Ponytail Elastics: Metal or no Metal?

I have had to keep my 8 sample SisterLocks bundled to shampoo and protect them from sweat. So I have been experimenting with ponytail holders. So which do you think is less prone to pulling or snagging your hair - metal or non-metal?

On a separate note, rubber bands were definitely not an option, but I did experiment with both of the ponytail holders pictured. One has metal and one does not. Believe or not, I found the metal elastic ponytail holders were more gentle on my hair. The "Ouchless" non-metal elastics seemed to snag my hair at the "rough hard" area on the elastic band. Do you see the raised area on the Goody "Ouchless" bands?

Honestly, the elastic bands with the metal did not pull my hair until the braided band itself started to lose its shape and expose some of the rubber that was used to make it. The exposed rubber snagged my hair, but at that point, I decided to trash it and get a new one.

So I choose the elastic ponytails with metal as my preference for healthy hair and ease of getting on and off.

SisterLocks: Embracing Hair Freedom

SisterLocks countdown . . . in about ten more days I will start my 20+ hour session of sisterlocks. I am trying to write down all of the movies that I want to watch. I am excited about having the freedom of acheiving beautiful "wash and go" hair without any chemicals! Pictured are some medium length sisterLocks. As they grow longer, it only gets better!

Headband rolling on a wig

Using a Black headband, I performed the "Headband curls" method as mentioned in my previous article on my blog on my wig. While wearing my human hair straight wig, I misted it with Joico Leave-in Detangler and began spiral wrapping and feeding section by section around the headband. Then I removed the wig with headband attached to rest for the night. The results are fabulous on the next morning!

The Headband curl method should look like this on a long haired wig.

Is it a Relaxer or a Press and Curl?

Hair by Benita Blocker. With this particular young client, I used my "press and curl" regimen as posted in my latest press and curl article. The only difference is that I used a marcel flat iron and stove in lieu of the actual pressing comb.

This hairstyle was about 3 hours to complete. I started with a conditioner as a pre-shampoo. She had just come out of braids, and she does not have any relaxer in her hair. My "Beat the Heat" press and curl should last about two weeks. It felt great!!! Not greasy. Not stiff. A nice middleweight feel to it! It is actually a healthy hard press.

Nighttime Hair maintenance Using Headbands

I picked these "Ouchless Gentle fit" headbands to use at night. The first method is for long straight hair. It is called "Headband curls." I found this youtube tutorial by searching for "no heat curls." click here for headband curls video by CuteGirlsHairstyles

Pictured is the results of the headband curling method from the night before. I achieved beautiful S-shaped waves in my straight hair. I used the Joico Leave-in Detangler to mist my hair before spiral wrapping around the headband.
For those with relaxed hair, try a water based hairdressing instead of a mist, then spiral wrap around the headband.
The second nighttime method is for long curly hair. It is called the "Pineapple Method." click here for pineapple method video using a scrunchie The headband is better for those with thicker or kinkier hair that will not fit into the scrunchie.
The overall idea of the pineapple method is to pile all the curls on top of your head and hold them there overnight.