NATURAL HAIR INFORMATION!
Visit My Friends Site
At the bottom of the page you can leave a message
I would love to hear from you!
Updated 06/14/2013
What Is Your Hair Type?
Have you ever looked at the hair type chart 4A, 4B, 4C and
realized I am a mixture of all three or realized you didn’t fall into any of
the categories or have you gotten so caught up in hair typing that you can’t
stop comparing your hair texture to other naturals? In the beginning of my natural journey I use
to compare my hair to others. I would wish my hair wasn’t so dry and wished
it had a natural shine to it then as I matured and learned to love my hair and
care for my hair I was no longer a slave to this hair typing system.
My hair type is no type because I no longer buy into the
hype. I have kinks, zig zags, curls and
coils. My hair when wet soaks up water
like a sponge and with no product applied sits on my head like a dry cotton
ball. It’s true I can do a so called
wash n go if I apply a leave in and gel then let my hair air dry over night
before going out the next day but I’ve never been able to get out the shower
shake my hair and go, have you?
My hair has a mind of its own it may start out flat with
waves due to a twist out but let heat/humidity hit my hair and it rises like a
cake!
I’ve learned not to compare my hair to others because it’s
unique to me and I can appreciate the diversity of hair types in the natural hair
community.
My advice to you if you are newly natural or if you’ve been
natural for a while but struggle with this issue is:
1. Don’t get caught up in hair typing
2. Learn to work with the hair that grows out of
your head
3. Don’t compare your hair to others
4. Don’t be upset if your hair is not curly
5. Learn to enjoy your natural journey
Until Next Time!
Can You Believe You’re Natural???
Hey Ladies,
My mother is a Cosmetologist and was one of the
best in Flint, Michigan. I mean she
competed in hair competitions winning trophies and everything!! I only allowed her to do my hair and the only
time I went to someone else was to get braids.
I remember a time in my life when I couldn’t wait to get my perm. I would bug my mother so much about coming
into the salon to get it done.
The photo of me is my Senior Prom hair 1993 and
you know that hair was freshly permed even though the style looked like a fan!
:o) Ma used the old school Bantu perm
and then later on switched me to Design Essentials.
I would never scratch my scalp the day before
getting my perm because my head would be on fire if I did. Until mama said come on a certain day I would
try and hide my new growth by slicking my hair back with gel until it was hard
as a brick or I would try and curl the kinks out with a Golden Hot curling
iron!
I even let my hair determine how cute I felt. If it was straight and freshly permed I
thought I was all that but when I had that small afro under my straight hair I
didn’t feel as cute.
Ma always liked to do my hair early in the morning
when I was getting a perm so I was usually the first one at the salon. I would jump in that seat ready to go but ma
would take her sweet time getting to me but when she did the first question out
of her mouth was, “did you scratch?”
Sometimes I would actually lie and say no because I didn’t want her
getting on me but most of the time I told her the truth. My tender spot when I had a relaxer was the
center of my scalp it would itch so bad when I needed a perm so I scratched
it. I actually put up with the burning
just to make sure my hair was bone straight I didn’t care that it would cause
scabs to form.
After getting my fresh relaxer I walked out of
that salon with a smile on my face!
Fast forward to today, if someone would have told
me in 1993 or even in 2000 that I would have natural hair I would have laughed
at them. I can say I enjoyed my relaxed
years but I am ecstatic about my natural journey no more itchy, burning
scalp and my hair does not determine how I feel.
So talk to me in the comments section below, can you believe you're natural?
How to Do an
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse/Benefits
What you’ll need:
Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/4 cup
Water -2 cup
Spray Bottle or Applicator Bottle
Pour water and ACV into spray bottle and shake really well.
1. Cleanse/Shampoo your hair and rinse.
2. Spray or Squirt ACV onto scalp and
massage into hair to loosen the dirt then drench all over your hair make sure
to get your ends. Once you’ve massaged
into hair/scalp really well then rinse it out. You don't have to use conditioner because the ACV will leave your hair feeling soft and smooth.
3. Apply your leave in moisturizer
4. Apply your styler and style hair
You can do this at least once or
twice a month. If you notice that your
hair is not benefiting after the first use do not use again!
The
Benefits of ACV Rinse
1. Locks in moisture and
your hairs protein it flattens the cuticles.
2. Provides shine to your hair.
3. Since your cuticles are now flattened your hair will be
easier to detangle.
4. Your hair will have more elasticity.
5. Helps with the PH balance of the scalp.
Make sure to do your own research as well regarding an ACV rinse because it may not be for you!
The Rate Our Hair Grows
Our hair usually grows at least six inches a year but it
could grow more than six inches a year when you factor in DNA and your
diet. This means the average rate of
hair growth in a month is ½ inch per month, which means our hair is constantly
growing.
Three major things can have a negative effect on how our
hair grows and can cause it to slow down they are:
1. Medications
2. Stress
3. Unhealthy Diet
4. Sleep Deprivation
If you notice your hair is not growing or the rate of growth
has slowed down look into the things listed above and try to work on that area.
