Cornstarch: The Synthetic Hair De-Shiner

So I heard that cornstarch and/or baby powder will de-shine synthetic hair weaves and wigs.  So I figured that I would give it a try.  Relax,  this pile of hair has NOT been treated yet.

I picked up corn starch from the grocery store for $1.00 USD.

 These two strips of hair in the picture above are straight from the package new.  No cornstarch on either piece.  I then took the piece on the right and put cornstarch mainly at the top and started working the cornstarch into the weave strip throughout the ends.

Amazingly, the piece on the right that has been treated with cornstarch is duller, and it feels great.  You can be as heavy handed with the cornstarch that you want especially working under dry conditions.  The excess cornstarch is not going to cling to the synthetic hair. Careful about the fine dust that is generated from manipulating the package.  I had to hold my breath only because a cloud of dust formed for a few seconds when trying to lightly pound the package to close it.

The cornstarch does work for de-shining synthetic hair!

Why are Braids extensions equalling Breakage?

I have seen an alarming rate of women getting extreme breakage from braid extensions! It is perplexing. They are breaking all the way to the new growth in large patches.

So beware if you are thinking about getting braids to grow your hair out; then you may find that you are creating more damage.

Most of the women that have come to me for consultations have only mentioned that "braids" took their hair out. In the future, I will have to start asking which braids - kinky twists? Microbraids? Synthetic hair? Which brand of hair? to see if I can start to narrow down a more consistent pattern. Many women have been so disgusted that they barely want to speak. They just want their hair back.

I can only offer some insight or theories about what is happening:

1) The extension hair may be too heavy for your own hair if too long of length is used. Synthetic hair weighs more than Human hair, but synthetic hair is much cheaper than human hair.

2)Have the manufacturers changed the material that the synthetic hair is made from? Could the material be "cutting" into the hair strand?

3)Maybe the client's own hair has been flat ironed too much causing the actual hair strands to be weaker and unable to support the extension hair? I have warned in my articles for over a year that ionic flat irons burn the internal structure of the hair. It becomes thinner and weaker. I suggest grabbing a large barrel curling iron before grabbing a flat iron.

Whatever the case, women need to go back to the owners of the braid shops and let them know what happened! If enough people start doing this, then at least, the owner can look into what is the cause. Going to a licensed cosmetologist after the braids have broken the hair off may not do you much good. I have articles on this blog about growth serum and natural hair. Please consider reading those.

Women are feeling that they are all alone. Tell the right people - the owners of the braiding salon - in a tactful, professional way. Then consider invisible braids or shorter braid extensions on your new growth to maintain a style. Human hair is probably the safest option right now. The Gluefree Quick weave method may also be another styling option. Please see articles for that method on this blog as well.

Feel free to comment on this article if you want to share on your experience.

Wig Wearing: Watch for Room Lighting!

Most people who wear wigs wear a synthetic fiber. Why? Because it holds the style/curl in the worst weather! Your clothes may be "soaking wet" but your hair will still be styled. LOL! I could not resist! Anyway, on a more serious note, synthetic hair wigs sometimes have a little extra shine to them. So in the wrong indoor lighting, it can "scream" "WIG!!!!!" So check out these pictures . . . Notice the huge globe and the amount of light that is bouncing off the table? Minor right? This is good lighting. You do not have to be on "wig PATROL!"
Now, look at the track lighting. Do you see the heavy lighting reflecting off the table? Your wig will be in "spotlight!" This is NOT a good table to dine in . . . without everyone focussing on how the lighting is showcasing your wig. This is a little humourous topic, but it is "real" for those new to the "wig world."

Let us keep everyone focussed on your upbeat conversation and your positive attitude!