I try to carry out his work! (but I do put the work in trust me!!)

I love helping women to get ' Healthier hair' and I am on a mission to get us all to love OUR real hair again, that is my passion, my product line will give you the hair you desire if you are consistent, show your hair RESPECT! and TLC! 

I will not stop until the ROOT2TiP Hairvolution, is in full swing!!

Healthy hair is there for the taking...how much do you REALLY want it??

My SCALP's Guilty Pleasure...she gets drunk on these two oils lol!!

www.ROOT2TiP.COM


Scalp oils 100% Natural & shipped internationally

My Henna Tutorial:

Strengthen Your Hair Naturally:

Henna is I believe one of natures best PROTEIN Treatments!

• If you have thin hair
• Hair that is breaking
• Hair that feels weak

Henna promises to:

• Strengthen your hair
• Stop Breakage
• Make your hair feel thicker
• Give you natural highlights based on your own hair colour

When the mix is prepared right you will be seriously addicted to the effects this great powder made up of ground up leaves and herbs has on your hair, relaxed or natural.

My Henna Mix

So what is Henna?

Henna is an all natural dye made from the leaves of the lawsonia henna plant. It has been used since ancient times to color skin (the art of mendi), fiber, and hair. The type of soil in which it is grown affects the intensity and shade of the color, but Henna yields just one type of color: red.

Henna's red color comes from a molecular protein. When Henna is used to color hair, the person is actually bonding a protein coating to their hair, which explains why Henna is the most permanent of dyes.



The red tint on my hair left by the henna!



Protein gives your hair 'MUSCLE!

Protein bonds inside your hair!

Our hair is made up of an ingredient called Keratin, which is a form of protein, the same fibre your nails are made up from.

Protein treatments are used to help “repair” damaged hair by filling in the hair shaft and giving it added strength and therefore longevity.

I prefer natural alternatives to chemicals, so Henna is a great protein treatment for my hair, it instantly makes my hair feel stronger and healthier.

Henna in my hair

  

Protein Overload :(

Protein in hair treatments can lead to the hair feeling stiff and hard when overused, but the hair DOES need protein, especially when damaged.

I usually henna my hair every 8-12 weeks, however depending on your hair type it can be used as frequently as once a month.

Many women who use high-protein hair treatments report that some of the products made their hair feel “dry” or “hard”. This can sometimes be associated with breakage because the hair is more rigid. This is often due to the fact that the women often misuse the products in question. They think that they need a product when they don’t or the product isn’t suited for their hair type.

Do not use too much protein, if your hair is healthy a protein treatment every couple of months is ideal, but it really depends on the health of your hair.

Quick HOW-to? Henna Tips:

1) Buy Body quality Art Henna - this is very important!

2) Mix  1 PACKET with, 1 part coconut milk, any cheapie conditioner you like, Boiled water

3) Ensure the mixture is loose enough for you to apply to your hair as a thick paste

4) Let the mix rest overnight if you want a real colour change or for a couple of hours if you have no time.

5) Spread newspaper on the bathroom floor and wear latex gloves, throw on an old t-shirt and section your hair.

Wear Gloves always unless you want to keep explaining why your hands are ORANGE!!

6) Apply the henna to your hair from root to tip, smooth into the hair gently ensuring all strands are covered.

7) Once completely covered  wrap your head with cling-film, and relax for a couple of hours.

8)  Rinse henna from your hair thoroughly,it can be grainy so use a mild shampoo if having trouble, follow up with a light conditioner, and notice the feel of your hair once it is all rinsed out- what do you think?

My Great Henna Shine

9)  Apply a hydrating Deep Conditioner and sit under a steamer or dryer for 30 mins, rinse and marvel at your hair!

Some people add an acidic ingredient to their mix to help the colour release, I don't as I find it naturally releases when left overnight, as I find adding vinegar or lemon juice too drying for my hair!

I always follow up with a moisturising deep conditioner as the henna as great as the benefits are can be drying on the hair at times.


Try it for yourself and see how your hair improves over time, Indian ladies have been using this for years and their hair always looks long and healthy!


Love yourself, Love your hair

x

Little Girls can LOVE their hair!

SESAME STREET, lets little black girls know its cool to LOVE YOUR NATURAL HAIR!!

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I want little black girls to love their hair, but the message I try to give, is really aimed at the parents, get your child to watch this video and see how they react...my daughter loves it, we have played it 6 times in 30 minutes already!!




