Knowing your hair type/Natural Hair

If you read this blog, you will see that I write about Atlanta a lot. What can I tell you? I was born and raised in our fair city and lets just face it, you wouldn't be on this site reading this if you weren't either currently in Atlanta, or coming.  Atlanta has a lot of weather issues that demand attention so that you can wear your best head of hair, let's be honest, Atlanta is one of the most sought after places in the nation. People want to look their best all the time. We have developed a stylish culture, and we create trends that suite our individuality, as well as hit the mainstream and speak for multiple generations. 

One of the largest and most satisfying trends that I have seen come back is the natural hair movement. AND IT IS A MOVEMENT. There are diverse nationalities of people with all different types and textures of hair that have done away with extensions, relaxers, straightening systems and the like. Pop culture calls for it, the carefree embrace it,  and the professional world is more accepting of the individuality of the people that make their business work. 

As I write this, it calls to mind that in order for this to work, you have to know what works for you. What is the proper way to care for your natural state of hair no matter the length?Conditioning, styling, how can you change it up? You have to get in touch with your hair type  in order to be able to answer all of these things that arise. 

Hair classification systems range from straight, fine hair, to kinky thick hair. Knowing your hair type can help you determine what it is that you can and can't do, and what will look best on you as far as your personal style is concerned. 

Types of Hair

2A Wavy- this is a light and fine curl pattern that is easily manageable. Think of a light "s". Styling is usually pretty easy and you should stick with a light to medium hol depending on the style that you are going for.

2B Wav- this is a pattern that is a bit more of a proper "s" pattern. There will be more frizz and it sticks closer to the head. Not very good when it comes to styling. You should probably use a medium hold mousse or hairspray/gel when styling with this hair type. 

2C Wavy- this is a thicker and courser hair type. It does not like being styled at all and the frizz is on high. There is usually (with most people with this hair type)  and underlayer of straight to ringlet like hair with this curl pattern.  When styling you are going to want to use a firm gel to make sure that the product isn't worn off

3A Curl- these are your big loopy/springy curls. Easily straightened, this hair type is also very affected by the environment. Here in Atlanta, there will be a definite change in your style. Alot of people like this hair type to show off those curls! use curl defining cremes for this result or to haintain your straight look make sure that you are using a good conditioner and a medium hairspray at the least. 

3B Curl- This hair type is a springy curl. They can range from that springy to a tight ringlet. Not as style friendly, and hard to straighten, but these things can still be done. For styling you should use a creme or a gel to define curls and manage. 

3C Curl- Thick and course, this hair type is one that can be straightened with some work, but it isn't as friendly as the other type 3 curls. Your curls sit off of the head and are great for a wild rebellious look. Use products that are high in hold, gives definition and use a good conditioner. use olaplex if you are coloring because these curls don't hold moisture as well so it is easily damaged. Condition as often as possible. 

4A Coil- This hair pattern has a tight coil with a definitive "s" pattern. It can be wiry or fine, but its very dense. Because of its layering (there's less) it is more prone to damage. It's summer time in Atlanta and the sun is hot. If you are constantly in this heat or you work out alot, make sure that you wash with a conditioning cleanser (or Co-Wash) for regular use. You don't want to strip out you natural oils. I suggest that you do a deep cleanse at least once a week to make sure that you are cleaning the build up and dirt, but daily maintenance and cleaning should be done with a co-wash. Deep Condition as often as possible, or you can use natural Jojoba Oil, which is the closest thing to sebum to prevent breakage and naturally scrape away build up. 

4B Coil- this has a tighter curl pattern than 4A. It is known to shrink and can do so up to 3/4 of its length, so it can be tricky to cut or style so be sure to guide your stylist if they don't know your hair already. Co-washing is a must. Deep conditioning with a masque or a cream will be your best answer for moisture. 

4C Coil-This is generally the most course, although this curl pattern CAN be baby soft and thin. Its a very dense curl pattern and mostly lacks definition due to the tightness of the curls. Care is basically the same as with 4B. Deep conditioning treatments are always a good idea. 

So there you have it! With Atlanta being a very fashion forward city and the natural hair movement thriving, its so important that when you are getting your hair cut, colored, styled, straightened, locked. braided, or if you are are just flying free and 'froed out, proper care and maintenance is key to healthy natural hair. With the tips provided above, you will be able to withstand this Atlanta heat. 

The Fall

Atliens! We are here. This great city is about to turn its colors and its time for you to do the same.  Now summer isn't completely gone and the fun isn't quite over, so the highlights aren't leaving us yet, however they are being toned down with low lights and transmuted into honeys and strawberry tones for the fall. 

