Here's a pic of me from before:
And now (drumroll please)..............
This is me with one year's worth of natural hair! I don't really know what to do with it but in time I will. I totally think I'm awesome right now.
Till next time...
All my favorite flavors inside my chocolate box.
Monday, December 7, 2009
I Finally Did It!!!!
I did my BC this past Friday and now I'm 100% natural. I hated it on Friday. I felt like I'd made the BIGGEST mistake of my LIFE and that I looked like the bottom of someone's shoe but now I love it!
Here's a pic of me from before:
And now (drumroll please)..............
This is me with one year's worth of natural hair! I don't really know what to do with it but in time I will. I totally think I'm awesome right now.
Till next time...
Here's a pic of me from before:
And now (drumroll please)..............
This is me with one year's worth of natural hair! I don't really know what to do with it but in time I will. I totally think I'm awesome right now.
Till next time...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Co-Wash
Am I the only person that doesn't know what a co-wash is? If so, here's a really good explination:
If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing the hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).
Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.
* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type. Search online for keywords "hair types" and narrow your hair type down to one or two close categories. You may be a combo 3c and 4a. This will help you better understand which type of conditioner to purchase among the many available.
* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found HERE.
* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.
* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings your back, it's too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.
* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.
(1) Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.
(2) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.
(3) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.
* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.
* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.
* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.
* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.
* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.
(1) Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.
(2) Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.
(3) Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.
In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.
SOURCE
If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing the hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).
Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.
* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type. Search online for keywords "hair types" and narrow your hair type down to one or two close categories. You may be a combo 3c and 4a. This will help you better understand which type of conditioner to purchase among the many available.
* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found HERE.
* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.
* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings your back, it's too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.
* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.
(1) Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.
(2) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.
(3) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.
* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.
* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.
* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.
* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.
* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.
(1) Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.
(2) Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.
(3) Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.
In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.
SOURCE
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tips for Growing Your Hair
I was searching for new natural blogs to subcribe to and came across this bit of advice:
1. The most important thing you can do is be consistent. You won’t see any progress or know what’s helping or hurting your hair if you’re jumping on every bandwagon. Keep a hair journal with pictures, come up with a regimen that’s suited to YOUR hair needs, and then stick with it.
2. Moisturize your hair!!! I cannot stress this enough. I used to be crazy enough to think grease equated to moisture, which is WRONG!!! You need to find a good water based moisturizer and an oil( I like Extra Virgin Olive Oil) to seal with.
3. Deep condition your hair at least once a week! African American hair is notoriously dry. It craves extra moisture (or at least mine does) therefore deep conditioning at least 1x per week will be extremely beneficial to your hair health.
4. Search and Destroy. If you’re hair is not damaged….meaning no brittle, burnt, split ends, there’s no need to cut it. Just doing regular search and destroys is enough. You do this by sectioning your hair in four parts and searching each section for split ends. Clip only the ends that are actually split. You can also keep your ends looking nice by dusting them (only trimming 1/4 of an inch).
5. Limit your use of direct heat. Direct heat is the devil!!! Excessive heat causes split ends which hinders retention. Your hair is always growing, but if you aren’t retaining any length then you’re not gonna see any progress. If you must use direct heat, please use a heat protectant.
6. Protect your hair at night. Cotton dries your hair out. Dry hair is prone to breakage. Sleeping wild with your hair uncovered also leads to tangles. Find a good silk or satin scarf.
7. Shampoo your scalp only. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp, but excessively cleaning your hair will only lead to dryness. Also, don’t gather your hair up on top of your head when washing, because that leads to tangles.
8. Limit manipulation of your hair. Try not to comb and brush your hair everyday. Even the healthiest head of hair can be sabotaged by excessive manipulation.
9. Stretch your relaxers. Only relax when you have at least an inch of growth This way you don’t risk overprocessing hair that was previously relaxed.
10. Stay away from jealous hair stylists. You’ll never see any growth if they’re constantly chopping it off and ruining it.
SOURCE
BTW: I Googled "Long Hair + African American" and when I went to the images all I saw was pictures of Beoyonce, Ashanti, Tyra, etc. Picture that. LLS.
1. The most important thing you can do is be consistent. You won’t see any progress or know what’s helping or hurting your hair if you’re jumping on every bandwagon. Keep a hair journal with pictures, come up with a regimen that’s suited to YOUR hair needs, and then stick with it.
2. Moisturize your hair!!! I cannot stress this enough. I used to be crazy enough to think grease equated to moisture, which is WRONG!!! You need to find a good water based moisturizer and an oil( I like Extra Virgin Olive Oil) to seal with.
3. Deep condition your hair at least once a week! African American hair is notoriously dry. It craves extra moisture (or at least mine does) therefore deep conditioning at least 1x per week will be extremely beneficial to your hair health.
4. Search and Destroy. If you’re hair is not damaged….meaning no brittle, burnt, split ends, there’s no need to cut it. Just doing regular search and destroys is enough. You do this by sectioning your hair in four parts and searching each section for split ends. Clip only the ends that are actually split. You can also keep your ends looking nice by dusting them (only trimming 1/4 of an inch).
