You ROCK Ursula!!!

These are all really good answers that are great for everyone with hair issues. Angel would it be okay to suggest a site for you to post? I did in the original and my comment was deleted.

you rock

@ 2. Yeah go ahead, sometimes the automatic filter catches some of them.

ps. Ursula will be coming back with another dope exclusive soon. Look out for it.

This is a good idea!

*******Thank you CL I need the advice

Hi Ursula! I want to dye my hair (for the first time), either get highlights or dye all of it and I heard that regular hair dye, such as the ones one can purchase in a any beauty supply store, can dry out your hair and damage it. Is this true? Is it true that henna is a natural and a better product to use that store-bought dye? If so, where can I go to get my hair dyed with henna? Do you have any recommendations on how I could dye my hair without the stress of hair damage? Thanks!

I would like to address the alopecia question. To my absolute mortification, I was stricken with alopecia about 14 years ago. At that time I had just cut my hair into a very short natural so it looked like I had gone nuts with an electric razor (just my luck that it would happen when I had no hair…so it was on display for the world to see…I worked at Kinko’s and customers who were barbers were offering to cut my hair for free!).

I went to a dermatologist who gave me cortisone shots in that area. After about 4 months of treatments, my hair grew back and the alopecia has not returned. I am always on the lookout for it.

Years later, a friend of mine had the same problem. His general practitioner told him that it was stress and that the only way it would grow back was through relaxation. I told him to get his tail to the dermatologist asap. He did and thanked me later because that alopecia threw his game all out whack.

I have a question for next time…

I’ve had a cowlick in the front of my head ever since I could remember, but since I’ve gotten older, the area where the cowlick is has gotten very thin. I’m nervous that eventually it will become bald in that area. Is there anything I can do regain the hair back in that area or is it “once it’s gone, it’s gone”? FYI: I’m a guy.The cowlick goes back and normally my hair was cut short and generally brushed forward…against the grain of the cowlick..

I have been wearing my hair natural for two years October. I have been wanting to know how the heck to keep my hair from frizzing when flat ironed for the LONGEST!!! I now know that it is not me, but my hair is just going to get frizzy- plus living in Florida is NOT any help!!! That’s why this weekend, I’ve now decided, I’m going Malinda Williams!!! Can’t wait. Love my natural, but I really want the hair cut change, and I miss the realxer sometimes-must admit!
Thanks Ursula, for helping make up my mind about my new cut! ;p

hmm very informative and I’m so glad that Ursula made the comment about “doing you” on hairstyles…. good advice on how to get my daughters hair curly again… and I’m glad someone asked about locs I don’t have them but I can pass along to my friend her locs are so boring..lol..

She didn’t answer some of the questions thoroughly. And they were the more interesting ones!

****************** This is a great idea

cool thanks. BTW Angel did you do the BC? Looks great.

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com

this site has helped me grow my hair and keep it healthy for 6 months now.

***************She gave some goo advice : )

@ Hair to There: You have to be careful with Henna if you have used any other hair color previously. Some henna contains metallic chemicals that will cause hair to react horribly to the chemicals in hair color treatments and MELT your hair off. I have hused henna and it tints hair rather than dyes it. YOu can go to hennaforhair.com for more info.

Hey, she answered my question…THANK YOU URUSLA

>>>My question is, is your name really Ursula?

When I first posted my question didn’t think it was really gonna get answered but…..Damn …..first thing I SEE is my question and the answer..thank you Ursula and CL

question: i been rockin the natural look for a year my hair is kinda curly when i use alot of product. im really thinking about loc extentions. the seem like a fast easy option. ide like to grown dreads naturally but i work in a corp office and i cant stand that ugly stage. so my question is about loc extentions are the good for starting, dreads do they look real ? any help your able to provide would be greatly appreciated

hello ursula!
i have a question…just to give you some background, i have a multiracial background but my hair is naturally kinky…i’ve had a relaxer in my hair for about 7 years…about two years ago i colored my hair (bronzy brown) and i only reapply the color only once a year, so in total it’s been colored three times in two years. my last coloring was three months ago, and i relaxed my hair a week ago and now it feels dry and brittle and my hair ends are really frizzy. my hair is almost down to my butt so i’m wondering if my hair is just old or if there are any reasonably priced products i can used to get the shine and moisture level back or should i just cut it? currently i use head and shoulders for dry scalp to wash, a deep conditioner from either olive oil or sun silk, and garnier fructis leave in conditioner. HELP! THANKS!

