You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:
I go to the gym 3 times a week and I play sports. I can't go to work with my hair looking a mess - how can I wear cute styles and still be active?
I Answered:
I wore a press-n-curl for years so when it comes to keeping my hair in place during hot weather and physical activities it seems pretty simple to me. It took me seeing others try to cope with this to realize that it was a skill I learned over the years and it is once worth sharing. When my hair is out (Example: twistout) I will gather my hair into a high ponytail (like pineappling) and wear a sweat band or scarf around the edges. After working out I will not touch my hair at all until it is all the way dry (if I sweat). If my hair is in a style (example: updo or bun) I will tie a do-rag on and leave it until I am ready to leave the house (usually the next morning). When my hair is straight - I follow the "style" routine. The key is to not touch the hair if any moisture is present because that is what causes the frizz - manipulation while wet/damp. Because there is salt present in sweat it will benefit you to wash/rinse your hair more than normal if you are sticking to a strict and frequently workout regimen.

You Asked:
How do you know if your hair is moisturized enough? I don't think I can ever tell. After sitting under the steamer last night my hair didn't feel so good. It felt kind of brittle. Any idea why that is? And what do you put on your hair before you steam?
I Answered:
That is interesting - after sitting under the steamer my hair feels extremely soft and my Hubby's new growth felt the same way after I put him under the steamer. What did you put on your hair prior to sitting under the steamer? I've used a conditioner with a humectant and also a light oil and got good results with both but better results with the conditioner. If you are dealing with solving a dry hair issue you may have to deep condition weekly for at least a month before you have any results that are truly noticeable. Also after deep conditioning and rinsing you may want to look into applying a moisturizer or a leave in conditioner and then sealing that in with an oil or butter.
Also, how is your protein - moisture balance? If you are experiencing brittle feeling hair after conditioning or steaming you may want to check your products to see if they contain protein. I could be a chance that you are protein sensitive. It's really difficult to say that X,Y, and Z are causing the brittle feeling without knowing your exact regimen and the products routinely. I hope the suggestions provided give you a place to start with resolving the issue.

If you have any additional tips for the questions above please leave them in the comment section below.

You Asked...I Answered

This Q&A sessions excited me because both of the questions  below pertain to loc wearers and they both came in on the same day. A sign? Maybe :).  Let me make it clear that I am NOT AN EXPERT on loc care but I do care for my husbands locs so I have learned quite a lot with his journey. I hope the information below is helpful.

You Asked:

Need help,
I am in my early 50 and i am having problem with the top ofy my hair is very thin to be honest I am **** near bald at the top can you help me and please give me some advice I have been wearing locs for the past 4 years. help.


I answered: 
When it comes to hair loss there are quite a few factors that you may want to look at to see if you can determine what is causing the problem. The most obvious and probably the first recommendation would be to visit a dermatologist. However, when I got to the loc portion of your email the first thing I thought was: twisting to tight. How often are you re-twisting your hair and when you retwist are there fingernails involved? Does the twisting hurt? Is heat involved?
Re-twisting to often can cause excess stress on your roots and contribute to breakage, jagged fingernails can tear those tiny hair strands to shreds. If your roots are re-twisted too tightly that could potentially  lead to traction alopecia and if you are sitting under a dryer after re-twisting then it possible that you could be experiencing some heat damage at the roots that is contributing to the breakage. As you can see there are a number of things that can play a part in breakage in the crown area.


You Asked:
Tia i see you do a lot of different things with your hair but I am wondering what are some new styles for men with locs? I use virgin coconut oil on my hair now but i'm looking for something new. Hair doesn't seem as healthy as it should. HELP A BROTHER OUT!! 
I am really big on no longer using harmful chemicals in my hair. So this is what I shampoo my hair with Dr. Bronners tea tree oil shampoo or the peppermint. I use this product bc it's made with coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil and it's light.
I mix pure Vitamin E with my coconut oil when i rub it in my hair and on my scalp. That's all I use. My hair is breaking so I started using this combo. I laid off the shea butter. I'm not sure if it's because I tie my hair up to have it out my face or just the hair isn't as healthy anymore....Thanks


