The Best Shampoo For Dry Hair || Never Have Dry Hair Again!

The best shampoo for dry hair // Never have dry hair again!

I have been making my own line of hair care products for about three years now. Until now I have never actually sat down and physically listed the benefits to each of my products. This week I will be sharing with you what I have placed in each item in the line and why. Being a hairstylist I get to see first hand some of the problems women are having with their hair. One of the biggest issues women face is having dry hair. No one likes having dry hair and everyone wants to know what to do in order to have healthy, moisturized hair.  Aside from hydrating your body from the inside, the other important thing to do to nourish your hair is to use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. The Extreme Moisture Shampoo in the Silk Hydration by L. Jones line is one of my favorites in the line. It gives the hair a soft, silky, and moisturized feel after the first use! I made sure to pack this shampoo with plenty of moisturizers and plenty of actual silk (liquid AND powder) in order to infuse the hair with as much moisture as possible. See the graphic below for in depth details on the Extreme Clean Moisturizing Shampoo.

How to get rid of dry hair!

Remember, it is equally important to also drink the proper amounts of water and to eat the proper nutrients and vitamins to hydrate your body from the inside as it is to use the right products. Only doing one of these things will not be productive for your hair. Doing both however, can have great effects on your hair. Join me next time when I cover another product in the Silk Hydration by L. Jones product line.

Check out the video of me explaining the items inside the Extreme Moisture Shampoo.

How To Stretch Your Relaxer For Healthier Hair (week 2)

how to stretch your relaxer for healthier hair

Welcome to week two of the relaxer stretching series! If you are just joining us, this series is designed to help you achieve healthy hair even with a relaxer. One key factor in this is to avoid damage by over-processing of the hair by over lapping the relaxer a.k.a getting relaxer on hair that has already been relaxed before. Once you grasp hold of the idea that getting a relaxer every six weeks is entirely too soon you will be well on your way to having healthy relaxed hair.

hair curled with a flat iron

This week I decided to curl my hair. I hardly ever do this because I just love, love, love straight hair. It is easier to maintain and I like the way I look with bone straight hair. I decided to do curls to give some of you more options on styling choices for your hair. To get this look, all Silk Hydration by L. Jones hair products were used. I used the Extreme Clean Shampoo twice, the used the Extreme Moisture Shampoo once, used the Replenishing Conditioner, then the Leave-In Conditioner. Once done, I sprayed the Miracle Potion no9. I absolutely love the way my hair turned out this week.  Sidenote- I also did an oil treatment on my scalp prior to the shampoo. I did this to make sure my scalp is properly nourished. With it being in the middle of the summer (it's almost July) I do not want my hair or scalp to dry out so the oil treatment was just an added step for preventative measures.

healthy, relaxed hair

Check out the video which goes into detail on what I did to style my hair this week:

7 Reasons Why This Is A Leave-In Conditioner That Your Hair Will Love

7 reasons why your hair will love this awesome leave-in conditioner

Today I would like to go over the many reasons why I absolutely love the leave-in conditioner in the Silk Hydration by L. Jones lineup. I use this every single time I shampoo my hair because of the awesomeness inside the bottle. To start, (1) I included vitamin B5 (panthenol) to help strengthen the hair. It also protects the hair from excessive heat which makes it suitable for a heat protectant. It also reduces split ends. Notice I did not say eliminates? Because only a pair of shears will completely eliminate split ends. However, the B5 in the leave-in conditioner helps them not split as quickly as they normally would. (2) Aloe is also inside this bottle of wonderfulness because it helps hydrate the hair. Anyone with dry hair can love ingredients that help add moisture to the hair. It also soothes the scalp as well. (3) Next up in line is silk amino acids! How can a company be called Silk Hydration without actually including silk in some of the products? The silk amino acids will hydrate not only the hair, but the scalp as well!

(4) Btms is a conditioning agent that is absolutely amazing because it makes the hair feel very soft after it is rinsed off. It also is one of the items that helps detangle the hair along with (5) PQ7. I really love when these ingredients get together in one product! (6) Glycerin is a product that helps your hair retain moisture so that it does not dry out. (7) Lastly, I include another detangling agent called cetrimonium chloride. It helps tremendously when trying to comb wet as well as when dry. So inside this bottle of goodness are not only ingredients that add moisture, but also ingredients that help keep the moisture inside that was just added. I use this on every client of mine as well and it is one of the best selling items in the line.  Take a look at the graphic below for more details on each ingredient.

