While surfing through Essence in search of some hairstyle ideas, I found this awesome article by Mia Stokes. She goes in depth about different hair types and how to take care of each. Happy reading!

Hair Type: NATURAL

Your Goal: Protect the Hairline

Braiding your hair too tightly and twirling locks and two-strand twists can compromise the hairline, leaving bald patches behind. “Think of your hair as a delicate piece of thread, not as a rope that can be knotted and twisted,” advises Dallas-based trichologist Rodney Barnett. He suggests products with essential oils such as rosemary or peppermint to stimulate hair follicles and promote growth around the hairline. A favorite: Decca Plus Scalp Therapy ($12, 214-904-0330).

Your Goal: Prevent Dry Scalp

Concerned about a dry or an itchy scalp? Increase lubrication, especially if you use dandruff shampoos, says Barnett, because “they’re detergent-based and remove natural oils.” Try a supplement such as flaxseed oil. And drink more water, an essential for a healthy scalp. To find the right amount for daily intake, divide your weight by two and drink that number in ounces.

Hair Type: RELAXED

Your Goal: Stop Breakage

Avoid overuse of flat irons and megawatt blow-dryers, especially when the weather heats up. And steer clear of permanent hair color, which can be harmful to relaxed hair. “Demipermanent hair color, which has a low volume of peroxide and often no ammonia, is ideal for clients who have chemical straighteners,” says Diane Da Costa, author of Textured Tresses (Simon & Schuster). Consider highlights instead to further reduce chances of breakage.

Your Goal: Nourish From Within

“It’s normal to lose about 50 to 80 strands each day. But when your bathroom floor is covered with hair, it’s time to take note,” Barnett says. His advice: Strengthen from the inside out with essential vitamins and minerals. Nutritionist Anita Ellis offers this guide to choosing an effective supplement: Look for ingredients that are essential for healthy hair, such as zinc (growth), copper (strength), biotin (cell stimulation), and cartenoids or vitamin A (for luster and to discourage brittleness).

Hair Type: LOOSE CURLS

Your Goal: Pump Up the Volume

Buildup from mousse, gel and hair spray can weigh down natural curls. To restore them, use a deep-cleansing shampoo once a week. For daily upkeep, use a leave-in conditioner and curl definer, says Da Costa. One we like: Da Costa’s own Tai Texture Lavender Mist. Work it through with a wide-toothed comb to avoid disrupting the curl pattern.

Your Goal: Refresh Limp Locks

Fortifying conditioners can take the spring out of your spirals, and overuse of deep-cleansing shampoos can strip hair of natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to damage. “You can overconstruct or overmoisturize the hair,” says Barnett. Instead, alternate products to moisturize, fortify and deep-clean to reinvigorate curls.

Article credit: Mia Stokes
Photo credit: Michael Myers
Source: Essence Online

It's been about six months since I got my ends trimmed! I won't be trimming my ends unless it's absolutely necessary. So what have I been doing to keep my ends so healthy? I've been moisturizing my ends with Elasta QP Mango Butter and Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In. On top of that, once a month, I'll do a Search & Destroy. If I see a split end, which is rare now, I'll clip it off. Doing all these things has kept my ends healthy enough for me not to need to trim. Plus, as you already know, I wear protective styles.

Product Name: Miss Key 10 EN 1 Super Conditioner
Price Range: $5.99-$9.99
Company: Laboratorios Key C. x A. (No official website)
Catch Phrase: 10 en 1 contains a mix of the 10 most important products for hair damaged by dyes and sun's harmful effects.

What I Say: I was so excited to use it since I got a 16 ounce container for only $5.99. I applied it to my hair from root to tip and used a wide tooth comb to comb it through. I put on a plastic cap and waited an hour before I decided to wash it out. When I was washing it out, I noticed that my hair was breaking a little bit. Just a little. I slapped on some ORS Replenishing and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing it out. The breakage stopped and I let my hair air dry. So will I use this conditioner again after that little breakage? Not really. I'll only use it if I run out of my Suave TC. Another thing I noticed is that it's not as detangling as people have said. Maybe I should just leave it for 5 minutes next time.

