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Hey there fabulous fellow naturals!
After reading a recent post from a fellow fabulous natural blogger my girl Chocolate orchid , in which she shared the greatest news! Hairveda is having a fall sale on some of their items....so I just had to spread the news and share it here with you guys. Here are the details:
The sale is take place on ......September 14th-september 21st
Here is a list of the items to be on sale....
Vatika Frosting
Urban Aroma Goodies
Hydrasilica Spritz
Cocasta Oil
Whipped Cream
Methi Sativa Set
Amala Cream Rinse
Moist Condition 24.7
SitriNillah Deep Conditioner
ALL SALON SIZES ITEMS $30% off!
http://hairveda.com/default.aspx
So, mark your calenders ladies......and run, skip or jump on over to hairveda to get your goods!
Thanks CO for sharing this great info (smiles)
Stay tuned for a product review of hairvedas Moist condition 24.7....coming soon!
ENJOY!!!!
A MESSAGE FROM JANE CARTER OF JANE CARTER SOLUTION:
August is National Black Business Month and it's not easy being a business owner these days, but it's particularly challenging for black business owners. Black people have the highest spending rate among all ethnic groups but, sadly their consumer dollars are not recycled back into the black community. Each additional $40,000 spent provides a business owner with the resources to create one new job. It may not seem like much, but this one new job translates into a better future for the employee, their family and the community.
We must embrace the spirit of family and self-reliance in order to strengthen the foundation of our community. Spend your income locally and support those black entrepreneurs that work hard for your business. Give these people a chance to succeed - their success results in more jobs, stronger community, and greater opportunities for everyone.
Encourage everyone to support black owned businesses - not only during the month of August but throughout the year. Remember: 2010 31 Days and 31 Ways to invest in your community.
My thoughts:
Many, thanks to Jane Carter for this wonderful reminder. I couldn't agree more !
ENJOY!!!
Our hair is often subject to abuse. Over-the-counter beauty shampoos, conditioners, styling gels and other hair products may also leave the hair dry, brittle and damaged. Even the simple act of combing or blow drying can lead to hair breakage and damage.
To restore the natural texture, glow and luster of your hair, you can use deep conditioning products to minimize the damage caused by styling and harsh hair products that you actually pay more for. If you want to restore the health of you hair in a natural and healthy way, you can make use of natural oils, with main oil being jojoba, which bring a lot of benefits to treating coarse, frizzy or damaged hair. You may not want to apply the oil directly to your hair because it may look greasy and will easily attract dirt, but if the natural oils are incorporated in a hair product like shampoo or conditioner, then you will be able to put the glow back to your limp hair.
Just like our skin, the scalp also needs to be moisturized. When the skin is dry you can see visible wrinkles. The same thing happens when the scalp is dry – excessive skin develops in the affected area, causing itchy flakes to appear. The scalp is quite sensitive and it produces sebum where the hair follicles are implanted, which is the reason why the scalp needs extra care.
For healthy skin and hair, Jojoba Oil is found to be an ideal moisturizer and conditioner which is derived from a natural plant. Jojoba oil is produced from a desert plant called Simmondsia Chinensis. Its oil is highly regarded as an effective conditioner, moisturizer, cleanser and softener for the skin and hair.
Jojoba oil brings the following benefits:
1. Moisturizes the scalp. Using Jojoba oil and massaging it directly onto the scalp will not only relax you but it also moisturizes the scalp itself while treating your hair with an intense conditioning.
2. Develops new hair cell growth. Dry hair can lead to hair damage or hair loss. The application of Jojoba oil will counteract this symptom, allowing the growth of new hair cells.
3. Jojoba oil is non-greasy, colorless and odorless. While application of oils directly on the hair can be very obvious from afar, using Jojoba oil is non-greasy and unnoticeable.
4. Jojoba oil is not irritating to the skin if applied to dry, itchy and sore scalp. Our scalp is sensitive when it is dry and applying Jojoba oil and then rinsing your scalp with clean water is one way of treating this scalp condition.
5. Antibacterial. Jojoba oil is used for treating sores, cuts, bruises and burns and helps heal scars.
6. Jojoba oil allows the flow of sebum in plugged-up pores. This promotes a healthy scalp and hair by replicating the sebum oil secreted by human sebaceous glands.
7. Jojoba oil conditions your hair and prevents it from being brittle and dull.
8. If there is too much sebum found on the scalp, Jojoba oil can dissolve and take out the sebum, allowing the hair to be cleansed.