5. Limit your use of direct heat. Direct heat is the devil!!! Excessive heat causes split ends which hinders retention. Your hair is always growing, but if you aren’t retaining any length then you’re not gonna see any progress. If you must use direct heat, please use a heat protectant.
6. Protect your hair at night. Cotton dries your hair out. Dry hair is prone to breakage. Sleeping wild with your hair uncovered also leads to tangles. Find a good silk or satin scarf.
7. Shampoo your scalp only. A clean scalp is a healthy scalp, but excessively cleaning your hair will only lead to dryness. Also, don’t gather your hair up on top of your head when washing, because that leads to tangles.
8. Limit manipulation of your hair. Try not to comb and brush your hair everyday. Even the healthiest head of hair can be sabotaged by excessive manipulation.
9. Stretch your relaxers. Only relax when you have at least an inch of growth This way you don’t risk overprocessing hair that was previously relaxed.
10. Stay away from jealous hair stylists. You’ll never see any growth if they’re constantly chopping it off and ruining it.
SOURCE
BTW: I Googled "Long Hair + African American" and when I went to the images all I saw was pictures of Beoyonce, Ashanti, Tyra, etc. Picture that. LLS.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Brazilian Keratin Treatment
I have been trying to learn about this Brazilian Keratin Treatment! This all I keep hearing over and over again: "straight hair with no chemicals that last for months." I had to find out what it is because if it's true that's a sure ringer for a summer hairstyle! Oh how research can kill a sistah's dream...
A Brazilian Keratin hair treatment (BKT), also known as “escova progressiva”, is a considerably costly salon procedure that promises to transform frizzy, dull, dry hair into silky smooth, shiny strands that last for up to 4 months and runs from $250 to $600 depending on the length of the hair. . Sound too good to be true? It is. Unless you like wearing a gas mask at the salon.
Wildly popular in all the blogs and a hot topic in those social networking forums I love to hangout in, everyone seems to be thinking about getting one. Wait! I type. Before you call your stylist to book your salon appointment, make sure you have all the info you need to make your choice. Silky hair is good, but with a Brazilian Keratin Treatment you might be getting more than you planned.
What you and your stylist may not know is that the active ingredient in these BKT “wonder” treatments is formaldehyde, which is a dangerous chemical, especially if you breathe it in. Hence the protective equipment – face masks, gloves, ventilation fans – as a safety precaution when giving or getting a treatment. Is straight hair worth wearing a gas mask? Now THAT’S something to consider.
According to Allure Magazine (we love them!) “some of the most popular BKT treatments contain at least ten times more formaldehyde than the .2 percent considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. The FDA doesn’t currently regulate cosmetics, but they are investigating the safety of escova progressiva treatments.” Now, I’m no expert, and I have considered a BKT when I originally heard about them, but ten times more formaldehyde really sounds like a bad idea. Very bad. There’s no way that’s good for you.
The best, or I should say worst part about the Allure Magazine expose? I’ll loosely paraphrase here, but the gist is: “Keratin has nothing to do with straightening. Nada. There is nothing in Keratin that will change the structure of the hair, it’s the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work. Keratin is window dressing and provides a good marketing story.” Sounds like a sham to me. And really, who wants that kind of toxic treatment? BUT if you're still interested check them out at Brazilian Keratin Treatment.
SOURCE
Wildly popular in all the blogs and a hot topic in those social networking forums I love to hangout in, everyone seems to be thinking about getting one. Wait! I type. Before you call your stylist to book your salon appointment, make sure you have all the info you need to make your choice. Silky hair is good, but with a Brazilian Keratin Treatment you might be getting more than you planned.
What you and your stylist may not know is that the active ingredient in these BKT “wonder” treatments is formaldehyde, which is a dangerous chemical, especially if you breathe it in. Hence the protective equipment – face masks, gloves, ventilation fans – as a safety precaution when giving or getting a treatment. Is straight hair worth wearing a gas mask? Now THAT’S something to consider.
According to Allure Magazine (we love them!) “some of the most popular BKT treatments contain at least ten times more formaldehyde than the .2 percent considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. The FDA doesn’t currently regulate cosmetics, but they are investigating the safety of escova progressiva treatments.” Now, I’m no expert, and I have considered a BKT when I originally heard about them, but ten times more formaldehyde really sounds like a bad idea. Very bad. There’s no way that’s good for you.
The best, or I should say worst part about the Allure Magazine expose? I’ll loosely paraphrase here, but the gist is: “Keratin has nothing to do with straightening. Nada. There is nothing in Keratin that will change the structure of the hair, it’s the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work. Keratin is window dressing and provides a good marketing story.” Sounds like a sham to me. And really, who wants that kind of toxic treatment? BUT if you're still interested check them out at Brazilian Keratin Treatment.
