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!

Just in Time for the Holidays! - Gift Certificates Now Available!

Now available at Taji's Natural Hairstyling:  Gift certificates for the Natural Haired Diva or Gentleman in your life.  If you are looking for a perfect gift for someone hard to buy for on your holiday list, gift them a pampering experience with one of our talented stylists at Taji's Natural Hair Styling.  Just click on the "Appointments" tab on our website and purchase there!

Winter Hair Tips - Keeping Your Natural Hair Moisturized

Winter time is upon us!  The temperature is dropping...the winds are blowing....there is frost on the ground when we go outside in the morning....our skin is dry....and guess what else is?  Our hair!

So what is one to do?  I'm so glad you asked!   Here are a few tips for keeping your hair soft and moisturized during the frosty winter months.

1.  Condition your hair!  Conditioners are your hair's friend.  A Conditioner's main purpose is to smooth and soften the hair cuticle.  If your hair is prone to dryness, then you will want to deep condition you hair weekly to bi-weekly during the winter months.

Things to look for in your conditioners:  Humectants such as glycerin, panthenol (vitamin B5), or honey.  Humectants draw moisture from the environment to your hair.  The use of these should be minimized in extremely dry areas as they may draw moisture from your hair if they can't find any in the air.  In NC, this shouldn't be an issue as we maintain some measure of humidity in the air all year.  You can always check the measure of humidity in the air on your local weather station or on www.naturallycurly.com on their frizz tool by typing in your hair type and zip code.


2. Use a leave- in conditioner.  Adding a leave-in conditioner to your hair will help retain moisture after your cleansing process.  A creamy leave-in will work best for individuals with thick hair whereas those with fine hair might prefer a liquid leave in that won't weigh down their curls.

3.  Add water to your hair.  Moisture is only created by adding water to the hair.  There are two ways to water to your hair.  One way is to add plain water to your hair with a spray bottle, another way is to add a water based moisturizer.  A water based moisturizer will always have water as the first ingredient in the product listing.  You should moisturize your hair a couple of times a week or whenever your hair feels dry.

4.  Seal your moisturizer in with an oil.  Contrary to popular belief, oil is not a moisturizer.  Oils & water do not mix, which is why it assists in creating a temporary barrier to water escaping the hair shaft.  If you have persistent dry hair a butter, such as shea, mango, or cocoa, may be more effective in sealing moisture in your hair.  For individuals who have occasional dryness or fine hair a carrier oils such as olive or coconut (the best for textured hair) will be great for sealing in moisture.

5.  Use a humidifier at home.  The electric, gas, and oil heat that we use to warm our home also strips moisture out of the air.  It dries your skin and hair.  A great way to add moisture back into the air in your home environment is through the use of a humidifier.

Natural Hair News: MTV Casting Call For Woman Who Wants to Do Big Chop

MTV Casting Call:  Are You Ready For the Big Chop?   

Is your hair your obsession? Are are you struggling with your hair? Do you feel natural hair would let you embrace your true self, and you want to go for the “big chop?” Why now? What has held you back up to this moment? We would like to follow someone who is ready to do the “big chop” and follow them on their journey as they transition into their natural hair.

If you appear to be between the ages of 15 -28 and would like us to document your transition to natural hair, email us at casting@lintonmedia.com and tell us about your story. Please include your name, location, phone number and recent photos of yourself.

Note:  Don't forget that we at Taji's Natural Salon are also looking for women (no age limit) who are ready to transition to natural for us to feature on our blog as well as on Facebook.   We'll follow your journey and will culminate with a video shoot of your "big chop" to be featured on Youtube.  Leave a comment below to be included in our local casting call!

We Would Like to Feature YOU! Transitioning Stories

 source

Are you a current customer of Taji's Natural Hair styling and in the middle of your transition to natural hair?  We are looking for 3 customers to follow their journey to natural on this blog and Facebook, culminating with your big chop being video taped and featured on Youtube!


The requirements to participate in this feature are: 1) you must be a current customer of Taji's Natural Hair Styling  2) You must be following this blog 3) You must have liked the Taji's Natural Hair Styling Facebook page. 4) Put a comment below about why you decided to transition to natural hair.

We are excited about featuring YOU our fabulous customers!  We hope that through your feature, someone else will be encouraged to transition to natural hair.

Helping Your Spouse or Signifcant Other to Transition To Natural Hair WITH You

Over the years, I've had many occasions to see women struggle with the decision to go natural because they didn't know what their spouse or significant other's reaction would be to the change in their hair.  While many women get up in arms about why a man would not accept the woman he loves despite her hairstyle as I've witnessed through many encounters, conversations, and even blog articles like this one and this one, it is a real issue and should be addressed.

So below I'm going to share some tips for helping the man in your life "transition to natural hair" with you.

1.  Communicate - Talk to your man about why you want to go natural before you start your transition.  There are many reasons why we choose to go natural:  relaxers are damaging your hair, chemical processing is expensive, wanting to develop a more healthy lifestyle including going to the gym, just wanting to embrace your natural texture/curiosity.  No matter what it is, share your reasons.  Allow for dialogue so that you can receive his feedback as well.

2. Educate - Those who who do transition to natural hair often go through some education process about natural hair, how to care for it, maintain it, and style it.  Share some of this information with your husband/boyfriend as well.  I'm not saying drag him to a natural hair meetup or teach him about every natural hair product line on the market, but do share general information about natural hair with him. This will be especially helpful when you start using natural hair lingo like big chop, two strand twist, braid out, etc.

3. Get his input on styling options - Allow him to look at some of the styles on the Taji Natural Hair Styling gallery, Youtube, or even point out styles on natural haired women you see while you guys are out and about.  Ask for his input.  Though every style looks a little different with each hair texture and individual, you will have an idea as to what his preferences are. 

4. Exposure - This is one thing that you might not have to create.  Fortunately, there are many women who are going natural.  Usually what is seen in the masses is more easily accepted by the masses.  There are black and multiracial women seen on television shows, tv and print advertising, on billboards, in music videos and in society in general.  As you make him more aware of natural hair through your conversations, he will also be more aware of natural hair in his surroundings.

If your husband/boyfriend is not initially supportive about your decision to transition from relaxed to natural hair, these steps should at least help him to see things from your perspective.  Hopefully, he will appreciate your efforts to include him  and make him a part of your decision.