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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

• Bantu Knot Styles
• Bantu Knot Outs

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!

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

1. Fingers – less stress on the hair, may leave some tangles behind
2. Wide Tooth Comb – will get many of the tangles out, gentler than the Denman for most
3. 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!

The Benefits of Bunning: Tips and Techniques

The days of buns being associated with grannies are long gone! I can remember cringing at the mention of a bun. Nowadays, you see the hottest celebrities rocking  buns more than ever! If you want to look sophisticated and chic, then the bun is the perfect style to achieve that look. You can opt to wear your bun high on your head, somewhere in the middle, or low near the nape of your neck. Don’t feel restricted to wear it one way. The good news is that whether you are natural or relaxed, have 4b or 2a hair type, you can enjoy the style of a bun without the fuss! Not only can the bun look super hot, chic, and sexy, it offers tons of benefits overall:

• It’s a protective style! Your precious strands are neatly packed away, giving it the opportunity to thrive and rest! It’s off of your shoulders, so no need to worry about the hair rubbing on your clothes and breaking off. It’s ideal for that sometimes awkward shoulder length.
• It’s one of the most versatile styles ever! You can easily take this style from office to evening out and be on point for both occasions.
• The possibilities are endless with the bun. Not only can you switch positions, (which is recommended to avoid tension in one area) you can also vary the style in countless other ways, read on to discover a few.
• Adding accessories is easy and fun! Try a thin headband, flower, or chopsticks to add a twist to this already stylish and polished look.
• It’s practical and convenient.
• It is practically free to create the bun.  This style does not require visiting a salon. It’s a simple do-it-yourselfer!

Ways to Recreate the Simple Bun:

• Part the hair down the middle and pull the bull tightly and wear it at the nape of your neck. 
• Loosely pulled bun with a swoop bang.
• Tendrils coming toward the face and bun loosely hanging.
• Ringletts coming toward the face and bun worn up high on head.
• Wide or thin headband with tightly pulled bun.
• Chinese style bangs with bun.
• Side swept bangs with bun.
• Add a phony pony or hair piece to make  your bun bigger and bolder.

 Bangs with the bun

As you see, the bun has a myriad of perks and pleasantries! Bunning it has become my personal fav and I just can’t get enough of  it! A few things to keep in mind:

1. Keep your hair moisturized and sealed to allow your tresses to benefit from the protective style.
2. Reposition the bun to avoid tension.
3. Don’t brush your edges harshly, this can lead to breakage.
4. Don’t neglect your haircare regimen, as it can become easy to just bun and forget about it!
5. Don’t pull hair too tight back into bun, as this can cause breakage

Ladies, go rock that bun with style!!

Caring for Microbraids and Easy Removal

How to Easily remove and caring for Microbraids

Micro braids are a beautiful way to protect your hair from heat and the everyday stress we do to our hair. This can only be achieved if they are cared for the correct way. The main things to take into consideration are the size of the braids, cleaning, moisturizing, oiling, and when to take them out.

Hair loss and difficulty removing braids are two of the biggest complaints with micro braid wearers. Here are some helpful steps to ease both dilemmas. The first thing to do before you even get braids is to access how healthy you hair is. If it is breaking off easily, brittle, thin, or has split ends take care of these before you get you braids.  Get a deep condition the week that you are going to get your braids, and  a good trim. If your hair is breaking off and brittle do not get braids till your hair is at a healthier state. You may need to seek a professional hair dresser for more assistance on getting your hair back to health. Make sure you use a braid spray such as African Pride or African Royale. These sprays do not contain alcohol or oils that will cause build up. I do recommend that you do not saturate the hair with the sprays because too much of a good thing is bad.  Do not let products build up around your braids because it will make the braid get stuck in the hair and you will lose hair due to pulling the braid out.

When removing braids some people prefer wetting their hair and some people prefer their hair to be dry. When you wet the hair it allows the braids to slip out more easily than dry. BUT if you are like me and you just end up making a mess of things do not wet your hair. I find it easier to get my braids out when my braider has not put any knots in my braids and when it is time to remove them they just slip out. If you clean your braids on a weekly basis you will find that the braids come out easier.

