How is hair types categorized?
As aforementioned, stylist Andre Walker created a numerical system to categorize different hair types. Hair types are classified from numbers 1-4 along with subcategories grouped with letters. For example your hair type maybe 1A of 4C. Let's dive into each category of hair types and learn about suggested hair care and recommended hair extensions for weaving.
Hair Type 1- Straight Hair
This hair type is straight and has no curl pattern it can be coarse, thin, thick, or fine. Hair type 1 also has sub-categories. Hair type 1A is straight while being fine; this hair texture is very soft, shiny, hard to hold a curl, hair tends to be oily, and hard to damage. 1B hair is straight but has more volume and is slightly thicker than hair type 1A. Finally, type 1C Straight hair is usually more coarse and often is "bone straight". When purchasing hair care products for this category be sure to avoid products saturated with oils and heavy creams, clarifying products along with oil-free moisture is encouraged. MSC Virgin Remy Hair Indian Straight comes in multiple Straight Textures that blends well with this hair type.
Hair Type 2- Wavy Hair
Type 2 hair is wavy, unlike type 1 hair type 2 hair has a natural wave pattern. Type 2A hair is is versatile and can be styled in various different ways. This types tends to have a loose "S" pattern. With this hair type you want to avoid heavy oil saturated products, it will weigh down the natural pattern of the curl. Instead utilize volumizing products such as a mousse or a curl definer that is water based. Hair type 2B is a bit more challenging to manage and style due to its likelihood to be frizzy. This hair type has a more detailed and defined "S" pattern than 2A. On the other hand, 2C hair type has wider waves, 2C can also be resistant to styling. We strongly suggest using products that promote moisture and controls frizz; anti-humidity and humectant hair products are perfect for this hair type. MSC Virgin Remy Hair Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Indian Natural Wavy is a perfect match for this hair texture type.
Hair Type 3- Curly Hair
Type 3 Hair is curly generally, it's curl pattern differentiates. For the most part this hair type overall needs moisture and frizz resistant products. Brushing this hair while dry (this also applies to hair extensions with this hair type), causes frizziness. 3A hair type is thick and full with plenty of body with a well defined curl pattern. Hair tends to be frizzy. May have a combination of textures. 3B has a tighter curl pattern than 3A. For the most part, there is a medium amount of space in between the curls may even be a combined texture. 3C hair has the tightest curls, similar to a spiral or a "corkscrew" curl. This hair can be styled with a leave in conditioner and your fingers! MSC Malaysian Curly hair is a great match for hair type C.
Hair Type 4-Coily or Kinky Hair
Type 4 hair is very delicate and requires intense moisture. Heavy oils should be avoided, instead deep hair conditioning treatments, hair creams, butters, and hair masques, hydration and maintenance is key to maintaining the health of this hair type. The healthiest style of hair for this type is a wash and go approach, natural styles with minimal heat. 4A hair type has a defined coil, 4A has a distinct "o"-shaped pattern. 4B hair is also tightly coiled but in a "Z" shape. 4C on the other hand is tightly coiled with almost no visible defined pattern, unless seen from up close. Has more of a tight "o"-shaped pattern. MSC Natural Brazilian Kinky Straight and Brazilian Kink Wavy is an amazing match for type 4 hair.
No matter what type of hair you may have knowing and understanding what type of hair you have and knowing what products work best for your hair is essential in maintaining healthy tresses.
]]>Using two bundles of our Natural Wavy Vietnamese hair, you can also achieve this look with Malaysian Natural Wavy, Brazilian Kinky Straight, and Indian Natural Wavy. Though, you can use any kind of hair for a Dominican style hair extension, we highly recommend using a high quality virgin Remy hair like MSC Virgin Remy Hair, a higher quality of hair can stand up to heat, blends in so naturally it appears as if it is your hair, and you can reuse for your next install.
I was first introduced to this style of hair weaving in Queens, NY at a Dominican hair salon, this technique is very similar to a natural sew-in. Dominican hair salons are known for their natural blow-out technique; this includes a thorough hair cleansing, deep conditioning treatment, and roller set under the dryer for an hour prior to the last step of straightening the hair with a hand dryer with a touch of a flat iron if needed. They offer many other services as an alternative to chemical processing to care for natural hair of all women of color. In this video you will see hair stylist and co-owner Crismely installing two bundles of MSC Hair and then styling into a style that I can style easily daily, but I came come back and have it washed to decrease itching and bacteria build up on my scalp.
Check out this video to see more.
