Men and Cornrows a Creative Expression + How to Keep Your Braids Fresh Looking

In the wake of the creative hair movement, hundreds of beauty shops and stylists begun promoting and braiding men's hair in cornrows.  

Some cornrow styles can take hours to complete while others take only an hour or so.   

Men’s cornrows go back as far as to 2000 B.C when men adorned their hair in braids.  Yeah, 2000 B.C. is cool.  But I can remember as far back as the 1960's when Black men in my hood were sporting cornrows.  Now you see men from various parts of the world wearing cornrows for various purposes – tradition, culture or growing out their hair before changing to dreadlocks and more.

Men, when wearing your cornrows, you need to moisture your hair often.  Do not let it get dry as this will cause hair breakage.  I know, easier said than done.... well, there is a easy way.  Mix some conditioner with a little water in a spray bottle and spray your hair as you see fit each night. You can also put a light weight hair food on your scalp between the hair parts and sleep in a Do-rag to keep your braids looking their very best. 

Men generally are not seeking hair growth. However, it still does your hair good when you take care of it.  Not only will it keep your cornrows looking nice and fresh, it will prevent breakage. 

If you are in the San Diego area, and would like some cornrows, give Mosci a call at 619.642.9382.

How to Grow Your 4c and 4b Hair + Protective Style For Fragile Hair

So, you have researched and discovered that you have KINKY 4b/4c hair type, which is very fragile. You have also learned that it is very important that you use good hair products to care for your hair.  Moisturizing is the key to keeping hair healthy.  However, it won't matter how much you moisturize or condition your hair, if you are not handling it right.

Okay, I tell my clients over and over how important it is to wear protective styles - Twists, Cornrows, Braids, Coils, Tuck and Roll Styles - because for those with fragile hair types it’s one of the key areas of length retention.

Make a mental note, write it down, or carry a key chain that says "when you wear protective styles this helps prevent breakage of the hair, matting and tangles."  Not to mention that great moisture retention the styles provide.

Once you have learned which products and protective styles compliment and promote hair growth for your hair, stick with that regimen.  Be smart to notice the difference in how much breakage you experience, the amount of split ends that appears, and eventual growth.

Because of the frailty of 4b/4c hair, you might want to finger-comb your hair instead of using a wide tooth comb or a brush each time you detangle your hair. Finger-combing is more gentle on your hair and you can feel when hair is tangled or snagged.  Yes, it takes a lot more effort with your hair when Finger-combing, however, this method should help to reduce hair breakage even more.

One thing is an absolute when it comes to healthy hair care.  It is a routine of consistency.  You must keep up this routine of low manipulation to see some worth while results.  You can't do this for one week, or even two weeks and see massive results.  Healthy hair care takes months of consistency!!

Hair that is textured like ours grows on the average of 1/2 inches per month.  

The Best Looking Faux Locs Can Be the Ones That You Wear + Protective Hairstyle

 
FAUX LOCS are another hot, hot style that Black women are sporting with pride.  Faux locs pronounced "Foe Locs" come in a semi-permanent style in which a person's natural hair is parted into sections like individual braids or twists and then wrapped with yarn, synthetic or human hair. This temporary style can lasts up to three months or longer if maintained correctly.  Faux Locs are considered to be a protective style because it doesn’t require chemicals or any physical altering of the your natural hair.  Permanent FAUX LOCS are just that - Permanent! Because of its capability to remain, this is a hairstyle that one should seriously consider before having done.  This style is generally wrapped with human hair around your natural hair, or actual human hair locs are attached to your roots. That’s right, dreadlocks from another person’s head are attached to yours. At some point, natural hair can be re-twisted and turned into a loc as the hair grows.

One should not be fooled by the term "Protective style" when getting this style done. Because it doesn't mean "Protective", therefore be neglectful of your own hair.  Proper hair care and maintenance is an ABSOLUTE must when it comes to FAUX LOCS!  Your scalp should be oiled daily, washed and conditioned at least every other week.  Proper care of your Faux Locs will present a luxurious glow to your hair after the Faux Locs transformation!

Consider wearing a real satin bonnet at bed time with this style.  The satin bonnet will prove to be very beneficial in preserving your hairstyle. It will also aid in keeping your hair moisturized.

Moms + Tweens and Teens Agree When It Comes to Individual Braids

In today's world of fast and easy, teens as always looking for quick and easy hairstyles to match their busy lives.  If your tween or teen wants individual braids, it's important for them to know that keeping their hair moisturized and conditioned while in the braids is the smartest and healthiest thing that they can do for their natural hair.  Paying attention to their natural hair while in the braids will help to prevent breakage.

Most tweens and teens enjoy the versatility of individual braids.  This hairstyle allows them to create different types of hairstyles.  Usually moms, tweens and teens want to take a break from the daily challenge of combing the hair, hence one of the reasons for individual braids. If your tween or teen has dry, brittle and breaking hair, you might want to consider braids which promotes hair growth.

There are times when moms, tweens or teens get braids because of the hair being damaged from chemical processing and frequent use of heat and styling, which further damages the hair. In addition, braids are a great way to keep your hair looking great during cold, rainy months or even during hot, humid months, when it becomes more of a challenge to keep the hair from frizzing.