SOURCE
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Winter Hair
Hola Chicas,
Not too long ago, I posted Keneesha Hudson's (CEO of Urbanbella) tips for winterizing your curls. It was an excellent article with great product recommendations--check it out if you missed it! Regimen tweaks are truly something to consider as the seasons change-- your curls, which are already prone to dryness, crave even more moisture the cooler and dryer it gets.
What will I do to moisturize my situation, you ask? I plan to incorporate weekly deep treatments (haha, maybe), and shea butter for sealing. During the summer months I alternate between Devacurl Set it Free (SIF) and shea to seal my wet, conditioner laden ends. In the winter, my hair seems to crave the heaviness of shea so I usually shelf the SIF. As for styling, I will continue to do Twist-n-Curls and plan to dibble and dabble in protective styles, utilizing Curlformer sets.
According to The Curl Whisperer, our resident curly expert, we should avoid humectancts in the winter:
In very low moisture areas, dry climates, or during the wintertime, humectants can actually dry the hair out further by absorbing water from the hair itself when there is no moisture in the surrounding atmosphere. Because the sole purpose of a humectant is to find and absorb moisture, it will find it and take it wherever it can get it--and that includes yanking out the moisture from inside your curly locks, leaving you with a dry, frizzy mess.--Tiffany, The Curl Whisperer
Examples of humectants (taken from NaturallyCurly.com):
• Diols and Triols: propylene glycol 1,2,6, hexanetriol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, Glycerin, triethylene glycol, erythritol capryl glycol, phytantriol hexanediol or -triol, beeswax
• Humectants of biological origin: panthenol, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, inositol, glycogen
• Sugars and modified sugars: sorbitol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, glucose, fructose, xylitol, honey
• Hydrolyzed proteins: elastin, collagen, silk keratin, hydrolized wheat
• Ethers: Isoceteth-x, Isolaureth-x, Laneth-x, Laureth-x, Steareth-x, PEG-x (polyethylene glycol), Silicone copolyols
*I bolded the one's I run into the most, for your convenience!
TRY:
-Curl Junkie Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment
-DevaCare One Condition
-Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner
-Jessicurl Too Shea
-Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment
-Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose
-Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration or Totally Twisted (Walmart)
-Generic Value Paul Mitchell the Detangler (Sallys)
SHELF:
-Jane Carter Solution Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner
-Curl Junkie Hibiscus and Banana
-Miss Jessies Creme de la Creme
-Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner
-Elucence
-Generic Value Matrix Conditioning Balm (Sallys)
As the temperature falls, and the humidity lessens, what will you add to (or omit from) your current routine to promote healthy growth, and beautiful, shiny curls?
SOURCE
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hair Products
Here is a video from one of the ladies I subscribe to on YouTube with list of her product do's and don'ts!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Good = LANOLIN = Bad
I've been trying to find information about Lanolin and how it effects Black hair. If you didn't know, Lanolin is also called Adeps Lanae, wool wax, wool fat, anhydrous wool fat or wool grease, is a greasy yellow substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of wool-bearing animals, with the vast majority of it used by humans coming from domestic sheep. (Eew). Its been getting mixed reviews from some of the sites I've been researching but here are some excerpts you can use to make you own decisions:
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Advice:
Lanolin is a very greasy material produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. Lanolin is a mixture of fatty acids, wax esters, and a complex mixture of other organic compounds. In its natural state, lanolin contains about 25-30% water by weight. When applied to skin or hair, it is very effective at penetrating the surface and enhancing moisture retention. Lanolin is also beneficial because it continues to absorb moisture from the air, and can thus act as a humectant for the skin or hair.
Lanolin is sometimes considered to be too thick and greasy to be used liberally on curly hair, as it can really weigh down the curls and create frizz, but this is really dependent upon the degree of curl. A person with extremely curly hair would find it very beneficial to their hair. Its unique and complex chemical composition should make it very easily removed from the hair with a gentle shampoo or conditioner wash.
In summary, lanolin is an excellent conditioning agent for hair, but consideration of hair type should be used when selecting products for hair. People with extremely curly hair (such as those with 3C, and the 4’s) can most likely use lanolin-containing products in their regimen and enjoy soft, smooth hair without losing curl or gaining frizz. Those with wavy or slightly curly hair (such as 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B type) may find products containing lanolin to be too heavy.
SOURCE
2. My hair is too oily. How can I make it appear less greasy?
Many conditioners and styling products formulated for the African American market contain greasy ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, cocoa butter, waxes and oils. These quickly build up on the scalp and hair and can even stunt future hair growth. If you do use one of these heavy products, apply just a little; keep it on the hair and off the scalp. Wash your hair at least twice a week with a mild clarifying shampoo to remove the residue. Then use a conditioner, but keep it off the roots and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid two-in-one products. Follow this same advice if it's just your scalp producing excess oil, and not buildup that's the problem.
SOURCE
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1. "I am curious about the lanolin oil in the hollywood beauty castor oil. I've been reading that lanolin is a bad ingredient to have in any of your hair care products, so what about the hollywood beauty castor oil with mink oil? Is that ok to use ?"