9. It is used widely as a primary ingredient in hair shampoos and conditioners.
With these benefits and more, using Jojoba oil will definitely bring back the shine, luster, and natural beauty of your hair in an inexpensive and natural way. When combined with emu oil and primrose oil it can be an amazing healing hair oil.
ENJOY!!!
You will need:
3 oz Aloe Vera Butter, 2oz Mango Butter, 1/2 oz Cocoa Butter, 2 oz Shea Butter, 1 oz Caster Oil, 1 oz Coconut Oil, 1/2 oz vegetable Glycerin, 1 oz corn starch, 2 parts Vanilla Absolute Oil, 1/2 part Grape Fruit Essential Oil, 1/4 part Sweet Orange Essential Oil, 1/4 part Clove Essential Oil. Melt solids (Coconut oil should be first) when soft add, Aloe Butter, Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Caster Oil, essential oils. Allow to cool, when it’s just starting to stiffen up whip with an electric mixer when mix becomes light and fluffy add vegetable glycerin very slowly continue whipping, add corn starch, whip 10 minutes. Bottle up store in cool area out of direct sun light.
ENJOY!!!
Hello fabulous fellow naturals !
As that time is quickly approaching and summer is coming in end :( . We must continue to nourish and show some extra attention to our precious hair. Below are a few tips to get us started on a happy healthy hair routine this winter:
Heavy, oily products are best for my hair because it's so dry in winter.
Back away from the heavy products. It makes sense that people want to grab the heavy body lotions and creams to soothe their dry skin during the winter, but it doesn't work for their hair, says dermatologist Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City.
"Greasy products may actually [clog hair follicles and] cause other problems including scalp follicles and acne on the forehead and temples [pomade acne]," he says.
I can wash my hair every day.
It depends on the hair type and texture. Very kinky to curly hair tends to be drier. If your hair is natural — no chemical process has been added to your hair — it's OK to rinse it everyday in the shower as long as a light conditioner is used, says Tyama Arawole, a natural hair care consultant with clients in Washington, D.C., and New York.
"Natural hair loves water, but it's still important to keep it protected," she says. The extra curly hair cuticle — or outer layer — makes it more difficult for the oil secreted from the scalp to reach the ends of the hair, so don't forget to moisturize the hair, she says.
Greasing the scalp will help with "dry-scalp" syndrome.
No, it won't. "If your scalp is excessively dry, applying oil to it will not help — you may have a different problem," Alexis says. A flaky scalp is sometimes caused by a type of yeast overgrowth on the skin, resulting in a condition known as sebhorreic dermatitis.
Since scalp is skin, it's susceptible to the same conditions as skin on the other parts of the body — acne, follicles or impetigo. It's best to see a dermatologist if your dry scalp persists.
Blowing wind
Strong winds can tangle our hair and make it really dry , losing moisture this is why wearing a beautiful scarf, beanie, or lovely hat will help during winter months.
It's cold outside, so I have to wear a hat almost everyday.
"Hats can be very damaging to hair, some women use scarves in the winter if its for religious purposes or to simply protect our hair from the winter elements, some materials can cause extra problems for the ends of our hair. Fabrics like wool can snag our hair and break it off. Try wearing a silk cap of some sort before wearing certain materials and or a hat with natural fibers.
If my hair is braided, I don't have to do anything to it.
Yes, you do. First, it's important to start off with a healthy head of hair, Toure says. If your hair is damaged, you should not wear an extension-braided style.
Stylists recommend a protein treatment, followed by a good conditioner to repair damaged hair before braiding it. If you do wear braids, be sure to wash your hair at least once a week. It's not OK to go longer than a week. Because you're not brushing or combing your hair on a daily basis, dirt and oil have more time to build up.
Heat from buildings
Once the winter sets in we start to heat the indoors with the furnace , which can be drying to skin and hair. Remember, to check your hair for dryness. If you have a loving relationship with your hair you will immediately know if you hair is dryer than usual.
Solutions
Purchase a humidifier
This ca be a great way of putting moisture back into your hair by rehydrating the air in your home. An alternative to using a humidifier is to set a pot of water on your stove or in front of heat vents to let the water steam into the air ( done with caution) You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil or potpourri as well.
Increase deep conditioning / hot oil treatments or oil rinses
Deep conditioners can help in healing damaged hair and protecting it, by coating the hair strands and filling in the hair cuticles , making it stronger.
oil and moisturizing your ends
You can mix up your very own oil concoction mixed with infused herbs that are great for dry hair (parsley, rosemary, sage, calendula, chamomile, lavender just to name a few) and or butters along with added essential oils that are great for dry hair ( peppermint , sage, etc)
Protect your hair
you can try , cornrows, braids, updo's, twist,buns, ponytails, roller sets and covering you hair with scarfs and hats ( as stated earlier)
Last but not least
Try to limit your amount of shampooing. Give co-washing a go this winter , loo- poo or even no -poo . Do what works best for you!
