House of Nietsha

Men throughout Africa, Japan, China and the Americas traditionally grew their hair long and wore it in braids. The more noble you were, the more likely it was that you had long, braided hair, particularly in Asia. Braids often denoted warriors in Africa and Native Americans in the Plains wore long braids adorned with feathers.

While braids were seen variously as symbols of strength and bravery and nobility, they were also recognized as practical. Braids not only keep hair tidy, they keep it clean. When people didn’t wash their hair regularly, because it was expensive and impractical, braids maintained good hair health.

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Cornrows, small tight braids that cover the whole head, can be difficult and time-consuming to create, hence the popularity of good braiding stylists. However, once the hair is braided, it is very easy to care for. The braids originated in northern Africa and are still worn in a number of countries, although in many places they are exclusively a woman’s hairstyle. In the Western world, cornrows are unisex and, although predominately worn by black men, they cross racial lines as well.

It’s noted that, although stylish and easy to care for, people with dry skin should be assiduous in their use of quality oils to help prevent dandruff. They should also choose their stylists with care. Cornrows pull the hair tightly and this can stress the hair and lead to hair loss. A good stylist will use just the right amount of pressure and advise on the best product for the hair type to keep is strong and resilient.

For men with straight hair of medium to long length, the look popularized by Orlando Bloom as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings films is a surefire winner with ladies who like the elvin type. You brush the hair nice and smooth, pull a chunk back to the crown of the head and make a long braid. Add two slim braids at each sideburn and you’re done. Bows and arrows optional.

Men whose hair falls just to the chin often favor the single braid that starts at the crown of the head. This is a tidy way of wearing the hair, as it pulls it back from the face and adds a bit of interest. It’s got shades of the ancient warrior in it, which adds to the appeal.

A Touch of Funky

Far less common but certainly seen is a look that could almost hark back to colonial America. Some men pull their hair to the nape of their neck and then create a small braid. The look can be amusingly deceptive – from the front, the man looks conservative and clean-cut. From the back, he’s got a bit of funkiness going on.

The man who really wants to shake things up has most of his hair cut in a basic crew or military hair cut, but keeps a tiny braid right at the back. Some people might not even notice it, but it’s there, showing he may be corporate but still individual.

Facial Braids

Strictly for those who want to channel their inner Viking or Captain Jack Sparrow, if you have a longer beard or goatee, you can create tiny braids in it, and even adorn them with tiny beads or feathers. It’s a distinct look which not everyone can pull off – you already have to be fairly funky in look and style and temperament. However, if you want to shake things up a bit, try it out! No one can accuse you of not being daring.

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There are many braids for men that express individuality and uniqueness with both traditional and unusual hairstyles. This unisex style can be perfect for any guy with a bit of style and daring in his personality and fashion, letting him truly make a statement about who he is.

What is Dandruff?
Dandruff is simply dead skin shedding from your head at a fast rate. Almost everyone has had dandruff at some point to one degree or another. People with a strong degree of dandruff will experience an itchy scalp.

Causes of Dandruff:
The following are items that may cause dandruff:
Hormone imbalance.
Excessive perspiration
Allergic reactions
Excessive stress
Poor hygene
Poor nutritioin/health
Lack of sleep
Inherited genetic trait
Inadequete shampooing and rinsing of the hair.
Tight fitting hats.
Excessive use of hair styling products (gel, mouse, hair dye, hair curler...)
Cold weather
Dry enviroment.
Excessive Heat

Even though dandruff is known as the drying of the scalp, it is most common in people with oily hair.

Dandruff Treatment
Unfortunately there is no cure for dandruff yet (once you get it you may continue to have it), but there are ways that you can control and limit dandruff.

If you have only a mild case of dandruff, shampooing your hair with a regular shampoo daily or twice a day will usually do the trick.

Start out by trying a mild shampoo, stronger shampoos can irritate and dry out your hair making dandruff flaking worst.

If your standard shampoo doesn't get rid of your dandruff, buy an anti-dandruff shampoo and your dandruff condition should improve signifigantly in a couple of weeks.

Picking the right shampoo for your hair can be a process of trial and error, try out different shampoos to see which one works best for you and also rotating shampoos periodically can be good for your hair.

Once you have found an anti-dandruff shampoo that works for you, keep on using it or your dandruff will most likely reoccur.

Lather and rinse twice when using anti-dandruff shampoos, the first time cycle will clean your scalp, the second cycle will medicate it.

If you think you may have a severe case of dandruff, it is advised that you set up an appointment with a dermatologist.

Poor health may be the cause of your dandruff, so be sure to get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and avoid stress inducing activities.

Something in your diet may be causing you to have an allergic reaction and trigger dandruff to occur, try limiting your diet and see if your dandruff gets any better. Some foods that commonly cause an alergic reaction causing dandruff include nuts, choclate and shellfish.

If you have to scratch your head, avoid using your fingernails to scratch (you'll risk an infection if you do) instead use the pads of your fingers.

Wear a hat outside on days that are extremely cold, windy, and when you're going to be out in the sun for a lengthy period.

Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.

Limit the use of hair coloring and hair styling products with alcohol which dries out hair.

