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Thursday, February 25, 2010

ADDRESSING THE FACTS...



There are so many frequently asked questions out there about our natural hair. Some answers are obvious, and others not quite. What I've chosen to do for this month's Natural Tips is to give you a list of quick facts and tips that will help address FAQs about natural coils and curls.

Get familiar and follow this list of quick facts and tips.

1. If Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or Petroleum Jelly are in the list of ingredients of your products, discontinue using it. They are cheap substitutes of healthy emollients. They are known to coat the scalp/hair and clog the follicle, countering healthy hair growth.

2. Avoid combing your hair while it's dry and do not comb too often. Use a moisturizing hair cream or even water to make it easier to run the comb through your coils and curls. Your hair will be more susceptible to tangles and breakage if combed completely dry.

3. To maintain a healthy scalp, use a light oil like olive oil, drink lots of water a day—up to 8 glasses, and take your hair, skin and nail vitamins regularly—preferably all natural and food-based.

4. Do not scratch your scalp. When you do, you're damaging the epidermal layers of your skin which need to be handled with care. Damage to the skin can effect how the hair grows and if it will grow.

5. Yeast levels produced by your sebaceous glands can rise abnormally for many reasons, which can cause hair thinning and even the development of an alopecia condition. One of the reasons that can do this is not washing the scalp for long periods of time. Maintain a clean scalp. Build up of oils and dirt can effect healthy hair growth.

This applies to women with both loose and locked hair.

Many thanks to the Editor over at the Coil Review for posting this post.  So, that it can used as reminders for others.

Monday, February 22, 2010

CURLING CURL ENVY...

Ladies, we’ve all heard it at some point-- the “oohs” and “aahs” from women when they spot a woman with loosely curled natural hair. For most of us in the African American community, beginning from the time we are children, we are socialized to believe that having a certain “grade” of hair is better and more desirable. While there is nothing wrong with admiring a fellow natural’s hair, it becomes a much deeper issue once admiration transforms into jealousy.

So how do you know if you’re simply appreciating another’s beauty or secretly lusting for what you don’t have? It’s normal to casually consider, “Oh wouldn’t it be cool to have hair like that so I could try different styles?” But, if you find yourself thinking “I wish I had looser curls” or “I couldn’t ever make my hair look like hers,” then you might be suffering from a case of curl envy.

Some natural hair forums are notorious for curl-envy commentary that ranges from lighthearted expressions of longing to outright covetous remarks oozing with vitriol. It’s important to note, however, that this issue isn’t just for the tightly coiled sisters but for natural women of all textures. From ladies with coilier hair trying to find that miracle loosening product to loosely curled girls down about their inability to rock the bigger styles. There is an ample amount of curl envy flying in all directions.

Trust me ladies, the grass is not always greener on the other side and in the end, nobody wins with envy. When you limit your thinking to what your hair can’t do, you lose the opportunity to discover all the amazing things it can do. Likewise, copying a style better suited for a different texture takes extra time, energy, and you run the risk of damaging your precious strands due to over-manipulation. Instead of wishing for what you don’t have, why not invest more energy into what you can achieve with your own natural texture?

So, your loose ringlets can’t hold a fro-hawk? Oh well! Maybe your super-coily hair shrinks like there’s no tomorrow. So what? By challenging yourself to create styles that work with and not against your natural texture, you’ll unleash your inner hair artist and gain more confidence along the way. Go ahead and admire other hair types. Be inspired by the diverse styles you see, but at the end of the day, embrace what Mother Nature gave you!

By: Leslie

WELL SAID !!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

6 MONTH "STICK TO YOUR REGIMEN CHALLENGE"...



As salaamu alaikum & Hello,  about a month or so ago I decided to do a challenge.  A 6 month stick to your regimen challenge.  Thus far, I am happy, happy, happy.  I am thinking around the end of June my challenge should be up.  Let, me just add that my hair is  feeling & looking really, really good since I have started this wonderful and inspiring challenge.  In this challenge I am really trying to incorperate ALL if not  very , very close to an all natural regimen. However, I am desperately searching for an all natural moisturizing conditioner or recipe , without protein.  I have a great and simple recipe that I am using now, but I would like something perhaps more penetrating.  So if any of you ladies know of something or even a recipe please share! Anywho I am  happy to report this will included better and healthier eating habits.  Which includes, lots & lots of water, more vegetables  plenty of fruit, and vitamins ( see, I am really great with this when it comes to my children, but for myself on the other hand.... well, that's a whole different post , lol ).  Below is a quick look into my 6 month " Stick to your regimen challenge"  And it goes a little something like this:

 SCHDULE:

PRE-POO- WITH MELTED SHEA BUTTER MIXTURE OR COCONUT OIL & HONEY. WEEKLY

SHAMPOO-  BLACK SOAP MIXTURE, SCALP ONLY ( WHICH INCLUDEDS OILS IN BOTH RECIPES)  WEEKLY.

