January 2014 – Rehairducation

Lade January 31, 2014

HAIR PRODUCTS IN NIGERIA

A question asked frequently by my lovely readers is where to find the hair products I use in Nigeria. To readers in the States and UK, you are so lucky to have so many BSS’s and black hair shops that stock great products at your disposal.
For us over here in Nigeria, a lot of those great products are not readily available. In the one year plus since my relocation I have found some great places that stock what I would call a respectable stash of hair products.
What I mean by respectable is that these stores may not have the vast range of products that the huge mega stores in the States or UK have but they carry a good variety of quality and well recommended products. Basically they have enough for you to start and sustain a hair journey here in Nigeria.

As a way to encourage more ladies in Nigeria to start their hair journey, I decided to start a Hair Products in Nigeria series. Hopefully this will help make finding good products in Nigeria feel less like mission impossible.
Rather than simply mentioning these stores, I decided to get more interactive by talking to the owners, meeting the staff and visiting the stores where applicable. I wouldn’t want to expose my readers to stores without being sure of their credibility.
The first store to be featured is the The Sizzelle Store. I first heard about Sizzelle from a Hairducation reader and Hair By Type 4 client, Genevieve. I have since learnt more about Sizzelle and thought it would a great store to kick things off with.

The owner of the store kindly answered some questions about her store below.

A products aisle at Sizzelle

1) Please introduce yourself and tell us about the Sizzelle store.

My name is Ufuoma, also known as Dr Fomsky by my blog readers. I am a medical doctor who loves hair care and skin care. I started my hair journey in 2010 and my hair blog (The Sizzling Mommy) in 2011.

I discovered that many products talked about on many blogs couldn’t be easily found here in Nigeria. I decided to start ordering them for myself and some of my readers, with time, I started having more and more requests. To display the products I had and to handle the requests more efficiently, I designed a simple online store called thesizzlingmommy.com.

After a short time, I decided to design a better site and to change the name to Sizzelle (Sizz for sizzling and Elle is French for ‘she’). The Sizzelle Online Store went live in April 2013 and we now have a physical store in Lagos.
We’ve since added more hair products, tools and accessories. We also have a few skin products too.

2) How do you decide what products to stock at Sizzelle?

My number one way of deciding is to stock products I or my staff have used and like.
We also stock products that other bloggers rave about. Another way I decide what to stock is by reading online hair forums and product reviews. Plus, many products we now carry are based on our customers’ recommendations.

3) How often are products restocked?

We usually restock at least once in two months. For some high turnover products, we restock once a month.

4) Are the staff able to assist customers with product selection?

Yes. All my staff are required to learn about healthy hair practices. My female staff are also on their own hair journeys and personally use many of our products.

Myself and the Sizzelle store manager, Nkiru. . She was very pleasant and was so happy to tell me about her hair journey and the products she used…which I thought was awesome.

5) Can products be ordered from Sizzelle online? Is delivery available in Lagos and nationwide?

Yes. You can order from our website http://www.sizzelle.com. You can also call our store on +2348168072140 or +2348179032966 Monday – Friday (9am – 5pm) to place an order or simply send an email to store@sizzelle.com

We offer free courier delivery within Lagos if your order is greater than 5000 naira. If you prefer cash in delivery however, it’s 1000 naira.

We also ship nationwide. To see our full list of shipping charges per location, please visit this page on our site http://www.sizzelle.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=15

6) Why should ladies buy their hair products from Sizzelle?

We have a wide range of quality, genuine hair products which have excellent international reviews.
We also aim to please our customers as best as we can.

I want to say a big thank you to Ufuoma for answering my questions.
I hope this series will help you on your hair journey or encourage you to start one.
I am in talks with other hair product stores and will feature other stores throughout the year.

The next blog post will be about the art of stretching. A lot of ladies stretch their relaxer but if you are not careful, stretching can lead to major setbacks. I will share some of the tips I use to prevent this from happening.

I hope you will stop by soon.

x
Lade

Learn | Change | Grow

Disclaimer
Please note that I have not been paid nor have I received any form of compensation for this feature.

Lade January 29, 2014

TRIMMING YOUR HAIR

When it comes to black hair, trimming usually equals drama.
I remember avoiding certain hair stylists in salons because they were known to be scissor happy and always cut too much hair off. I also recall seeing ladies refusing to trim off extremely thin ends.
In this blog post I will discuss why hair needs to be trimmed, common myths about trimming and my personal approach and advice on trimming.