Advice:
Lanolin is a very greasy material produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. Lanolin is a mixture of fatty acids, wax esters, and a complex mixture of other organic compounds. In its natural state, lanolin contains about 25-30% water by weight. When applied to skin or hair, it is very effective at penetrating the surface and enhancing moisture retention. Lanolin is also beneficial because it continues to absorb moisture from the air, and can thus act as a humectant for the skin or hair.
Lanolin is sometimes considered to be too thick and greasy to be used liberally on curly hair, as it can really weigh down the curls and create frizz, but this is really dependent upon the degree of curl. A person with extremely curly hair would find it very beneficial to their hair. Its unique and complex chemical composition should make it very easily removed from the hair with a gentle shampoo or conditioner wash.
In summary, lanolin is an excellent conditioning agent for hair, but consideration of hair type should be used when selecting products for hair. People with extremely curly hair (such as those with 3C, and the 4’s) can most likely use lanolin-containing products in their regimen and enjoy soft, smooth hair without losing curl or gaining frizz. Those with wavy or slightly curly hair (such as 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B type) may find products containing lanolin to be too heavy.
SOURCE
2. My hair is too oily. How can I make it appear less greasy?
Many conditioners and styling products formulated for the African American market contain greasy ingredients like lanolin, petrolatum, cocoa butter, waxes and oils. These quickly build up on the scalp and hair and can even stunt future hair growth. If you do use one of these heavy products, apply just a little; keep it on the hair and off the scalp. Wash your hair at least twice a week with a mild clarifying shampoo to remove the residue. Then use a conditioner, but keep it off the roots and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid two-in-one products. Follow this same advice if it's just your scalp producing excess oil, and not buildup that's the problem.
SOURCE
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Gotta Hate That Breakage!!
At work today one of my co-workers mentioned that she was having some breakage at the back of her neck. I remembered that my hair used to do that because of my head scarf all the time. We started talking about it and I realized that I have no idea how you're supposed to wear a head scarf. It was hard to find some really clear information, but here is an article I found:
SOURCE
I'm not to happy with this information so I will be doing another post on this once I consult with a few hair stylists.
-
Step1Comb your hair in a normal style. I normally part my hair slightly off to the right. Comb all strands down. If you use a moisturizer, apply it, and then comb hair normally. Brushing your hair is a good way to stimulate your scalp and promote hair growth, especially before bedtime.
Step2
Part your hair on the side. With a brush, begin to "sweep" your hair around your head. Avoid brushing to hard. Use your non-brushing hand to help you with your sweep.
Step3
Continue the process of sweeping your hair around your head until you have all of your hair in a neat cone. Make sure no stray hairs are sticking out. (Beginners may think this process is a little cumbersome. I did initially, but once your hair is "trained", wrapping your hair gets easier and easier.) The advantage is that your strands will become smoother and smoother.
Step4
Now that your hair is securely wrapped around your head, if you would like to apply any additional moisturizer, now would be a good time to do so.
Step5
Take your long scarf and tie it around your head. Position the middle of the scarf at your forehead, and tie the scarf around your head, then either secure a knot or a bow to hold scarf in place. Gently push the scarf up off of your forehead.
Step6
Secure the scarf by placing an elastic bonnet cap over your head. (This is an optional step, but helps keep the scarf on during sleep.)
-
SOURCE
I'm not to happy with this information so I will be doing another post on this once I consult with a few hair stylists.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
NATURAL BARBIES?!?!
Mattel is preparing to launch a NEW line of black Barbie dolls called So.In.Style. The dolls are supposed to have different features than Barbie and Ken to resemble little black girls everywhere. The dolls will have fuller lips, wider noses, and full curly hair. Black people are in an UPROAR about these dolls and they say that Mattel has completley missed the mark with these dolls.
The dolls are very modern and very similar to the regular Barbie collection. Some black people are upset because they know that Mattel once created this doll and they feel like the S.I.S collection falls short of their previous work. Although this is a beautiful doll, does it at all represent what Black people look like in America? Do you applaud Mattel for helping little black girls see beauty in their natural features or do they need to take the S.I.S collection back to the drawing board?What Is The World?!?! (Inside Joke)
I usually like to keep my focus on natural hair but today I want to touch on something else, natural bodies. When I was younger breast implants got really popular but not in my community, (as far as I knew). I honestly thought it was something that celebrities got as an investment or rich white women got for their husbands. Either way we weren’t doing it. Then sometime after J Lo and Beyonce made booties popular, cheek implants became available as well. I still thought it was a fad for the celebs and the wealthy. BOY WAS I WRONG!! For some reason there has been a growing trend in everyday life for regular working women to not only get their breast done but they’re also getting the butts done too?! What is the world coming to?! Why would you want your bum to look like this:
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It doesn't even look like it belongs on them!! It looks like someone copied and pasted something on their backs.
Do ladies go into stores and pick purchase panties with butt cheeks in them?? Gimmie a break.
What are your thoughts? Does anything have to be real anymore?
Monday, October 12, 2009
What Does NATURAL Mean To You?
