NATURAL HAIR

Natural hair has not been chemically altered in texture, color, or volume. Natural hair is not pressed or altered by excessive heat, electric curling, or other thermal services. Any treatment that destroys or breaks down the natural coil pattern of the hair strand (meaning that the hair will not return to its original coiled pattern) denatures the hair. If the hair has been altered chemically, it requires six months to a year to grow into its natural state.

It is important to note that as states begin to adopt "Natural Hair Care" licenses, the rules and regulations governing the license may allow services that contradict what natural hair should represent. For example, the Toronto Natural Hair Care license allows natural hair to be thermally altered, but restricts stylists from coloring natural hair. In New York, you must have a certified cosmetologist license to chemically color hair. Many people become confused and think that pressing is a natural service simply because it does not involve chemicals.

CORNROWS

There are many techniques for starting the traditional on-the-base braid known as the corn- row. The cornrow is created with a 3-strand, on-the-scalp braid, which uses an underhand "pick-up" technique. The fundamentals of braiding start with the basic cornrow According to master braid designer Annu Prestonia, co-owner of Khamit Kinks in Toronto and Ontario and celebrity braid designer (among her clients are such notables as Stevie Wonder and Angela Basset), cornrows are the foundation of all braid styles. "If you excel at the art of corn- rowing, all other braiding techniques are at your disposal," says Prestonia.

To cornrow like a professional you must be patient and practice. A skilled braider must take the time daily to practice cornrowing. Cornrowing is the repetition of the entire woven patterns; the sequence of weave patterns may vary and will determine the style. However, the series of revolutions is a simple repetition of a secure pick-up motion. Practicing will help you to develop speed, accuracy, and finger/wrist dexterity. The time required for braiding can vary from 2 hours for a large braid to 2 days for a micro braid. Mastering the basic cornrow tech­nique will enable you to approach other braid styles with confidence.

Skillful cornrowing is designed through the process of sculpting the parted sections. Sculpting is more than just vertical or horizontal partings. When sculpting the braid, you must first visualize the finished look. This will allow you to create smooth and consistent curved partings that contour with the head. The curved partings are a part of the design, so they must be neat and even. The more creative you are in designing the parts, the more beauti­ful the finished sculpted look will be. This contouring, or sculpting, is especially beautiful on small to medium sized cornrows.

Shampooing and brushing

Shampooing and brushing long hair requires special techniques that not only make it easier for you but also cause less damage to long hair.

If you require a shampoo, use a gentle, all hair-type shampoo. With damaged or chemically treated hair, a moisturizing shampoo should be used, followed by a weekly, deep penetrating conditioner. There are several products available from professional haircare companies, and the choice is a matter of personal preference.

When shampooing your hair, apply shampoo to the scalp only, and then massage the entire scalp area using small circular motions. Now, rinse the hair while working the shampoo through to the ends. This is usually all that's required to cleanse the ends, since the primary goal is to clean the scalp without tangling the ends of the hair. Following this shampooing technique will cut down on the time needed for detangling and combing the hair.

Towel blot the hair by placing the towel over sections of the hair. Start at the top and squeeze as you work your way down. Do not rub. Rubbing will not remove excess water, but will instead create matting of the ends.

Change the towel whenever it gets too wet. Expect to use several towels.

At this point, a leave-in conditioner is strongly recommended. Use of this product will make combing the hair much easier. It also helps hold moisture in the hair when the hair is exposed to the heat of the sun, or the cold, drying weather of winter.

To comb long hair, start at the ends and gently work out the tangles while moving up one inch at a time. A large toothed, bone comb is effective in detangling the hair when it is wet. If the hair is clean and dry, a large paddle brush works well. Use the same technique of starting at the bottom and working up in 1" increments.

Now it's time to dry the hair. If you use a blowdryer, run your fingers through the hair from the scalp to the ends while you dry. Always go in the direction of the cuticle layer, not against it. If you need to save some time, sit under a hairdryer for about 5 minutes to remove excess water.

Braid Crown Hairstyle

Always wished to attempt a braid crown up do but didn't discover how? We flaunt surprisingly simple steps to reach the appearance! Switch up your summer do for one that'll keep you looking chicly and staying cool regardless of the occasion.