Felicidades guapa!!!

Let me preface this by saying, not to you, but in general, being mixed with black, Puerto Rican, Dominican or all of the above is totally irrelevant, with regards to your hair. Historically speaking, hispanics from the carribean islands: puerto rico, honduras, santo dominigo, have a great deal in common with most black americans. Keep in mind that Africans who were brought to the US as slaves intermingled, not by choice, with the white slave masters and later of free will with Native Americans. I say all of that to point out that the hair texture is often the same; it comes in a host of varieties from very straight, to very kinky.

When a person shares with me their nationality, or mixture, it doesn’t give me a real idea what type of hair they have. It only tells me that it could be anywhere from…very straight, to…very kinky. Me entiendes?

Ok, history lesson over

So, you’re hair is dry. What products are you using? Are you moisturizing frequently? The economy STINKS, but a good product goes a long way in the health of your hair. Do you drink water, sufficient amounts of water, to be exact. It’s a good idea to drink at least 2 liters of water daily. If your innards are dry, your extremities will never benefit. Imagine…your organs need enough water to stay hydrated, so if you don’t drink enough, your hair, nails and skin will be the last to get water.

Is your hair natural, or relaxed? I always proceed with caution when trying a new stylist. I have very, VERY fine hair and in the hands of the wrong stylist, I could easily end up…BALD or pretty darn close. The amount of heat varies from stylist to stylist. The coarser the hair, the more heat stylists tend to use. However, this also depends on the client. Some clients know their hair and are not afraid to tell the stylist, “Slow your roll with that blower! I only want it blown out a LITTLE!”

I don’t know the current condition that your is in, nor do I know the stylist you are going to. The fact that your hair is dry means that you may need someone to handle your hair gently. One test would be to see if the stylist recommends a treatment. If so, ask her what type; ask her what she thinks your hair needs. If she says you need something for dry hair, then she may be worth giving a try. I went to a new stylist once and she insisted that I needed a haircut and that my hair was DAMAGED to the bone. Um…well, I had just had a haircut, not a trim, a few days earlier, so I knew she was off. I had also had my regular NYC stylist relax my hair and even she commented that my hair was in great condition. Needless to say, I got my brown butt up and LEFT!

I also recommend that you go early to your appointment, unless it’s a walk in. Regardless, watch how the stylist handles her other clients’ heads. If she is haphazard, sloppy, over using the heat, or you just don’t feel right about something, follow your gut, leave. If you are one of those people who always wants to be polite, just say, “I’m sorry…feel like I’m going to throw up. I’d better reschedule when I feel better.” Mija, they will be GLAD to have you go.

It takes commitment and patience to care for your hair, but it only takes ONE screw up and then you are started from peg one.

If you decide to get your hair done, please let us know where and how your experience turned out.

Merry Christmas!!!

LaNegra

Hola BELLA!

Mamita, I am SOOO sorry I didn’t reply sooner! Between work and spam, I can’t get a break.

Anyway, I can totally relate to sweating like a pig. Gurl, it ain’t pretty. As for leaving your wrap…I have never left mine in for that long, just doesn’t work for me. I gave up on curlformers…too much stress on my hair AND takes too much time to put in. Also recently tried the twistable rolos …results are so-so.

My feeling is that if your hair isn’t breaking, do what works. Not combing it means less tension on the hair, which means you probably will retain some length. Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of hair coming out when you comb it; that’s because the hairs that you naturally shed have not been removed during the week.  Other than that…if it’s working for you, keep it up. You shampoo regularly and condition regularly; that’s the key!

Again…sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
Mil besos!

I’m sitting here typing this with my rolos in (using velcro instead of magnetic), waiting for my 10 tons of fine, curly, Caucasian hair to dry… I use a great, cheap hood style dryer that attaches to my hairdryer, and then I hold down the “cool shot” button with a hair elastic and let the dryer do its magic!

Love the passive blow out technique… I HATE blowing out my hair in the normal way, and this gives me pretty curls in a super easy way (20 minutes to roll my hair and I’m done!)  Plus I can do all those vintage Marilyn Monroe/Jayne Mansfield styles by brushing out (instead of a dubi) and teasing/spraying, which with my (fake) blonde hair looks really cool.

I’ll check back in… Gracias por tu entusiasmo y tu positividad!

