1. My hair
on the left side of the head is thinning. This was due
to years of braids and the stress around the hairline.
Presently I am seeing a dermatologist who injects my
scalp and gives me minoxidil (not Rogaine itself) to
apply topically twice a day. So far, it seems like there
is a little growth, but my question to you is, is there
anything that can help thicken the hair around the temples?
I don't believe in anything that has petroleum, I do
not have a relaxer and haven't had one in 3 years. I
am currently wearing a weave to camoflage this. I also
take vitamins and vitamin supplements. Please help.
Your hair being thin around the edges could be caused
by previous relaxer misapplications (see my book Thinning
Edges) and/or braids. Braids are one of the worst styles
for our hair because those that are put in too tightly
and continually pull on the hair roots. (I personally
have witnessed the devastation caused by them where
sisters end up with hairlines back to their ears.) If
you continually pluck hair, the hair cells will eventually
die. If the hair has been gone for about a year, the
hair cells are probably dead. There is no reviving them
even with the injections. If the hair cells are simply
retarded from the pulling, they can again produce and
get rid of waste if a stimulant is used. So is there
anything that can thicken the hair? Protein builds on
the hair that is there, increasing the circumference
of the hair. It does nothing for the hair that is not
there already and nor does taking the vitamins!
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2. How long before
I start seeing results? my hair is short by choice.
I keep it cut because everytime I started letting my
hair grow it gets to a stage where I have problems w/styles.
Are braids good for your hair??
I do not recommend braids or any fake hair if you want
the maximum benefits of the UBH system.
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3. I am noticing
that the hair around my temples is almost gone! I often
brush it back and wear my hair in a bun, even though
now I am trying not to brush the hairs around my temples
at all. Should I see doctor for this condition? Is this
commonly seen in African American women? Also, is there
any chance that it will grow back?
Have you ever worn braids or weaves? Are you wearing
permanent color with relaxed hair brushing it around
the temples to cover gray? It is your call to see a
doctor or not. This condition is very common not only
in women but children and teens who wear braids, weaves
and glued on hair. Also if your relaxer is pushed onto
the scalp when it is applied, this will cause hair thinning
and balding.
On the chances of it growing back, that depends on
what has caused the problem and how long the hair has
been gone. If the hair cells underneath the scalp are
dead, nothing will bring them back to life. If they
are simply retarded there is a possibility that a product
with a stimulant can make them reproduce, provided the
hair cells underneath the scalp are nourished.
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4. I just got
my hair relaxed on October 4th and already I am seeing
a lot of new growth. I am assuming that this is a good
sign. Thanks for your book and products, I have never
seen new growth this early before. My
question is this, I did the regular washing and conditioning
routine on Thursday. I need to wash my hair today but
I have a concert to go to on Thursday and I am busy
all the way up until Sunday morning. I was wondering
should I wash my hair on Tuesday and air dry it and
get it braided with synthetic hair added in until Sunday
morning and then do the regular washing and conditioning
routine? Would me putting braids in my hair using synthetic
hair added, mess up the growing process? I have worn
braids using synthetic hair since December of 2001 until
Aug of 2002 when I started your process. I really need
to put my hair in a braided style so that I don't have
to worry about it until Sunday. Is this okay?
Jacqueline, since traveling around the country with
my method, I see the destruction braids do to our hair
- receding hair lines back to the ears, bald patches
and 3/4 inch spaces between braids. I dont recommend
braids at all! If you choose to do so it will be a decision
you need to make on your own.
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5. My hairline
has been damaged from wrong braiding over 2 years and
I am seeing a dramatic improvement by rubbing a little
bit of your conditioner (the oil that settles at the
top) into the areas at night. I guess it is the stimulants.
The stimulant is what makes the hair cells produce
if the hair cells underneath the scalp are not dead.