Ways you can prevent breakage or hair loss is by
implementing the following:
1. Eat Healthy
2. Cut back on your caffeine intake
3. Don’t over use heat
4. Make sure to massage your scalp
5. Be gentle when combing your hair
6. Make sure to deep condition your hair
7. Avoid protein overload
8. Get your ends trimmed
9. Don’t over condition your hair
10.Use a Sulfate Free Shampoo
11.Wear Protective Styles
12.Always wear a satin bonnet to bed
13.Don’t braid your hair tight
14.Try and keep your hands out of your hair in
other words don’t play in your hair
15. Seal in the Moisture with a good oil and keep your hair moisturized
I think that you will have a healthy hair journey
with a successful growth rate if you take heed to the things I listed above!
Until Next time!
Stay Encouraged
Going Back To A Relaxer????
 |
Me Relaxed Hair 2007
|
Hey Ladies,
I know I probably scared you with that title but wait a
minute! Lol
At times do you feel like giving up on this natural hair
thing and going back to the creamy crack known as a Relaxer, well I do. I get that urge sometimes to get a fly hair cut and a
Perm. My husband even said he misses my
relaxed hair and he would like for me to go back to a perm.
I miss spending maybe an hour or less on my hair instead
of spending 2 to 4 hours. I do treasure
the times when I could just run a comb through my hair whether wet or dry or go
outside and not worry about my hair shrinking up and looking like cotton ball
gone haywire! :o)
With all this said I will never go back to relaxed hair
because I Love My Natural Hair and I wish I would have gone natural earlier in
life.
For those of you who are at your breaking point and thinking
about getting a relaxer DON’T DO IT reasons below:
- Think about why you went natural in the first place and how
your hair/scalp has benefited from it!
- Think about the people in your life that you may have
influenced to go natural or that little girl who now loves her kinks and curls
because her mommy rocks an Afro.
- Think about the men in your life who look at you differently
because you have made a decision not to hide behind the wigs, weaves or
perms.
- Think about how fly you look with your short natural hair
while you show off those high cheek bones!
- Think about the versatility you now have with natural hair
and part of that versatility is being able to wear your hair straight if you
like.
- Think about how going natural with your hair has now caused
you to even be more conscious about what you put in your body.
- Think about who gave you your hair and that HE
(God) didn’t make a mistake.
Until Next Time Ladies!
Stay Encouraged
Shea Butter
Hi Ladies,
When choosing Shea Butter it is best to go with
unrefined. Unrefined Shea Butter does
not contain additives or preservatives.
Shea Butter comes from a nut produced by the Karite Tree, which is found
in West Africa. The aroma is usually
nutty and the color is usually cream/beige.
Many people with natural hair use Shea Butter. The main use for Shea Butter when it comes to
hair is to seal in the moisture and use as a styler when mixed with different
oils. I use Shea Butter as a sealant
when I’m not using my jojoba oil. I also
use the butter on my face to lighten my dark spots.
Below are some benefits to using Shea Butter.
1.
Relieves dry skin
2.
Prevents premature wrinkles
3.
Helps to heal cuts and burns
4.
Can help reduce acne
5.
Minimize stretch marks
6.
Moisturizes skin and scalp
7.
Reduces razor irritation and diaper rash
Do you use Shea Butter and if so how has it benefited you?
THE WINNER IS!!!!
Hi
Ladies,
First,
I want to thank everyone who entered the Giveaway it was touching to read all
of the wonderful ways my website or video’s has helped you on your natural hair
journey! I wish I could afford to have given everyone something but there
could only be one winner.
The WINNER of the GIVEAWAY is: Mariah Morris
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
This
is what Mariah said:
"I can honestly say your channel
has definitely helped me out alot. Right after big chopping I hated it
and decided I was going to hide my hair under weave. I decided to get
braids and rock those for a while, but they began to get fuzzy and ugly
looking. So I surfed youtube for hours, being that it was time to take
the braids out, for short natural hair styles. I honestly HATED almost
every hairstyles, it wasn't me. I found your video "wash n go on short
natural hair"! You inspired me to go right ahead and take the braids out
and rock my hair. I have not worn weave since. I have been rocking my
natural hair for about 2 months now. Your twistouts, wash n gos, mini
twist, etc.... have inspired me that short natural hair can be fierce
and fabulous! I have some of your videos in my
favorites playlist lol. And also being that we have similar hair types
was a plus. Your channel encourgaged me to step out and be
NaturallyMariah."
I
will be mailing off your prize on Saturday May 18th!
Giveaway is CLOSED
Having been blessed to have a Natural Hair Website for a year
I figured the best way to celebrate is by doing a giveaway! I’m giving away two things I think people can benefit from on this natural hair journey, a natural hair oil and a styling product!
Prize:
1. Jojoba Oil (My Favorite) This is a great natural
hair sealant and gives shine to hair.
2. 8oz Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter (my
favorite)
In order to enter this give away answer the question below.
