Before I started receiving the treatment I snored quite loudly. Have you ever heard a chainsaw? I don’t think I was that loud but I was close!
But the worst part was when the silence started. The silent pauses while my throat closed and choked off my breath. My own body was strangling itself.
What is Sleep Apnea Anyway?
You may not know much about sleep apnea, but chances are that you’ve heard of it. This is a very serious sleep disorder that robs you of the deep, valuable REM sleep that your body (especially your brain) requires.
The word apnea comes from the Greek and literally means no breath. Patients stop breathing in their sleep from one of two causes (or even a combination).
Obstructive sleep apnea results when the muscles holding your airway open or your tongue in place don’t respond properly. The suction created when you inhale causes the passages to narrow to the point that they cut off your air supply.
Central sleep apnea is caused by the diaphragm failing to respond to signals from the brain. In this case, your body just simply fails to breathe. Snoring is not usually associated with this form of sleep apnea.
Regardless of the cause of the apnea, the end result is that your brain detects a fall in the oxygen rate and startles your body from sleep. Maybe not all the way awake, but enough that you don’t get into a deep, restful phase of sleep. You may gasp or snort as your body pulls in air and you will usually go back to sleep.
These breathing pauses can last as long as 60 seconds in some cases and patients have been known to have as many as 60 apnea events per hour. My last test showed that I had 52 events per hour when treatment was not in place.
Sleep apnea is a problem described as hesitations of breathing while sleeping. These hesitations are known as Apneas(meaning, “without breath”). These apnea events occur throughout the night and can be numerous enough to cause significant health problems. An overnight sleep study (polysomnogram) determines the severity and number of occurrences as well as finding the pressure (measured in cm/H20) that is needed to eliminate the apnea events. Treatable levels of sleep apnea are defined as 5 events of any type or greater per hour of sleep. During Obstructive Sleep Apnea, breathing is interrupted by a physical block to airflow despite effort.
A person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea is rarely aware of having breathing issues, even upon awakening, although many people report that they suddenly wake up gasping for air, and some hear themselves recover with a loud snore sound. Sleep apnea is usually observed by others or is suspected because of its effects on the body (sequelae). The effects may be present for many years, without selfdiagnosis, and the person may get accustomed to daytime sleepiness and fatigue caused by the sleep disturbances.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep-disordered breathing. The muscles of the body, especially in the throat, relax during sleep. The airway is made up of collapsible soft tissue which can obstruct the airway and limit breathing during sleep. This problem can be exacerbated by obesity and the presence of large tonsils and tongue tissue. The result is a lack of oxygen in the blood that causes a response from the brain, causing an interruption of the normal sleep cycle. [Source: WikiPedia]
The CPAP machine eliminates these interruptions of sleep by delivering a stream of compressed air through flexible tubing to a nasal pillow, nose mask or full-face mask, splinting the airway (keeping it open under air pressure) so that unobstructed breathing becomes possible, reducing and/or preventing apneas and hypopneas. This has the additional benefit of reducing or eliminating snoring.
Well, What Does It Matter?
Good question.
Aside from the fact that it annoys your spouse, children in the next room, and neighbors down the street, there are some serious repercussions.
The most obvious result is general fatigue. Since your body isn’t getting proper sleep cycles you never really get the sleep you need. You may sleep 10 or more hours a night yet you’re constantly drowsy. I was able to fall asleep within 10 seconds of lying down, night or day. In fact, when I was put in a darkened room with nothing to do or look at, the longest time I could stay awake was about 2 minutes.
When you are fatigued like this you’ll make mistakes. Driving and operating heavy machinery becomes dangerous. I had to stop riding my motorcycle since I didn’t feel that I could be attentive enough to stay safe.
You will often wake up with a headache, sore throat and a good case of the grumps. It can even lead to clinical depression or sexual dysfunction (and no one wants that.
It has even been linked to hypertension and heart disease.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can quite literally kill you.
Snoring is actually related to obstructive sleep apnea. It may be a precursor to apnea itself and definitely accompanies it. So if you do snore then you should take some time to get it checked out, especially if people tell you that you pause during the night or gasp or snort.
While you may not have apnea, snoring can be severe enough to reduce the amount of air you get when you breathe. This is known as sleep hypopnea which means reduced breath. It can have similar effects to apnea.
The best way to determine if you have sleep apnea is to talk to your doctor about arranging a sleep study at a sleep clinic. A sleep study will monitor you during your sleep to see exactly what is happening with your breathing and brain patterns. It can also test you for other sleep disorders such as restless legs, grinding teeth, etc.
If you are diagnosed with either sleep apnea or sleep hypopnea your sleep doctor can discuss treatment options. At this point, there is no medical cure, but some lifestyle changes can be effective at reducing or eliminating the problem. Surgery is also a possibility, but there are risks involved without any guarantee of relief.
So most people who suffer from sleep apnea will need ongoing support such as CPAP or dental devices.
The important thing now is to find out for sure. If you suspect you might have a problem get it checked… Now!
What is CPAP and How it Works
The reduction and elimination of obstructive sleep apnea began with the invention of the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), first described in 1981 by Colin Sullivan in Sydney, Australia. It has evolved over time, from large noisy machines to more compact and quiet units created in the late 1980s. Effective treatment stimulated a massive surge of clinics dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of Sleep Apnea. Many variations of sleep disorders were recognized, and most of the patients of these centers have sleep disorder breathing. Sleep Apnea became easily diagnosed, and the CPAP machine has become the method to treat this problem.
The CPAP machine creates a pressurized flow of air through a hose to a CPAP mask worn during sleep. A CPAP mask delivers the air through a nasal interface, nasal pillow delivery system, or a full face interface that allows the patient to breathe in or out from the nose or the mouth or a combination of the two.
The air pressure causes a “splinting the airway” (keeping it open under air pressure) so that free-flow breathing occurs, thus preventing apnea and hypopnea. This also creates a favorable outcome by eliminating snoring. A CPAP machine is normally used indefinitely to treat sleep apnea at the patient’s home.
The CPAP machine blows air at a preset pressure (also called the titrated pressure). The necessary pressure is prescribed by a physician after reviewing the results of an overnight sleep study (polysomnography) taken in a sleep laboratory. The titrated pressure is the pressure of air, (measured in cm/H2O), that was required to open the airway and end the Apnea events. The typical pressure for most patients is between 6 and 14 cm/H2O. A CPAP machine can produce pressures of 4 to 20 cm/H2O. More advance machines, that are needed in severe cases, can go up to 25 or 30 cmH2O.
CPAP machines may also be used to treat preterm infants whose lungs have not fully developed. For example, some doctors may use a CPAP machine to treat infants who have respiratory distress syndrome or even bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
OSA(Obstructive Sleep Apnea) treatment involves a CPAP System, which has three main parts:
1. A CPAP mask or other device that fits over your nose or your nose and mouth, some CPAP masks just touch the CPAP user’s nostrils. Headgear straps keep the mask in place.
2. A Flexible hose (Tubing) that connects the mask to the machine’s motor.
3. A CPAP machine (Flow Generator) that blows air(Positive Airway Pressure) into the tubing, delivering it to the CPAP mask.
Some CPAP machines have other features as well, such as heated humidifiers for added comfort, exhalation pressure relief (EPR™ also named C-Flex™, A-Flex™, Bi-Flex™, Smart Flex™), CPAP machines are small, lightweight, and quiet (23-30dB). The noise from a CPAP machine is usually soft and rhythmic.
Process for starting CPAP Therapy
If a physician prescribes a CPAP system, the patient will be directed to a home equipment provider. (Home equipment providers are also referred to as durable medical equipment, or DME.) The physician will work with the patient to make sure the settings that he or she prescribed are correct. He or she usually requires the patient to complete an overnight sleep study to find the correct settings for the system pressure. The sleep study will measure how much pressure is needed to keep the airway open during sleep.
CPAP machines have variations in size, options, colors, and operation, and come from a variety of different manufacturers. CPAP masks also have a variety of sizes, colors, materials, and features, some only covering the nose, while others cover the whole face. Some are made with silicone like cushion to create a seal between the face and the mask, while others use a Gel filled cushion. Some now are even made from a cloth material that is not porous enough for the air to penetrate.
f a patient cannot tolerate the mask given, the physician may suggest switching to a different style. Many sources for replacement CPAP systems, machines, masks and accessories are available.
CPAP machines are also is used to treat preterm infants whose lungs have not fully developed. For this treatment, soft prongs are placed in an infant’s nostrils.
A CPAP has many benefits. It can:
Keep the airway open during sleep
Eliminate loud snoring so others in the household can sleep Improve the quality of sleep, even at a reduced sleep time
Relieve sleep apnea symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, and moodiness
Decrease or prevent high blood pressure Many people who use a CPAP machine report feeling better as soon as they begin treatment. They feel more attentive and better able to work during the day. They also report fewer complaints from bed partners about snoring and sleep disruption.
The medical benefits are numerous. Sleep apnea has been determined to cause or increase impotence and a lowered sex drive, Obesity, Alcohol and Drug Dependencies, Lack of Exercise, Vision Problems, Diabetes and many others
Treatment
A widely used solution and arguably the most consistently effective treatment for sleep apnea is the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which ‘splints’ the airway open during sleep by means of a flow of pressurized air into the throat. However, the CPAP machine only assists during inhalation. The lungs must prompt exhalation. The exhalation is more difficult at higher CPAP pressure settings. A Bi-Level CPAP, often called BIPAP or VPAP can provide ease of exhalation by reducing the positive pressure when the start of exhalation begins, then the flow generator returns to the higher inhalation pressure. CPAP therapy is effective only for (OSA)Obstructive Sleep Apnea, not for central or mixed cases. [Source and Reference: Alaska Sleep Education Center]
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. As a result, not enough air reaches the lungs. During Apnea events the airway collapses and becomes blocked or obstructed. When inhalation is attempted, the air that pushes past the obstruction can cause loud snoring. Subsequent snoring may disturb sleep partners. The positive pressure from a CPAP machine can prevent the airway from collapsing or becoming blocked.
References:
1.Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patrick J. Strollo, Jr., M.D., and Robert M. Rogers, M.D. [Source Link]
2.Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Breathlessness in Obese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study Sichang Xiao, MSc, Johan Bastianpillai, MBBS, Culadeeban Ratneswaran, MD, Martino F. Pengo, MD, Yuanming Luo, PhD, Caroline J. Jolley, PhD, John Moxham, MD, and Joerg Steier, PhD [Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information]
3.Sleep–Related Breathing Disorders in Adults – The Report of an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Task Force [Full Report: HERE]
4.Obstructive Sleep Apnea Sean M. Caples, DO; Apoor S. Gami, MD; and Virend K. Somers, MD, PhD [Source: American Physiological Society]
Disclaimer:
Our content does not constitute a medical or psychological consultation. See a certified medical or mental health professional for diagnosis. Also, the information and statistics that we published in this article are collected from authentic medical associations and publications which sources are clearly mentioned in the article.
I have had sleep apnea for years. As a matter of fact, I had it before I even knew there was a name for it. My father also had it but he never knew about it. He thought that he just had a hard time sleeping.
Sleep apnea symptoms can be treated at least for some people. Breathing machines that push air down your throat are the most common treatment. They are called CPAP for continuous air pressure. You wear a mask that is connected to the machine by a hose. The air continually keeps your airway open preventing any of the blockages.
If your case is severe, surgery might be suggested. The surgery has a long recovery time so you better hope the CPAP works!
Definition of sleep apnea
While sleeping, someone with sleep apnea stops breathing due to blockage in the back of the throat. That blockage is usually excess soft tissue or an enlarged tongue. It could also be due to tonsils. This is called obstructive sleep apnea. There is also the less common central sleep apnea where there is a miscommunication between the brain and the mouth muscles causing the stoppage of air to the lungs.
The consequences of not treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be very dangerous if left untreated. The most obvious problem that occurs is the lack of sleep. If you keep waking up every few minutes your body will never get the deep REM sleep that it truly needs. This may have effects on emotional and mental health. Sleep apnea also prevents oxygen from getting to the brain. Lack of oxygen can cause high blood pressure as well as heart disease. My father passed away at the age of 61 with heart disease and he had sleep apnea for many years.
My adventures with the CPAP
After my first sleep study, I was told that I slept with my mouth open all night. I already knew that and so did my wife. Apparently, the significance of that was that I would need a full face mask with my CPAP machine.
The next sleep study was scheduled and this time I would be fitted for a CPAP. There was a little mix up at the sleep clinic because when I arrived they didn’t have a full face mask just one that covered over the nose. The mask was put on and the machine started. The technician told me that I had to keep my mouth shut or the air would blow out of my mouth.
How was I supposed to do that? I tried to sleep but the thought of just breathing through my nose was unnatural to me. I keep opening my mouth and the weird sensation of the air leaving my mouth occurred.
The technician was getting irritated with me. He came into the room carrying what looked like a strap. He wrapped the strap under my jaw and over my head. He assured me that this would help me keep my mouth. It kept my mouth closed but it was so uncomfortable that I didn’t sleep a wink.
The technician claimed that I had slept enough to calibrate the CPAP. A technician came out to the house and went over the CPAP with me. I immediately had problems with air leakage around the mask. I put tape around the mask to block the leakage but it still didn’t help. And of course, the noise of the machine bothered me also.
Someday I might give it another try but not anytime soon.
Update: I am going back to my doctor and see if I am still a candidate for the CPAP
Sleep Apnea and sleeping pills
Some nights you wish you could sleep the whole night through without waking up one time. Of course with sleep apnea that doesn’t happen. The obstruction in the back of your throat makes sure that you wake up constantly throughout the night.
Many people wonder why folks who have sleep apnea just don’t take sleeping pills. Pop a pill in your mouth and hello sandman! Well, sleeping pills relaxes the throat muscles; you know those same muscles that obstruct your breathing. This makes the apnea much worse not to mention the snoring. And it is not just sleeping pills that have this effect, alcohol right before bedtime will do the same.
If you really want to relax before you go to bed try relaxation tapes or self-hypnosis tapes. Also don’t eat very much if anything before you go to bed. It’s hard to feel comfortable when your stomach is churning.
Throat exercises
Recently there has been talking about improving sleep apnea by doing throat exercises
Surgery options for Sleep Apnea
Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) I know that’s a mouthful, excuse the pun. This surgery removes tissues from the back of your mouth and if you haven’t already had your tonsils out they might take them too. It requires a hospital stay and they use a general anesthetic. It’s more successful for stopping snoring than Sleep Apnea because there may be more tissue farther down the throat.
Maxillomandibular advancement The upper and lower part of your jaw is removed from your face bone. That sounds great, doesn’t it? It enlarges the space between your tongue and soft palate eliminating some of the obstruction.
Tracheostomy This is for severe sleep apnea when all else has failed. A hole is made in your throat in order for a tube to be placed in it. During the day the hole is covered up but at night it’s open and you breathe through the tube in the hole. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Sleep Studies
Of all the health-related tests that you can experience the overnight sleep study (polysomnogram) could be one of the strongest that you will ever experience. Unlike other tests, you will need to be completely asleep in order for the test to produce the proper results. That is difficult in itself considering the reason that you are having the test is that you have a hard time going to sleep.
Before you show up to the hospital or where ever the test is taking place instructions will be given to you. On the day of the study, you are instructed not to take any naps. That makes sense because you need to be very, very tired at the onset of the sleep study and definitely no caffeine. No caffeine can be difficult if you are hooked on coffee or soft drinks.