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1. Honesty Is The Stylists' Policy
It's very important that you have a hair stylist that is truthful for multiple reasons. Money isn't easy to come by, sometimes we go to the salon and the beautician may begin to go suggestion crazy. By time she is done you have accidentally spent $100 more than intended! That's OK if you can afford it and if your stylist is strengthening your hair and nourishing your strands. If your hair is weak or damaged you would want someone to tell you and provide you with needed treatments to begin to rebuild your hair. On the flip side, sometimes you run across a hustler that may suggest unnecessary add-ons. Besides, think of it this way an honest hair stylist will lead you to a successful path to hair health, they will also tell you when your hair is progressing positively, as well as if they are running behind or if they need to reschedule. A good hair stylist will tell you the truth directly and respectfully, don't be afraid to trust, but also have some idea of the true health of your hair, start with a consultation prior to moving forward with any services.
2. Is Knowledgeable About Hair & Hair Health
Hair is an art, some people can create beautiful pieces of work, but is the finished result healthy for your hair? Some stylist unfortunately, give in to clients and will provide styles that are not appropriate for their individual hair health. Then again some cosmetologist just plain don't know any better. It is vital that your stylist not only provide a beautiful result, but also have the knowledge and understanding of what it takes to build healthy and strong strands while providing flair and style.
3. Is Your Stylist's Style Dated?
Me personally, I want my hair stylist to educate me and introduce me to new styles and innovative hair treatments. Someone, who isn't really current in their industry may not be the perfect fit if you want to be stylish and trendy. I suggest asking the stylist if they have a portfolio, Instagram, Facebook, anywhere you can see recent work, then you can decide, if their style fits yours.
4. Can You Afford Their Prices?
Please by all means consider this in thee equation, price and costs. Ask the stylist before booking an appointment if they have online hair menu with prices or if they can provide a list of prices. Though, you ask for prices keep in mind prices may vary depending on the length of your hair, the thickness, and the style desired. Be fair to yourself and your potential hair stylist by deciding up front if you can afford the prices. But please do not sacrifice hair care for price, if you do this you may end up in the hands of a hairstylist that doesn't care abut hair health causes damage; this will cause you to have to more money regaining the strength of your hair
By all means don't be discouraged and afraid to ask questions prior to booking your appointment. A professional will understand. always go by how you feel!
Feel free to comment with feedback, questions, and provide your favorite hair stylists' information!
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Continue reading to learn how.
Let's start with the scalp
Hydrating and feeding your scalp hair oils, specifically those rich in essential oils and moisturizing nutrients, is a must prior and during the use of weaves and wigs. If you are like me and suffer from dry scalp, invest in a medicated dandruff shampoo to treat prior to installation. If this does not treat or worsen your dry scalp seek the advice of your physician or dermatologist. Here are a list of my favorite hair & scalp oils.
Strong Hair First
Starting with a strong base is non-negotiable. If your hair is not healthy, brittle, over processed, or damaged, weaving or wearing a wig is not a good idea. Honestly, you must start with a healthy base. Decrease chemical processing as much as possible (try to eliminate chemical processing out of your hair regimen totally). If your hair is damaged and you are interested in weaving, I strongly suggest going to a professional stylist, cutting all damaged and brittle hair off. Yes, if you remove the dead hair it will promote healthy hair growth. Once chemical treatment has decreased, hair has been trimmed and freed of dead hair, begin conditioning the hair with hot oil treatments and deep penetrating conditioners. Do this for 2-4 weeks prior to weaving, this way your hair will grow strong under the weave or wig. Here are some of my favorite conditioners and hot oil treatments.
Extensive Tension To The Hair is a No-No
Tight does not mean installed right! Too much tension or pulling on the hair follicle can cause permanent hair loss, for African American women hair loss from extensive tension and pulling of the hair happens way too often. Talk to your stylist, speak up if it is too tight, or wear wigs or clip-ins. But even with wigs and clip ins, you must wear the correctly sized wig and be sure to be gentle when removing your clip ins this can also cause pulling and tugging to your hair. Be aware! Here are some signs that your weave is too tight.
Regular Cleansing Is A Must
I recommend washing your hair while under a sew in at least every 10-14 days. It is often believed that African American should wash their hair as less as possible to prevent drying it out; this is not so. Keeping your hair clean promotes healthy hair growth It not only refreshes your Virgin Remy Hair, it reduces build up and bacteria on your natural hair. Be sure your scalp is completely dry prior to styling.
Break Time, Restore, Weave Again
After each two installation give your hair at least a 3-6 week break away from wearing sew ins. I strongly recommend not weaving back to back, giving the hair time to breath and recuperate from being packed away is vital for healthy hair growth.
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