I really like how she answered the question about sew-ins and how people think its magic hair growth…so not true. You can wear weaves for years and end up having to cut the majority off because you were not managing it well and keeping it healthy while it was hiding underneath the tracks. People don’t understand that there is a difference between hair growth and “healthy” hair growth. Wearing a weave, although so common, is still a tricky process and people fail to realize this, I’ve seen people loose all their edges (so not a good look) I have seen people wear weaves so long that the string ends up slicing and breaking their hair…so ladies beware weaves are not the instant solution..you have to take the time to take care of what yours (grown from your own head) because that is the foundation…don’t be fooled by what happened for one person…all weaves are not treated equally. And you can start by going to a PROFESSIONAL LICENSED STYLISTS not home girl that do hair at your job because shes cheap! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!!!1

The best thing to do is to shave your hair off and wear a wig. So much easier!!!

im going to try the “wrapping” thing…i hate wrapping my hair to the left though…

does anybody know anything about the Olive Oil line of hair products?i bought the shampoo & oil sheen,is it good to use?

Hi Ursula! I need your help. I’m from the UK and have been living in Los Angeles for the past four years. I wear my hair natural. When i was living in London i would get my hair steamed regularly and it was unbelievably soft, even in the winter. Since i’ve been in L.A i’ve been to several salons to try and get a steam treatment and no-one seems to know what i’m talking about. Several salons have simply said they don’t do this treatment. This surprised me a lot because i always thought the US were ahead of the curve in black haircare. So basically i keep my hair braided because it’s so unmanageable and dry even though i condition a lot and use pure shea butter and oils. I haven’t been able to get it to feel as soft as it did when i would have it steamed. I just wanted to know if you know of any salons in the Los Angeles area that offer steam treatments? I’m desperate! Thank you.

I think this was great~ Keep up the good advice

damm girlfriend is beautiful , beautiful dark chocolate i will dream of marry a woman like that but she have a fuckin big nose

Thanks for answering my question (2nd question about sew-ins) You told me exactly what I was thinking but needed to be reassured. I just bought some hair and nail vitamins and will begin taking them today.. I’ll definitely look in to the ones at GNC..thanks again!

the woman with the finger waves not angela i ‘m not going to knock her hustle black love for y’all

sorry miss or mrs ursula

HAIR 2 THERE
Friday, September 19, 2008 /
Hi Ursula! I want to dye my hair (for the first time), either get highlights or dye all of it and I heard that regular hair dye, such as the ones one can purchase in a any beauty supply store, can dry out your hair and damage it. Is this true? Is it true that henna is a natural and a better product to use that store-bought dye? If so, where can I go to get my hair dyed with henna? Do you have any recommendations on how I could dye my hair without the stress of hair damage? Thanks!

Manic Panic maybe for a Burgundy or Red color

Manic Panic is an herbal and protein complex, and therefore doesn’t hurt your hair —in fact, it’s conditioning. Most “natural” hair color dyes are chemical and therefore damage your hair. Bleaches are the harshest on your hair.

Processed hair (colored, permed, etc) will also grab the hair color strongly. This type of hair DOES NOT always need to be bleached, as the results will usually be good. (Bleaching processed hair can have a damaging result, please consult a pro before you attempt this). If your hair is pre-processed, simply wash the hair with a PH Balanced shampoo or any plain, simple shampoo that does not contain conditioners. Remember, you want your hair to be as oil/coating free as possible to permit the Hair Color to penetrate the hair shaft.

Darker shades of dyes Manic Panic usually contain more pigment which will help the colour show up and stay on your hair. These colours will add a slight tint or a highlight in bright sunlight to your hair. You should also be aware that these dyes work by sinking into the hair and so if your hair is natural it’s usually less damaged and the dye will find it more difficult to soak in. For this reason, the dye will probably last for a lot less time than stated on the bottle.

Your hair is Black/Dark Brown
Manic Panic - Deadly Nightshade* Vampire Red*

Your hair is Medium/Light Brown
Manic Panic - Infra Red* Pillarbox* Purple Haze* Plum Passion*

I would like to transtition my hair from relax to natural and what should I do?

