Skin cancer is rare for people of color, because the dark pigmentation blocks most of the ultraviolet rays that are responsible for most forms of skin cancer.  However, there are problems associated with dark skin.  Afro skin produces more natural skin oils (known as sebum) than that of other cultures.  This comes from the Africa heritage where the climate is extremely hot and humid; oily skin aided in keeping the skin cool and the dark pigmentation prevent skin diseases.  The problems associated with dark, oily skin in some people are called Keloids.  Keloids form after a cut or any puncture that causes bleeding, and sometimes form after burns.  When the skin heals, an erosion of the skin forms hard lump the same size as the cut.  People with keloids should not get any form of body piercing.

The following are more concerns about afro-akin care.  Uneven skin tone is one of the most common beauty problems to beset skin of an color.  However for women of color, this is the bigger problem because even with a blotch complexion, but more serious skin discolorations require medical attention.  Understanding what causes uneven skin tone and how common cosmetic procedures differ can clear the way to finding the best solution for improving the appearance of Afro skin.

When Afro skin becomes inflamed, melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) go into overdrive and produce far more pigment than normal.  The result, called post-inflammatory hyper pigmentation, is a dark spot surrounding the site of the acne flare-up, eczema or other conditions.  White spots on the other hand, occur from too much sun or irritation, such as using an abrasive cleanser.  The sure for both problems is three-fold.  First, seek professional help.  The purpose of dermatologists is to ensure the best looking and healthiest possible skin, so cooperation is an important factor for keeping patients looking and feeling their best.  Since skin discolorations can occur for many reasons, the second step is to identify and treat the condition that is causing the production of excess melanin.  The third step is to address the scarring, which tends not to abate without medical treatment.

A dermatologist has several options for evening the skin tone, the most common of which is the use of chemical bleaching creams.  Bleaching creams work by blocking the formation of new pigment.  All the agents used contain one basic ingredient: hydroquinone.  This is the same chemical found in over-the counter products such as Ambi or Porcelana.

The difference is in the concentration levels.  Over the counter products have about two percent hydroquinone, whereas the prescription medications used have concentrations ranging from four percent to ten percent depending on the type of medicine and the purpose.  In addition to the bleaching cream, your dermatologist will probably recommend a sunscreen to apply to the affected areas, since further sun exposure will make the dark spots darker.

Black men often have problems with inflammation and darkened areas when they shave.  A lot of products men use on their face before and after shaving, including razor itself, cause irritation and darkening of the skin.  Since the problem frequently lies in a man’s technique the first step in treatment is teaching men the best way to shave.   If that does not correct the problem, one alternative is to apply a mild steroid cream after shaving to help maintain a uniform skin tone.

Chemical peels are a common procedure done under local anesthetic in which a mild acid is applied to the skin.  After about 24 hours, the skin begins to peel, and is usually complete in one or two weeks.  While this can be useful, most dermatologists do not like to use skin peels.  Aside from the skin inevitably becoming lighter the lines of demarcation between the new and old skin is often visible with dark-skinned people.

Exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells, can be helpful in maintaining a smooth, even appearance to the skin.  When you can remove dead cells from surface skin layers, what you’re seeing is an even texture, and even color that gives you that certain glow.  Because pigmentation problems are so common, use a gentle, fragrance-free scrub with a facial loofah once or twice a week to deep cleanse.

Protection from the sun is vital for all skin types as preventative measure against damaging UV rays that aggravate skin discoloration.  If used on a daily basis, a dermatologist can help eliminate irregular pigmentations.  In addition many moisturizers and foundations on the market today have sunscreens built in.

Major advances are continually being made in the area of skin care, so if your skin tone is less-than-perfect, seek professional treatment and celebrate your skin’s special tone.  Also don’t forget to get your beauty rest, you will be surprise getting regular healthy rest actually helps your skin to look glow.

Usually, whenever people see scaling on the scalp, they assume it is dandruff.  This assumption is not always accurate; it may be a scalp disorder or a combination of problems.  Most complaints concerning dandruff are not dandruff at all.  It is actually dried out residue of products used for hair care and maintenance, such as hair sprays, setting lotions, curl activators, moisturizers and sometimes pollutants settling on the scalp and causing irritation.  Most products for hair care start as powder or flakes, with moisture and emollients added to make the finished product.

When these products are applied to the hair, the moisture content evaporates into the air, and most of the emollients are absorbed by the hair and scalp.  These powders, flakes and pollutants all settle on the scalp and in the hair.  These particles look like dandruff when they fall from the hair after grooming.  The only cure for flaking and scalp irritation is to shampoo more often.  Dandruff shampoo appears to help somewhat, but not because of the dandruff relief they contain. Rather, the shampoo ingredient cleans and foams the particles off the scalp.

Real dandruff is not inherited or contagious because dandruff is an external condition caused mostly by improper care of the hair and scalp.  Natural flaking off the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) causes dandruff.  Some hair disorders pass from person to person, such as head lice that pass by shared combs or brushes.  However, this is not a contagion.  A contagious condition is caused by infections getting into bloodstream or respiratory system from open cuts or inhaling.