I answered
In my opinion, finding the balance between protein and moisture is key in preventing breakage. There are quite a few natural products out there that can help you with reaching that balance. You mention that you are pulling your hair back to keep it out of your face, are you tying the locs together? Tying them together increases the potential that you will pull them too tight. Try wearing something like a loc soc to keep the hair out of your face. That will reduce the amount of strain that you put on each individual loc.
Some natural strengthening products you can use include black tea, coconut milk, henna (my fav), eggs, and many others.
As for styles - I hear the call and I will try my best to discover some new looks. Since my hubby has locs I may make this a regular feature on the blog. I have noticed a number of other ladies that have men with locs and we have to show them love too. :)

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With both of these questions: If you have a signature look that requires you to manipulate the locs in the same way often, STOP. No matter your hair type (loc, straight, kinky, curly, etc) if you can constantly wearing your hair in the same way and tension is involved - breakage is likely to follow.




For more information pertaining to these question please check out the links below:

Vitamins For Your Hair
All Natural Strengthening Product - CurlyNikki Forum
How Dreadlock Wearers Combat Thinning Hair
Essential Oils Can Help Regrow Hair
Dreadlock Blogs

Got tips or advice pertaining to these question? Please comment below.

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:
I was wondering if you would do a post with your placement of twists when you do four sections and six twists in each section?  I was looking at your post from last July (http://tiashauntee.blogspot.com/2010/07/twists-pinned-up.html) and I really like the size of your twists.  My hair isn't as curly as yours, but I do have a similar mix of textures with very fine, almost straight hair at the nape.  I think my hair is about the length of yours at that time to.  So, just hoping seeing your placement might help me mimic the fullness as I'm trying to wear twists for the next couple of months but struggle with "scalpiness" due to my looser curl pattern and "fine" texture.  Okay, thank you!


I Answered:
When I part my hair in each section I make three horizontal parts first and then one vertical part in each of those sections. I like to make the parts with my fingers because when they are "messy" the parts are a little easier to hide. So the sections look like this:

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You Asked:
Hey
I just love ur vids, I had to subscribe on yt.  I was wondering if you could answer something for me- how long is your hair in the 'cornrow/twist updo video'?  I am a little past shoulder length stretched. I would love this for a protective style, I watched ur straightened vid which you posted about 1-2 wks prior to this one, it looked like ur hair was apl/bsl?  I couldn't really tell cause it was kind of cut off by the camera at the bottom.

If you could let me know what is the longest/shortest lengths of your hair (I know sometimes the front will be for example apl and the back much longer), or at least break it down by the areas of your head that would be great.  Thanks and keep coming with the great videos!!!


I Answered:
The shortest my hair has been with my updo styles is APL. The shortest part of my hair would be the crown area and the rest of my hair is about APL now. When doing those styles your hair will be up and you can actually do a little more than your think with the placement. If you are a little past shoulder length you should be able to achieve the style. Of course, you can always modify the style so that if fits you better. I hope it works out for you. I plan to start back doing updos soon and more tutorials will follow.

Got a question? Please feel free to ask. 

If I don't know the answer I will try my best to point you in the right direction

Just Email Me

You Asked, I Answered

You Asked:

I love your blog and also your videos on youtube..I really have learned alot from your blog site. I have been transitioning from relaxed to natural goin on 5mons in November without tha big chop.All is well,Ive been using protective styles such as Sew-Ins.I have seen alot of growth thusfar.I have a question...I use organic root stimulator products for the most of my products but i have been wanting to try and use another brand to define my natural curl pattern,because my curl pattern is currently more of a wave than a curl.What is a good product or a good technique to start this curl pattern,so that i have other options besides sew-Ins?Also I just subscribed to your youtube page!!!Check me out..I will be startin my videos pretty soon! MsYellaBoneStar on youtube

Thank you

I Answered:

Your curl pattern is just that - your curl pattern.  That is how your DNA has designed it to grow.  You can temporarily alter it to make it appear to be different but you will not be able to permanently change it.  By that I mean you won’t be able to change the way it grows out of your scalp.  Also, you mentioned that you have not done the Big Chop (BC) – so don’t be surprised if you discover a new characteristic of your curl pattern after you BC.  If you read on a few hair boards you may see this happening among many that have recently done the big chop.  As far as products are concerned, recommendations are something that I do not like to make because what may work for my hair may not work for yours and vice versa. If ORS works for you, stick with it.  It’s the technique that gives results not the product.  If you want more curls try setting your hair in twists, flat-twists or Bantu knots.  Make sure your hair is completely dry before releasing and see if you are able to achieve the curly results you want with those techniques.
P.S. I'm waiting on videos!!!! :)