Product Tip: If you experience a little breakage after using it, do a quick conditioning session with a light protein conditioner.
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ (3/5)

Hair Cuttery
11401 Pines Boulevard, #210
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026
Phone: 1-954-432-4821
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4/5)

I think I've found my new, and maybe permanent, hair stylist! After hearing a good review from my friend, I decided to try it out. The stylist, Sara Hay, washed my hair with Mizani's Thermasmooth line. After, she applied some Redken serum (I'll get the name later) and blow dried my hair with a round brush. My hair felt so soft and she didn't even have to tug my hair as much as my old stylists did. Sara was also very gentle on my edges which was just great. I'm officially loving this salon right now. Only issue I had was the price, I was charged more since they say my hair is long. =/

Product Name: L'Oreal Vive Pro Smooth Intense Conditioning Treatment
Price Range: $4.99
Company: L'Oreal Vive Pro (http://www.vivepro.com/)
Catch Phrase: Deeply Nourishes & Smoothes Dry, Frizzy Hair

What I Say: This conditioner is pretty good! My ends were feeling a little dry so I decided to deep condition with it. I left it on for about an hour and then rinsed my hair with lukewarm water. My hair was feeling soft again. I would definitely try this again, but only a few times a month since it has Amodimethicone in it.

Product Tip: None this time!
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4/5)

After careful inspection of my strands, I realized that I have Trichorrhexis nodosa. How do I know? I have some strands that split in the middle. How'd it happen? Well, when I was younger, my mother would flat iron my hair by adding globs of serum and literally cooking my hair to lay it down. I'm not even joking, I would see smoke! LOL. Anyway, since the start of my hair care journey, my hair has been doing well, but still splits in the middle sometimes. I haven't trimmed my hair since late October (I think) and I don't plan to anytime soon unless it's absolutely necessary.

If there's one thing I've always hated, it had to be putting my hair in a slick ponytail or bun. My hair would end up puffing up by the time I got out the house; gel or no gel. But I finally found an easy way to lay my hair down without that icky gel.

What I do: I add some leave-in conditioner like Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Leave-In to my hair and then brush it through gently. After, I rub some Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer through my hair and brush again. I then tie my hair with a satin scarf and wait a few minutes (or overnight) to take it off. When I take it off, my hair is nice and flat so I put it in a ponytail or bun and go. Simple! LOL.

Shoulder Length
17 (12%)

Arm Pit Length
20 (14%)

Bra Strap Length
67 (48%)

Waist Length
29 (20%)

Hip Length
6 (4%)

Votes so far: 139
Poll closed

The votes are in! Looks like more readers prefer reaching BSL than any other length. Thanks to all who voted! And for those who are wondering what length I voted for, it was Waist Length. :)

Product Name: L'Oreal Studio Smoothness Smoothing Glossing Cream
Price Range: $4.99
Company: L'Oreal Studio Line (http://www.lorealstudioline.com/)
Catch Phrase: Silky shine effect calms frizz.

What I Say: After DC'ing, I applied it from root to tip. I let my hair air dry and the result wasn't what I thought it would be. My hair felt a little dry and stiff. Another negative is the Mineral oil in it. Let's just say I won't be buying this product again. I will say that it had a nice smell. LOL.

Product Tip: If you do buy this, mix it with a little bit of your favorite conditioner to make it more moisturizing.
Rating: ♥ ♥ (2/5)

Remember my last comparison shot post where I talked about how bad my salon experience was? Well, I failed to mention that she said that I didn't take of my hair which is why it was so thick and coarse. LOL. I've officially decided that I won't be going to that salon anymore. Not only did she insult me, but she also caused me to lose a lot of hair. Basically, my hair isn't as thick as it was before. Okay, I'm done venting, enjoy your reading.

Hey, guys! For those who e-mailed me about my regimen, here it is! I thought it be easier than e-mailing everyone individually. LOL. I know, I'm being lazy.

• Shampoo once a week with Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Detangling Shampoo.
• Deep condition with Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner twice a week.
• Co-wash frequently with Suave Tropical Conditioner or Aussie 3 Minute Miracle DEEEP Conditioner (diluted with water).
• Moisturize with Kids Organic Shea Butter Detangling Lotion or Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer nightly.
• Detangle after DC'ing with Jilbere Shower Comb.
• Air dry after every wash; No excuses.

This is my regimen and I'm sticking to it! A few things I almost neglected to put is that I use plastic caps, I do protective styles daily, I tie my hair with a satin scarf before I go to sleep, and I drink only water. Because of all this, my hair has been growing. I hope this helps!