BENTONITE CLAY TREATMENT- 1X MONTHLY.

AVOCADO TREATMENT- 1 X MONTHLY.

MOISTURIZING DEEP CONDITIONER-
WEEKLY.

30 MINUTE OLIVE OIL SCALP MESSAGE TREATMENT -  WEEKLY.

LEAVE- IN CONDITIONER-  WEEKLY.

SEAL & MOISTURE ROUTINE, PROTECTIVE STYLE AND COVER USING BAGGIE METHOD,- 1X WEEKLY.


SCALP OIL MIXTURE- 2-3 X A WEEK ( SCALP ONLY).

ALOE GROW MIXTURE SPRITZ- 2 X A DAY.


DUSTING ENDS - EVERY 6-8 WEEKS OR WHEN NEEDED.

IT IS TIME CONSUMING, BUT THUS FAR ITS PAYING OFF.

STAY TUNED FOR RECIPES FOR ALL  THAT'S MENTIONED ABOVE PLUS MORE!!!

                                                 ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

THEY AREN'T CREATED EQUAL..




Vitamins can be very important in ones life. They affect the body and aid in helping the hair, skin & nails. But you must not be dependent on them for all your nutrients. All vitamins are NOT created equal. I know there are so many to choose from, but it definitely has to be a high grade supplement.

There are so many factory simulated vitamins out there that are not food based, which is highly important. Choose a vitamin that is whole food based. Your body absorbs only a 45-55 percent of the vitamin. In synthetic vitamins, the percentage is 15-30 percent and the rest is passed through elimination.

Due to busy lifestyles, 6 out of 10 people are malnourished. If you lack nutrients, your hair thins out, your skin has breakouts or dry/oily patches, your nails are fragile and/or discolored. Your hair, skin, and nails are supported by amino acids, and these amino acids help to make up the protein and keratin chains that support those areas. Another thing that I come across often is women taking too many vitamins or are taking prenatal vitamins and they are not pregnant. This can damage cells and too much will be eliminated, or it will become a free radical and free radicals destroy. We don't want that.

When choosing vitamins don't get them from a local grocery or drugstore. A lot of their products may contain fillers from animals. Look for vegan supplements and whole food vitamins. Also, liquid supplements absorb better.



Of course I recommend a healthier diet, but if you need a supplement to help you out, invest in a better you.

Here are 10 supplements that I would recommend :

B-complex - Great for stress and helps with the metabolism and energy level.

Biotin – Necessary for cell growth that supports the hair and nails.

High grade womens multi- vitamin - Helps control hunger, helps with energy level.

Deva Hair, Skin and Nail vitamin – Promotes hair and nail growth. Helps to clear up breakouts on the skin.

Chlorophyll – Helps oxygenate the body, helps with energy levels, and purification of the body.

Yew-360 Hair, Skin and Nail Tea Infusion – A blend of herbs that supply nutrients that support the hair, skin and nail health, and promotes hair and nail growth.

Vitamin E – Fights off dead cells so new ones can build Horsetail – Helps to strengthen hair and promote growth.

The Truth Oyl - A special blend of essential oils that support the clearing of the skin and hair growth.

Black Castor Oil – A blessed oil from the Castor plant. It helps to clear skin and promotes hair growth.

Lavender essential oil – To promote a good nights rest so the body can restore itself and can support healthy hair skin and nails Email me for more info on this article.

By: Dr. Yew and Dr. Iya Sade of Yew 360-

http://www.yew360.com/

                                                                                                   ENJOY!!!


                                                                                                    












Friday, February 12, 2010

BENTONITE CLAY...


Every day your body builds up waste material. This is a natural process and while we often think of waste from our bodies in certain, shall we say, colorful terms, it’s often the unseen excretions that can cause the most damage. Bentonite is a detoxifying agent that helps remove this excess waste from hair and other parts of the body.

Every cell eliminates waste and over time this material becomes toxic to the body, especially when it cannot be eliminated or filtered and builds up. For hair, this can lead to a dull appearance and difficult to manage locks. Hair is the product of a living organism, the roots, and if this epicenter of growth is contaminated and overrun with waste, then hair will not appear as healthy as it could.