(some of the stimulant is in the oil you are seeing)
It is sad to see our sisters who wear this fake hair
alternative. The long term effects are horrifying. All
because of braids! I dont recommend anybody get those
things. One lady told me braids are part of our culture.
This is true - at first we had dry breaking hair now
we have added receding hairlines and bald spots which
are not pretty! I am glad you are finding the benefits
of the products (although it was not intended to be
used that way - just dont put the conditioner on your
hair and leave it as it contains protein and should
be rinsed out after deep conditioning)
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6. Hello again
Ms. Kathy this is Mike. I sent u a message the other
day. I wanted ask you if this is the proper way I should
be doing my hair because I wear braids. Do I still need
to wash my hair every 3 days?
Braid wearers dont like to wash the braids for fear
of manipulating them too much. Not being a braid wearer
but speaking from a common sense approach - go no longer
than once a week in any style without washing your hair
- braids included.
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7. When I take
the braids out do i need to wash 1st or deep condition?
Wash 1st THEN deep condition.
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8. It's kind
of frustrating that the other guys in my school who
are white and hispanic are getting braids and then there
braids are coming way past their shoulders in like a
year, year in a half and my hair is no where near that
length.
Mike understand that our hair can grow as long as our
natural life cycle allows. Scientist say that is 2-6
years. If your hair grows at 6" per year which
is the average than you too can have 12-36 inches of
hair provided your growth rate is average (6").
Also take into consideration that we have type 4 hair
while Hispanics and Whites have 1, 2 and 3 hair types
which is not dry as our 4. Dry hair breaks easily if
not handled and cared for properly. If it is cared for
properly we can keep it our our heads and achieve our
maximum lengths!
If you are going to wear braids, braid your own hair
as I dont recommend fake braids. Just ensure that the
choices you make temporarily dont cause long term problems
that can not be fixed.
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9. I am an Africian
Americian women in my middle forty's. I have worn braids
for years, due to the fact when I put a perm in my hair
after about six months to a year my hair falls out.
My hair grows really good as long as I wear the braids,
which can become very costly. What I would like to know
how do you save your hair when you want to come out
of the braids and go to a perm? My hair has always been
short most of my life, so does that mean it will stay
short if I come out of the braids? I would like some
advice on what to do to keep my hair a nice length.
I would like to know what to buy and what to do to keep
my hair up when I come out of the braids. There are
a thousand plus products which promise you any and every
thing for your hair, but can you tell me which is really
a true product for Africian American Hair, as you know
our hair is truly NAPPY!
The requirements (washing, conditioning etc.) are detailed
in my UBH book which you really must read. The problem
you will have is that the fake hair covers your hair
and the UBH products can not get to that hair underneath.
The UBH conditioner actually builds on the hair making
it thicker. With repeated use, your hair closest to
the scalp will become thicker while the hair underneath
the fake hair will be thin when the braids are removed.
The requirements are the same for you as everyone else
if you want to grow your own hair. Just ensure you use
the program religiously to get the quickest results.
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10. Until I
receive your book can you give me a jump start on caring
for my hair. I wore individual braids for 3 months.
When I took the braids out I noticed about a 1/2 inch
of my ends broke off. So, now I'm trying to reconstruct
my hair back to health. I've been washing my hair once
a week with a shampoo for damage hair by aphogee along
with the 6 week reconstructing conditioner.
That conditioner you are using provides no benefit
for your hair. Please wait until you get the book as
the requirements for caring for your hair are detailed
there.
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11. I received
your book and i must add that it has very good information
in it...one thing i wanted to ask you is can the ultra
black hair conditioner, and the ultra black hair dew
grow bald edges and if i apply these products on my
bald edges should i massage it?
Balding caused by tight braids and weaves is a problem
for black women. We used to enhance our short hair with
wigs and clip on hair pieces, now with the fake hair
weaves and braids we are seeing balding temples and
sides, hairlines back to our ears and patches out all
over. Fake hair in my opinion is bad news!