……Love the advice about not relaxing children’s hair. Black people need to stop this.
……It creates a stigma about becauty early on doesn’t send the best message.
……I know people who relaxed their kid’s hair and 11 and 12. Not good for the hair at
……all!!

Angela I like the short cut.

OMG! my question got posted & answered! thanks ursula & CL! y’all are the dopest!

Again CL you are AHEAD of the curve with this and your other recurrent posts! Thanks for offering information that WE can use!! Kudos Angel and team!

hey Ursula. i read somewhere that using real lemon juice and honey works as a conditoner. please give me your input on this. Thanks!! Also, i was totally inspired by the Rihanna punk rock cut that i had my hairdresser cut my hair exactly the same way!!

is there going to be a part two like confessions, because my ques didn’t get answerd. lol.

URSEE,

YOU NEED YOUR OWN REALITY SHOW.

YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

Ursula you da MAIN! Love you girl, and you’re really beautifull too!

@23..

Yes it is very good. I’ve been using Olive Oil hair products for a while now and it really strengthens my hair. I don’t know if it was the oil, but ever since I’ve been using it my hair has been growing drastically. But you should try to prevent using a lot of greese because it clogs up your scalp which prevents the hair from growing as much or at all.

To #21

I was in the same position you were at one point. I’m also multiracial with hair down to my butt-naturally kinky/curly. I went through the relaxing and dying (blonde, which was the worst of the worst) frequently. With the dye, the relaxer, over-chlorinated water here in Florida and my hairtype, my hair stayed dry! So, I decided to go natural again but still had some issues with dryness but I found some products that I won’t live without now. A little pricey but Salerm protein shampoo and protein balsamic conditioner leave my hair feeling soft (found them at a Spanish salon). And I use KeraCare High Sheen Glossifier when I wear it straight because it’s extremely lightweight, moisturizing and makes my hair extremely soft. It looks like a hairgrease which normally would weigh my hair down but it was the exact opposite (and I’ve used hairgrease before). I use SunSilk 24/7 cream when I wear it curly along with the Salerm 21 B5 silk protein. I’m not typically committed to any kinda product because they typically don’t work but Salerm is a great product for our hair. I try not to use any products with alcohol in them since they dry it out more. Hope this helps….

The answer to all of this is to GO NATURAL and use natural products. It make no sense to be natural and use petroleum (cancer causing) and synthetic stuff in your hair. Your hair grows from within so if your hair ain’t growing it’s your diet. Eat healthy with things full of silica.

I know some black women don’t want to go natural because they like straight hair better and they want to retain the freedom of choice. But your hair isn’t naturally hair. You are basically killing your hair. Do some research on how to care and love for you hair because most of us don’t know how to.

w what GNC vitamin in particular does she recommend for hair health/growth?

i cant believe fingerwaves r back http://www.Shop-Luscious.com

NAPPTURALITY.COM/FORUM is the best site for ALL NATURAL black hair care. (perms and straightening methods are not allowed at that site however)

Seconds number 12, I really want to hear more info about what to do after coming out of glued hair extensions for an extended amount of time.

Hey Ursula,
I’ve had my hair natural all my life and usually either have cornrows or extensions, but I’m getting a little tired of that now and want a change. Do you know any hairstyles that I can try for natural hair. I sometimes get my hair hot- combed, but it has started thinning out my hair so I will stop while I’m ahead and I don’t really see myself relaxing my hair, so any tips?

Thanks.

@ #25- Why don’t you try sauna…I guess you can always steam your hair in there

I have a question…I go to the gym about 5-6 times a week. Needless to say, my hair is really taking a beating. I get braids & keep them in for about 6 to 8 weeks as well as sew in weaves. Is there anything else I can do to maintain my hair while I try to maintain my figure?

THANK YOU!!!

I have a question..
I have very frizzy hair when it gets humid outside..any treatments or products to reduce frizz.?

&&
I have just relaxed my hair about a week ago..if i wanted highlights how long should i wait if i wanted no damage.?

@ 50

I simply wrap my hair while working out/sweating. If I keep it wrapped until it completely and fully dries, it looks the same as before I went in.

