Great Sew-Ins deserve the Best in Virgin Indian Hair

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Lots of freelance travel has proven to be inspiring and provided access to direct connections to many creditable Indian hair collectors in India. Motivated to provide only the best in services and products, Salon PK Hair Salon offers 100% pure Indian Remy Hair for our discerning sew-in clients. In order to provide our customers with only the best grade of hair available, Salon PK virgin indian hair undergoes a rigorous and careful selection process. All of our Indian hair is sanitized and properly conditioned. Due to its soft manageable texture, as well as its strength and durability, Indian hair is recommended by hair stylists here at Salon PK Hair Salon to achieve glamorous Hollywood celebrity looks. Don’t just sit there wishing you had luxurious looking sew-in, rock your inner diva with the best Virgin Indian Hair, by Salon^PK.

Here is a list of our Virgin Indian Hair selections for Sew-Ins:

DESCRIPTIONS:

Straight Indian Remy Hair

The Straight Indian hair has a soft and velvety-smoothly texture. The straight Indian hair has a slight wave pattern which is a typical characteristic of natural Indian hair. This hair can be easily curled for goddess-like curls or flat ironed for that super sexy sleek look.

Straight To Wavy Indian Remy Hair

The Straight to Wavy Indian hair provides a luscious full body with its naturally soft waves. The Straight to Wavy Indian hair is versatile as it can be styled naturally, straight, or curled.

Wavy Indian Remy Hair

The wavy Indian hair features natural deep waves for the ultimate wavy look. Also known as the wet and wavy, the more you wet it, the waiver it gets! The wavy Indian hair can be worn naturally or straight.

Curly Indian Remy Hair

If you are looking for beautiful tight curls with lots of bounce and body, the curly Indian hair is for you. The curly Indian hair is popular among today’s business woman who are constantly on the go but still want that professionally put together look. Easy to maintain and tangle free.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MUCH HAIR DO I NEED?

It usually takes 8 oz. to do a full weave. It can take up to 12oz for very long and fuller styles.

(A pack contains 4oz.), so two packs.

WHAT COLOR IS THE HAIR?

All Indian hair comes in a blend between off black and dark brown tones in natural color.

CAN THE HAIR BE COLORED?

Yes. As the Indian hair is unprocessed with the cuticles still intact, the hair can be colored to your preference with professional coloring products. Keep in mind that proper conditioning is a must after coloring any hair. Custom Coloring may incur an additional charge.

CAN I STRAIGHTEN/CURL THE HAIR?

Your Indian hair can be styled in many ways using heat styling tools. However, please keep in mind that each time you apply heat it damages the hair, decreasing the longevity of the hair. Ceramic styling tools are recommended.

IF I STRAIGHTEN THE CURLY HAIR, WILL IT GO BACK TO BEING CURLY?

Yes. Once the hair is wet, it will go back to the original texture.

Indian Hair Care Instruction

Daily Maintenance of Indian Hair

Weave hair has no roots, therefore it is recommended that you keep the sheen with one of these following products: Encompass by HAIR ELEMENTS

DO NOT use oil, grease or hairdress cream on the hair. This will make hair sticky and tangle.

Try to wrap the hair with a silk scarf or bonnet before going to bed. A satin pillow case is recommended.

DO NOT go to sleep on wet hair. This will cause matting.

DO NOT COMB THE HAIR EXCESSIVELY. This will cause the hair to fall out of the weave track.

When combing the hair, use a wide tooth comb, gently comb from the bottom working your way up without putting harsh tension on the hair

Shampooing Instructions

Always take all tangles out before shampooing.

Use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner.

Soak the hair in the basin; let it sit for 1-2 minutes.

Comb the hair with a wide tooth shampoo comb. Start from the bottom and work your way up. (DO NOT RUB THE HAIR.)

Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

Pat dry with a towel.

Air dry or blow dry, depending on style.

Use recommended maintenance product.

Brazilian Keratin Treatment Explained

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The true Keratin treatment

The use of the Brazilian Keratin treatment to smooth hair began in rural Brazil more than 10 years ago when someone discovered that certain preservative chemicals seemed to link keratin to hair, resulting in frizz-free locks that lasted for months. This got the attention of Brazilian cosmetic manufacturers, who began testing and formulating.