I absolutely LOVE this video and its sooooooooo relevant to me right now, Sesame street have taken up my mission to get little black girls to love their own hair, and they even show how its curly and pretty, DOES NOT NEED relaxer and can still be styled, does grow healthily and most of all can be LOVED!! in 98 SECONDS!

We really need to look at the message we are sending out to our little girls when it comes to a huge part of their identity- THEIR NATURAL HAIR!

Its too easy to say ' I can't do hair or the hair is too tough or it DOESN'T GROW!! 

Take the time to invest in your daughters hair for their future, we do not need to see generation upon generation of Little black girls lost in a wave of 'WEAVES, WIGS, FAKE HAIR', even before they have hit puberty!!

Most kids hate vegetables or green foods, in a child's mind it looks yucky!  but if they are conditioned over time, they get used to those vegetables!

3 TOP TIPS to Get your little girl to love her hair!!

1)  Lead by example...ladies if you are always hiding your natural hair, or you never feel the urge to run your fingers through your own hair, maybe because its damaged, thinning, balding, then do something about it and explain to your child that you love your real hair, but you are growing it out!  The wig and weave are great styling options and great ways to grow your own hair, but PLEASE do not forsake your own hair, HAIR-LINE, for the sake of the fake hair

2)  Take the time to look after your child's hair!   Kinky, Coily or curly hair, basically hair that is not straight is never easy to deal with.   You know from your own childhood that Afro hair types and textures is no wash and go hair!   So with this in mind take a day out to condition, moisturise and style your child's hair so they feel good about themselves.  Make it a routine and it will become normal.

3) Say no to the chemicals! Relaxer are not a quick fix!!  Countless parents fall for the pretty kiddies relaxer box, designed by unscrupulous marketing machines of MILLION pound companies who take pleasure in producing a caustic chemical that we are happy to apply to a child as young of 2 years old head!!

Relaxers weaken your child's hair, relaxed hair actually requires more maintenance than Afro hair, so if you think you can apply the relaxer one day and continue to neglect the child's hair routine without causing hair-loss or worse, sorry but you are mistaken!

check this out:

Scalp Massage = Hair GROWTH and a healthier and nourished scalp!

Regular Scalp Massages = Healthier hair growth, less dandruff and can stop hair loss!

Have you ever wanted to know what it takes to have healthy long hair that flows freely from your own scalp?

Have you ever wanted to stop the constant itching that sees you hitting your head like a ball or scratching your scalp constantly?

Do you suffer from constant white flakes that are not only an embarrassment but knock your confidence?

If the answer is YES, then read on to see how you can help to alleviate your scalp issues and in the process grow healthier, longer hair.

Why Massage your scalp?  

When initiated properly regular scalp massages will have the following effects:

• ·         Increase blood circulation to the hair follicles
• ·         Increase relaxation, decrease stress
• ·         Condition the scalp
• ·         Boost the strength of the hair roots.
• ·         Less premature hair loss

The kneading pressure applied by massage, warms the skin and opens up blood vessels to increase flow and boost circulation.  Increased circulation means that the cells of the hair follicle will receive more of the nutrients necessary to optimal hair growth function.

The rubbing motion promotes relaxation and feels good, thus increasing the production of "feel good" chemicals that work to lower levels of stress hormone in the body.  Lower stress levels allow your organs to function more efficiently, thus boosting your hair follicle's ability to grow hair.

As well as the above benefits you can further enhance the health of your hair and scalp by using a quality stimulating hair oil to massage your scalp with, especially when you suffer with scalp flakes, dandruff and a tight feeling scalp.

Please don't let it get too late...look after YOUR HAIR NOW...Money can buy you the best hair, but it cannot buy new hair roots!

Use Quality oils:

The SCALP HYDRATiON Serum, is an ALL NATURAL solution, it’s a great Scalp oil, formulated with naturally stimulating essential oils of ROSEMARY, Minerals and a combination of scalp loving fruit and vegetable oils including Virgin Coconut oil, your scalp will feel nourished after the very first use.

The Perfect Nourishment for your Hair Roots!

Key Ingredients:


Coconut oil helps slow down the hair shedding process and rosemary stimulates hair follicles to produce new hair growth while inhibiting the natural shedding process.


Since good circulation is a key component in the natural hair growth process, scalp massage is a very enjoyable way to fight the problem of premature hair loss.

