Many young African American and biracial children dread getting their hair styled, some run for cover to avoid getting it done. The fact that they are running is a clear indication that the way their hair is being “done” is painful, making the process stressful for all involved when it doesn’t have to be.

They key to making the process less painful for your little one and preventing breakage is MOISTURE. I know we’ve discussed this before but I want to remind you that moisture means water, not oil!

1. Shampoo, condition, and rinse making sure that hair is left damp.
2. Spray and saturate the hair with Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner.
3. Use dime-sized amount of Hair Nourishing Cream, working into hair from root to tip.
4. Part hair into 4-6 sections and secure with snag-free ponytail holders.
5. One section at a time, hold hair at the roots and begin combing thru the ends with a wide tooth comb. After the ends are tangle-free, release your hold and comb from root to tip.
6. Repeat until all sections/the entire head is done.

Voila, untangled hair with no tears!

Love THEIR Hair,

Do you support the creation and growth of black-owned business? Here are a few ways that YOU can support black owned businesses this month and beyond:

• Open up an account at a local black bank or online
• Support an historically black college or university
• Eat at a black owned restaurant
• Hire a black real estate broker
• Visit a black doctor or dentist for health care
• Get a quote from a black contractor
• Visit an African-American museum or library
• Watch or rent black produced films
• Subscribe to a black newpaper or magazine
• Use a black caterer or event planner
• Visit a black retailer
• Invest with a black-managed publicly-traded firm
• Contribute to a black political candidate
• Visit a black cultural event

I hope that you will join in and become a part of the solution. Embracing the “31 Ways, 31 Days” initiative of National Black Business Month is your entry point.

Love your Hair,

~ Celebrate National Black Business Month ~

There are a hundred markets where just two percent of African-American income can generate 500 new jobs at black-owned businesses, according to the National Black Business Month website, being observed for it’s seventh year this month. Black entrepreneurs have been hit hardest in the recession and need our patronage. For every $40,000 in new spending, an entrepreneur has the resources to create at least one new job.

As a community we must return to a spirit of activism and self reliance with concentrated and direct efforts. Let’s take the lead to create the environment and demand the support of Black-owned businesses by consumers, educators, religious leaders and others during the 31 days of August and beyond!

I thank you for your continued patronage and support of Jane Carter Solution.

31 Days and Beyond,

Hoping that your days will filled with sun, laughter, and love! I also hope that you treated your hair with TLC during these months, making sure to hydrate and protect your hair.

In case you missed any of the posts from our Summer Hair Series, here is a summary with links:

• Protect Your Hair From Chlorine and Salt
     During the Summer Months
• Washing Your Braids
• Sizzling Summer Colored Tresses
• Show Your Curls Who’s Boss
• Simple Summer Accessory
• Steaming

Please continue to join me on the Ask Jane Blog as we move into Fall for more hair care information and styling tips.

Love your Hair,

Steaming is a great deep conditioning treatment for hair. Steam treatments are especially effective for coarse natural, locked, or twisted hair which tends to be even drier than relaxed hair. Steaming improves circulation by invigorating the scalp as well as opening the hair follicles and shaft encouraging moisture absorption. The open hair shaft is able to absorb the conditioning treatment which facilitates healthy hair growth.

Follow these simple Jane Carter Solution Steaming Steps twice a month to promote a healthy scalp and shiny hair:

• Wash hair with Moisture Nourishing Shampoo or Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo (SLS-Free)
• Saturate hair with Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner
• Apply a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer or steam cap for 30 minutes
• Rinse with cool water
• Apply a dime size amount of Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner and spray with Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
• Style as desired

Love Your Hair,

We are thrilled to welcome the latest addition to the Jane Carter Solution product line…

~ Curl Defining Cream ~

What is Curl Defining Cream and why will I love it?  You’ll love it because Curl Defining Cream is:

• all natural alternative that will define and elongate curls
• non-sticky
• light weight
• will not attract dusk
• water soluble – it washes and dries clean, without any film
• adds shine

In celebration of the upcoming September launch, we’re giving away samples of our fabulous Curl Defining Cream with each August order (while supplies last).