Researchers discovered that when the cuticle is open, the protein keratin can be introduced, along with cosmetic-grade formalin, which is known to cross-link proteins in hair. Then, the cuticle is sealed with multiple-pass flatironing at 450 degrees. During the flatironing, the heat can cause fumes to be released. This step—the fumes—is the center of the keratin treatment confusion and controversy.

When you heat formalin it can convert back into the original form and release a small amount of formaldehyde gas in the air. The FDA doesn’t have specific regulations that prohibit or restrict the use of [formalin] in cosmetic preparations, and is unaware of safety data indicating that Brazilian keratin treatment products pose a health hazard to consumers, under the labeled conditions of use. That’s why, for instance, the FDA takes no issue with nail hardeners containing up to 5-percent formalin (the Brazilian Keratin treatment usually have 1 to 2%). These products are more than a coating. Formalin is reactive to proteins and creates a chemical link or bridge with them.

The Brazilian Keratin treatment is an innovative process that transforms frizzy, unruly hair into silky, shiny and healthy hair. The treatment is keratin based, which is the primary protein of the skin, hair, and nails.

The Keratin treatment used at Salon Pk is a true Brazilian Keratin treatment

The application process at Salon Pk Hair Salon takes anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the length and thickness of the hair. After the product is applied, it is sealed with a hot iron which traps moisture, hydrates the hair and creates a glossy finish. Results are visible immediately after the Brazilian Keratin treatment is completed, clients are amazed to say the least. Your hair will look healthy, youthful, shiny, and stronger.

After the Brazilian Keratin treatment….

Taking care of the hair after the Brazilian Keratin treatment is effortless. The amount of time required to style hair will decrease dramatically, in some cases is wash and go. Others require some blow drying and minimum styling time. This Brazilian Keratin treatment restores hair resiliency and resist humidity or perspiration. Natural hair gains definition and manageability. Relaxed hair gains strength and shine. ServicesWhat it is: A process service to smooth curly, frizzy hair. Includes the application and absorption of a liquid solution throughout the hair. Heat (450 degree flatironing) is applied to activate, and seal keratin to the hair. The Costs: the average price ranges from $150 to $450, depending on length and density of hair. Time it takes: about 2hrs. Sometimes our stylists “double up” to expedite the flatironing stage, depending on the length and texture. Permanent or temporary: Designed to be long-lasting without changing the physical structure of the hair. Fades over time with shampooing. How long it lasts: The straightening, frizz-reducing effects are estimated to last up to four months, depending on the client’s hair texture, condition and home maintenance routine. Do: Perform color services before processing keratin treatments. Don’t: Shampoo hair for three or four days after processing. Know that: Formalin, a cosmetic-grade substance, is what binds and preserves the keratin (a protective protein) on the cuticle, and is what creates the long-lasting effect and is safer than your basic nail hardeners. Now you have the Facts.

Wits End

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Spending time with your Stylist

Dear Pekela,

I’m at my wits end, as a busy mom and working professional my time is valuable and knowing going to the hairdresser is an absolute, what can I do to minimize time spent in the chair?

Frustrated, North side

I or should I say “we” hear you; all you frustrated ladies all over Jacksonville and please know that no stylist goes into the profession intending to be a thorn in their client’s side. The nature of doing hair especially African-American clients is involved process. Therefore, if you are expecting drive -through type service, then maybe you should consider a maintenance free style like a natural.

However, the time that you spend at the salon is not 100 percent out of your control. There are things that you can do and chooses that you as a client can make to not only maximizes your time spent at the salon, but can also ensure a great relationship with your stylist. First consider the time of day that you’re scheduling your appointments. If your regular Saturday gal always scheduled at high noon then, yes, you are going to see a considerably different shop then say if you were to come Wednesday’s at ten. So the “when” in when you’re coming is the first factor in determining how long your time spent in the salon will be. I know that most working women have to come on the weekend. Trust me I know that spending your only day off getting your hair done can be frustrating and some of us have just come to accept this as a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be. Try to schedule your appointments during off peak hours, such as week days and as close as possible to late afternoon and not directly after working hours. Another big factor that comes into play is the type of service that you’ll be getting.