Here are the basic steps to caring for micro braids:

• Talk to your braider about the size of the braids you want. The bigger they are the less time you will spend on removing them.
• Clean the braids with dry shampoos like Organic Root Stimulator’s Herbal Cleanse
• Another way to cleanse the braids is to use a small amount of shampoo, put your hair in a high pony tail, and rinse your scalp under the shower head. (Make sure the water is very warm so the shampoo will dissolve the oils.)
• MOISTURIZE with a braid spray. DON’T use creamy moisturizers.
• Oil the scalp with herbal oil such as Africa’s Best herbal oil.
• If you use straight hair for your braids get a detangling brush and brush from the ends towards the roots. (Don’t pull hard if your hair is tangled)
• Using a detangling spray or water will help get the tangles out.
• Clean the scalp and hair at least once weekly to prevent build up.
• Do not leave the braids in longer than two months without getting the edges redone.

Having micro braids are easy if you are short on time, live where there is lots of humidity, want to get away from heat damage, or if you are looking for a new style.

Until next time..take care of those beautiful strands!  :)

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

How to Care for Black Hair after Exercise

How to Maintain Beautiful Hair and Stay Fit

It is not surprising that there are many Black women who would pass on the idea of being healthy, fit, and sexy just so they will not mess up their treasured tresses! In fact, a recent survey showed that more than 30% of Black women interviewed admitted that they exercise less for fear that it will mess up their hair. Now, this fact is more than a little disturbing!

Why is it not surprising?  Well, for one, we as Black women are known to have invested a lot in the upkeep of our hair in one time of our lives or another.  This should not be taken against us simply for the fact that it is very difficult to manage and maintain our hair.  Aside from its structure of being curly and frizzy, it also is very delicate and prone to damage.  More so, no matter how much we spend to make our hair more manageable and less frizzy, a single drop of moisture can bring back its frizz in a blink of an eye.

We stay away from exercise due to this exact reason.  Sweat brings back the frizz in our hair, which probably cost us a pretty penny to rid in the first place.

Regardless, however, it is a fact that most Black women are health conscious.  If you are one of them and you are looking for a way to get great exercise and great hair together, then you are in the right place.  Let me show you how:

If you want to get in some aerobic exercise and you have a fresh relaxer and want to maintain a straight style, the best way to protect your hair is through a tight ponytail.  Use a soft bristled brush to smooth your hair and bundle it up tightly at the middle back portion of your head.  Twist your hair around and cover the entire twisted area with a wide elastic cloth.  Secure the twist with some hairpins.  Also, place a wide cloth headband across your forehead to act as a sponge for your sweat.

If you have just styled your hair with a curling iron, try some pin curls.  Separate your hair into 6 to 10 partitions. Comb each section into a curl down to your scalp.  Secure the curl with a few hairpins.  After your workout, just take of the pins and run your fingers through your hair without brushing it so as not to straighten out the curls.

If you intend to go swimming, then just secure your hair in a bun on top of your head, wrap it around with a thin scarf and place a swimming cap over it.

You definitely need exercise.  With a little bit of creativity and experimenting here and there, surely you can find a way to a healthier lifestyle, while maintaining a beautiful hairstyle! So get out there and get your workout on!

Are sew-ins weaves bad for your hair?

Are sew-in weaves bad for your hair?

No, not ALL sew in weaves are bad; the main thing you have to remember when wearing a weave is to TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN HAIR!!! Sew in weaves won’t give you freedom from your own hair, but if anything it kind of gives you more reasons to pay attention to your hair. Sew in, just like any other weave, has its ups and downs. They can protect your hair but if not “installed” correctly it can damage or break your hair. If you’re trying to grow your hair out it’s recommended that you install a “full head” of weave (which means none of the clients hair is left out.). Even though this may make it harder to shampoo the crown of the head, it keeps the hair growing at the same rate and it can be used as a protective style. Extracurricular activities such as working out etc may not affect this style as much. When doing a “partial sew in” the crown of the clients hair is left out, then flat ironed or “hot combed” to blend in with the weave and then used to cover the tracks, this gives the client a more natural look. But, this can cause breakage on the client’s hair because you would have to flat iron your hair to keep it blended. And the big thing that comes along with breakage…no growth. So, while the braided hair is growing, the hair at the crown is broken and not growing because of heat damage.