Tell me in 100 words or less how myself, video's or my website has helped
you on your natural hair journey?
Email your answer to: lovingmenaturally1@gmail.com
please include your name in the email.
The winner will be announced on Friday May 17,
2013 via my website, so please on that day check my website!!
The prize will be mailed to the winner.
My Mini-Twist
Hey Ladies,
I was inspired by naptural85 on YouTube to do mini-twists
but whenever I thought about how long it would take to achieve that look I
would procrastinate.
Finally, Wednesday evening I conquered doing
mini-twists. It took me 5 hours to
complete them and boy my arms were tired.
The twists were done on clean air dried hair. I
really like the results. My hair has
lots of movement and it’s really soft. I
used jojoba oil and unrefined 100% raw shea butter (not the yellow one you see
in your local beauty supply store) to seal in the moisture and my Camille Rose
twisting butter.
I will probably leave them in for at least 3 weeks before
taking them down making sure to keep my hair specifically my ends moisturized.
If you choose to do mini-twist make sure you have the time
to do them you don’t want to rush when doing this style and you must be
patient. You don’t have to complete them
in one day, maybe do the top half of your head and then do the rest the next
day. Make sure that you use a product
that is very moisturizing when twisting your hair. Another important thing is to make sure when
starting off your twist that you do them kind of tight at the base but after
that you can twist your normal way down to the end. Do not borrow hair if one side is a little
shorter because when you take them down
the hair will be tangled toward the end.
Well ladies as you can see I am having fun on my natural
hair journey by trying different looks and you should do the same.
Until next time God Bless!
Hair 101: Finding Products
That Work For You
Hey ladies, if you’ve followed me or if you are an avid reader of my
websites Hair Products page then you know I’ve been buying different styling creams.
The one product that I find that works great on my hair after using it for over a month
is the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting butter!! Yup this frugal natural will be spending
$16.99 on this product because I feel the money is well spent. I am happy that I can apply this to my hair
and not worry about extra breakage or shedding.
I am not going to say that this is the best natural hair styler ever
because I have not tried all natural hair stylers but what I will say is that
it leaves my hair soft, moisturized, gives great definition (my twist out in
this photo’s is 5 days old and I still have definition) and has all natural ingredients!
Below is a list that I came up with to help you when
deciding to purchase a new product.
- Before you buy a product know what you want that
product to do for your hair.
-
What ingredients are important to you or should
be in the product.
- Do you mind if the product is not all natural.
(Just because it says natural on the label does not mean it is)
- What consistency do you like for your product to
be creamy, thick, runny etc?
- When you see a new product advertised and it
says it can reduce shrinkage, moisturize and add shine to your hair does not
mean that it will and you don’t have to feel obligated to buy it.
- Try out a new product that you purchased for at
least a month before claiming that it works great on your
hair. Now if that product causes
breakage or extra shedding after the first use STOP using it.
-
Don’t be afraid to give away, swap, sell or
maybe even throw away products that you don’t use. The Kinky Peaches Product Swap on Face book
is a great place to swap or sell your gently used or unused products.
- Finally, don’t be disappointed if a product does
not work on your hair remember finding the right product is by trial and error.
Til Next time Ladies be Blessed and Stay Encouraged!
To My New Transitioning Sista's
July 2011 after I big chopped
So you have decided to go natural
and that is great!!
The transition to natural hair is
not hard but the hardest part is dealing with two hair textures the new growth
and the relaxed hair. The new growth and relaxed hair are not meant to
co-exist so it's imperative that you are gentle with your hair. Once you
see your new growth it can appear to be wavy or curly but you will not know the
real texture of your hair until all the relaxed ends are gone.
Do styles that require little manipulation such as:
Roller sets
Flexi rod sets
Flat twists
Twist Outs
Low Buns
These types of styles will also blend the new growth and
your relaxed hair better. You can also get your hair professionally
braided and if you go this route make sure they do not braid your hair extra
tight and pull on your edges making you look chinese! When your hair is braided to tight it can
cause your hair to break off.
Also make sure to keep your ends
trimmed if you notice split ends. If you see a lot of breakage during
your transition I would suggest you go ahead and cut off all of the relaxed
ends because you don't want to damage your hair. Remember your hair will grow and it's better to have healthy hair than damaged hair.
I only transitioned for 3 months before doing the big chop
because I could not take it anymore and I wanted to see my natural hair grow
from infancy.
Products to purchase:
Sulfate free or
natural shampoo
A great conditioner that can double
as a deep conditioner
Leave in conditioner
Oil like jojoba oil
Styler/cream/butter that is gentle
on the hair and all natural
There are a billion (exaggeration)
natural hair products out there and it is easy to get confused on what to get
but the way I found out what worked for me was by trial and error. Take a look at my products page to see what I
use now and what I would recommend and then do your own research as well.
I'm happy that you decided to go
natural and even though the journey can be tough in the beginning believe me it
will be worthwhile!
Stay Encouraged!
