Oh my Loc! - Loc Breakage

After achieving great length with your locs you want to do everything possible to retain their health.  Today we look at another problematic area for loc wearers, loc breakage.

What are some of the causes of loc breakage and what can I do to prevent it?

1.  Too frequent tightening- Your locs should be tightened about once every 4-6 weeks.  We all want our hair to look neat, however, tightening your locs too often can cause your loc to become weak.

2. Frequent tights styles - While it can be understood that you will want to experience all the creative styling options that locs provide,  be careful.  Just as with loose natural hair, styling your hair in creations that are too tight will cause your hair to break.  This is not to say completely eliminate these styles, just utilize them in moderation.

3.  Hair is already in a fragile state- Building hair length on weak strands will not help you sustain long length.  It is always best to remove the weak or fragile hair by cutting it before starting your journey.


What are some of the issues that you experience as a loc wearer?  Leave a concern in the comment section below and we'll answer you there or write a blog post to educate others!

Oh my Loc! - The Lint Issue

Recognize this?

Does this look familiar?

Yep, you guessed it, it's lint trapped in your locs.  Unfortunately, it's one of the little nuisances about wearing locs.  Can you avoid it?  Not totally.  Are there things you can do to reduce the occurrence?  Absolutely!

Here are a few things to avoid:
1. Beeswax
2. Butters
3. White or light colored towels
4. Sleeping or lounging with your locs exposed

Instead:
1. Use light oils & light gels for re-twisting
2. Use a dark colored, or lint free towel or t-shirt for drying your locs
3. Sleep in a satin bonnet or loc soc at night

But I have visible lint!  How do I fix the problem?

Well, there's no great solution for fixing the problem.  You can use tweezers to try to pull the lint out.  Just be careful.  You don't want to damage the integrity of the loc by trying to dig out lint.  Many choose to dye the loc to cover up the lint.  A more natural solution is to perform a black tea rinse.  To check out information on this solution, click here.

You can always consult one of the stylists here at Taji's Natural Hair Styling for advice on this issue as well.

Have you experienced issues with lint in your locs?  How have you resolved it?  Leave a suggestion below!

Keeping Single Strand Knots At Bay in Natural Hair

Ever seen them?  These teeny weeny little knots on your hair?  They are so miniscule that you can probably feel them better than you can see them.  They are called single strand knots or "fairy knots"  and they are the bane of every natural curly haired girl.  Single strand knots are a nuisance because other curls can get tangled on them and cause big knot or mats in your natural hair.  So how can you prevent them?  Well, single strand knots cannot be absolutely avoided, however they can be minimized.    Check out the steps below and feel free to add your own techniques for reducing single strand knots.

1.  Minimize wearing wash-n-go's.   Wash & go's and the shingling process defines and enhances your natural curl pattern.  Because your curls curl up on themselves, this style can also increase the likelihood off single strand knots especially if you wear this style for multiple days.

2. Wear stretched hair styles.  This doesn't necessarily mean heat straightening your hair.  What it does mean is wearing your hair in styles that reduce the amount of shrinkage your hair experiences.  Some examples of these styles are 2 strand twists, twist outs, braid outs, flat twists, and bantu knot outs. These styles stretch out the hair without heat and create curly, crinkly, or wavy styles.  

3.  Detangle your hair during your weekly hair cleansing session.  Detangling is a very important part of hair cleansing session.  Make sure you use a conditioner with a lot of slip and use a detangling tool.  There are several that you can use.  Many recommend the use of your fingers so that you can feel knots and tangles and release them without breaking off your hair.  You can also use a wide tooth comb or detangling brush.  When using these last two tools start your detangling at the ends of your hair and work your way up.  This whole process also helps to remove shed hairs.  Remember, on average, we shed between 80- 100 strands of hair per day.  These shed hairs can create tangles and knots if not removed regularly.

4.  Removing single strand knots.  The only way to remove single strand knots is to use a pair of hair scissors and snip right above the knot.  

What are some of the methods that you use to minimize single strand knots?

Products Now Offered at Taji Natural Salon!

Do you love the way your hair feels when you leave Taji's Natural Hair Styling?  Well, we are proud to announce that we are now offering some of the unique products offered at Taji's for sale!  For just $5 each you can can take home the following products for at home maintenance.  These products were created exclusively by our own Taji Shabu. 

Available for Sale Now are:

Energizing Sulfate Free Shampoo
Moisturizing Conditioner
Refreshing Lite Leave-In Spray
Refreshing Scalp Oil
Energizing Aloe Jelly


When you come in for your appointment, talk to your stylist about the products available for sale!

Exercising with Natural Hair

Happy New Year!  One of the events that goes along with the arrival of a new year is setting new year's resolutions.  As well all know the most popular new year's resolution is to get in shape and exercise more.  Some may be asking the question, "How do I maintain my natural hair while working out?"

There are many styles that you can wear while working out.  For those who have a heavy workout routine, we would recommend: twist extensions, yarn braids, twisted or braided up do's.   These styles are low maintenance, will keep your hair out of the way and still look great after a workout.

For those who would like to wear a loose natural style, like a twist out or braid out, keep your hair twisted or braided during your work out (if you're at the gym, don a beanie to cover your hair) and then when your roots are dry untwist your hair.  This will prevent you from losing your defintion.  Since your hair will be getting damp at the roots try using a light gel or a product that does not have a humectant in its ingredient list to hold your twists or braids.  This will prevent excess frizz.  A wash-n-go is another perfect style for the gym enthusiast.

Essence.com had a great article on its site today about maintaining your hair while working out.  Check it out by clicking here.  Just remember your total body health is extremely important.  Your hair will flourish as a result of your working out.  Don't let your hair be an excuse NOT to work out.  Just find styles that work with your newfound commitment to your body's health.  To your health!