Natural Hairstyles II
Natural Hairstyles II
As promised everyone, here is the second part in the series of the Natural Hairstyles I am featuring. I am super excited to add new styles to the repertoire. Most of us like variety, but many of us do not know where to start when it comes to bringing the styles to life! Here are a few more styles for you all to choose from. I hope you like them. Happy Healthy Hair Styling!!!
Straw Set
Natural Ladies are very creative about the styles that they come up with. Naturals have become crafty enough to utilize drinking straws in the hair to create tiny spirals. This style may be a bit time consuming at first, as I have not tried it yet, but I plan to after seeing all of these pictures [Check out youtube for detailed tutorials].
Bantu Knot/Knot-Out
The bantu knot-out creates beautiful waves and ripples that frame the face so well. It can be worn in an afro paired with shrinkage or it can be worn stretched out on dry hair.Play around with it – I love this style, hopefully you can appreciate it too! [Video credit: crownofhisglory] Check Out Some of these Video Tutorials on Bantu Knots
The Updo 
There are endless ways one can style an updo. You may start off with freshly washed hair, or hair that may be a few days old in order to refresh your look – either way the updo is the way to go!!! The Updo describes styles that may be created through pinning the hair up in different ways. These are just a few variations of executing the ideal updo!
Natural Hairstyles – Part I
Natural Hairstyles – Part I
Natural black hair is very versatile and may be styled in many ways. I can remember going to the salon when relaxed and loving the swing & feel of my hair, but hating the fact that every other woman in there who was being styled hopped up out of the chair looking just like me! That was scary! They had us hopping up out of our seats after paying $45, just to look like every other woman in the salon. Never again I say!
Remember no two natural heads are alike…there is so much versatility involved when referring to natural hair. You may see a style on one person’s head that you would love to try, yet you may never be able to repeat it exactly on your own head, but that is okay too. That just shows the level of uniqueness and individuality that is involved when it comes to natural hair.
The AFRO
Self Explanatory! The afro is the classic style for a natural. You can achieve it through the wash-n-go method, the blowout method, and many other ways. Once you have it, there is very low manipulation required thereafter. The afro can be the perfect accessory! It feels great to rock it out and to wear it boldly!
The Curly Fro
Very popular in the natural hair community [made even more popular by ItsMsHeatherNicole featured in the video below], the curly fro is a style that is done for an easy, care-free look without compromising the curly-ness or the cuteness!
The Braid-Out
This style may be achieved by doing cornrows or plaits on the hair after washing and partially air-drying it. Let the braids stay in until completely dry. Take the braids out, fluff, and go! [Youtube vid provided by curlychronicles]
This is only part one of a series. These styles are only a few shades of the wide spectrum to show what natural hair is capable of! Stay tuned for the complete series! Until next time, Happy Healthy Hair Styling!!!
Detangling 101
Detangling – 101
Detangling the hair is crucial for anyone who has hair long enough to experience the issue of tangles. I must admit, I did not always know the best methods for detangling, but with trial and error I have become pretty good at the process. Upon transitioning to natural, and doing the twist-outs, bantu knot-outs, etc., I had to change my whole train of thought as far as ridding my hair of the tangles. When my hair was relaxed I would comb it from roots to ends without conditioner; if I were to attempt such methods now, I would be bald! When you do not take your time with detangling, you cause knots, splits, and snapping of the strands. There are certain steps that one must take to carefully preserve the hair. Detangling the hair is no exception! Keep in mind this is coming from a natural’s perspective, however, everyone can take some tips from the reading.
Try these techniques:
- Pre-poo with oil (EVOO is the best for me) in order to create more slip which allows the tool that you are using to glide through the hair more easily for the detangling process
- Always start from the very ends and work your way up to the roots
- Use conditioner to loosen up your curls before attempting to detangle
- Do not attempt to detangle when the hair is not wet (being damp is not enough)
- Detangle the hair in the shower, with conditioner in it, under running water
- Detangle in sections, it makes things much easier
- Some opt to wash previously tangle free hair in large twists or braids
- Try not to manipulate the hair at all once it is styled (this is for the naturals especially, chemically straightened hair is an exception to this rule)
Use one of three tools
- Fingers – less stress on the hair, may leave some tangles behind
- Wide Tooth Comb – will get many of the tangles out, gentler than the Denman for most
- Denman brush or similar (my fav) – gets almost all of the tangles out, but if not used correctly will take strands out too
Detangling properly promotes length retention and leads to healthier hair. The longer the hair, the more prone it is to tangles. Save yourself some strands. Try these techniques and I’m sure your hair will love you for it! Until next time, Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
Seasonal Hair Tips – Winter Edition
Winter Hair Tips
Get your hair geared up for the winter! With the days getting colder, and the air becoming drier, we have to take extra precautions with our hair. Most of us want growth and all of us strive to have healthy hair, therefore we have to work hard to get it! We can no longer stick to the “same ol’ same ol’” when it comes to managing our hair, because if we do, we get the same old results. Below are some quick tips to keeping your hair together for the winter!
