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Straight Hair
The classification of straight hair pattern is identified as type 1 hair. This means the hair pattern has no wave whatsoever in its length and can be coarse, normal or fine.Whether it is wet or dry, type 1 hair pattern is always straight and very sleek. Those who fall under this category are caucasians, asians, relaxed or straightened african americans who opt for this look. This pattern of hair reflects the most sheen then the other patterns do because it has no curls to it so light is able to reflect it easily. Straight hair is the most resilient hair of all of the other patterns and can be hard to damage depending on your texture. Once it has been damaged though, it loses its sheen and becomes very dull. This pattern tends to be difficult to curl, because the sebum (natural oil produced in the sebaceous glands of the scalp) gently works its way from the scalp to the ends without interference from curls or kinks, nevertheless it can be done. Although oily hair is not common in african american heritage, it is still possible to obtain. Caring For Straight HairCaring for your relaxed or processed hair should not be any different from the other patterns. The techniques of shampooing, conditioning, and drying remains the same, but the method of care differ just slightly. Special focus should be given to processed hair because of it's vulnerability to breakage. Treatments should be done BEFORE and AFTER a relaxer is applied. A protein treatment should be applied one week prior to relaxing, followed by a reconstructor treatment one week after the relaxer has been processed. ApHogee products are pH optimized products that offer a variety of options to help strengthen chemically processed hair. Styling Straight HairStYLING: As you learn more and do more with your straight hair, you will be able to use your own judgment when it comes to caring and styling your hair. When it comes to relaxed hair, it becomes a task to keep your hands out of your strands. Why is that? For one, we constantly want to pick at it or comb it from time to time to be sure that its on point. Or worst, we are tempted to apply some heat to our styles to maintain them. Bad idea, I might add. Well, one reason for choosing a low manipulation style is to keep this from occurring. What is a low manipulation style? Simply put, it’s a style that requires very little manipulation and keeps your strands from being handled often,which in turn leads to healthier hair. Low manipulation styles are different from protective styles in that they do not necessarily mean that your hair is tucked away so to speak.There are few simple low manipulation styles that you can rely on for your relaxed strands.The Rollerset, of course, is ideal. Once you roll it, you can pretty much finger through your curls in the morning and relax the rest of the day. Use a foam setting lotion to add that body and hold. Be sure that your roller set is maintained at night by wearing a satin bonnet. The smaller the rollers, the longer your set will keep. You can’t go wrong with a good roller set.A wrap is always very low maintenance, yet very stylish. I find that when I wear the wrap, I don’t even have to carry a comb in my purse at all. I think where some people go wrong with the wrap is that they like to try and touch it up with heat. Well that really erases the benefits of wearing a wrap. Avoid curling or flat ironing your wrap hairstyle by simply wrapping it at night with some wrap lotion or moisturizer. For extra body, I may add some large rollers to the crown of my head.Another very low maintenance hairstyle is a two strand twist. Yes, relaxed ladies, we too can sport this look. It can actually be easily achieved for you. Just use your favorite moisturizer and sealant, and twist your hair into several sections. This trendy, yet simple style is by far my favorite low manipulation style. At bedtime, put on your satin bonnet, and finger through once in the AM.
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