Every stylist understands that all of our customers don’t get the importance of informing us of what service that the client would like to receive. That is why most of us pad our schedules for last minute changes. For instance, a client might call on a week before to schedule the appointment but by the time it rolls around you might want additional services. If this is not a part of a client’s regular behavior then the stylist will try and accommodate the request provided that time allows for the change and will not disrupt the other clients. But if these type of request becomes a habit or causes too much of a ripple of effect on the books, then don’t be shocked if your request is denied. Make sure to give your stylist as much advance notice as possible so that they can accommodate everyone! A last minute change from a wash & set to a relaxer or adding color might not seem like a huge deal, but there are more steps involved, meaning more time spent on your head. None of us like to send our clients away without totally fulfilling their every need but sometimes it’s just not possible, especially when you haven’t done all that you can do.

I hope this doesn’t sound like I’m on the salon soap box my goal is to educate so both the client and stylist.

Are happy. Remember to try and schedule your appointments during off peak hours and provide as much information as possible to the stylist. For instance services needed, and if you have anything planned after your appointment. Also, if you need to change your appointment time or service, try and inform your stylist as soon as possible. I do hope this information helps. Your stylist is a person too and we have lives outside of our jobs. It’s always our intent to make our clients happy and beautiful. When you’re beautiful, I’m happy.

Beauty is my Business
Pekela Riley Freelance Hair Stylist

Kiddie and Bi-Racial Hair Help

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I’m a proud biracial woman, and even though I love my curly hair sometimes I’d like to switch things up and go straight. My hair is actually pretty thick and because it’s so dense some people suggest that I get a kiddie perm. What do you think?

Sara – Southside

I love that you have embraced your identity; it tells me that you are comfortable in your own skin and that is the first step to true beauty. Let’s start with one simple fact first; none of those box relaxers, regardless of where you get them, are ever any good for your hair. The calcium in a box relaxer will swell your hair and make it look frizzy. It will initially start out smooth but it won’t stay that way for very long. So please stay away from them. Remember we touched on this same topic last week.

With that being said understand that a “kiddie perm” is just a milder relaxer. Actually it’s only slightly milder, not too different from a regular relaxer (it’s more a marketing ploy than anything else). Chemical relaxers must still have a certain Ph to even texturize your hair. Now that you’re armed with the correct knowledge, you can ask your stylist if a texturizer is a better option for you. If you go into a salon your child wouldn’t get a kiddie perm instead they would just get a milder relaxer or the relaxer would be on for less time-before washing your relaxer out. So you could just ask your stylist for a milder relaxer. One misconception that clients have is that because their hair is soft they believe they need a lighter relaxer. That may not be the case. Depending on how much curl is in your hair you might need a regular relaxer for the regular length of time. You really have to sit down and talk to your stylist about it.

Another alternative is to use Keratin treatments. If you wash and blow your hair out it will stay straighter, and have more curl definition and manageability when wet. Keep in mind a lot of people in your situation would probably go ahead and keratin treat their hair to make sure that it indeed stayed straighter longer.

Your stylist should use products that work well with bi-racial hair. Biracial and hair that’s naturally curly tends to tangle a lot when it’s wet. That’s why I like Encompass by Hair elements. It will detangle your hair and then make it more manageable. In addition all hair, whether b-racial or not will benefit from gentler sulfate free shampoos and conditioners.

Hope this helps,
Pekela Riley – Freelance Hair Stylist

Stress and Hair Loss

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Many of my clients ask this question on a daily basis, “Does stress really thin your hair out?” Well, ladies and gentlemen the answer to this question is a firm “yes.” It’s no myth. Here’s why…

Telogen Effluvium: Sudden stress related hair loss which appears as thinning throughout the whole scalp

Telogen Effluvium occurs when sudden, severe, or prolonged stress causes an increase in the shedding of the hair. In Telogen Effluvium, a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase. The hair will then stay in the resting phase for about 3 months after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Often the person involved will have recovered from the event before the hair loss occurs. In most cases the hair loss is temporary and the hair soon recovers. However, in some cases the hair loss continues until the underlying cause is fixed or the stress source is resolved. Telogen Effluvium appears to affect more women than men due to hormonal fluctuations.