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You Asked:

Hey, your hair looks great.  I have a question though; why did you trim so much of your hair? Were your split ends really bad?  I know you wear protective styles a lot and I'm wondering what can be done to prevent split ends. I plan on bunning the entire winter too and don't want to have to cut all my new length off.  How do you plan on taking care of your ends (I need the advice).  Thanks, Love your blog!

I Answered:

My split ends were not that bad but I honestly did not have the time and patience to sit there and search & destroy my entire head.  I am not obsessed with length but I am obsessed with symmetry.  My hair being different lengths all over was driving me insane.  I wasn’t afraid to cut it off because I now know how to treat my hair so that I can retain length.  It will grow back and I will be able to retain the length with discipline.  After bunning all winter in 2009, my hair and ends looked great.  My split ends and SSKs occurred after wearing my hair out consistently, going on vacation and not taking time to properly care for my hair, and just getting busy and putting my hair care on the backburner.  Bunning was actually the best thing that I ever did for my hair which is why I am going back to it.  Good luck!

Have something to add? Please comment!

You Asked, I Answered

You Asked:
hello miss
Excuse my english
I m french. So I don't speak very welle english
But i need your help for my hair.
I made my big chop 2 week ago and how do you help me for wearing my TWA.
I Answered:

After the big chop it may be useful to learn your hair before focusing on styling. From my experience I did not damage to my hair executing styles before learning how to properly care for my hair. Personally, I love TWAs and think they look so cute on people. Now is the time to experiment with makeup, jewelry, and other accessories. While you waiting for your hair to grow check out the links in Style Search post for some ideas of different ways to fiercely wear your TWA.

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You Asked:
I was reading a blog post and realized that I have multi-textured hair! I had no clue! If I blow dry or curl (basically add heat of some kind), my hair is manageable. However, I hate to do that everyday. Most of my hair is super-fine, soft, and wavy. About 15% of it is tightly curled and coarse. It makes my hair look really frizzy if I don't fix it. Also, the base of my hair can get greasy... Anyway, do you have any advice for care/styling this mixed up head of mine? Thanks so much!!!

I Answered: 
Multi-textured hair can be a headache until you learn how to deal with it. The first thing I did was identify the different textures. Then when I would use a product I would take note of how each section responded. Also, I looked for "hair twins" for each texture and experimented with some (very few) of the products that worked for them. The best thing I did was to also take note of the products that gave similar results to the majority across various hair types. Those products became my staples. It takes trial and error but once you figure it out, it will be worth the effort.

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You Asked:
hey what do u recommend 4 hair growth n thickn?

I Answered:

The key thing to keep in mind when your goal is growth and thickening is that there is not a miracle product out there that will give you results overnight. If there was - we would all have it and it would never stay stocked on the shelves. However, there are some products and treatments that quite a number of health hair journey (HHJ) individuals swear by. Castor oil, henna, and ayurvedic treatments are a few that are favored. Google those treatments and read up on them to see if any interest you. Also, keep in mind that healthy hair begins on the inside - eat right, exercise, and make sure you are getting the proper nutrients. Change will not occur overnight so make sure you prepare yourself to have patience.

Have something to add? Please comment!

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

Can you give me some tips on getting my fuzzy edges to lay down.... They are so soft but yet they will not lay down, it tends to make a new style look so old....LOL

I Answered:

Check out my Bun Tutorial starting at minute 1:15. This is how I lay my edges down every time and please note, I don't use a hair gel to do this. Any kind of hair butter, damp hair, and a scarf do the trick every time. I have used gel in the past and it worked just as well - so gel is always an option.

You Asked:

Where did you get the base to make your bun?