ENJOY!!!
Hello fellow fabulous fellow naturals !
I came across this very helpful site, in which you can find the ingredients to your favorite products (store brought) from everything to your favorite hair care products to personal, health food , household and more. Whether they are harmful to your health, or safe to use. Below, I will gladly post the link
http://www.goodguide.com/
ENJOY!!!
•Aussie Real Volume for fine hair (old formula only; new formulation has 'cones)
•Garnier Fructis Fortifying (Fine Hair Formula)
•Suave Naturals Waterfall Mist
•Suave Naturals Lavender *
•Suave Naturals Ocean Breeze
•Suave Naturals Mango Peach
•Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple
•Suave Naturals Fresh Mountain Strawberry
•Suave Naturals Aloe
•Suave Vanilla Floral Cond.(silk protein, but very low on ingredients list)
•White Rain Extra Body
•White Rain Lavender Vanilla
•White Rain Energizing Citrus
•White Rain Tropical Coconut
•White Rain Ocean Mist
•White Rain Apple Blossom
•VO5 Sun Kissed Raspberry
•VO5 Tangerine Tickle
•VO5 Tea Therapy Nourishing
. Darcy's botanicals Daily Cleansing conditioner creme *
. Hairveda's Moist Condition 24/7 Daily Moisturizing Conditioner *
* means I have used
I have not verified the ingredients lists on all of the products listed above and have also not tried most of these products, so this list should be considered a starting point only. You should still read the ingredients and look at reviews before considering buying any of these.
If you read the ingredients for any of these and notice any sulfates, proteins or silicones, please let me know so I can remove it from the list!. Also please mail me and let me know if there's any products I should add.
Thank you.
ENJOY!!!
Natural Lines/Health Food Store No-Cone Conditioner List:
Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Aloe Essence Revitalizing Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Aloe Essence Everyday Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Jojoba & Aloe Desert Herb Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Rosa Mosqueta Nourishing Conditioner
Aubrey Organics White Camellia Ultra-Smooth Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Conditioner
Aubrey Organics Green Tea Finishing Cream Rinse
Aubrey Organics BGA Protein + Strengthening Cream Rinse
Aubrey Organics Swimmers Normalizing Conditioner
Australian Organics Extra Body Conditioner
Australian Organics Replenishing Balancing Conditioner
Australian Organics Nourishing Restorative Conditioner
Avalon Organics Peppermint Organic Conditioner
Avalon Organics Mint Thyme Conditioner
Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Conditioner
Avalon Organics Chamomile Citrus Conditioner
Avalon Organics Biotin-B Complex Thickening Conditioner
Avalon Organics Awapuhi Mango Moisturizing Conditioner
Better Botanicals Pure Gloss Conditioner
Better Botanicals Kokum Care Conditioner
Beauty Without Cruelty Daily Benefits Conditioner
Beauty Without Cruelty Moisture Plus Conditioner
Beauty Without Cruelty Volume Plus Conditioner
Biotene H-24 Natural Conditioner
Burt's Bees Avocado Butter Hair Treatment
Camocare Chamomile Conditioner
California Baby Conditioner
Desert Essence Daily Replenish Conditioner
Desert Essence Body Boosting Conditioner
Desert Essence Shea Butter Conditioner
Desert Essence Therapeutic Conditioner
Desert Essence Conditioning Therapy Treatment
Druide Detangling Conditioner
Druide Nourishing Conditioner
Earth Science Fragrance Free Conditioner
Earth Science Citrisoft Conditioner
Earth Science Hair Repair Conditioner
Earth Science Intensicare Conditioner
Ecco Bella Vanilla Penetrating Conditioner
Emerald Forest Botanical Conditioner
Emerald Forest Revitalizing Conditioner
EO Wild Lime & Ginger Hair Repair
EO Chamomile & Honey Conditioner
EO Rose & Chamomile Conditioner
EO Rose Geranium & Sweet Orange Conditioner
EO Rosemary & Mint Conditioner
EO French Lavender Conditioner
EO Lemon Verbena Conditioner
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Conditioner
Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner
Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Hair Remoisturizer
Giovanni Restruxturing Conditioner
Giovanni Nutrafix Reconstructor
Healthy Times Chamomile Blossom Conditioner
Herbavita Royal Hair Cream
Heritage Olive Oil Conditioner
Heritage Crudoleum Conditioner
Hobe Labs Hair Lovers Conditioner
Hobe Labs Nuhairtrition Protein Conditioner
Home Health Olivia Conditioner
