1.(Q.)  How do I stop my  natural hair from drying out?

(A.) Natural Kinky hair is very easy to care for, just remember its greatest need is moisture. Think about how soft natural hair is when it is wet, that's because the moisture level is at 100%. Notice how as your hair dries it seems to dry out. Now the answer is not to walk around with your hair wet. All you need to do is apply Moisture Plus Moisturizer each day, starting at the ends, next apply to hair close to scalp and then rub throughout strands. By doing this simply treatment daily or as needed you find that your moisture level will stay up and your hair will not dry out. Call for a free hair talk session @901-380-4445, I would love to talk to you about my natural hair programs. 

2. (Q) How often should I have my hair relaxed?

(A.)  Many stylists say relax hair at the first sign of new growth, but that is not safe. The important thing to remember is you must have enough new growth so that a licensed chemical technician/ stylist has a clear visible line where the new growth ends and the chemically treated hair begins. Having a visible line to read the different between non chemically treated hair and chemically treated hair will prevent overlapping. Overlapping is when relaxer is applied pass the new growth line, this causing over processing and ultimately cause hair loss. Keep in mind that the average hair strand is only growing new hair, (new growth) at a rate of about one half  inch every four weeks. This new hair is your new growth and is the only hair that should be relaxed.  So, I recommend that you have your hair relaxed on an as needed basis, no sooner than eight weeks.  By then you should have about one inch of new growth which creates that visible line of difference or new growth. And remember a relaxer should be used to manage our kinky hair. The over use or misuse of a relaxer will cause serious hair disorders like Short Hair Syndrome so  you must have a hair care professional, (licensed chemical technician/stylist), that will take care and only relax that line of new growth without over lapping.  Here is a pretreatment tip from Lisa Akbari...... Lightly spray Hair Vitamin Leave - in conditioner on the hair closest to the scalp, sit under a cool dryer for 3 min. Afterwards your chemical technician will see a clear line of new growth.      

3. (Q) Will shampooing my hair often cause my scalp and hair to dry out?

(A.) No, in fact a clean scalp will prevent many scalp disorders and clean hair will allow conditioning treatments to penetrate the hair strand better, and improve the health and shine of your hair. Your hair should always be shampooed on an as needed basis.  In other words, when it's dirty, don't wait  till your scalp start itching, or that so call standard every two weeks. I know many of you are afraid that if your hair is shampooed often your hair and scalp will dry out. This only happens when the pH of the your shampoo is to high. Just be sure to use a shampoo that is the same pH of your hair.  The pH of natural hair is between 4.5 and 5.5.  The Cleaning Clarifying and Balance Shampoo has a pH of 5.5. By using any of Lisa Akbari Hair Nutrition Products you can shampoo as often as you like and not worry about the drying side affects to your hair and scalp the many products cause.  To learn more about hair and scalp pH and the pH scale be sure to read Mrs. Akbari's book .

4. (Q) Can I wear a relaxer and permanent color without losing my hair?

(A) Yes, it is very possible to wear a relaxer and a permanent hair color, without hair loss.  But it is important for you to remember that you must first find a licensed chemical technician/stylist, one that is experienced with the application and maintenance of both a chemical relaxer and permanent hair color combination.  Finding this individual may not be easy.  Get your local yellow pages and choose ten salons that advertise this type of service, or call different salons and ask if they specialize in this kind of service.  Make an appointment for a consultation. From your list of ten salons, you should at least find three that will be able to help you.  But, don't stop there, ask to see a portfolio or a list of clients who are wearing this type of chemical combination.   A true professional who is interested in building a clientele won't mind giving you this information. Be persistent.  A hair tip from Lisa Akbari .....    Once a week take the time to do what I call  "plus conditioning". Apply my Deep Penetrating Protein Moisture & Stabilizing Conditioner on your hair with a plastic cap, sit under the dryer for 10 min on medium setting, remove cap, now look for the areas that has absorbed the conditioner apply more conditioner to those areas, then massage throughout your hair. Sit back under the dryer for 10 more min. The Deep Penetrating Protein Moisture & Stabilizing Conditioner with the  "plus conditioning"   your relaxed and color treated hair will be strong.  If you are having hair problems click here.     

 

5.(Q) What is the purpose of a hair moisturizer and when should it be used?

(A.) A hair moisturizer is designed to maintain the moisture level in your hair strand, and should  if your moisture level is low.  The best way to know if your moisture level is low is quite simple, everyday inspect your hair, if your hair feels dry "hard" and brittle then it needs moisture.  Apply  Moisturizer Plus Moisturizer, a small amount at a time, until the hair begins to soften.  When it reaches that point, then your moisture level is where it needs to be.

6. (Q) What is the purpose of a hair and scalp oil, when should it be used, and how do I choose the oil for my hair that won't give my hair the greases?

(A) A oil should be used on your hair in order to lubricate the hair shaft, in other words to give your hair a nice natural shine, and can be used to relieve a dry scalp. All oils are not the same, some are actually "greasy" products.  The best way to choose the oil that is right for your hair and scalp is by doing a simple test:  Rub a small amount of oil into the skin on the back of your hand. Your skin should immediately absorb the oil and shouldn't feel sticky or greasy.  If the oil is skin friendly, it will be hair and scalp friendly. Remember, only apply a small amount of oil to your hair and /or scalp on an as needed basis, because as your hair and scalp becomes healthy there may not be a need for the use of a oil on the scalp area. In cases where you need to use oil I recommend Oil Sheen In A Jar ,  lightly glaze the palms of your hand or fingertips, then apply to the strands of the hair or scalp areas  that look dull and dry.  By doing this you will get the full benefits of using oil without having the greases.