The first thing I want to set out is that if you trim off more hair than you grow, over time your hair will get shorter and shorter. However damaged ends should be removed for hair to thrive. A balance between these opposite positions must be achieved for success on a hair journey.

WHY HAIR NEEDS TO BE TRIMMED

Trimming is the only real solution to damaged and split ends.
Products that claim to repair damaged /split ends can only seal and strengthen the ends temporarily. The fact is that damaged hair cannot be repaired and will eventually break off. It is better to remove/trim off damaged ends because healthy ends look better. More importantly, healthy ends are better able to resist breakage and tangle less which helps with retaining hair. Remember that retention (minimising breakage and damage) is the key to long hair.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT TRIMMING

1) In my opinion, the number one myth about trimming is that it makes hair grow longer. This is not true. As I mentioned above trimming off damaged/split ends helps with retention.

Trimming helps with hair retention in two ways:
a)Split ends can latch on to each other which causes tangles. Tangles can easily lead to breakage. More split equals more tangles and breakage. Less split ends will result in less tangles and breakage.
b) There is strength in numbers, when all ends are neat and roughly at the same level it can withstand wear and tear and will resist breakage better. For example, it is very easy to break one or ten spaghetti sticks; it would be more of a challenge to break 1000 spaghetti sticks. So when creating styles or handling your hair, the fuller and healthier your ends are, the better they will at withstanding tension and pulling in comparison to thin weak ends.

For these reasons people tend to see progress in their hair retention and length when they trim off damaged hair. It is not the trim itself that causes the hair to thrive; it is simply that they have removed damaged ends thereby reducing the risk of breakage.

2) A second myth is that black hair must be trimmed every —– weeks to thrive. Some say it’s every 6 weeks, others say it’s every 8 weeks.
I believe that black hair should be trimmed when it needs to be trimmed. It should not be trimmed solely because a certain number of weeks has passed. If a lady has perfectly healthy ends, trimming it just because 8 weeks has passed will not make her hair grow longer. Her hair isn’t just going to fall apart because she did not trim it at 8 weeks. I will expand on this in the section below.

MY APPROACH TO TRIMING

Sorry for the picture quality.
The picture on the left was taken 6 months into my hair journey, you can see how bad my ends were.
The picture on the right was taken almost a year and half into my hair journey.
It took me that long to sort my ends out.

It is not my intention to change how you trim your hair. I simply want to share my view and method on trimming.

For the first year and half of my hair journey, I trimmed often because my hair was badly damaged. To be honest my hair needed a cut not a trim but I just couldn’t cut off that much hair in one go. So I trimmed one inch off every 8 weeks because my ends were damaged. This adds up to 6 inches a year.

When my hair had improved and was thicker and healthier, I made sure my ends were well taken care of and kept in protective styles. This way, I reduced the risk of new split ends forming and minimised damage.
The effect of this was that I could reduce how often and how much hair I trimmed. I began assessing my ends regularly and trimmed when I felt it was necessary. During this period, I was trimming about 2.5 inches a year.

Currently I trim my hair 2 or 3 times a year based on what my hair needs. I am trimming roughly 4 inches a year because I have reached my goal length and I want to remove ends which are naturally thin from age.

My advice for ladies who want to maximise hair growth is that if you have just begun your hair journey, cut off split and damaged ends. As you progress on your hair journey you should see an improvement in your hair. You should then monitor your ends and trim them when they need trimming.
But please don’t lie to yourself; if your ends are damaged and split, don’t hang on to it. If you can’t stomach trimming a lot of hair in on go, trim it gradually.
If you go to a salon for trimming do not be scared to stand your ground on how often and how much hair you want to trim.

I hope you have found this post useful.

Are you scared of trimming your hair? How often do you trim your hair currently and what are your methods? I would love to hear your stories and views on trimming.

In the next blog post, I finally discuss the art of stretching. I hope you’ll be back soon.

Lade

Learn | Change | Grow

Lade January 20, 2014

AWARD SEASON

Hello Ladies,

I know I’ve been MIA this year. Life has been rather hectic, hopefully I will be back to regular blogging from this week.

In the mean time, I am happy to share the news that Hairducation has received its first award by Melanie from the blog, A Desired Beauty. (Thanks Melanie).

The award is called the Liebster blog award. The word “liebster” means dearest in German. This award is given to bloggers by other bloggers and is a great way to not only to get to know the blogger, but also to find new blogs and spread the love.