The best ingredients in one bottle of leave-in conditioner

The leave-in conditioner can be used on wet hair right after shampooing and conditioning and can also be used on dry hair to refresh the hair or simply give it a little extra moisture.  It is very lightweight and not cream based so you can not use too much. You can be very liberal with this conditioner and still have hair that has body and movement. If you are looking for a great leave-in conditioner, I highly recommend this one! Order your Silk Hydration by L. Jones Leave-In Conditioner today!

Check out the video of me explaining each ingredient:

How To Stretch Your Relaxer | Week 1

Welcome to the beginning of the second installment of my relaxer stretching series! I just got my fresh relaxer so I figured this was the perfect time to do another series. In this series I will try to get more in depth in helping you stretch your relaxers. Relaxer stretching is a very important step in having healthy relaxed hair that doesn't break and isn't thinning. In this series you can expect for me to show you how to manage your new growth during your stretch and showing different styles that you can try out. In addition to showing you different styles, I'll also show you how to maintain those styles as well. 

I had at least three inches of new growth this time I was so ready to get my relaxer because after six months my new growth gets disrespectfully out of control! While it was straight, it was fine, but once it got wet it seemed like it tripled in size. So I am very happy to have my hair back to normal. If you have never stretched your relaxer out before, one thing you will notice is that your hair will seem thicker. This is primarily because your hair is no longer being over processed which is what causes the thinning. You will also notice less breakage because as your hair strands thicken up, they will also be getting stronger. In time, your healthier hair will please you.

If you have recently received your relaxer you can join me in enjoying your freshly straightened hair. For the first few weeks after a relaxer it is very easy to style the hair so right now we are just having fun. We will get more in depth once we get deeper in the series. Check out the video on this week.

How To Stretch Your Relaxer | Week 1 (Prepping Your Hair Before Relaxing)

How to stretch your relaxer for healthier hair (series)

I am very excited to be doing another series on how to stretch your relaxer. This series will probably go up to 24 weeks because I go six months in between my relaxers. If you give each month four weeks, then six times four will give you twenty-four. **Disclaimer- You do not have to stretch to 24 weeks! I only do twice a year because 1) I can manage my new growth for that long, and 2) as a professional stylist I have to set the example. I do, however, recommend at least stretching 14-16 weeks.  This would mean that you get three relaxers a year. If you have previously been getting your relaxer every six weeks, then my goal is to help you push past that six week limit (see why here). We have all been there. Once upon a time I also got my relaxers every six weeks. Over time, I gradually began to stretch that time out because six weeks would come and my hair would still be pretty straight. I went from every six weeks, to about every ten weeks, and before I knew it, six months had passed by. Many people ask me why I won't just go natural since I go so long between relaxers. My answer is because I like my hair straight! I have no interest in silk pressing my hair all of the time (that is way more work than I would like!). Plus, my hair can be just as healthy WITH my relaxer. As a matter of fact, my hair IS healthy.

After taking down braids the night before relaxer

I want to start the series off by prepping the hair before relaxing. I had my hair braided up and took it down the night before (see video below). I know many of you take down braids and sew ins then get a relaxer right after so hopefully this post will be beneficial to you. When you take your hair down, it is very important that you comb and detangle the hair completely. Also, do not shampoo your hair right before your relaxer because it can irritate your scalp and cause your relaxer to burn.

Before I took my braids down, I oiled my scalp well. This is just an added optional step to protect and nourish my scalp before receiving the chemical. Of course your scalp will still be based before receiving your touch up as usual. Once your hair has been completely taken down, combed through, and oiled properly you can put your scarf on to tie it up until your relaxer. And remember, no scratching or brushing your scalp!  Check out the video below for more details on how to prep your hair for your relaxer service.

Good luck on your stretching and welcome to your journey to healthier hair!

How To Pick The Perfect Hair Extensions

How to pick the perfect hair extensions 

So, you are thinking about trying hair extensions but have no idea where to start? It can be quite overwhelming when making a final decision since there are many things to take into consideration, especially if this is your first time wanting to try hair extensions.  You may several questions like how much hair do I need, how long should I get it, what texture is best, do I want curly, straight, or wavy hair, and the list goes on. Well I am here to help put you at ease when it comes to how to pick the perfect hair extensions for you.

Your hair extensions should look very natural (this is a full wig)

First, let me say that if you are extremely frugal (a.k.a cheap), high quality hair extensions (the hair that looks so natural that it actually looks like you grew it out of your own scalp) may not be right for your. The best quality hair can end up being quite expensive and that does not even include the cost of having it installed. For instance when buying hair bundles (I'll use my own hair company as an example), you will almost always need more than one bundle to do a full head. The majority of my clients get three bundles and quite a few others get at least two. The bundles alone may cost you around $200 but that price increases as you go up in length. For example, a 24-inch bundle will cost more than a 20-inch bundle. The shortest length is the least expensive and the longest length most expensive. Also, if you get a closure (a small piece of hair that gives the illusion of a natural part and hairline so that none of your own hair has to be out) will cost you at least another $100.  And again, this does not include the cost of your hairstylist actually putting it in your hair. So, first you must see if your budget will allow this cost because getting the cheapest hair you can find almost always ends up in disaster. On the other hand, getting great quality hair may be an expense up front but the hair will last you for years!