Now for a little Sew in 101; Some FAQs about getting sew ins.

• 1. How long do they last? It’s recommended that you get a new sew in about every 8 weeks and allow your hair to breathe for a few days. Once you feel the braids getting loose, and starting to hang because of the new growth, get a new install!
• 2. How do you maintain the hair under the sew in? It’s your hair do it just like you would do your hair if it wasn’t under the weave. You should still wash and condition your hair about every two weeks and dry under a hooded or bonnet dryer. Important note: Make sure your hair is dry before getting from under the dryer; don’t feel the weave to determine if your hair is dry. It’s important that your hair is dry first; it may take longer for your hair to dry because it’s braided and under the weave. If your hair isn’t completely dry then it can cause mildew in your hair because the weave is covering your hair and its not getting any air. Also, remember to dry your hair using the medium setting.
• 3. What kind of hair should I buy? Honestly, if you’re going to go buy the 12.99 pack of yaki hair that you used back in the day for a ponytail, that’s EXACTLY what you’re going to get. Some 13 dollar quality hair, don’t be surprised if it sheds a lot and tangles. Try buying a more expensive type of hair such as Remy hair. This hair is more expensive but it doesn’t shed as much, hardly won’t tangle and its reusable (if you want to reuse it).
• 4. How tight should your hair be braided? If it hurts, it’s too tight. Just like with regular braids, braiding too tight causes a strain on your hair. If you feel your stylist braiding your hair too tight, SAY SOMETHING! It’s your hair. (Do the “eyebrow check”, if you raise your eyebrows and you feel the braids pulling at your scalp. You need to call your stylist back. The oil sheen really won’t help this time lol)
• 5. What kind of products can I use on my weave? You don’t want anything too heavy that will weigh your hair down, you can use the same products you use on your regular hair just don’t get happy and start to get heavy handed. A little goes a long way. Since it’s a weave it won’t respond to products the way your normal hair will, so you won’t have to use a lot.

Tips for getting a sew in include: Knowing your stylist: Especially if you don’t know the stylist who’s about to do your hair, know what you want before you get there. Know the exact cut, how much hair you want in your head, and how tight you want it. (Some stylist may sew the hair in too tight and it can break the hair off, and we’re trying to grow our hair out, we don’t want to damage it.) Don’t let the stylist take advantage of your hair especially if you’re new to getting sew ins, they will tell you anything!!! Some stylist will do anything to make you look good, just so they can get your money. (Trust me I know from experience). Don’t rely on your stylist for everything; learn how to do your own hair. That way you can save money and getting stronger in your journey to healthily hair growth.

So, I don’t think all sew ins are bad. But, you do have to take care of your OWN hair under the weave. Sometimes we get so caught up in the weave and how much we love it, and we begin to think that having a sew in is a free ticket to get out of doing our own hair. When we forget about our hair underneath it causes our hair to become a victim of “Hair Negligence” which results in a bad sew in, breakage, and possibly some hair loss. That’s my time for now, keep it fabulous!!!!

Photo Credit:

Exotic Trenz Salon

2605 W. 79^th st.

Chicago, Illinois 60652

“Nappturosity” Book Review

Erin Shell Anthony’s, “Nappturosity: How to Create Fabulous Natural Hair and Locs” was a pleasure to read.  The informational is directed toward those who “just want to know how to cycle through the process of managing, developing, and styling natural hair.”  This way, an audience of relaxed, natural, and transitioning heads can be reached.  Be forewarned, the book is lengthy, containing 19 chapters, so brace yourselves if you are not fond of reading.