Here are the rules:

List 11 interesting facts about yourself.
Answer the questions presented by the blogger who nominated me.
Paste the award on your blog.
Nominate other deserving novice bloggers who have 200 or less followers and let the nominees know about the award by commenting on their blogs or via email.
Make up a set of 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

I happy about the award and I guess it will help readers get to know a little more about me. Hopefully I don’t come across as being too weird 🙂 …. So here goes

11 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ME

1) I choose what animals I eat based on how they look. For example, I think cows look cute and edible, crabs on the other hand are weird looking and the way they walk sideways freaks me out, no way on earth I could eat those.

2) I am an artsy, crafty sort of person. The theatre and art galleries are my idea of a good time.

Pictures from an art exhibition I attended recently – taking the opportunity to share work by Nigerian artists

Pictures from an art exhibition I attended recently – taking the opportunity to share work by Nigerian artists

Pictures from an art exhibition I attended recently – taking the opportunity to share work by Nigerian artists

3) Growing up, I had the following pets; a dog (Lassy), two monkeys (Boo and Nim), two peacocks ( I didn’t like them enough to give them names), fishes (too many to name) and a parrot (Yenny). My friends teased that I lived on animal farm.

4) I love interior decoration shows, magazines and blogs, etc

5) I am a chronic hand washer. Once I’ve touched a few things I just feel like my hands are dirty.

6) I am terrible at applying makeup. I simply rub it on and go. Takes me 2 or 3 minutes to paint my entire face. I just don’t have the skill.

7) I enjoy untangling things e.g necklaces, earphone cords, any kind of string really. As a kid I would create knots in things just so I could untangle it.

8) I don’t drink simply because I don’t like the taste of alcohol. I do have a serious love for palm wine. If you live in Lagos and know where I can get good palm wine please let me know.

9) I love retro music, fashion, art, hair styles, etc. There’s just something beautiful about old school things.

10) I want to be a better reflection of Christ.

11) I’ve had two operations and have titanium rods and screws somewhere in my body.

THE QUESTIONS MELANIE SET FOR ME ARE :

{1} What do you do? career woman, full-time student, super stay-at-home mom?

I was a career woman up until I moved back to Nigeria just over a year ago. I worked at a top 5 law firm in London. Since my relocation, I have busy completing a year of national youth service (mandatory in Nigeria) setting up Hair by Type 4 and taking some professional accreditation courses.
Sort of starting over. Exciting and scary times.

{2} What’s your favourite movie?
I can’t really pick one, it’s a close call between Their Eyes Were Watching God and Shawshank Redemption

{3} Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I wanted to share my hair journey and encourage ladies to take care of their hair. Doing my bit to bust the myths about black hair.

{4} What’s the best vacation you have ever taken?
Koh Samui, a small island off the coast of Thailand. It was soooo beautiful, the beaches, the people, the local markets, fresh coconut milkshakes, the safari ride up a mountain, riding an elephant, the spas, the peace and serenity. Perfect holiday.

My sister and I in samui

The hotel was a perfect

{5} My closet has excess when it comes jeans and shoes. What’s your fashion obsession?
Dresses and tops. A girl can never have too many dresses and tops.

{6} Where do you see yourself in five years?
I pray that in 5 years, I am alive, well and happy. That Hair by Type 4 is successful and that I am advancing in my career. I pray that I will be where God wants me to be and that I am fulfilling His purpose for my life.

{7} If you could meet one person, current or historical, who would it be and why?

Benjamin Carson.
Because his life story and achievements are incredible. I am inspired by people who succeed and make their dreams a reality through sheer hard work and determination. I believe that with self discipline and God, we all have the potential to achieve great things. Benjamin is proof of this.
On the hair front I would have loved to meet Vidal Sassoon.

{8} Momma’s girl, Daddy’s girl, or Grandma’s baby?
Daddy’s girl forever

{9} What motivates you?
The pursuit of happy endings (in my personal and professional life)…….and wanting to be a better version of myself

{10} Do you spend more time reading blogs or watching YouTube?

Definitely reading blogs…..but I am hooked on YouTube too.

{11} Outside of blogging, how do you like to spend your free time?
Regular things I suppose, hanging with friends and family, watching movies, reading magazines and books, studying, I love eating out.

