Electing to color or relax your own hair might lead to disastrous results: Advice on avoiding the trap of overprocessing your hair
By Leah Fletcher
Bigwigs Hair Studio
Owner: Tamikko DeVore
Location:
1604 South Street
Philadelphia PA 19146
Appts: Monday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Specialties: Precision Cuts, Hair Color, Relaxers, Weaves, Malaysian Weaves, Bonded Waves, Fusion, Braiding and Natural Hairstyles, Haircuts for Men and 'Children and Brazilian Keratin Treatments
215.545.5277
bigwigshairstudio.com
Trusting your hair to your own devices might sometimes lead to disastrous results. In other words, by stepping out on faith and not experience, you may apply anything from hair color to hair relaxers only to damage your hair, explained Tamikko DeVore, owner of Bigwigs Hair Studio.
"The damage, usually results in overprocessed hair," according to DeVore, who believes you can avoid such misguided tragedy by following a few routine these tips:
Choose one process at a time
"Because relaxers take a lot out of your hair, regular conditioning and protein treatments are important. Add color to the mix and your hair may take even more punishment. "One of the reasons your hair might be brittle and full of split ends is because the hair has taken too much abuse, said DeVore, a 20-year veteran of the industry. She further explained the hair is compromised with every chemical treatment it receives. If your hair is suffering from numerous problems, you may need to decide on one process.
PHOTO: Tamikko DeVore with Russell Simmons.
See a stylist for chemical applications
Women often seek the hottest new hair trends of the season. "It may be a new color or relaxed hair," the South Philadelphia salon owner said. DeVore also advises that to keep your hair your healthiest, visit a trusted professional to apply any chemicals. "Box perms and coloring kits are inexpensive and convenient, but they often leave too much to chance" said DeVore. Overlapping relaxers and poor color quality can combine to create hair problems. Instead of trying to play stylist at home when it comes to major processes like these, she strongly advises that you put your hair in the hands of a licensed professional, because they used higher quality products that will give you the look you want without worry
Use heat wisely
The less direct heat you apply to black hair, the better. However, do-it-yourselfers, according to DeVore, often decide the ease and convenience that heat styling tools offer are worth the results. Just make sure you use heat wisely. Daily thermal styling is not recommended. This means you may have to rely on other styling methods. DeVore sometimes, advises her client to step outside of their comfort zone and find heat-free ways to create curls or a wet set under dry heat. This she said may be done with a little commitment and creativity
Protect your hair
Pamper and protect your hair as much as possible, if relaxers, texturizers and color are a part of getting the hairstyle you want. This means using heat protectants every time you use a curling iron, flat iron or processing comb. It also means giving your tresses a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a month if your hair is relaxed and colored. Add a protein treatment to your regimen to strengthen your locks, but don't overdo it. Too much protein may dry out black hair and lead to breakage.
In the end, DeVore believes "if you want to keep your straightened and colored hair looking and feeling its healthy best, you have to put the work in to maintain it. "
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