I am trying to transition from relax to natural hair what should I do?

i read through and she gave some great advice. ive been hearing a lot about the steam treatments and want to check those out after her recommendation.

Thanks CL this was a cool segment.

II LOVE THAT YOU INCLUDED Q & A’S ABOUT NATURAL HAIR.
ESPECIALLY SINCE I MYSELF WENT NATURAL ABOUT A YEAR AGO.
THANKS FOR THE TIPS URSULA/CL!!!

@ #8 MagicMona

I would like to address the alopecia question. To my absolute mortification, I was stricken with alopecia about 14 years ago. I went to a dermatologist who gave me cortisone shots in that area. After about 4 months of treatments, my hair grew back and the alopecia has not returned. I am always on the lookout for it.

Years later, a friend of mine had the same problem. I told him to get his tail to the dermatologist asap. He did and thanked me later because that alopecia threw his game all out whack.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Could you tell me a bit more about your cortisone shot that treated your alopecia? A dermatologist told me to use Pantene shampoo and condition for women of color and to stop getting perms, of which i only get about 2 to 3 times a year. I heard cortisone shots help with it, but haven’t had the chance to actually talk to someone who got them. Any other information you have would be great!

@ 8. MagicMona

Could you PLEASE give me more info about your cortisone shot. A dermotologist suggested pantene for women of color, but that won’t help.

I heard cortisone shots work anywhere from 6 months to a year and your worked in 4 months. I would appreciate any other infor you have!

SULFUR makess your hair grow.

#50, I’m in the gym 6 days a week, too, and I keep my hair intact by just keeping it wrapped while I work out. On the other hand, I don’t sweat in my head, so that probably helps, too. The braids and the sew-ins are taking a toll on your hair, thus the beating. If I were you, I would try seeing if wrapping my natural hair would work. #24, The Olive Oil line is great!!! I only use Olive Oil and Tea Tree Oil on my hair. As for the person that asked about hair color, get it done professionally. Don’t buy that stuff from the store!

I have a comment concerning Ursula’s advicie to not put any type of chemical product in a child’s hair before the age of 16. I consulted with both my 10 year old’s pediatrician, and several professional stylists with regard to relaxing my daughter’s hair. I was told that it’s absolutely okay to relax a child’s hair after the age of 6 - it was stated that the core texture of the hair has formed by this time.

The key, as with any chemical product in anyone’s hair, is to keep it conditioned, moisturized and trimmed - well taken care of. The product that was recommended (and which I actually use in my hair because most professional strength products cause serious scalp burns) is “Just For Me” - I use the regular relaxer kit (professionally applied) for both of our heads.

My daughter wore braids most of the time from about 7 months to 10 years, and her hair was severely damaged. In a little over a year, her relaxed hair has grown tremendously, and is very healthy, except for about a quarter-inch of damage on the ends remaining from the braids. She does take a GNC multi-vitamin (as do I), and we use a deep conditioning treatment (Triple Silk Deep Penetrating Conditioner by Perfect Results) at least twice a month.

So for all those moms out there, consult your daughter’s doctor, several professional stylists, and then decide whether a relaxer is the way to go for her. It definitely was for my daughter.

For #37… lemon juice and honey is also a great astringent for dry skin…. and if you want to make a scrub out of it, add some sugar… your skin will glow like crazy!

For #48… i have several styles for you… for starters, find someone who can do flat twists. have them start from the back and twist them to the front at an angle… wear them like that for a couple of days and loosen the ends…

For #59… sulfur does make your hair grow… LIKE CRAZY!!! but, an application after a relaxer is very dangerous…. sulfur and lye do not mix!

Can you recoommend a good professional or over the counter product that is good for thining temples and just your hairline in general. I’ve been chemical free for 3 years and my hair is very healthy except for the right side temple. It is very thin I think it came from me wearing micros alot when I was younger.

I would like to know what flat irons you recommend. I am transitioning and my hair is a NIGHTMARE. I can’t BC because I just hate the shape of my head and my natural hair is only about 4-5 inches. I’ve been ponytailing, but I see some thinning around my hairline because my hair is so fine and course…it’s shoulder-length. I have heard about that Maxi-glide, how do you feel about it? I’ve heard tourmaline is the best for a sleek, smooth, shiny look. I want to purchase a quality iron that actually works and will last, so please help.