MY NOMINATIONS

The bloggers and blogs I have decided to pass the awards to are

Sdestra from sdestra hair journey

Tonkabell from Wura’s Secret Hair

Colleen from Natural Coco Doll

Dr Fomsky from Sizzling Mommy

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE BLOGGERS LISTED ABOVE

1) What three words best describe your personality?

2) What would you describe as perfect day?

3) Are you a dog or cat person?

4) What country would you like to visit and why?

5) Complete this sentence, black hair is……

6) What do you like most about your hair?

7) What bad habit (not hair related) would you like to change?

8) What is your favourite cuisine?

9) What is your favourite book (or movie or song)?

10) My favourite quote that I use to motivate myself is “you are the only one that is standing in your way”, do you have a favourite quote.

11) If you could do one thing to change the world for better what would it be?

I hope you have enjoyed reading this post as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Feel free to share some interesting facts about yourself……. I won’t judge you I promise.

I will be back soon with a post on trimming. Its time to bust a few myths about that topic.

I hope you’ll be back soon.

Lade

Learn | Change | Grow

Lade January 9, 2014

HAIR & PRODUCT UPDATE

Hello ladies,
I hope you are well and that this year has been good to you so far.
I’d intended to write two blog posts by now; a hair update and a products update. However, I didn’t have time to wash my hair till last night and so I’ve decided to roll both topics into this blog post.

MY HAIR UPDATE

I relaxed my hair 21 weeks ago. Normally, I would be prepping my hair for relaxing however I have decided to increase the length of my relaxer stretch from 5 months to 6 month. Just want to see if I can do it. I was initially aiming for 7 months, but after detangling my hair for what felt like eternity last night I have decided that 6 months is my limit. Stretching this long is not for the faint hearted.

My hair has been hidden under wigs for the last 4 weeks and I have been following my wig regimen. I washed, deep conditioned (I used a mixture of protein and moisture deep conditioners) and air dried. My hair looks deceptively tame in this picture. I have just over 2 inches of new growth which I am pleased with.
All in all I am happy with my hair. The only thing I am trying to improve is the thickness of my ends. I can only achieve this by cutting of the thin ends gradually. By the look of it, I have roughly 3 inches of thin ends to cut off gradually between February and maybe June. We’ll see how it goes.

PRODUCT UPDATE

When it comes to hair products, I believe in sticking in what works for you and maybe trying a new product every once in a while because new/better products are always being created. I personally don’t believe in experimenting with new products every few weeks (except you are still searching for products that work well with your hair).

Although I was happy with the products I use, I was on a search for a better moisturising deep conditioner and daily moisturiser that works better with my hair. Last year I tried and loved a few products which I have decided to include in my regimen on a permanent basis.

The first is Creme of Nature Argan Oil Sulfate Free shampoo.

To be honest I am still crazy about my Elasta QP Crème Conditioning shampoo, and I wasn’t looking for a new shampoo, however I was buying some hair products for a friend and decided to try this product. I am so pleased I did.
I loved how my hair felt when I rinsed the lather off. It left my hair feeling cleaner than the Elasta QP shampoo but my hair didn’t feel stripped at all. It felt just right. Sometimes with the Elasta QP, it feels as though there is some product residue left in my hair.

I have decided to keep both shampoos in my regimen. Both work well with my hair so why not. I use the Creme of Nature shampoo when my hair feels really dirty because it lathers more than the Elasta QP . This also means that it lasts longer than the Elasta QP so I am spending a little less.
Please note that I use a shampoo that contains sulfates to clarify my hair once a month or every two months to remove stubborn product build up.

The second product that I have introduced into my regimen is Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner.
Believe it or not despite being on my hair journey for over 4 years now I still hadn’t found a moisturising deep conditioner I was completely happy with. Over the years, after trying several brands I settled for Motions Moisture Plus but I wasn’t happy that it contained mineral oil.

I bought the Tresemme in October and must say I am really pleased with it. It is has a lighter consistency than the Motions but it still moisturises my hair effectively. The best thing is that it is mineral oil, petroleum, silicone and paraben free.
I think the scent is a little strong; it isn’t a bad smell, it’s just more perfumy than I am used too.
I am pleased with this conditioner enough to say goodbye to my Motions Moisture Plus.

From online reviews I have read, apparently the older formula of this conditioner was better than this version. However I never tried the old formula so I don’t know any better.

How are your hair journeys going ladies? Are you trying out a new product or new technique with your hair?

Lade

Learn | Change | Grow