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Top Five Products for Natural Hair

jaelkirkwood — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:25:56 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

1) My all time favorite product is Liv by summit. This product is great for protective hair styles such as braids and two strand twists. Since that’s all I usually wear, this product is apart of my daily regimen. Liv will have your hair feeling as soft as it did when you were a little girl. My hair despises grease. Sometimes it’s difficult to find black products that won’t weight down my hair or leave an oily residue.

For example this past month I got my hair in box braids. The African women braiding my hair had a large jug of blue grease and after she finished my hair she greased my scalp. Let me tell you, I have never had an itchier scalp! It was horrible. I couldn’t wash it out since my braids were fresh. I had to just wait until it wore out. With Liv, I can use it as often as I’d like on both my hair and scalp.

Sally’s Beauty Supply describes Liv as the ideal daily conditioner for hair that is dry or brittle due to chemical processing, over-exposure to the sun, or excessive use of blow dryer, hot curlers, and other implements. They say this light, non-greasy formula is leaves hair soft, shiny and manageable.

It is extremely important to read the ingredients in the products you use. The ingredients listed in Liv are Water (Aqua), Petrolatum, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidium) , Beeswax, Cetyl Esters, Peg-75 Lanolin, Polisorbate-60, Sodium Borate, Sorbitol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (perfume).

2) Product number two is IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum. This product has so many benefits! Not only does it protect your hair from heat treatments and styling, it also moisturizes you hair, leaves a great sheen, and smells incredible! I absolutely adore this product! I use it every single day without fail. Although I rarely use heat in my hair, living in a place where the sun is constantly blazing on my hair, it’s great for protection. Also because I wear a lot of twist outs I like my curls to have a shine to them. It makes my dark black hair shine in the sunlight. I would recommend this product to any one and everyone! This one that all hair types can use!

Sally’s describes this one saying, “Fantasia IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum creates a barrier between heat appliances and your hair so you can style it without the fear of causing serious damage. It will add shine to your hair and moisturize it without leaving a greasy residue and heavy build up. Keep this serum next to your favorite heat styling appliance.” I have to agree completely!

Ingredients for this product include Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Cyclomethicone , Dimethicone , Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethiconol , Dimethicone Crosspolymer , Amodimethicone , Phenyl Trimethicone , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate , Fragrance.

3) Silk Elements Mixed Silk Leave-In Conditioner is the third product I can’t go without! I never heard of this product until I was looking for a new leave-in one day with my grandmother. I simply asked one of the employees what her best recommendation would be. I didn’t know that one question would uproar a debate amongst the entire store. Suddenly every woman started telling me how fabulous this product was and how I have to try it! So I decided to give it a whirl and after the first use, I was hooked! This product had given my hair so much moisture! Although it worked great with my two strand twist, it worked wonders when I flat ironed my hair! I would definitely recommend using this product with styles using heat, blow dyers, flat irons, curling irons, ect.

“Silk Elements Mixed Silk Leave-in Conditioning Creme is specially formulated to leave curls bouncy, vibrant, and healthy-looking. Defines, tames, and hydrates natural curls and waves. Great as a daily detangling, shine enhancing and nourishing treatment that restores manageability and style.”, is how Sally’s is defining this product.

The ingredients are WATER ,AMODIMETHICONE ,WHEAT AMINO ACIDS ,STEARALKONIUM CHLORIDE ,GLYCERIN ,CETEARYL ALCOHOL ,POLYSORBATE 60 ,METHYL GLUCETH-20 ,GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE ,ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE ,HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE ,SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL ,CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OI ,OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL ,SILK AMINO ACIDS ,HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN ,DMDM HYDANTOIN ,METHYLCHLOROISOTHIAZOLINONE ,METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE ,YELLOW 5 ,YELLOW 6 ,FRAGRANCE ,ALPHA ISOMETHYL IONONE ,BENZYL BENZOATE ,BENZYL SALICYLATE ,CITRONELLOL ,HEXYL CINNAMAL ,LIMONENE ,LINALOOL.

4) My fourth favorite product is one that my sister introduced to me. She’s relaxed so I hadn’t paid her products much attention, but this one stood out. I was visiting her for the weekend and had forgotten all my hair products at home. I was wearing two stand twist and planned to take it the next day for my birthday dinner. She was using Palmer’s Olive Oil Hair Conditioner Spray while flat ironing her hair. She told me I could use some so I sprayed it on top of my two strand twist and massaged it in. My twists had an instant sheen and the next day when I took them down they were full of moisture and still shined! This product is a must have for people that wear a lot of protective hair styles!

