Taking care of a synthetic wig

Synthetic wigs are a personal favorite of mine. They keep their style well, can easily be purchased for half the price, and are lighter and cooler then most human hair wigs. However, since they are made from synthetic fibers it can be challenging to keep them in tip top shape.
Here are a few suggestions to keep your synthetic wig looking clean, fresh, and presentable.

Keep your wig clean!

• Do not use a regular shampoo on your synthetic wig, make sure to use a shampoo made for synthetic hair *tip- fabric softener is a great alternative*

No sleeping beauty in your wig!

• Don't ever sleep on a synthetic wig, if you do, be prepared for a matted, tangled mess. *tip- invest in a foam or wire mannequin head. Keep your wig on your mannequin head at night to keep its shape and form.*

Clean head please!

• Keep your own scalp and hair clean in order to minimize the amount of times needed to clean your synthetic wig *tip- wear a stocking cap or silk cap over your hair to minimize the amount of oil and dirt reaching your synthetic wig*

bonus tip: A paddle brush and a little mouse can make a wavy synthetic wig last forever!

These are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing and wearing a synthetic wig. Synthetic wigs can look absolutely gorgeous and natural when taken care of properly, but the flip side to that is a tangled web of synthetic fiber atop your head!

Transitioning/Natural hair tips continued...

I was asked by a reader, if I had any tips for growing hair long. She is considering going natural(chemical-free hair) and asked if I had any tips on achieving long hair in the process.
Well, I did a post on the topic of natural hair and my journey so far to natural hair. It has been an incredible ride thus far.
If I had to type my hair, I would be a 4a/3c in the back. Hair typing is pretty lame in my opinion, because most people have an array of textures. It does allow you to understand your hair a bit better, but that knowledge will come with it or not. Check out curlyhairsalon for hair typing pictures and information.
My tips are still consistent to my previous post, Thinking About Going Natural. Keeping it simple is key. I don't do too much to my hair. I leave it alone and go on with my business.

My regimen is:

• wash hair weekly- Preferably with a sulfate-free shampoo. Shampoos with sulfate tend to strip the hair of its natural oils.
  
• deep condition- I usually deep condition using a heating cap for 30minutes to an hour. I currently have a heating cap but will probably invest in a Pibbs dryer soon. I have been slacking on this for the past month and I can already tell the difference
• moisturize daily- my natural hair tends to get dry alot quicker then when I was relaxed. It drinks up moisture! Products that I recommend, raw shea butter or cantu shea butter
• Vitamins- Biotin, castor oil, vitamin C, and multi-vitamin. Trying to get back to taking these daily. Not only for my hair but overall health.

My No-Nos

• HEAT- I can't stress this enough, frequent heat will not only fry your hair if not applied correctly but will destroy your curls. I recommend flat ironing only 1-2times a week, preferably with a ceramic iron...NOT ceramic COATED
• COMBING NATURAL HAIR DRY- You will rip your pretty hair. Causing breakage and thin ends. Please only comb and detangle hair when wet with conditioner
• NOT WEARING A SATIN BONNET OR SLEEPING ON A SILK PILLOW CASE at night
  
  

See, I keep it very simple. I lack the time and energy for over the top regimens.
Some websites I would recommend that have an overload of helpful information are:

Long Hair Care Forum
Grow Afro Hair Long

I don't have any secret concoctions, but I will say that growing hair long is not a challenge. Find a regimen that works(might take some time) and have patience. Your hair will not grow over night. Any questions, feel free to contact me.

---Antoinette Whitaker

Wigs as a Protective Style

Wigs can be a great way of protecting your hair on your healthy hair journey. From the beginning of my hair care journey, I have used wigs to protect my tresses. They can have their cons but I do believe that the pros out way them.

Pros:

• Different Diva everyday- One day you may want to rock a platinum blond short-do and the following week a black sleek waist length look. It is possible and easy to do this using wigs without damaging your hair.
• Cost Effective- On average I spend about $25 on a synthetic wig, which will usually last me 2-3 weeks. Wigs are an easy way to save money on getting your hair done every week or bi-weekly.
• Less manipulation- Wigs are pretty low maintenance and your natural hair will thank you for that. As long as you properly take care of your hair underneath your wig, your hair will flourish from the low manipulation and low maintenance.
• Hair is protected from the elements

Cons:

• Not all wigs are created equally- I would never want anyone to look a hot mess BUT there are some wigs that are just a straight up no-no. Be careful of extra thin, extra thick, or too shiny looking wigs. If you are going to wear a wig, I say the more natural it looks the better. Quality is very important when choosing a wig.
• Breaking Edges- Wigs can do damage to your edges if worn for an extended period of time with no breaks. Also using the comb attachments can be detrimental to your edges. Instead of using the comb attachments, use bobby pins to secure your wigs. I suggest wearing your wigs 2 months on and 2 months off, to give your edges a break.

A few tips-

• Try to wear natural styles for easier blending of your hair and the wig. You can do this by finger combing or braiding and twisting out your hair. This eliminates heat!
• Why not baggy your hair under your wigs for extra moisture? No one can see it!
  

• If you want a straight style, instead of flat-ironing...why not rollerset to smooth your hair? This once again eliminates heat use.
• When in a rush or just plain lazy, I put a headband over my wig. It looks natural and its quick and easy.
• Synthetic hair can be brought back to life. On my synthetic curly wigs I add a little mouse and brush it with my paddle brush. Tada! Just as pretty as when I first bought it. I can wear my curly wigs for up to 2 months sometimes!

Wigs have been my friend!

Product Review:Hawaiian Silky Miracle Worker 14 n 1

Purchase from: local BSS or Sally's

Consistency: some what thick and creamy

Value for Price: 5 stars

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PEG-75 Lanolin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Polysorbate-60, Triethanolamine, Acetimide AME, Hydrolized Vegetable Protein, Stearyl Alcohol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Menthol, Panthenol DL, Jojoba Oil, Anjelica Root Extract, Articum Lappa Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract, Mistletoe Extract, Nettle Extract, Oatmeal Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothizolinone, Fragrance

Scent: Pleasant

Review:

Pros: moisturizing, smells yummy, strengthens
Cons: mineral oil, hard to pump from bottle

This truly is a miracle worker! I love this stuff even with the mineral oil in it. I had read about HS 14n1 on the hair boards but never got around to purchasing it. One of my good friends(whose hair is gorgeous) happened to leave this product at my apartment. It was love at first sight.

I appplied it to my freshly washed hair and it didn't feel heavy or sticky. My hair was easy to detangle and comb. After my hair was about 60% dry, it felt so soft and moisturized. By the time my hair was 100% dry, it still felt soft and smooth.

I did not have to reapply for about a day or two. And the best thing is, I haven't experienced any sort of buildup from this product.

Recently I sprayed 14n1 on my hair prior to applying shea butter and my hair felt wonderful.

Pros: smells good, define curls, great moisturizer
Cons: hard to pump from bottle, wish it came in a bigger bottle

Purchase again? I love it! and it's easy on the pockets but I'd like to find a product that doesn't contain mineral oil.

Parisian beauty Adriana

Natural beauty. Beautiful wash-n-go

I work as a Film Editor
My jacket is from H&M.
My blouse is a BEL AIR.
My sarouel pants are from ET VOUS.
My shoes are from NINE WEST.
Bag by JEROME DREYFUS.
Perfume: Acqua di Parma,
Fashion is an evolution like all artistic things.
My look is a sporty-70's-woman look.
I love my man. I hate hypocrisy.
My message to the world: Life is a gift. Stop complain and have fun !

(http://easyfashion.blogspot.com)