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Today’s Hair

This is a pic of today’s hair (it isn’t the best quality I know, my apologies). I did a bantu knot out on stretched hair (via plaits) and left the knots in for a couple of days over the weekend.  I was itching to take them down, but I’m glad that I didn’t b/c the results were phenomenal!  My hair was perfectly moisturized, oiled, and super soft!

I used a simple routine last week:
Pre-poo w/EVCO and Amla & Brahmi oil mix [more on these Ayurvedic oils in the future]
Rinse/wash with Dr. Bronner’s Almond Castile Soap
Co-wash w/Vo5 Moisture Milks
Plait damp hair using ApHogee Keratin and Green Tea Restructurizer
Take Down plaits and put in bantu knots using Aloe Vera gel/Shea butter/EVCO mix

My results after washing my hair were excellent!  I didn’t even DC and my hair turned out just as soft and manageable. This definitely proves that you must give your hair what it needs when it asks for it. I knew I needed a bit of protein in my hair, but I did not need any deep conditioning. I did my hair accordingly.

When I finally took down the bantu knots and styled them this morning for a professional picture session, I was impressed with my work to say the least.  Have fun hair styling ladies and gents!!!

My Soap Seduction Mini Haul

I love purchasing natural products! I love to use them for my hair, body, and skin!  Natural, handmade soaps are a real treat for me.  After a long stretch of trying to hold out using my beloved Dr. Bronner’s and Kirk’s Castile soaps, I had to go ahead and treat myself to some decadent treasures from the Soap Seduction!  These soaps are the yummiest (yes I say yummy b/c they smell so good, you’ll wanna taste them) soaps out there.  Not only do they smell delicious, but they cleanse gently, yet thoroughly, without stripping the body of its natural oils.  These are ideal for dry skin, eczema, and even help with acne prone skin.

I like the creativity of the products that Patrice @the Soap Seduction makes and sells; you will not be able to find anything in the stores like them!  The love that goes into the soaps definitely shine through; this sister whips the soaps up in the kitchen like she’s whipping up some sweet potato pies; the soaps are just as scrumptious!  In a suffering economy, I like to support the entrepreneurs/small business owners (esp the sisters and brothers out there) and the handmade market is just a treasure on its own.  I’ll be updating you all with a review of some of her soaps in the future!  Check her out, I’m sure you’ll love it too!  Featured in the picture are some of the soaps that I’ve purchased recently which include – the Ginger Cake Soap, Chocolate Donut Soaps, Eat me Not Vanilla Cake Soap, and the Milk and Honey Cocoa Butter soap.  I couldn’t wait to crack open the box.

I am spotlighting the Soap Seduction totally voluntary and I was not given any free products for the feature post above. I simply love these soaps

I’m featured on the Blackhairplanet.com blog. I give an interview based on my being natural! Check it out Thanks to the folks over at the bhp blog and Dena for giving me the opportunity!

A Natural’s Perspective

Does a balanced and healthy diet translate into healthier hair?

A balanced diet consists of proper meals.  Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and plenty of water all make up the balanced diet.  If you notice that you are feeling sluggish and you have a dull appearance, try upping your water intake.  Drink some warm tea; incorporate more leafy green vegetables into your diet.  Upon doing these small changes alone, not only will you gain more energy, but your hair will look revitalized as well!

A healthy diet not only affects the body on the inside, but the outward appearance is altered for the best too.

Here are some things to consider incorporating into your diet at the proper proportions.

Protein: (Lean meats, fish, legumes, beans, etc.)

Leafy Green Veggies

Plenty of Water

Plenty of Fiber

Fruits

Supplements (Daily Multi-vitamin, calcium, vitamin C, biotin, etc.)

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (EVOO, EVCO, etc)

Cut Down on:

Sugars

Fats

Sodas/Pops

Cholesterol

Saturated Fats

When you take steps toward a healthier lifestyle, your hair will reap the benefits.  Try out these tips and I guarantee you, you will notice a change for the better.  Happy Healthy Hair Growing!

What are the benefits of rinsing with Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple Cider Vinegar rinsing has great benefits.  It is a natural and simple way to achieve results that you may desire, without the complexity of the chemicals found in the average product on the shelves.   Apple cider vinegar is an acid that helps to control porosity over time when used adequately.  The proper way to use apple cider vinegar is to dilute it with a good proportion of water to prevent the solution from being too heavily concentrated.

ACV rinses have basic yet useful functions and benefits:

• Seals the cuticle
• Conditions the hair
• Smooths the hair shaft
• Defines Curl
• Repairs Limp Hair
• Promotes moisture retention (improving porosity)
• Promotes a clean and healthy scalp alleviating debris

Beware:

• Strong Smell that may not appeal to senses
• Do not use it without diluting it first
• Do not overuse it (more than once a week) as it may increase porosity issues

I trust this information will help someone!  Happy healthy hair growing!

Coconut Oil Benefits for Hair

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is known for its beneficial qualities from its culinary uses to its many healing properties. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, commonly recognized as EVCO, is produced in the best way to retain the highest content of nutrients in its purest form. Few know of the greatness it does for the hair, I am here to share what I have gathered from using EVCO.