Make sure that you get an adequate ammount of B6 in your diet, which will help prevent dandruff.

Massage your scalp with the pads of your fingers in a circular motion to increase circulation.

Curly hair tends be dryer, more brittle and prone to frizzing, so it requires more care than straight hair. Below are some tips on managing curly hair.

Curly Hair Care Tips
Limit shampooing your hair to no more than twice a week., shampooing strips your hair of its natural oils.

Use a conditioner every time after you shampoo to re-moisturize your hair.

Use a leave-in conditioner on your hair daily or every other day.

Use a shampoo and conditioner that is specifically geared towards curly hair.

Avoid using narrow toothed combs and brushes, use wide-toothed combs instead which has less of a tendency to cause breakage and frizzing.

To detangle your hair, in the shower start with your hair moist and conditioned (which will protect it from breakage), use your fingers to begin the untangling then finish with a wide toothed comb starting from the end going up finishing at the root of the hair. Then rinse your head with water and try to retain half of the conditioner in your hair. If you try to detangle your hair when it's dry, you will cause it to frizz.

Let your hair aid dry to reduce frizzing, avoid brushing and using a towel to dry your hair. If you need to your hair to dry quickly, blot your hair with a towel, but do not rub it.

Deep condition your hair once a month or more to re-moisturize your scalp and hair.

Use a small amount of styling product with moisturizing ingredient(s) in it to keep your hair from frizzing when your hair is still slightly moist and gently style with your finger. Apply the styling one section so that it is equally distributed.

Avoid playing with your hair or touching it as much as possible, the more friction that occurs on your hair will cause it to tangle and/or frizz.

The dry and cold winter can be very damaging to your hair. Hair easily becomes dry during this time of year from the dry indoor heating and the dry cold weather outside. Proper preventative steps need to be taken during this seasons to ensure that your hair does not get damaged.

Winter Hair Care Tips
Wear a scarf, hat or cap to protect your hair from the cold and wind, but make sure that it's not so tight that it will restrict circulation in your scalp.

Use a conditioner daily.

Once you have your hair moist, lock in the moisture by running your hair through cold water, this will also give your hair an extra shine.

Don't go outside with your hair wet, you risk breakage; your hair will freeze if it's cold enough outside and may break.

Limit your use of "hot" items on your hair such as a blow dryers and curling irons.

If you need to use a "hot" item use a leave in conditioner before using the item on your hair.

Avoid taking hot showers or washing your hair in hot water, use warm or cool water instead, the heat can dry out and/or damage your hair and skin.

Hair products that have the word, "Replenish" on it is made to moistureize your hair.

Try using a dry shampoo if you need to wash out your hair, one dry shampoo you can use is baby powder, simply sprinkle some onto your hair and use a comb to comb it off.

People lose hair on a daily basis, but unfortunatley many people will go through rapid hair loss without new hair coming in to replace it which results in thinning hair and possibly lead to some degree of baldness. Hereditary plays a major role in the severity of hair loss but improper care of your hair along with an unhealthy lifestyle may cause early hair loss.

Hair Loss Prevention
Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair.

Water, protien, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair.

Use your fingertips to massage your scalp which will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth.

Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night.

Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair.

Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause build-up of sweat and grime.

If you have live a high stressed life try reducing stress by taking some time out daily just to relax, excessive stress is believed to induce hair loss.

If you color your hair, limit coloring it to once ever 2 months. Hair coloring damages your hair and the less frequently you color it the better.

Avoid putting too much physical stress on your hair, brush/comb your hair gently, don't pull your hair when you brush and avoid braids and ponytails if possible, they place constant stress on your hair.

Get enough sleep.

Use a conditioner and trim any split ends.

See your doctor or a dermatologist for advice if you have concerns about hair loss and want to seek treatment.

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Afro Glitz is a laid back, social networking website that caters to both curly and kinky haired beauties, both loose-haired and loc'ed. Get a profile, gallery, blog, submit your hair story, upload music, upload videos, meet people that you can relate to, and much more! What are you waiting for? Join now!  www.afroglitz.com

Shampoo Regimen

The Crown & Glory Technique?
A technique for growing afro textured hair healthy, long and strong-natural or relaxed.

(Option 1)

Have your hair in large braids to shampoo your hair. In the shower, pour streams of diluted shampoo and warm water over your large braids. In a large cup, squeeze to shampoo and rinse and rinse by squeezing. While the braids are still in, add Le kairs's Cholesterol Plus to your hair. This will make your hair easier to untangle and comb through. Take one braid down at a time and gently comb through with a wide toothed comb, using The Crown & Glory Technique and then rinse by squeezing your hair as you pour the water. Squeezing will help with the rinse. Braid the section back up. Repeat with all of your braid sections. After you have done all sections, your hair should still remain in the big loose braids. Take each section down to add hair strengthener and oil. Oil will give it more moisture after it air dries. Air dry your hair to keep in moisture.

Option 2#: Afro Detangler  will untangle, condition, and strengthen your hair without any other product. Use on wet or dry Afro Textured hair.

Option 3#: If you do not have access to these products mention on the site, use the shampoo and conditioners that you have and shampoo & condition your hair using the techniques on this page. You should still see progress.