…Take advantage of this offer and place your order NOW!

Love your Hair,

A great way to re-vamp your wardrobe is to accessorize…and headbands are the perfect accessory for summer!

For summer 2010, headbands are a must have! They are great to addition to almost hairstyle – either providing summer flair or simply maintaining your locks on those bad hair days. The choices are endless – from easy and casual for day (think bow or flower adorned headbands or even a simple bandana) while opting for glitzy glamour at night (nothing says it better than feathers or sequins). We applaud those creative and inspired individuals, because you will no doubt be wearing a “one of” hand-crafted design of your own!

From flowers to feathers, beads to bows – headbands make simple summer hair care that much simpler and make an ordinary day a little more fabulous.

Love Your Hair,

A wrap set is a great way to get a sleek look without having to apply direct heat to your hair. It’s a great way to get soft, light, feathery hair if the right products are used. Wrap & Roll dries clean and soft, no residue which weighs down hair.
Here’s how you can get the perfect wrap:
1. Shampoo with Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo SLS-Free and condition with Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner

2. Towel dry, remove as much excess water as possible.

3. Mist with Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner

4. Liberally saturate hair with Wrap & Roll, working it from tips to roots. Gently comb hair, removing any tangles.

5. Part hair across from one ear to the other. Comb the parted hair forward and begin smoothing the hair clockwise in a circular motion blending around the head and keeping the forehead free.

6. Comb the back section of the hair clockwise smoothing towards the front.

7. Continue combing hair in circular, clockwise motion until hair is smooth and free of any bumps.

8. Secure and dry

9. Sleek and chic tresses!

Love Your Hair,

Frazzled by your dry, frizzy, or uncontrollable curls? You’ve come to the right place! Call me the “Hair Whisperer”; I speak all things hair….and your hair is calling out for some m-o-i-s-t-u-r-e.

The key to finding success with that hair type is to keep the frizz under control and define the curls and waves that are in the hair. The way to do this is to keep the hair moisturized and using styling products that will lock in the natural curl pattern into the hair without encouraging any frizz.

Start with combing out the tangles with a paddle brush, in the shower while conditioner is still in your hair. Most damage done to your hair occurs during the wet combing stage as hair is very elastic when it is wet and stretches easily. This creates split ends and cuticle damage! When the cuticle layer is cracked or chipped your hair does not hold moisture as long.

I recommend that you shampoo your hair with Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo SLS Free and condition with Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner.  If your hair has a curl pattern when it’s wet and does not shrink excessively when it dries, apply Condition & Sculpt liberally to your wet hair and work it through with your fingers. Condition & Sculpt will dry with a little crunchy hold, add Hair Nourishing Cream for a softer hold and shine. Does your hair shrink when wet? Then add liberal amount of Twist & Lock AND Condition & Sculpt, the Twist & Lock will reduce shrinkage. The next day, lightly spritz hair with Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner to rejuvenate the curls as well as reactivate the products that are in your hair.

Now go show your curls who’s boss!

Love your Hair,

You are what you eat…honest! When it comes to healthy hair, it’s not only what you apply to your hair and scalp, that’s important…but what you put into your body.  Take a moment to step away from the mirror and into your kitchen!

Like your body, hair grows faster and stays healthier when it’s nourished by a well-rounded diet full of unprocessed foods.  A “healthy” hair and body diet should include foods high in protein, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B and C, and Omega 3 oils.

Here are the Top 10 Foods that you should add to your diet:

1.  Seaweed

2.  Citrus Fruit (oranges and grapefruits)

3.  Blueberries

4.  Sardines and Salmon

5.  Lentils

6.  Eggs

7.  Wheat Bran and Wheat Germ

8.  Watercress, Spinach, Kale

9.  Brown Rice

10. Cantaloupe

For additional information on growing, keeping and maintaining your healthy hair, download my free eBook, The Three Simple Secrets To Growing Great Hair.

Love you Hair,