A Natural You With Ty...

Hey girlfriends! It's a terrific Tuesday, and you know what that means. Yes, honey, it's time for your weekly Tête-à-Tête with Tyrone. And I'm here and I've got something to say. I don't care if you like it or not, cause you know I'm speaking my mind, regardless. Go tell, Chelle if you want. I'm still gonna have my say-so!

So, today I'm giving a shout out to my natural sistahs! Women with hair of all shapes, sizes, textures, lengths, and colors come and sit in my chair. Braided down, weaved out, chemical compressed, color dazzled, shaved off, black power-fisted afros and all, come visit me. And when my hands run through that hair, there's nothing like the feel of that kinky, twisted, coily, silky texture on my fingers. I don't care if her natural is curly or wavy, or nappy and kinky, I love natural hair.

Yesterday, I had a new client in her early forties visit me. She's whining about her edges falling out and showing me all these pictures of how healthy and thick her hair used to be. Then she starts blaming her last stylist for her edges falling out. And honey, anybody knows me knows you don't do that. Uh-uh, sista! I almost smacked that heffa up out my chair.

We in this game together and I give all stylists the benefit of the doubt unless they prove otherwise. And if I join her in the blame game, the next thing I know she'll be blaming me. And you don't want none of Ty, boo.

Anyway, I gave Little Miss Blaming Betty a quick education in hair. There are so many reasons why edges thin. And if you having that problem, maybe you need to read on, too. Don't take offense at what I'm saying. Honey, put your feelings on a shelf and learn a little something. It might save you a lot of heartbreak in the end.

Reasons Why Edges Thin:

1.) Lack of moisture - if your hair is dry and you're not applying a moisturizer to your edges that could be a problem. When conducting your regular moisturizing routine, make sure you apply moisture to those edges, too, girlfriend.
2.) Hairstyles - This is a critical problem. Them too tight ponytails ya'll pull your hair up into ain't no good for your edges, and neither is them cornrows, baby. Another problem is headbands and bonnets, which will rub 'em out. Try using headbands at least as possible, and if the bonnet causes problems, pull it down your head further.
3.) Hair gel and hairbrushes- Baby this is a lethal combination. Too many times women use that brush to slick down their hair after slicking it with gel. Uh-uh, boo. That's a no-no. Use a little water and then some other product to lay your edges down. If you're natural, use a hair butter, an alcohol-free gel, or hair milk. I'm not saying don't use gel, but there are healthier alternatives, because gel dries your hair. And if you must use it, then use Eco-Styler. Afterwards, use a satin or silk scarf to tie them edges until it dries. It shouldn't take no more than 15 to 20 minutes for it to dry, and you have a healthier way of managing them.
4.) Fine hair - if your hair is fine your maintenance routine needs to be a gentle one and your edges shouldn't be manipulated or handled as much.
5.) Genetics - Honey, look at the women in your family and see what the hair trends are. If the women on your mother's side or father's side have issues with their edges, this could be where your problem is coming from.
6.) Chemicals- too many chemicals in your hair, perms, color, and the like can damage your edges after a while. You may need to take a break from applying chemicals to your hair.

Girlfriend's problem was genetics and chemicals. After further discussion honey, I found out that her mother, grandmother, aunts and sisters all had a problem with thinning edges. Not to mention she applied a relaxer to her hair every four weeks. As soon as she thought her hair was getting nappy, she slapped a relaxer in her hair. And then she had added color and her hair was already unhealthy.

I convinced her to go natural after much crying and clowning. I showed her pictures of a few of my natural clients and she gave in. We did the big chop and that heffa was looking good when she walked out the salon!

If it's time for a change don't be ashamed. Embrace your natural God-given beauty girl!

And if you're looking to get your 'do did, you know who to contact.

TaTa for Now!
Tyrone