Vissa noticed a posting by thefashiongonerogue.com and noticed the beautiful bald beauties. These lovely cocoa skinned bountiful, beauties graced the fashion spread of July 2010 Vogue Russia shot by renowned photographer Terry Tsiolis. The photos are phenomenal. Take a look and let us know your thoughts.

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I recently read a story of a woman name Veronica Carter. Ms. Carter went to get her hair braider, and it kind of put her in the hospital. Here is the Complete Story.

Well, according to the story, she got MRSA. Which is according to google health is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial infection that is highly resistant to some antibiotics.

The causes are according to Google Health >>

MRSA is a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. S. aureus is a common type of bacteria that normally live on the skin and sometimes in the nasal passages of healthy people. MRSA refers to S. aureus strains that do not respond to some of the antibiotics used to treat staph infections.

The bacteria can cause infection when they enter the body through a cut, sore, catheter, or breathing tube. The infection can be minor and local (for example, a pimple), or more serious (involving the heart, lung, blood, or bone).

Serious staph infections are more common in people with weak immune systems. This includes patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities and those receiving kidney dialysis.

MRSA infections are grouped into two types:

• Healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) infections occur in people who are or have recently been in a hospital or other health-care facility. Those who have been hospitalized or had surgery within the past year are at increased risk. MRSA bacteria are responsible for a large percentage of hospital-acquired staph infections.
• Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections occur in otherwise healthy people who have not recently been in the hospital. The infections have occurred among athletes who share equipment or personal items (such as towels or razors) and children in daycare facilities. Members of the military and those who get tattoos are also at risk. The number of CA-MRSA cases is increasing. (Sited from Google Health)

So, my point is, how is this women blaming on hair braiding when she has personal healthcare issues?

I feel sorry for the salon. I mean, she must have gotten her hair braided numerous times. You can see that by looking at her edges. Why blame the hair braiders?

In Illinois, Gov.Quinn signed a bill stating that professional hair braiders may obtain their license through 300 hours of training. Full Story here

A dreadlock, in essence, is a hanging lock coil of matted hair. The structure of the dreadlock Is both a blessing & a curse when it comes down to hair dye. Because this lock of hair is not processed, it creates a stronger barrier for the dye to permeate. For this reason, natural dye is that much harder to utilize.

Henna

Is the method most people turn to with dreadlocks because of its strength.  Walnut powder, black tea, & Cassia (for already lightened hair) can also be utilized.  Those dying with dreadlocks have to remember the vinegar rise before & after, & to get results, the process may have to be repeated several times depending on the length & porosity of hair.

Chemical Dye

Is also an option. Because of the makeup of the coil, rinses will not last as long as a permanent dye or a bleach, however,  because the hair is matted, special care has to be taken to ensure all of the product is removed from the dreadlocks, especially closer to the scalp where the hair is straighter.  When applying any kind of dye, always start from the front & work backwards, making sure all of the lock is covered, or if you are working on the ends only, ensure there is enough product to fully saturate the hair. Conditioning is a crucial step, as the hair will need time to adjust. Overnight would work best, or a minimum of  1 hour. A cool blow dryer will speed up drying time, however sun exposure is the preferred method.

By Ronnie Williams

Pomade/Gels may be used for a better hold.

Here are the most commonly used forms:

Box-Braids: Using your fingertips you will create a free-falling braid. Section the hair into 3 parts. Label these parts left, middle and right. Hold the left portion between your pinky and ring fingers. The middle section should be held between your left index and thumb while the right section is between the index and thumb fingers of your right hand. Use your middle fingers to control the flow of the braid. To execute the braid, place the middle section over the left and the new middle
section over the right section. Repeat this process until the braid is complete.
Pull the hair gently and apply due tension to create a neat braid.

Corn-Rows: Using your fingers, from the tips to the knuckles, you will create a braid along the scalp. Part hair into the direction you want the braid to follow.
Start at the tip of the braid and section the hair once again into 3 parts (left, middle and right). Hold the left section between your middle and ring fingers of your left hand. The middle section should be held between your left index and thumb fingers. The right section should be held between your right index and thumb. To start, place the middle section over the left section, and then the new middle section over the right, gripping hair from under as
You braid downward and repeat. Be sure to apply tension as you go down for a secure braid. At the end of your braid, commence box-braiding and seal.

Fish-Bones: Grab 2 handfuls of hair, or part hair into halves. As you grip the 2 sections (left and right), pull hair from the outside of the left section and apply it to the right section. Pull hair from the outside of the right section and apply it to the left section. You should see the hair forming ‘X” formations. Pull tightly and do
NOT let go of the sections. When pulling hair, hold the sections tightly in between fingertips. After joining new hair, pull tightly and continue.
A rat-tail comb can be used for assistance. Repeat this process to the end of the braid. This same method applies for free-falling fish-bone braids and fish-bones along the scalp.

Inward/French Braiding: To begin this braid, section the hair into 3 sections (left, middle and right). Like the corn-row, this braid will run along the scalp.
The left section should be held between your left middle and thumb fingers. The middle section should be held between your left index and thumb. The right section should be held between your right thumb and index fingers. Place the right section over the middle and then the left section over the new middle section.
Remember to grab hair from under your fingers as you braid downward.
Apply tension and repeat this process all the way to the end of the braid.

**Decorate your braids with anything from glass beads to cowry shells**

By Ronnie Williams

Dreadlocks, in all their glory may be one of the oldest celebrations of natural hair to date.  However, with all of the myths and misconceptions, one could get confused and ultimately, discouraged.

Are you ready for dreads? Just want more information?

Let’s Start Here.

One of the major misconceptions concerning dreadlocks is that the hair must be dirty for dread success. The contrary is actually true. It is recommended that the hair be washed prior to, and during the locking phases using the sponge method. In this method, shampoo is worked in using the palms and finger-tips and then squeezed out before being allowed to air dry. Petroleum based products should be avoided during the initial dreading process as the oils could cause the knots in the hair to loosen. Before you dread, make sure you have at least one inch of unprocessed hair, chemical and heat. At this length, the sections will be more defined, adding to the beauty of your locks.

Methods

1. Back-Combing: In this method, a small comb with close metal teeth is used to comb towards the ends, starting very close to the scalp.

2. Wool-Rub: In this method, a piece of wool, preferably one or two feet all the way around (depending on hair length) should be used. The wool should be rubbed in circles clockwise in 15 minute intervals. After each interval, the hair should be pulled apart and twisted.

3. Twisting: In this method, the hair should be sectioned into the desired dread sizes. Twist each section clockwise with a rat-tail comb at the end of each section. Rubber bands may be used at the ends for stability.

4. Dread Perm: This process should be done by a specialized stylist. The perm will breakdown the bonds in the hair completely, making it easy to dread and lock. This process is very expensive, costing upwards from $200-400. It differs from relaxers, texturizers and perms in that the bond in the hair will NOT be reformed.

5. Brush Rub: In this method, a soft bristle brush should be rubbed gently clockwise around the head, causing knots to form. This method works best for shorter hair.

6. Neglect: This process requires no real labor, except sponge washing and allowing the hair to naturally form into knots, become matted, and then locked. The hair can also be put into two-strand twists and neglected.