I Answered:

I created the base from my bun using two socks. One white sock and one black dress sock. I actually got the idea from: http://tinyurl.com/sockbun

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

"Hi Tiashauntee,

I absolutely love how creative you are with your hairstyles.
I recently BC'd, and I only have about 2 inches of hair, but I am looking to the future and my potential styling options.
It looks like a lot of naturals out there know how to braid and flat twist and all of that, like it comes naturally. I, on the other hand, have been relaxed since I was about 10, and I've been doing my own hair since then. I am pretty proficient in roller sets (on relaxed hair), two-strand twists (on relaxed hair), and of course, I was advanced in flat ironing, LOL. On my natural hair, however, I've done wash and go's (which I've mastered) and finger coils.
I am just curious as to how much skill you need to do these styles. The flat twisting looks incredible, and I wonder if I would be able to do this style. Also, I have NO idea how to cornrow, and I would love to learn this.
What do you think?"

I Answered:
For years I had absolutely no hair skill. In college (2000-2004) I had my roommate or either paid someone to cornrow my hair. The entire concept made no sense to me. I didn't learn to flat twist until about 2006 (?) and it took a lot of practice. I wish I would have know about YouTube and blogs years ago. It would have saved me a lot of headache. So in my opinion you can start at a skill level of zero and still have a chance to master all those braid and twist styles you see. Check out and study some YouTube vids to start and if those don't help see if someone around you will help you learn the steps.

You Asked:

"Hi Tia, hope all is well with you..I have a hair question for you in regards to my daughter's hair, looking for all the help I can get. My daugther's hair is EXTREMELY dry and course. Her hair is very coil..I believe a type 4. Can you recommend products to help me with this problem. I am looking for a product that will not only quench her dry hair but also add shine, not to mention soften it all around, especially her hairline and her "Kitchen". Also is there a product that can smooth her hairline? I really appreciate your help in this matter. Thanks"

I Answered: I don't like to recommend specific products because everyone's hair responds differently. I would however recommend a deep conditioning weekly with a creamy moisturizing conditioner and finishing with a water-based a leave-in conditioner. When I was young my mother would wash my hair and load it down with grease while wet and that helped seal in the moisture and gave me soft big soft ponytails. I am not saying use grease but rather the technique. So what I would do is:

•prepoo her hair (that can be done in a style) early on the day that you plan to wash it (or night before) with some type of oil (EVOO is a good one)

•shampoo (optional, you could cowash) with a mild product

•deep condition (which does not have to be 30 min+, I DC for 10-15mins)

•rinse

•apply leave in

•then apply an hair butter and style while still damp

If you can't style while damp then I would mist the hair with water when I am ready to style and then apply a hair butter to style. I hope this helps

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked: I tried your updo (cornrow w twists). I love it...no fuss hair. Thank you so much. You are definitely my hair inspiration. I posted the pics in my fotki/pinkrage. Twistout of the sides will come later this week.

I Answered: Thanks!! It's makes my day when styles work out for others. I will definitely check it out.

You asked: Hey Tia Shauntee, Do you feature your followers?

I Answered: Honestly, I thought about it and decided against doing features because so many blogs already feature a ton of naturals. I have come across a few blogs with the same individuals featured and it made me bored so I did not want to add to the repetition. However, if you do want to be featured on a blog - I have some connections. Just email me a brief summary of where you are on your journey and I will see where you can fit in.

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked: Hey, Tia. Love the blog. I'm new to blogger and just wanted to know the best way to gain followers/readers for a blog.

I Answered: Well, I just started myself so I don't know if I would have the greatest tips. However, I can tell you what attract me to other blogs. You have to be creative, unique, and relevant. Don't steal the style of others - I've seen that and I stopped following, no need to read the exact same thing twice. If your information is interesting the followers will come. Also, stay active on forums, YouTube, FB, etc - something that will let people know that you exist but don't over plug your blog because that will turn people off.

You Asked: How do you get your hair like that?

I Answered: I get this question A LOT especially in random public places. Usually when I get this question I have just shampooed, conditioned, moisturized, and sealed my hair. So that is how I achieve my sheen, fullness, and retain my length. That is the basics. There are other things that I do but those steps that I just listed remain constant each week.

You Asked...I Answered

You asked:

Hey I love love your cornrow-up with twist.. Questions: Can you do a video tutorial on how to braid upside down....I have tried doing it but i am catching my butt. I know practice make perfect. But i would love to see a tutorial on how to do it.