The test usually starts around nine o’clock in the evening. You probably won’t be the only person taking the test so it may take a little time before the technicians get you ready.
The room that you are put in is supposed to look less like a hospital room and more like a bedroom. But most bedrooms don’t have a camera pointing at you in bed. Of course, some people do have a camera in their bedroom but that is another post on another blog.
After you have gotten into your sleepwear, the technician will apply all the wires and metal discs that are needed to score your test. And there are quite a lot of wires and metal discs. From your head to your chest to your legs and feet you will have the metal discs placed all over you. They will be held on by a glue-like substance that you will find is very hard to get off your skin and especially your hair. The wires are attached to the metal discs which transfers information to the technicians’ monitors.
After you are hooked up the technician will go into the observation room and run through a series of tests to make sure that everything is hooked up correctly. The tech will communicate through a speaker that is in your room.
When everything has been calibrated, it is time to go to sleep! This is the difficult part because of all the things that are attached to your body. And the thought that someone in another room is watching you can be a little unnerving. But you must try; if you don’t the whole evening will be a waste of time.
If this is your first study you probably won’t be interrupted all night. Of course, if you need to use the bathroom you have a buzzer to ring the technician who comes into your room and helps you and your set of wires to the bathroom.
If it is a split study halfway through the night you would be fitted for a CPAP calibration.
At the end of the test, you will hear the voice of the sleep study technician telling you to wake up. The tech comes into the room and unhooks you of all your wires and metal discs. Most places have showers so you can attempt to wash the glue out of your hair. Usually, it takes a few showers to get that stuff out.
The doctor will get back to you on how you scored on the sleep study. At that point, he can tell you with certainty whether you have sleep apnea or not.
What is the difference between apnea and hypopnea?
Hypoapnea is shallow breathing with a low respiratory rate, whereas with apnea the breathing is stopped completely.
22 million Americans or 6.7 percent of the population have sleep apnea. 2 to 4 percent of the population is considered to be undiagnosed with sleep apnea.
When folks talk about sleep apnea there seems to be an acknowledgment that the people that have it are adults, but that isn’t necessarily true. Unfortunately, children can also have sleep apnea as well. The causes of it in children are usually tonsils and adenoids.
The CPAP can also be used for children as well but they will probably have some the same adjustments problems that adults have regarding the CPAP mask.
There’s are pretty large selection out there. Whilst a lot of it will come down to personal choice, there are a few basic questions you can ask yourself before buying a pair of horse clippers.
– How often will you be using them? Are you just touching up between visits from a professional horse groomer, or are you doing the entire job yourself?
– How many horses will you be clipping? Are you thinking of clipping a number of horses in a day, or just one every few months? Obviously, you’ll also need to take into account (if clipping more than one horse) the different types of a breed and their coats.
– What is the texture (or textures) of the horse coat? When clipping thick coats you’ll probably have to look at horse clippers with a higher clipping speed.
– Is your horse nervous? Are loud clippers going to give your horse concern?
– How easy are the clippers to maintain? Consider how often they need claining, replacement blades, cost of blades, oil, availability of parts etc
– Are they easy to use? What’s their weight, size – are you going to be tired out after 30 mins of holding up the heaviest horse clippers on the market?
– Do you want cordless? If not, how long is the cord? How heavy duty is the cord?
Top tips for horse clipping
Make sure the coat is clean + Dry – Give your horse a good clean and brush down, ensuring that the coat is dry and that there’s no loos hair in there.
Make sure your horse is comfortable and secured– An obvious piece of advice this one.
Make sure the blades are well lubricated and sharp – If you’re not comfortable maintaining your own horse clippers, then take them to somebody who can. Well looked after clippers and blades will provide a much smoother and cooler cut.
Keep it slow – Slower strokes across the coat will give a much smoother result
Don’t go in too steeply – Keep the blades as parallel to the skin as possible. Clipping at a steep angle is likely to produce much more uneven results on the finished coat
Clip against the run of the hair – Always check which way the horse’s hair is laying – this can change direction on many areas of the coat. You may have to make a few passes across the same area where the coat may lay in more than one direction.
Mark your lines– Use wet chalk to mark where you want the lines to be – use a saddle as a template perhaps.
Use YouTube – Browse the videos on YouTube to see how the professionals do it – there are literally hundreds of guides. In fact, we’ve found this very useful:
Top tips for effective horse clipping
Final Note
If you think I have missed any tips of horse clipping in this post, please let us know. Also, don’t forget to share your experiences with us. Hope, this guide helps!
The first step that will allow you to grow black hair long is to reject the lie that black hair cannot grow long.
When harmful hair practices are rejected and good hair practices and consistency is adopted, you too will be able to not only make black hair grow but you will also be able to create healthy black hair.
Incidentally, good hair practices not only work with natural black hair but with other types of black hair such as relaxed hair.
The natural hair movement which is mostly dealt with in this article has been gaining popularity for quite some time and better and better products are being discovered every day that work wonderfully for black hair to not only grow black natural hair long but which most importantly promote the creation of healthy natural black hair.
If you are this natural hair journey or are considering “the big chop” or are in a transitional phase, this guide discusses how to implement healthy hair habits and grow natural black hair long and healthy.
Hair Growth
Healthy hair grows about a half inch per month. [AAD Public Info]
For Caucasian and Asian hair, it may grow slightly more whereas, for black hair, it may grow slightly less.
But it is important to know that everyone’s hair is different and many factors such as genes, haircare practices, diet, etc will go into being able to make black hair grow and achieve the hair growth per year that is unique to you.
Black Hair Structure
It is easy to look at the hair of those of another race other than black and think that only they have the ability to grow long hair and because one is black, it will be impossible to grow black hair.
This statement needs to be examined at the root by first considering the hair structure before looking for ways to make black hair grow fast.
Hair grows below the surface of the scalp in the hair bulb which resides in the hair follicle.
Those of a different race than black usually have a straighter hair follicle than black people who have curvy hair follicle. A straight hair follicle means that the sebaceous (oil) glands below the surface of the skin are able to secrete sebum (oil) through the hair follicle to protect the hair shafts from breaking and also give hair shine and luster. This sebum travels from the root through the ends of the hair moisturizing the hair along the way. This is the process that helps hair grow with straighter hair follicles.
With most black hair, however, the curvaceous hair follicle prevents the sebum from the oil glands below the surface of the scalp from reaching the scalp and traveling through the length of the hair. This results in a dry scalp and dry hair that easily breaks which results in little to no hair growth.
Black hair also generally retains less water than those of other races because it has a larger diameter. The curvy hair follicle associated with black hair produces hair that grows in a spiral. The extent of this spiral also varies from one black person to another and is usually determined by a person’s genes. Some black people have looser curls while others have very tight coils or kinks. The curl also means that most black people suffer from hair shrinkage. The hair will usually be longer tha it looks that only becomes apparent once the curl is extended.
Black hair has a shape that looks flat and elliptical when viewed under a microscope which makes it more prone to forming knots which makes it more difficult to comb or brush black hair without applying excessive force and pressure which leads to hair breakage. A little breakage every day accumulates over a long period of time which leads to the erroneous conclusion that black hair does not grow.
Black hair also contains lesser elastic fibers which are necessary to anchor hair to the scalp. With less of these fibers than the hair of other races, it makes black hair more prone to hair loss and breakage. This characteristic of black hair as well as certain hair styles that pull the hair excessively such as when braiding the hair or placing the hair in a tight ponytail can lead to traction alopecia along the hairline.
These characteristics of black hair may account for the excessive hair breakage, less shine if any as well as difficulty combing the hair. Although it may not appear so, black hair is actually the most fragile of the hair types of all the races which are made worse by various bad hair habits that are commonly practiced including using very harsh chemicals on black hair, heated styling tools, the environment, etc. These practives need to be examined first if you want to make black hair grow fast.
Basic Hair Stages
While wanting to grow black hair long and healthy, it is also important to be aware of the three stages that a hair strand goes through. Hair is created, it matures and then it dies and is discarded.
Stage 1 – The anagen phase which lasts for about four to six years. Most of the hair on an individual’s head is in this stage and accounts for almost 90% of the hair on the scalp
Stage 2 – This is known as the catagen phase when hair kind of rests for about two to three weeks with no growth.
Stage 3 – The telogen phase is the final stage when hair begins to shed. Shedding is natural and it differs from “breaking” hair. Hair naturally sheds on a daily basis with the loss of about 500 to 100 hair strands a day.
In order to tell whether your hair is shedding or breaking, shedding hair usually has a small whitish bulb at the root of the hair strand.
Black Women and Hair Loss
There are many factors that stand in the way of a black woman being able to grow black hair long and healthy. It is normal to lose hair through normal hair shedding due to the life cycle of the hair strand – 90% of the hair on our head is usually growing (anagen phase), 8% is resting or in the dormant phase (catagen phase) and the rest of it – 2% – is in the shedding phase known as the telogen phase. The shed hair which should not be noticeable is then replaced by new hair strands and the cycle continues.
When there is an abnormality in this cycle, hair loss also known as alopecia occurs when hairs fall out from the root, the hair breaks close to or at the root and may stop growing leading to bald spots.
There are many reasons for the cause of hair loss and/or bald spots such as hormonal changes, or in women who are going through menopause when a reduction in the female hormone estrogen leads to thinning hair. Many other times, it could be due to illness, sudden weightloss, eczema, toxins, ring worms, blood disorders and even stress which can have a devastating impact on health and well as the skin and hair. If you are experiencing hair loss, you may want to have a dermatologist perform an evaluation. Frequently for black women, besides stress, the common culprit is bad hair care and hair styling practices that lead to hair loss and bald spots.
4 Reasons Black Women Are Losing their Edges & Nape Hair
Besides hair loss resulting from hair breakage, there are three other main causes of hair loss in black women namely, traction alopecia, follicular regeneration syndrome and alopecia areata.
a. Traction Alopecia
From the picture shown this type of hair loss is a factor. This type of hair loss results from pulling the hair too tightly when certain hairstyles such as braids, rollers or ponytails are used. In addition, when braids or weaves are too heavy, it puts a strain on the hair follicles leading to hair loss and baldness along the hair ling which is why if you are suffering from bald edges, you are on the search for products that will make your edges grow back or grow your edges back.
When the hair is pulled too hard, it may inflame the root of hair, leading to small bumps that over time destroy the hair root and lead to hair loss and bald spots that may become permanent. This thinning hair and bald spots usually show up along the hair line and above the ears. It is not uncommon to come across black women with a hairline that begins far from where God and nature intended for them which is why products to grow your edges back or make you edges grow back are in such high demand with many black women. If your edges will not grow back, here is some useful information.
b. Follicular regeneration syndrome
This type of hair loss is believed to also result from poor hair care practices that can be damaging to the hair follicles (hair roots). Bad hair care practices that are believed to cause this type of hair loss and hair thinning include the frequent use of a hot comb which can result in small drops of hot oil dripping onto the scalp and damaging the hair roots that overtime can lead to thinning hair since the damaged hair follicle will no longer generate any hair.
The burning and tingling that is associated with chemical relaxers may also destroy the hair follicle (Cicatricial alopecia). In addition, it is not uncommon to notice small scar tissue on many black women’s scalp who frequently relax their hair and proper hair relaxing instructions are not followed. In the presence of scar tissue resulting from burns, the hair loss becomes permanent. When excessive heat resulting from the use of blow dryers is applied, it can also lead to this type of hair loss when hot hair oil drops onto the scalp and destroys the hair follicles.
c. Alopecia Areata
With this type of hair loss, the sufferers usually notice dime sized or quarter sized bald spots on the scalp or on some other part of the body that is usually covered with hair. The bald spot will appear smooth to the touch and have an absence of hair. The hair may grow back on its own after a while or not. Some may go on to experience hair loss over the entire scalp which is known as alopecia totalis. The cause of this type remains unknown.
Pregnancy
When pregnant, many women report great hair growth during this period which is why many women who are not pregnant may take pre-natal vitamin in hopes of having some of this hair growth and hair thickness that is found in many pregnant women who take prenatal vitamins.
The downside for many pregnant women is that after giving birth, they may notice excessive hair shedding. While it is normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs a day, the shedding found in some women that were pregnant or as a result of illness will be very excessive.
About 95% of women will develop this type of hair loss (telogen effluvian) after a pregnancy when the hair follicles are induced to reneter the telogen phase discussed above. While it will be frustrating to lose this hair, new hair will soon replace the hair lost unless there is another underlying condition.
How to Grow Black Hair in 3 Months – Treatment For Hair Loss
There are many treatments that are recommended for hair loss with varying levels of effectiveness. What may work for one may not necessarily work for another. When you do notice bald spots or significant hair loss and thinning, it is important to first evaluate your hair care practices and try to determine what the culprit is and stop whatever practice is making the condition worse. When a cause cannot be determined, going to a dermatologist may provide answers. The first step to stopping and reversing the damage may be to stop the use of heat, hair dyes, relaxers, weaves, braids, etc for at least three months and start a weekly regimen of shampooing and conditioning the hair.
If there is no change after several months, a dermatologist may recommend topical medications such as Rogaine and Anthralin. He or she may also suggest corticosteroid solutions, injections or creams. He or she may also suggest a cortisone pill to stop the hair loss and regrow hair in the troubled spots. You may need to try various treatments for the hair loss in order to find one that works in your particular case.
How to Grow Black Hair Faster Naturally Home Remedies and Stop Hair Loss
6 Proven Home Remedies for Hair Loss
Many people who suffer from traction alopecia or alopecia areata have tried various natural remedies for hair loss to stop hair loss and regrow the hair with varying degrees of success. Some of the common natural remedies to stop hair loss and grow black hair long include the following;
Many swear by Jamaican Black Castor Oil applied to the site of the thinning hair or bald spot and massaging the area for a few minutes to regrow the hair. Coconut oil and emu oil are other oils also used in the process of eliminating bald spots and regrowing hair. Be sure to use the organic version. Give it at least three months to see whether you experience any benefits from applying these oils to the affected area. A key element is to ensure that you follow the application of the oil with a scalp massage for at least 10 minutes. Massaging the scalp stimulates the hair follicles. Stimulated hair follicles may lead to hair growth unless you have scar tissue from burns on your scalp from products or tools used.
See discussion further down on these oils to stimulate hair growth
ii. Onion
Onion contains sulfur is hair healing and stimulates hair follicles which can help to regrow hair and is another that is considered one of the best natural remedies for hair loss. An onion is usually cut and the onion rubbed onto the bald spot until it becomes red and then shampooed off. The onion can also be put through a blender and the onion juice applied to the bald spot and left on for up to an hour before shampooing.
iii. Coriander
Another of the suggested natural remedies for hair loss is applying green coriander juice to the affected area may also help eliminate the bald spot and regrow hair.
iv. Cayenne pepper
Adding cayenne pepper to oil such as extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, etc is also used by many suffering from hair loss and bald spots is another of the popular natural remedies for hair loss. Cayenne pepper which is quite spicy creates a tingle that is thought to stimulate hair follicles to produce hair. Cayenne pepper or any other red pepper irritates the scalp leading to inflammation and the body’s response is to heal this area which stimulates growth. Other spices used include black pepper, etc.
a. Version 1
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (or other oils such as sesame, almond, grapeseed, etc) 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
This is also great if you suffer from dandruff. Warm the oil, add in the pepper and massage onto the scalp for at least 10 minutes. Cover with a plastic cap or plastic bag and leave on overnight and shampoo in the morning. Use once or twice a week or as often as you like.
b. Version 2
A fifth of vodka 3 ounces of cayenne pepper
This is the most common version. If you prefer the nonalcoholic version, the first version will do. Add the cayenne pepper to the vodka a leave in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks. After two weeks, shake and use a strainer. Store in a bottle and rub into the scalp once or twice a week. Can even be used daily.
v. Salt
A teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of black pepper powder and 5 teaspoons of coconut oil are combined and applied to the bald spot.
vi. Garlic Oil
Garlic oil has many healing properties and has been used for centuries by Japanese women to combat hair loss and is one of the best natural remedies for hair loss. Garlic oil that can be obtained from soft gel capsules are odorless so you do not have to deal with the pungent smell of garlic which is a deterrent for many who would love to use this treatment for hair loss. Simply break apart the soft gel capsules to obtain the garlic oil.
