Natural Hair

So you decided to go natural? There are a number of reasons that black women decide to leave their relationships with chemicals alone. It is not an easy process for some; changing your hair changes your routine, and many times your attitude. For many it is a love hate relationship that we can not let go of. I know some sisters so attached to their weaves and perms that they would rather die than be seen without them (honestly, I used to be one) Today more and more women are going naptural and loving it. If you are toying with the idea of going natural read on for some common myths associated with natural hairstyles:

MYTH #1: Natural hair is hard to manage.
This myth probably really is number one. There is a huge misconception that naturally curly or coily hair is hard to manage. Simply, it is not. What many people do not understand is that highly-textured hair is very unique, even from looser, naturally curly textures. Any type of hair is hard to manage if it is being 'managed' in such a way that works against its natural texture. Those who embrace the natural texture of their hair often wear styles that compliment that texture, and are not trying to force their hair to do something it will not naturally do. Extreme manipulation of the hair is stressful not only to the hair, but also to the person who is doing the manipulation. Not understanding the natural hair texture is one of the main reasons many people return to relaxers.

MYTH #2: Natural hair is rough and tough.
Natural hair, contrary to obviously popular belief, is neither rough nor tough. Upon looking at a head of luscious nappturalness, some believe that it is rough to the touch. However, actually touching the hair (which is not recommended without consent) may reveal something entirely different. Most, in fact all, natural hair is very soft if properly moisturized and conditioned. African-American hair tends to be dry, but a good moisturizing and conditioning routine will keep the hair moist and soft. Any texture of hair that is denied proper moisture will be dry. Because natural hair is very full and thick, people often assume that it is super strong and tough. This is false. Each and every little bend in the shaft of the hair is a potential breaking point. When handling natural hair, you must be sure to be gentle because it is very delicate. In an Essence magazine article, Rodney Barnett, a trichologist, states, "'Think of your hair as a delicate piece of thread, not as a rope that can be knotted and twisted (30-Day Hair Repair).'"

MYTH #3: Natural hair is trendy.
No doubt many people choose to be natural for a myriad of reasons, including to be stylish or trendy. But in no way should anyone believe that the only reason to be natural is to be trendy or hip. For those of us who have made the decision not to conform to European standards of beauty, this natural is far from a trend. Many naturals have made a very conscientious resolution to love who they are entirely. Giving up caustic and carcinogenic relaxers is, surprisingly, not something that is favored amongst the African-American community. Enduring comments of disgust and disapproval are oftentimes an accepted part of being natural, and there is nothing trendy about that.

MYTH #4: Natural hair grows slowly and does not get long.
This is one of my favorites because it allows me to explain the wonder of highly-textured hair. Natural hair neither grows more slowly nor more quickly than relaxed hair. What naturals must take into account is what is known as shrinkage. Like a telephone cord, natural hair coils up tightly, more or less, thus increasing the surface area within a given length of hair. For example, six inches of relaxed hair is six inches, period. Six inches of tightly coiled hair could be up to twelve inches long when stretched. Natural hair, because of its density and volume, tends to grow big or out, as opposed to lengthy or down, depending on the actual texture of the hair. It is also a myth that the only way natural hair can be long is by locking the hair or wearing twists. This is very untrue.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/240771/seven_myths_about_highlytextured_natural.html?page=3

Shiny Hair

Every one wants Shiny soft hair. I’ve started using a new product that has me excited…Gloss. I’ve used to kinds and the results have been great. There are a lot of products out there so depending on your hair type, you can experiment and try what works for you. Usually when I pull my hair back I use a thicker glosser called Bumble and Bumble Brilliante . After I pull my hair back and put a soft holding gel on I pump it out and put it on. It usually takes 3 quarter sized drops to get the look I want. It keeps my hair from harening from the gel and it keeps it extra shiny. At night before I go to bed I use Aphogee Gloss Therapy. I also use Aphoghee when I wear my hair out. It is lightwieght and alwys my curls to shine and stay bouncy. It also helps tame split ends and frizz. Not to advertise but heres a quick blub from their site
“few drops of ApHOGEE Gloss Therapy works miracles. The surface of the hair is smooth, tangles and split ends disappear and hair shines brilliantly. Gloss Therapy shields hair color and perms against ultra-violet light damage. This lightweight formula works on all hair types without taking away body. Fragrance free!”
You can check it out at Aphogee.com Niether has any harming grease or oils so it is okay to use everyday. Some products do have alcohol and dyes and such so it is NOT am moisturizer or conditioner. It is used to style. Has anyone found any good glosser that they adore? Let me know. Happy Glossy Hair Ladies!

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Two Strand Twist a Quick How Two

Simple and easy alternative to single braids: TWO STRAND TWIST

SO in an effort to leave my hair alone and grow it back, I’ve decide it to do the Kinky Twists. It came out really cute and didn’t take that long (If you cute out the breaks I took in between). I would total it up to three-four hours.