To be or not to be? That is the questions. What does natural REALLY mean? I have noticed that ladies who decide to go natural almost do a 180 when it comes to lifestlye. The acryllic comes of, the pork stays at the grocery store, and all of a sudden they're homes smell like insence. L0L. Is natural a way to wear your hair or is it a state of mind? Is it instyle or is it a lifestyle?
What are your thoughts?
Friday, October 9, 2009
I'm Just Sayin...
Good Hair opened today and if I wasn't at work today I would've been the first person in the theatre! Whoever checks it out make sure to leave your movie reviews on CCB!!!
LISTINGS
Do Men Respond To Black Hair Pt.2
Here are some videos that I've found of black men responding to a ladies' decicion to go natural:
SHE'S GORGEOUS!!!
I LOVE THIS ONE. SO REAL.
SHE'S GORGEOUS!!!
I LOVE THIS ONE. SO REAL.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Vitamin E for Hair "Growth" - The Benefits
When I got my hair braided this past Friday I swear it was the tightest it's ever been!! I am in CONSTANT fear of receding hairlines because I was already born with thin edges. Naturally, I've noticed hair bumps that result from putting the hair follicle under too much pressure and I started to FREAK OUT! My mom told me to put Vitamin E oil on it and I have and it's been very helpful (as well as not moving the braids around/styling too much ::ladies be mindful::). I've always known that Vitamin E did wonders for skin but hair was too new to me so being me I did a little research. I used a 12,000 I.U. Vitamin E oil on my skin so I tried to find an article similar to my regimen but I could only find ones speaking about taking it in pill form. Here's an article I found:
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In natural health and healing, we believe in holistic health and healing, as we realize that different parts of the human body are highly interlinked, often beyond Man's understanding. We also believe that the body has the ability to heal itself of any disease, even supposedly incurable diseases.
In order to do so, the body needs the support of some basic dietary and lifestyle good health habits, such as a full body detox and a proper understanding and application of nutrition. No matter how remote or unrelated a health condition may seem, these fundamental health steps will greatly magnify the effects and benefits of any of our health-promoting efforts, including the use of specific natural health remedies.
Only recently has vitamin E as an oil or supplement come into focus as truly beneficial. Vitamin E has been shown to help even out heart arrhythmia, decrease sun damage to skin, and help keep skin youthful for a longer period of time.
By now, you probably know that your scalp needs to have proper circulation in order to keep the hair follicles alive and thriving. While scalp massages are a great tool in helping to encourage circulation to the scalp, this often is only a temporary fix. When done daily, scalp massages can help to grow hair, but only if they are continued.
Vitamin E for hair growth is beneficial because vitamin E has the effect of a scalp massage all the time. It contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp. This isn’t to say that you should stop your scalp massages - they feel too good, but when used in conjunction with a vitamin E supplement taken daily, they will likely be much more effective in hair growth.
While it’s okay to topically use vitamin E for hair growth, it possibly works best when it’s taken as a supplement. It’s important to know before you start taking vitamin E, however, that it does increase the amount of oxygen that gets to the body, and that can cause the blood to thin, as well as clotting problems, when too much vitamin E is taken. When taking a vitamin supplement like vitamin E, it’s a good idea to start slowly, to ensure that there are no adverse affects from the vitamin, before slowly increasing the dose.
Generally, though, we much prefer whole food supplements (for example, barley grass powder), as supposed to single-substance supplements (e.g. zinc tablets, or vitamin A supplements), as they are nutritionally balanced and complete foods. The latter, on the other hand, may be made from questionable ingredients, and may upset the body's natural balance.
Overall, if you are looking for a way to help your hair grow or grow longer, it is a good idea to keep eating healthy, keep working out, and to incorporate sufficient vitamin E in your diet.
SOURCE
What is the effect of vitamin E for hair growth?
A note about Vitamin E for Hair Growth - The Benefits
In natural health and healing, we believe in holistic health and healing, as we realize that different parts of the human body are highly interlinked, often beyond Man's understanding. We also believe that the body has the ability to heal itself of any disease, even supposedly incurable diseases.
In order to do so, the body needs the support of some basic dietary and lifestyle good health habits, such as a full body detox and a proper understanding and application of nutrition. No matter how remote or unrelated a health condition may seem, these fundamental health steps will greatly magnify the effects and benefits of any of our health-promoting efforts, including the use of specific natural health remedies.
Only recently has vitamin E as an oil or supplement come into focus as truly beneficial. Vitamin E has been shown to help even out heart arrhythmia, decrease sun damage to skin, and help keep skin youthful for a longer period of time.
Vitamin E is essential for all kinds of things to do with the body, so it might make sense that there are many benefits to the hair from vitamin E as well. Recently, it has been found that the use of vitamin E for hair growth might be useful; this is on top of its many other health benefits.
By now, you probably know that your scalp needs to have proper circulation in order to keep the hair follicles alive and thriving. While scalp massages are a great tool in helping to encourage circulation to the scalp, this often is only a temporary fix. When done daily, scalp massages can help to grow hair, but only if they are continued.