Apply this oil to dry hair once a day. You should give this about 3 months to see whether it works for you.
use a steamed towel to warm the area first.
apply the garlic oil to the affected area and massage gently into the scalp.
leave this on overnight and shampoo in the morning.
vii. Sesame Oil and Ginger
Sesame oil is widely used to fight against hair loss like many of the oils discussed further down. Ginger has many beneficial properties and stimulates the scalp making this a powerful combination for hair growth. This sesame oil and ginger scalp treatment can improve circulation in the scalp, can stimulate hair growth, reduce hair shedding and hair breakage and also deal with various scalp infections and irritations.
a. get a piece of fresh ginger root and grate it. b. obtain ginger juice by squeezing these gratings through a piece of gauze c. mix equal parts of this ginger juice with pure sesame oil and whisk until blended. d. massage this mixture starting from the scalp to the ends of the hair for about 10 minutes. Leave on for at least an hour or overnight if the concoction does not sting and then shampoo out.
If the scalp becomes irritated, use less ginger or leave on for only a few minutes.
NOTE Ginger has properties that will lighten your hair but not drastically. Using unrefined sesame oil with ginger will actually darken your hair so this is a great option if you do not want your hair to lose some of its natural colors if you want your hair color darkened and on top of that, unrefined sesame oil contains a lot of nutrients that are beneficial for hair.
viii. Decolorized Iodine
White iodine or decolorized used for hair loss has been found to be very effective for regrowing hair.
2 teaspoons white iodine (you may be able to get this at your local pharmacy but you can get it online if unavailable in your area) 2 teaspoons castor oil
Mix together and apply to the scalp. Leave on for at least an hour and shampoo in the morning or after at least an hour. Use at least twice a week.
Growth Oil Concoction (Simply a guide. You can use many oils and many combinations to suit you)
1/4 cup castor, emu, jojoba oil 1/4 cup pure vitamin e oil (get this from a health food store as most found in any other store are usually synthetic vitamin e oils) 15 drops rosemary essential oil 15 drops peppermint essential oil 15 drops lavender essential
Mix all ingredients and apply a little to the affected area once or twice a day and massage into the scalp. If you want a more buttery and less oily consistency, add some pure shea butter or pure extra virgin coconut oil (only in winter as in the summer, coconut oil will melt at room temperature).
Note Although essential oils are some of the best natural remedies for hair loss, it is important to be careful about using essential oils. Not only do many of them need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as olive, jojoba, castor, etc but many of them such as rosemary essential oil should be avoided by those with various conditions such as epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnant women and children after five. If in doubt, ask your doctor whether it is safe to use these.
Natural Oils For Hair Loss
1. Coconut Oil
Continue further down in the post for a separate discussion of the benefits on coconut oil.
2. Castor Oil for hair loss and to grow long hair fast
Castor oil has been used for many centuries because it contains many healing properties which is why it is known in some circles as “Palma Christi” or Palm of Christ. It has been used for healing both internally using castor oil packs and externally. Castor oil for hair loss has been shown effective at being able to regrow hair and help grow long hair fast because of castor oil;
– is one of the oils that is easily absorbed into the hair shaft providing and locking in moisture and nutrients which are important to prevent dry and brittle hair that easily breaks leading to hair loss beyond the normal hair shedding.
– castor oil also helps to improve the condition of the scalp and to keep hair follicles healthy which is important for healthy hair growth.
– it contains a very high concentration of Ricicoleic acid which is an antibacterial and anti fungal property that treats various scalp conditions such as dandruff, infection and inflammation of the scalp, etc which contribute to hair loss and balding in some cases.
When used to treat hair loss use the purest and organic form which contains no chemicals or other additives which may take away from the benefits of castor oil for hair loss.
There are many ways to use castor oil for hair loss to encourage hair growth. You can apply castor oil once a day or twice a day and massaging it into the problem areas.
If you have an oily scalp and do not want to increase the oiliness of your scalp or just do not want to leave castor oil on your hair for days, you can apply castor oil once or twice a week to the scalp and hair, cover a plastic cap or plastic bag and then with a warm towel and leave on overnight and shampoo in the morning to get rid of this castor oil. If you do not like how thick castor oil is, consider mixing it with a lighter oil such as grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc, which are also beneficial oils for the scalp and skin and will help grow long hair fast.
3. Emu Oil
This is an animal product and is derived from an emu which is a flightless bird. It is obtained from the thick pad of fat on the back of an emu. The aborigines in Australia have used it for many centuries because of its great benefits for skin and hair and can help grow long hair fast. It is a light oil that very easily penetrates the skin. This oil if processed properly is comprised of about 50% monounsaturated fat and the remainder a combination of polyunsaturated fat and saturated fats.
Part of the unsaturated fats is made up of Oleic acid which is thought to be what gives emu oil its penetrating and hair growth stimulating properties and helps grow long hair fast. Emu oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which are also why it is great at stimulating hair growth to grow your hair fast. Inflammation is the source of many conditions and diseases including scalp infection.
If you are on a budget, castor oil for hair loss is definitely helpful but if you can afford it, emu oil will prove more beneficial and you will be able to see improvements in a shorter amount of time than you would with castor oil. You can also use both at the same time. The application is in much the same way as castor oil discussed above.
Emu oil will not clog your pores, contains any bacteria and has a long shelf life and can keep for up to a year or more if stored in a dark corner. It also has anti-aging properties and can be used on your skin to reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Be mindful that if you use it on your face, you may sprout a few hairs in unwanted places. The same goes for using castor oil on the face. These oils are also used to grow eyebrows and/or eyelashes.
Be sure that you purchase emu oil from a trusted source to avoid getting a batch that contains a diseased bird which will only make your problems worse.
(Besides being great for hair growth and helping to grow long hair fast, emu oil has been used for centuries as a pain reliever. It helps to reduce swelling as well as provide relief for stiff muscles and joints as it is a great penetrating oil and is not irritating and can also help speed up the healing time for bruises.)
4. Argan Oil
Also known as liquid gold, this is cultivated from the Argan tree also called the tree of life which is native to Morocco. This is cultivated cooperatively in Southwestern Morocco by the women in that region and the production of this oil is regulated. The oil is derived from the kernels produced by this tree. As many people have found, this is a miracle oil and is used for a multitude of purposes including skin and hair care and can help grow your hair fast.
Argan oil contains many fatty acids such as Myristic acid, Linoleic acid, Stearidonic acid, Palmitic acid, Alpha-linolenic acid and Oleic acid which help to improve the skin’s condition. It also features omega-6, antioxidants as well as a high concentration of vitamin E oil. This is especially why it is used in many women’s anti-aging regimens. While it is an oil, it is easily absorbed by the skin and will not leave a greasy or oily film. This oil has been used to treat many skin conditions besides aging such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc.
Some of the benefits of argan oil for hair and hair growth include;
– easily penetrating the hair shaft to moisturize, lock in moisture, improve hair elasticity and prevent hair breakage without leaving the hair greasy or weighing it down.
– Vitamin E contained in the oil will promote a healthy scalp and repair damaged hair and help to grow long hair fast.
– It helps to smooth the hair cuticle which promotes hair shine.
– The various unsaturated fats and antioxidants help to prevent split ends as they help to strengthen the hair’s protein bonds.
– If you suffer from a dry and itchy scalp, argan oil is the cure.
When using argan oil for hair loss and to promote healthy and stronger hair growth it can be used as a hot oil treatment, a leave-in or hair sealer.
When used as a hot oil treatment, heat the oil and apply to the scalp and hair and cover with a plastic cap or plastic bag. Cover with a warm towel or use a heating cap and leave on for at least an hour or even overnight and shampoo afterward.
When used as a leave-in, after cleansing and conditioning the hair, simply apply to the hair and you may follow up with a butter such as shea butter. When used as a sealer, simply apply it as the last step.
There are many other natural oils that can also be used to grow your hair fast besides the above such as amla, jasmine, etc. Many of them contain the same hair growth properties as those discussed above which will help to grow long hair fast.
Grow Long Black Hair With Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil’s (Cocos nucifera) benefits have been raved about for many years now. Many swear that you can grow black hair long with coconut oil and that it helps to grow your hair fast. But it is not just the hair care aspect of coconut oil that is raved about.
It is also used in food, for the skin whether as a moisturizer or as an after sun treatment. It is also used as a tasty healing oil for the lips and as a personal lubricant (makes latex ineffective so remember this if using condoms for pregnancy/STD prevention).
For whatever the use, coconut oil should only be purchased when it is identified as organically grown and unrefined. Refined organic oil does not feature either a sweet fragrance or flavor.
This oil is a plant-based oil that is obtained from the kernel of a mature coconut harvested from a coconut palm and comes complete with a high concentration of lauric acid, saturated fatty acids, capric acid and vitamins E and K. Coconut oil has a high moisture retaining capacity in it’s natural state and refrains from breakdown or easy evaporation when applied to hair.
Benefits of Coconut Oil with Black Hair
As discussed previously, black hair can be very dry and brittle leading to a lot of hair breakage and shedding. Black hair has a hard time retaining moisture and being able to grow black long black hair requires that this moisture issue be addressed effectively. Of all the oils, coconut oil is one of the few that not only features softening effect but also a hair follicle penetrating effect.
Coconut oil has a high affinity for hair protein and in addition to the molecular weight of the oil being low as well as its straight linear chain, it is able to penetrate inside the hair shaft which other oils do not do which helps to not only moisturize the hair from within but also helps to strengthen the hair which will help to grow African American hair. The high concentration of fatty acids in coconut oil will ensure that your hair will be nourished with protein and help create strong and long, soft and shiny hair.
This is what usually makes people think that it helps hair grow which is not really what coconut oil does. Because it nourishes hair and helps to strengthen and protect the hair, and while it may not grow black hair long, it will help you retain length and help prevent excessive hair breakage and shedding. When you keep the hair on your head longer, you will be able in this way to achieve longer hair lengths since black hair loses a lot of hair length due to a lot of hair breakage.
Coconut Oil in a Hair Regimen
1. Shampoo
When used in a shampoo, ensure that coconut oil is listed as the main ingredient. It works great as a shampoo by gently cleaning the hair without stripping the hair and drying it out which is something to avoid with black hair. You can even add a few drops of coconut oil to your usual shampoo.
2. Deep Conditioner
Saturating the hair with coconut oil and massaging the hair for a few minutes and then covering the hair with a shower cap or plastic bag is a great way to deep condition the hair after a shower with the hair building properties contained in coconut oil. This will help to build healthier and stronger hair and help to grow black hair long. It can be left on for a few hours or overnight.
Many women also use it as a pre-shampoo treatment. They apply it to the hair and keep it in the hair overnight and shampoo in the morning or just a few hours before shampooing.
It can be used alone or many other ingredients can be added to the oil. You can also add 100% pure essential oils to coconut oil.
Coconut Oil Conditioner
1/4 cup coconut oil
20 drops of basil, lavender, Roman chamomile, or rosemary essential oil
Blend these ingredients together and apply to clean, dry hair and cover with a shower cap or plastic. Apply a warm towel to the hair that you should change when the towel cools and leave on for up to an hour. Heat helps the oils penetrate better. Rinse out completely and continue with your normal hair care routine.
3. Daily Moisturizer
Coconut oil can be used as a daily moisturizer as needed to prevent dullness and dryness and some swear that it helps deal with and prevent dandruff and can be used on wet or dry hair.
All these uses and the benefits of coconut oil make it favorite in many hair care regimens especially in those for black women who have to deal with dry and brittle hair and will greatly help to grow African American hair.
NOTE– Just like with many other products, coconut oil may not work for some women and instead lead to dry, brittle and breaking hair. This may mean that your hair does not need the benefits provided by coconut oil.
If your hair has enough protein or you do not experience a lot of protein loss from your hair, using coconut oil to prevent the loss of hair protein may be unnecessary and you may end up with dry, brittle, breaking hair.
For this type of hair which may also be “sensitive” to protein treatments, conditioning treatments and not protein or protein enhancing treatments are ideal to help grow long black hair.
Derma Roller: Micro-Needling For Hair Loss
Micro-needling is another popular and less surgical tool to combat acne, aging as well as hair loss and is slowly gaining popularity and can even increase the effectiveness of natural remedies for hair loss.
What Is Micro-Needling
A small tool similar to that shown on the right known as a derma roller is used to roll gently on any affected skin area. See video below.
Derma rollers are covered with tiny needles that are closely spaced. On application to the skin, the needles create tiny holes on the skin without damaging the skin.
Micro-needling For Hair Loss
The logic behind this method is that by slightly injuring the skin, the body with respond by stimulating the natural healing of the skin, promoting cell metabolism, repairing damaged tissue, enhancing the elasticity of the skin and inducing the body to produce more collagen. These reactions by the body to the application of the micro-needle helps with acne, aging, scar tissue, stretch marks as well as hair loss.
While micro-needles for hairloss can be used alone leaving the body to respond which is sufficient, for even better results, this procedure can be used in combination with other hair loss topical treatments such as mixodil and various other oils such as emu oil, castor oil, etc and other natural remedies for hair loss discussed above. After micro-needling a bald spot or an area with slow hair growth or thinning hair, simply apply whatever treatment or hair growth oil to the area.
Is Micro-needling Painful?
A derma roller can sting but it all depends on the length of the needles as well as the pressure applied and these factors can also draw blood but it is important to realize that not a lot of pressure is required for this method to be effective. Poor quality devices can also leave some broken needles underneath the skin so look for quality tools to prevent this occurrence.
Supplements For Hair Growth
Top 5 Picks
There are many supplements that can be taken to help with hair growth or to deal with other hair problems. The five below are only a few of these beneficial supplements. Always discuss any supplements you are considering taking with your doctor first.
1. Dimethylglycine (DMG)
This is obtained from an amino acid known as glycine that is found in large quantities in connective tissues as well as the skin. There are many benefits to DMG besides its benefits for hair. IF dealing with diabetes or high blood pressure, DMG can help normalize blood sugar and blood pressure. It is beneficial for the immune system as well as causing a significant reduction in the amount of dangerous fats in the blood.
As far as the hair is concerned, DMG improves scalp circulation to ensure that the scalp receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs which is important to maintain healthy scalp which then helps to stimulate hair growth.
2. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
As mentioned previously, sulfur is an important hair building property found in hair. Besides being highly concentrated in hair, skin and nails, it is also found in lesser quantities in every cell in the body. MSM is a type of organic sulfur. MSM is commonly found in eggs, vegetables, poultry, dairy and poultry. Among its many helpful jobs in the body is it’s ability to make the structural tissue found in hair, skin and nails and those taking this supplement have reported thicker, stronger and hair with great shine.
3. Biotin
Another alternative to taking MSM is to take biotin supplements which also contain significant amounts of hair building sulfur which is indispensable for hair growth.
300 micrograms of biotin is the recommended dosage although many take supplements that are in the thousands micrograms which are also safe. Many that take biotin with these higher dosages have reported the development of acne particularly cystic acne. If this occurs, simply up your water intake to help flush out your system or take a lower dosage or opt for a different hair growth supplement.
4. Viviscal
The formulation for this food supplement contains the mineral silica which has an ability to regrow hair and also contain a fish oil extract. Many scientific studies have backed up Viviscal’s ability to regrow hair as as well other positive benefits for hair although it is still unclear as to why this product is so beneficial for hair although silica is though to be what leads to these benefits.
5. Royal Jelly
Worker bees produce this white , milky substance that they feed to the queen bee. This stuff is what is believed to turn a normal bee into the larger, long living and more fertile queen bee.
In the capsule form, it is rich in many beneficial vitamins for the body as well as hair building minerals such as iron, calcium, silica and sulfur. Be aware that this may cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals.
Silicones
Unless your hair loves silicones (relaxed or color treated hair), it is best to avoid products that contain any ingredient ending in “cone”. Silicones repel water which is not ideal for your dry hair. Any product with silicones will seal around the cuticle preventing moisture absorption.
How To Grow Long Black Hair
Black Hair Growth Tips
If you have had enough of mistreating your hair, now is the time to make a change that will help you to improve the health of the hair which will help you grow long black hair. Even if you are on a natural hair journey which means that your hair is not being put through harsh chemical processes, it still needs to be taken care of if you wish to grow African American hair. The hair cannot simply be left to its own devices without proper care whether relaxed or natural.
As mentioned previously, most black hair does not have access to sebum to moisturize and help it grow. Black hair is like a desert. Without moisture it cannot grow.
Moisture NOT grease!
For too long, black hair growth tips have involved the use of various greases which only clog pores and do not really moisturize the hair and scalp making it even more difficult to grow long hair fast (if at all). It is time to put away the greases and reach for products that add moisture and not the grease in order to grow long black hair.
Tip: What works for one type of black hair may not work for another type. Trial and error to find what works best for your hair type will usually be required.
The difference maker and one of the best black hair growth tips is to adopt a hair care regimen that seeks to add moisture to the hair and to follow this regimen consistently. Hair grows on average about 6″ per year and if you practice good hair habits, you should begin to start noticing a difference in your hair in about three months and you will be on your way to being able to grow your hair fast.
Hair Care Regimen To Follow To Grow Black Hair Long
This is a general hair care regimen. You can make adjustments as needed because frankly our hair responds to various regimens differently. Experimenting is fun and will help you discover what works for you and you will be able to grow your black hair long.
1. Pre-Shampooing
Because of the curly hair structure of black hair, it is important to detangle the hair. Using the fingers is probably the best way to help separate tangled hair strands. Certain detangling combs also work.
To make the detangling process easier:
Divide the hair into sections – 4 to 6 or more
Using extra virgin oil which is very easily available and cheap or some other oil such as coconut oil, coat the hair strands lightly while ensuring that every strand in each section is coated. You may add some instant conditioner to a pre-poo.
Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag and live on for 30 minutes to an hour.
Using a comb or your fingers, start to detangle hair. Some people prefer to braid or two-strand twist the detangled hair section by section to keep it from knotting or tangling again.
2. Rinse excess oil and/or conditioner out with lukewarm water.
3. Shampoo using a gentle conditioning shampoo and rinse.
Shampooing Tip #1:
Since black hair and scalp is dry and dull due to the natural curl pattern that prevents sebum from traveling from the root to the tip of the hair strand, excessive shampooing will only dry out the hair. It is recommended that black hair is shampooed once or twice a week. A lot of women with natural black hair usually shampoo their hair every seven to ten days.
Shampooing Tip #2:
A gentle slightly acidic shampoo is preferred for dry hair. A gentle shampoo with a pH (potential hydrogen) of between 4.5 and 6.7 is preferable for dry hair. A shampoo with a higher pH or that is more alkaline than acidic will dry out the hair. Instead of testing the pH balance of every shampoo, if it states that it is “pH balanced” on the bottle this should be sufficient.
Shampooing Tip #3:
Dry hair is the most fragile hair of all so a gentle hand is recommended. Do not pull or place other tension on the hair. When lathering the hair, do not scrub with the fingernails which may break the hair or irritate the scalp. Use fingertips when working up a lather.
Shampooing Tip #4:
Do not use the shampooing stage to detangle hair or separate the hair.
Shampooing Tip #5:
Use a clarifying shampoo about once a month to get rid of product buildup and/or hard water build up so that your hair will be able to absorb products better.
Shampooing Tip #6:
You can also use an egg to shampoo the hair. Simply beat an egg or two and using tepid water so as not to cook the egg, apply the beaten egg(s) to the hair and lather. Works just like shampoo and you do not need to follow with your regular shampoo.
Shampooing Tip #7:
Another practice for many women with natural black hair is to use a conditioner, usually a cheap conditioner as a shampoo as another way to deal with dry hair. This is known as “co-washing”. Instead of using shampoo to wash the hair, a conditioner is used to wash the hair and it is used in the same way as a shampoo. By trying to prevent dry hair on all fronts, this will help to grow your hair fast.
4. Conditioner
Condition the hair with a conditioner that is rich and moisturizing and preferably one that is designed for dry hair. Coat every single strand of hair and follow the product directions for the wait time before rinsing.
Conditioner Tip:
Use a conditioner that contains as little alcohol as possible because alcohol is very drying. A product that does not have any fragrance or very little fragrance contains little to no alcohol. Be aware that Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol are two types of alcohol that actually condition hair and are therefore good for the hair and skin. Ethyl alcohol (also listed as Ethanol, Alcohol Denat or SD Alcohol) and Isopropyl alcohol (also listed as isopropanol) are very drying to the skin and hair and should be avoided.
5. Rinse
After conditioning, rinse completely and lightly blot the hair to remove excess water.
6. Live-in Conditioner
Apply a leave-in conditioner to the hair and it is best to let the hair air dry.
n conditioner to the hair and it is best to let the hair air dry.
Leave-in Conditioner Tip #1:
Leave-in conditioners containing panthenol are great since panthenol adds moisture to the hair.
Leave-in Conditioner Tip #2:
Consider adding moisturizing oils such as castor oil, coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil to a store bought leave-in conditioner for additional moisturizing.
7. Oil or Butter
Place oil or butter on top of the leave-in conditioner to seal the moisture paying particular attention to the ends of the hair which are the oldest part of the hair. This is a very important step for dry hair. Suitable products include shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, castor oil, sweet almond oil, etc.
Deep Conditioning
Dry hair will benefit greatly from deep conditioning treatments that are kept on the hair for longer periods and there are multitudes on the market that are suitable for dry and curly hair. Deep conditioners can be applied before detangling or shampooing the hair and kept on the hair for one or more hours and even overnight. Other deep conditioners can also be placed on the hair after shampooing and then the hair shampooed again to remove the deep conditioner before continuing on with the normal hair care regimen. Deep conditioning is important to help your hair grow fast.
Hot oil treatments are also great for dry hair. Using any hot oil product, cover the hair strands fully after heating the product and cover the hair with a shower cap or a plastic bag. After 15 to 20 minutes, shampoo hair. With a hot oil treatment, the hair shaft that is comprised of dead keratin is coated with proteins and polymers which makes it more manageable and will help grow long hair fast by strengthening the hair.
Hair Product Tip #1:
Avoid products that contain any parabens in the ingredients as this has been connected with increasing the risk of developing certain cancers.
Hair Product Tip #2:
Products containing mineral oil and petroleum have been identified as the big bad wolves in skincare and hair care products. Some of these studies have shown that they clog pores which is not great for the skin, hair or scalp. Despite this information, many people swear by mineral oil and especially petroleum jelly used to seal the hair after applying a leave-in conditioner. Again, you have to decide for yourself what works for you.
Following this hair care regimen or creating your own with a focus on caring for your hair will help you not only grow long black hair but will also improve the general health of your hair. Being able to grow long black hair is not complicated. The steps above may seem long but when you care about something, you should be willing to put in the time so that you can reap the benefits. You will not suddenly wake up and have long hair. It requires time, effort AND consistency.
Wonders of Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the easiest oil to add to a hair care regimen as it is so readily available. It works on both dry or wet hair though using it on dry hair is less messy. It’s great as a detangler, hot oil treatment, conditioner and sealant. It must be warmed beforehand except when being used to seal
EVOO is one of the few hair follicle penetrating oils and will nourish, condition, strengthen, prevent dandruff and promote a healthy scalp which will help grow long hair fast.
Protein/Moisture Balance
When you are trying how to make African American hair grow longer and thicker, you may notice and become frustrated by breakage. Breakage is caused by a lot of issues and a lack of protein or moisture can be some of the factors leading to hair breakage and being unable to grow long hair fast. Hair mainly comprises of protein and strengthening the hair with a protein treatment can help in preventing hair breakage and thinning hair.
Some people have hair that does not appreciate protein treatments and only causes hair to dry out more and break which will prevent you from being able to grow long hair fast. In such cases, moisturizing treatments and moisturizing hair care products are probably the best at preventing dryness and hair breakage and will allow you to grow African American hair. Some people may need a combination of protein treatments and moisture treatments. They can implement a protein treatment once a month and moisture treatments for the rest of the month.
Testing Your Hair
Test your hair when it is still freshly shampooed and still wet. Take a strand of hair between your fingers and observe for the following;
a. if your hair stretches and stretches before breaking, you may need more protein treatments. Your hair may be over moisturized and a protein treatment will restore some balance into the hair. Use protein treatments every two weeks or once a month or as needed.
b. If your hair does not stretch much before breaking, you may need more moisturizing treatments. Your hair has too much protein and moisturizing treatments will restore the balance. Depending on the condition of the hair, do a moisturizing treatment at least once a week.
c. Your hair is healthy if it stretches somewhat and returns to its original condition without breaking.
Learning about your hair and what it needs at a given moment will ensure that you provide the hair with what it needs which will allow you to grow long hair fast with relaxed hair or with natural black hair by finding the best natural black hair products.
Sulfates
If you cannot avoid drying sulfates in their entirety make sure you avoid sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. Other sulfates while still drying are not as harsh as these two. Sodium laureth sulfate is also harsh.
Moisturizing Shampoos
Ensure that all shampoos are sulfate free. Sulfate are the chemicals in shampoos that help to dissolve oils and other dirt in the hair and are also very drying for hair. When following a moisturizing regimen, it is best to avoid sulfates which will help to keep your hair moisturized and you will be able to grow your hair fast.
Moisturizing Conditioners
Use these conditioners to moisturize the hair at least once a week. You may apply heat with a heating cap or sitting under a hooded dryer set to medium or low heat for 15 minutes. Allow the hair to cool fully before rinsing out. Use lukewarm water to rinse the hair.
Great Moisturising Deep Conditioners
Use deep conditioners about once or twice a month to help deeply moisturize your hair and help you grow your hair fast.
Moisturizing Leave-In Conditioners
Apply after shampooing hair and seal with an oil or butter. You can reapply between washes as needed.
Protein Conditioners
When using an extreme protein treatment such as Aphogee protein treatment to combat severe breakage, it is important to follow the treatment with a moisturizing treatment as protein hardens the hair and can lead to more breakage unless a moisturizing treatment is administered to soften the hair after a protein treatment. Protein treatments are essential for damaged hair and will help you grow long black hair.
Great Protein Deep Conditioners
These intense protein treatments are great if you are experiencing intense hair breakage or have severe hair damage. Otherwise, if you have moderate breakage and damage, the previous moderate protein treatments will suffice.
Home Made Beauty Recipes To Grow Black Hair
Many hair products contain various chemicals that can be very drying and damaging on the hair over time which makes homemade concoctions especially for deep conditioners very beneficial for the hair and will greatly help grow long hair fast and because you would be using natural ingredients, it makes them one of the best natural black hair products. Homemade beauty recipes can also save you money. Being able to grow African American hair does not have to be expensive unless you wish to spend the extra money. Many hair care products can be created in your own home.
1. Mayonnaise Deep Conditioner
a. Using good old fashioned Mayonnaise (not diet or lite Mayonnaise), first shampoo the hair and then apply the Mayonnaise. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. You may wrap this or cover your shoulder to protect yourself from drips. Leave on for an hour or longer. Shampoo and rinse and then follow your normal beauty regimen. Many swear by the ability of Mayonnaise to make hair soft and shiny which is important to be able to grow your hair fast.
b. Instead of using store bought Mayonnaise, you can create Mayonnaise at home to use on your hair by lightly beating an egg yolk and adding about one half cup of extra virgin oil and whipping this until it creates light foamy peaks.
c. You can add other products like a tablespoon of honey or other oils such as coconut oil and extra virgin oil to the Mayonnaise for extra conditioning. Be confident enough to experiment to find what works.
Mayonnaise Hair Tip #1: Mayonnaise contains egg. An egg yolk contains a certain type of protein that is contained in many hair treatments and conditioners. When placed on hair, the protein fills in the gaps in the hair shaft temporarily which creates hair that is full of body and shine.
Mayonnaise Hair Tip #2: Since everything isn’t for everybody, some people’s hair does not benefit from a Mayonnaise deep treatment especially if you are “protein sensitive”. The hair may become dry and brittle. If this happens to use another deep conditioning treatment that does not contain protein to soften the hair. You may prefer to only use a deep treatment that contains protein once or twice a month and follows with another deep treatment to soften the hair if you experience dryness.
2. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk also contains protein and helps many people’s hair to appear fuller and shinier. Coconut milk is vastly different from coconut juice. Coconut milk is pressed from the fleshy part of the coconut. Some people cannot stand the smell of coconut so this concoction may not work for them. For all those that love the smell of coconut, combine;
1 can of coconut milk 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 1 avocado
Shampoo hair and rinse. Using a blender or food processor, create a paste and cover the hair with the mixture, cover and leave on for at least an hour. Shampoo and thoroughly rinse the hair and follow your normal beauty regimen. You will probably need a towel to capture any drips that will result from this mixture. You can also use the coconut milk by itself if you prefer.
3. Avocado
Avocado contains very moisturizing properties and is a great deep conditioner that will help you grow black hair long and healthy.
1 ripe avocado 1 tablespoon of extra virgin oil or castor oil, etc
To prevent you from dealing with stubborn chunks of avocado in your hair, you may prefer to use a blender or a food processor to create a smooth paste. Apply to clean freshly shampooed hair and leave on for at least 30 minutes and shampoo.
Avocado can also be used as a great pre-shampoo conditioning treatment if your hair does not have excessive product build up. Using a ripe avocado, massage into the hair and leave on for an hour. Shampoo and rinse.
