Q:	My hair feels brittle and my scalp is very dry, even though I grease it, it still doesn't feel better, what should I do?
A:	Often when the hair and scalp are dry, the first thing people do is put oils or grease on them. The solution for dryness is moisture, which means water. Try shampooing more often using the right products (our MSM shampoo & MSM Conditioner). Add a small amount of Cornrows & Co. Jojoba oil or mint conditioner to the hair while it is still damp. The oil or natural conditioner will help to hold in the moisture. Avoid heavy oils and daily greasing with petroleum products. This will surely cause the hair to feel stiff and look dull.
Q:	I am starting locks, my friend says I should not shampoo my hair for a month, is this right?
A:	Absolutely not! Shampoo locs at least every 1-2 weeks. Anyone who suggest not to clean your hair & scalp with water, does not understand hair care. Just like you bath regularly, the scalp is a part of your body. It is important to have a good hair grooming regiment.
Q:	How do I start locks?
A:	There are several ways to start locks, depending on your hair length and texture. It is important to select a transition style that is easy to shampoo and maintain. In my book, "Let's Talk Hair" (page 146) I explain in detail how to start, groom and manage locks.
Q:	Whenever I blow dry my hair after shampooing and conditioning, it feels brittle. Is there anyway I can restore its softness?
A:	My system of shampoo, comb-out and blow dry softens the hair so that you do not have to restore softness after blow drying. 1. Use Cornrows & Co. products. 2. Allow the hair to air dry (in large twists), thirty (30) minutes before blow drying to avoid using too much heat on the hair. 3. Shampoo every one to two weeks as needed. 4. See page 112 of my book "Let's Talk Hair."
Q:	My locks are so dry and brittle - what kind of shampoo and conditioner should I use to combat this problem?
A:	For locs we use Cornrows & Co. Deep Herbal Cleanse Shampoo and Sweet Orange Conditioner. 1. Squeeze the conditioner through your wet locs. 2. Wrap a towel around your hair and leave on for fifteen (15) minutes, then rinse with warm water. 3. Shampoo the hair weekly.
Q:	which of your products (shampoo, conditioner & oil) are designed for grey hair users. I can't use anything that imparts color as it makes the grey look dirty/dingy.
A:	All of Cornrows & Co. products can be used on grey hair. Our products do not contain color additives which stain white and grey hair.
Q:	My daughter is 4 years old and hates getting her hair combed and I know it hurts because her hair is very course and curly. Want can I do to soften her hair to make it easier to comb. And when I braid her hair is leaving the braids in for 2-3 weeks too long. I need help because her friend just got a perm at the age of 4 and she want to wear her hair down and with curls like her friend. Please help Madra
A:	Mom, it's all in technique, patience and pratice. Do not put perm in your child's hair, it is toxic! In my book "Kids Talk Hair" I give step-by-step instruction on how to shampoo, comb out and style curly natural hair. It also shows styles that are simple to do and last up to two weeks. Leaving the hair braided more than two weeks is not recommended for a 4 year old.
Q:	I have a problem with a very itchy scalp. No matter how much I wash it, condition it or oil it, afterwards it becomes sore and itchy. I currently have a relaxer style but would like to one day lock it. What am I doing wrong or what products would help?
A:	It sounds like you have a scalp disorder. My two recommendations. 1. Do not continue to relax your hair. 2. To give accurate product recommendations for a scalp disorder, it is best to do an online hair and scalp problem consultation, which includes dietary suggestions as well.
Q:	I have never before had braids or cornrows and am now considering. I'm now due for my "touch up", but instead, was planning to get my hair braided. Several people (unprofessional) have told me that I should first get my perm, and wait two weeks, and then get my hair braided. Is this true, and what's the logic behind it? I would figure, the courser my hair, the better for braiding. Please advise, and thanks.
A:	If you plan to braid your hair, do not get a perm touch-up. It's best to have up to 2 inches of new growth, since it gives the braids a stronger foundation.
Q:	Why is it that after I do a twist out i.e.(untwist the hair after it was twisted for about a week or so), my hair feels extremely dry and it frizzes out so much that the twist out style only lasts for a day or two- if I'm lucky? What can I do to get it well moisturized and to stop frizzing out and last much longer?
A:	Make sure your twist are tight. Leave the twist in for at least a week. Shampoo and condition the twist with our Mint Conditioner. Let the hair air dry completely (up to 8 hours), then separate the twist for a nice crimpy twist-out. This should last a week, cover the hair during showers or moisture activites.
Q:	I swim practically everyday and even though I wear a swim cap my hair still gets wet. Therefore, I wash my hair after each swim. Currently, I braid my hair in a french braid after each washing. Or wear a bush pony tail. Do you have any suggestions for quick and convenient daily hairstyles with wet hair? Also what about maintainence suggestions for a person who washes their hair so frequently? My hiar is wavy when wet and frizzy when dry. Any suggestions on maintaining the waviness after air drying? Thank you in advance :-)
A:	If your wavy hair texture will hold a two-strand twist, this is the best style for swimming or daily shampooing. The twist style will enhance your natural curl without the frizz and it is easier to remove than braids. If your hair is too soft for twist, try 4 large cornrows, after swimming rinse and condition the cornrows, allow the cornrows to dry completely, then unbraid for a wavy style.
