by Ayvaunn Penn, Your Black World
Yeah, I was shocked, too, but the vanilla brotha’ is a trichologist, certified cosmetologist, and self taught expert on hair — even kinky nappy hair. Initially I was skeptical when I stumbled across Mr. James Costa’s article he wrote for PR Newswire, yet I was soon put at ease. I was okay as he spoke of how many African-American women do not know how to take care of their natural hair. He says:
“Talk to most African American women about hair care and chances are their knowledge of the topic will be limited. Many wore their hair in braids as children, and as adults, they regularly wear weaves or wigs. So when it comes to actually taking care of their natural hair, they’re confused on what to do….The fact is that weaving, braiding, coloring, French lace wigs, and all the other hair processes black women routinely engage in damage the hair follicle, put stress on the shaft, and ultimately ruin the hairline for life.”
I do not think that anyone can deny that he has at least that much correct. As my eyes continued to dart across the computer screen, Costa proceeded to share tips on how black women can keep their natural hair healthy and happy. He did cover a lot of what we already know like not using relaxers too much and not mixing chemical processes. In doing so, however, he actually provided a lot of not-widely-known insight as to why these rules are.
For instance, Costa speaks of how the bloodlines of many African Americans is mixed with that of Europeans and Indians. While relaxing the African part of your hair — so to speak — for the appropriate amount of time may not do much harm, that may be too long for the Indian or European part of your hair. He also makes another eye-opening statement. Many black women only wash their hair every two weeks. Costsas acknowledges that African-American hair is indeed dryer than that of other races: hence the desire to retain oil. He points out, however, that the base of the hair near the scalp is just like that of any other race. Therefore, failing to wash the hair at least once a week clogs the pores on your scalp in turn weakening your hair.
The other thing you should know about Costa is that he is the founder of the Microdot™ Technique. He claims that his hair-replacement procedure is a safer alternative to having a fuller head of hair than weaves and sewn-in wigs that can cause permanent damage. Aside from his concluding sales pitch, and even if no one ever tries his procedure, Costa still offered us some new really insightful information on the old facts we always knew.
Ayvaunn Penn is a spoken word artist and an award winning writer degreed in English and philosophy. For more of her witty-word works click here. To have your original poetry featured by Ms. Penn on Your Black Poets, email submissions to ayvaunnpennspokenword at gmail dot com.
Ha ha ha Nice Blog, gives a deep and healthy tips about hair growth but always be careful about products you use and most importantly, you need to make sure you are eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep because your hair reflects your health.
I am an African American woman and I agree whole-heartedly with the writer. I do all the things he mentioned. Careful with relaxing, I wash my hair once a week sometimes twice. Here’s a good tip…if African American women will use more of a great brand conditioner, there will be less need for that bottled oil. Ofcourse, I walk two to three times a week for at least an hour, sometimes longer, My husband and I eat little sweets and salty foods, and we seldom eat pork of any kind. I am 57 my hair is shoulder length and very healthy/thick. However, I now must color the grey occasionally.
Try his and my suggestions….you’ll beI glad you did.
Thanks for the tips!
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Tidy clip all your hair on the entire lace wig or even lace front hairpiece, it does not rely on the glue.