Protect the Hair
- Protective styles such as Buns, Twists, Bantu Knots, Pin-Ups, Braids, Wigs/Sew-Ins, etc. are a great way to retain length and avoid potential damage from the weather.
Moisturize and SEAL
- Invest in a Good Moisturizer – Most say ditch the glycerin (a humectant) because of its ability to draw moisture out of the hair into the dry air during winter months. Try a good water/aloe based moisturizer.
- Moisturize your hair often to avoid the cold air drying it out
- Seal the ends with a good natural oil. Castor oil, Coconut oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil are examples of a few.
Beware of the Big Bad Wolf Wool!
- Invest in satin lined hats and hair accessories; the wool ones will surely take your hair out.
- Our beloved wool peacoat collars will snatch out the hair as well, so keep the hair away from it by pinning it up or wearing a scarf.
Condition
- Continue to do those weekly Deep Conditioning Treatments
- Keep co-washing if you wish.
Overall ladies (and gents) tweak your hair routines and techniques a bit if you wish. Along with the weather, it is a good idea to change our regimens up as well. The hair will thank you for it every time! Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
Styling the Bantu Knot-Out
Styling the Bantu Knot-Out
Trice from Detroit, MI asks:
How do you style a bantu knot-out?
A bantu knot-out can be styled many ways. I prefer rocking mine loose and free in all of its glory! There are many variations in styles that may frame your face with the bantu knot-outs.
Some things to take into account with the styling of the hair:
- length of your hair
- size that you made the knots
- position that you put the knots
- whether your hair is relaxed or natural
- Make sure the hair is 100% dry before unraveling the knots
All of these will factor in to the way that the knots will fall, upon letting the knots down.
Relaxed hair will obviously produce knot-outs that are more lengthy (depending on your hair length to start with), and natural hair knot-outs will always have to surrender to some level of shrinkage (meaning curly fros for some and shoulder length curls and waves for others).
Accessorize It!
You may choose to place a headband or scarf on to add little “flava” to your style. These have the potential to make the perfect accessory to the curly fro! Flowers or pins also add a bit of spice to your knot-out. You should always fluff out your hair by rubbing your fingers along the scalp to remove the obvious lines of parts from being visible.
Pin sections of the hair up, twist up some parts to add a different look to the style after a couple of days if you like. Refresh the look of day old hair by moisturizing and carefully sealing the hair. The best part is playing around with your hair and finding styles that best compliment you! I say try the bantu knot-out and have fun with it! That’s the best way to style it out!
Until next time, happy healthy hair styling!
How to Manage Multi-Textured Hair
How To Manage Multi-Textured Hair
Many of the natural haired sisters have hair that includes multiple textures. A host of us have issues taking care of our hair due to its complexity (or what seems to be complex), however, it is not as difficult as it may seem ladies!
Throughout my hair, I have textures that are coarse and thick in the nape and temple areas, seeming to be an area that may be described as “4b”. While in the front of my head, the hair is slightly looser and less dense. However, my coils are defined more in the back than in the front. Regardless of the difference in textures, feel, and densities, I love all of my tresses just the same!
You may find that one part of your hair holds moisture better than the other section(s). What I do to remedy this is to add more moisture and attention to areas that require it. Concentrate a little more on areas that may need it. I find that I get the best results overall from products that work well on the most coarse parts of my hair.
Quick Tips for Better Management of Hair:
- Find products that work well on the “problem” areas of your hair and use it throughout
- Concentrate more product and work it into the area that is more coarse/thick/dense
- Make sure your hair has the proper balance of moisture and protein
- Control the porosity of your hair with products that have the proper pH balances
- When straightening, use lower temperatures on the thinner areas of your hair and slightly higher settings on the more coarse areas
- Always detangle properly
- Always treat your strands with care, treating the most “difficult” areas of your hair as gentle as the easiest areas
I hope these tips help someone! Remember to listen and love your hair – your hair will always love you back!!! Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner Review
Now everyone knows how much of a natural product PJ (product junkie) I am, and after hearing all of the hype about Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, I was forced to try the conditioner and review it. I must admit, after evaluating the results, I am ’sold’.
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner claims to correct “dry, brittle hair.” The product contains an extremely moisturizing formula which seems to back up its claims as far as adding plenty of moisture. While my natural hair was not super dry and brittle (I moisturize and seal often to prevent such consequences), it was in need of a weekly deep moisture treatment. I would say that the Honeysuckle Rose did it’s duty where my needs were concerned. The conditioner may be used on all hair types; I have extremely coarse 4b hair, and it works for me.
I must note: the first time I used the conditioner sans heat, while the second time I applied it and sat under a hooded dryer. The best results came from my using the conditioner with heat; as I have noticed that my hair responds better to a deep treatment that utilizes an indirect heat or steam source (while these were my findings, the next person’s hair may respond better to the conditioner without heat…in essence – get to know your hair ladies!).