Blow Drying Hair
Using the Tension Method
The Tension Method is when you blow dry your hair on low
heat not using the comb attachment you start at the root of your hair going
up and down with the dryer and you are holding not tight your hair at the
bottom.
This way of blow drying your hair is safer because you are
not causing breakage by using the comb attachment which can happen at times.
1. Shampoo your hair I use of course Crème of
Nature Argan Oil Moisture Sulfate Free Shampoo
2. Deep Condition with Crème of Nature Chamomile
and Comfrey Conditioner (rinse out)
3. Detangle Hair – I spray my hair first with water
then detangle
4. Apply your leave in conditioner - Shea Moisture Restorative Leave In
Conditioner
5. Apply your oil of choice
6. Braid or twist your hair to keep of tangling and
allow to air dry to your liking
7. Take a small section at a time and begin to blow
dry on low to medium heat
8. Blow dry each section like this until your
entire head is finished and then style.
New Hair Color
Well I did it again I colored my hair using Crème of Nature
Bronze Copper hair color. I really like
how it turned out.
How I applied:(go to my youtube naturalrose36 to see video)
1.I bought two boxes of the hair color - Comes
with easy to follow instructions
2.I sectioned my hair into four sections
3.I took down a section at a time making parts and
applied the color from the roots to the end of my hair.
4.After all the color was applied I put on a
plastic cap and let the color sit for about 40 minutes.
5.I then rinsed my hair with warm water until the
water ran clear.
6.Next I shampooed my hair well.
7.Then applied my was out conditioner and let that
sit and then rinsed out.
8.Did the L.O.C method (water, jojoba oil, leave
in conditioner) and styled my hair in twist for a twist out
This is a permanent color and anytime you apply color to
your hair you have to keep your hair moisturized, so if you decide to color
your hair make sure to invest in a good deep conditioner (my regular wash out
condition I use as a deep conditioner) and a good leave in conditioner.
I wouldn’t go any lighter than this because I feel this is
the perfect color for my skin tone. You
will never see this brown skin sista with blond hair!
I know that some women who wear their hair natural feel that
if you color your hair then you’re not really natural but I say to them who are
you to define my natural?
Until next time ladies be Blessed!
Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Dry, Fragile/Brittle Hair = No Growth, Breakage and Split
Ends
Many naturals have adopted the L.O.C method to their hair
regimen. The L stands for liquid such as
water, O stands for oil like jojoba, castor, olive etc. and C stands for
cream/styler. Following this method will
help you to retain moisture in your hair.
Some people eliminate the cream part but it is up to the individual.
I have tried the L.O.C method and it does work and now it is part of my regimen.
The lesson here is to keep your hair moisturized, don’t be
afraid to change products because it could be a product that is keeping your
hair dry and your hair is trying to tell you to change.
Healthy Hair & Body = A Healthier You!
Ladies,
I’m guilty of doing a lot of research on various natural
hair products, what ingredients in hair products that are bad for my hair,
which ingredients are good for my hair, how not to cause heat damage etc. and
forgetting that eating healthy is just as essential. I’ve come to the realization that not only do
I need to take great care of my hair but I also need to take better care of my
body and what goes in it.
I have decided to change my diet. Now hear me out I am not going on a diet I am
just changing the types of food that I eat which means I am deciding to eat
healthier.
I am eliminating pork altogether and I am going to eat red
meat on a limited basis. I guess you can
say I already eliminated pork because my husband does not eat it and so I don’t
bring it into our home which means I don’t cook it. I usually eat pork when I go out to
breakfast, now I am not going to do that! Red meat I will eat sparingly like
once every two months and that’s if I buy it.
What I will eat is fish, chicken, turkey, lots of vegetables and fruit!
Below is a list of my favorite fruits:
Pineapple has vitamin C, potassium ,
manganese and fiber. It is free of fat
and its low in sodium.
- Apples – My favorite is Golden Delicious
Apples help reduce your cholesterol , they
contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
It is a good source of calcium, iron, zinc and potassium. Apples can
give you a quick boost in energy.
Bananas are low in calories and fat and contain
no sodium or cholesterol .
Strawberries are full of fiber, vitamin C,
and potassium. They are great for help
managing weight.
- Kiwi - My daddy introduced me to this fruit when
I was a little girl and I love them!
Kiwi has many nutrients, it contains vitamin
C more than an orange! It contains copper, zinc, magnesium, fiber, calcium,
vitamin E and potassium. Kiwi is only 45
calories!
How I incorporate fruit/vegetables into my diet
1. For breakfast I fix a bowl of raisin bran with
sliced bananas and 2% milk I can’t do skim etc.
2. Lunch I have a turkey sandwich, an apple and
chips. I’m trying to figure out what I
can substitute the chips for. My lunch does vary from time to time.
3. When I get a sweet tooth instead of going for
ice cream, cookies, candy etc. I grab a
piece of fruit. (I only eat something sweet for a special treat like maybe on
Saturdays)
4. For dinner I always have a vegetable on the
plate whether if it’s a salad, green beans, broccoli, carrots, corn, or
cauliflower.
