A routine regimen is key for healthy African American children’s hair
SUN Spotlight on: Oxsun Meji Hair Salon
Owner: Kimberly E. Rollins
Location:
1010 E. Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Appts: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Specialties: Natural Hair Styling, Customized Hair Color, Coils, Twits, Braids, Loc Maintenance and Spa Services;
Zuresh body, skin and hair care products are available
215-893-9133
Facebook.com/oxsunmeji
Twitter.com/oxsun
By Leah Fletcher
African American hair has a texture that is unique. The hair is extremely curly—or kinky—and should be treated with patience and delicate care. Frequent and improper combing, tight styling and lack of sufficient moisture and chemical straightening treatments may cause breakage of African American children's hair, especially at the edges.
"Knowing how to properly care for highly textured hairs goes a long way toward keeping it healthy and growing," according to Kimberly Rollins, owner of Oxsun Meji, Hair Salon in South Philadelphia.
Because children are often impatient and find it difficult to sit still for hair grooming, Rollins believes that whenever possible it is best to choose simple hairstyles that don't require a lot of time. She suggested that two to four braids are an easy style for little girls, or even little boys who have long hair. Other styles that work for children include Afro puffs and twists.
Taking care of your child's hair to keep it healthy and strong is necessary, but should also be motivated by hair management itself. "African American hair is managed better when it is kept clean and moisturized,' explained rolling, a 20-year veteran of the industry. "It is very easy to manage your child's hair if you develop a regular routine and follow it carefully,' she added.
Rollins instructs parents to comb their child's hair gently with a wide-tooth comb. "Start at the tips and gently make your way to the roots," she noted. "Attempting to comb your child's hair from the root to the tip will hurt your child and will cause hair breakage."
PHOTO: The staff of Oxsun Meji (from left) Nyima Gallishaw, Acacia Holly-Golightly R, Owner Kimberly Rollins, Claudette James Raynor and Twyla Wiggins.
A cardinal rule, in Rollins opinion, is to keep your child's hair moisturized because African American hair is naturally dry and breaks off easily if the strands are not fortified with moisture. "Don't wash your child's hair more than once per week, as you will strip her hair of its natural oils; and use a deep conditioner with every wash, "advised Rollins, who encouraged discontinued use of non-alcohol based moisturizer before styling. There are moisturizers, she said, that feature avocado oil, jojoba oil, virgin coconut oil and emu oil that are better for the hair.
Rollins, who specializes in natural hair care, is against the use of chemicals to straighten children's hair. She has witnessed a trend where parents are beginning to perm and relax their children's hair as young as 2-years old. "Perms and relaxers weaken African American hair, causing it to come out more easily,' said Rollins. "Although it may be harder to comb and style, leaving your child's hair natural will help it grow around the edges."
Protect your child's hair at night with a satin or silk scarf. Cotton pillowcases and sheets, Rollins said, may cause hair breakage, especially around the edges, which are extremely delicate.
It is important to gently style your child's hair around the edges. Braids, cornrows and ponytails pulled to tight can damage the edges of African American hair. Don't use rubber bands to secure ponytails, as they will pull out strands of your child's hair when removed. Rollins said you may use this test to determine if you've styled her hair too tight: have your child move her eyebrows up and down after you finish doing the front of her hair. If moving her forehead hurts, her hair is being pulled too tight.
Using Rollins tips will ensure a pleasant experience every time you style your child's hair.
+ Top Story
To be health and vibrant, African American has some vey specific needs. For some, a dry scalp and hair breakage may become problematic. One remedy may be a hot oil treatment, often used to correct damaged black hair, However, the benefits of a hot oil treatment is...
Beauty salons are often considered places of magic for women and even some men. In these spaces, the customer is pampered and made beautiful. Haircuts and styles, nail care, makeup tips and even spa options make a beauty salon the place where beauty happens.
Upon close examination, your hair looks dry and lifeless. And, anyone who has struggled with dry, lifeless and damaged hair knows how frustrating and time-consuming styling such tresses can be. One of the most effective ways to make damaged hair more manageable is to keep it hydrated.
It is spring, a season of renewal. Why not add some life that hair that’s been hiding under a hat all winter with a flattering spring hairdo? Choosing a new hairstyle is a very personal decision and should be researched carefully before undergoing the change.
There are lots of articles for beauty salon staff on the topic of how to provide good customer service. But what about being a customer? Knowing how to be a good customer is as important as knowing how to treat customers. Salon owners are quick to agree the subject does not get very much attention, but it should.
You are looking in the mirror and combing your hair. The person staring back at you appears to be losing her hair. Upon closer inspection you discover it's you and your hair is really thinning. You respond by running for cover—a hat or a scarf will do. What your reaction reveals is...
A massage is a great way to relax, relieve stress, and improve your health. This is old news for those who have incorporated the practice into their standard beauty and health routines. According to Rita Topping, a certified massage therapist, not enough women and men are integrating body massage into their lifestyles.
You've made the decision to transition from chemically-treated hair to natural hair. Now, the major challenge facing you is selecting a hairstyle. Hair stylists agree there is an array of options to wear during your transition.