4. Honey Hair Conditioner
1/2 cup raw honey 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Do attempt to use organic honey as it contains more nutrients than many found in the grocery store. Honey and olive oil have very moisturizing properties which will help you grow long hair fast if you are consistent with the treatments. Warm the honey to melt and add olive oil and mix. Coat the strand pre-poo or as a deep conditioner after shampooing and cover with a shower cap or plastic bag. Leave on for thirty minutes to an hour and rinse or shampoo is used as a pre-poo. You can apply heat for up to 20 minutes if using a hair steamer or heat cap.
5. Leave-in conditioner
Use aloe vera gel and a few drops of avocado, castor, olive oil, etc, as a leave in conditioner. Aloe vera will help protect the hair against dry and harsh environmental elements which is important to prevent hair breakage and being able to grow long hair fast.
These are only a few recipes for deep treatments and conditioners to moisturize and create beautiful hair as well as grow black hair long. Do not be afraid to come up with various concoctions. There are many ingredients that you can use to create various beauty products in the comfort of your home that may even be better than many hair care products that you can buy in a store and will help you to be able to grow long hair fast.
Feed Your Hair
Feed your hair from within with essential hair building nutrients added to your daily diet. Do remember that hair in addition to the skin is the last parts of the body that are allocated any nutrients from the food consumed. So do consume enough so that there is enough extra to help grow your hair fast
Do you get stressed cleaning your CPAP systems? As much as we need that fresh clean and infection free mask each night, it can be hard to maintain the cleanliness daily.
Imagine the sinus infections deteriorating respiratory conditions due to uncomfortable smells and unhygienic CPAP machines? To counter such problems, I’m going to provide you with the top soclean cpap cleaner reviews that you can check.
SoClean CPAP Or SoClean 2 CPAP ? Which One Is Better?
It is a high time you sterilize or clean your CPAP system in the most convenient, effective and efficient way, as explained below.
I know you are in disbelief right now if you have never used this machine. I should give you a hint of the awesomeness you have been missing.
My fellow users and customers will conquer with me that so clean CPAP cleaner is a god-sent efficient and healthy cleaner that we’ve ever used. Reviewed below are two of the best models that you won’t regret owning one.
SoClean CPAP Cleaner Reviews
1. SoClean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer
I had never felt so relieved like the day I found out that I could keep my CPAP system clean and fresh every day. It seemed unreal at first. With the unpleasant smell on the mask, I could not have peace of mind sleeping. You have never been to a point whereby bedtime is like a punishment.
A friend of mine recommended So Clean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer. The machine is efficient and it works perfectly. It is safe for human consumption, since it has been registered with FDA. Besides it being automatic, it sterilizes my CPAP system killing 99.9 % of germs. Amazingly, it does not use water or any chemicals. The cleaner is quite simple to use. With the simple instruction in the manual and all the necessary accessories it comes with, it saves time to set up and use it. I have never been so happy.
I recommend it to any person out there, who find it troubling and stigmatizing to wash their CPAP system. Life has never been so easy. Trust me.
Features
Automated sanitizer
Destroys 99.9% of germs including bacteria, viruses or molds
Does not use chemical or water
Tested and registered by FDA
Constructed with an updated interface, indicator lights and smaller footprint
Pros
Healthier cleaning
Keeps CPAP system dry
Efficient way to clean
Durable
Machine works automatically
Saves time
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this cleaner and sanitizer safe to use?
A: Totally. So clean CPAP cleaner and sanitizer is registered by the FDA. What you ought to do to ensure more safety is follow instructions well on how to use the machine.
Q: How long does the whole procedure take?
A: The machine runs for about seven minutes. The system should stay closed for almost two hours that is after running it for the seven minutes.
Q: How exactly does it wash without water?
A: The cleaner eliminates any micro-organism it comes in contact with, for example bacteria, viruses or molds using activated oxygen.
Q: After sanitizing the CPAP, do I still have to clean it?
A: Yes. You ought to clean your CPAP system occasionally for maximum cleanliness
Q: Are all accessories/parts of CPAP safe for sanitizing with this equipment?
A: You can clean every part of the CPAP system with this sanitizing machine, except for the facial mask that may not fit in.
Q. How is the cleaner different from soaps that I have been using?
A: Definitely, you cannot compare a tested machine’s effectiveness with soap. The machine kills 99.9% of germs, with soap that you wash it with your hands, I wonder if 80 % of germs are even attained
My Recommendations
You need this machine because of the following reasons;
A sure way to kills germs
Safe because it involves no use of chemicals that could harm your health
Saves time and money due to ease of use
Brings out the freshness and nice smells of the system after cleaning
2. SoClean 2 CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer
The security of using a clean, fresh and sanitized machine every night is worth my sacrifice. At first I was a bit skeptical of the machine. Having read views from the internet, I got the courage to purchase one. I have never regretted my decision. I’m having more warm and refreshing nights.
With this machine, my life has been made easier. I just wake up and put the mask and the hose on the machine for it to be disinfected. I just set the sanitizing time and it works automatically. When I go to bed, I find it ready, fresh and clean with no residue or saliva from my night cream.
You know how CPAP system smells when not cleaned thoroughly. First, the unbearable feeling of having to use a CPAP, then come the dirty and smelly system. It is devastating. So Clean 2 gives you a stink free and warm night that you have always wished you have.
Imagine waking up with a clear mind. All you have to do to achieve this is to let your CPAP run for a minute or two before putting on the mask, just to get rid of the ozone odors that may be experienced.
Features
Replacement lid gasket.
Automated cleaner and sanitizer.
No need of disassembling accessories.
No use of chemicals or water.
Ozone technology odor.
Adjustable sanitizing clock adaptor.
Pros
Effortless since it works automatically.
Clean smell.
Easy to set up and use.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How well should I maintain the machine?
A: You may need to replace the filter cartridge after six months; otherwise the machine works perfectly well without disappointing. Good maintenance comes in when you follow instructions critically on how to use the machine.
Q: Can you clean your CPAP as recommended by the manufactures besides using so clean?
A: of Course. Any recommended instruction is good for your machine. You can use the neutralizing soap to clean your CPAP. This way you ensure ultimate killing of germs.
Q: What disinfectant does SoClean 2 use?
A: It uses activated oxygen technology which kills 99.9% of germs
Q: How safe is this machine? I understand ozone is dangerous for human consumption.
A: the machine is 100% safe because you do not come in contact with the ozone.it is converted to regular oxygen before being released
Q: Can I use it to clean multiple machines?
A: Yes. You can clean various CPAP machines, one at a time. The availability of two hose insertion parts also enhances multiple cleaning at the same time.
My recommendations
Kills germs effectively
Safe for human use
Efficient Easy to use
Some Necessary Accessories for SoClean CPAP Machine
1. SoClean Adapter for Resmed Air Sense 10
For heated tube functionality, you definitely need this adapter. Without the adapter, the cleaner cannot function. The reason is, it connects the resmed air sense 10 to SoClean machine.
It seems like a complex operation but do not worry, it is so easy to install as stated in the manual.
When using it, I always install the included check valve on the hose so that pressure is not lost. I would say, the adapter fits well and works perfectly for me. I also love the convenience it gives me for it works well with all SoClean models.
2. Cartridge Filter Kit for SoClean 2
For paramount cleanliness, you need this filter, which is replaced twice a year. It consists of a filter and a check valve.The filter converts activated oxygen back to regular oxygen as it leaves the SoClean 2 chamber. You know how activated oxygen is harmful, in fact, very dangerous for human consumption.
In addition, the check valve prevents water from your CPAP from damaging your CPAP electronics. This component is necessary for paramount cleanliness; after all, what is the essence of your CPAP cleaner? In a reasonable price and simple instruction to follow when installing, your SoClean machine is kept at its maximum performance.
3. SoClean Neutralizing Pre-Wash
It is essential to wash your CPAP system accessories like tubing and masking, prior to putting them on the machine. After the prewash session, you ought to hook up the SoClean to machine to the CPAP system and run it to sterilize. This way, you ensure that complete disinfection of the system is reached.
What I like most about the Neutralizing Pre-Wash liquid is the fact that it leaves no smell or residue in the system unlike using soaps. The fact that we use little amounts of the neutralizing pre-wash makes it durable and economical.
How SoClean CPAP Cleaner Works
The So Clean CPAP Cleaner and Sanitizer works in the most efficient, accurate and effective way possible. First of all, you need to set up the cleaner. Incorporate all the necessary accessories like the adapter and cartridge filter among others.Place the mask inside the chamber then close the lid.
The next step comes in when you set the duration of sanitizing then push the power button. As simple as that, your work is done; the rest is tackled by the cleaner, which works robotically. In less than two and half hours, everything is done.
The So Clean machine is programmed to clean, sanitize and disinfect CPAP equipment. The good news is the process does not use any harsh chemical or even water. You can take a sigh of relief now, the cleaner rings health to your mind, no chemicals involved right?
Actually, all the CPAP accessories being cleaned remain completely dry. I know you are puzzled right now, trying to figure out exactly how this cleaner works. You could be asking yourself, how can equipment be cleaned with no water or chemical use? The technique is so simple. The machine sanitizes the CPAP system by getting rid of any micro-organism it comes in contact with, for example bacteria, viruses or molds.
This is made possible by the use of activated oxygen. Do not worry about dangers of the activated oxygen. The machine is built of high quality and durable materials that do not allow any leakages of the activated oxygen.
The availability of cartridge filter converts activated oxygen back to regular oxygen as it leaves the machine’s chamber. You can now relax. The machine is totally safe for use.
The simplicity of this machine comes in the part where you don’t have to dissemble or take pieces apart when cleaning.
You can imagine how convenient this machine is, it saves you time of disassembling, that you could have used it elsewhere, even relaxing. 99.9% of germs are eliminated in the whole CPAP equipment without removing the mask, hose or reservoir. Interestingly, you sanitize everything with water on the reservoir included.
The cleaning and sanitizing machine is magic, within seven minutes of running and two hours of leaving it closed and in readiness for use. You cannot compare it with your old ways of cleaning. This healthy and safe technology is definitely worth investing in.
How to use So Clean CPAP
The SoClean CPAP assures you a safest and easy way to sanitize your CPAP machine. You know how important it is to keep the system fresh and germ free. It is totally best for your health. With a clean CPAP, your health improves.
From the above soclean cpap cleaner reviews, you can easily compare the features of the two best products and select the model that suits your needs.
With so much said, you need to know how to use the cleaner. Many people may complain about how their cleaners do not work effectively or how parts of the cleaner are missing. I would disagree with them.
Below, I have mentioned some simple ways you can use your machine effectively. You will love the ease and perfection it comes with.
# Set up
Place your CPAP mask inside So Clean. You do not have to disassemble any of the CPAP machine parts. When you wake up, you place your mask directly in the cleaning unit. You do not even need to disconnect the hose.
For various So Clean models, the availability of two units for placement of hose gives a right or left insert option. Choose one side that you prefer, in case you have two masks to disinfect, you may use both sides.
# Shut the lid
After placing the CPAP in the chamber, close the lid. This ensures that the process is done without any disruptions. With the buttons available on the interface, press the on button for the sanitizing process to start.
You will monitor the cleaning process using the indicator lights. With the indicator lights, you are able to know what is happening, in case of power cuts or end of the cleaning process.
# Sanitizing process
You do not have to worry about washing with water, detergents or cleaning chemicals. As I mentioned earlier, this machine is magical. It cleans with neither water nor chemicals. Most importantly, the machine works automatically hence you just have to close the lid and go.
The chamber of the So Clean has been designed in such a manner that various mask types can be used .If you want to use a heated hose, according to your model; you will need an adapter for the function. Automatically, the machine cleans by itself.
The machine sanitizes the CPAP system by eliminating germs such as bacteria, viruses or molds through the use of activated oxygen. You can relate how the accumulation of water on the mask can cause growth of micro-organisms. When the process is done, you are at liberty to pick your equipment and enjoy the fresh and energetic nights.
# Machine’s safety
Keeping the machine in a safe condition and an appropriate place is the first thing you must consider. You are therefore required to purchase additional accessories which may include; Small bottle Pre- Wash, Cartridge Filter, Check Valve, AC Power Adopter and 1 Slot Plug.
This way, your machine is in a perfect condition to work effectively. I mean, it would be a waste to have a dysfunctional machine due to lack of appropriate properties.
# Placement of the machine
You may want to place your machine besides your bed for easy usability and reach whenever needed. This way, you are able to place your mask in the SoClean unit when you wake up in the morning.
I’m sure, with the deep peaceful nights that you experience, you may want to throw your blanket miles away and stretch with so much energy and refreshments. I do that daily, thanks to my CPAP cleaner and sanitizer.
Health Benefits of CPAP
CPAP therapy has been of great benefits to people diagnosed with diseases like Sleep Apnea. Most of the time, I find the treatment to be depressing but it is worth the struggle. The stress of having to sleep everyday with the machine, maintaining the cleanliness of the machine, and the noise it makes.
So unpleasant, but hey, is it worth to struggle with the sleep breathing disorder and yet CPAP has a lot of advantages to our health? The following are some of the benefits that keep me using the therapy.
# Improvement of Health
Having been diagnosed with sleep apnea, CPAP machines have been my daily bedmates and companions. I am confident that this therapy has helped to reduce the risks of heart diseases due to difficulties in breathing.
It has also increased my concentration hence I can confidently do activities such as driving at any time of the day without causing accidents.
# Emotional stability
Imagine the stress that I have put my family under, especially my wife, due to the sleep apnea condition. At first, I was depressed. I am now happy because of the CPAP therapy although it is still uncomfortable for me.
Cleaning of my CPAP system has never been fun, especially for my wife. With the unpleasant smell, residues and saliva that stick on the mask, you can imagine how tough it is. But with the availability of cleaning and sterilizing machines, life is tolerable.
# Eliminates Snoring
CPAP therapy reduces or eliminates snoring while sleeping. Can you imagine the discomfort that other people feel when you snow loudly like a tractor? I am glad this therapy eradicated my snoring completely.
# Liveliness at daytime
Most of the time when you do not sleep well at night, you seem to struggle to concentrate during the day. Performing daily duties can be challenging because you seem to doze off a lot.
Continuous positive airway pressure enables you to have a deep sleep at night. You wake up during the day feeling relaxed and happy.
# Reduce Allergy
We suffer from allergy for different reasons. This happens mainly from dust. But, there are some indoor reasons as well, like: smokes from fireplaces cigarettes,home cleaner and sprays, perfumes etc. CPAP helps to reduce both indoor and outdoor allergies in a smart way.
# Improvement of memory and cognitive functions
Most of the time, we tend to have a short term memory loss when under stress. One of the major things that cause stress includes not having enough sleep. We tend to be weak in how we perform out daily duties.
Our body does not correspond well with the environment. With untreated sleep apnea, it can be worse as days go by. When treated with CPAP, our sleep quality improves, making us active and eliminates memory loss.
# Quality sleep
The CPAP promotes secretion of anti-diuretic hormone that controls production of urine. You no longer have to visit the toilet a number of times at night.
Enough sleep also improves how you will carry your activities during the day. No mood swings, no stress. You cannot wait for the night to have another sweet sleep.
Final Notes
It is important that you get your CPAP machine sterilized regularly. This way, it saves you from the unbearable pain of sinuses and other respiratory infections. After reading the soclean cpap cleaner reviews covered above, I know you will find the best product to work with.
I recommend the above So Clean CPAP Cleaners and Sanitizers models. They are so convenient, easy to use and most importantly, it assures you of a perfect and germ free CPAP system.