High quality hair extensions last for years

Now that you know if your budget can handle extensions let's get into more questions. I always get asked how much hair is enough for a full head. Typically you can do two whole bundles for a full head. With the wig I made in this post, I used two bundles and a closure. If you like a fuller look, which I sometimes do but for this style in particular did not want that, then you can get three bundles. I find that with styles that are longer (16-inch and longer) you need an extra bundle because there is not as much hair in them as the other bundles. All of the hair is weighed meaning the longer lengths will weigh more than the shorter lengths so as a result you get more hair per bundle in the shorter lengths and less hair in the longer lengths. So if you are wanting a longer style you may need an extra bundle of hair to make up the difference.

With a lace closure, the hair can be tucked behind the ears with ease.

 Another common question is how to choose a closure. Deciding on whether to choose lace or silk, a regular closure or a lace frontal is something many women ask about. The difference between a lace and silk closure is that silk looks much more like your regular scalp. It is almost undetectable even when looking up close. Lace can give a realistic look also but not as good a silk. When purchasing a closure a silk closure can be almost $100 more than lace. So, if you have never tried a frontal before and are on the fence about it, I would choose lace just to see if you would like it. And if you do, get a silk closure the next time. Also, with a lace closure, you will need a new one with each install if you are getting a sew in. This is because the hairs on the lace are so fragile that even with normal wear and tear it can begin to look very thin. This problem does not occur with a silk closure, they last much longer. A lace frontal goes from ear to ear and allows you to part your hair pretty much anywhere around your hairline. Or, you don't have to have a part at all, but instead can pull it all away from your face and have it still look like your real hairline. They are very versatile and are currently my favorite. Frontals do not come in silk right now so if you get one it has to be in lace.

With a closure, you can still give the illusion of a natural hairline and wear it away from the face

When deciding on whether to get wavy, straight, or curly hair it depends on the style you want. I personally love straight hair so I pretty much always get straight but every now and then I will get a loose wave because it is easy to straighten if I choose to. If you decide to get curly, I would not try and straighten it later because it is kind of hard to get straight and even harder to stay straight. It is basically like having natural hair because if you get around any humidity it will revery back to curly. Also, once curly hair has been straightened, it does not have the same bouncy, silky feel as straight or wavy hair does. I would suggest first deciding on which style you want, then choosing how much, if any, curl you want in the hair.

Even when running errands on a busy day, no one should know that absolutely none of your own hair is out.

All of the pictures in this post is actually the same wig ("Blair") and hair came from www.ljoneshaircollection.com. Blair has a lace frontal with two bundles of 10-inch hair. She can be pulled behind the ear or worn straight down with none going behind the ears. She is very versatile and is a perfect style for someone wanting hair extensions.

Be sure to go to L. Jones Hair Collection for your premium quality hair extensions!

Finding The Perfect Protective Style To Give Your Hair A Break

Finding the perfect protective style to give your hair a break

Are you trying to lay off the heat? Trying to let your hair grow? Or do you simply want something more manageable for a while?  Protective styles are exactly what you are looking for.  These styles include sew ins, braids, twists, and wigs.  They give your hair a chance to rest and not be as exposed to the environment, and give your hair a chance to get a noticeable amount of growth.  The reason I say noticeable amount is because our hair is constantly growing, but because we are seeing it everyday we are not able to tell very much.  Although it is very easy, don't get too comfortable with these protective styles. What you never want to do is neglect your real hair, but instead you want to keep it healthy at all times. That way, when you get a protective style on hair that is already healthy, it will help it grow much faster. Getting a protective style on hair that is already damaged will only make the hair worse.  Let's look at a few protective hairstyles.

Wig (protective style)

1. Wigs- Wigs are my absolute favorite protective hairstyle. I love them because you can take them off and put them on at your convenience. Being a mother of two, a wife, and an entrepreneur I do not always have as much time as I would like to do my own hair. When this happens, I can always throw a wig on and give my hair a break. On the picture above, I have my hair wrapped underneath the wig. The hair came from L. Jones Hair Collection.