If the hair cells underneath the scalp are NOT dead
the stimulant in the conditioner can help them reproduce
again. If they are dead, nothing will help them grow
again. How can you tell if they are dead? If the hair
has been missing from the spots for more than several
months, the cells may be dead. If it has only been recently
gone, the hair cells could be simply retarded from the
constant pulling of the hair from the root. If hair
is still in the spot but is very little, it is possible
that this will help.
As far as putting the conditioner on your scalp, the
product is actually intended for the hair. The stimulation
will get to the scalp from the product being put on
the hair. If you put it on your scalp it will not hurt
you, however, the hair will benefit most by its application.
Using it on your scalp to stimulate hair growth in the
bald spots will not hurt but also may not help either.
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12. I have read
the question and answer session and I wanted to ask
my own questions. I wear braids twisty braids to be
exact. Can you use your products with any kind of braids.
Yes
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13. Do you have
to wash the braids every three days?
You can not go longer than 1X per week with any style
- braids included!
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14. I haven't
read your book yet but I wanted to know if you have
anything about braids in your book?
No - braids are a style. I dont discuss style. I discuss
hair care before and after what ever style you want
to wear.
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15. I wear braids
a lot, but I have no idea if they are growing or damaging
my hair. My hair seems really strong when it is unpermed,
but really weak once it is permed. What is the problem?
If your hair is growing, it has nothing to do with
the braids. Hair grows anyway about 6" per year.
If you still get your hair relaxed and new growth is
being retouched, then your hair is growing. If you are
going bald then your hair is not growing. Most weak
hair due to relaxers results from improper application
and being left unmaintained.
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16. Thank you
for your response. I just finished reading the shampoo
section of your book. Since I wear braids, I usually
clean my hair with Sea Breeze antiseptic or Dudley's
antiseptic, but I don't actually wet it with water and
shampoo. Is this an okay method for shampooing or do
I actually need to lather with shampoo and water. What
shampoo do you currently use for dry hair?
Oh my goodness! What a mistake you are making! YES
you need to actually shampoo. The methods you are using
are the reasons we have no hair! I recommend Herbal
Essence for color treated, dry damaged hair or Aubrey
Organics shampoo if my scalp itches too much.
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17. I'm thinking
that maybe I wore the braids too long. The maximum time
that I usually wear the braids is between 4 and 6 months
and I have never had any problems. I probably went too
long in between braids without washing my hair and using
your conditioner. My hair is very thin after my relaxer..
Rowena, my conditioner contains protein which builds
onto the hair making it thicker. When you wear braids
the hair that is covered up by the braids does not benefit
from the conditioner. Leave the braids out and use my
conditioner to thicken your hair. This is the only thing
that I think is wrong with what you are doing. You may
also want to ensure the chemical is not pushed onto
your scalp as this will cause hair thinning also.
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18. I really
need help with my hair. It is very thin and short. i
had braids for a while, when i took them out some of
my hair came out with the braid. Do you have any suggestions?
Yes - read my Ultra Black Hair book
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19. I've waited
for 2 days before putting a relaxer in my hair. It's
VERY dry and unmanageable. I have found a stylist that
uses affirm and I NEED a relaxer. My hair is typically
strong but I am concerned about it's strength since
it's been braided for almost 3+ months. What would you
suggest?
I would do a protein treatment before the relaxer.
If your hair becomes very tangled after the protein
treatment, use creme rinse (or a leave in conditioner)
to smooth the cuticle and avoid combing it when it is
wet! After the protein treatment put a lot of creme
moisturizer on your hair to soften the hair again also
wait about a week before the relaxer so your scalp wont
be to irritated from pulling and tugging of the hair.
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20. I've gotten
my hair braided over a year ago. The braids were too
tight which caused many sores. I can not get rid of
the sores. I use a box relaxer by Soft & Beautiful
(Beautanical???). My hair is very coarse and I have
to have something to manage it. What do you recommend?