In Summary:

• I found the “Nappturous Diva Principles” that are introduced in the novel to reward a sense of empowerment to us all!
• It definitely invites us in and preps us for the knowledge and journey that we will receive in the pages thereafter!
• I can particularly identify with the hair emancipation that is relinquished through the going natural process; the book gets you to focus on planning and acting on that plan to achieve fabulous natural hair!
• Concentrates on “sisterlocks” and the associated trademarked products for the ladies/gents interested in locs.
• Goes a bit more in depth with terms that are found in the forums…pre-pooing, co-washing (termed “no-pooing” in the book), pH, and other general info for hair care.
• I appreciate the whole foods section (in the How to Grow Strong, Healthy Hair chapter) where Nappturous Diva gives out the recipe to her Wheat Grass Smoothie…I’m going to be trying it ASAP!
• A Great Product section (all the PJs out there will like it) allowing you to get a great idea of where to start out with good products.
• “In-house expert” features are a treat, as you get to take a peek into the lives of hair gurus who are natural just like me and you!
• Sums the book up with a nationwide Natural Salon Listing/Locator for us!

Things To Look Out For:

• I had mine in e-book form and you may only access it while connected to the internet, the paperback version is best.
• It could use a bit of an update as far as the useful products, (Brendita’s Body Works, among many others, are proven to be excellent for naturals — I’m gonna be trying them soon girl, esp with that wonderful sale that’s going on til Wednesday!).
• In the hair styles section, I would love to see a bit more of an expansion into more choices of styles, as there were a few more Loc options, but not as much of an elaboration on styles such as Braid Outs and Bantu Knot Outs.

Overall, I found the book informational and helpful.  It’s a pretty good read, however, I don’t know if it’s worth the price – $20+ (I’m not hating on you though Nappturous Diva, make that Money); it is a recession now!  With the wealth of info that’s available on forums nowadays, I think we natural divas can manage without the read.  Since reading the book I haven’t changed anything in my regime (which I created from my knowledge on bhp), but for the select few of us who have money out there (I’m in the broke majority), it wouldn’t hurt to look into Nappturosity for motivation and support as a guide to fabulous natural hair!

Until Next Time, Happy Healthy Hair Growing!!!

Black Hair Care – Myths and Facts

Black Hair Care – Myths and Facts

There is seemingly no end to the glut of information available on black hair and its care. Unfortunately, there is plenty of bad info mixed in there with the good. And what’s even worse, is that the bad stuff sounds almost convincing enough to be true. Enough that even hair stylists preach like these myths are gospel, and really shouldn’t they know better? So what I’ve done here is compiled a Top Ten list of urban legends about caring for our hair, along with the facts to either back them up, or break them down.

Myth:  Hair only needs to be washed once a month (or less)

Fact:    If you sweat, use products regularly, or even walk around outside where dust abounds, all you are achieving by not washing your hair is dirty hair and scalp. And a dirty scalp leads to irritation, itchiness, odor, and hair that is lifeless and hard to style.

Myth:  Dollar store hair products work just as well as the expensive brands

Fact:    Cheap brands are cheap because they use manmade, poor quality ingredients, which can leave buildup on your strands for dull, unhealthy looking hair. Higher end products are better quality leaving hair and scalp cleaner and healthier. You can also be stingy with more expensive products since they are concentrated. Don’t break the bank, but don’t make the pennies cry from pinching them so hard either.

Myth:  Trimming hair every six weeks will make it grow faster

Fact:    Cutting the ends of your hair does not make it grow faster from your scalp. Your rate of hair growth is determined by health (illness and diet) and genetics, and trimming can help maintain healthy locks by removing split ends which helps you to retain growth. The better you take care of your hair, the less trims you need, the more growth you retain. Your hair will grow back after a trim, just not any faster.

Myth:  A cool water rinse makes your hair shinier

Fact:    Cool or cold water helps close the hairs cuticle and helps conditioner work more effectively, making hair gleam. That final rinse may be a tad uncomfortable, but well worth the final result.