I know you will love it. I cannot wait for you to have the peaceful nights that you have always desired. The comfort, the smell of freshness and the smell of clean. See you on the other end.
Beauty
regimens have been part of our lives for many years, everyone has their own
different things that they decide to have in their regimen. Most of us have one
main one in common though and that is shaving. It is pretty standard for most
women and it is more than just legs and underarms. Yes, that is right the
bikini area! The area down there, that needs some grooming from time to time as
well.
Some are
hesitant to use a razor down there, and for good reason. It is a very sensitive
area, but for the cleanest cut a razor is the best choice. Especially if you
want it smooth and down to the skin. Now of course how much each person wants
to remove is up to them. I am going to go over the best way to shave down
there, before you know it you will be a pro.
Steps for A Great
Down Below Shave
Here are the steps you need to know when wanting to know how
to shave down there with a razor. Following these steps will give you a great
final result. Once you have it down you will probably come up with some of your
own tips that work well for you.
Shaving cream is your friend, is the best thing
you could have in your shaving arsenal. It will provide the moisture you need,
helps prevent nicks, and helps prevent ingrown hair that you don’t want. The
key here is to make sure you get a quality shaving cream or shaving gel. Since
it is typically a sensitive area for most, a sensitive formula may be the best
bet as well.
You will want a quality razor, you are shaving
an area that you really don’t want to be using a cheap disposable on.
Disposables can nick, cut or even break during use. Do yourself a favor and
invest in a razor with multiple blades that also pivots. That way it will
follow your curves down there while leaving you with a silky-smooth finish. If
you have skin that is sensitive, you could just use a razor with a single
blade.
Before getting started, you want to trim down
there to make the shaving process easier. So, you will want to use a trimmer,
scissors or clippers on the lowest setting or with the lowest clip to get it as
short as you can.
Then take a warm bath or a shower, this will
soften things up as well as making those hair follicles open. Ths making
getting that closer shave even easier. A long shower or bath is not needed
around 10 minutes should be enough, but that is up to you.
Next do a prep clean as I like to call it. Use
either an exfoliating body wash or bar with a wash cloth to clean the whole
area down there. It will assure that there will be no dead skin or unwanted
oils to dull up the razor.
Once the prep clean is done, pre-shave oil is a
great idea. While not mandatory it is a great additive to use with your shaving
gel or cream to get a great result.
Now you can finally apply your shaving gel or
shaving cream. Apply to the area you want to shave, if you have a shaving cream
brush use it. It does help some to lift the hair for a closer shave. If you
don’t have one though that is ok.
Make sure you have a new razor, or a new blade
on the razor you are going to use. Start out shaving the area you want to shave
in the direction of the hair growth. Once you have done that then go back over
it and shave against the growth of the hair. Be careful not to shave the same
area too many times. Make sure you rinse the razor frequently so that you don’t
have to keep shaving the same area due to a clogged blade.
Once you have shaved the area that you wanted to
shave, rinse razor and put aside or store depending on your set up.
Now you can rinse the area, if you notice any areas
you have missed. Use more shaving cream and go over again. Once you are sure
you have gotten rid of all the hair you wanted gone, you only have a couple
more steps.
Dry the area thoroughly with a soft towel until
you are sure you have dried area as much as you can. Pat the area don’t rub dry
it otherwise you could irritate the freshly shaved skin.
Use an aftershave lotion, again due to the area
being shaved a sensitive formula is the best. You could use an unscented lotion
as well. Another great product you can use is coconut oil, since it is all
natural and a little goes a long way.
Helpful Tips
Now since I gave you the basics on
how to shave down there, I am going to tell you some helpful tips. They may
help you out with some things you may encounter or may want to avoid.
Try not to shave when you are menstruating, your
skin is way more sensitive during that time.
For most it is easier to stand to shave, but
pick a position that is comfortable and safe for you. There are some gadgets
out there that can help, such as handles for the shower for stability.
Many women have the same fear, cutting their
vulva. Since the hair grows right on the ridge of the inner and outer. There
are guards available now that you can buy that can help ease your fears if you
are a little worried about it.
If you want a longer lasting effect, you could
opt for a waxing. Longer results but temporarily a little more painful.
If you do nick anything down there, hold
pressure on it with a piece of gauze or a rag. If bleeding doesn’t stop or it
seems worrisome to you have it checked out. The odds are very slim that any
injury could happen if you follow the steps, but it can happen.
Final Thoughts
Shaving the bikini area by most is done for both hygiene and
looks. So, you always want it to look it’s best, you will be able to accomplish
that when you find the best razor for the bikini area for you. Once you find
the perfect one, you will know it. Over time when you are feeling confident
with your shaving skills you can even make designs down there to change things
up from time to time.
When it comes to shaving, there is one thing that can really
drive you crazy. That is the skin irritation that can come along with it. You
can get skin irritation anywhere on your body that you shave. However, when you
get it in your bikini area that is even worse. Since clothing can irritate it
even further. Some think it is just a part of shaving and they have no way
around it. That is not true though, there are things you can do. People with
sensitive skin seem to even have more of a problem with irritation as well.
There are many factors that can cause skin irritation after
shaving, but I am going to tell you some ways on how to stop irritation after
shaving bikini area. Let’s go over some of the things that can cause the
irritation, then we will move on to things we can do to avoid it or stop it.
Shaving Irritation
Causes
Here are some things that can cause irritation when shaving.
By knowing them may solve your problem right from the start. However, those who
are really sensitive you may need to try more which we will go over next. Some
of the most common causes of shaving irritation are:
Dull razor, a dull or worn out razor can cause
skin irritation because it catches instead of gliding smoothly over the surface
of the skin.
Not using shaving gel or shaving cream, some
will use soap or try to go without anything but water. However, using a shaving
product puts a layer of moisture between your skin and the razor creating a
barrier.
Perfumes or irritants in shaving creams or gels.
You may be having a reaction to something in your shaving cream or gel. Best
solution for this is to purchase a sensitive skin formula.
Perfumes or ingredients in product applied after
the shave can cause problems as well. They will irritate the freshly shaved
skin causing irritation.
Sometimes clothing that sits against that area
can cause irritation as well.
Those are the main causes for skin irritation when shaving
down there. The good thing is many of those reasons can be avoided or prevented
easier than you may think.
Things to Do to Avoid
Skin Irritation After Shaving
There are some things you can do to avoid that painful after
shave irritation. Especially before it even starts, so let’s go over some of
them.
Always choose a quality razor, something that
has multiblade if possible. That way you can assure less passes are needed to
get all the hair. Some irritation is brought on by going over an area too many
times. There are a few out there that may become your best bikini razor.
Use shaving gel or shaving cream when shaving.
Some try to get away with shower gel or bar soap, but those are made for
cleaning. So, they can have heavier perfumes and more things that can aggravate
the skin during shaving. Shaving cream and shaving gel are formulated
specifically for using during shaving giving you a moisture barrier you need.
They both come in sensitive formulas as well.
Make sure area down there is thoroughly cleaned
before shaving.
Make sure to continuously rinse blade during use
keeping a clean blade.
After shaving rinse thoroughly to make sure you
have removed any product.
Apply an aftershave product formulated for your
sensitive bikini area.
You could also use some natural products as an
aftershave, such as coconut oil. Make sure it is all natural, a little goes a
long way. There are some great benefits to coconut oil, including one of which
is a protectant.
You could also use a little bit of cornstarch.
Some have used baby powder, but baby powder does have a lot of unwanted
ingredients including scent.
Avoid wearing any undergarments made of rough
material. Since it could aggravate the freshly shaved skin.
Avoid using any products with heavy perfumes in
it. Many products with heavy perfumes can cause burning and bumps on that
sensitive skin as well.
Also, make sure that area is thoroughly dry as
well after done. Not being completely dry will keep things moist down there
which could lead to different problems.
Things to Look For
When you decide to shaving your bikini area, make sure you
keep an eye on it. In most cases shaving with go off without a hitch. If you do
get irritation though keep an eye on it. If it seems to be getting worse or not
going away, you may want to seek the help of a doctor. Also, ingrown hairs can
happen, especially since you are shaving down to skin level. There are products
that you can buy and use that will lessen the chance of them, but the chance is
always still there.
Ingrown hairs are not comfortable, they feel like a really
bad pimple. Most of the time there are no serious issues with those as well.
Again, though if you experience one that just doesn’t seem right, see your
doctor. Always keep the area as clean as possible, the bikini area is susceptible
especially right after shaving.
Final Thoughts
Sure, you just read a lot, but don’t let any of it scare
you. I just wanted to make sure I covered all the basis. Some things are
learned through trial and error, but if I can help you avoid even one irritation
I am happy. I have been there and it is not fun, but with the best razor for
you and a little bit of patience you can get pretty creative down there. It
comes with practice, but there are so many products out there to help you along
the way there is nothing to really worry about.
If you are not sure what type of products you need, play it
on the safe side and just invest in sensitive skin items. It makes things a lot
easier in the long run, plus in most cases it is healthier as well. Remember
anything you use down there can and will be absorbed by your skin.
Grooming is part of our lifestyle, and as men, we want to look at our best. There are different types of shavers that you can use, and one of the most common nowadays are electric shavers.
If you are thinking of what present you will give your man on their next birthday, consider buying them the best electric shaver on the market. This is one great way in which you can impress them as well as make grooming easy for them when they have the right electric shavers.
Having these shavers give you the opportunity to shave with ease as compared to the manual machines. These machines also give you a very smooth skin hence improving your general look.
Even if you have sensitive skin, you will get a comfortable shave with the shavers we have covered here in our detailed reviews.
Best Electric Shaver Reviewed
From our research and testing, we have the best electric shavers that every man will love using. The following are incredible products that give you smooth skin and they are also very comfortable to use. Just go through the reviews and hopefully, you will land on a shaver that best suits you.
1. Braun Series 9-9095cc Wet and Dry Foil Shaver for Men
Braun has been the leading producer of quality electric shavers for both men and women for many years.
If you haven’t had an experience with their shaving products, you need to try them out, and you will be at your best look.
For those men who are looking for a quality electric shaver, then the Braun Series 9-9095cc is the perfect model for you.This is a nice shaving machine that can be used both wet and dry.
The shaver is comfortable to use, and it leaves your skin smooth and good looking.This wet dry electric shaver has so many amazing features that any man would love to see in an electric shaver. Here are some of the features you will find on the shaver.
Waterproof
Most men love to shave when taking a shower. If you have a machine that is not waterproof, you might end up destroying it when it comes into contact with water.
The Braun Series 9-9095cc is 100 percent waterproof so feel very comfortable to use in the shower or rinse it under running water to maintain it clean.
LED Display
The shaver has a clear and easy to read LCD that displays all the information that you need at a glance. You can tell when the battery is low, travel lock indicator or the hygiene status of the shaver.
Quick Charge Support
It has a lithium ion battery that provides reliable shaving power. When it is fully charged, the shaver can shave for up to 50 minutes. There is also an option for quick charging when shaving one person in five minutes.
Intelligent Sonic Technology
This is an incredible technology with 10000 micro vibrations per minute that captures more hair. The shaver also brags of optional that offers a nice closeness for long.
Built-in Fan
When you wash your machine, and you want to use it immediately, you do not have to wait for so long to dry. It is designed with a built-in fan that provides extra fast drying,
2. Panasonic ES-LV95-S Arc5 Electric Razor
Panasonic is also another recognized brand when it comes to electric shavers. Men who are looking for a high-performance grooming tool can depend on the Panasonic ES-LV95-S Arc5 Electric Razor for the best and comfortable shaving. It doesn’t matter the type of skin that you have; this electric shaver is designed to suit even people with sensitive skin. It is designed with gentle shaving blades and a nice ergonomic design for easy handling.
With this award-winning electric shaver, you will always experience the best moment grooming yourself. Let us look at some top things that make the shaver among the best brands on the market today.
Multi-Flex Pivoting Head
The last thing that any man would want is to see when shaving is partly unshaved areas. With the pivoting head of the shaver, it is very easy for it to follow the contour of your face to bring about an effective and nice coverage.
Waterproof
When maintaining your shaver clean, never get worried about cleaning it with water. Simply rinse it under running water, and it will be clean as new. Its waterproof design makes it perfect for cleaning or even using in the shower.
Blade Cutting System
Unlike other shavers that disappoint, this works its best to capture even the toughest part of your beards. The five blade cutting system offer precise shaves hence giving you a look that you have always wanted.
Intelligent Shaving Sensor
The shaver works well such that grooming becomes an interesting job. It features automatic stubble sensor that detects how dense your beards are and then adjusts the motor power depending on the density. Isn’t that awesome?
Powerful Motor
For all the machines that I have come across, this model features the most powerful motor that offers 14000 cuts per minute. This brings about very fast and effective shaves all the time.
3. Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900
Developments in technology has affected most sectors positively hence making work easier.
The electric shaver sector is not left behind, and there are so many products being introduced daily to meet the grooming needs of both men and women.
If you are still using manual shavers, you need to embrace the new technology and get yourself a perfect electric shaver that will help you maintain your looks without any hassle.
For those who want to get a nice experience shaving, try the Philips Norelco Electric Shaver 8900, and you will never be disappointed. The shaver is well crafted to meet your shaving needs and it also comes with incredible features such as:
Nice Coverage
Every shaving pass is perfect with this machine. The shaving head moves in eight directions, and this makes it easy to cover 20 percent more hair. The result is a nice shave that you have always looked forward to.
Wet and Dry Options
The machine provides you with two shaving options to suit your preference. If you love dry shaves, it is right here to meet your needs. For those people who love refreshing wet shaves, the shaver will also meet your needs.
Easy Maintenance
Keeping your shaver clean all the time gives you a nice shave the next time you are using it. In this case, this model is designed with a smart, clean system that makes it easy to maintain. This effective system will clean, lubricate and charge your machine.
Five Length Settings
You can get exactly the ideal shaving length you want. The machine is designed with five shaving lengths that offer shaving flexibility to give you your most desired look.
4. Braun 3Series 380S-4 Wet and Dry Shaver
Gone are the days when you had to visit a barber so that you can get your beard, sideburns or even hair trimmed. With the new technology, you can almost do anything right at your home. As for men, we need frequent grooming to maintain our faces at their best look. This means having the right grooming tools at our fingertips for easy shaving.
I have had the best encounter with the Braun 3Series 380S-4 Wet and Dry Shaver, and this is a product that I would highly encourage any man to get. It is very comfortable to use, and its shaving performance is awesome.
Let me take you through some of the best qualities about this electric shaver from Braun. Wet and Dry Option Having an electric shaver that provides you with two shaving options is the best thing a man can have. Whether you want to enjoy wet or dry shaves, this electric shaver is just right here to meet your needs.
Less Skin Irritation
When using this electric shaver, you will enjoy 30 percent less skin irritation as compared to other shavers. This leaves your skin good looking after a shave. The machine is also designed with rotary systems featuring skin conditioners for the safety of tour skin.
Precision Long Hair Trimmer
Not everybody loves shaving the entire beards or hair. Sometimes you just need a cool look by maintaining them at an ideal height. This trimmer works well when trimming your sideburns, beard or even mustache.
Fully Washable
Do not be worried that you will destroy your machine when you wash it. It is designed with a waterproof body so you can clean it under running water.
5. Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver
Do you ever find yourself unhappy every time that you shave? Have you experienced a very rough face immediately after shaving?These are common problems that men go through when trying to groom themselves.