Q:	When I took my braids out my hair was twisted at the root with the extensions and when I tried to get it out my hair broke off with the extension. Are they NOT supposed to to knot your hair with the extension when doing microbraids or cornrows?
A:	Sounds like the extensions were attached incorrectly. The hair should not be knotted at the beginning of an extension braid. Give your hair a rest from extensions and do some deep conditioning with Cornrows & Co. Mint Conditioner.
Q:	My daughter is 6 years old with very thick hair similar to Afyiah's hair in your "Kids Talk Hair" book. The altitude is high and there is no humidity here in Colorado. What shampoo and conditioner would you recomend use to moisturize and detangle her thick coarse hair?
A:	To moisturize thick hair, use Cornrows & Co. Deep Herbal Shampoo, and Mint Conditioner. (see Kids Talk Hair section for detangle tips) The individual twist style would be good for this hair type, so that you can wet & condition the twist daily to maintain moisture.
Q:	I started my locks(in March 2001) with shoulder length hair and it seems like they haven't grown yet. I heard that once your hair is locked, it grows really fast. My hair is still shoulder length even though it is fully locked. When can I expect to see some serious growth?
A:	Loced hair grows at the same rate as loose hair (1/2" per month), except the hair doesn't shed, so it will appear longer. Be patient it has only been 6 months and the hair is still forming. For more information on Locing check out my book "Let's Talk Hair".
Q:	Is it necessary to have the ends of natural hair trimmed regularly? I am curious b/c most "traditional" hairdressers recommend this be done every 3 months or so. I have the book "Let's Talk Hair" and there is no mention of trimming the hair in that book. Thank you.
A:	Hello Alexia, In general natural hair should be trimmed twice a year. Some hair textures (coily) may need to be trimmed more often. If you are wearing twist or braid styles be careful not to trim the hair too blunt; this will cause the ends to unravel.
Q:	I have recently had severe dryness and breakage with my locks since I became pregnant. I started locking 9 months before the pregnancy and had no problems. Can you suggest products or procedures that might help????
A:	Hair either grows like wild flowers or breaks off due to the increase and change in hormones during the pregnancy. Eat healthy, take your prenatal vitamins and add flaxseed oil to your diet. Try our MSM shampoo and conditioner and wet the hair more often to add moisture.
Q:	If two-stranded twists shouldn't be worn for longer than three weeks to avoid hair matting/locking, how is it that weaves should last two months? Won't the hair braided underneath mat and lock after three weeks, too?
A:	Two-strand should be worn up to two weeks. The twist is a loose stitch style allowing the new growth hair to intertangle. A weave on the other-hand has a large cornrow base that does not intertwine as it grows out, therefore our experience is that this cornrow base does not matt and lock up like twist.
Q:	I have noticed my naturally curly hair is thinning on top and at my temples. It is also more itchy than before. This has been over the last year or so. How can I correct this?
A:	Hair lost and thinning is difficult to correct without more information. It could be the products you are using, your diet, or a mineral imbalance. Try Nioxin shampoo and scalp therapy conditioner. Apply Cornrows & Co. Follicle Fortifier to the thin area daily. If this does not help, I would recommend an online hair and scalp problem consultation.
Q:	I have worn my hair natural for over a long period of time. I recently started having my hair braided in extensions. I usually wear them from 1-2 months before getting them redone. I would like to know why after taking the extensions out, when I comb out my natural hair using a large wide tooth comb my hair sheds so much? How do you shampoo hair with extensions?
A:	You shed 50-100 strands of hair a day, so when you unbraid you are combing out days of shedded hair. If no bald spots then no need to worry. In Cornrows & Co. "Braid Care Instruction Booklet" it explains how to care for and shampoo your braid style.
Q:	My hair is naturally just a little longer than shoulder length and very thick and coily. I had a baby 14 months ago. After my pregnancy, my hairline thinned out almost totally and immediately started growing back, very slowly. It's still growing back. But in the last couple of months, I notice what looks like 1.5-inch broken off pieces of hair mainly on top of my head and partly in the back. Also, many individual strands of hair have tiny little knots in them, as if I tied them. I've made an appointment with a dermatologist to address the breakage/excessive shedding. My question is, can having a baby cause breakage throughout my hair? I've been natural for more than 5 years and never had this problem before, abd I do my own twists now. Thanks.
A:	It is not uncommon for the hair to thin and break off (especially around the hairline) after giving birth. Mothers of baby boys seem to experience it more. Be patient and creative to blend the shorter hairs into your style; the hair will grow back once your hormones are back to normal. Keep the hair moisturized and try blow drying the hair before twisting, to soften the ends and to prevent knotting.
Q:	I don't know how to braid to do cornrows and I was wondering if anybody might know where I can get full instructions on how to do it?
A:	Hi Samantha, Cornows & Co. parent video "Thunderhead Hair Care" has basic instruction on how to cornrow. This is helpful for a novice.
Q:	Can you cover a balding area in the top of a man's scalp? He wears locks and would like extension locks or any other hairpiece you could suggest to cover the area.