Sew-in (protective style)

2. Sew-Ins- Sew ins are a great option for protective styling because your own hair can be left alone for up to three months. Many of my clients, including the one pictured above have had significant hair growth after wearing sew ins. They key to experiencing growth is to make absolutely sure that are always caring for your hair while it is being protected (preferably with Silk Hydration by L. Jones products).

Twist out- (protective style)

 3. Twist out- Twist outs are another protective style but they do require a bit of upkeep. Re-twisting the hair nightly is often required to keep it looking nice. Twists look great but would not be my first choice when it comes to protective styling simply because I like to not do anything to my hair once I have a protective style. The convenience of leaving my hair alone is a major benefit and twisting really does not allow that.

Braids- (protective style)

4. Braids- When wearing protective styles, your scalp and hair still needs to be cleaned weekly or every to weeks.  Also, be careful when getting your hair braided, including braiding for sew ins, to make sure the braids aren't too tight.  Braiding too tight, especially around the edges, can cause severe breakage making your efforts to protect your hair counterproductive. If your edges are already weak and/or damaged, leave your edges out when getting your protective styles. That way you will not be putting tension on them which will allow them the chance to get stronger and grow back.

Protective styling can be great for your hair when you are wanting to give it a break. Just remember to always keep the health of your hair first priority so that these styles are an option only and not a requirement..

The Most Natural Looking Blunt Cut Bob Wig With Bangs || "Bailey"

natural looking blunt cut bob with bangs

Meet my newest wig creation. I have been obsessed with bobs lately so instead of cutting my own hair, I have decided to make a full collection of wigs that are all bobs. This one was actually a wig that I had already made but decided to cut a bit more. I wanted it to be a bit more blunt so I cut it with some clippers.

Bailey 

I named this wig Bailey. I am naming every bob that I make with a name that starts with the letter "B".  I really like Bailey. I wore her for about a week before taking her off, washing her, and styling her again. Now, when I am ready to wear her again, all I will have to do is put her on and head out the door!

hair from www.ljoneshaircollection.com

The hair for Bailey came from my hair extension line, L. Jones Hair Collection. She is made with two bundles of 10 inch straight Brazilian hair. No lace closure was used, instead I made a closure with a piece of the track then sewed that on. This wig will last me for years. The hair in my collection has very minimal tangles and shedding (and I say minimal because it is human hair so a few hairs of shedding is expected). However, with the proper care, this wig can last at least three years. I say that because I have plenty that I have had that long that I made that look like I made them yesterday. I use the Silk Hydration by L. Jones products to shampoo and condition the wigs.

What do you think about Bailey? I've never made a bob wig with a bangs but I think I like Bailey and will keep her around for a little while...

"Bailey" on video:

8 Tips To Getting Your Hair To Grow Faster & Longer

8 tips to get your hair to grow faster & longer

                                     

Out of all the questions I've seen related to hair, this is the number one question. How can I make my hair grow faster and longer?? Well folks, I have your answer!! Just like there is no magic pill you can take that will melt the fat off of your body, there is also no magic vitamin you can take to make your hair grow any faster than it already is.  It takes lots of time, effort, and patience to grow that hair out the way you want it.  Healthy hair grows at a normal rate of 1/4in to 1/2in per month.  So basically,

Why You Should Never Use Grease On Your Hair

Many women, especially my natural clients, ask me all the time if they should use grease on their scalp, or put grease in their hair period. Women with young daughters often put it on their kids' hair thinking that it is a moisturizer.  I do not recommend using grease for anything other than using it on ashy feet or elbows, and that is only if you do not have any more lotion! Grease is extremely thick and does not penetrate the hair. As a matter of fact, it does the exact opposite. Putting grease on the scalp clogs the pores, blocking the natural moisturizer that the hair produces on its own, sebum, to come through. That is why oftentimes people who slather grease on their hair often say that it seems like the more they use, the drier their hair is. That is because the grease blocks any moisture from going our or coming in. It also weighs the hair down, making it stiff and not allowing it to move freely.

beautiful hair WITHOUT grease!

Also, despite what it may say on the packaging, grease does not help your hair grow in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Instead of using grease on your scalp, use a moisturizing shampoo (like Silk Hydration's Extreme Moisture) and conditioner (like Silk Hydration's Replenishing Conditioner).  Also, use a light oil sparingly (like Silky Serum Oil).  A little goes a long way.  I use it on my clients to give them a shine without making the hair heavy. If your hair seems extremely dry, start nourishing from the inside out. Drink at least 64oz, or half of your body weight, of water daily. Next, make sure your shampoo and conditioner have moisturizing agents in them. Applying oil should be your last resort to making your hair look shiny and you should only use small amounts at a time.. So when it comes to using grease in your hair, JUST SAY NO!!

No grease used at all!

Rather watch the video on this? Here you go!