FAQs: RELAXED HAIR STYLES and the 'TWIST OUT'!

Q: How do you get the textured fro look featured on the cover of your book for natural girls and those growing out their relaxers?

A. The 'TWIST OUT' Look is one of my first hairstyles, originally published in Essence Magazine, back in 1993. I updated the style in 2004 in larger twists to create more fullness for the cover of my book. The first time I created this style, I received a call from Mikki Taylor, the Beauty & Cover Director of Essence Magazine and I was asked to create the look for a dancer. The photo shoot was created for the model for a beauty layout. And Voila! The Twist Out was born.

If you go to chapter nine, 'Twist & Turns' in TEXTURED TRESSES, you'll find step by step instructions, including products, on how to create this look. This style can also be achieve on relaxed hair, softened or texturized hair and on women growing out their relaxers too! It is a very healthy way to grow out a relaxer system. Chapter eight has an image of the 'FLAT TWIST' set which is achieved by creating a two strand twist set on the base of the scalp, like cornrows, which also can create a wavy curl pattern. (Use a foam letting lotion or a moisture-based gel or curly holding product to achieve this look, like Jane Carter Solution's Wrap & Set). If you really don't want to re-create it yourself, just bring the book with you to your local stylist and let her create the style with her own flair. This style is for all to see and create, whether your are a stylist or reader who wants to rock a 'free textured fro'

Q: I've been receiving questions on the NEW HAIR APPARENT blog in reference to relaxed hair: "Don't forget about us!"

A: The HAIR APPARENT blog is for all hair textured site visitors, whether your hair is straight, wavy, curly, coily, relaxed or softened. Women of color come in all nationalities and hair textures. Even if you wear extensions or braids. I am a licensed cosmetologist, master colorist, master precision cutter, and a CURLY TEXTURED EXPERT. So ladies, what that really means is: I understand all textures, whatever your heritage may be: AFRICAN, EUROPEAN, ASIAN or LATIN. We are all born with natural, straight or textured hair, then as we mature, we experiment with different options: relaxers, color, extensions, braids, weaves, wigs etc. My assignment is to to give you options and versatility with healthy measures. To bring you information and knowledge about products, hairstylists and hair techniques that are good and beneficial to your hair and lifestyle... We have all, in some way or another, abused and destroyed our hair for so many years. So, now that we are the TEXTURE of CHOICE for major beauty, fashion, music and entertainment.companies, let's keep it that way, by creating GREAT HEALTHY HAIR, in any hairstyle.

Q: Color - What type of stylist do I go to?

A: Color is a specialty and not every stylist can color your hair to the utmost perfection. So, look for someone who has been certified with a master color certificate. Color companies often have a list of salons they recommend on their websites. Redkin.com, Matrix.com and Mizani.com are just a few. You can also go to Essence.com and look under their Salon Network guide, which will list the specialty of each stylist and salon. There is a post coming up in October solely on color.

Q: Where can I find a stylist who works with natural free styles not just Braids and Locs?

A: Locticians and natural hair specialists usually work only on braids and locs. Any stylist should be able to work on natural free textures. The question is -- do they want to? Natural hair is often fuller, healthier and thicker and a great amount of hair to handle. You have the versatility to wear your mane in many styles, whether free, natural set styles and or thermal straight. To find a stylist go to Motowngirl.com, Naturallycurly.com or Essence.com (Salon network). All of these sites have a salon/stylist directory.

Q: I want to read about experiences from a relaxed hair product junkie.

A: No worries -- you will hear all the product information you can stand, as I was a relaxer girl (and I loved my long relaxed hair) from the age of 11 years old until I was about 25. Wearing a Textured Free Fro is my style of choice, but it doesn't have to be yours. But, let's keep an open mind here... the world is not filled with only one thing. And rest assured, I am a product junkie... You don't want to miss out on all the product junkie information we are about to explore -- for all hair textures: relaxed, textured free styles, locs, braids and wigs.

Each month I'll answer five site visitors -- your FAQs. So, remember to ask your questions at the beginning of the month and look out for the answers at the end of the month.

Thanks.

Diane Lym-tai Da Costa