-Janna

Bienvenidos Janna!!

Wow, the South Bronx has changed huh? The last time I went through there were very few Dominicanas and probably even fewer whites. Ya have to love NYC for being an ever changing melting pot, no?

Well, I want to thank YOU for taking the time to email me. I always tell people that they do not have to have coarse or kinky hair to benefit from a Dominican blowout, providing it’s done properly. However, most refuse to believe me.

I hate to put you on the spot, but since you represent a small population of non-ethnics who do a Dominican blowout, would you mind sharing what you use, in the way of conditioners? For instance, many conditioners that we kinky, curly heads might use would probably be too heavy and weigh down fine hair. So, I’d love to hear about your product raves and if there are some Dominican products that you use that you find useful, as well.

Also ladies, would you all PLEASE send some pics?! I respect everyone’s privacy; you can blur out your face, or send a shot of the back of your head, but I know some of you are doing your own hair and doing a great job. I’d LOVE to see and share pics with others as inspiration.

Anyway, mil gracias Janna and please keep us posted!

LaNegra

Hola Victoria!

Mamita, let me tell you that humidity is not a girl’s friend, unless she’s natural, or has made peace with the fact that her blowout might frizz out after a short period. Truth be told, I have tried a few different anti-frizz serums; it’s been very, VERY humid this year, and I’m not finding any miracle workers on the market. I tried Garnier Fructis…it was ok. I also tried Redken Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk. The Redken was a little better, but for me the frizz eventually found its way back to my head. You may have to try a few different products to find what works for you, but I cannot recommend anything that worked for me, which is SAD, because I’m a hot mess this summer

As for the dry scalp, try mixing a few drops of tree tea oil and a few drops of peppermint oil in about an ounce of jojoba oil and apply to scalp using q-tip (so you don’t get hair too oily.) Curlformers might work for you. I used them last summer and was impressed by how well they worked on my natural curls. BUT, they are too time consuming for me to apply.

Another thing I almost forgot to mention…believe it or not, you may want to try shampooing your scalp more often to prevent clogged pores. Sometimes, when your scalp gets clogged by product, or dry skin, it blocks your natural oils from flowing down the shaft of the hair. Even if you don’t want to shampoo, use an inexpensive conditioner to comb through your hair in the shower and massage your scalp. Perhaps, you are not getting adequate circulation to the scalp. Don’t forget to drink sufficient water. If your organs aren’t hydrated, your hair will suffer.

Hope this helps,

LaNegra

My question for you is about the Keratin treatment that everyone seems to be fascinated with! I have been relaxing my hair for a very long time, and besides all the burning sensation, the not so pleasant smell of it, and just the overall tedious-ness of it, it WORKS! But, I have been debating whether or not I should get the Keratin and is it worth it. I am hesitant for a two reasons: 1. The keratin treatment cost a pretty penny! 2. Will it be harmful to my hair since I have been getting relaxers for as long as I can remember?

Hola guapa!

I am SOOO sorry that it took so long for this reply. I told you I was busy, but didn’t plan on taking this long.

Anyway, here’s my opinion (remember, it’s just an opinion). The keratin treatment originally had formaldehyde as the key ingredient. For those of you who do not know, formaldehyde is used for embalming. The fumes were so caustic that stylists used to wear facial masks, use high powered fans while the client and any other patron in the salon, was exposed to the fumes. Not cool.

Ok, so then they came up with a “formaldehyde free” version, because the public caught on to the dangers, but that’s BS! Yes, your hair will look great, but you may be exposing yourself to carcinogens. I posted about this topic a year or so ago and figured I’d look at current data before replying to your inquiry and I’ll tell you, not much has changed. Look at this report from ABC News that goes into some detail about Kertain Blowouts.

Some argue that relaxers are dangerous, yet we still get them, so what’s the big deal with getting a keratin treatment? For me, the big deal might be CANCER! Now, they do say that the customer isn’t repeatedly exposed to the carcinogens, but keep in mind that the treatment is not a one time deal; the treatment will have to be repeated, just like a relaxer, so you are going to be putting yourself at risk over time.

Personally, I’ll stick with the time consuming, scalp burning relaxer. I can deal with frizz and kink, but cancer is NOT on the agenda.

Mil besos!!