1. Coconut oil is very light on the strands and is one of the few oils with moisturizing properties.
2. EVCO can be used as a base for other oils, such as castor oil or essential oils.
3. May be used as a deep conditioner by itself, free of other agents, to condition the hair naturally. There is no risk of over-conditioning with EVCO, as the hair will just soak it right up.
4. Great for Pre-Poo treatments, as it protects the hair from the drying effects of sulfate-laden shampoos.
   
5. Seals in moisture and leave-ins.
6. Wonderful for scalp massages because it is so light.
   
7. Lightly conditions hair and does not cause a greasy, weighed down feel.
8. Helps in length retention when applied to ends consistently.

Relaxed and Naturals may enjoy the many benefits that coconut oil has to offer. Try some out and see if your hair loves it as much as mine does. Happy Healthy Hair Growing!

Growing Hair Long: Massaging the Scalp

Massaging the scalp is a great way to promote growth.  Think about it: Hair growth begins at the scalp!  The growth rate may be manipulated through persistent and accurate massaging of the scalp.

The blood flow that goes to the scalp is pivotal to the growth process.  If the scalp is tense, the hair will have a harder time to grow.  When the scalp is massaged and at ease, the hair may grow with ease; this speeds up the growth rate!  Stimulation of the scalp is an excellent way to grow the hair.

Here’s how to do it!

Place the pads of your fingers on the scalp (Do Not use the finger nails).  Move the scalp around with the pads of your fingers as if you massaging any other part of the body.  Be careful not to just rub the fingers in vigorously, but move the scalp around to stimulate the circulation of blood to the scalp.  An oil may aid in the massaging process.  The looser the scalp the better and the easier it is for the hair to grow out of the scalp.  It may feel odd at first, but don’t be skeptical.  Give scalp massaging a try.  Here’s a video to help you out as well, Proper Scalp Massaging.

Growing Natural Hair Long: Length Retention

Length retention is the key to growing natural hair beyond the average lengths.  Many use growth aids, saturate the scalp with oils daily, and try to stimulate the scalp as best they can.  We must realize that unless there is a medical condition present, the hair is going to grow regardless of what some may think!  It may seem as though the growth rate may not be the fastest; however, the hair does grow.  The big problem that is not always easy to detect is the fact that the hair is growing, but one may not be able to properly retain the length.

Length retention is an imperative aspect of the hair care journey. The process of length retention includes many elements that one must dissect and take on step at a time.

Do not hold on to split ends. Clip them! Contrary to what that “magical product” on the BSS shelf says, a split end will not be repaired!  It will not magically bond back together, therefore you must cut it. Naturals may not have to trim as often (this really depends on the hair care regimen), but we still have to trim.

Do not pull the knots.  Natural hair produces knots quite often, if naturals are not careful.  The curlier and kinkier the hair, the more knots will be produced.  When you get knots on the ends, do not pull them or tear them off when you are bored.  Knots too must be clipped off!  Clip them and keep the hair detangled regularly.  Stretching the hair and low manipulation are other ways to keep the knots at bay in order to retain length.

Moisturize the ends. Infusing the ends with moisture will allow the ends to remain healthy. This prevents the ends from drying out and snapping easily.

Oil the ends. The process of oiling the ends is also referred to as sealing the ends.  After you have added moisture to your ends, when needed, you will have to use something to keep the moisture in the strands.  Use your favorite oil to lock in the moisture on the ends.

Protect the ends! Keep the ends off of your shoulders and away from the harsh treatment from the elements.  The ends of your hair must be protected in order to see the greatest results.  For some, protecting the ends means hiding the hair under wigs, scarves, or hats.  Buns are great protective styles as well.

The pivotal tip to keep in mind is – the hair grows from the roots, not the ends. The ends are the oldest part of your hair.  It makes sense to have to take care of the ends more than you would with any other section of the strand.  Happy Healthy Hair Growing!

Rose Water for Hair

Imagine the pleasant scent of fresh roses lacing your strands, while infusing your hair with moisture as it coats the tresses. Rose water is one of the earth’s best kept secrets. Many fail to realize just how many healing properties that rose water has.

Rose water can be recognized first and foremost for its lovely scent! Refresh day old hair with a rose water spritz; it has the potential to make your hair look, feel, and smell a new!

The porosity of your hair will stabilize as well with one of nature’s fine elements. The pH value of rose water is closer to that of the hair in its optimal state, therefore, it works to repair the porosity. This allows the hair to retain the proper amount of moisture in; and the cuticle will remain smooth.

Rose water is made from soaking rose petals in distilled water. This extracts the nutrients from the roses and puts them into the water. There are no artificial ingredients in pure rose water.

Rose water can be found at your local grocery store in the international food isle.  Don’t hesitate to try rose water, this is safe for use on natural or relaxed hair; you will love it for at least one of its nourishing properties!  Happy Healthy Hair Growing!