Hair Combs: Colors, Shapes, and Quality

Did you know that dark colored hair should be cut with a light colored comb, and the client should be draped with a light colored cape?   And vice versa, light colored hair should be cut with a dark colored comb, and the client should be draped with a dark colored cape.

So the next time that you visit a haircutting salon, check for the contrasting colors between the hair color and the drape and combs.

I have invested in a multitude of colors for capes, but only recently have I focussed on increasing my inventory of cutting combs.  For roller sets, "how fine of teeth is in the comb" is more important that the color of the comb.

Also, the quality of the material that the comb is made of can be determined by running your fingernails down the teeth of the comb.  The louder the noise that comes from the comb, the cheaper the material.

Carbon combs are black in color and are considered ionic.  They are great for use with hot tools.  The color of the comb is only important during haircutting services.

I recently realized that I use about five combs per person on any given day.  The red comb above is for dry detangling.  The clear/gray comb is seamless and is for wet detangling.  The two carbon combs in the pictures can be used for haircutting and hot tools respectively.  A rattail comb is usually used for roller seting as well.  The three-way comb is used for final styling.

Pictured above is a "twist" comb.  I feel the teeth are too wide for tightly coiled hair.  A Barbering comb would be a better fit.

Barbering combs go from small teeth to big teeth on the same combs.  They seem to be best for comb twists.


  

Dreadlock Maintenance Regimen: Aloe Vera Gel and Jojoba Oil

 Photo credit:  www.pengpengsplace.blogspot.com  I wanted a distinguished picture representing dreadlocks, and I stumbled across this one.  Even the doll has dreadlocks.  Interesting?  What's more interesting is that I ran into an African American woman with the most beautiful, shiny, healthy looking dreadlocks that I have seen in awhile this past weekend. So I was compelled to ask her what was she doing that most everyone else that I see walking around with "dry looking" locks are not doing.  So she told me . . .

She runs pure Jojoba oil through her locks and twist and tightens the roots with natural aloe vera gel.  The aloe vera gel looks like clear styling gel except it is moisturizing, not sticky.

I was really impressed that only two products was all she needed to get that shine thoughout her locks.  The 99% pure aloe vera gel is natural so you can not really overuse it.  She stated that the Joboba oil is expensive so she uses it conservatively.  She did mention an occasional apple cider vinegar monthly rinse to get rid of lint, but she does not believe in all the different brand name products on the market with all the different ingredients in them.  She is allergic to haircolor and wants to stick to as many natural solutions as possible.

I have also discovered that by using a color gloss or semi-permanent color, I also get incredible shine in the dreadlocks. Anyone who is permanently coloring their dreadlocks should consider the semi-permanent color in order to maintain a shine and seal.

  

Texturized hair: Before and After

One of my clients decided on texturizing services for her hair in order to get a "wash and go" effect.  In the picture, the two different curl patterns came from the same client.  Which curl pattern do you like best?

The curl pattern on the left is her natural curl pattern with some demi-permanent haircoloring. The one on the right was texturized with Fiberguard Affirm Mild relaxer for about 10 to 12 minutes.  The real lesson is this:  If your natural curl pattern does not look like the curl pattern on the left hand side of the picture, then you are not going to get the texturized curl pattern on the right hand side of the picture.

So for all those "kiddie perms" that people buy hoping for the "perfect" curl pattern.  Just remember that your finished product really is determined by the type of curl pattern that you start with.

For some people the curl pattern on the left hand side may be the final texturized results based on a  kinkier, coily curl pattern from the start.  With this being the case,  paying for a texturizing service may be a waste of time if you are still wanting the curl pattern on the right.  These are the cases where I really would love for people to embrace locks.  Even consider microlocks without investing heavily into the proprietary Sisterlocks.

There is another blogger at junglebarbie.blogspot.com that I absolutely adore . . .  traditional locks can be so beautiful!

Charles Ramsey: Hair Before, Hair After

Charles Ramsey is the gentleman who assisted in the rescue of three women in Cleveland, Ohio who had been missing for 8 to 10 years.  According to the online interviews, he stated that his father taught him that if he can raise a hand at a woman, then he should be able to give a woman a hand.  So that is what he did!  He has been praised for his bravery that set three women free from captivity at a neighboring house.  He has an entourage that is travelling with him on public appearances from Good Morning America to Anderson Cooper.  Charles Ramsey has gone viral internationally.  In the picture above, his camp has cleaned up his image.  In the picture below, he was just a "diamond in the rough."

Charles Ramsey is quite brilliant in my opinion.  I believe people are drawn to him because he is "real" versus the "politically correct, polished, professional."  NeNe Leakes of the "Housewives of Atlanta" reality show gained notoriety from her "keeping it real" attitude from first season's appearance.

Well, Charles Ramsey has a haircut and a new image despite the mockery that he initially received for his candid interview and "mullet" hairstyling.

I am even going to forecast that Hollywood is going to cast him into future movies (plural).  He has all the characteristics of a great actor.  He interviews very well.  He is at the start of something big!  You can not pay for the magnitude of publicity he has received!

And if his camp is hiring in the future, I am fan, please consider me!!!!

Photo credits: ABCnews and salon.com

   

Brazilian Blowout Conditioning Turban

I still have my conditioning turban from my Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment line.

My interesting discovery is that I finally sat under the dryer with this turban for my own conditioning, but instead of feeling intense heat, the lining of this turban seemed to block the heat from the dryer.  My plastic cap never really heated up. I felt the heat all around my face except on my head.  The terry cloth seemed to redirect heat away from my head.  This turban may be ideal for a sauna environment when you are trying to keep your head cool versus hot.