Professional Locking Methods Course

Lockology Hair This! Itch Free Week! - Reasons your scalp may itch and some cures!

Lockology Hair This! Itch Free Week! - Reasons your scalp may itch and some cures!

It is no secret that an itchy scalp can drive you insane and finding out the cause can be just as miserable. There are as many reasons for your scalp to itch as there are reasons to find a solution. Join us this week as we go through the reasons why your scalp may be itching and what can be done to help!

Dandruff
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Psoriasis
Eczema
Head Lice
Dry Scalp
Stress
Fungal Infections (Ringworm etc.)
Contact Dermatitis
Stress
Pregnancy
Hair Loss
Allergies

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Lockology Hair This! Quick Tip --> Never Re-Do Dry Locs!

Lockology Hair This! Quick Tip --> Never Re-Do Dry Locs!

When tightening/re-doing your locs, always make sure they are damp or moist even if you are using a locking mud, butter or gel (i hate gels). If they dry while you are re-twisting keep a spray bottle handy and keep misting as you go. Twisting dry hair can lead to breakage and does make the process a bit more uncomfortable.

Lockology Hair This: Know Your Roots!

A red rose or yellow rose, damask rose or bourbon rose is still a rose. Sisterlocks, Freeform, Interlocks or Palm Rolls…still locs! I spend countless amount of hours on the internet researching and
reading on just about everything that I think can affect locs/hair. From forums to books and articles to science journal reports I read it all. One think i find interesting when I read some forums and personal blogs is people who bash Free Forms locs who have locs themselves.

Now if you don’t have locs and you bash them I think that is perfectly fine because you are entitled to your opinion as well as odds are you are ignorant about the locking process and so you really don’t have the knowledge to do anything else. However, when you have locs and speak of free forms as dirty or unkempt to name a few then it puzzles me.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what looks good to you may very well not look good to someone else but before you bash them just understand that regardless of what type of locks you have, even though the maintenance process may differ the result is the same - the binding of individual hairs to form a “loc”. Free form locs are groomed as well and if the wearer also chooses to palm roll or interlock them it can also be done. The only difference is they are usually not as small or the locs themselves are not defined by uniformed rows. Free form locs are the originators and all other types of locks are its off springs.

In conclusion I am not asking you to love free form locs, i’m just asking that you respect the process. Making ignorant comments are reflective of your ignorance as well because if you knew the history and symbolism of locs then you could see the important role free forms played in our “hairstory” and how it paved the way for other type of locs to become “socially acceptable.” 

 

 

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Lockology Hair This! Sweet Honey Locs

Honey is a humectant and emollient.  What this means is it promotes retention of moisture.  This makes it a naturally good conditioner and moisturizer because of its ability to attract and retain water molecules.  It is also full of vitamins and minerals  that can leave your hair noticeably softer and shinier.

Benefits--> Antiseptic, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory, Hair Conditioning, Hair Moisturizing, Relieves Pain, Calms Nerves...and the list is endless...

Nutrients-->
Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper,
Manganese, Selenium, Vitamins C and B6, Riboflavin, Niacin, Folate and Pantothenic Acid, Amino Acids...

How To Use
 1. You can mix about 1 tablespoon of honey with about 4 oz of your favorite conditioner and apply after shampooing.

2. Mix approximately 1 tablespoon of honey with 4 ozs of your favorite (Lockology : )  oil and use as a hot oil treatment.

3.  Mix approximately 1 tablespoon of honey with 4 ozs of water and  use to mist your hair on long, hot/dry days while you're outdoors for long periods.

The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.