Vitamin E for hair growth is beneficial because vitamin E has the effect of a scalp massage all the time. It contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp. This isn’t to say that you should stop your scalp massages - they feel too good, but when used in conjunction with a vitamin E supplement taken daily, they will likely be much more effective in hair growth.
While it’s okay to topically use vitamin E for hair growth, it possibly works best when it’s taken as a supplement. It’s important to know before you start taking vitamin E, however, that it does increase the amount of oxygen that gets to the body, and that can cause the blood to thin, as well as clotting problems, when too much vitamin E is taken. When taking a vitamin supplement like vitamin E, it’s a good idea to start slowly, to ensure that there are no adverse affects from the vitamin, before slowly increasing the dose.
Besides the direct benefits of vitamin E for hair growth, this vitamin is also great for the immune system, and that’s great news for hair growth, since when you’re healthier, your hair is healthier, too. Think back to times when you have been on a diet. Was your hair a little less shiny, a little less healthy?
Typically, when we go on diets, we tend to deprive ourselves of the very foods, like avocadoes, that give us the most amount of vitamin E. So, make sure to eat a well balanced, healthy diet that contains lots of different sources of vitamin E to help you grow or re-grow your hair.
Vitamin E for Hair Growth - About Vitamin E Supplements
It is recommended that, if you are going to take a vitamin E supplement, you should start out at around 400 IU daily. This is a good healthy dose that is not extremely high; it will be effective without causing any negative side effects. You should know that, in healthy adults, vitamin E is rarely toxic, but doses of more than 1,000 IU daily can cause some problems.
Overall, if you are looking for a way to help your hair grow or grow longer, it is a good idea to keep eating healthy, keep working out, and to incorporate sufficient vitamin E in your diet.
SOURCE
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
10 Reasons Why Women Should Wear Their Hair Natural....
Last night, while cruising through cyber space, I stumbled upon this interesting article about black women and their natural hair. So I thought I would share it with you all to hear your opinion on it. If you have a reason that you'd like to share put in the comment section. The article was written by A. Hermitt and was posted on Associated Content, make sure you click the link to read what others had to say about the list.
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Some do it for the look, some do it for social reasons, and others do it for professional reasons. Here are the reasons black women should wear their hair in its natural state… Kinky.
10. It grows in that way. If your creator meant for you to have straight hair it would be straight.
9. You can do fun and versatile things with black hair. Unlike straight hair, black hair (naturally kinky) can stand straight up, and can be braided into complex designs, can be temporarily straighten without chemicals and worn in its natural state again the next day.
8. It is in style. Natural black hair is more and more acceptable everyday. It is just another fashion choice; therefore, there is no reason to go thrrough great pains to change it.
7. Straightening chemicals are dangerous. If not applied correctly it can cause burns, hair damage, and temporary to permanent hair loss.
6. Hair chemicals are really, dangerous. The food and drug administration says, “Hair relaxers and hair dyes are among its top consumer complaint areas. Complaints range from hair breakage to symptoms warranting an emergency room visit. Also in February 1994, the FDA and the American Cancer Society released an epidemiology study involving 573,000 women. Researchers found that women who never used permanent hair dyes showed decreased risk of all fatal cancers combined and of urinary system cancers.
5. You never know when it might go wrong. Just like food, allergies show up over time, so do hair chemical allergies. What worked fine two years ago, might cause a bald spot in two years.
4. If it went wrong before, it will very likely happen again. If you had a bad reaction to a perm, do not do it again. Nine times out of 10, the chemicals are just as much to blame as the stylist.
3. Pride: Your hair is an identifying symbol of your race. If you are proud of your race, you should also be proud of your hair.
2. The work place cannot discriminate against your hair. There was a time when wearing an Afro, dreadlocks or braids, your job could say you were going against the dress code. This is illegal. Do not tolerate it.
1. Time savings: Over time, you will learn to shower, wash your hair and get dressed just like people with straight hair. It is just a matter of time until you find a natural style that works well for you.
Thoughts ??!!??
SOURCE
Some do it for the look, some do it for social reasons, and others do it for professional reasons. Here are the reasons black women should wear their hair in its natural state… Kinky.
10. It grows in that way. If your creator meant for you to have straight hair it would be straight.
9. You can do fun and versatile things with black hair. Unlike straight hair, black hair (naturally kinky) can stand straight up, and can be braided into complex designs, can be temporarily straighten without chemicals and worn in its natural state again the next day.
8. It is in style. Natural black hair is more and more acceptable everyday. It is just another fashion choice; therefore, there is no reason to go thrrough great pains to change it.
7. Straightening chemicals are dangerous. If not applied correctly it can cause burns, hair damage, and temporary to permanent hair loss.
6. Hair chemicals are really, dangerous. The food and drug administration says, “Hair relaxers and hair dyes are among its top consumer complaint areas. Complaints range from hair breakage to symptoms warranting an emergency room visit. Also in February 1994, the FDA and the American Cancer Society released an epidemiology study involving 573,000 women. Researchers found that women who never used permanent hair dyes showed decreased risk of all fatal cancers combined and of urinary system cancers.