Palmer’s website says “Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Conditioning Spray Oil, a luxurious natural spray oil, helps condition hair and scalp with its special formulation of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vitamin E. This easy to use spray oil is ideal for braids and weaves.” This spray can be used for several styles and naturals, transitioners, and relaxed women can use it!

Main ingredients include Carola Oil, Isopropyl, Myristate, Olea Europea Fruit Oil, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocyl, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Fragrance.

5) My fifth and final must have product is Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Maybe you want to stop using that shampoo that strips you hair! This is the perfect option for you! The no tears formula is created to gently cleanse baby’s delicate scalps without harming them with rough chemicals. Why not treat yourself to that same care! I use this product when I’m not using my Suave naturals and when I feel my scalp is extremely dirty. After I use it, each strand of my hair feels purified. I highly recommend this product to anyone who’s hair is sensitive to shampoo like mine is.

The included ingredients are Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, PEG-150 Distearate, Fragrance, Polyquaternium-10, Tetrasodium EDTA, Quaternium-15, Citric Acid, Yellow 10 and Orange 4. May also contain: Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

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To Chop or Not to Chop?

jaelkirkwood — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 17:15:55 +0000

To Chop or Not to Chop

One of the most emotional journeys a black woman can go through is a natural hair journey. As black women there are so many factors we must consider before letting go of the creamy crack! The fear of being the odd one out and not knowing how peers will react is a constant delay. A lot of permed women have not even seen their natural hair since childhood and have no idea how to care for it. But out of all these worries, the most common fear black woman face before doing their Big Chop or “BC” is the fear that their hair will not grow back. This fear has evolved from the myth that African American hair does not grow and if it somehow does, it grows extremely slow. This is why black woman would rather hold on to the patches of damaged dry hair, that is slowly falling out anyways, rather than just letting go and getting a clean shave. The hysterical part about this rumor and fear is that it is completely contrary to the truth.

June 3, 2010 is when I did my big chop. I walked right into a barber shop sat where the men sit and had all my hair shaved off down to a buzz. A few days later I was on a regular girls day out, sporting my new hair-do, going to get my eye brows threaded. When I arrived the Indian woman, who had been threading my brows for about four months, greeted me with a unique enthusiasm for my new look. As I sat in the chair and waited for her to begin, she told me how in her homeland, back in India, it was a ritual for the women to shave their heads. She said, “The women shave the young girls’ hair so it can come back in thicker and fuller. By the time the girls reach age nine or so, they have already had their heads shaved at least five times.”

What got my attention about this story was not the fact that shaven heads had benefits, but the fact that we were speaking of India. India, the same place African Americans get the best weaves! At that moment I thought to myself if they don’t even come out with that hair we crave so much, why are we buying it from them? Why not do what they are doing and have the same results growing from our very own scalps? I was so intrigued by the idea that African American women could have this long luxurious hair that we’ve longed for since our ancestors were brought to America.

After doing some research I learned that I wasn’t the only person with this information. Natural Hair had become a movement. Chris Rock’s Good Hair movie opened the eyes of millions of permed women when he traveled to Chennai, India to visit the place where a large portion of the best weaves come from.

While researching Chennai I learned that Chennai is home to many Hindu families. Hubpages.com tells us that Hindus believe being seen clean shaven, they are then perceived as being devout. The head shave is a symbol of total submission to God which is why it is usually performed in a temple. But as the Hindu people reach a more modern and liberal time, the motives of some people to their sacred traditions are not as genuine. With hair being a big contributor to the economy, some people shave their heads with the knowledge that the hair wil grow back a better grade. They are no fools, making sure to begin head shaving as soon as the female children reach a year’s age.

So my African American beauties, the trick is out of the bag. Head shaving is the first step to that gorgeous crown of glory. So to chop or not to chop? I say go for it!

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Naturally Flyy Natural Hair Meetup in Detroit

Amina — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 08:14:02 +0000

A natural hair meet-up is coming to Detroit – brought to you by Naturally Flyy Detroit! As the flier states, all of the kinky, curly, twisted, loc’d, bald, and/or transitioning sistas are invited to “mingle, product swap, and shop”! There will be on-site tutorials and more! This actually is not the first meet-up by the group, however, it is the first one that I’ve found out about and I’m excited to attend!

Where: Sweet Potato Sensations Bakery Cafe
17337 Lahser (Just north of Grand River)
Detroit, MI 48219
When: Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Cost: $1 Donation is appreciated

For more information, call 313- 532-7996 or log on to facebook and join the Naturally Flyy Detroit Facebook Group!