Also, as I’ve read before I work out alot and it’s so humid here. Are there any hairtyles you can recommend because rollersets do not last very long for me?

Can you recommend a low, mid, and high grade human weaving hair brand?

Hi Ursula,

I’m 15 and had my hair relaxed as a child, it was and has always been a little long (like past my shoulders, not mid though) but after a bad relaxer treatment my hair seems to be slowly getting shorter. After I relax my hair I always trim it, at the hairdressers but it seems like there was no growth at all.My mum says having extensions (not glued in) will help it to grow but I have been doing that for a while with no results. I just want my hair to grow to mid-shoulder do you have any recommendations for treatment? I was wondering if I should cut it short then try to let grow again?

For everyone that had questions about natural hair, or going natural. . . check out http://www.nappturality.com/forum The members there have so much knowledge, but talking of straight hair of any kind is not allowed (relaxed, pressed, flat ironed, etc.)

To Ebony (i think that’s who said she wanted to go natural but didn’t know how to do it), you can either transition or just do the BC (Big Chop). Transitioning would be slowly growing the perm out. Most people cut the permed hair off little by little as the new growth grows in. You would have to do styles to mask the 2 different textures until you cut all the permed hair out. Braidouts strawsets & rollersets are some good options.

Or you can just do the BC & cut all the permed hair off at once. That is more traumatic, especially if you’ve never worn your hair short before, but it’s also the best way to get used to your natural texture. You can learn what your hair likes as it grows back.

Please check out the website I mentioned for more advice & suggestions

For everyone that had questions about natural hair, or going natural. . . check out NAPPTURALITY.COM/FORUM The members there have so much knowledge, but talking of straight hair of any kind is not allowed (relaxed, pressed, flat ironed, etc.)

To Ebony (i think that’s who said she wanted to go natural but didn’t know how to do it), you can either transition or just do the BC (Big Chop). Transitioning would be slowly growing the perm out. Most people cut the permed hair off little by little as the new growth grows in. You would have to do styles to mask the 2 different textures until you cut all the permed hair out. Braidouts strawsets & rollersets are some good options.

Or you can just do the BC & cut all the permed hair off at once. That is more traumatic, especially if you’ve never worn your hair short before, but it’s also the best way to get used to your natural texture. You can learn what your hair likes as it grows back.

Please check out the website I mentioned for more advice & suggestions

Sorry by extensions I meant braids but with synthetic hair, over in the UK we call single plait and braids w/ synthetic hair, extensions

love you much ursula girl

Gnc vitamins are the bomb

I wish I had a before and after pic for yall

Within a 6 month period I went from having a bob to being

Able to wear a decent ponytail!

Thanks in advance ursula

Hey ladies!
This comment is for those of you choosing to wear your hair natural. I personally recommend trying Miss Jessies products. I cannot say that it will work for everyone. They do have step by step methods for achieveing different styles that may be of interest to you. Once again, it doesn’t promise results. I have been using it for a year or so and it has truly promoted my hair growth.Hopefully it will be of help to you…
Myspace.com/sweetpsalm
Check out my music

Hello Ursula!
I have a haircut similar to Rihanna’s & i’m still learning how to maintain it & style it on my own. I wanted to ask, do you relax her, or is there something else you use to keep it looking smooth, moisturized, and shiny? And also, is there a particular kind of curling and/or flat iron that you use? I’ve tried & tested alot of different sizes of each & I never seem to get the EXACT results that I want.

Thank You!

#61,
Though I don’t normally go around preaching to others about their hair, I do have a minor problem with you promoting perms for young kids. My mother started me on perms when I was 10 or 11. My hair never grew past my the bottom of my neck. I went natural about 5 years ago and my hair is past my shoulder blades. Perms/relaxers rely heavily on chemicals. Anything that can literally burn sores in your head, should not be recommended for children ( kiddie perms or not, they all have lye). I know it is your child and all, but like I said, I just don’t think that is the route to go. I think a lot of black parents just get fed up and take the easy way. We live in a time where there are soooo many products for natural hair, that it is not even an excuse to say why you can’t handle your child’ s hair. Adults have the choice to do whatever they want, kids don’t.