5. You never know when it might go wrong. Just like food, allergies show up over time, so do hair chemical allergies. What worked fine two years ago, might cause a bald spot in two years.
4. If it went wrong before, it will very likely happen again. If you had a bad reaction to a perm, do not do it again. Nine times out of 10, the chemicals are just as much to blame as the stylist.
3. Pride: Your hair is an identifying symbol of your race. If you are proud of your race, you should also be proud of your hair.
2. The work place cannot discriminate against your hair. There was a time when wearing an Afro, dreadlocks or braids, your job could say you were going against the dress code. This is illegal. Do not tolerate it.
1. Time savings: Over time, you will learn to shower, wash your hair and get dressed just like people with straight hair. It is just a matter of time until you find a natural style that works well for you.
Thoughts ??!!??
SOURCE
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sooo.....Yeah
The sew-in came out....and the braids went in (10/2/2009). L0L. Tryna push them till December 31st so I will be 365 days without a relaxer. :-)
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Do Black Men Respond To Natural Hair?
::this is a long one::
I have been thinking about this for a while now and as a woman I cannot figure this one out. I do not consider myself unattractive by any means and I usually get male attention when I am out from time to time.
When I had the sew-in the attention I received from males doubled. It was like I had a new swag!! L0L! I cannot deny that the sew-in looked good and of course it was a brand new look for me but I did not think that it made me look BETTER.
After that experience I sat down and wondered what response I would receive from men when I cut the rest of my relaxed hair off and only had naturally curly hair. How will I be perceived then? Will I still be as attractive, more attractive, or less attractive? Will the one I’m ‘with’ (L0L) leave me because I am no longer the person he first met?
Here is a post I found on another blog from a woman who gave up her naturally curly hair for male attention (her grammar is the absolute worst):
Ok, let me just get up on my soapbox!( shuffles, stumbles finds feet) I was natural from 2001 all the way up to 2006. it was long and very wavy, I loved it, BUT I found that I could not find a man. men thought it symbolized that I was worthy and a bit pious and not down a damn good time (this girl loves a good time!) they would always address me like they would address their grandmother. having my beneath the shoulder length natural hair was a turn off for them. so despite loving the look myself and feeling ashamed of compromising myself and my ideals I texturized it bone straight……. you know what happened almost immediately??? Guys who knew me on sight before were asking me if I was new in town, or if I only just started going out in the area. it’s sick to admit it and it’s shameful for me, since I loved my natural and miss it, but I like male attention and want male attention and that is what they want………… Trust me I am only alone because I want to be these days. It is sick, that some black men and women feel like this and maybe we all need to politicize our hair again so people can wake up. but me I am just human, principles are fine things……. loneliness is another. Please don’t judge me, if you have ever been truly lonely and hungry for love you will understand why I compromised myself.
Now I have never been the compromising type so I don’t see myself buckling from any pressure but the notion that it will make life ‘harder’ to some extent is saddening. Will it really be this way?
What is everyone’s opinion on this? I need some responses from men?
UPDATE: I think people took the questions I asked as if it's something I'm worried about but they're just questions I 'learned' to ask after reading other females' experiences with men and their natural hair. I just asked the questions in first person. I will be fine; believe me. A man is not going to stop this fro! L0L!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The URGE to Blog
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Washing Type 4 Hair
For many women, dealing with their natural hair texture can be a difficult task, and that is the main reason why chemical alterations, hair weaves and excessive heat styling are used. However, with patience, good research, trail and error of products and a positive attitude, you can have healthy hair that can be styled the way you want it .
One key practice in maintaining healthy tresses for 4a-textured hair is the regime of washing and conditioning the hair. Most people with 4a-hair texture do not need to wash their hair every day, instead they can rinse their hair with conditioner . Doing this will help retain the natural oils in the hair that shampooing daily will strip. This is important because 4a hair textures require lots of moisture and stripping the hair of moisture will cause it to be brittle, dry and less manageable. 4a hair textures can range in how it is structured from being kinky with no curl pattern , very thick and curly to tightly coiled. Below are steps to take when washing this hair texture to ensure that it will look its best daily.
First, it is recommended not to wash the hair every day and I suggest washing the hair no more than 4 days a week. This will depend on how your hair feels and is looking. For instance, I exercise daily so I wash my hair every other day because otherwise my hair would be dry and have no curl. This is due to my exercising and the heavy sweating. However, I do rinse my hair with conditioner in the shower on day that I do not shampoo. Get a good moisturizing shampoo, many brands like Aveda, Phyto, Motions, Slickline, Carol's Daughter and Ion have excellent shampoos that leave the hair feeling softer and not dry. This is key because a non moisturizing shampoo will result in hard hair as if you washed your hair ten times in a row. Also I would recommend purchasing a moisturizing conditioner from any of the brands mentioned before and one deep treatment conditioner. In-between shampoo days use the moisturizing conditioner instead and weekly deep condition the hair.
