SELECTING THE STYLE FOR YOU

Braids ... Twists ... Locks ... Cornrows ... The Choices Are As Beautifully Diverse as the People They Adorn

Braids
A braid is created by using three strands of hair, starting at the scalp overlaying one strand on the other until you reach the desired length. Limitless styles can be created with this technique.

Individual Braids: A full head of free hanging braids with or without extension, from very small micro-braids to very large, allowing numerous styling options.

Cornrows: Underhand braids that are interwoven to lie flat on the head. They can be sculpted into simple or complex patterns, creating a work of art in the parting and sectioning patterns creatively determined by the stylist. All other braid styles are derived from these to braid techniques. With the use of various extension fibers, you can create a variety of braided styles.

Braid Maintenance
Easy maintenance and convenience are two reasons braid styles are so popular. Shea Butter Hair & Scalp Lotion™ should be applied to the scalp and hair once a week or as needed to keep the scalp and hair moisturized. A satin or cotton scarf can be worn at bedtime. Elastic-I-TEA™ Herbal Leave-In Strength And Styling Lotion can be applied to the hair daily to strengthen and control the frizzies.

Braids can be shampooed as often as weekly. Organic ROOT Stimulator™ Uplifting Shampoo™ is the perfect shampoo for braid styles. Avoid heavy cream shampoos and conditioners. They leave a residue on the scalp and in the interwoven crevices of the braids.

How Long to Wear Braids
After the style is created, it is safe to wear a braided style for three weeks to three months. The length of time depends on the style. Braid styles should not be worn past the recommended time. Even with proper maintenance, braids can cause or accelerate possible hair loss, hair thinning and hair weakening. These issues are managed with the use of Organic ROOT Stimulator's™ hair restoration products. We recommend Uplifting Shampoo™ and Fertilizing Serum™ or Temple Balm™ (chemically treated hair) twice a day only to the affected areas. Results can be expected after 6-8 weeks in most cases.

How to Remove Braids
When removing braids, shampoo and condition braid style thoroughly. While hair is wet, use a medium toothcomb, take small sections (3-5 braids) and with a picking action, gently move upwards on the braid shaft releasing the woven pattern. After each braid is removed, there will be evidence of hair shedding which will tangle during braid removal. Gently comb hair from ends to scalp to lessen the damage to the hair. Comb out thoroughly before shampooing. Using Uplifting Shampoo™ and Hair Mayonnaise™, shampoo and condition and style as usual.

Twists
Twists are strands of hair twirled and/or interwoven into a spiral shape.

Comb Twists: A single strand twist or coil is achieved after shampooing and conditioning hair. Section wet hair geometrically into triangular or diamond shaped parts and twirl the sections with the end of a rat tail comb into individual spirals. The size of the coil created depends on the hair's natural coil pattern and density.

Two-Strand Twists: Two strands of hair in small, medium or large sections are twirled then crossed repeatedly to create a head full of fluffy twists. The length and density of the hair affect the flexibility of the style.

How Long to Wear Twists
Twist styles can be worn 3 to 6 weeks before matting or excessive tangling begins. Twist styles do not have to be long-term styles. Shampooing will change the look or texture of the style. Twists are an attractive style to wear while the locking process is in progress.

To Remove Twists
When removing twists, shampoo with Uplifting Shampoo and while wet gently comb hair starting at the ends combing upwards towards the scalp until twists are completely released.

Locks
Locks are individual ringlets of intertwined natural hair. The locking process varies from 6 to 12 months. Locking time depends on the natural coil. The smaller the coil pattern (fine to normal hair) the shorter the locking time. The larger the coil pattern (normal to coarse hair) the longer the locking time. There are various stages of growth and restructuring that the locks will undergo during this period.

Phase I - Pre lock stage, 1st month to 3rd month
Phase II - Sprouting stage; 4th month to 12th month
Phase III - Growing stage; 12th month to 18th month
Phase IV - Maturation stage; 2nd year to 4th year
Phase V - Atrophy stage; complete process

Maintenance
As the growing process continues, thinning and breakage may occur. Thinning and breakage in the locked shaft is a degenerative process and part of the lock's life cycle. Keeping the hair and scalp clean and moisturized using Herbal Cleanse™ Latherless Shampoo and Shea Butter Hair and Scalp Lotion™ will slow down this process.

During the first three months, return to the stylist to have the locks groomed. Grooming may consist of Uplifting Shampoo™, Dry Scalp Relief™ (used as a hot oil treatment), and Elastic-I-TEA Herbal Leave-In Strength and Styling Lotion for re-twisting.

How Long to Wear Locks
Once the locks have locked in, after Phase III the locks become a permanent style. You cannot change your hairstyle once the locks have fully matured. They will have to be cut off where the locked hair meets the emerging hair to change your hairstyle.