If you’re in the area, stop by! Hope to see you there!!!

The link below is of footage from one of the previous natural hair forums/meetups!

Naturally Flyy Detroit Natural Hair Meetup

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Natural Hairstyles at Work – Today’s Hair

Amina — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:58:26 +0000

Finding natural hairstyles to wear to work may be difficult to some, however, it is not a tedious task for me. I work in a professional office setting, where you will see nothing short of sport coats, bow ties, heels, and blazers. My natural hair compliments my wardrobe, as I style my hair in ways to enhance my look, while keeping it tamed and professional looking. There’s no need for everyone to buy in to the myth that straigt hair is the only professional hair. Here’s how I styled my hair today…

It’s a flat twist-out. I pinned up the back.

I received plenty of compliments for the style. I even created a little curly bang for myself in order to cover up my tattered eyebrows. Tutorial may come in the future. I love to switch it up from week to week at work…it keeps things fresh There’s nothing like showcasing natural hair for the world to see it as a positive image of beauty! Let me know what you think, and if you’d like to know the products I used, I ‘ll be happy to share.

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Hairstyle of the Week

Amina — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 14:23:07 +0000

This is a quick and easy look by Alicia. Her wash-and-go is so effortlessly chic! The hair frames her face well, and it is very controlled. This is a low-maintenance naturally curly hairstyle that pops! Thanks Alicia for submitting your photo to be featured!

http://www blackhairplanet com/blog/hairstyle-of-the-week/

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Natural Hairstyles – Twisted Bantu Knot Out

Amina — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 01:13:01 +0000

Natural Hairstyles come in plenty varieties. The twisted bantu knot out is just another beautiful manifestation of natural hair. I have switched up my usual bantu knot out look, and I have opted for a new style. After experimenting with different looks, this is what I came up with. This style helps me not to worry about the shrinkage that comes along with my hair’s texture. I can style it straight after washing and detangling; knowing that the curls will fall within a couple of days. The style looks a bit wild, however it is still controlled. Plenty of volume is in preserved, which is always a plus for me!

I’ve been wearing my hair like this for the last couple of weeks…It’s a nice variation of the bantu knot out. I also notice less tangles wearing it this way; it takes less manipulation and separation this way – which means easier styling! This will definitely be one of my natural hairstyles i 2011. Tutorial coming soon!

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My Feature on BGLHonline

Amina — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:12:46 +0000

I recently did an interview for BGLHonline.com (Black Girl Long Hair) and it was posted today! The site is incredible and is very inspirational for naturals (and any relaxed ladies who have ever contemplated making the switch). Go check out the exclusive interview to learn more about me (outside of the About Us page in the upper corner) and explore the wonderful site! Tell me what you think!

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Natural Curly Hair Styles

Amina — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:09:06 +0000

Natural Curly Hairstyles

Natural and Curly Hairstyles can be the cutest styles around. Your hair doesn’t have to be the curliest texture out there in order to achieve a cute curly style. My hairstyles often include curls, but I do not have type 2 or 3 hair. I have type 4 hair, but type 4 coily girls can obtain all types of styles as well with manipulation. Here are a few pictures of my curly hairstyles on my manipulated hair….more to come soon!

Bantu Knot Out

Bantu Knot Out Curly Pin-Up

Curlformers Set

Twist-Out Fro

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A Man and His Strands: Part II

Amina — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:42:51 +0000

A Man and His Strands Part II

How simple or complex is your hair regimen? Do you feel that less is more when it comes to hair care?

I really don’t do too much in terms of a hair regimen. I primarily just do what I think is necessary at the time. Having said that, I try to do certain things to my hair on different days. I wash my hair every weekend and deep cleanse at the end of each month, comb/detangle my hair about every 2-3 days, and trim my hair every 2-3 months.

Personally, I do feel that less is more when it comes to hair care. Before I learned anything about hair care, I didn’t do too much to my hair and it still grew fairly rapidly. I often see how many people, who are trying to grow their hair long, try many different products, treatments, and styles in effort to grow it, but still become frustrated at the ‘slow’ growth.

What products do you like to use?