A great addition to braids is to add a different color braid in with the primary color this will add a nice touch of highlights to the hairstyle. Another cool thing tweens or teens can do with the braids is to wear them straight hanging down, or to curl them by braiding the braids in a couple of big braids and then dipping them in really hot water... be very careful while doing this.  The hot water can possible burn you.  When she wants to change up, she can re-dip the braids to make them straight again.

Individual Braids Are Manageable + Easy to Maintain + You Can Create a Variety of Styles

 

Are you having a hard time choosing the right style for your hair? Well don't worry.  Individual braids is one of the easiest styles to maintain and manage. Not only that, they're elegant and classy.  They can be worn in styles for when you are dressed sharper than 2:45, going to club or for a casual outing. You will definitely be able to find that perfect look with individual braids.

Be sure to spray your individual braids every other day, or nightly to keep them from looking dry and old.  An idea mixture for your hair would be some moisturizer and conditioner with a couple of drops of coconut oil or extra virgin oil. Or you can purchase a jar of STYLES WITH PERSONALITY'S Hair Food which promotes hair growth and keeps the hair conditioned.  Just be sure not to over treat your braids.  Extra wet or oily braids will collect dirt and cause a build up.

Healthy Hair Care is an adopted practice!! 

Learning How to Cornrow Takes Practice + Time + Patience

 One thing is an absolute when it comes to learning how to cornrow hair.  It takes a lot of practice and patience.  If you don't take the time that is needed to learn how to part and separate hair before trying to braid  and style it, you will definitely get discouraged and not try anymore.  Doing cornrows came fairly easy for me coming from a family that wears braids, and that has done braiding of hair for generations. 

My braiding skills have gotten better and better with each hairstyle that I create.  Just because you didn't come from a family of braiders, that doesn't mean that you won't eventually get the hang of creating beautiful cornrow styles on your daughter's hair.  Just be sure to practice and watch as many braiding tutorials as you can.  And I promise, at some point you will become a pro!

The purpose of this post is to encourage moms that enjoy cornrows, or individual braids for their daughters hair to stay encouraged.  In addition to you learning how to braid, let your daughter learn at the same time by you purchasing two doll heads that the both of you can practice on.

Good luck with the braiding journey! Please be sure to share your progress with us on our Facebook page at STYLES WITH PERSONALITY! 

If at some point you find that cornrowing or individual braiding is not for you, I invite you to give me a call for a FREE quote for your daughter's hair. 

Individual Braids + Twists Is Not The Only HOT Hairstyle For Black Women

Well, well, well.... individual braids and twists are so much in style women from the hood to "Holly-weird" are rocking them.  Another happening style that is making a strong appearance is Crochet braids.  Although they have been on the scene for a long time they have truly gotten their props within this last year.  

The most attractive looking style of the Crochet braids is the look of the Bantu knots and flat twist when they're taking down and styled. The curl it gives is beautiful, tight and creates volume.

Let's get this straight, Crochet braids are not a new trend; women with money, and knowledgeable hairstylists have been rocking this style for years! The style looks so real because your hair is cornrowed and hair is crochet onto your hair with a special tool giving a very natural look. This style is easy, low-maintenance and very versatile. 

The great thing about this style it doesn't have to be sewn in and you don't have to sit at the beauty salon all day to get done.

Okay, so the first thing you need to do is choose from a variety of braiding hair. Marley is one of most common and popular one's. Then, your natural hair has to be completely cornrowed.  The pattern of the braid is completely up to you. Or your stylist.  The crochet hair will then be attached to your hair with a latch hook, which is very easy and basic.

It is just that simple!  Now the fun part begins.... style your hair how ever you would like it to look.

You asked how to maintain it?? No worries.... simply use tea tree oil, and of course, make sure that the hair doesn’t get wet. Just that EASY!!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR GIRLS HAIR MOISTURIZED UNDER BRAID AND TWIST EXTENSIONS

I believe the best way to moisturize individual braids, or twists extensions is to use a water-based spritz followed by sealing with a scentless light oil.  This method allows for a nice amount of moisture without causing hair to mesh, loc, or have severe product buildup.  Heavier products, especially thick butters, can build up near the roots and facilitate meshing or loc-ing, especially in thicker individuals.  

Wearing your natural hair in braids in a nice change up, and it allows your hair some "time-off" from all the products, combing and brushing which can sometimes cause breakage. 

NICE PROFESSIONAL INDIVIDUAL BRAIDS FOR YOUNGER GIRLS | HAIRSTYLES THAT GIRLS LOVE

Young ladies enjoy their hair looking cute too.  Are you finding it difficult to find a braider to style your daughter's hair? No worries, I love braiding little girls, and younger girls hair.  For the little girls, I have coloring books and crayons, reading books and flashcards to keep them still. If that doesn't work, there is always cable so they can watch their favorite cartoon show.  For the little older girls, I have WiFi for them to access the their favorite pass times on the internet.

Healthy Hair Care is an adopted practice. Be sure to book an appointment for your little girl today!