I Answered:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29EzIqIvWJA The upside down cornrows start at 2:17.

You Asked:

Hi Tia, have you found that your spring/summer regimen has helped with the number of SSKs you get. Are you still using Kimmytube's leave in condish? How does your hair like it?

I Answered:

Honestly, no. My fall/winter regimen actually resulted in a decrease amount of SSKs. I am currently in bad need of a trim to get rid of those pesky little things. Reducing the occurrence of SSKs is something that I am working on and is still a work in progress. I have read a few blogs where individuals experienced less SSKs when moisturizing their hair daily. That so far is not working for me.

I am still using Kimmaytube's leave in condish and I am truly impressed. I rarely buy leave in conditioners because they did not seem to make a difference with my hair. The store bought leave in that I like the most is Shea Moisture's Shea Butter Leave in.

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

Hey Girl!
I found you on Curly Nikki after watching your tutorial.
I am so inspired by your lovely hair.
I've been natural for 2 Months and 19 days and I'm loving my journey.
How long have you been natural?

I Answered:

I have always been natural but it was only a few years ago that I started on my healthy hair journey and stopped wearing a press-n-curl.

You Asked:

hello u have absolutely stunning hair but what has me really intrigued is your skin i could not take my eyes off it ( no homo lol ) . Woulod you be willing to share your skincare and diet regimen with me thanks for your time.

I Answered:

I don't know if what I do would be considered a regimen but here goes...I only use two soaps African Black Soap (liquid) and Aveeno Oatmeal Soap. I wash with one of those every night and every morning. For a moisturizer I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. That's it, very simple. Wash and moisturize. I used to have some scars and a few pimples when I was trying a more complicated regimen. Simple has best for me.

As for my diet. I love salads and snacking on healthy foods that taste great. I don't eat a lot of fried foods - I may fry something 1-2 times a month. I do eat out more than I like but that is something that I am trying to cut back on.

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

First of all...you are absolutely gorgeous! :-) Thanks for your blog. You are an inspiration for so many naturally curlies! Wanted to see if you had planned on showing us how you did your braid style you wore for Curly Nikki's babyshower and how you achieved your curlies in the side ponytail that is posted with the Curls product review? Keep up the good work of informing! Have a great week! :-)

I Answered:

I am going to address both parts of your question in some tutorials that I will be doing this weekend. Look for them next week :)

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You Asked:

Hi Tia I would like to know when you do your braids do you blow dry your hair or let your hair air dry i was just curious cause your roots are always smooth...I love the way you style your hair every sunday.......

I Answered:

I do not blow dry my hair prior to braiding. The main reason is because I am lazy (and not ashamed of it, LOL). I prefer to braid my hair while it is still damp but sometimes I will allow my hair to air dry in about 2-4 plaits before braiding and this helps keep my hair from tangling while styling. I contribute the smoothness of my roots to my hair texture. If my entire head was like my roots I would be such a "hair jerk" LOL

Thank you for your wonderful compliment.

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You asked:

Will I do a tutorial for my updo

The answer is yes! See you all next week and I hope to see pics of you all attempting the style!!!

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:

Dear Tia, let me just say THANK YOU for ur blog. What has been your experience with blow drying, did you do it in the beginning of your journey? If so, how often? I know you can roller set now, but considering I only have 4 inches of hair, I'm wondering how often I should/can blow dry without causing too much damage. I lightly did it for the 1st time recently 1 yr post relaxer on low with fantasia IC heat protectant and I love the results and want to continue. Thx in advance!

I Answered:

I did blow dry for years and my hair suffered because I didn't know any better and I was blow drying my hair on HIGH and I would only purchase blow dryers that had the highest watts. I recall a few times having the blow dryer so hot that the circuit would trip - that was bad. Since (2008) I started taking better care of my hair I have blow dried my hair maybe 3 three times. (I do sit under a hooded dryer when I roller-set but that is less direct than the hand held.) When I use the hand held I keep the dryer set at medium-heat and under and I also use the "cool shot." I believe that blow drying in moderation is okay if done properly. First, help your hair straighten out by banding or stretching your hair and letting it air dry completely. From there you can blow dry on low heat (with a heat protectant) to get the look you desire. You want to be careful with heat because heat damage can creep up on you and result in a huge setback.