The cause of such problems could be using the wrong shaver that doesn’t meet your shaving demands.
Forget about all those shavers that have disappointed you. Get the Remington F5-5800 Foil Shaver and restore your shaving experiences to the best.
With this top quality electric shaver, you can get any look that you want. It is easy to use and also comes with an essential features that take your shaving experience to a whole new level.
Convenience
This is a very convenient machine that allows you to enjoy both corded and cordless shaving convenience. You will also enjoy a five-minute quick charge function if you need enough power for a single shave.
Washable
After shaving, you can maintain your machine clean by washing it in running water. This gives it a nice cleaning to keep it well maintained for the next use.
Pivot and Flex
This is a nice feature on the shaver that makes it easy to adjust and maintain close contact with the neck, jawline, and the chin.
Intercept Shaving Technology
Another top quality feature that sits between the foil to pre-trim relatively long hair to bring about a closer look.
What is Electric Shaver
We are living in a world where technological advancements take place every day, and this is the case that is happening in the electric shaver market. There are almost new products introduced daily to meet the demands of the users.
Having an electric shaver gives you shaving convenience, and not only can you use them with gel but some can even be taken to the bathroom and still offer an incredible performance.
More and more men are embracing the use of electric shavers because of their convenience and shaving performance. There are so many benefits that you will get when you have the best electric shaver on the market. Some of these benefits include:
They are time saving
Perfect for people with sensitive skin
You can get a shaver to meet your needs
They are versatile
It is possible to wet shave
Comfortable and cost saving
Do not waste your money buying an electric shaver before you go through our reviews. We have much to give you as we have done a thorough research to help you get the right electric shaver and save you more money.
Many people end up buying cheap machines, and I wouldn’t recommend you to do that unless you want a throwaway machine.
Because you are a man and you want to maintain your great look, consider buying an electric shaver as an investment. Do not sacrifice your money and get a poor model that will not work well for you.
Just go through our reviews and find out the different features that come with the top products that we have reviewed. By doing this, you will get a great machine that will solve all your shaving needs.
Things To Consider: Electric Shaver
Be very keen when buying a shaving machine if you do not want disappointments in future. Electric shavers beat other models of shavers on the market. For you to own the best shaver, consider the following factors important when making a purchase.
Budget
For most people, the budget comes first when buying any product. It is important if you determine the amount of money that you have so that you can get a product that matches your needs.
As you know, electric shavers are highly priced than manual shavers, and they also offer a nice performance.The prices of the shavers greatly vary based on the brand. You can get affordable models ranging from 20 dollars to high-end models that go for up to 1000 dollars.
Know the amount of money that you have then look for a shaver that meets your budget requirements.
Rechargeable Verses Battery
Before you buy any electric shaver, it is important to know that they are available in different types. Knowing the different types that are available will help you select the most suitable machine to suit your shaving needs.
Majorly, we have two different types of shavers which include foil shavers and rotary shavers. Foil shavers are the type of machines that have floating heads perfect for gliding over the facial contours and the cutters oscillate behind a perforated screen.
On the other hand, rotary shavers feature between three to four floating heads for gliding over the facial contours and the cutters spin behind a very fine grid.
Portability
Electric shavers are designed in different ways depending on the manufacturer. Before you buy any model, it is important to determine how portable the machine will be.
For some models, they come with a travel case making it very convenient and easy to carry them wherever you go.
Ease of Maintenance
This is another crucial factor that you should not forget when you are looking for the best electric shaver on the market. When you are using the machines, they tend to collect some hair, and this might end up affecting their performance.
It is recommended to maintain your shaver clean for the best performance. You can even get waterproof razors that are easy to rinse for easy cleaning.
If you have a model that is not waterproof, you just need to buy a special brush to ensure that the shaver stays in its best condition.
Charge Display
There are some shavers that are designed with a charge display hence making it very easy for you to see the digital countdown on the minutes of shaving that are left. It will be easy for you to tell when you need to charge your unit.
In other models, you will find red or green indicator lights that show when the machine is charging, charge remaining or when it is fully charged. All these are essentials things that greatly help you operate your machine with ease.
Speed
You should also determine the speed of the shaver before you invest your money on any electric shaver. The speed of the machine is not determined on how quickly you can use your machine but how fast the blades move.
The speed of the machine is measured in Cycles Per Minute, and the higher it is, the better performance you get from the machine.
Wet and Dry Shaving
You also need to determine whether the machine you have selected can be used with gel or whether it is only perfect for dry shaving. This will help you get a perfect machine that you can use even in the shower.
Long Hair Trimmer
There are different features that you will find in most electric shavers. A machine with long hair trimmer is ideal because you can perfectly trim your sideburns or long hair to keep it neat.
Battery Life
You should also consider how long the machine will hold power before recharging. When fully charged, a good electric shaver should last from one to two hours meaning that it should offer up to seven shaves.
There are other models that are designed for one shave, and they allow a five-minute emergency charge.
Automatic Shutoff
Safety is also another important thing you should check to ensure that your machine lasts for long. You can think of buying an electric shaver with a charger that shuts off automatically once the machine is fully charged.
In other models, you just need to unplug the charger once the battery is full to avoid overcharging the battery which can compromise its performance.
Other Considerations
Consider the power cord
The warranty provides on the machine
The brand of the machine
Consider the voltage of the machine
Whether it is corded or cordless
How to Clean an Electric Shaver
An electric shaver cuts the hair rapidly by the movement of its blades. After every use, hair gets build up inside the shaver and you must clean it for a sharp shaving the next time. Sometimes you will also have to lubricate the shaver’s head to lengthen its functional life. Follow these instructions to clean your electric shaver.
Things you will need
To properly do this, you must prepare some additional tools including a small brush, a cleaning fluid specifically manufactured for an electric shaver, an electrical contact cleaner, lubricant for shaver’s head, and white bond paper.
Prepare the shaver
Before you try to clean the electric shaver, make sure you unplug the electrical cord or remove the battery. Some electric shavers, however, can be fully immersed so it is safe if you simply unplug the cord.
Please pay attention to a gasket underneath the cutter/blades block. The main function of this gasket is to prevent dirt or debris from entering the electrical or motor parts of the shaver. If the gasket is broken or it has any crack, you may need to replace it.
Remove the Cutter Block
The cutter block is usually attached to an electric shaver by a simple clip. If you lift it off the supports, the cutter block can be easily removed. Nonetheless, each brand may use a different mechanism, so you must always refer to the manual instruction that came with the product. If your electric shaver did not include any cleaning brush when you purchased it, you can use any small brush to clean the debris from the cutter block.
Cleaning Fluid
Although you can use water and soap to clean the cutter block, it is best to use a special cleaning fluid available in any store that sells an electric shaver. Some product even includes this cleaning agent in the package. Certain popular brands also include a stand-alone electric cleaning stand, and you can simply dip the shaver’s head into it and follow the instruction by the manufacturer. If your electric shaver doesn’t have such feature, simply use a cup of soapy water to do the job.
Check for corrosion
In case you see any sign of corrosion, spray a contact cleaner and then use the bond paper to polish it until it becomes shiny again. Finally, re-assemble the electric shaver and spray the lubricant to the shaver’s head. The lubricant helps to reduce friction between foil and blades. You may want to spray this lubricant before every shave to make sure the shaver works properly. It is also expected that you don’t have to replace the shaver’s head too often with proper cleaning and lubrication.
How to Trim a Mustache With an Electric Shaver
While some men simply prefer cleanly shaved facial hair, you may want to trim your mustache properly for various reasons. You can use the traditional beard-shaver or clipper, but the best way to trim a mustache is by using an electric shaver. With the proper tools, you can do it quickly and confidently.
The Tools
Al electric shaver will do most of the jobs, but you must also prepare other essential including scissors, which you will be using to trim the edges of the mustache, a comb, and a small mirror mounted on the wall.
Wait For It
You can only trim a mustache that is grown to a considerable length. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to wait one or two days before the mustache becomes a noticeable facial feature. With the right length, trimming a mustache will be even easier.
Shampoo Your Mustache
It may sound a little strange, but you need to shampoo your mustache before you can properly trim it. Of course, some people will say that facial foam is enough, but a mustache is basically hair so you need the proper hair care product to treat it. Wait for the mustache to completely dry before you start trimming it.
Start From The Outside
Use the scissors to trim the edges around the corners. You can trim it as you like, but make sure you start from those corners. The gap between mustache and lips can be very small, so you have to always be very careful to avoid injury. Always use sharp scissors to do it more easily.
Shape The Mustache
Once the corners/edges are trimmed, use a mustache comb to style it. It is easier to trim a mustache when the hair is straight. Sometimes you can still see excess of hair hanging on the upper lips when the mustache is straighten so you have to trim it. Do this very carefully since you don’t want the mustache to be very thin that it looks odd on the face.
Style It As You Want
To make sure the mustache is symmetrically cut, use an electric shaver to finish the treatment. An electric shaver does it more quickly but it is actually more manageable. The shaver usually has mustache trimmer attachment as a pop-up tool, so it is good to use it. Start with one side and trim from the outside towards the center. Treat the other half of your mustache in similar manner to make sure the left and right sides are perfectly balanced.
Electric Shaver Benefits
Safety
A safety razor blade has to make direct contact with your skin when you shave. It means your skin is always at risk of cut wounds. People with certain medical conditions that suppress the body’s healing ability or immune system should not use a traditional razor blade carelessly. In contrast, the rotating blade in an electric shaver is never in direct contact with your skin. It sucks the hair through the screen into the main unit and cuts them on the different side of the screen.
Faster
Since there is almost no risk of cut wounds, you can move an electric shaver around without even really paying attention to it. An advanced model can even adjust to every curve of your body as you glide it. The blades also rotate in high speed, making it possible to cut every hair on your face or other parts of your body very quickly. You don’t even have to apply soap or shaving cream.
Less Mess
Without soap, shaving cream, or hot water, you can shave almost anywhere mess-free. In case you have sensitive or irritable skin, you may need to apply a gel to the electric shaver’s screen. You don’t apply it to your face, making it easier if you are in a hurry.
Final Words
If you have been using manual shavers, you need to have an experience with an electric shaver, and you will note the difference.
I’m not saying that manual shavers do not provide fine results, but there are so many benefits that you will get when you have the best electric shaver.With electric shavers, no more bleeding and skin irritating skin that you might experience with manual shavers.
Even aftershave, your skin will always remain smooth, and you will be at your best look.Count yourself lucky if you purchase any of these reviewed shavers and you will enjoy a great time grooming yourself.
They are quality shaving machines that give you the best look.In as much as the shavers might not cost low than the manual models, they are worth buying and very comfortable to use.
I have learned to co-ordinate together people, and products is like herding horses, but in this case, clean, smooth shaven ones. This research might have left me with some gray hairs, but the good news is that at least I nailed it in knowing the best shavers for head out there for them.
Anybody who has ever shaved a head knows it’s never an easy task for that greatly desired look. It takes time and superb experience to get that comfortable maneuvering along your scalp.
It could be difficult to see, leave alone reach much of your head area dying for a shave. More importantly, its strenuous getting a good head shaver to do the right job.
Head Shavers Compared
Unsurprisingly, many out there claim to do you justice but fail to deliver. With many of us having different shaving habits, beards and hair growth.
I have tested many in the market, and for sure even though there are some you should never use, these topped the list of those you can choose from at any given day without disappointment.
Top 5 Best Shaver For Head 2019 Reviews
1. Skull Shaver Bald Eagle Smart
If you need a fast and smooth dry and wet shave, the skull shaver bald eagle smart is here for you.
But it’s not advisable to use it with a gel to avoid its density and stickiness which can hurt performance. It comes with a design too dedicated to the bald head for perfection.
It’s a large fantastic swirling flexible head shaver, with five rotary cutters for your fast and close shave, leaving your shave never messy.
It comes with a patented small handheld exquisite shaver handle, to easily fit in the palm of your hand.
Battery
The Skull Shaver Bald Eagle Smart has a Li-ion battery for excellent performance. It has a strong motor up to 10500 RPM. It’s a 90 minute of use on a single charge and 5 hours to full charge. It’s a UL certified 110- 240V plug charge for global voltage.
Suitability
Use it advisable for cordless operations. Its forehand glide will provide you with comfortable forehand motions. It can shave horizontally with no nicks, cuts or burns.
Automation
It’s one amazing shaver with five individual flex action, double super thin heads that automatically adjust in respect to every curve of the scalp for that fine smooth shave. This will save you time and shaving in any direction including circular motions. It’s easy to clean and rinse with warm water without opening shaver heads.
2. Remington Hc4250 Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit
The Remington HC4250 comes with the curved blade that will work awesomely on your head natural shape. Expect very comfortable and precise self-haircuts.
You won’t be afraid of running out of power in the middle of your shave.
This is one of the favorite designs as you will discover. It’s a lithium powered head trimmer that will provide you up to 40 minutes of cordless run time.
Its corded/cordless function conveniently emphasized for enough power to finish exactly what you started.
Design
The ergonomic design it comes along with will leave you thrilled. It can fit comfortably in your hand for an all-round grip and ease of motion as you get your perfect shave confidently.
Power Curve Blade System
Its extra-wide curved blade is best for your natural head shape for a close and even cut. You will no doubt love the breeze around your ears and neck as it concentrates into detail during your shave.
Product Dimensions
The Remington is a 24.8 x 17.8 by 6.4 cm design and 522 g. This is great portability. Anticipate 9 Length additional Combs too. Its easily Washable and Storable. This is the best shaving machine for your head.
One of my best shavers, the Philips Norelco shaver 4500 is designed with slots and holes to quickly and comfortably shave both long and short hair grains.
I fell in love with its modern shaver courtesy of embrace of Aquatec Technology. It comes with longer hours of usage for a minimum 8-hour charge.
The trimmer embraces of the latest Aquatec Technology, this allows you into modern shaving with the use of gel or foam for your extra skin protection or dry for convenience.
Relevance
A great gift is the shaver’s Aquatec Technology that allows you to shave wet with gel or foam for extra skin protection or dry for convenience.
Convenience Versus Usage
For best results, replace shaving head every 12 months with SH50/52 replacement head. You will find its integrated pop-up trimmer perfect for sideburns and mustache trimming. Shaves long hairs and short stubble too, thanks to its dual precision shaving system.
Its pivot, flex and float system keeps the heads in close contact with the skin for that quick and effective needed shave. Comes too with a patented super lift and cut Dual-blade action to lift hairs and cut comfortably below your skin level
Battery And Other Benefits
It comes with an LED charge battery, low and full indicator capability. It’s a user convenient 3-minute charge for one cordless shave. Charge to full for 8 hours for up to 50 minutes of shaving. You will enjoy its fully washable design for easy cleaning.
4. Panasonic ES-RT97-S Arc3 Electric Razor
The Panasonic ES-RT97-S Arc Electric Razor is uniquely an electric razor and trimmer combined in one.
If you like a trimmer that will rise to your hand motion shaving conveniences, the Panasonic ES-RT97-S Arc is just the right one for you. It also has an irresistible motoring system too.
Stainless-steel, hypo-allergenic Arc3 foils naturally follow individual facial contours, pivoting shaver head glides effortlessly over face, chin, and neck.
Body Design
The shaver comes with an Arc 3 men’s shaver plus a 3-blade cutting system and horned precision. It has an ultra-thin 30° edge blade for your fast, smooth electric shaving with outstanding closeness and comfort.
