Always keeping in mind that you want to protect the health of the hair, it should not be lightened too much.  To maintain the health,  our hair color should only be lightened 4 or 5 shades, but because of its already rich color, even one shade can be the lighter, younger look you are after.

In the summer women usually want a lighter shade to make their hair look sun-kissed. In the winter months deeper tones are often considered. Depending on the woman’s skin tone,  our  hair color decision can vary between the warmer tones such as cinnamon to the heavier plum shades.  Having a hair color consultation can reveal the shade best for you.

There are many different choices when it comes to changing hair color. There is the permanent which does not wash out. Next is demi and semi permanent hair color that might be a great solution if you are not ready to fully commit.

Keeping hair healthy is a major part of the hair coloring experience. It is advisable to speak with a professional about any changes you want to make regarding treating your hair and how to shampoo and condition after getting hair color. Many over the counter products can strip away the essential oils on color treated hair and diminish the color.

It has been some time that I understood this gratitude extended outside of myself. I am grateful that there are other women on this journey that share this same appreciation for their own natural tresses.  We collectively supports each others journey as we give that underlying nod of encouragement when we notice each other on the street.  It seems we have become immune to the bombardment of another’s cultural image of what we should look like and are now capable of enjoying our hair just like it is without the additives.

And for that I am grateful.

February is the month of love – a time to celebrate the special relationships you have with family, friends and your romantic partner. We want to express our gratitude for our More Hair! Studio clients and friends this month, so we’re offering special savings and extending an opportunity for you all to visit us at More Hair! Studio to help us luxuriate in delicious chocolates. But before we reveal our special Valentine’s Day offers, take a look at our, “14 Ways to Show Your Hair Some Love.”

1. Get creative and add a new hair accessory to your mane. Whether it’s a sparkling headband or a flower, hair accessories can give you a new look.
2. Jazz up your hair with a new hair color. With spring approaching, go bold with colors like blonde or red.
3. Deep condition your hair to hydrate your tresses, restore sheen, strengthen your hair and protect it from damaging environmental factors. A good deep conditioner can reduce dry, brittle hair and breakage.
4. You can achieve many low-manipulation styles with natural hair. If you have Sisterlocks ™ or locs try an updo. If you usually wear your curls free and flowing, try styles such as comb coils, twists, buns and twist outs. Low manipulation styles can save you time during your morning routine and help you retain growth.
5. If you’re transitioning, take the next step and get the big chop! If you’re flirting with the idea of changing up your hairstyle, go shorter with a haircut designed to frame your face and fit your personality.
6. After a long day at the office, relax yourself with a scalp massage (or ask your partner to lend you a hand). Regular scalp massages can put you in a relaxed state, encourage hair growth, relieve itching and help your hair reveal a natural sheen from the natural oils in your scalp. For additional stimulation, try a scalp massage with coconut or jojoba oil before you shampoo.
7. B-complex vitamins such as biotin, folic acid, cobalamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine can promote healthy hair. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene and selenium are also beneficial to hair and can be found in a variety of foods such as carrots, eggs and almonds.
8. Invest in silk or satin sleepwear, such as a scarf or pillow, to protect your hair from friction caused between fabrics. Silk and satin materials can help reduce hair breakage and keep your mane moisturized.
9. Try a new product, but tread carefully. Consult with your natural hairstylist for suggestions on products that will work well with your hair. Whether it’s a new shampoo or a new hair moisturizer, new products, specifically designed for your hairs’ needs, can give your hair new life.
10. Don’t keep your love affair with your hair to yourself. Share your hair secrets, stylist and best tips with your friends. Keep in mind that different regimens work on different types of hair.
11. Schedule a hair maintenance appointment with your natural hair stylist to get your Sisterlocks ™ or locs re-tightened.
12. Look at blogs and magazines for natural hair inspiration. Many celebrities, including Chrisette Michele, India Arie, Tracee Ellis Ross, Ledisi, Leela James and Cassandra Wilson rock hairdos you can work with your natural hairstylist to recreate to suit you.
13. Search online for natural hair communities. Members share advice, hairstyle ideas and helpful product reviews.
14. Contact More Hair! Studio today to schedule an appointment with one of our talented stylist. We’ll update your look, give you feedback on how to improve you hair’s condition and help you create a regimen to fit your unique hair.

Upcoming Events at More Hair Studio!

“Attracting An Amazing Man” – Meet with us on February 12, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. as Tonya Kerry happily shares everything she learned on the love journey and everything she now knows about attracting an amazing man. In this fun and candid seminar, Tonya gives the real deal about love and romance. Participants who want skills for mastery in the art of love take this workshop and are one step closer to having the romance and love they deserve.  Click here for more information: http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Natural-Hair-Locs-Sisterlocks/events/15377824/

“Make Me A Natural Model” Call – Do you have the confidence and appeal to be a model? We’re looking for a natural hair mode for a commerical. You must be available March 15, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and be open to having your hair colored , cut and styled. Contact More Hair! Studio for more information.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
LaRetta Ann Taylor & the More Hair! Studio Family

P.S. Help Us Eat the Chocolates! Because we love our clients, we invite you to stop by February 7th -19th to “Help Us Eat the Chocolates”! We cannot eat them all! You can also bring in a tax deductible donation of a new/slightly used household items for the JHR Baltimore a local housing and jobs recovery non-profit, and receive $5.00 off your service. For more information about them click here.

1.     Invest in a silk pillow case. Not only will it help keep your natural hair conditioned, it’s also great for keeping your skin looking flawless. Need extra protection? Sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet.  Other materials can strip your hair of the natural oils it needs to stay healthy.

2.    Preserve the natural curl and shape of your hair by twisting, braiding or cornrowing it at night before you go to sleep even if your hair is locked.  When you wake up, you can style your hair using your twists or braids, or take them out and wear loose crimps.

3.    Your hair accessories keep your hair looking fabulous during the day, but make sure you take them out of your hair at night. Clips, hair pins and elastics can damage your hair if you sleep in them.

4.    Add some moisture to your hair before you turn the lights out for the night. If you’re stuck trying to figure out the best products for caring for your hair, give More Hair! Studio a call at 443-869-3902. We create hair care products made with natural ingredients for our clients to keep their tresses healthy and conditioned morning and night.  We can also suggest some of our other favorites that will work well with your hair.

5.    Get some sleep! Your body needs time to recoup from your hectic life and if you’re missing out on adequate sleep, you may be causing your hair more harm than good. Are you getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night?

Tell us your nightly hair routine. Is there a step you just can’t skip?

1. Go Deep – Don’t skip your deep conditioning treatments during the winter months. A good deep conditioner can help reduce potential damage such as split ends, shedding and dull, dry hair.
2. Twist or Braid – Rather than wearing your natural hair curly or in a blowout, try twisting or braiding your hair during the colder months. This will help protect your hair from drying out, which can cause breakage.
3. Beware of Fabrics – Your winter coat may be chic, but it can cause damage to your natural hair. Use a silk scarf on the collar of your coat to protect your hair from rubbing against fabrics such as wool.
4. Moisturize – Deep conditioning isn’t enough, you still may need to apply moisture to your hair to keep it hydrated. Just like the sun during the summer, cold weather can strip your hair of the essential oils it needs to grow, shine and stay strong.

How do you deep condition your hair during the winter months?