Home Health Chamovera Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics For Kids Only Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Thin To Thick Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Aloe Vera Gel Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Jojoba Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Sea Kelp Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Vitamin A,C, & E Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Apricot Keratin Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Hemp Enriched Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Henna Hi-Lite Conditioner
Jason Cosmetics Tall Grass Hi Protein Conditioner
Kiss My Face Big Body Conditioner
Kiss My Face Whenever Conditioner
Kiss My Face Miss Treated Conditioner
Lamas Beauty International Soy Balancing Conditioner
Magick Botanicals Oil Free/Fragrance Free Conditioner
Mill Creek Aloe Conditioner
Mill Creek Jojoba Conditioner
Mill Creek Henna Conditioner
Mill Creek Biotin Conditioner
Mill Creek Keratin Conditioner
Mode de Vie Vanilla Shea Butter Conditioner
Mountain Ocean Hair Conditioning Treatment
Naturade Aloe Vera 80 Daily Conditioner
Nature's Gate Herbal Original Conditioner
Nature's Gate Herbal Chamomile Conditioner
Nature's Gate Herbal Jojoba Conditioner
Nature's Gate Herbal Aloe Vera Treatment Conditioner
Nature's Gate Herbal Keratin Conditioner
Nature's Gate Rainwater Henna Conditioner
Nature's Gate Rainwater Hemp Conditioner
Nature's Gate Rainwater Rosemary Conditioner
Nature's Gate Rainwater Awapuhi Conditioner
Nature's Gate Rainwater Tea Tree Oil Conditioner
Nature's Gate Rainwater Sea Kelp & Aloe Conditioner
Nature's Gate Asian Pear & Red Tea Conditioner
Nature's Gate Grapefruit & Wild Ginger Conditioner
Nature's Gate Chamomile & Lemon Verbena Conditioner
Nature's Gate Lavender & Aloe Conditioner
Nature's Gate Mandarin Orange Patchouli Conditioner
Nature's Gate Persimmon Rose Geranium Conditioner
Nature's Gate Victorian Emerald Cypress Conditioner
Nirvana Natural Cherry Bark/Almond Conditioner
Orjene Kelp Moisturizing Conditioner
Pure & Basic Original Conditioner
Shaman Mango & Mint Conditioner
Shaman Chemical Free Mint Conditioner
Shaman Papaya & Peppermint Conditioner
Shikai Amla Conditioner
Shikai Henna Gold (Original) Conditioner
Tea Tree Therapy Tea Tree Conditioner
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Conditioner
Trimedica MSM Conditioner
Weleda Rosemary Conditioner
Weleda Chamomile Conditioner
Drugstore No-Cone Conditioner List:
Aussie Real Volume Conditioner
Bain De-Luxe Rosemary Mint Conditioner
Freeman Papaya & Awapuhi High Tide Volume Conditioner
Freeman Papaya & Lime Overboard Shine Conditioner
Garnier Fructis Fortifying Conditioner (Fine Hair Formula)
L'Oreal Fresh Vive Shine Conditioner
Charles Worthington Nourish Rebalancing Conditioner
Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Super Conditioner
White Rain Extra Body Conditioner
White Rain Lavender Vanilla Conditioner
White Rain Energizing Citrus Conditioner
VO5 Extra Body Conditioner
VO5 Nourishing Tea Therapy Conditioner
VO5 Smoothing Strawberries & Cream Conditioner
VO5 Revitalizing Creamy Fresh Peaches Conditioner
VO5 Herbal Tangerine Trickle Conditioner
VO5 Herbal Free Me Freesia Conditioner
Suave Vanilla Almond & Silk Protein Conditioner
Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner
Suave Aloe Vera Conditioner
Suave Milk & Honey Conditioner
Suave Juicy Green Apple Conditioner
Suave Naturals Vanilla Floral Conditioner
Suave Naturals Lavender Conditioner
Suave Naturals Citrus Smoothie Conditioner
Suave Naturals Fresh Mountain Strawberry Conditioner
Suave Naturals Mango Peach Conditioner
Suave Naturals Ocean Breeze Conditioner
Suave Naturals Waterfall Mist Conditioner
Mid-end & High-End Cone-Free Conditioner List:
Jessicurl Aloeba Daily Conditioner
Jessicurl Too Shea Conditioner
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment
Curly Hair Solutions Conditioner
Curly Hair Solutions Pure Silk Protein Treatment
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner
Mop Top Daily Conditioner
Curls Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner
Curlisto Kids Detangle Rinse
L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Liquid Energy Fortifying Treatment
Lush Veganese Conditioner
Lush American Cream Conditioner
Lush Retread Conditioner
Lush Coolaulin Conditioner
Lush Fuel Hair Conditioner
Lush Jungle Hair Conditioner
Lush San Wen Hua Hair Treatment
Lush The Strokes Hair Treatment
Paul Penders Lemon Perfecting Rinse