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You Asked:

Hi Tia I love your hair I would like to know how do you get your buns so smooth I am trying to incorporate more protective styles in my routine I have been natural for almost 2 years so I want to try something different My main style is the twist or twist out THANK YOU IN ADVANCE...:-)

I Answered:

My buns are the smoothest when I do them on damp hair. That is really the only trick. I use a sock, damp hair, and my hand to smooth them down. I will have to do a tutorial to show the technique.

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You Asked:

What ingredients make a dc a dc?

I Answered:

Great question! A while ago I looked this up because I was curious myself. I came across a post on The Natural Haven that provided me with a lot of helpful info and is also the reason that I now deep condition(dc) in a less amount of time. I used to DC for 1 hour now it's more like 10-20mins.

The consistency of conditioners is one of the key qualities that make a conditioner a deep conditioner. Deep conditioners tend to be thicker than daily conditioners. Typically deep conditioners contain ingredients are more "fatty" and contain heavy silicone materials that are purposed to coat and protect the hair shaft external stress.

You Asked...I Answered

This is fun! Keep 'em coming :)

<-------- Just click over there on "contact me"

You Asked:
My name is (deleted for privacy) and I love Gospel like you. I live in Brazil and my goal is know people and share interesting information. Can you send me some gospel musics?

I Answered:

I get acquainted with most of my music through YouTube and following the Rapzilla blog. It's sad that one has to hunt for uplifting music (both Gospel and secular) but the negative music is so easily found and thrown in your face. I hope you find a lot that you like.

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You Asked:

(prompted by Simple Braid-out) Love it,your hair looks great. When I do mine, the ends always look crazy because they unravel...how long does that style actually stay in before you have to rebraid or wash it?

I Answered:

Since I am now only wearing my hair out on the weekends my braid-outs and twist-outs stay for only a day or two because I wash them out to put my hair back up for the week. I have worn those styles for up to a week before, so that is possible. For ends that unravel, perm rods can be used on the ends to help them curl and stay together.

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You Asked:
Hi Tia! I was interested in knowing if you use any products other than Suave or what is handmade?

Also have you ever tried Aveda or Kerastase hair products?

What your motivation, or inspiration for your hairstyles, or mixing process?Or what could you tell me that would help assist me in getting more focused/in tune on how to care for my curly hair?

BY the way Kelis is my hair idol too.lol

I Answered:

I do use other products outside of the Suave family it's just that they Suave line never seems to let me down so when I am not sure about what to use I always go back to my "ol faithful" Suave. I even use their body washes. I use Herbal Essences (Hello Hydration and Long-Term Relationship), I use some Africa's Best product (mostly oils), Shea Moisture for my leave-in conditioner, and Care Free Curl for my moisturizer.

I have not tried Aveda or Kerastase hair products. I have heard of them but I REFUSE to become a product junkie. So I may try them one day if I am completely out of something and I see them while I am out shopping. I never say never :) when it comes to trying something hair related.

Most of the motivation for my styles comes from seeing something online or in a magazine that I like and putting my own twist on it when I try the style. Since all of our textures, hair lines, and lengths are different I feel that even if we try to do identical styles that they will always come out looking unique to each individual.

Getting in tune with your hair will come with time. You will notice over time the signs that your hair gives you when it is in need of something (moisture, deep conditioning, treatments, etc). Then you will notice the time frame between those needs and before you know it you will be able to meet or beat them before the time arrives to do what is needed. When I was learning my hair and I would buy a new product, I would use that product for at least a month to determine if it was right for me. Many of use want overnight results and when we don't get them we get disappointed and we put that 95% full product in the back of the closet - money wasted. Simply put, it will take time and trial & error.

You Asked...I Answered

This is something new I am trying because I am starting to get dizzy from all all the questions I am asked and answer. I don't mind the questions and I love helping but it seems that it would be more helpful if the answered were shared because I tend to get the same questions frequently. I figured we can all learn from each other and learn together.

I don't claim to know it all so if there is a question asked to you know something about please feel free to chime in by posting in the comments section below the post.

(but not too silly, LOL)