I am learning that as I get older
I don’t only want to look fly on the outside but feel and look good on the
inside as well, so won’t you join me in having a healthier body!
My Experience at the
Baltimore Natural Hair Expo
Hola,
I attended along with some friends, sister n law, and
daughter on Saturday, March 23, the Baltimore Natural Hair Care
Expo. (Video Coming Soon)
My experience was better at this
one than the one I went to in Richmond a year ago and the reason is I actually
attended a workshop. The workshop I
attended was titled “Discover Your Hair Personality.” This class was really informative because the
speakers spoke on how we all do things differently as it relates to our hair
and lifestyle. My hair personality is
DIY (DO IT YOURSELF) and all I can say to that is yes Hunty! Lol
The Expo also had plenty of
vendors catering to natural hair products, body butters and creams, clothing
and accessories. I was scratching my
head because it was so many vendors with Shea Butters and Creams and Creams and
Shea Butters I thought I was in Africa for a moment, I didn’t know what to buy
so with my frugal butt I decided not to buy any of them! :o)
One vendor was calling my name
though and that was the Oyin Handmade vendor. Oyin Handmade uses 100% natural ingredients in their products and they have a store based in Baltimore, MD!
I heard so many wonderful things about this product line and I have
researched them for awhile so I had to buy something from them right, take a
look?? :o)
 |
OYIN SHINE AND DEFINE STYLER
Gives Great Shine To Hair
|
|
 |
HAIR DEW MOISTURIZER
Leave In
|
|
 |
OYIN HONEY HEMP CONDITIONER
Great for Detangling
|
|
 |
OYIN JUICES AND BERRIES
Moisturizing Spray
|
| | |
Yes, I know I got real happy
buying 4 products at once, that ain’t even meeee and it cost $40.00. My pocket was not happy but I guess my hair
will be!
Until next time ladies stay
encouraged and be blessed!
How You Doinnnnnn?
Hey Ladies,
I hope all is well with you.
I just came back from a much needed vacation! I went to Charleston, SC. Where I ate good, enjoyed the sites and had beautiful weather in the 70’s the
whole time! Then I came back to reality
to face this cold rainy weather in Maryland.
While in Charleston I noticed quite a few women rocking their
natural hair and the people there were soooo friendly.
If you’re wondering about my hair in the picture I didn't big chop it’s a
twist and pin, video on my other page. Where I twist my hair all
over and pin it up with bobby pins, its low maintenance and a great protective
style.
This Saturday March 23, I will be attending the
Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo and I can’t wait. This expo is even larger than the one I went
to last year in Richmond,VA. The tickets
for this expo are $15.00 not bad at all for a frugal person like me!
Also check out my hair products page to see the latest
product I am going to try!
Until next time ladies! :)
Things Naturals Must Have
- Great Sulfate Free Shampoo or if you co-wash only great co-washing cleanser conditioner
- Wash Out Conditioner - this is my deep conditioner as well
- Wide Tooth Comb or Denman Brush your choice - I like to finger detangle also
- Rat tail comb for parting
- Goody ouchless ponytail bands
You
see that I eliminated oil because my leave in has oils already in it
and the styler I decide on will have oils in it already as well, but if
you like oils that's fine.
A Look At My Natural Styles!
Wash N Go Using Eco Styler Clear Gel
Hey Ladies,
If you’ve watched my latest video (if you haven’t please do
so and subscribe to my youtube channel :o)) you know that I love my wash n go
results. This is my first time doing a
real wash n go using Eco Styler Gel to define my curls. I’ve
always used this gel to smooth or slick down my hair for my puffs even though it has protein in it of which my hair seems to not like but using it in this manner has not bothered my hair.
My hair was a little crunchy but after the 3rd
day that went away and actually my hair feels soft and it has shine to it!
How I did my wash n go:
1. I sectioned my hair into 4 parts and starting at
the back I took a small section of hair and applied my leave in
conditioner. I smoothed the conditioner
through and then proceeded to finger detangle.
2. Then I applied a nice amount of gel to my hair.
3. I smoothed the gel through a large section of
hair and then I proceeded to separate the hair into smaller sections continuing
to smooth the gel through.
4. Once I was finished I did not touch my hair and
I let it air dry.
The key to having a successful wash n go is finding the
right conditioner and gel combo that works for you.
I don’t advise using gel alone on
your hair because it is drying, apply a leave in moisturizing conditioner as
the base and then on top apply the gel.
The Truth Behind My Second Chop
(This is a protective style)
My chop the second time around was really beneficial to my hair. Even though I shared many natural hair tips before I cut my hair in October of 2012 I really did not go into why I decided to cut my hair. Yes I do enjoy wearing my hair short but my hair was not really healthy. My hair felt rough the ends were damaged and I still had some straight hair on my head.