Philou Bubblegum Detangling Cream
Philou Apple Detangling Cream
Philou Licorice Detangling Cream
MID-END/MISCELLANEOUS LEAVE-INS):
Curly Hair Solutions Slip Detangling Spray
Curly hair Solutions Silk Leave-In Conditioner
AG Fast Food Leave-In
Qhemet Biologics Herbal Henna Botanical Softening Oil
Qhemet Biologics Karite Nut Curl Milk
Qhemet Biologics Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm
Qhemet Biologics Olive Cream Conditioning Instant Detangler
Oyin Handmade Greg Juice
Mop Top Herbal Detangler & Refresher
Mia Simone's Boutique Aloe Vera Herbal Leave-In Treatment
Mia Simone's Boutique Moisture Rich Styling Souffle
CurlyBrunette's Shea It Ain't So Leave-In Conditioner
Curls Pure Essentials Moisturizer
Curlisto Kids Leave-In Conditioner
Curlisto Protein Boost Spray Leave-In
Curlisto Repair Styling Cream Leave-In Conditioner
Akiva Naturals Healthy Hair Honey
Akiva Naturals Healthy Hair Jam
Akiva Naturals Healthy Hair Milk
Akiva Naturals Secret Potion
Akiva Naturals Shea Hair Smoothie
Greenridge Herbals Jojoba Shea Hair Butter
Long Lovely Locks Coco Light
Long Lovely Locks coconut Hair Milk
Tai Texture Lavender Mist
This is some , but not limited to. I have not verified the ingredients lists and have also not tried most of these products, so this list should be considered a starting point only. You should still read the ingredients and look at reviews before considering buying any of these.
Lastly, if by chance you read the ingredients on any of the products listed above and notice silicones ...please mail be and inform me so that I can remove that product. As well as if you ladies know of a silicone free conditioner that is not on this list please mail me so that I can add it to this list. Thank you
Stay tuned for a list of silicone and protein free conditioners.
ENJOY!!!
For long-time CurlTalkers, “CG” or “no poo” has become a staple of their vocabulary. But many newcomers may need a crash course in what exactly this term—used as both a verb and a noun—means.
CG is a CurlTalk abbreviation for “Curly Girl,” a book written by Lorraine Massey and Deborah Chiel, which helps people embrace their natural texture. With that objective in mind, Massey describes a new and revolutionary routine to get healthy, well-behaved waves, curls and coils.
Although the very best way to do this routine is AFTER reading the book, we understand that many people just can’t wait another day because their hair is begging for help, so in order to make this easier here’s the basic guidelines of the routine:
1.Either eliminate or seriously limit the use of shampoos with sulfates.
2.Use a clear gel to help keep frizz away.
3.Handle the hair in a very gentle manner.
The premise is tri-fold:
•Most commercial shampoos contain surfactants that are too harsh for our hair and tend to rob our hair of moisture.
•Our hair tends to be more porous than straight hair, which makes totally rinsing out all traces of shampoo virtually impossible, and that residue causes frizz.
•Most conditioners contain mild surfactants that, paired up with a little manual friction, are capable of lifting off dirt, debris and excess oil from our scalp and hair.
To make a no-poo routine work, you should eliminate the use of most silicone's (or ‘cones for short) from your hair care routine because most ‘cones can only be removed from the hair with rather harsh shampoos. Washing with a conditioner while using them would cause them to quickly build up on the hair, which results in dull, matted hair and poor curl definition.
It is very important to choose a good conditioner for no-pooing. Here is what you should look for on the label:
•Emollients, which soften, smooth the hair and give it shine. There are hundreds of them, including such natural emollients as vegetable oils and nut butters. Widely used emollients include glycerides and liposomes.
•Proteins, which temporarily “repair” the hair and/or protect it. Occasionally proteins will build up on some people’s hair, especially on healthier hair. In this case, alternate with a protein-free conditioner. Examples of proteins include silk, soy, wheat, keratin or individual amino acids (components of proteins).
•Humectants, which absorb water and hold in moisture. They are absolutely crucial in a conditioner for curly hair. Panthenol, vegetable glycerin, sorbitol and honey are just a few humectants to look for on the label. Moisturizers soften and control to curly hair. Amino acids and aloe vera are two great moisturizers.