Temporary hair loss can be caused by:

  • Child Birth
  • Pregnancy Termination’s
  • Starting or Stopping Birth Control Pills
  • Dieting Drug
  • Lack of sleep
  • Severe Emotional Stress
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Thyroid imbalance
  • Anemia

Special note: Hair loss after Child Birth:

It is quite common for some women to experience some hair loss approximately 3 months after childbirth. This hair loss is triggered by the sudden changes in hormone levels.

Some statistics suggest a 30% of mothers lose hair during childbirth and others suggest a figure closer to 60%. Fortunately in most cases the hair will return to normal 9-12 month after the child’s birth.

Many women will notice that their hair is thicker and healthier during pregnancy; this is due to the increased levels of hormones estrogen and progesterone which cause more hairs than normal to remain in the growth phase. When the child is born, however, many of the hair follicles that had delayed entering the resting phase suddenly enter the resting phase due to the rapid drop in hormone levels. This resting phase causes massive hair shedding.

So, get to know your body and create balance in your life because beautiful hair grows from the INSIDE OUT.

Bed Time Beauty

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Sweet Dreams Darling! You don’t have to lose sleep to stay beautiful. Here are some expert recommendations to refine and refresh your hair and skin while you rest.

Repair Care While You Rest…Over night Hair Masks

Better-

Kera

Kare

Intensive Restorative Mask – for weak and damaged hair. fruit extracts work to enhance elasticity and fortify , helping the hair withstand styling without incurring further damage.

BEST- Hair Elements ‘Replenish’ Intensive Strengthening Treatment. This 5 in 1 reconstructor features a revolutionary hydrolyzed wheat protein, realigns and seals cuticles after chemical treatment with super penetrating action, rebuilds hair from the cortex level. Dramatically, rebuilds hair elasticity and reduces hair breakage by up to 40%afte treatment. …with avocado oil and rich humectants, keeps hair soft, pliable, detangled, and moisturized.

Organic Alternate- olive and grape seed oil is an excellent treatment for dry hair. Warm up 20ml. olive oil and 10ml of grape seed oil.. and apply the oil from root to ends

Directions for each of these mask-Shampoo your hair with a gentle moisture shampoo. Apply mask, cover with plastic cap and scarf- leave it on during the whole night and then shampoo your hair in the morning. The restructured hair keratin and restored strength and shine will be worth the morning effort.

Best Non Slip Head Wrap= Annie buddon satin stretch scarf. Protects hair and preserves style..cool lightweight absolutely stays in place all night. Looks great for the gym too!

Comfortable Bodied Night time set-put 6 over size pin curls in dry hair. Secure with jumbo bobby pins for a roller free comfortable bodied set.

Best Blemish Blocker in the world- Murad Sulfur Mask..dabbed on emerging zits and like morning magic, they’re gone.

So, You Didn’t Like your Hair…

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You were so excited to try the new stylist that was highly recommended to you. You may have even seen some of his/her work in a magazine or flyer, but when you left the salon, let’s say …you were less than pleased and vowed to never return! What happened? Where did things go wrong? As a passionate stylist, I have observed that, in most cases, it was a lack of communication.I have the pleasure of knowing personally some of the most talented and gifted stylist in our area. Some work with me, some don’t. Every now and again I’m shocked when someone is sitting in my chair throwing them under a rolling bus. After the verbal slaughter is done, I calmly ask, “Did you tell them? Did you fully communicate to them?” Troubling, 99% of the time that answer is met with a “NO!”

CLIENT /STYLIST COMMUNICATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR HAIR CARE REGIMEN.

The fact is that no matter how gifted and skilled a stylist is-SHE /HE IS NO MIND READER!

Your assertiveness is often times the determining factor in hair success or hair blunder. Ask yourself these questions:

*Did I have clear and realistic expectations about what could be done in one or a few short visits?

*Have I ever told my stylist which products I like and don’t like?

*Have I ever told them about a style I didn’t like and why?

*Have I ever discussed with them an awkward visit you had or when my bangs were cut too short?