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Mineral Oil and Petrolatum

Mineral Oil and Petrolatum

 

With all the health issues getting more and more prevalent everyday like cancer, one has to be an educated consumer and learn to buy wisely.  We have to be more careful what we eat and what products we use on our body.  Most hair and beauty products for  Blacks contain Mineral Oil and Petrolatum, both by products of Petroleum
 Mineral oil, sometimes referred to as paraffin oil or Nujoll is composed of a blend of hydrocarbons that is not unlike that of petroleum jelly. The difference is that mineral oil is a liquid petrolatum, making it an inexpensive choice for a number of applications like baby oil, hair oils, make-up removers and much more. Petrolatum  (Like petroleum Jelly) is found mainly in hair oils and twisting products and can cause a great deal of build up and coating of the hair.  Neither of these product are healthy options.  Both have been reported to have low-moderate cancer association, a moderate immunotoxicity rating and are possible immune system toxicants.  (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=mineral+oil)
There are healthy alternatives to using products with these ingredients.  Read your labels and be an educated and smart consumer.  None of our Lockology products contain mineral oil or petrolatum.  For more information on Mineral Oil and Petrolatum or any other ingredients found in your hair and beauty products please visit( http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php?query=mineral+oil ) for ingredient information and governmental reports, health studies and more.

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Lockology Hair This! (Especially for the Ladies)

Lockology Hair This!  (Especially for the Ladies)

Folic acid (folate), a B vitamin is usually more our focus during preganancy as it is important in the development of the fetus. Though it is best known for preventing spinal and neurological birth defects in our little ones, Folic acid is also beneficial for healthy hair growth. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Folic acid helps all of your tissues grow and various cells work. These tissues include skin, hair, nails and organs. It also helps prevent birth defects such as anencephaly and spina bifida as well as anemia.

 Along with other vitamins, such as vitamins C and B-12, Folic acid helps your body create, breakdown and use proteins as well as it helps form red blood cells and produce DNA.  Folic acid is also used to treat menstrual problems so ladies make this a priority in your diet. 
Some folate rich foods include beans (black beans, kidney beans etc), dark green leafy vegetables (callaloo, spinach, mustard, bak choy), cereals and bread and citrus juices as well as animal livers (if thats your thing : P ).  The key to getting the most folate from your beans and vegetables is to not overcook them.

The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.

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Lockology Info of the Day: Sulphur (Not Sulphur 8)

Lockology Info of the Day: Sulphur (Not Sulphur 8)

Sulfur compounds play a role in many body organs and systems. Sulfur is in the hair, skin, and nails. Many amino acids, the building blocks of protein, have sulfur as a component.

There are several reasons for hair loss. One reason may be hormone changes as well as nutritional deficiencies. If either of these has played a part in your hair loss, then you may want to begin looking at your diet.

Sulphur, often referred to as the beauty mineral can supply some of the right types of growth nutrients for hair, skin, and nails.  It is also known to help improve circulation and decrease things such as inflammation. If you are suffering from hair loss, then you may want to look at the amount of sulphur and other vital hair nutrients in your diet.

Sulphur is usually found in protein type foods, such as fish, meat, nuts, and vegetables."

The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.

Lockology Tip of the Day: Scalp Cleansing with Baby/New Locs or Between Washes

Lockology Tip of the Day: Scalp Cleansing with Baby/New Locs or Between Washes


So you have done the big chop or extensions and are going through those rigorous first 6 weeks of new locs.  Welcome! Depending on the process used you most likely won't be able to wash for another 6 long, itchy weeks.  This can be a bit uncomfortable, especially if you work out and sweat a lot.  Well,help is here. 

Mix equal parts ACV (apple cider vinegar) with water so lets say 2 oz ACV and 2-3 ozs water.  Next use the tip of a clean rag/washcloth or cotton to dip in your ACV solution and wipe between the rows of your locs. Squeeze out the excess ACV and wipe until your entire scalp is clean. No Rinsing Necessary - The vinegar smell will disappear as soon as it dries.

This will:
Remove any sweat and odors
Relieve itching and condition your scalp
Remove dandruff and any build-up
This can be done on cornrows, braids and any length locs.

Lockology Tip of the Day: Delinting -- ACV vs Soft Brush Washing

Lockology Tip of the Day: Delinting -- ACV vs Soft Brush Washing

With locs comes lint. Its a reality most of us with locs have to face but how do we get rid of it? Well you have a few options the most recommended being Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses. On occassion ACV rinses are great. However, i find that ACV is best for product build up and a light detox. It may remove lint as well but when your locs are overwhelmed with lint it rarely helps.