Here’s how to do a conditioner wash:
1.After wetting your hair thoroughly, pour a dime-sized amount of conditioner in your hand and, using the pads of your fingertips, apply to one spot of your scalp and massage well, just as you would with shampoo.
2.Repeat until you’ve scrubbed all over.
3.Rinse all the conditioner off with plenty of warm water, still gently massaging with your fingertips so the friction will dissolve any residue.
4.Pour more conditioner into your hand (sometimes another richer conditioner is necessary for this step), rub your palms together and apply over the length as you normally did in the past.
5.Try to detangle with your fingers or with a very wide-tooth comb.
6.For extra moisturizing, clip your hair up and continue with your shower, then when you’re done set the water as cool as is comfortable to you and rinse your head for just a second or two, gently squeeze the excess water off.
Clarifying
Sometimes residue from your gels, oils, etc. may not rinse off with water and conditioner and we get a little buildup. Very often it’s easy to notice right away that your hair feels “gunk.” But other times, hair just stops responding to the routine. It may begin to tangle easily or curls loose definition and shine. Clarifying will refresh them and usually bring the bounce back. You can try ACV to aid in clarifying or any other natural clarifiers to may know of if you are strictly on the no -poo method...if not you can find sulfate free clarifiers or mild conditioner cleansers. ( I suggest stay far away from baking soda and lemon juice....to strong for our hair).
My thoughts
As of now I am co-washing, since I am not a heavy product user. It's working out great...my hair and scalp is responding well. However, I will be clarifying 1x monthly or as I see my hair needs it to remove any build-up. I have since noticed my hair to hold moisture a lot better than when I was shampooing.
For a few weeks I had been using 'kinky curlys" come clean...let me say this stuff is strong (in my opinion) it states moisturizing I don't see it from my experience. My hair hates this stuff, each time I used it it has left my hair hard, rough and dry. To me its more of a clarifier it will do a great job at that but way to strong for my hair.
Since, my experiment eliminating this product. In the place of that when I need to use something a little more on my hair to remove some build up I have tried Darcy's botanical "Daily Cleansing conditioner creme"...this little number is working out great and doesn't dry my hair like KCCC. I feel this is all I will need to use when needed to remove any gunk from my hair ...especially since I've decided not to use any cones while on my journey to co-washing.
I have a few reviews coming up on Hairveda's moist condition 24/7 daily moisturizing conditioner ( as a co-wash)....http://hairveda.com/condish.aspx
and
Jessiecurl weekly deep conditioning treatment....http://www.jessicurl.com/Products-p-1.html#products=tab1&cleansing=tab0&conditioning=tab2&styling=tab0&accessories=tab0
You can also find it at curlmart here....http://www.curlmart.com/Jessicurl-Weekly-Deep-Conditioning-Treatment-p-106.html
I am currently using curls coconut sublime moisturizing conditioner, I like it .. it does moisturize well But it doesn't have enough slip for what I like my conditioners to have. Not a bad product at all ( other than that), you can find that here..
http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/coconut-sublime-moisturizing-conditioner.html
As always I will keep you ladies posted......
ENJOY!!!
What is a Length Based Trim and How Do You Incorporate It into Your Routine?
If you are trying to gain length, then a length based trim may be just for you. Instead of trimming your hair based on a time table such as every 6 to 8 weeks, you base your trim on other factors: its length and your hair goals.
The length based trim should be performed on hair that has been 'thermally' or heat straightened. This includes but is not limited to blow drying, flat ironing and/or pressing. Once you have your hair relatively straight and styled in a way that you like to wear your hair, examine your ends. You will see that some hair is going to be longer than other hairs. The bulk or majority of your hair will be at the same length. Those longer hairs will make your hair appear scraggly and uneven on the ends.
1. Identify where the bulk of the hair is.
2. Determine the next length that you would like your hair to reach. It should not be more than 2-4 inches longer than the bulk of your hair.
3. Trim off the hair that goes beyond the goal length.
4. Allow your hair to fill in thickly at the new goal point length. Keep it trimmed at this length until the bulk fills in at the new length!
Congratulations! You now know how to perform a length based trim. I also call this the "Goal Point Method." You use this type of trim when you are trying to gain length, as fast as possible, on healthy hair.
TRIM Every 6-8 Weeks = To Maintain Length
TRIM Based on Length= To Reach Goal Length Faster
Only CUT = To Change Hair Style or Remove Damaged Ends
By Chicoro
ENJOY!!!