LaNegra

Hola amiga,

I am so sorry it took so long to get back to you. I wanted to talk to a friend with experience about this situation.

I don’t have eczema, but I understand that it can range from mild to extremely severe and debilitating. Naturally, I was going to recommend moisturizing to try to prevent dryness, but that’s not going to suffice the itching, flaking and possible soreness that your baby may endure. I’m sure you’ve been told to eliminate any harsh products. Soaps, lotions, any skin product that may contain perfumes and additives, tend to be a trigger in children with eczema. Dreft was the number one recommendation for laundry, while Ivory soap (do they still make that?) was the recommendation for skin.

Because the skin, including the scalp, tends to be super dry, it’s critical that you moisturize after a lukewarm (not HOT) bath. Aquaphor and Vaseline were the number one choices. A pediatrician friend recommended putting a thin layer of hydrocortisone on the breakout area, followed by a heavier layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly. She said the cycle of itching-drying-flaking can be difficult to curtail unless a parent is diligent about cutting out lotions and regular soaps. She pointed out that while most of us prefer to use lighter oils and creams, particularly during the summer months, it’s important for a child with eczema to lather up to keep the skin moist.

It seems chamomile and witch hazel may also help reduce inflammation. Witch hazel is an incredible natural cleanser. I often take a cotton ball with witch hazel to clean my face. I would follow up a bath or shower with some witch hazel and the top it off with the thicker Aquaphor or Vaseline.

For the moment, I would concentrate on getting baby’s skin in better condition, before worrying about her hair. As long as her scalp and hair are clean, I would continue to do what is working until I could figure out what her triggers were. Also, it was recommended that you keep a journal of the products used on her skin and foods. It’s particularly important to document anything new that is used on her skin, as it may lead you to finding something that helps her, or triggers her eczema.

If anyone has anymore information, please feel free to share. And again…I’m sorry it took so long. I needed to ask a friend who I felt confident would give reliable information.

Best of luck!!

LaNegra

Selina, mi amiga! Thank you for serving our country! I appreciate all you have done to keep us safe.

I am so glad that I was able to help you find a salon. Have your tried the salon yet? If so, let us know what you think. If you haven’t tried it yet, get back to us when you do

Happy Fourth of July!!

LaNegra

Hola Annie

When hair starts to thin, despite a pretty safe regimen, I tend to think that there has been chemical damage or biological issues.
What I mean by that is that it only takes one bad relaxer to cause notable damage to your hair. Depending on the severity, some people only experience breakage (ends snapping off), while others experience hair falling out in clumps.

If however, you are under stress, are not eating properly, do not drink an adequate amount of water, your hair will suffer. You can go for a period of time without food, but you must have air and water to keep your machine, your body running. When you are lacking in certain nutrients, your body will still function, the extras, such as your hair, your nails, your complexion, begin to show signs of damage.

Ok…so this doesn’t mean that your hair is definitely damaged. Nor does it mean that you are not drinking enough water, or eating properly. What it means is that you need to be your own best advocate and figure it out via process of elimination.

I’d recommend getting a decent trim; that will cut off any split or damaged ends. A lot of ladies dread getting trims, because they are trying to grow their hair, not chop it off. Unfortunately, there are a lot of stylists who tend to get lazy and it’s easier for them to wack off several inches, rather than work through the head of hair in small sections, taking off the minimal amount.

Nonetheless, it’s important to keep the ends of your hair healthy. Not trimming your ends can also cause your hair to look thinner. Split ends that are not clipped off tend to snake their way up higher and higher on the hair, unless cut off. So, that’s another thing to consider.

As for the weave, I have not experience with weaves. For some ladies, they are a great option, for others, the glue and weight of the hair causes additional problems. I’ll throw that question out to the ladies here…I’m sure someone can offer great advice.

Lastly, keep a little journal. If you do a treatment this week jot it down. If you notice any changes write your observations next to the treatment you used. This helps you determine not only what products are good for your hair, but what you may have been doing that helped, or exacerbated the problem.

Keep me posted!

LaNegra

MY QUESTION TO YOU TODAY IS: COULD I RELAX MY HAIR AND GET THE DOMINICAN BLOWOUT ALL AT THE SAME TIME OR SHOULD I DO ONE OR THE OTHER?

Hola guapa!

