Ethnicities Magazine-February 2018 - Issue 20

KRISA TIPS
HOW CARE AT BEDTIME INFLUENCES
THE DEFINITION OF CURLY HAIR
BY: KRIS AGUILAR, B.A.
E-mail: krisanatureshop@gmail.com
Social Networks: @krisanature
Since ancient times, hair care at bedtime has been taken into account,
because of the benefits we get from doing it, such as: avoiding friction
breakage, frizz, a more durable style, preventing hair from bothering
us when it reach our faces , loss of natural oils from the hair and scalp
among other aspects. Therefore, it is necessary to perform this care so
that the hair achieves its maximum definition and maintain a pleasant
style the next day, since the results of taking care of the hair at bedtime
provide these benefits in the curl.
These are some techniques to take care
of our hair when sleeping:
Braiding the hair: This way our
hair stays untangled, comfortable,
and the frizz is avoided
the next day. Divide the hair and
make several braids according
to your preference. It is recommended
for girls because the
hair is manageable the next day.
Use a detangling spray to avoid
mistreating the hair in the process.
Bantu knots: It consist in dividing
the hair into sections and
wrapping each one until forming
a small knot. Provides
definition by releasing the knot
resulting in loose waves or curls,
depending on the texture of
the hair; it’s a versatile protective
style. This hairstyle has been
used for centuries by Bantu ethnic
groups in Africa.
Pineapple: This is the most
popular method. It is not more
than placing a tail or tie to hold
the hair as high as possible,
avoiding the hair to rub or get
tangled by movements in the
bed or with the pillow and break
dawn or gets frizzed, also helps
us to keep for longer our hairstyle.
It is necessary to wrap the
hair with a silk or satin scarf.
This method is preferably for
long hair.
You can also make mini pineapples
(divide the hair into sections
and place several bras in
the hair to protect it when sleeping).
It applies to people with
short hair who do not bother to
wear it when they sleep.
Cap (satin - silk): Since ancient
times, in the mid-fourteenth
century, the cap was used to
sleep. This was a cap or headdress
that was used to pick
up the hair and in some cases
gentlemen used it under the military
helmet; it was used more
frequently in elegant families
homes. Covering the hair with
a satin or silk cap or scarf protects
it and prevents the pillow
fabric from absorbing the natural
oils of the hair; At the same
time, it prevents breakage due
to strong scratches when sleeping,
another option is a plastic
cap; this is for extremely dry
hair, to maintain moisture and
definition. Satin is a soft fabric
with cotton, silk or linen fiber
fabric, smooth to the touch, it is
shiny and smooth, of good consistency,
suitable for this function.
There is also the option of
satin pillowcases.
Night Treatments: When making
masks or pre-poo at night
the ingredients will act in a great
way and we will save time, for
that, the most appropriate is to
apply mixture of natural oils or
deep commercial treatments
such as: coconut oil, chikaikai,
castor and others , always taking
into consideration the precautions
to avoid staining with
the products.
Each of these methods are carried
out with the proper caution
so nor the hair or scalp get hurt.
All these methods will help you
achieve and maintain a defined
and healthy hair, therefore they
can be applied in girls.
Some ingredients to define
curly hair are:
Natural Gel: There are several
homemade recipes to prepare
natural gel such as oatmeal
gel, flaxseed gel, aloe vera gel,
chia gel, okra gel that provide
nutrients to our hair without
chemicals that damage or dry
it, while they define it.
Aloe vera gel recipe: Remove
the husk of a medium leaf
of aloe vera, liquefy and strain
if necessary, do not mix with
water, apply to the hair, look
for the desired style either with
your fingers or a comb and let
dry. Do not rinse unless you feel
discomfort like itching or some
other.
Flaxseed Gel Recipe: Add 3 tablespoons
of flaxseed or linseed
to two cups of boiling water, stir
until the gel is felt and quench
the fire, wait for it to cool to strain,
prepare it according to your
thickness preference.
Natural oils can be added to these
gelts for a better hydration in
case you have very dry hair and
with frizz.
In case your hair is difficult to
define, mix both gels for a better
result and add a bit of coconut
milk and conditioner without rinsing.
Since this mixtures are natural,
they should be stored in the refrigerator
for a longer duration, if
it’s necessary, use preservative
oils such as glycerin, lavender or
tea tree, only a few drops.
Natural or commercial Serum:
To make your own homemade
serum you only have to mix
some natural oils and use a few
drops for your hairstyle or before
sleeping; it’s not necessary
to mix so many oils because it’s
not for pre-poo and it could overload
your hair. Look for oils that
have different benefits and mix
them, such as: grapeseed oil,
olive oil and cocoa oil. Excellent
mix to moisturize skin and hair,
while strengthening and helping
hair growth.
Conditioner: Sometimes hair
becomes difficult to find a definition
pattern, although we take
the necessary measures. This
can be solved by applying a little
conditioner on the hair before
combing and then your usual
products, always trying to dry
the hair, you will not have any negative
effect when doing it.
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