jacksonville

Protective Styling: How Braids Can Help Maintain Healthy Hair

February 14, 2025 by jacksonville

Braids can be beneficial for maintaining healthy hair in several ways, including:

1. Reduced Hair Breakage

Braiding your hair can help protect it from environmental damage, such as wind or sun exposure. It keeps strands together, reducing the risk of tangling and breakage from friction.

2. Less Manipulation

Wearing braids means you’re styling your hair less frequently. Constant combing, brushing, or heat styling can weaken hair over time, so braids help minimize the need for daily styling.

3. Protection from Split Ends

Since braids keep the ends of your hair secured, they can reduce the chances of split ends, especially if you’re using the right type of braid that doesn’t pull too tightly.

4. Retains Moisture

Braids can help retain moisture by protecting hair from drying out. When hair is braided, it is less exposed to air, which can help prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.

5. Promotes Hair Growth

While braids themselves don’t directly stimulate hair growth, they do create a protective style that prevents breakage and allows hair to grow without as much damage. Some people also find that braiding helps maintain their natural curl pattern or texture, contributing to overall hair health.

6. Reduces Frizz:

Braids can help smooth out the hair shaft, reducing frizz and flyaways. This is especially beneficial for those with curly or wavy hair.

7. Protective Styles for Natural Hair:

For those with natural or textured hair, braids can offer a low-maintenance protective style that minimizes the need for heat styling or frequent manipulation, both of which can damage delicate hair textures.

Although braids can be a great style for obtaining health hair, be careful with tight braids, as they can cause tension and lead to breakage or even traction alopecia. Always make sure your braids are comfortable and not pulling too tightly! Click the link below to review of our previous blog posts on hair braiding.

Does your child want to get their ears pierced? How to get prepared.

January 25, 2025 by jacksonville

Preparing a child for ear piercing requires a combination of emotional readiness, practical preparation, and ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the process. Here are the steps to help you prepare.

1. Assess Your Child’s Readiness

Make sure your child is old enough to understand the process and follow instructions. For many children, this could be around 5-7 years old, but it varies.
Interest and willingness: Ensure your child is excited or at least comfortable with the idea. Avoid pressuring them into it.
Understanding the procedure: Talk to your child about what will happen and what they can expect during the piercing. If they have any fears, address them calmly.

2. Discuss the Procedure

Explain the process: Let your child know that the piercing is quick but may hurt a little, like a quick pinch or sting. It’s essential to set realistic expectations about the discomfort, but reassure them that it will be over quickly.
Use positive language: Avoid using words like “hurt” or “pain.” Instead, use terms like “pinch” or “pressure” to reduce anxiety.
Involve them in the decision-making: Let them choose their earrings from a selection of hypoallergenic options (gold, titanium, etc.) to give them some sense of control.

3. Prepare Your Child Emotionally

Calm nerves: If your child is nervous, you can practice deep breathing exercises together or talk about calming thoughts to keep them relaxed.
Encourage bravery: Praise your child for being brave and help them feel empowered. You can even talk about how getting their ears pierced is a special rite of passage.
Provide a reward: Offer a small treat or reward after the procedure to create a positive association with the experience.

4. During the Piercing Appointment

Stay calm: Children can pick up on your emotions. If you’re calm and positive, they’ll be more likely to remain calm too.
Supportive presence: Be by their side, hold their hand, and offer reassurance throughout the procedure. You can also bring a comforting toy or blanket for them to hold.
Distraction: Sometimes it helps to distract them during the procedure by having them look away or talk to you about something unrelated to the piercing.

5. Post-Piercing Care

Immediate reaction: Right after the piercing, offer comfort and praise. It’s normal for the ears to be a little red or swollen, but this should subside in a day or two.
Pain management: If your child feels sore, you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling or give them an over-the-counter pain reliever (based on your pediatrician’s recommendation).

6. Monitor the Healing Process

Watch for infection: Keep an eye on the piercing for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or warmth. If you notice any of these, contact a healthcare provider.
Healing time: Ear piercings usually take 6-8 weeks to heal fully. During this time, ensure your child doesn’t twist or play with the earrings.

Getting your chid’s ears pierced can be a positive experience when following the steps above. Click on the link below to speak with someone at our salon about our ear-piercing procedure, or to book an appointment.

Holiday Hair: Festive Looks for the Holiday Season

December 10, 2024 by jacksonville

Holiday hair for kids can be fun, festive, and easy to do, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, school party, or just enjoying the season at home. Here are some cute and creative ideas to try out.