My suggestion is get rid of the sores before you do
another chemical. Occasional when I would get a burn
from the chemical relaxer, I applyed Neosporin to the
area until it is healed. It concerns me that you cant
get rid of them. If they don't go away, this could be
another issue if you are no longer doing anything to
cause the sores. I don't recommend Soft and Beautiful
because I have never used it. When I was relaxing my
hair I only used and recommend Affirm.
21. I want to
get corn row braids, how can I deep condition my hair
in cornrows?
People with braids dont want to manipulate the braids
to avoid messing them up. Many women have resorted to
diluting the conditioner and putting in a spray bottle.
This may be a successful alternative for you.
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22. Can I still
take care of my hair with human hair braids as in when
can I put in protein treatments, etc?
Personally I dont know what protein will do to synthetic
braids however human hair will absorb the conditioner
if used with heat. Unfortunately your own hair wont
benefit much because the fake hair is covering your
own hair. To provide the best benefit for your hair,
I would suggest after taking the braids down before
you do a protein treatment. Many sisters will relax
their hair then put it back in braids. Right after a
relaxer is a great time for a protein treatment.
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23. Is it okay
to get a relaxer, wait 2 weeks, get hair washed, protein
treatment, moisturize, and then get hair braided?
This is not a problem - however, you still must moisturize
every day even with the braids in.
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24. My hair
is shoulder length but I have nothing to do with it.
I decided to just keep it braided up. I wanted to follow
this routine every 6 months, is that safe?
Following this routine every 6 months will NOT help
you. It must be applied not less than weekly to maximize
your hair length!
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25. Does your
Dew moistuizer leave your hair sticky like braid spray?
Absolutely Not! I develop my products and I use my products.
I would not use a product that is "sticky"
on my hair! So you can count on Dew being light, non
stick and non greasy!
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26. I just got
through browsing your website and I have a few questions
for you before purchasing your products. First, I have
natural hair and have braided my hair for three years
now and it grows but it also breaks. My crown is very
difficult to grow and also the center of my hair is
now very thin from me constantly pulling my hair. I
guess my question to you is: Can I follow your treatment
with the braids? What can I do about the crown and the
center of my hair?
Yes, many of my customers have braids and use my system.
It is recommended that you do NOT wear hair attached
to your own braids because the products will not get
to the hair that needs the products. Read my UBH book
and Thinning Edges to determine what may be causing
your hair to look like it is "not grow" because
it is growing I suspect, but breaking. The braids could
also be causing some of your problems if they are being
put in too tightly. My conditioner contains protein
which builds on the hair making it thicker.
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27. I'm wondering
if it is a good idea to just keep the relaxer going
and have it braided but I see people with balding areas
on their heads especially in the front area.
It is a personal choice to continue to relax or braid
however, the balding in the front can be caused by braiding
toooo tightly and the misapplication of the chemical
relaxer. Hair cells underneath the scalp actually become
retarded (even die in some cases) from continuous pulling
on the hair shaft which pulls the root. It is just like
tweezing your brows or hair on an upper lip, eventually
the hair will become so fine that it is almost non existent.
When the hair cells stop producing no hair grows at
all.
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28. I brought
a protein pack and I plan on getting a touch-up in a
couple of days I wanted to know if after I get the touch
up should I use the protein pack on my hair, I deep
conditioned my hair after I took out my braids, and
it is holding up pretty well but of course hair came
out as I was taking out the braids and there was breakage
when I was combing out tangles, It was snapping a lot
(the hairs) If I shouldn't use the protein pack now
when should I?
Katisha, Although I have never had braids, one of my
customers just recently told me her experience after
braids with using a protein treatment. Her hair actually
matted to the point that she had to cut it off! The
only thing that I think could have caused this problem
is the hair cuticle raised (which protein will do) causing
the hair to tangle. Hearing this I would avoid the protein
until AFTER the retouch.
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