 

 

 Another option most people excercise is dying to cover up the lint, this surely covers it but the use of dyes is a whole other topic. I find that washing your locks with a soft almost baby- like brush helps to remove most of the lint. The brush must not be rough or coarse or it will rip and damage your locs. Shampoo your locs and then hold them in your hand and gently brush down the hair shaft. A combination of this and the ACV rinse every 8 - 10 weeks should keep you lint free. Please stay away from "lint picking," this can weaken and damage your locs.

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Moldy Locs : (

Lockology Tip of the day: Moldy Locs :(

Unfortunately while wearing locs (braids, wigs, cornrows and straightened hair can get moldy too) at some point a lack of proper drying can lead to mold or mildew. This is usually due to your hair remaining damp and dry for 2 days or more.

To avoid this, make sure your hair is properly dried before or after styling and or wrapping. Whether free form or t...rained locs. I don't like dryers but depending on your hair, environment etc your hair may take a long time to dry and that presents the risk of molding.

To remove mold from your hair -->

1. Spray your hair thoroughly with a solution of 1 part Vinegar 1 Part Water and wait for about 15 minutes. Makesure the hair is completely saturated. DO NOT COVER

Also ---> You can also add 10 drops tea tree oil and 10 drops greatfruit essential oil to approximately half cup of water and spray your locs instead of using the vinegar solution.



2. Shampoo hair thorughly (a shampoo that includes tea tree oil, grapefruit essential oil and or rosemary essential oil is great) If you have any of these oils at home you can also add a couple drops to your shampoo or rinse water.



3. After shampooing allow your hair to dry properly. Towel wring and dry your hair. Depending on the weather or your environment you can allow your hair to openly air dry. If not blow out the excess water with a blow dryer but not until the hair is crisp dry.



Once the hair is dried you should smell the difference in your hair.

I would suggest repeating this process within 10-14 days or whenever next you wash your hair.



The information included on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider or stylist to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a professional relationship.

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Traction Alopecia

The reason for the increase is Traction Alopecia, a hair loss condition caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs in persons who wears tight braids, especially "cornrows" that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair.

This condition is most common in women and men who braid their hair too tightly. It is also common in Sikh men of India and Japanese women whose traditional hair styles also pull and damage hair. Traction alopecia occurs more frequently in children, teenagers and young adults then it does in older women and men. Traction alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early, but may lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a protracted period. Hair loss is often in the frontal and temporal regions, but also depends on the hair style. With those who wear cornrows, the area most commonly affected is that adjacent to the region that is braided. Traction Alopecia can also occur due to over processing of the hair. Chemical treatment of hair with dyes, bleaches, or straighteners disrupts the keratin structure in a manner that reduces its tensile strength. The hair can become fragile and heavy fall out can occur with brushing or combing. The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place African American women at high risk for various "traumatic" alopecias.

The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for "looser, more gentle hair style. Women, African-American women, who suspect they may be vulnerable to traction alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style or treatment methods and by all means, take the time to see a dermatologist. Professional hair stylists specializing in braids, cornrows, weaving and chemical processing should warn their clients about traction alopecia.

Unfortunately, no medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage traction alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution.

"We're seeing an increase in the number of young women who are coming to us for a hair transplant," said Dr. Shelly Friedman. "Recently we did a hair transplant for a young African-American girl. It's a shame really because she didn't have to lose her hair."

Friedman said he's had good success in treating traction alopecia with hair transplants.

"Women and men with permanent traction alopecia make good candidates for hair transplants," he said. "Many of them are treated with hair transplant results I'd rate from Good to Excellent."

