African American hair care tips and styles for the summer

 

If you've been worrying about how to keep your African American skin looking great all summer, chances are you've also been concerned about how to keep your hair in check during the hot and humid days to come. Recently, The Grio, an NBC news affiliate, spoke to New York City stylist Patrick Wellington about the dos and don'ts of African American hair care in the summer.

First, did you know that sunscreen is not just for your African American skin? According to Wellington, hats and products that contain SPF are also important for the hair, and can protect it from sun damage. Next, he said that you should be washing your hair at least once a week in the summer.

"Summertime always requires a little bit more maintenance. You don’t always have the hats to cover it up, you always want to look good. It takes a little bit more work; more washing. You’re perspiring; you’re probably working out, so definitely wash your hair once a week," said Wellington, quoted by the news source.

Essence Magazine states that the summer is a good time to try a new hairdo such as a side ponytail, a loose blowout or a french braided side-chignon.

 

The 65th annual Bronner Bros. International Hair Show deemed a success

 

The Bronner Bros. International Hair Show is arguably the most popular African American hair show in the country – possibly worldwide. It has attracted the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jackie Robinson because it draws in such a large crowd of movers and shakers.

This year's show was no exception, The Grio reported. The news source featured an article on the event, in which stylist David Hiland took home a grand prize of $20,000.

Speakers at the 65th annual event included Soul Food actress Nicole Ari Parker and reality television star Tami Roman, of Basketball Wives on VH1.

"We are celebrating 65 years of hard work, dedication, determination [and] focus-driven people. We are celebrating family and black history," said Christina Bronner, daughter of the show's founder Bernard Bronner, quoted by the news source.



A CNN article on the show reported that it features extravagant, multi-colored hairstyles that are nearly pieces of art, as well as beautifully styled natural hair for the more conservative set.

Ladies who want to embrace their ethnicity may want to check out some of the styles featured at the show in addition to using natural African American skin care products to bring out the best in their ethnic skin.

 

You can have great hair even on a budget

 

African American women have a tendency to spend more money on hair care than their counterparts of other ethnicities. In fact, a survey conducted by Design Essentials reported that black women are willing to spend about $107 on each trip to the salon, compared to the average consumer, who will dish out about $60 to have their hair done.

However, it's not necessary to break the bank for great hair. With a few investments and experiments, you can get a salon quality look without leaving home.

First, remember that your hair requires protein for strength and moisture for softness. There are many products that promise to provide one or both of these components, but finding the right one for you is often a matter of experimentation.

Also, it's worth it to splurge a little on a good ceramic flat iron or curling iron. These styling tools have come a long way in the past decade and allow ladies the sleek or curly look that they previously had to budget for – making them well worth the investment.

With the money you save styling your locks at home, you'll have more to spend on your favorite African American skin care products and, of course, the latest fashions.

 

Brandy discusses being a hair icon

 

When you're getting ready fro a big event and putting on your African American skin care product, what icons do you turn to for guidance for how to do style your hair? In the 90s it was all about Brandy, not only because of her hugely popular albums, but also for her iconic hairstyles. Recently, Essence magazine spoke to the artist about what it means to be a hair trend-setter.

According to Brandy, she began wearing her famous "Brandy braids" in the 90s because people around her said that as a young African American women, she shouldn't be wearing that hairstyle. She wanted to show that she couldn't be held back by what critics were going to say about her appearance.

Next, the news source asked the singer and actress who she turns to for hair advice in this day and age.

"I love Beyonce's hair. I just love it. It's so classy, yet very glamorous. I love Chanel Iman's style. I think she's beautiful in every way. Rihanna can’t do any wrong. Her style is fearless. I want to be able to grow into taking risks like that," said Brandy, quoted by Essence. 

The Hollywood Reporter states that Brandy and other 90's icon Monica are reuniting to record a new single for the first time in 14 years, maybe this will lead to a resurgence of her famous braids as well. 

New hope for stopping that pesky dandruff problem

Ladies, have you ever experienced the uncomfortable feeling that comes with having dandruff and how difficult it can be to find a quality anti-dandruff product for ethnic hair? A new study being conducted at Saint Louis University (SLU) will focus on the problem of dandruff in the African American community and what the best method is to solve it.

The trial will examine African American women who wash their hair once a week or less and will compare anti-dandruff foam and ant-dandruff shampoo to determine which works best for this demographic.

Jeaneen A. Chapelle, M.D., head researcher in the study, believes current dandruff products are not specially developed to meet the needs of ethnic skin and hair.

"Dandruff is a common problem and it is possible that the most commonly prescribed treatment, an anti-fungal shampoo, is under-treating a certain population of women who do not wash their hair often enough for the medication to be effective," said Chappell on the SLU website.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that the best way to avoid dandruff is by paying attention to proper skin care. Ethnic women looking to avoid developing dandruff or other problems caused by oily skin should consider using black skin care products.