Wreath Crown Braid

What You’ll Need:
– Hair elastics
– Bobby pins
– Green ribbon
– Hair bow
– Red string of beads (Optional)

Rudolph Bun

What You’ll Need:
– Hair elastics
– Bobby pins
– Red puff ball
– Googly eyes
– Brown pipe cleaners
– Hot glue gun
– Bun maker (optional)

Christmas Tree Braids

What You’ll Need
– Hair elastics
– Green Ribbon
– Star Hair Clip
– Small decorative clips (Optional)

These styles are super adaptable depending on the length and texture of the child’s hair and can work for both casual holiday fun or more formal occasions. Plus, they give you a chance to get extra creative with your accessories! Click the link below to view our previous blogs from this year.

Q&A Session with Hair Stylist Arlene Maldonado at Pigtails and Crewcuts Jacksonville

November 19, 2024 by jacksonville

Check out our blog post for a special Q&A with Arlene Maldonado, one of our Hair Stylists. Read below to learn more about Arlene and her passion for working with children as a Cosmetologist.

1. Why did you decide to become a Hair Stylist?

“I wanted to become a Hair Stylist because it allows me to be creative. It also has a direct impact on people by making them feel good about themselves. I also enjoy the social interaction.”

2. Where did you receive your Cosmetology training and how many years of experience do you have?

“I received my cosmetology training in New Jersey 2004, so I’ve been practicing as a Hair Stylist for 20 years.”

3. What do you love most about working at Pigtails & Crewcuts?

“I love working with the kids. They’re always funny and spontaneous.”

4. Getting a haircut can be a frightening experience for a child. What are some methods you use for calming them down and gaining their trust?

“I start by introducing myself and ask them if its okay for me to put a cape on them. Little by little I start the service because I want them to be comfortable. I also let them know their parents are there and will not hurt them. I try to explain to them that the clippers will only cut their hair and not their skin. I always try to explain the process to them and keep reassuring them that I will not hurt them and will be as gentle as possible.”

5. What are some of your favorite products to work with at Pigtails and Crewcuts?

“I love all the products that we use, but my two favorite are Sprouts Leave-In Conditioner and Surf’s Up Grape Texturizing Hair Wax.”

6. What advice would you give to others who want to become a hair stylist or new graduates?

“To enjoy what they’re doing and learn as much as possible. Also to be professional at all times.”

Click the link below to learn more about Arlene or to book an appointment at our salon.

Halloween Spooky Hairstyles

October 26, 2024 by jacksonville

With Halloween right around the corner, here are some fun and creative Halloween hairstyle tutorials to complement your spooky or festive look!

1. Ghost Bun

Achieve this look by parting the hair down the middle and forming buns at the top of the hair. Tissue is placed at the top of the buns and shaped into a ghost. Eyes and mouth can be drawn on tissue using a black marker.

Items needed to achieve the Ghost Bun:

– Hair elastics

– Comb

– A box of tissues

– Black marker

– Hairspray

2. Creepy Crawly Bun

The next style involves parting the hair down the middle and dutch braiding each section from the bottom up, ending with buns on top. Spider rings are then placed throughout the braids.

Items needed to achieve the Creepy Crawly Bun:

– Hair elastics

– Comb

– Spider rings

– Hairspray

– Bobby pins (Optional)

Eye Bubble Braids

This style includes parting the hair down the middle and placing hair elastics in sections 1 inch apart. Eyeballs are placed between each elastic.

Items needed to achieve the Eye Bubble Braid look:

– Colorful hair elastics

– Plastic eyeballs

– Spider rings (Optional)

Creepy Crawly Hair

This last style includes using hair gel to spike the hair up and coloring with green hair spray. Bobby pins with creepy bugs are then placed throughout the hair

Items needed to achieve the Creepy Crawly look:

– Strong hold hair gel

– Creepy toy bugs

– Hot glue (Optional)

– Bobby pins or hair clips (Optional)

– Green temporary hair color spray (Optional)

The styles above will make a Halloween to remember. Check out the link below for some of our previous blog articles and tips.

Exploring Traditional Braiding Hairstyles From Around The World

October 15, 2024 by jacksonville

Braiding hairstyles represent a rich and diverse tradition found in many cultures around the globe. Here are some traditional braiding styles from various regions:

1. Dutch Braid (Netherlands)

Similar to the French braid, this style braids the sections of hair under rather than over, creating a braid that stands out from the scalp.

2. Fishtail Braid (Various cultures) –

This intricate braid is created by dividing the hair into two sections and crossing small pieces from each section over the other.

3. French Braid

French Braid (France) – This timeless braid involves adding sections of hair from the sides as you weave, resulting in a braid that lies flat against the scalp.

4. Cornrows (West Africa)

A traditional African style where hair is braided very close to the scalp in neat, straight rows, often featuring elaborate patterns.

5. Box Braids (West Africa)

This technique involves dividing the hair into small sections and braiding each one individually, known for its versatility and durability.

These braids are not only beautiful but also often carry cultural meanings and practical functions. Click the link below to review our previous blog articles highlighting braids.