Hey there, I’m black/puerto rican/white/and more latino roots. I’ve always had curly hair but it’s somewhat thin at the same time, I used to have super long hair until I went to this one salonist..anyhow now I don’t know what to do with my hair, I can’t get it straight really and I used one product for awhile and it eventually has a negative effect on my hair. My hair is also always craving moisture and hydration so I’m always searching for a good moisture source. This next Weds. I’m going to a dominican hair salon, but I’m quite scared that the decent amount of hair I grew back will fall out because of past experiences. I haven’t relaxed my hair in 3 months. And everyday that I comb my hair and everytime hair comes out in the comb but I have no idea if it’s normal, although It doesn’t appear that I’m going bald or anything..I don’t know. Do you think my hair will withstand the heat at the salon next weds.?

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