Shampoo, Condition, Deep-Treatment Day
Rinse the hair well, then apply the moisturizing shampoo. Massage the scalp while washing the hair. This helps add stimulation and gets the blood circulating in that area. It has been said that a good scalp massage helps keep the hair healthy. Then rinse the shampoo out and squeeze excessive water out of the hair. Do not towel dry the hair because this will cause the hair to frizz. Once excess water is out and apply the moisturizing conditioner. Massage the scalp again then rinse. Squeeze out excess water then apply the deep treatment conditioner and let set for recommended time. If you have a bonnet hair dry sit under it set on low heat for the time that the deep treatment is on the hair. Then rinse and style as desired.
Non-shampoo Day
Rinse the hair well with water, then squeeze out excess water and apply the moisturizing shampoo. Let set for duration of shower or recommended time stated by the brand. Rinse out the conditioner and style as desired.
Shampoo-and-Condition Day
Rinse the hair well then apply the shampoo and massage the scalp. The rinse out the shampoo and squeeze excess water out of the hair. Then apply the conditioner and let set for desired time. Rinse out and style.
By following this shampoo regimen you will see results such as less frizz, easier to style and better shine and bounce when styling straight. Also you will have less breakage which will enable you to obtain a longer length. I recommend squeezing the water out of your hair because this helps retain your curls or spirals and will prevent them from frizzing during and after the styling process. 4a hair textures look like tough hair that can take any styling technique but in reality the hair texture is fragile and needs extra care. With theses steps your 4a hair will be fabulous.
SOURCE
One key practice in maintaining healthy tresses for 4a-textured hair is the regime of washing and conditioning the hair. Most people with 4a-hair texture do not need to wash their hair every day, instead they can rinse their hair with conditioner . Doing this will help retain the natural oils in the hair that shampooing daily will strip. This is important because 4a hair textures require lots of moisture and stripping the hair of moisture will cause it to be brittle, dry and less manageable. 4a hair textures can range in how it is structured from being kinky with no curl pattern , very thick and curly to tightly coiled. Below are steps to take when washing this hair texture to ensure that it will look its best daily.
First, it is recommended not to wash the hair every day and I suggest washing the hair no more than 4 days a week. This will depend on how your hair feels and is looking. For instance, I exercise daily so I wash my hair every other day because otherwise my hair would be dry and have no curl. This is due to my exercising and the heavy sweating. However, I do rinse my hair with conditioner in the shower on day that I do not shampoo. Get a good moisturizing shampoo, many brands like Aveda, Phyto, Motions, Slickline, Carol's Daughter and Ion have excellent shampoos that leave the hair feeling softer and not dry. This is key because a non moisturizing shampoo will result in hard hair as if you washed your hair ten times in a row. Also I would recommend purchasing a moisturizing conditioner from any of the brands mentioned before and one deep treatment conditioner. In-between shampoo days use the moisturizing conditioner instead and weekly deep condition the hair.
Shampoo, Condition, Deep-Treatment Day
Rinse the hair well, then apply the moisturizing shampoo. Massage the scalp while washing the hair. This helps add stimulation and gets the blood circulating in that area. It has been said that a good scalp massage helps keep the hair healthy. Then rinse the shampoo out and squeeze excessive water out of the hair. Do not towel dry the hair because this will cause the hair to frizz. Once excess water is out and apply the moisturizing conditioner. Massage the scalp again then rinse. Squeeze out excess water then apply the deep treatment conditioner and let set for recommended time. If you have a bonnet hair dry sit under it set on low heat for the time that the deep treatment is on the hair. Then rinse and style as desired.
Non-shampoo Day
Rinse the hair well with water, then squeeze out excess water and apply the moisturizing shampoo. Let set for duration of shower or recommended time stated by the brand. Rinse out the conditioner and style as desired.
Shampoo-and-Condition Day
Rinse the hair well then apply the shampoo and massage the scalp. The rinse out the shampoo and squeeze excess water out of the hair. Then apply the conditioner and let set for desired time. Rinse out and style.
By following this shampoo regimen you will see results such as less frizz, easier to style and better shine and bounce when styling straight. Also you will have less breakage which will enable you to obtain a longer length. I recommend squeezing the water out of your hair because this helps retain your curls or spirals and will prevent them from frizzing during and after the styling process. 4a hair textures look like tough hair that can take any styling technique but in reality the hair texture is fragile and needs extra care. With theses steps your 4a hair will be fabulous.
SOURCE
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Miss Jessie's Twist Out 101 Demo
Miss Jessie's products WIIIIIIILL try to break your pockets but if you don't mind them being broken here's a style I found on youtube:
Monday, September 28, 2009
misskrisnew
Here is another beautiful woman I hair stalk on YouTube. I'm thinking that my texture will between her hair and BeautifulBrwnBabyDol's. They really keep me motivated not to keep growing my hair but motivated to stay interested as far as believing it will grow, researching products and styles, and just to keep 100% interest in the many things I can accomplish with my naps!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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