Right now I have several moisturizers. I just pick and choose which I want to use on any given day.
-Moisturizers include; Surge Moisture Aide-Extra Strength, Carefree Curl Instant Moisturizer spray, Cornrow Magic Oil Sheen, and Cream of Nature Leave-in Conditioner.
-Oils I use include; Olive Oil, Vitamin E Oil (I usually mix a small amount into another oil) Coconut Oil, and Wonder 8 Oil. Occasionally but not often mix Castor Oil with the other oils.
-Conditioner I use is Kirk’s Original Coco Castile Conditioner and Cream of Nature Leave-in Conditioner. I did like the White Rain Conditioner as well when I had it.
-Finally, the shampoos I use are Cream of Nature Detangling Conditioning Shampoo and Tresemme Deep Cleansing Shampoo

What style do you like to wear most often?

I mostly keep it in a bun. Me being a guy, I can’t do any girly styles *laughs*
With a bun, my hair appears shorter than people realize and it’s less attention drawn to me and my hair. Also by keeping my hair up, instead of wearing a tail, I prevent friction between my hair and clothes which could cause dryness and breakage over time. If I wear a tail, ill usually have the tail braided or twisted. I very rarely wear my hair down and I don’t wear cornrows much simply because I don’t know anyone who can braid hair *laughs*

What advice would you give to men and women who would like to grow their hair to longer lengths?

I would say have patience and don’t think about growing your hair so much. I personally never had any hair goals nor thought about my hair when growing it. It just happened over time. If you’re constantly thinking about how much it grows and constantly measuring, it will just cause you to be more discouraged at how slow the growth is. But if you don’t pay as much attention to your hair growth, keep your regular routine that works for you, hair will be long before you know it.

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Part I: A Man and His Strands

Amina — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:16:41 +0000

A Man with Long Strands – I

Meet Nick, a resident of our own bhp forum. He’s the witty and inquisitive male whom we often playfully pick on, but believe me it is not because of his hair. He has long, beautiful, natural strands that most women (and some men) have only dreamed of growing. Nick took the time out to sit down with us in a 2 part interview to discuss the perceptions, misconceptions, and dynamics of his hair. Enjoy!

Where are you from?

I’m a southern boy…..born and raised in Baton Rouge, La

Where did/do you learn to take care of your hair?

Well I started growing my hair around late 2000/early 2001 and I actually didn’t know anything about ‘proper’ hair care. I didn’t know anything about co washing, sealing, or bad ingredients in products. I didn’t even know anyone who had long hair or knew how to take care of hair. I had to do everything myself and I pretty much just did to my hair whatever felt right at the time – moisten it when it felt dry, combed it when it needed to be combed/detangled, styled it whatever way I felt looked decent, and washed it when it felt dirty. It grew to be long and somewhat thick *shrugs* lol

Around 2008, my hair was already about midback length, I began learning more about ‘proper’ hair care from a friend, whom I met the same year. She told me about different products, different treatments, ingredients to watch out for, and various styles. I sometimes refer to her as my official ‘hair consultant’ *laughs*

What reactions (negative and positive) do you get regarding your hair?

I mostly get positive reactions regarding my hair. All throughout middle and high school, girls complimented and liked to feel my hair. I often heard that taboo phrase ‘he got good hair’ when I was young. Others, older and younger, get surprised at how long it is. Almost like they never seen hair so long *laughs*

On the flip side, I sometimes get mistaken for a girl at first glance and sometimes other guys get sort of judgmental at the length. Some (usually guys) think I might have done something to my hair to get it more wavy/curly since it’s not as typical to see hair like mine on a guy. Also occasionally, I’ll get subjected to some envy or jealousy with my hair with some girls, but not too serious.

Is it tough being a guy with such long, beautiful hair?

I’d say it’s somewhat tough because a guy with long hair like mine usually comes with judgments, perceptions and misconceptions from others. Typically men with long hair either have it in cornrows or locs. Mine, on the other hand, being that it’s more loose curls/wavy, lying down, and as long as it is, is often looked at as feminine or he’s ‘too pretty’ or sometimes even flat out called gay or “suspect”. So it’s almost like a conditioning that men shouldn’t have long hair since it’s not seen much in society, especially for someone who is straight.

When it comes to girls and dating world, it’s almost like a double edge sword.
I always get compliments about my hair. They love my hair and its texture, but at the same time, most seem to dislike men with long hair being that it’s viewed as less masculine and they wouldn’t date a man with longer hair than them *laughs* The common perceptions and misconceptions seems to often be that she will be fighting with the man over hair products and blow dryers or she cant have no man looking ‘prettier’ than her. *laughs*

Make sure you stay tuned for the second part of the interview! Nick will be discussing the products he uses, protective styles, and growth techniques!

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