Q. I recently purchased Hair, Skin and Nail Vitamins. Are they really effective?

A. To be honest I do not know anyone that used it long enough to see their effects. I do know that they are suppose to be combined vitamins that are essential to the growth of your hair,skin, and nails. However I do know that Vitamin B, Iron, Biotin, Flaxseed oil and of course good old fruits vegetables and water.

Eliminating saturated fats,fried foods,and stress play a vital role in your overall health and you will see a significant difference in your hair and skin and you'll have more energy. My co-worker and good friend has alot of knowledge regarding internal health and its effects.

Q. I've been using a kiddie perm because they are gentler on my hair, and the other relaxers are too harsh 4 me.

A. Hello? Marketing really works doesn't it. Just because they put a child on the box, doesn't mean its gentler on the hair.As a matter of fact,its usually the same formula as all of the other box retail relaxers (with an extra conditioner packet). Also, please understand there is no such thing as a no-lye relaxer. All chemically based relaxers have lye in them,which is sodium hydroxide. Now, there is a such thing as having a lower amount of lye in it. Your only other option is Phyto a chemical free plant based relaxer - Oprah raves about it! At this time it is way too expensive to use it in the salon, but you can check it out on their website.

Q. I have itchy scalp and a lot of dandruff, what can i use?
A. two products that i have found successful is Design Essential RX shampoo and leave in conditioner. And Kera Care Dry and Itchy Scalp. Both of these products have proved themselves worthy to me with consistant use. Yes they are medicated but they provide the moisture that you also need for our hair. In my opinion , alot of the prescriptions that Dermatologist use or the shelf brand products simply strip the hair of the needed moisture which can also revert any chemicals u may currently have (relaxer). and honestly i didn't see much result.

Don't get me wrong i absolutely am not against dermatologist and i converse with them often,but for dandruff and itchy scalp those two products get my vote. You may also want to increase your water to your daily routine, u may be a bit dehydrated.

Q. My hair just won’t seem to grow. Why is that?
A. What is your haircare regimen? A clean scalp is a healthy scalp. The truth is I definitely recommend a moisture-based shampoo and a deep conditioner treatment followed by a leave-in conditioner. If you choose to relax your hair, I recommend every 6 to 8 weeks and given by a professional only.

Q. What type of relaxers do you use?
A. I do not use any chemicals that can be purchased at a local beauty supply store. I am currently using Design Essentials Relaxer System. I chose this product because it relaxes the hair without stripping the body and moisture. The reconstructor that I use after rinsing seals the cuticle and retains porosity. It is nothing like those no-lye boxed relaxers in the store. This product is only available through Design Essentials. It contains a low amount sodium hydroxide (which straightens the hair).

I recommend to those who do not want bone straight hair but want to add manageability. It contains shea butter and provides an incredible shine.

Q. Why do Stylists always want to “clip” my ends?
A. Ladies Plu-leeze!!! Trims are imperative! Every time a chemical service is performed, the ends should be clipped. If you have a press and curl, every 4-6 weeks in recommended. I have included them in my services to ensure my clients are automatically receiving them.

I recently shared a story with a friend. I remember a girl in my seventh-grade class.Her hair came to the middle of her back and she always wore it in a ponytail. One day. She came back to school and her hair was right above her shoulders. “What happened” we asked and she said she never had her ends clipped and they kept splitting up the hair shaft. So she had no choice but to cut them. I was forever convinced.

Q. How often should I visit the salon?
A. Most of my clients visit me weekly or every other week. However, I do understand that this schedule is not conducive to everybody (especially with this economy – thanks Bush!) Therefore I recommend monthly for a press and curl, and at least every 6 weeks for relaxed hair. That way Press and Curls receive a great conditioner treatment with clipped ends and relaxed hair received chemicals professionally done.

If you let me know that your appointments have to be spaced out, I will instruct you on how to care for your hair in between visits. We can work together!

Q. I work out so my hair does not stay. What can I do?
A. This question will be directed to my “ work-out” and “private summer” ladies. There isn’t a whole lot you can do. I suggest braids, ponytails, weaves, or wigs. If these are not options for you I can suggest these things:

• When you are at home or working out, tie your hair up. If you perspire, do not remove your scarf until your hair is dry.
• Perspiration contains salt – do not blowdry or curl your hair or it may damage and break your hair off.
• If possible, you may rinse your hair with conditioner, then use a leave in conditioner and apply olive oil (the kind you buy from the grocery store) and wear it natural. You may do this until your next appointment or shampoo day.

Q. Do you press hair?
A. Absolutely! I actually encourage ladies to remove chemicals from their hair. Relaxers wear on the hair and cause damage. It can also remove elasticity from the hair. My clients that have grown their relaxers out have thicker, fuller hair, and healthier hair. I rarely use the pressing comb except for the edges and use very little oil if at all. I prefer using a hydrant and the ceramic fusion technique. It is wonderful because it provides a lot of body, shine, and last longer.

The difference? A good analogy is cooking with a stove vs. a crockpot. A stove is a direct heat and can cause the meat to dry out. The crockpot is an indirect heat and keeps the meat tender and juicy. So we’ll just say the pressing comb is the stove and the ceramic iron is the crockpot.

Q. I get my hair done every other week, but why doesn’t it stay?
A. What are you doing once you leave the salon? Do you have an at-home regimen? Are you tying your hair up at night whether wrapping or pincurling it? On your alternated week off from the salon are you shampooing, conditioning, and wrapping your hair up until your next appointment? These little steps will lead to healthier, trained hair that will be easier to manage.

Q. Do you do Quick Weaves?
Absolutely not! It simply is not my style and I don’t fully agree with the process or results. I do offer sew-in weaves for a more natural look. Because I believe in the health of your own hair, I do not braid or sew it in too tight because it can damage the hair follicle and cause hair loss. I do it enough to stay, and I offer clients to return to get it tighten and shampooed for longer wear.