It was reall simple. I used the Afro Marley Braids in Black and A black and Burgendy mixture. I bought to bags but had to go to the store and get another one. Total I used 2 ¼ bags of hair. I cute each weft of hair in half and then halved each piece.
You start out by braiding about 1 finger-width of hair onto the same amount of your hair. Once you have braided less about one half inch you start two strand twisting. In order to get the twist to stay you have to rotate each strand between your fingers before twisting together with the other strand of hair.

After I finished my entire head, I curl each piece with boiling hot water and medium rod curles (The kinds with the rubberband, yellow) The result was a very cute almost mini dred look with black in the front (I work at a bank and crazy colors are frowned upon) and red in the back. I bring out the red when it’s party time!!!

Here are some examples, If you email me I will try to take a video or step by step pics.

I also picked up DR. Miracles braid relief spray, to stimulate my scalp and keep it moisturized while my braids are up. I will keep it up a maximum of 2 months. Anything longer and I risk build up, strain on my roots, and breakage.

My favorite look Au - Natural

Promoting Black Hair Growth

Genetics are not the only factor in hair growth; how you treat your hair can determine how long it grows. Yes, it is true that your hair has a personal growth maximum but most women have not seen their hair’s true growth potential. Slow hair growth and unhealthy hair may start with you. As it turns out, ladies you are your hair’s worst enemy! Firstly, I want to stress that changing your focus to promoting healthy hair instead of long hair is the first step to achieving your goal. Treat your hair like you’re the fragile skin on your face; cleanse it, moisturize it and protect it from nature’s harsher elements. If you’re like me, weaves, braids, and the hottest trends are part of my style. To keep up with my changing hair, I stay consistent with my hair regimen. Through experience, research, and many heart to heart with my stylists I’ve discovered a few truths about my hair.
The first is shocking to many African American and ethnic women, but makes absolute sense when you think absolute sense when you think about it; Grease is not our friend! Hair grease and many other products contain mineral oil and petroleum. These ingredients do the opposite of moisturize and block hair follicles preventing our hair from growing. Have you ever greased your scalp and then the next day your hair seems to have soaked up the grease? Or have woken up with grease stains on your pillows. The stains don’t go away because they have soaked into the fabric of the pillow and sat there. This is what grease does to your hair it sits on your hair shaft and scalp blocking your pores. Many times between washes it sits in your hair clinging to the most vulnerable damaged strands and areas. This causes hair to become brittle and eventually break. Usually this is at the ends of your hair, which is the oldest and most delicate. As the cycle continues your ends are constantly breaking. Though your hair is always growing, you don’t achieve length, because the ends are breaking off. May I recall the touch ups that you have to get because of “new growth” with all those touch ups your hair should be bra strap length!
Protecting the most delicate parts of your hair require intense moisturizing with the right products. Natural oils are wonderful for your hair. Many have found happiness with Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Oil, and conditioning products that contain these ingredients as well as others. Treating your hair 1-2 times a week will help to keep your hair shiny and moisturized. Massage your scalp and hair with a conditioner and oil and cover with a plastic cap. Moisturizing over night works like a deep conditioning treatment. If you are pressed for time in the mornings do this on a day off. The next morning rinse, plait your hair in long sections and let air dry. I currently use Aphoghee’s balancing moisturizer mixed with 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a plastic cap once a week overnight. When in braids I use a Shea butter misting oil daily to keep my scalp moisturized.
Along with the products you put in your hair, how you handle your hair is just as important. Washing your hair to frequently (everyday) can wear your hair out. That doesn’t mean to let product buildup and oils block your growth. Cleansing once a week or every other week keeps your scalp free to distribute the natural oils that your hair needs to stay healthy. Follow with a moisturizing treatment and your hair will be singing praises! Your hair is also stronger and more flexible when wet, so brush and untangle your hair after you shampoo and condition. Brush in the hairs natural direction to prevent breakage. Try the “Crown and Glory” method. A quick Google search should take you to the site. Not only will brushing correctly stop damage it also stimulates the scalp promoting hair growth. Products such as rosemary and peppermint oil, also stimulate the scalp and promote hair growth.
When out in the sun, humidity, or rain, tie your hair in a scarf or snatch it into an easy bun. This is a temporary fix to protecting your hair from the elements. At night let your hair breath but protect it from the moisture draining cotton on your pillow by tying it up with a silk scarf or sleeping on a silk pillow. Cotton is not only on your pillow it is also in your clothes, so for ladies with shoulder length hair watch out!. Until your hair starts growing and is strengthened and moisturized tie up those ends in a bun to protect it from your clothing.
Growing hair is not easy or a quick process. Average hair growth is one half an inch per month. You can have success by paying attention to the health of your hair. As I review products, myths and tips I will share them with you. Send me yours as well and lets share in the success of healthy hair together!

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