Healthy scalp is vital to healthy hair.  A scalp with good blood circulation should reveal a pink color, not red or beige or any other color.  If your scalp is beige, your scalp is not getting enough nourishment for proper circulation.  You may need scalp stimulation treatments (different from a scalp massage) to ensure proper blood circulation.  If your scalp shows red or blue, you may have inflammation, bleeding, and a scalp sore, an infection or bruise.  I recommend that you see a board certified tricologist (a hair and scalp specialist) for a consultation that will accurately identify what scalp disorders have, and recommend treatment.

However, not shampooing for longer than on week contributes to a number of scalp disorders.  If healthy hair is priority, cleansing your hair at least once a week is a requirement.  If you wear your style longer than a week without shampooing, you can refresh your scalp by rubbing it with a mild astringent applied with a cotton cloth, but this is not a replacement for proper shampooing and conditioning.

DO IT YOURSELF HAIR GUIDE

-Combs

Wide-toothed combs are designed to detangle and smooth hair that is dried using a towel, whereas small-toothed combs are designed for smoothing and finishing short hair styles.  Conditioning the hair will give better results and using a detangling spray is also helpful.

-Brushes

The idea of brushes is similar to that of combs.  The number of bristles and the space between them along with the shapes and sizes vary, which  helps to create the wide variety of brushes available.

Bristled brushes are used for finishing and smoothing a hair style.  These are also used for distributing natural oils and massaging the scalp to maintain hair and scalp health.  Other types of brushes that are used in relation with other styling tools include the paddle brush, round or curved brush, and vented brush.  The paddle brush has several rows of tines on a flat base is used in blow drying straightened styles.  It helps to keep hair smooth and flat.  Round or curved brushed have rows of tines on a flat base and in the blow drying process are used to add soft curves to styles.  The vented brush has widely set rows along with air holes or opening at the base to allow circulation of air.  These are designed for use with blow dryers.

-Hair Dryers

A directed stream of hot air from the hair dryer is used to dry wet hair.  A good blow dryer has a concentrator attachment to narrow the stream of heated air and direct it better.  The diffuser is another attachment used to soften the stream of heated air.  Diffusers are most often used to dry curly hair.

-Hot Rollers

To change the curl pattern of hair, hot rollers are used.

These rollers use a combination of heat and moisture to cool the hair.  To style, the hair is wrapped around the heated tools to curl.  The roller is allowed to cool and the hair is set.  This is the most convenient procedure for curling the hair.

-Curling Irons and Flat Irons

if you need to straighten your hair then the flat iron is the ideal choice.

Curling irons allows you to add curls in specific places.  A variety of sizes fo shapes could be used depending on the length of your hair.   Tiny, pencil-thin barrels are used for tight spirals and large barrels are used to achieve big soft loose curls.

Hope these help you to understand the basics of hair tools and apply them correctly. Happy Do it yourself hair day!

The option to wear healthy hair pin-straight comes with ease and minor damaging manipulation when it’s been tamed with proper a moisture treatment as well as regular conditioning.  but with improper care it can be unruly, thirsty, and easy to damage, split or break.  Therefore water becomes a catalyst for absorbing the nutrients found in styling and conditioning products.

Especially for ethnic hair, it loses moisture every two days on average.  To re-supplement moisture, one must re-infuse the hair with water and water based products.

The products that contains  mineral oil, petroleum and lanolin, are fundamental to moisturizing hair.  This is fact that theses oils attract and trap dirt and grime to the scalp and hair.  These “crude” oils prevent the scalp and hair cuticle from breathing and blocks tresses from receiving vital moisture.  Essential oils are the only exception.  Since essential oils are a lighter consistency than petroleum, mineral and lanolin oils, their absorbability is palpable.   Coconut oil, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil are popular example of essential oils that have proven quite beneficial to ethnic hair.  Suffice to say, these oils do not take the place of water altogether-rather they are to be used in conjunction with it.

Ethnic hair is not specific to anyone particular ethnic group, race or tribe.

In fact, it can be found in people of all hues and complexions.  Undoubtedly through ethnic hair is beautiful.  Without question, it is sprung with versatility and vibrancy when it receives the nutrients and moisture it needs to maintain homeostasis.  It comes in a range of textures- it can flow kinky, curly, and minuses in terms of producing, maintaining, and retaining moisture.

Deciphering one’s hair type and utilizing correct methods, tools and products can change a bad hair situation to a phenomenal one.

Take a look at the article on different curl patterns to learn more about ethnic hair textures.

WATER

The ultimate moisturizer, is a key component in life to growth and stability.  It is ever-present on our planet earth, comprises much of the human body and is a major contributor to achieving soft, manageable ethnic hair.

To achieve healthy luxurious tresses that any woman would want, one must first understand the importance of moisture to ethnic hair.

Ethnic hair’s ability to absorb moisture is contingent upon its curl pattern, the type of moisture and the pH balance of conditions or styling products.

Maintaining a healthy textured mane and being the envy of others, is reliant on keeping locks moist.

Drink Water!!