What Causes Dry Hair and Scalp 

The causes of dry hair and scalp are most often interrelated. Environmental conditions have caused dry hair through overexposure to the sun and wind and the presence of minerals and chlorine in water used to wash our hair. Dry hair can also occur due to the result of swimming or bathing in pools and spas with chlorinated water, or hair treatments using perm chemicals, peroxide bleach, color developer, and hair relaxer chemicals. This can lead to uncontrollably frizzy hair or damaged hair.

The use of hard water for bathing can cause dry hair & dry scalp. Are you aware that hard water can trigger scalp eczema or dandruff, thinning hair, and dry flaky skin? You need to be careful when you go to a salon and have your hair treated. It could be possible that hard water is used.

Hard water has hair resistant to perming or coloring and may lead to hair loss. The water you use in washing your hair, scalp and skin comes from ground and surface water. Ground water comes from the well or from local treatment plant where water is derived from a well’s pumping water from the ground. The source of ground water is from rain passing through aquifers, which are layers of minerals. The acidity (pH below 7) of the rain increases the dissolving effect of minerals. The dissolved solids are found in the water when pumped above the ground and used to bathe. Surface water, on the other hand, comes from the water that is deriving from the surface source. This is water coming from river or lake. The surface water usually contains lesser minerals because the water has never been filtered down through the mineral layers.

Water hardness is determined by the level of calcium that is in the water either found naturally from the ground or put into the water by the treatment plant. While calcium is the element that determines hardness of water, there are many other elements in the water that affect the texture, volume, shine, control and health of hair. One of the minerals that effect hair dry and dry scalp is Calcium. Calcium is the mineral that determines hardness of water. Effects of calcium on hair are as follows:

1. Calcium makes the hair feel dry and weighted down. It can cause a perm to appear relaxed. Calcium that builds up on scalp can cause flaking, giving the appearance of dandruff.

2. Calcium can choke the hair at the mouth of the follicle causing the hair to break off. This enables the coating of the scalp resulting to blocking further new hair growth. This results in loss of hair and lack of hair growth that occur in all races including African Americans and can result in black hair loss by the nature of the breakage at the root of the hair during styling.

A great way to get rid of dry hair and scalp is to condition the hair. Add natural oils to your hair.  These oils are great conditioning regimen to use before and after shampooing the hair. You may also use naturals like apple cider vinegar to get rid of dandruff and dry scalp. Most importantly, rinse your hair well and use the proper hair treatment for your hair to avoid having to experience dry hair and dry scalp.

World of Hair 2012

The products that we recommend:

Lockology Hydra Care

Lockology Color Care

Lockology Definitive

LockologyAnti-Itch Rx

Lockology Loc and Twist Butters

Frutrition - Fruits That Are Good For Your Hair

We know fruits are good for our health, but did you know that fruits can have healthy hair benefits as well? Fruits are full of nutrients and vitamins that are good for your hair.
Dark-colored fruits like plums and dark berries have nutrients called bioflavonoids that also act as antioxidants. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit have Vitamin C and antioxidants. Many of these fruits have antioxidants that help increase circulation to the scalp, which encourages hair growth.
Fruits like apples, apricots, peaches, bananas and watermelon are not only sweet, but are also hair-growth boosters. The secret ingredient in these fruits is the nutrient biotin. Biotin has been heralded as the natural growth steroids for hair and nails. Many people have used a biotin-fortified diet to combat hair loss. Studies suggests that biotin promotes hair growth and infuses strength and thickness into every strand.
The powerhouse fruit for hair health is the avocado. Avocados are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. The fruit is a natural moisturizer that helps hair growth. Avocados are great food for damaged hair. On top of this, the avocado is a natural sunscreen. Add this fruit to a deep conditioner to make hair stronger, shiny and healthy. Avocado’s moisturizing essential fats make it an ideal fruit to use for hair repair. It leaves hair softer, more elastic and less prone to breakage.

Written by Timi Komonibo

Locs, Life and everything in between...

Thanks for visiting our blog.  We haven't posted in over 2 years but we are back!...Look out for our first post and much more coming soon!  In the mean time feel free to check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/lockology or our website www.ilovelockology.com.