*Did I give the stylist an opportunity to observe and learn MY hair?

*Was I confident and proactive in discussing my dislikes or did I slither to the office break room to tell any and everyone who’d listen but can’t address my hair concerns to the stylist?

If you answered yes, did the stylist listen? Did they make adjustments or suggestions? If he/she did not- you might look at other stylist for options and recommendations. I personally have grown and thrived on the platform of honest, constructive client feedback. (feedback@salonpk.com)

Most caring and skilled stylist would do anything within reason to please a client that has trusted them enough to be honest and real. In an instant-gratification world, we have forgotten the power and intangible energy of honesty and communication. Just for today, don’t switch chairs, call your stylist and Get What You Want.

Who’s to Blame For your Dandruff?

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If you have scalp flakes and itching, then you probably have dandruff. Approximately half of all individuals have classic dandruff ranging from being on a regular basis or just occasionally according to many experts.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: If you are suffering with dandruff, then you have a fungus. Naturally, this is not a pleasant thought- but quit blaming your stylists, their assistants, and their reluctance to just dig deep in your scalp. Your scalp is imbalanced because your system is imbalanced with high levels of yeast in the body due to hormonal changes (post-partum, menopause, ovulation, etc.) and poor diet. Granted, when it comes to fungi, the scalp is not the same beast as the fungi usually attacking other body areas. Fortunately, scalp problems are probably the easiest to deal with though it’s still not particularly appealing.

Normal skin regenerates and flakes. The difference when dealing with fungal problems is that the cycle is accelerated. Instead of slowly and steadily replenishing head skin, dandruff sufferers cycle skin on average every seven (7) to twenty-one (21) days. The average person cycles on a monthly basis; the faster the cycle, the more problematic the flaking. Instead of having fine flakes that are washed away and never noticed like the average person, you’ve got a head full of turnover skin in large clumps.

Check this out! Yeast Syndrome (Chronic Candidiasis) –

Most doctors now agree that traditional dandruff is related to a scalp yeast fungus, and medical mavericks suggest that excessive yeast may be systemic and bowel focused. If you suffer from frequent vaginal yeast infections and note a high number of health problems overall, along with dandruff, then see your doctor. Most advocate a rather radical diet makeover or some hormonal assessments.

One of the main reasons dandruff has consistently been a problem for sufferers is that the condition is often seen as a hygiene issue. Stylists get blamed for not shampooing or scratching scalps well enough. This is not the case. No amount shampooing cures dandruff, however, I control it for many of my clients with the uses of zinc and sulfur-based creams and shampoos that retard fungal production. Nizoral is a commonly used anti-fungal shampoo, but must be followed with a moisture shampoo and conditioner because of its drying effect.

Another common misconception is that true dandruff is caused by dry skin. While some individuals do have dryer skin and may have minor flaking associated with dryness, dandruff is not simply dry skin. In fact, if your skin is oily, you’re more likely to suffer with dandruff. Dandruff tends to thrive in areas where oil glands are most productive. This includes the scalp but may also involve other areas like the eyebrows and the skin between the eyes. Some people think that dandruff is contagious, but it isn’t. You’re not going to catch dandruff from other sufferers because the fungi is systemic. So, remember ladies, education and wellness is fundamental to staying beautiful!

What’s The Best Hair Cut For Your Face Shape?

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The Best Hair Cut….

As a stylist, I take this in consideration every single time I’m asked to perform a hair cut, even if they’re holding the billionth picture of Rihanna (who I so love!) in hand.

With this in mind I wanted to discuss a few common facial shapes (there are others). So, choose wisely and remember your best hair cut and look will be achieved by factoring in your face shape and unique features.

Tip: To determine your true shape, pull your hair off your forehead with one hand, look into a mirror and trace the outline of your face on the glass with lipstick.

If Your Face Is Square

For square shapes, it’s all about softening the edges. Avoid “sharp” cuts, like angled bobs or styles with blunt-cut bangs, which can emphasize an already-broad forehead and chin.

Your best hair cut

Long or short? It’s up to you. Pretty much any length will work, as long as you add shorter pieces to frame the face. To accomplish this, ask your stylist for a hair cut that incorporates graduated layers, razored ends or long, piece-y bangs to soften the strong lines of your jaw. If your hair is naturally curly, play up your waves. The loose ringlets help to balance out your face’s boxiness.