Hey, there fellow fabulous naturals,
One of my herbal spritz recipes has been featured by a another fabulous fellow natural. Visit The beautiful 'L" @ Natural Review http://naturalreviewbyl.com/ there you will find great hair tips, ideas , great articles on hair, features and other topics. The natural Review is a great place to visit!...So, skip on over there and show some love and support!
ENJOY!!!
Hey there fellow fabulous naturals,
I came across the most interesting and very informative article on silicone's, polyquats and soap. If, your like me always searching and looking to retain more and more info in the way of natural hair, than perhaps you will find this article as informative as I have. Below I will post the link.
http://jillipoo.blogspot.com/2009/09/silicones-polyquats-and-soap.html
After reading , come back to AuNaturale and share your thoughts on this topic? Also, if there are any fabulous naturals who conditioner wash only w/ cones or no cones and shampoo once a month to clarify ( when and if necessary) ...please share your results...has this method worked for you? Also , if there are fabulous naturals out there who has tried this method and it has NOT worked for you, please share. I would looove to hear from you.
ENJOY!!!
Coltsfoot contains up to 10% mucilage (plant protein), plus numerous sugars, inulin, flavonoids, rutin, isoquercetin, tannin & pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
It has been used medicinally as a cough suppressant for centuries, hence the name "tussilago" or "cough suppressant."
Naturally Curly and Afro Hair Care Conditioning Combos
Horsetail, Coltsfoot and Nettle are known as the hair care trio because all 3 are VERY rich in minerals, especially silica.
Horsetail, Coltsfoot and Nettle leaf - excellent for hair care as they contain a high percentage of natural plant Silica and Cystine.
How will it help my hair & scalp?:
These ingredients help build and coat the hair shaft while nourishing the scalp and promoting healthy naturally curly and Afro hair growth.
Benefits:
Organic Coltsfoot is a medicated herb with an abundance of natural plant sulfur, silicic and amino acids.
Organic Coltsfoot helps to heal dandruff, reduce scalp build up and is purported to strengthen the hair shaft adding sheen and elasticity.
Organic Coltsfoot also helps to regulate over productive sebaceous (sebum) glands whilst increasing elasticity of the skin & scalp. Coltsfoot stimulates collagen production which makes it excellent for an herbal hair spritz or final hair rinse infusion.
Recipe Time:
1. Take a heaped teaspoon of Organic Coltsfoot & put it in a big ol' mug or Pyrex jug.
2. Boil 500ml to 600ml of hot water
3. Pour the hot water over the Organic Coltsfoot
4. Let it brew for at least a few minutes
5. Strain the Organic Coltsfoot with a strainer so that you only have the nourishing infused Organic Coltsfoot tea and wait for it to cool
6. Pour the strained infused Organic Coltsfoot tea over your hair and use as a final rinse OR pour into a small spray bottle and use daily as a refreshing hair spritz
(note: store your spritz in a cool dry area like the fridge)
Coltsfoot should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing.
Do not use if you suffer with liver problems.
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY
ENJOY!!!
Hello fabulous fellow naturals,
Before I start this post....is she gorgeous or what!!!!. OK , now on to my revelation., I received my ''curls"
coconut sublime conditioner yesterday. Let, me first say this is not an official review. But, I just had to share my revelation with you ladies. So, back to the curls and my thoughts so far. It smells amaaaazing, very thick, but thus far I do not like this as a co-wash...but, It did much better as a deep conditioner w/ very low heat from my hooded dryer.
As a co-wash it made my hair feel DRY, as some of you know this is NOT what I need right now I need moisture, moisture , moisture!....In the week prior to this I purchased some Herbal Essences hello hydration moisturizing conditioner because, I felt It was an hair emergency (lol) and I had heard , great things about this product for its moisture qualities. I am fully aware that this product is not organic and does contain 1 cone in which I am still researching, what I've found thus far is that this particular cone isn't as bad as some , but I'm still researching...( and I plan to wash/clarify once a month). Any who.....this conditioner was amazing then annnnnd is amazing now, after trying the curls yesterday I panicked and immediately ran to my herbal essences annnnnd ladies let me tell you my hair feels FAB-U-LOUS ...very, very moisturized and soft and is looking better then it has ever looked and felt using shampoo , it feels amazing.
My thoughts are that co-washing is definitely the way I will be going for a while ( my hair is responding well)
And, guess what!?!...I realized that I got better results using a cheaper store brought product than I have ever gotten using SOME of the higher end products. This little number may very well in fact be a staple in my regimen...this particular herbal essences does not contain protein..yay! but , there is another conditioner they have I may check to see if it contain a light protein and use it as my protein product once every 1-2 months.....once I decided to re-incorporate protein in my regimen.