Let me answer your question first, THEN I’ll address a few things.
I don’t know if you are confusing a Dominican blowout with a Brazilian keratin treatment. If so, they are not the same. You can get a Dominican blowout at anytime and the hair usually looks extra pretty when it’s done the same day you get a relaxer. So, yes…you can get a relaxer AND blowout on the same day.

Now…I’m concerned about the hair issues you’ve experienced. I’m really happy that your hair is healthy now, but I’m still concerned as to why it’s not growing. Grease on the scalp tends to block the pores. Using the correct oil on the scalp can be great, but grease…think of what grease does to your arteries.

How frequently do you trim? Have you tried using rosemary tea as a rinse? If it were me, I’d try try to determine the source of any outstanding issued before relaxing.

Please, let me know if have any questions.

Besos,

LaNegra

This is where I get confused. (My hair eventually got damaged and would not curl anylonger and I ended up cutting of several inches and starting over and am now afraid to blow my hair out.) Prior to this damage, this is what I did to my hair, I went and got braids put in it, when I took the braids out, my hair was in terrible condition, then I got it colored (ligther with bleach), my hair was ok, but then I begin blowing it again and within several months my hair would not curl in certain areas and was just damaged. I am confused as to whether it was one thing or a combination of them all. I just know that for 2-3 years straight I would have my hair blown out 2-4 x a month and never had a problem with my curl or damage. Anyone have any ideas? My hair has now grown back to shoulder length (thank the Lord for my sister) she has conditioned, braided, added a net, and sewn a weave into my hair once a month since last summer. the funny thing is when I originally grew my hair out, I never wore a weave. But now I am super afraid to do anything to my hair.

Hola Kim

I can speak from only my own, personal experiences. The first time my hair was damaged, I did it. I had recently moved from NYC, like you. I thought that I could relax my own hair with whatever they had in t he local BBS. Um…NOT! By the time I made it back to NYC, my hair was falling out in clumps. I personally do not try to save my hair when it’s been damaged, because it means that I cannot put tension on it, cannot style it the way I like and for me, it feels like I’m putting my healthy hair at risk. What I will do, is wait until I have enough new growth to just cut it all off, without looking like a boy. You did the same thing.

I have never worn African braids, although I think they are beautiful. I just don’t like the idea of adding weight to my hair; I feel like it may cause additional damage by tugging on my own hair, eventually breaking it off when styling, or just from the every day movements. Now, this is just my opinion..

Remember, I tell everyone that it is extremely important to understand your hair. No, I’m not a licensed cosmetologist, but I know more about my hair than ANYONE else. To date, there is only one or two stylists that know my hair well enough to be able to tell exactly what I have been doing with my hair. They know that my hair tangles easily; they know that my hair doesn’t react well to certain conditioners, etc.

Think of this…when you go to a physician, they don’t know what’s ailing you. They extrapolate information, get objective and subjective data and pretty much work by process of elimination. Physicians make an educated guess as to what your plan of treatment should be based on their findings. If the treatment doesn’t work, they do further tests, hoping to find the problem and give a new, or revised treatment. The same applies to your hair. If you are going to a stylist for the first time, he/she will look at your hair, determine the condition and make an educated guess as to what will work best. However, after working with you for a long time, they will learn what works for you and your hair…if you’re lucky.

Ok…after saying all of that…If you are uncomfortable getting a blow out, I don’t recommend you do it. Keep in mind, this site is the result of having to do my own hair and I only went public on the urges of fellow NY friends who were in the same boat. They had to learn to do their own hair, like I did. Being a do-it-yourselfer is not always easy. I made mistakes along the way, but I am at a point where I can tell anyone what works best for my hair, what not to use and when I recognize a stylist is nodding in agreement, but giving me ‘tude, they will never see me again.

With regards to getting a Dominican blowout…follow your mind. If it doesn’t feel right for you, don’t do it. It sounds as if your sister is doing a great job of growing your hair back out. In the mean time, keep your eyes open for women who have healthy hair. Ask them where they go and they check out the salon. Make several covert visits. Yeah, it sounds sneaky, but my philosophy is to try to avoid damage, not wait until I’m in the chair to discover the stylist is not right for me.

I wish you many blessings and continue to condition or do whatever is currently working to get your hair back in good condition

Besos,

LaNegra