Parting words: Your best bet is to experiment with your part to find its most flattering location. A center part looks great paired with angle-softening curls. Or, try one that’s slightly off-center to blur the bold edges of a square face

If Your Face Is Oval

Even proportions make oval faces especially versatile. This is not a shape that needs to rely on a hairstyle to add softness or balance.

Your best hair cut: From a cropped hair cut to a blunt bob to longer, layered styles, virtually anything goes. However, some oval faces tend to be on the long side. If you fall into this category – adding long bangs will visually shorten the distance from the forehead to the chin. Cheek-length layers will also help balance a longer oval shape.

Parting words: Just like the cuts, when it comes to parts, most will work well. The longer your face, the more off-center the part should be

If Your Face Is Round

Since full cheeks can conceal even the best bone structure, a round face can lack definition. Very short cuts and hair cuts with a lot of volume on the sides only emphasize fullness.

Your best hair cut: Styles with face-framing layers and choppy bangs can slim a full face and create the illusion of cheekbones. If you like short hair, try a bob with razored ends and cheek-grazing pieces, which breaks up the roundness and adds angles where they don’t naturally exist. If short is not your thing, aim for looks that fall to the chin and longer. The extra length will help elongate a full face, making it appear more oval. A slightly off-center part works best

Your face shape not mentioned? Ask your Professional Stylist for finishing touches to your hair cut just for you.

Remember to note distinctive features like your nose, cheekbones, or jaw line. You can then decide to downplay or highlight these features with the short hair cut style you choose. The real trick is to pick hairstyles that enhance your best features while camouflaging any flaws.

 

Good Weaves Gone Bad by Pekela Riley

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I know you’ve heard that weaves can be bad for your hair, but I’m here to tell you once and for all that’s not the case. At least that shouldn’t be the case.

There are all kinds of hair extensions, but the one that gets the worst wrap by far is bonding. Bonding is a process where you use a special glue to glue hair onto your scalp. Just the act of bonding alone shouldn’t scare you from giving this process a try. Bonding, when done correctly, will not take your hair out. Of course the flip side of that is when you have it done incorrectly, then you have trouble.

People who bond hair in incorrectly, and use excessive amounts of glue are setting you up for disaster. The problem as you can imagine then comes when you try to remove the hair which is stuck by mounds of glue! We do a fair amount of extensions at Salon PK …We’ve seen people who’ve come in and their hair is balding around the edges, and others who have extreme breakage. It is so sad because it could have been avoided.

One of the problems is that people want their extensions to last longer than they are supposed to. So they use entirely too much glue. The latex bond which is a type of glue that is commonly used is much weaker glue than the original. Each day you wear a bonded weave it gets looser and looser and it should. This way you won’t have any problems removing the weave from your hair. You don’t have to pull the hair from your scalp and spray tons of oil to try and get it out.

Bond remover is the best thing since the invention of paper. With a little common sense and an ounce of patience it will gently remove the hair. I recommend 30 second bond remover.

Typically a fresh set of bonded extensions should last about four weeks. That’s provided you shampoo your hair every two weeks. However if you shampoo your hair every week it’s going to last for only two weeks.

Please, please, please don’t try to re-glue your hair yourself. I tell my clients to call me and let me take care of it. I do that for no charge because if you try I bet you’re going to end up with a glob of glue in your hair. That little corner that maybe lifted, leave it alone. No one can see it. Don’t pick up the glue, like I just said, if I’m your stylist simply come see me instead. I have worn extensions for a long time, and I still have a full head of hair. I’ve grown many clients hair by giving them extensions. Extensions can give your hair a break from all of the curling irons and stress we place on our hair. There are so many people that do it wrong. Trust me weave doesn’t have to cause the damage that we’ve heard about. Taking memory out of the equation we don’t notice a good weave. A good weave can be virtually undetectable. A bad weave will stand out. For vacations, growing your hair out, or a certain look trust me weaves can work.

Bonded extensions are not the bad guys, Stylist that do them wrong-are.