Just Because They are from Africa Doesn't Mean They Can ALL Braid Hair!

We are too familiar with these little shops in our area.  I understand there is a misconception here,  so let me correct one thing,
"African Americans" can braid just as well, sometimes even better than most of these braiders in these African braid shops.  See just like in America,  not everyone in the Motherland braids.  And I am so tired of the fact that a lot woman go to these African Hair Braiding shops, because they feel they are from Africa, so they must obviously do a better job.   That is not neccessarily the truth.  I think a lot of these African shops capitalize on the notion that braids ARE an African tradition.  However, we Americans share the same tradition, so lets not get it twisted.  So I just have to put it out there, because many of my clients that have gone to African Braiding shops, prior to coming to me have all recovered from some form of hair loss.   I did have the opportunity to take out some braids that was done at an African shop, and low and behold I figured out why their hair was coming out.  They braid sooooo damn tight, putting on so much tension, AND knots about the base when they start the braid, that the hair can't slide out from under all the stress thus snapping the hair straight from the scalp.  And those little white tips that you see on the scalp and at the ends of the pulled out hair is the follicles.  So much of this abuse, your hair can possibly be gone FOR EVER and leave you like this 

Whether African or American I feel like this: When you are starting to get your hair done and the pain is unbearable when you first START, GET UP!!  Just decline the service because they don't know what they are doing are going to will RUIN your hair.

traction alopecia

This video I found on the internet was meant to be funny but because of the content,  the mother in the video has been report for child abuse.  This is no laughing matter and is rather disturbing,  this poor child does NOT have nappy hair, it is just mismanaged thats all.

This little girl's name is Autumn and she is hollering for her daddy.  This just breaks my heart. 

All this little girl needed was some TLC.  If you're child has hair like this and you are in distress about what to do with it.  Don't fret, try these products, I find they to work very well and are easy on the pocket book:  Suave moisturizing shampoo and conditioner(the blue bottles).  Comb out the hair with a wide tooth comb, preferrably a old school cake cutter like so

 to detangle and eveningly distribute conditioner throughout the hair.  rinse out with warm to cool water ( not too warm you want to lock in conditioner)  after rinsing out the conditioner, now is the best time to add moisture retaining products, comb and brush then style.  My choice of  products are BB or  Motions pink oil moisturizer and coconut oil.  Shea butter is great as well.  Most important thing is to get the oils to the ends of the hair, because that is where the hair tends to dry out first.  Brushing the hair helps to distribute the oils evenly all the way to the ends and you should see a nice coil definition of the hair pattern no matter what the texture is.  What I like to do is twist the ends of the ponytails, when it dries is looks so healthy and cute! This tip should help to promote healthy hair and growth.