Results from users of this ALL-Natural Scalp Oil:

How to Correctly Perform a Scalp Massage:

While any stimulation to the skin of the scalp can increase circulation, a properly done scalp massage can deliver all of the benefits needed for increased hair and scalp health. Begin by choosing a quality ALL NATURAL Scalp oil that is appropriate for your particular hair problem.

Warm the oil by placing a small amount in a dish and placing that dish over a bowl of hot water. Dip your fingers into the oil and apply it to your scalp by using your fingers to part different section of your hair. Once your scalp is covered in oil you can begin the massage.

For the most benefits begin massaging your scalp at the hairline above your forehead and work your way back to the base of your skull. Use medium pressure while moving your fingers in a tight circular motion in order to promote relaxation and thoroughly condition the scalp and hair. 

Once you have reached your neck, begin the process again for the sides of your head by massaging from above the temple to the back of your head.

Once you have massaged your entire scalp with circular motions you can begin the process again, only this time use a little more pressure and more vigorous movements. This step in the massage will increase circulation for better blood flow and help remove dry or dead skin cells that can inhibit hair growth. 

Love yourself, Love your hair

xx

Stimulate Your Scalp To GROW Hair!

Scalp Stimulation = Better Hair Growth


How many times a day do you think about the skin that is home to one of the most significant features of your individual identity- Your Hair,  and that home being your scalp- once. twice never?

Well your not alone, as the scalp is often the most neglected area of skin on our bodies, some people's scalp only get cleansed once maybe twice a month, some  people think that dirt on their scalp that is accumulating under a weave or a wig is actually productive for hair growth?

Unfortunately neither way of thinking or acting is great for growing hair!

If you never washed or moisturised the skin on your face for weeks or months at a time, how much dirt do you think that skin would accumulate...eeeeeeeeeeeewwww! its not even worth thinking about, so why try the skin that is home to your hair any different? 

After all its still skin isnt it?


TLC Tips for your scalp to help your hair grow:

Cleanse your scalp regularly:

Aim to keep your scalp clean and dirt free as much as possible.  Any build-up of sweat, grease or dirt will slow down and even stop active hair growth.  The roots of the hair need to breathe so help them by cleansing your scalp regularly.


No Poo! cleansing:

Your shampoo can sometimes be the greatest irritant to a sensitive scalp, many shop brought shampoos contain Sulphates in them, these harmful ingredients are the cleansing and foamiong agents in your shampoo, howver they are too harsh for hair of afro descent and too harsh for the scalp also.

Use a shampoo that is Sulphate free, try an organic shampoo or try a conditioner to wash the hair and scalp with.

Conditioner aka - co-washing

I often use a conditioner to wash my hair with- why?  Because its far less drying than your average shampoo, and being aperson with afro hair my hair is always dry, so the conditioner helps me to combat the dryness associated with washing your hair, by adding moisture to my hair and cleansing my scalp at the same time.

Nourish your dry thirsty scalp like the plants in your garden!

If your a keen gardener you will understand that your beloved plants will only flourish and thrive when their soil is moist, the roots are tenderly nourished and stimulated with a fertiliser from time to time and they are not thirsty. 

In short, your soil is your scalp and your plant is your hair! 

Of course hair will always grow on your head until the day you die, however the type of hair you will grow is dependant on the nourishment your scalp receives. 


Quench my thirst:

When it comes to my scalp, I only reach out for all things natural, Grease is the devils child in my book, cheap, thick and sticky, it does not penetrate through the skin in the scalp to where nourishment is needed, instead it allows dirt to accumulate and slow down hair growth.

You can grow weak thin hair prone to breakage due to its home (being neglected and not nourished) or you can grow stronger thicker hair due to its home being nourished and quenched. 


A Natural Solution:


A great new product to try out today is the Scalp Hydration Serum, see below for details and a chance to buy it  from this site at the special introductory price of £9.99 until the end of August. 

Only £9.99 Now!

Recorded delivery £2.99

Formulated hand in hand with Mother Nature, using 100% PURE and NATURAL ingredients and ‘Active Mineral Particles that melt on contact with your hair and scalp to fortify and strengthen after just one use.



Consistent use of this oil will:


Eliminate:


Dry, Weak and breaking hair/Hair lines


Scalp flaking/Dandruff


Constant itching


And give you:


A Healthy, Nourished scalp from the root!


Thicker, longer, stronger hair growth


No more itching or dandruff


Beautiful hair from ROOT2TiP!