Shaving Compatibility
To transform the shaver into a trimmer, you are set to experience a 5-setting comb attachment plus a Slide-up 45° trimmer that perfects concentrated detail to mustaches and sideburns.
Powering Expectations
It comes with a High-powered Panasonic 10,000 rpm motor for consistent, streamlined shaving. Shave dry anytime or in the shower with foam or gel for wet dry convenience.
The premium Automatic Cleaning & Charging Station cleans, dries and charges the ES-RT97-S shaving machine with the touch of a button, keeping it fresh and ready for the next shave.
5. Head Blade Sport Razor with Triple Blade Technology
This modern head blade sport ultimate head shaver works best for you, if you want in the shortest of time to have your shave committed.
You will use less of your resources and energy, further cutting down your long run budgetary shaving needs. One of the most comfortable too for that clear cut of the long tail needs.
As shaving goes on, accompanied small wheels smoothly keep smoothly moving on your head as the shaver goes busy at work.
Design
With a triple blade technology, your shaving will be closer and nest for a smooth shave on your head. It’s so easy, quick and fun to use enjoying every minute. The ergonomic design enables safe handling with ease.
User friendly
The shaver has got a small finger spacing looking like a hole for you to fix your finger allowing flexible hand motions while cutting the long grains. Chances of cuts and nicks are minimized by the elegant Head blade design. It will give you options for fixing sensor blades, providing you better level of closeness than single blade or razors.
Cost
This blade shaver is no doubt one of the most economical when it comes to cost. It uses Gillette plus blade cartridges as the blades, which take long to go blunt reducing replacements, hence costs.
Things To Consider: Best Shaver for Head
If particularly you aren’t the coordinated, using a manual or straight razor can be a recipe for disaster. Long hair will jam up electric shavers; even standard ones sometimes don’t live to your expectations.
No worries, I have compiled for you the most critical aspects that need to be at your fingertips for one that will fit your skin type and personal preferences.
Your Budget
It’s important you understand your financial capability matched to the quality and your shaving needs. This will enable you to get a quality one, which can be slightly expensive, but at a good bargain price, you have an opportunity to find one that suits your taste.
Variety Of Blades Available
Some electric shavers are normally accused of not getting any close to even traditional ones. To get that close shave on your head, check out for top shavers with at least three blade options.
This is because the more blades your head trimmer has the closer the best of the shave you are going to get. Pop out trimmers in modern shavers too will bring down your long hairs with ease.
Speed
There is a difference between the speed of an electric shaver and shaving speed. This can be confusing to many. But not for you anymore. Speed doesn’t necessarily mean how quickly you can use your machine to shave but how fast your head trimmer blades can tactfully move about cutting your long hair.
Electric shavers speed is measured in cycles per minute (CPM). The lower the CPM, the more of a lousy and uncomfortable head shave you can expect. This could not be appropriate if your skin is a sensitive one. Keep off from low CPM electric shavers. Go for those with higher CPM.
Battery Life
If you can find a head shaver that can be plugged into a power source and used independently of one via a battery, that would be perfect for you. Having only one option might inconvenience you at some point.
The trimmer should operate at least an hour cordless. Higher end models can run for weeks, but you will need to go deep into your pocket. Regardless of that, they can be useful when traveling around.
Wet Plus Dry
Consider the possibility of your shaver being used as a gel or as to whether you need dry shaving. Wet and dry shavers will get you a closer shave quickly.
How to Shave Your Head by Yourself?
The bald head look is a hot one these days and can be used by men who are suffering from loss of hair. I once had a lot of hair, but after many years my head was not as full as it used to be, so I decided that shaving was a good idea. Since then I’ve never turned back.
Shaving your head is kind of scary at first because you have no real clue on how to do it, what kind of razor you need to use, what would it feel and look like, or even how to get the job done by yourself!
Step by Step Guide to Shave Your Head by Yourself
Wet your head a little bit with warm water (or better yet, start shaving after taking a hot shower). Rub it to loosen up the hair follicles.
Use a shaving cream or gel. The choice is yours; here you can find the best shaving creams. Spread it evenly across your scalp.
Slip your finger in the Head blade ring and let it slide right over, from front to back with just one pass. Rinse after each one. Thanks to the wheels in the razor you don’t need to worry about shaping.
Keep up with long strokes and once you get to the sides of your head be extra careful. The skin around your ears feels a bit like a pillow and if you don’t take care you can end up with nicks. I had to learn this by experience!
Once you are done, rinse excess cream of your head and clean it with a towel. You are done! It is as easy as it sounds!
Head Shaving Tips
It can be somewhat daunting to shave the back of your head. This is an area that you can’t see without the help of two mirrors at least, and even then it is tricky to shave. Don’t worry, with the razor you’ll learn to do it by feel.
Don’t press to hard on your skin while passing the razor or you can harm yourself. It happened to me the first time, so it is good to remember that even with the safe design this is still a blade.
The first times you shave your head you’ll feel razor burn. This is normal and stops once you start shaving regularly, but avoid shaving while you still have the burn or else it can get worse.
Final Words
A shaved head can be a great look for many men and styles. It’s a great solution for those with thinning hair, especially those with advanced balding, in which other hairstyles for balding men no longer apply.
A shaved head can make you look dominant, confident, and younger. But before you whip out the razor blade, you first need to assess whether the shaved head style will work for you as this is dependent upon the size and shape of your head and face.
Be sure also to check out the benefits of shaving your head infographic to help assist you in your decision. Once you’ve determined the shaved head is the right look for you, it’s time to get down to business.
Hope this review about best head shaver will help you to find the best one.
Getting a smoother face is something that many men would like, and such is made possible through shaving.
Through the years, a variety of innovations have been introduced within the product category to differentiate one product from another. These innovative features have made shaving a lot easier, and most importantly, less irritating.
It requires the need to have one specific product to be compared to another to be provided with an assurance of ending up with the best choice.
And with the many razor brands available in the market currently, then choosing what will serve you best becomes a bit of a challenge.
Safety Razors Compared
So to choose the best safety razor, it’s essential to come up with a number of factors that you will have to consider first. And together with this review, then selecting your safety razor that will suit your needs perfectly will become a very easy task.
Following a very in-depth research and detailed experience with various safety blades in the market, I was able to come up with this list in which this model topped my list.
I love its sleek design and it’s amazing finish makes this razor stand out. I just think it’s an amazing piece with effective performance. I find this piece quite irresistible, and I know most men would love it too.
The safety razor has a beautiful satin finish that makes it very outstanding and eye appealing. I love its finish since it makes the razor piece very beautiful and attractive. I just can’t say no to use it over and over again.
Double Edge Design
The Merkur safety razor has a double edge design that makes it very outstanding. I mean the design is very elegant and makes the razor a masterpiece. I love this design since I think elegance starts from minor things that we possess.
Adjustable Razor Blade Angle
One thing I love about this razor blade is its adjustable razor blade angle. I find this feature very amazing since I can adjust the blade angle to whatever angle I desire. I can easily change from 450 to 300 which is always very handy.
Comfortable Shave
The safety razor blade gives you a comfortable shave which makes it very amazing. I have never experienced such a smooth, comfortable shave like this; I just find this razor very outstanding with effective performance.
2. Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor
At times a nice befitting smooth cut is all one requires. I just can’t help but think the razor is a masterpiece that stands out. I love everything about this safety razor, and I think it’s a one of a kind.
The long handle is very handy. I don’t see any need of one experiencing discomfort just because the razor handle is very short and slippery.
The Merkur long handle is very great for people with large hands which make it very comfortable and easy to use.
High-Quality Shaving
The razor has effective trimming capacity that is very A rated. Its shaving is of high quality that will leave you fully satisfied with its amazing results. I just love the high-quality shaving this razor offer.
Sturdy Finish
The razor has a very sturdy finish that makes it have a strong body. I totally find its sturdy finish very amazing and makes the razor very long lasting and reliable. I have used it for almost three consecutive years, and it still stands out.
3. Edwin Jagger DE89bl Chrome Plated Razor
When I think of razor, the first think that crosses my mind is its effective and smooth cut. And this Edwin safety razor is very amazing, and its results are very impressive. Everything about this razor is very pleasing and amazing.
The safety razor has a head that can fit all standard DE blades. Or you are never restricted to one using one type of a DE blade, but instead, all DE blades can easily be used.
I love the fact that I can easily use other DE blades which don’t inconvenience me at any given time.
Shaves As Close As A Straight Razor
If you love having a close shave, then this Edwin razor is the perfect suit for your needs. It’s designed even to shave on a very close range with very minimal injuries occurring. I just love every bit of its close shave since it gives a smooth amazing result.
Excellent Balance For A Close Shave
It’s always very important for a razor to have balance because a balanced razor is vital for that excellent balance when close shaving. I mean who wouldn’t want to have a close shaving just because the razor is imbalanced?
Smart And Durable
The razor is very durable when it comes to giving one service. I think every man would desire to own a razor that is very long lasting and reliable always. It can withstand all the hardship tests and remain the same after some time of constant use.
4. The Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar Double Edge Razor
If you are looking for a high-end safety razor that will give you the much desired effective performance, then this amazing blue beards piece will best suit your needs. It’s always amazing when it comes to its design, and its overall look is very sassy and outstanding.
The razor has a very light weighted with an overall weight of razor 67g. Its light weight makes it handling very easy and comfortable. I love how easy I can handle the razor for an extended period without getting tired.
Chrome Plated Double Edged Wet Razor
The blue beard safety razor has a chrome plated double edged wet razor that makes it very handy when it comes to wet shaving. I don’t think any man would resist this razor because it’s a double edge which results to a smooth, clear-cut.
Precision-Engineered All-Metal Construction
Just imagine owning a safety razor that has all metal construction and how amazingly durable it can be? Yes, this blue beards razor is a one of a kind razor that has a precision engineered all metal that makes it have incredible clear cuts. I love the how the razor gives a précised cut too.
Good Length
The razor has an overall length of the razor is 95mm which makes its handling very comfortable and easy to handle. I have never loved a short length razor that is very uncomfortable when I can always have a nice comfortable handle.
5. Parker 66R Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor
When it comes to perfect smooth save, I just think of Parker safety razor that has never be a disappointment or failure to me.
It’s effortlessly good, and everything about it is totally amazing including its perfect design.
The safety razor has a 3.75-inch long textured handle that gives an individual the required comfort and makes sure that the handle is never slippery regardless of whether the hands are wet and soapy.
Material
The Parker safety razor is made of 100 % brass frame that makes it very reliable. I have never doubted this razor even for a minute, and I still love its material. I don’t think anyone would find this safety razor a disappointment.
Sharp, Super Chrome Double Edge
The razor has a sharp, super Chrome double edge that is included. I love how sharp the blades are, and they tend to remain the same for a longer time duration which is very amazing. I have never regretted having purchased this amazing razor.
Long Lasting
Think of a long lasting safety razor, and I will promise you that this Parker model will totally suit you. It’s specifically designed to last longer than required and I have never experienced any issues concerning the razor wearing off.
Things To Consider When Purchasing The Safety Razor
Before you could think of purchasing a safety razor that will perfectly suit your needs, it’s very important to have some factors to consider first.
Cleaning Station
Some shavers are designed with a cleaning station that keeps the shaving head free of buildup and this extends their life. Cleaning stations may also leave the razor with a fresh, clean scent. So it’s very important to consider whether the razor features a cleaning station or not.
The Razor Material
The razor should always be made of stainless steel which are very difficult to get stained. I mean, it’s important to keep the razor blades stain free. Plus stainless steel makes the blades very long lasting.
Price Range
It’s always advised to purchase an item that is within your budget range. I think it’s crucial to purchase a safety razor that you can easily afford so that you avoid straining your pockets. I don’t see the reason as to why you should get into debts or be extravagant just because you want to purchase a safety razor.
Durable
It’s essential to purchase durable safety blades that will serve you for a long duration than to buy a safety razor that will easily wear off. Mostly, a stainless steel safety blade is very durable and reliable.
Handle Design
Most individuals love safety blades that have a comfortable handle design that is very gentle on hands and very easy to handle. I don’t see the reason as to why one would just purchase a safety razor that is very uncomfortable and difficult to handle.
Safety Razor Shaving Tips
So you want to shave how real men shave. Well, I’m proud, because you decided to go with one of the best. Safety razor shaving will not only dramatically improve your overall shave quality, but it will give you a new sense of proud in taking the time to do something right.
I will give you a few tricks that were passed on to me when I began safety razor shaving. I’ve passed these tricks on to my customers and it got them off to a good start with wet shaving. So, with all that being said, here are some solid tips for shaving with a double edge (safety razor).
30 Degrees
When shaving with a multi-blade it’s easy to become dependent on the pivoting technology. No matter how we hold the handle on those Gillette and Shick razors, it will always remain flush with skin. That’s because those blades are positioned at 30 degrees, which is the “ideal cutting angle.”
Now, I don’t know it that’s exact science or a rough estimate, but I do know that if you hold the safety razor handle somewhere between 30-45 degrees, you will get some good cutting action.
Keeping the handle at that angle throughout the entire shave will do the trick. Be sure to slow down at the jawline. There is where it gets tricky because the angle changes drastically. It’s not terribly difficult; it will only take a few shaves to get comfortable.
Pressure is a No-No
Again, when shaving with a multi-blade, its pivoting technology relies on you keeping the blade pressed against the skin. This allows the blades to follow the contours of your face with no problem. However, it’s not such a good idea when using the safety.
Providing that your blade is sharp and you properly prepped the hair prior to the shave, the double edge will need no assistance from you to cut the whiskers. It will cut indeed. Just let it rest with its own weight on the skin and simply guide it across the grain.
If you press it against your face, you are more likely to cause irritation or injury to the skin. So, remember, no pressure.
The Short Stroke and The Other Side
Now most men, are familiar with the long sweeping stroke to make passes, but with the safety it’s really nice to execute short strokes. I find myself using a combination of both long and short strokes to make passes, but the short strokes are definitely my favorite.
I learned this technique from GeoFatBoy’s YouTube channel. This is very effective for shavers in a hurry. You can really knock out a shave with a minimum of two passes in about 5 minutes. I like to move right to left making about 4-5 short strokes on each side of the safety razor before rinsing. That’s half of my face already shaven (not including my neck) before even making my first rinse.
Let me also mention that I don’t have to spend precious time unclogging the razor, like those poor gents using a multi-blade. When I go to rinse the blade, as soon as the water hits the razor, the hair’s gone and I’m shaving again with nothing slowing me down. If that’s not efficiency, I don’t know what is.
Finally, and that’s enough to get you started. Besides most of what you will learn will be via trial and error. Practice getting to know your face and your hair growth pattern, and always make sure to do a good prep before a shave. You want those hairs nice and soft so that the poor safety doesn’t have to work harder than it has to. Start with-the-grain first (the direction the hair grows in) and you will be perfectly fine.
Final Words
Your general physique is serious business, as your girlfriend, wife or partner will tell you. Get the right tools for the job and make sure that no hair is out of place. And with the right safety razor, all your desires can easily be achieved.
As they say, our first impression matters and why don’t you uplift your first impression by being well-groomed courtesy of these razors.
At times deciding the best safety razor can be challenging and confusing, but if you have a number of things that you have to consider plus the described safety razors above, am sure your selection process will become very easy and simple.