Positives:
- Thick, Creamy Consistency
- Softens Hair
- Very Moisturizing
- Natural Formula
- Vegan
- Smells Nice
- Doesn’t Weigh the Hair Down
Negatives:
- If not completely and properly washed out, it may cause crunchy curls/hair
- $8.50 for an 11oz bottle may be a bit pricey for those on a budget
I would say, I will use this conditioner when I need a high moisture kick, however, it will not totally replace my Nature’s Gate L & A (which happens to be cheaper with amazing results). The Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose definitely gets thumbs up from me though!
Ingredients:
Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Shea Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil; Extracts of Fennel, Hops, Balm Mint, Mistletoe, Camomile, Yarrow, Chrysanthemum, Angelica, Forsythia and Magnolia; Honeysuckle Oil, Carrot Oil, Aubrey’s Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E).
Rating: 4 / 5
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses
Benefits of ACV Rinses
Patricia of Fort Wayne, IN asks:
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
- Promotes moisture retention (improving porosity)
- Promotes a clean and healthy scalp alleviating debris
Beware:
- Do not use it without diluting it first
- Do not overuse it (more than once a week) as it may increase porosity issues
I hope this has helped to answer your question Patricia! Happy healthy hair growing!
Nature’s Gate Lavender and Aloe Conditioner Review
Nature’s Gate Lavender and Aloe Conditioner Review
Smooth, soft, supple…all words to describe the texture of my hair after using Nature’s Gate Lavender & Aloe Conditioner. My hair felt so moisturized and replenished after deep conditioning my hair with the product. I was pretty impressed, especially seeing as though I purchased it on sale at my local Kroger store ($3.47 for 12oz bottle).
I would recommend this conditioner to anyone who may be experiencing dryness and moisture retention issues. The conditioner has a low pH which is better on the strands over time to normalize the hair shaft, which will in turn improve porosity. Nature’s Gate Lavender and Aloe Conditioner is formulated for use on all hair types, so don’t be hesitant because you think your kinks and coils won’t benefit from this product – mine did! I say try it (especially all the PJ’s out there), it’s less than $5 for a 12oz bottle (on sale or not) and it made a world of a difference on my hair! Did I mention that my first time using the Lavender & Aloe was after a henna treatment (which can be very drying to the hair)??? I had NO issues with moisture retention after using the Nature’s Gate – enough said…read on ladies and gents! Happy Healthy Hair Growing!
Pros
- Deep Conditioner
- Instant Conditioner
- Softens
- Moisturizes
- Vegan
Cons
- Scent may be a bit overbearing
What’s In The Bottle: Water, Lavandula Intermedia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract*, Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract*, Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract*, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract*, Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract*, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Leaf Extract*, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil*, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetyl Esters, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-10, Alcohol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Fragrance.
*certified organic ingredients
Product Rating 4 / 5 !
Home Health Castor Oil (for hair) Review
Home Health Castor Oil Review
Castor Oil…for hair??? That’s correct, the same stuff that Gram used to clean you out once a week is used to thicken up our hair (if only she would’ve slapped some in my head instead of giving me a tablespoon of it, ooooooh where my hair would be now, ha!)!!!
Castor oil is known for it’s emollient and anti-microbial properties. It keeps the scalp clean in between washes (those who wear braids or weaves, this is perfect) all while promoting growth and thickness at the same time! You may have seen it mentioned on the hair boards, or heard of Black castor oil, but it is not imperative that you have that particular kind. Castor oil works; as long as you are using 100% castor oil, you should see results. Home Health Castor Oil is no exception to this! It is 100% castor oil and it is cold pressed/cold processed castor oil which is even better (this signals that it has not been heated therefore key nutrients have not been lost in production)!
I started using Home Health castor oil as my oil of choice for the bhp forum’s castor oil challenge, and I must say that it has been made a staple! I began oiling my scalp with the oil, then I gradually started to seal with a mix of castor oil and EVOO and/or coconut oil. I love the thickness I am achieving and the length (despite me trimming a significant amount of my ends) that I am maintaining with the use of the castor oil. I had a very tender and fairly thin spot in my crown area before using the castor oil, however, after a week of consistently applying the oil, the spot was no longer tender. I noticed results almost instantly!
Keep in Mind:
- Castor oil may be mixed with other oils (Olive oil, coconut oil, etc) for those who have sensitivities to it
- It is a thick oil, so it should be used sparingly to prevent weighing the hair down
- It must be used consistently to achieve notable results
- May try it on eyebrows or lightly on lashes for thickness there as well
- Proven results across all hair types!
I like the ease of being able to purchase Home Health Castor Oil at my local whole foods/vitamin/health foods store without the hassles and headaches of shipping in the equation. I further appreciate the fact that it is Extra Virgin/Cold Processed, unlike most pharmacy brand castor oils. It is also inexpensive, as you may get a 8oz bottle for $4.99 (vitamin shoppe price). If you are interested in incorporating castor oil into your weekly regimen, I highly recommend the Home Health brand.
Only because I have yet to try any others….Rating 4.5 out of 5!