For those of you that want to take this a little further, Bronde is a new thing.  I'm not saying that Ombre is going anywhere, but Bronde's presence is strong this year. What I've noticed is a strong presence of your base color with subtle hues of a highlight (here are the honeys) showing in shimmering fashion. 

Another form of the "bronde" is a style that is becoming popular is Tortoiseshell Hair. What I've read is that this is a general blend of Ombre and Sombre. Atlanta we have enough stars around here to see this up close and personal should you run into them. Its a color style that add dimension showing roots and is easily kept. Touch up time is generally 8 weeks and even longer depending on your stylist and care. 

Copper is Gold! Period. You can mix them add dimension, volume can even appear with the right stylist. Add a few highlights or go full on to soften your entire look. Allow me to refer back to the strawberry copper movement that I mentioned earlier. When I say that this is a movement it is. You can dress it up or rag it out for an alternative fashion easy weekend. 

Buttery Blonde is another way to soften those highlights or when you have just been in the sun entirely too long.  The mellow yellow brings warmth for the cooling weather and is a great response to the changing of the leaves.

These are simply a few trends that I'm seeing that are super hot for this fall. There are many more available for you on line. The biggest importance is your originality and doing what works best for you. Its okay to take on a new look or style. Give us a call to schedule a consultation, we will make sure that we give you the perfect color for your individual style.

COLOR!

Here we are in the spring time and today the weather is almost 80 degrees and the sun is shining.  Tis the season for highlights, color, brightness. We need the hues of the spring. It puts that extra bounce in our step and reflects the moments that we create in our lives. 

Right now in Junko Hair Studio there is a continuing education class on color that we have done for our stylists. this helps more that just us, it helps you the client, because the more that we know the more opportunities  you have to have fun with your colors for this wonderful spring. 

Winter Time Worry!!!

Wintertime doesn't mix with your hair very well. The drying effects of the cold weather (and we are about to have some Atlanta) bring a whole lot of issues. Cold air strips your hair of moisture and can cause breakage, dry frizz (when mixed with static electricity- I know about this as it happens to me constantly), and can even cause dandruff if not taken care of promptly and correctly.

You CAN Beat This!!

Aveda's Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo works wonders for these issues. Its a great combination of a moisturizing shampoo that is sulfate free, (uses a secondary cleanser instead of sulfate surfactants) and has conditioning properties infused with proteins to strengthen the follicle. It's important not to strip your scalp and hair of its moisture with harsh cleansers, especially with the dryness that winter weather brings.

Conditioning regularly is important. It keeps down static electricity when dry frizz blows your hair every which way and can make for the worst hair day. The wind is blowing in  Atlanta tonight so make sure that you are conditioning and guarding your hair from the element with a silk scarf or something that won't allow the static to build up.

Make sure that you are trimming the split ends. Your hair works really hard to fix them and it can cause extra frizz. Come by the salon for a quick trim to beat that damage. You can give us a call at (404) 814-1827 or book an appointment online.

Keep warm and keep it up. Your hair will appreciate it.

Products

Products are super important when styling, coloring, or maintaining your hair. What's important, is that you find the product that fits your specific needs. We have a product list and they vary for each individuals needs. Deep conditioning, styling, blow-dry, volumize, color care, What does it all mean? well it means that you have to do a lot of digging and there is a lot of trial and error involved. make sure that you let your stylist know what you need/want. For example, maybe your hair has a brassy tone to it after some time goes by or maybe its just in the transitioning. It happens. Instead of paying for a touch up, you can use Aveda's Blue Malva. One of the highlighted ingredients in its formulation is Centurea Cyanus Flower Extract (cornflower).  The reason this specific ingredient blend is important is because of its anti-irritant, antioxidant, and astringent properties, cornflower may help increase tone while minimizing oxidative stress and delivering a soothing aesthetic.  In other words, you are able to take out this brassy color tint that you see happening and save yourself the trouble of coming to see us for nothing. There are other active ingredients that generate moisturizing effects as well to help protect the hair.

Welcome!

We are VERY excited to start off a new year in 2015 with a bang. We are Located in the Atlanta/ Buckhead area, in between Lenox and Lindburgh. We are under new management and have a great list of stylists that we are going to be introducing to you one by one. We have plans for renovations to freshen our look, and as always, our product lines are amazing. We are going to use this blog to feature products and styles that you will definitely enjoy.