Bentonite Clay therapy is safe and effective in detoxifying hair and skin and other areas of the body. It works to break down the waste matter because of its chemical composition and ionic charge. This natural substance absorbs toxins that tear down the hair follicles, weakening them and causing poor looking hair. It also helps to rejuvenate damaged cells and tissue, which promotes new healthy growth.

Bentonite is a natural substance that can be used in baths as well as internally and externally. This method of therapy will also help those individuals who are exposed to heavy metals or radiation buildup. Radiation and Chemotherapy are some of the causes of hair loss for cancer patients. The clay may help reduce, or slow, the external effects of these treatments while allowing the process to do its job.

There are different types of Bentonite Clay, so it is important to understand the difference between each one as they will work differently on different parts of the body as well as more effectively on some substances as opposed to others.

The clay of bentonite is found most commonly in the Great Plains of the U.S. and when placed in contact with water, expands, much like a sponge. It draws the toxins to the surface of the skin where they can then be secreted naturally. You may find that your skin or scalp looks worse at first, but this is simply because the clay is drawing out these deep-seated toxins.

This clay will work wonders for hair as well as skin and help the follicles produce healthy, shiny and full hair.

Bentonite Clay - Naturally Curly and Afro Curly Popping Hair Care Treatment:

This recipe depends on the length and thickness of your naturally curly hair.

Prep time: 10 mins

Instructions:


1.  Mix 1 to 2 parts Bentonite clay

2.   Slowly add *water to the clay until you achieve a pancake mix texture.

3.  Apply to your hair (dry or wet)

4.  Allow to set for between 15 - 20 minutes

5.  Rinse thoroughly until it's all out of your curls, kinks and coils.

*water can be replaced with your choice of liquid for example:

Organic Coconut Milk

Apple Cider vinegar

Or you can add:
( Adjust measurments to your liking)

1 Tablespoon of Honey
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil

Hair Care Benefits:

After you Shampoo

One single treatment of Bentonite Clay will remove build-up from your scalp leaving naturally curly and Afro hair clean and clear.


As a shampoo replacement

Bentonite Clay may also be used like a shampoo trapping and removing dirt, debris, build up and other particles from your hair and scalp.



Also, . A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color and anything bordering "pure white" is suspect. It has a very fine, velveteen feel and is odorless and non-staining.
So, tell me do any of you ladies use Bentonite Clay, and if so share with us here at "AuNaturale" your results.

                                                       ENJOY!!!



























































Wednesday, February 10, 2010

HOW TO USE ALOE VERA TO PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH...



Hair loss is a problem that faces millions of people, including men, women and even children. The market for products that promise hair growth is vast, but many of these products are either excessively expensive or completely ineffectual. There is a natural remedy for hair loss that has existed for ages. Aloe vera has been used by many different cultures to stimulate hair growth, and it is safe, natural and affordable.

Instructions

1.  Get examined by a doctor. There are a variety of different causes for hair loss, including scalp infections, reactions to medications, illness, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and other medical reasons. Your doctor can help diagnose the cause of your hair loss and may be able to provide a simple remedy to combat it.

2.  Look for aloe vera hair products online or in health and natural foods stores.

3.  Use aloe vera gel to treat the areas of the scalp that are going bald. Aloe vera contains an enzyme that helps promote new hair growth for some people. The gel can be applied directly to the scalp, as aloe vera typically has no side effects.

4.  Make an aloe vera shampoo. When combined with wheat germ oil and coconut milk, aloe vera gel makes a shampoo to promote hair growth. Use the shampoo as often as you wash your hair.

5.  Use aloe vera lotion alone or in addition to aloe vera gel. When not used as a shampoo, aloe vera lotion works to revitalize the hair and the scalp to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Aloe vera lotion is most readily available online.

6.   Combine aloe vera therapies with a balanced low-fat, low-protein diet. Diets high in fat and animal protein cause a number of medical reactions that lead to hair loss.

Tips & Warnings

You can purchase raw aloe vera plants at any nursery or garden center.   Harvesting the aloe vera gel is as simple as breaking off one of the tendrils and cracking it open. The gel can be easily squeezed out.

Wheat germ oil can be found at many different online retailers and at most natural foods stores. It is often used as cooking oil.

If itching or skin irritation occur, discontinue use.

ALOE GROW TREATMENT RECIPE

1/2 CUP OF DISTILLED WATER

1 1/2 CUP OF ALOE VERA GEL

6 DROPS OF ROSEMARY EO

6 DROPS OF PEPPERMINT EO

SHAKE WELL

( Sometimes I add vegetable glycerin, that works great as well)

You can tweek this recipe to your liking.  I found this recipe from one of the ladies on you tube.  And I use it at least 2x daily , once in the morning & once before bed.  I really, really love this recipe.  My hair feels very moisturized, soft and stronger!

