Q: Naturally my hair is kinky, tight elastic, thick and very, very hard to manage. I am growing my hair out and would love to have that look that you are rocking in that picture. I have researched wave nouveau and silkening (or mild relaxing”>. I am looking for the best way I can rock full curls and manage it on a day-to-day basis. If I were to go the “silkening route” would my hair eventually become straight? That is the experience I had with a texturizer. Is there a specific method and product for silkening? Please advise.

Titi: Silkening is the method. Silkener is the product that is used to perform the silkening method. Silkening is a very specific technique of chemically stretching out a curl, kink or wave. Most silkener clients are interested in reducing shrinkage, and having a smooth, manageable curl. This method is very different from texturizing because, when done properly, it produces the most consistent curl possible. The differences between silkening and texturizing are simple: the results. Because many safeguards and precautions are taken to prevent overprocessing, silkening does not straighten the hair over time.

Q: Is it okay to let dreadlocks grow under a wig? I would love to loc my hair, but I’m not confident that it will look right until I get some growth. If I care for it properly, will it grow while I wear a wig?

Titi: My biggest concern with locs that are cultivated underneath a wig is that they may get matted easily, or that the friction from the underside of the wig may cause shedding and breakage, which defeats the purpose of obtaining any growth. Since it takes anywhere from six to 18 months for the hair to completely loc, it’s best to let those locs breathe!

Q: I have type 4a/b hair, and I have a couple of questions. First of all, how can I get rid of frizz? Second, should I adjust my regimen or leave it the way it is?

Here’s my regimen:

  • Shampoo and Clarify: once every two weeks with baking soda in Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo.
  • Leave In: after every wash with Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner.
  • Moisturize: every three days with Africa’s Best shea butter and tea tree oil.
  • Deep Condition: every week until hair is repaired, then every two weeks with hair mayo.

Titi: Frizz control on 4a/b type hair is all about starting with freshly conditioned, tangle-free hair. I like Keracare’s Hydrating Shampoo and Miss Jessie’s Super Sweetback Treatment for deep conditioning. If you can comb it through your leave-in treatment, that’s helpful because it further detangles and smooths out the hair shaft.. Moisturizing every three days is fine. But make sure when you apply a moisturizer, it is smoothed down the hair shaft from root to end. Application of your moisturizer and/or styling product is key. We like Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding and Miss Jessie’s Buttercreme. Enjoy!

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