A:	We do offer custom hairpieces in locks, twist and other natural styles. A consultation in person is needed to match hair texture, color, etc. To make an appointment for a custom hairpiece consultation (Washington DC), call 202 723-1827 or for more information visit our website (Salon Services).
Q:	I have a 5 year old daughter who is always scratching her head and complaining of a itchy scalp,she has very thick and course hair. what products do you recommend(SHAMPOO CONDITIONER,AND A DAILEY SCALP PRODUCT.)
A:	Always check for head lice, when children experience itching. If not head lice, try the MSM shampoo and conditioner, this is good for dry scalp, and itching, while keeping thick hair soft. If the scalp is dry and needs a little oil, use Cornrows & Co. Jojoba oil (massage into the scalp as needed).
Q:	If you have thinning around the temples which of your products is best: "follicle fortifier" or "Crown basil oil"?
A:	Hello Janice, For thinning hair temples, apply Cornrows & Co. "Follicle Fortifier" to the thin area daily. "Crown Basil" is an oil for dry tight scalp areas.
Q:	Since all styles aren't for all face shapes, how is a style selected? Trial and error would be costly since braiding tends to be expensive.
A:	Good question. In my book Where Beauty Touches Me, it explains how to choose a style based on your face shape.
Q:	I was wondering if you could give step-to-step instructions on how to do cornrows
A:	We have a video that gives basic steps on how to do an invert and underhand cornrow. Cornrows & Co. Thunderhead hair care video.
Q:	Is the anyway to bind or close the end of a braid without burning it? I have shoulder length singles and don't want the end to be undone. However, the burned end sometimes catches my clothes, so I'm looking for an alternative. Any information you can provide would be helpful. Thanks very much.
A:	There are many ways to finish braids without burning. You can "hot water" dip them, curl the ends, braid to a fine tip or use human hair extensions for soft braided ends. In my books Lets' Talk Hair and Where Beauty Touches Me, it shows many braid styles with finished ends.
Q:	How long does it take for an average person's hair to reach the length to be able to get cornrows?
A:	Hair grows about 1/2" per month. The hair should be 3-4" to comfortably cornrow.
Q:	What is the difference between twists, locks and handrolls? Does it matter which one you get if you want to lock your hair?
A:	The answers (and photos) to your questions are in my book "Let's Talk Hair." It shows each of these styles and discusses the diffence in locking from either of them.
Q:	i usually keep my braids in for 3-4 months and when i take them out, i have lint on my hair that is so hard to take out. How can them out without breaking my hair off or how can i prevent this from happening?
A:	Braids should not be left in the hair longer than 2 months. Lint build-up is caused by products that have petroleum or mineral oil ingredients. The combination of the two is matted hair that traps dirt, oils and lint. Shampoo the braided hair weekly with Cornrows & Co. Deep Herbal Cleanse shampoo and Sweet Orange Conditioner. For oil sheen use Cornrows & Co. Natural Oil not more than 2x a week. This will prevent the lint and matting problem.
Q:	My hair had broke off from microbraids and I took a multivitamin called silica and my hair grew back faster than it ever has. Do you recommend silica as a healthy vitamin for hair growth???
A:	With good silicon reserve, you will feel improvement in your hair. Hair is a reserve where silicon is stored. Some foods sources of silicon are alfalfa, oat straw, whole grains, and cucumber. For more information on this and other minerals that improve the hair, in my book " Let's Talk Hair" see pages 100-101.
Q:	I have one short area of hair on my head and it prevents me from getting styles that I truly desire, so I wear wigs. The spot grew when I tried a tonic, but as soon as I stopped using the tonic ...it fell right back out. What is the problem with this spot and what do you reccommend?? The rest of my hair is at my shoulders, but it's just this one spot!! Help!!!!!
A:	Different areas on the head correspond to different organs in the body. It may be systemic, therefore requires both topical and nutritional therapy. For a more accurate diagnosis, you will need a hair and scalp consultation. Visit our website (salon services) for this service.
Q:	I am presently taking vitamin supplements for healthier hair and nails. Should I take a MSM supplement, or would this be overkill?
A:	Try our MSM shampoo and conditioner rather than taking it as an oral supplement. Vitamins are helpful with wholesome foods, but you may be taking something you don't need which can cause a mineral imbalance.
Q:	I have about 7 inches of thick naturalhair, I usually wash and condition my hair every 7 days but I don't know what to do about my split ends I even trim it every month but my problem isn't going away.
A:	Split ends may be caused by how you are handling and styling the hair.(ex. braiding or twisting wet hair) Try shampooing with Sukesha shampoo, Cornrows & Co. Mint conditioner and blow dry the hair to make it easier to comb through the ends for styling.
Q:	What should I use on my infants (6 months) hair. Her scalp seems dry with mild flakiness and I was wondering what kind of moiturizer is good. I currently use baby oil gel and I was wondering if that was too heavy.
A:	Cornrows & Co Coconut shampoo (use a very small amount) is fine for your little one. Our pure Jojoba oil can be rubbed onto the flaky areas to remove the dead skin.
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