I looove aloe vera gel, I add it to my shampoo, co- washes, regular conditioners , Deep conditioners, and  leave -in  conditioners,  from time to time.  Give it a try!

                                                    ENJOY!!!

                                                             

Monday, February 8, 2010

FYI...L'OREAL LAWSUIT...



As salaamu alaikum & Hello, I came across this article, and thought I'd share it with you ladies.

L'OREAL

L’Oreal has been found guilty of racial discrimination against blacks, Asian and Arab women for considering these groups unworthy of selling its shampoo. A friend pointed me to this new development and you can read the full article here  http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/consumer_goods/article6572173.ece  I tuned to Naturally curly, and true enough the issue is being discussed. A member from there actually researched and shared a listing of all of the companies that L’Oreal owns and operates. Here is the list:

L’Oréal Professionnel

L’Oréal Technique

Kérastase

Redken

Matrix

Mizani

Shu Uemura Art of Hair

L’Oréal Paris

Garnier

Maybelline New York

SoftSheen-Carson

CCB Paris

Lancôme

Biotherm

Kiehl’s

Helena Rubinstein

Shu Uemura

YSL Beauté

Giorgio Armani Parfums and Cosmetics

Cacharel cosmetics

Ralph Lauren Fragrances

Diesel Fragrances

Paloma Picasso fragrances

Victor & Rolf parfums

Vichy Laboratoires

La Roche-Posay

SkinCeuticals

Innéov

Sanoflore

Ombrelle

The Body ShopWhat you choose to do with this information is your decision, but personally L’Oreal can forget about my dollars. I will not enrich a company that discriminates against me. Note from The Coil Review: This information is being offered this month for those who were unaware of the L'Oreal law suit. Here is more information from StyleList.com: L'Oreal Found Guilty for Racial Discrimination As reported by the UK Times Online, L'Oréal has been found guilty of racial discrimination by France's highest court, La Cour de Cassation. Some specific claims against the cosmetic giant:

Seeking an all-white sales team for Garnier Fructis styling products .

Recruiting "BBR" staff (bleu, blanc, rouge--the colors of the French flag), a known term for those with purely French heritage .

Faxing a memo that all Garnier hostesses should be 18-22, wear size 38-42, and be "BBR".

Candidates for employment at the L'Oréal agency were said to be 38.7% minorities, but only 4.65% of those hired represented minority backgrounds.

Employees said they were told to favor a white staff .

Though company reps claimed that the requests were meant to source applicants who could speak French fluently and represent the brand eloquently, the court found that L'Oréal's racial favoritism was in violation of employment laws.

The company met its first sign of trouble last summer when it was accused of lightening Beyoncé's skin in ads she appeared in for various L'Oréal products.

P.S.  I did not write this article, I simply found & read this article, and found it to be of importance to share. 

I personally do not buy any of the products mentioned above.  However, based off of this article, nor will I ever.

So, share with us what do think about this case?

By: Texture Playground

Saturday, February 6, 2010

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER...



1 cup water (distilled or purified)

1/3 cup rosewater/glycerine

4 tablespoons light conditioner

1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil

Put all these ingrediets in a spray bottle and shake very well.

                                              ENJOY!!!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

HOW TO MAKE PEPPERMINT AND JOJOBA OIL HAIR TREATMENT...



Peppermint and jojoba oil hair treatment is a natural alternative to the expensive store-bought treatments that often use unnecessary, harmful chemicals to stabilize and scent the product. Homemade peppermint and jojoba oil hair treatment will repair and restore dry, damaged hair without the use of harsh chemicals and preservatives. Peppermint and jojoba oil hair treatment should be used right after making it, so don't make more than you need. This recipe makes enough for one treatment for most hair lengths.

Instructions




1.  Warm the water on the stove or in the microwave, and pour it into a small mixing bowl.

2.  Add the unscented conditioner base to the mixing bowl and stir with a wire whisk or glass stirrer.

3.  Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes, and add the peppermint and vanilla essential oils.

4.  Transfer the mixture to a plastic squeeze-bottle or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Tips & Warnings

1.  To use, apply to the hair after shampooing and leave on for 40 minutes. Rinse with warm water and let the hair dry naturally.

2.  Avoid mixing or storing any type of homemade hair care products in an aluminum container, as there is serious concern about heavy metals entering the body through the pores and scalp.