Since cutting my hair and seeing how it is growing this second time around I have noticed a big difference. My hair texture has changed it feels better and those straight hairs are gone. The crown and front of my hair were the straightest prior to me cutting my hair and this time around my hair is curly in the crown and curlier in the front. I contribute this change to the cut and also changing my hair regimen and the products that I use.
I think using curly butters, hair milks and certain oils were not beneficial to my hair but contributed to it being somewhat damaged. I think even though I was not chemically treating my hair my hair went into shock because of all the different products I was using and constantly switching up. Proteins I find are not my friend. I can’t use Olive oil, Coconut oil, cheap conditioners and I cannot use Eco Styler Gel on my hair for wash n go's.
I think when you go natural you are willing to try everything that other naturals are using because it seems to be working for them but over time if you watch enough youtube video’s you see where a lot of them change up their regimen as well.
This second time around I am going to wear more protective styles and not even think about what the latest natural hair product is realizing that what works for someone else may not
work for me!
How to Achieve Healthy Hair
1.Trim Your Ends (Split Ends)
If you have split ends they will cause more tangles and knots in your hair. Trimming your ends will make your hair look and feel better and it’s good for hair growth.
2.Moisturize Your Hair
If your hair is natural it is essential to moisturize your hair to keep it from being dry and brittle.
Make sure that the moisturizer you use is water based. You can moisturize your hair each day or as needed.
3.Scalp Massages
Always give yourself a good scalp massage at least once a week. Scalp massages stimulate the blood circulation and can promote hair growth.
4.Protective Styles
Try taking a break from the twist outs, puffs, afros etc. and wear your hair up in a protective style such as the one in my latest video. These styles will last longer and they will help you keep your hands out of your hair!!
5.Don’t Abuse Hair Color
If you decide to color your hair make sure to use a natural hair color if you can or one that has certified natural ingredients like the one I used by Crème of Nature. Also don’t apply the color too often but only when needed. Make sure to keep your hair moisturized and deep condition your hair once a week.
6.Eat Healthy Foods
Eating certain foods can be good for your hair such as: Dark green vegetables, Salmon, Beans, Nuts, Poultry, Eggs, Carrots, and Yogurt
7.Have Patience With Your Hair
When combing your hair be gentle with it do not and I repeat do not comb your hair roughly.
Combing your hair roughly will cause breakage.
8.Stay Away From Heat
Heat is the curly, kinky, coily girl’s enemy if not used with caution.You can get heat damage if you flat iron your hair too often or do too many blow outs.
Heat can cause your coils to go straight or loose their definition. When I got my hair flat ironed in October 2012 I loved it but when I washed my hair I noticed a small section and I mean a very small section of my hair had a looser curl pattern.
So be warned heat is not your friend if used to often.
I'm No Longer a Slave
Too Natural Hair Products
I have to pose a question, do we really need all of these natural hair products to achieve the perfect curl or twist out? For me the answer is no. I am sticking with three things, A Sulfate free shampoo, a wash out conditioner and a leave-in conditioner. By changing my hair routine and the products I use it will save me time and money because I am no longer a products.
For a month now I have been using a new method to style my hair. Starting November 24 until now I have only used leave in conditioner as my styler. I always thought that I had to use some type of natural hair curly butter to bring out my curls. In the past I’ve used Design Essentials, Bee Mine, African Pride, Shea Moisture, Curls, Kinky Curly, Jane Carter, and Taliah Waajid. I was in search for a product that would moisturize, leave my hair soft and give shine all at the same time and none of these products could achieve all three and some left my hair dry.
I have stopped using oils in my hair and yes that includes castor oil. I know some of you may be gasping for air, but please catch your breath it’s not that serious! :o) The reason I stopped using oils is due to my leave-in conditioner containing Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Vitamin E in the ingredients. So why spend money on oils when my conditioner already has them?
Using Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner as my styler was a gamble but I am glad that I took the risk because it leaves my hair moisturized, soft and it has shine!
So my challenge to you ladies is to see if using less products can work for you. Try sticking with certain products for awhile instead of giving Walmart, Target, the Beauty Supply store and online retailers your money all the time. Remember, I have been natural for 1 year and 5 months and I’m just now using the right products for my hair!
Natural Hair Products
That Say For Curly Hair
Since washing my hair and going back to its curly state people have asked me what products do I use on my hair to get curls. (I just did my hair 11/15/2012, picture on the left, wore my hair straight for a week those pictures in previous post)
I use, Cream of Nature Argan Oil Shampoo, Cream of Nature Chamomile and Comfrey Healing Conditioner, Shea Moisture Restorative Leave In Conditioner, and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.(I no longer use the curl enhancing smoothie)
My revised regimen:(Started this in October when I got my hair cut for the 2nd time)
1.I Shampoo my hair
2.Apply conditioner leave in for about 45 minutes then wash it out
3.Apply my leave in conditioner and detangle my hair with that
4.I style my hair with the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie.
Note to Ladies:
Let me say this, if you don't have naturally curly hair already no natural hair product that says for kinky, coily, or curly hair will make you have curls.