Myth:  Hair gets used to one shampoo, so change them often

Fact:    Unless you are using problem specific shampoo that can be discontinued after several uses (i.e. protein, anti-fungal), you should obtain great results with each use of quality products geared toward your hair type (relaxed, natural, colored) and scalp condition (dry, oily, normal).

Myth:  Serums and heavy hair “grease” help repair split ends

Fact:    Once ends split, only scissors can get rid of them and stop them from further damaging your hair by travelling up the hair shaft. You can prevent splits by keeping hair moisturized, as well as minimizing use of heat tools.

Myth:  Rain will cause my relaxed hair to revert

Fact:    One reason people call a relaxer a perm is because it’s permanent. Once the composition of the hair is broken down and changed, nothing can change it back. So your hair style might be ruined, but your hair is just fine.

Myth:  Natural hair doesn’t need as much care as relaxed hair

Fact:    Natural hair needs just as much care and attention as relaxed hair. Naturals have many of the same concerns such as moisture, frizz, and finding the right products. It’s not all wash n’ go for naturals, just like it’s not all wrap n’ go for relaxers. Each has its own trials and triumphs which is completely dependent upon the person.

Myth:  My hair won’t grow!

Fact:    Unless you are suffering from a disease that inhibits hair growth, your hair will and is growing. Breakage is the biggest preventer of hair retention, and once you discover why your hair is breaking you can take steps to correct the problem. Technique, tools, and products all contribute to your hairs health, and it is important to use them with care in order to have a healthy head of hair.

Myth:  Weaves and braided extension are the best for growth

Fact:    Weaves and extensions are a great way to give your hair a break from daily styling stress, but they too can cause damage from glue, braids being done too tightly, or not leaving enough time between applications. Healthier options include the drawstring ponytail, and full and half wigs since they can be removed daily and put less stress on the hair.

Some of those myths have been controlling our hair care journey for years, and chained us to beliefs that only brought us down. Now that the truth is revealed it’s time to live a little. Kick off your shoes and go dance in the rain. Remember, your hair won’t revert!

Too Many Hands in Your Hair

This is something my mom and grandmother used to tell me when I was little. They used to say, “Don’t let everyone touch, comb, or style your hair because it won’t grow anymore.” I was clueless about that saying all the time, but I would never let a bunch of people touch or do my hair too much.

I understand that saying now that I am older. It is not the fact that the hair will not grow anymore, but it will break off if too many people style the hair. I know now that everyone is not capable of doing someone else’s hair even if they are a beautician. Sticking with a stylist that knows your hair and knows what products will work on it will make a big difference. If you are constantly going to different people letting them do stuff to your hair it will eventually break off. I have seen the effects of this common practice although not on my hair, but my sister’s hair.  Getting to know the person that does your hair is a big deal because they know what you like and what you do not like done.

If you do not like what anyone does to your hair and you just cannot seem to find a stylist; do it yourself. You can be your own hair stylist with time, patience, and education. What you will need are a couple of weekends out of each month to start with. Let someone trim your ends every 6-8 weeks to rid the uneven or split ends. Do that till you feel comfortable with cutting your own ends. Relaxed heads may not want to try applying the relaxer at home, but it just depends on your comfort level. Natural heads don’t have to worry about putting relaxers in their hair, but maybe some permanent color. Doing all of these things to your own hair is not impossible you just have to take the time to educate yourself. If you get discouraged just think about all the money that you will save on going to the salon. Doing your own hair and not having to wait for the next available appointment will pay off. I am not bashing the beauticians, but I know there are people that are never satisfied unless they do it themselves.

Even though this saying told to me when I was young, sounds like an old wives tale; it is very much in effect now. Not being able to grow healthy hair is a big problem for many women.  Keeping  this simple saying in your mind can ensure that healthy hair will be on your head and not your floor. When you see that your hair is not holding up to its full potential asses your hair and what has been done to it. Think about who is doing your hair and if that is the only person touching your hair. Having too many hands in your hair is a real factor in hair breakage and loss.