                                                                      ENJOY!!!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

BURDOCK ROOT...



Burdock (Arctium Lappa) has been a favorite medicinal herb for centuries and was taken for many ailments. Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, was traditionally popular in Europe as a scalp treatment applied to combat hair loss, improve hair strength, shine and body. It also used as an herbal remedy to get rid of dandruff and scalp itching, promote healing of skin and scalp conditions. Modern studies indicate that Burdock root oil extract is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acid, nutrients required for healthy scalp and natural hair growth.

Bur oil helps combat itching and dandruff, promotes recovery of skin and scalp irritation, particularly in the case of sensitive, easily traumatized skin. The oil combines immediate relieving effect with nutritional support of normal functions of sebaceous glands and hair follicles. Bur oil was traditionally used to restore and maintain healthy scalp and hair, strengthen the hair, promote hair growth. Burdock oil extract from Floraleads Gr is obtaied by direct cold extraction of raw roots into virgin olive oil and imparts mild attractive herbal aroma.

MORE ABOUT BURDOCK ROOT...

Burdock root oil extract is manufactured according to proprietary technology by direct multistage extraction into high grade olive oil and therefore does not contain even trace amounts of artificial ingredients or organic solvents. Bur oil produced by Floraleads GR has mild atractive herbal aroma, indicating the presence of bioactive volatile ingredients, preserved by biocompatible extraction technology. Burdock root oil extract is called Butzenklette Ol in Germany, Huile deBardane grande in France and Repeynoe maslo - in Russia. Due to its healthy action on skin and hair and attractive herbal flavor Burdock root oil extract was traditionally utilized in skin creams, lotions, deodorants, hair lotions and also used as an advanced substitute of vegetable oils in cooking. Burdock root oil extract is one of many herbal remedies made of Burdock, traditioonal medicinal plant in many countries. Burdock root oil extracts have been widely distributed herbal skin and hair care in Europe before World War I, and became much less popular afterwards. One of the possible reason is that several plantations, involved in a large scale production of Burdock root in Europe, were completely burned down during the military actions and never restored the operations.

                                                                                              ENJOY!!!

MUCH MORE TO COME...

Monday, February 1, 2010

BREAST CANCER STAMP BOOKLET...

As salaamu alaikum & Hello ladies,

I reiceved a very important E-mail today, from a fellow sister in islaam on a very important topic. Asking to pass on this information in relation to helping to support Breast cancer. As all of you ladies may know breast cancer is a extremely dangerous and a life threating disease that affects thousands and thousands of women daily.



I have had many personal experiences with cancer of all kinds, within myself and my family. Cancer runs in my family from both sides of my parents. My mother who lost her fight with lung cancer about 17 years ago, at the tender age of 55. Then there is my father , who has currently beat his battle with prostate cancer 1 year ago and is going strong every single day. Then there is me about 6-7 months ago had a close call with cancer , in which it required extensive surgery. Through the mercy and kindness of Allaah ( subhaanahu wa ta aala ) I am here to speak about it today, wa hamdulliaah!!!! ( praise be to god)
 
My ultimate goal is to some day SOON, Insha Allaah ta'aala ( god willing) participate in a walk or run marathon in support of cancer, breast cancer etc.
 
Breast Cancer Stamp Booklet
 
We need those of you who are great at forwarding on information with your E-mail network.  Please read and pss this on .  It would be wonderful if 2010 were the year a cure for breast cancer was found!!!
This is one Email you should be glad to pass on.  The notion that we could raise $ 35 million by buy buying a book of stamps is powerful! As you may be aware , the US Postal service has the " fund for cure" stamp to help fund breast cancer research.  The stamp was designed Ethel Kessler , Maryland.  It is important that we take a stand against this disease that affects our Mothers, sisters, co-workers, friends and spouses of co-workers.  Instead of the normal 44cents for a stamp, this cost 55 cents.  The addtional 11 cents will go to breast cancer research a normal book cost $8.80.  This one is onley $ 11.00.  It takes a few minutes in line at the post office and means so much.  If all stamps are sold, it will raise an additional $ 35,000,000 for this vital research.  Just as important as the money is , our support.  What a statement it would make if the stamp out sold the lottery this week.  What a statement it would make that we care.
 
I urge you to do two things :
 
1. Go out and purchase some of these stamps.
 
2. E- mail your friends & sisters in Islaam to do the same.
 
Many of us know women and their families whose lives are turned upside down by breast cancer.  It takes so little to do so much in this drive.
 
PLEASE PASS IT ON !!!