Before You Take That Dip!!!!

Well it's every girls favorite time of the year, SUMMERTIME! Many of you may be working overtime to get that perfect Coke bottle for the Teeny Weeney yellow polka dot bikini, trying every diet on the market to loose that junk in the trunk(which isn't really going anywhere), rushing to get that manicure and pedicure, and even waxing places you didn't even know existed! Well what's left? Bathing suit? Check! Towel? Check! Sunscreen? Check! Lip Gloss? Check! Cute shades? Check! WAIT,WAIT,WAIT!!!! You mean to tell me you put all this energy into going to the pool and you didn't stop to think about protecting your hair? Wrong answer DIVAS!!!! Protecting the hair on your head from UV Rays, Pollen,Chlorine, and Salt Water should be number one on your list! How do you do this? Well.... I'm glad you asked :)

First thing you want to do is do an assessment on your locks. Is your hair relaxed, texturized, colored, natural, braided, or weaved? If you answerd yes to any one of these conditions then you must pay close attention. Prior to sitting out in the sun,taking a dip, or chilling out at the park, you should find a protective product to condition your hair appropriately for the environment. If you will be sitting in the sun,look for a protective spray that has spf 15+, taking a dip, then section your hair in four and run leave in conditioner from the scalp to ends, going to be active in a park find a nice hat or scarf to protect your face and hair from the pollen.

Now that you've enjoyed your day out and about you must go a step further and reassess your hair's condition. If you participated in water activities a warm to cool rinse of the leave-in conditioner is great then shampoo with a clarifying shampoo to detoxify the hair and recondition with cool water, thus locking in the moisture,and sealing the cuticle. WARNING: If you have color treated hair or chemical processed hair look for sulfate free products and stay away from clarifying shampoos which tend to strip the color and cause split ends. If you were chilling in the sun add a moisturizer to the ends and midshaft of the hair and lightly oil the scalp. If you wore a scarf or hat, take it off and comb out your hair and gently massage the scalp.

At the end of the weekend go and support your local stylist! Don't be shy about disclosing your weekly activities. Ask them if they have any summertime specials for deep conditions, hydrating treatments, and any product recommendations for your daily use. This will help you cut down your spending at the local beauty supply on products "they" say are "good, good!"

Yesterday, I spent three hours at the local acquatics center and of course they had major pool treatments going on, so I came prepared. My hair was pretreated with Mizani's conditioning shampoo for textured hair and combed thoroughly into a ponytail. Once I got home, I immediately rinsed my hair out, then proceeded to use Aveda's Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Damage Remedy Shampoo. As I conditioned my hair I used Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback conditioner and gave myself a 30 minute hydrating treatment, which left my curls refreshed and soft. I then sectioned my hair in four and combed it through with Curly pudding and coiled about eight strands in each section. I sat under the hooded dryer for about an hour ( I have really thick hair) and went to sleep with a satin bonnet on. This morning I pulled the coils apart about three times and I have a head full of fresh spiral curls! You can do this too!!!! I'm amazed at what my hair can do. I can definetly tesify that four years ago my hair was lazy and would not do the simpliest things, but with patience, practice and the right products I CAN DO ALL THINGS TO MY HAIR WITH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!!! Had to get that in Saints :) Love to all you Naturalistas and Sistas taking care of your CROWN and GLORY!

PS.Quick Tips for Hair Styles:
Braids-Pull into a ponytail when swimming and rinse thorughly with light shampoos to avoid matting and breakage, grease scalp.
Weaves-Condition the tracks, because it's still real hair and can be damaged, swim with a cap if possible.
Natural Cornrolls- rinse hair with warm water air dry and grease scalp.
Natural Twists-rinse with warm water gently ring out and twirl the ends
Afro-You a wide tooth comb, or pick after conditioning and let air dry
Relaxed Hair- Deep condition before and after swimming and gently towel dry, then comb with wide tooth comb smooth and air dry, style as desired.
Texturized Hair- condition before and after swimming, towl blot and follow up with hair moisturizer, or curl activator use a rat tail comb for small smooth waves on short hair.Use a blowdryer with diffuser on cool air for long hair and scrunch.