Natural hair products that say for curly hair will only enhance the curls you already have not give you curls. So if your hair is straight/wavy buying Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Bee Mine Curly Butter etc. will not give you curls.
Naturals with a wavy/kinky/straighter texture I suggest doing twist outs to achieve that curly/wavy look you desire or braid outs. Make sure to keep the twists/braids in for at least two days to get better definition. Also make sure to use a moisturizing product because our hair tends to be on the dry side.
Just remember the hair God gave us is Unique!
Until next time ladies!
Why I Flat Ironed My Natural Hair and
Which Look Do I Prefer!
Thursday November 8th, 2012 I decided to go to the salon and get my hair straightened. The reason I wanted to see my hair straight was because I simply got tired of wearing my short afro, curly look and puff. I needed a change and besides I knew it would make my husband happy. While at the salon the young lady washed, conditioned and then blew my hair out with a blow dryer and then flat ironed my hair. Once she was finished I was pleased with the results. Getting my hair flat ironed just confirmed once again the versatility of natural hair.
So which look do I prefer, I already miss my hair being in its curly state and I've only been wearing it straight for 3 days now. Also as you know I cut my hair last month and I like the low maintenance of it when it's curly. But I will try and keep this straight look for at least a week before I wash my hair and get my curls/afro back!
Until Next Time Ladies, Stay Blessed!
TWA ONCE AGAIN!!
Hey Ladies,
I know you are probably like is this you in 2011 when you first big chopped, nope this is me now. I cut my hair on Tuesday October 16th and I am loving it (Video on Home page). The reason I decided to go short again was because I was tired of spending so much time in the bathroom on my wash/style day. It literally took me about 5 to 6 hours to do my hair and that is from shampooing to styling. At first when I cut all my hair off this time I was in shock but after I did my hair I was feeling myself I must say and I love my short natural hair. My take on hair is that it will grow back. When my hair was relaxed I would let it grow long then cut it off so this is nothing new for me except my hair is a lot healthier!! So if you get that urge to go short just do it!
Natural Versus Relaxed Revisited
Ladies,
I am still amazed at how many compliments I get on my natural hair in the State I live in now versus when I had my perm. I notice that women with natural hair usually comment on my hair and tell me how they like it. I say thank you but then I wonder/think if I had a perm with a cute style would I get the same compliment from the women who have natural hair.
I’ve said it before just because my hair is natural does not mean I can’t give props to or appreciate women who have a perm, wear wigs, or weaves. If I see a nice hairstyle I am definitely going to tell the person I like their hair. I do think some women with natural hair may feel they are a little better than women who decide to wear their hair relaxed and that shouldn’t be. A person should not have to feel bad because they decide to wear their hair relaxed or feel as if they are less black. Yes I said it, one may think because they are natural they are closer to their roots or keeping it real in some way and the person who has a perm is trying to be white or they are denying their roots. If a person has this mentality then they need to reevaluate why they went natural because a person’s hair is not going to define who they are.
Remember the Spike Lee movie School Daze and the light skin girls versus the dark skin girls and the nappy hair and good hair song well I hope we don’t get to that level in the natural hair community.
We have to realize that it is just hair and we are all beautiful!
Proteins in Natural Hair Products
The one protein I noticed that is in a lot of hair products is Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, “is an extremely pure protein produced from natural wheat gluten. It consists of the two subunits gliadin and glutenin, which are capable of repairing damaged hair through covalent linkage. Wheat Protein conditions hair with its moisture retention and film forming properties, which will greatly improve the body, shine, and smoothness of hair. Sulfhydryl groups in wheat proteins improve the quality and functionality of skin and hair care products.”
(Essential Wholesale Lab www.essentialwholesale.com, 2012)
Some Natural Hair Products that Contain HWP
1. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
2. Design Essentials Natural Defining Creme
3. Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer
4. Miss Jessie's Pillow Soft Curls
5. As I Am Double Butter Cream
If you are sensitive to protein you will notice a change in your hairs texture. You may lose curl pattern, notice that your hair feels like straw or grass, it can be dry, brittle, and breaking off. In order to correct this you can purchase a moisturizing shampoo sulfate free and a moisturizing conditioner and incorporate those into your routine and replace the product that has protein in it with one that does not. I would also say buy a more expensive conditioner to get the needed benefits and not a cheap one. Then once your hair is repaired and you feel down the line you may need a protein treatment etc. then do one.
Sometimes the lack of protein in your diet can affect your hair as well. So make sure to incorporate more beans, whole grains, nuts and plant foods into your diet.
Finally, proteins may be good for our hair but make sure you have a balance between moisturizing your hair and giving it the right amount of protein.
MY NAME IS NICOLE AND I AM A
PRODUCT JUNKY ARE YOU?
Since going natural I have tried to avoid the product junky title of which so many naturals call themselves. I mean I would buy a product line with the intention of sticking with it or using it all up before buying something new. But ummmm I find myself trying to find products to achieve the perfect twistout (I have mastered it now) wanting a product to moisturize my hair, finding a gel that does not flake or leave my hair hard and crunchy, a leave in conditioner that actually works, a sulfate free shampoo that does not dry out my hair and on and on and on.
Then,I buy a product use it for a while then I see an advertisement or talk to my friend about a new product and I have to go out and get that one because it may work better than the one I have.
When I was relaxed I don’t remember ever spending this much money on products I just used a shampoo, conditioner, and maybe a spray. I know longer get perms and spend $60.00 every 4 to 6 weeks but my money seems to be flying out of my pocket whenever I enter a Target or my favorite beauty supply store where they know me and my dog Bailey! :o)
I even find myself sneaking products into the house so my husband won’t know that I got something new and when he does see that I have a new product he just shakes his head and asks me why do I need another product!!
I recently tried a new product line used it twice and decided I didn’t like it and then went and bought a new jar of an old product I used before. If your wondering will I finish the one I used only twice the answer is no! Lol Why finish a product if I think it does not work?
I know I know that is bad but hey I am writing this to say I to have fell victim to Product Junkism (I know that is not a word) and I'm on the road to recovery I hope!
Leave a message at the bottom of this page if you can relate.
Until next time Ladies!
Length Obsession
Are you obsessed with growing long hair since going natural? Do you take tape measures or rulers to measure the length of your hair each month? Do you have a t-shirt with lines down the back with inches next to it or abbreviations for clb (collar bone length) bsl (bra strap length) mtl (mid-thigh length whatttt) etc. to see how long your hair is? Is your dream to have waist length hair? If you answered yes to any of these questions then you are LENGTH OBSESSED!
For me I want my hair to be healthy and that means taking the necessary steps to ensure that I take care of my hair. I believe if I nurture my hair properly then the length will come and that includes trimming my ends when needed. I am guilty of doing a length check every now and again for my videos, but I am not obsessed because I like short and long hair. I realize that my hair is growing at a great rate but I’m the type of person that will cut my hair off if I get the urge!
I feel psychologically black women wanting long hair stems from seeing others races with long hair especially when we were young. For example the child with the long “good hair” seemed to be favored over the child with the “kinkier” shorter hair or the black woman with long hair may be given more attention that the woman with the short hair cut. Every black woman probably knows someone or it could have been you, who put the towel or t-shirt on her head swinging it back and forth pretending it was her long flowing hair. (I did it :o))
I know many naturals keep track of their hair growth because their hair is growing at a better rate than when it was relaxed. Many African American women have realized that our hair in its natural state will grow to great lengths but in the process of going natural many have become length obsessed.
We must realize that hair growth is determined by:
1. Genetics
2. Age
3. Styling Techniques
4. What you eat – Your Diet
5. Your Health
6. Hair Care Maintenance
If you are guilty of length obsession, I challenge you to put down the ruler, take off the special t-shirt, throw away the hair length terms and just enjoy your natural journey!
Natural Hair Confidence
1. Love Yourself First
2. Love Your Hair
3. Don’t Compare Your Kinks and Curls to Other Naturals
4. Your Hair is Unique
5. God Did Not Make A Mistake With Our Hair
6. Other Races Secretly Wish They Had Our Hair
Oops did I say that in my Steve Irkel voice :o)
7. Natural Hair is Healthier
8. Your Thoughts and Feelings Matter Most When It Comes To Your Hair
10 Foods That Promote Healthy Hair
Hey Ladies,
We all have taken the time to find the right natural products for our hair, but what about putting forth the same effort or initiative, when it comes to what we put in our bodies. Below are the 10 foods you should incorporate into your diets for healthy hair.
Salmon
I love love love Salmon, we eat this in our household at least once a week, I
bake Salmon fillets or I make Salmon patties. Salmon is filled with vitamin B-12 and Iron.
Dark Green Vegetables
Broccoli and Spinach for instance. I make a great Spinach dip and I also like spinach salads with, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots and tomatoes!
Beans
I really like Green Beans and when I make chili I add Kidney Beans to it.
Nuts
Cashews are my favorite nuts, but you can eat almonds and pecans as well.
Poultry
We eat Chicken a lot but also Turkey. I make Turkey Taco’s, Turkey Burgers, Turkey Chili, Turkey Spaghetti and baked Turkey Wings Mmmmmmmmm!! :o) Poultry will give Protein that hair needs.
Eggs
Now I don’t like eggs unless I eat them at Crackel Barrel! Lol Eggs give us Protein and Vitamin B-12.
Whole Grains
Whole wheat bread, which is the only kind I eat is a great whole grain.
Oysters
Oysters provide us with zinc
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Skim-Milk and Yogurt provide great calcium. I do not drink Skim-Milk but I love Yogurt especially Yoplait.
Carrots
Carrots are an awesome, especially when dipped in a little ranch dressing or you can add them to your salad. Carrots provide Vitamin A, which promotes good vision and healthy hair.
So ladies, incorporating a good diet into your natural hair journey will only benefit you more!!
=========================