As for my deep moisturizing conditioner...I have used and can use this or revisit the curls( in which I plan to do) as my deep moisturizing conditioner...but, I may be just sticking with HE for a while for all of it... co-wash...deep moisturizing...and protein.
I will however, stick to my higher end products( if you will) Jane carters nourish & shine....uncle funkys daughter"curly magic"....knot today...and, Qhemet Biologics A&O heavy cream. And, guess what because my hair is not as dry and hard feeling anymore...I have revisited the qhemet biologics burdock root butter creme, and it is fabulous as well!. And, of course I will continue to use my herb infused oils...love them!
Sometimes a little change ...can make all the difference in the world!!!
ENJOY!!!!
Hello fabulous fellow naturals,
I am a huge fan of natural hair blogs and loving the sisterhood in the natural hair community. I am seeing more and more naturals in television commercials....television programs...supermarkets, or just out and about. Fabulous naturals are really representing...and it is FABULOUS!
As much as I enjoy witnessing this wonderful change in the natural hair community, I also love hearing of new natural hair blogs as well. If, you are natural and have a blog or YouTube channel that you would like to share. I invite you to do so and please share your greatness here with us at AuNaturale!!!!!
I would looooove to hear from you!!!!
ENJOY!!!
Hello fellow fabulous naturals!
Just to give a brief update on the products I will be trying for my hair, in place of those that had to be removed due to protein. I am really leaning toward co-washing or using a conditioner cleanser for a while( clarifying 1x monthly)
I believe this may really be of benefit for my hair,right now. I plan to give it a trail run for a good month to see if this is what my hair likes. I am not a fan of cones at all...and I am staying away from proteins for a while , I am now in need of something to co-wash my hair with , that does not include these ingredients.
I recently picked up "kinky -curly" knot today leave-in,( to replace Giovanni's direct leave-in, due to protein) after hearing some pretty great things about this product. But, I decided to stick with the great little recipe Kim on youtube shared with the natural hair community, this recipe works great on my hair I just replaced the leave-in from what I was using to knot today. Once, I brought it you guys know what I did immediately.....pulled out the pH strips to test the pH on this product (before mixing it with aloe juice and the oils.) It came up as PH of 7. Not, to bad ...I mean it is in the safe pH range.....but, I am really trying to use products at least most of them... that are closer to the hairs pH which is 4.5-5.5.
I then, decided to test the very same conditioner ( knot today) with the aloe juice and oils mixed with the leave -in ...and it came back at pH 4 ( remember any product at pH of 4.0-7.0 , is a safe range for our hair).
I tell you Kim is a smart woman, Adding the extra ingredients to the knot today...lowered the pH making it even better for our hair. So, I plan to give this a try as a co-wash as well as my leave-in , and see if I like it( its said to be great for co-washes also...and it does not contain protein or silicone's)
Next, I ordered the "Coconut sublime moisturizing conditioner" by curls...this is also protein and silicone free ( this will be my weekly moisturizing conditioner...it's said that you can use this as a co-wash as well I plan to try it both ways) it hasn't arrived yet, its to be expected any day now.
Lastly, I ordered "Daily cleansing conditioner creme" by Darcy's botanicals. This is also protein and silicone free. It, is said to be great for conditioner washes.... we will see, once it arrives.
I plan to give this little numbers a go.....and will keep you ladies posted on my results.
http://kinky-curly.com/shop.php
http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/coconut-sublime-moisturizing-conditioner.html
http://darcysbotanicals.com/natural-hair-collection/cleansing/new-daily-cleansing-conditioner-cream.html
ENJOY!!!
Humectants are used in skin and hair-care products to promote moisture retention. These hygroscopic compounds posses a chemical structure that attracts water from the atmosphere and binds it to various sites along the molecule.
There are many different types of molecules that are effective humectants, but the chemical similarity they share is having multiple alcohol (hydroxyl) or similarly hydrophilic sites (such as ethers or ammonium groups) available for hydrogen bonding with water molecules. The strength of the hydrogen bonding between humectants and H2O improves moisture retention by minimizing water loss due to evaporation.
These ingredients are used in many products, especially those designed for consumers with dry, damaged hair. While they can provide benefit in certain circumstances, it is important to understand how they work and under what circumstances they might provide less-than-optimal results. When considering whether to use humectants, the most important piece of the puzzle is how the weather can impact your hair and the performance of these molecules.
Effects of Relative Humidity on Hair and Humectants
The laws of thermodynamics have a daily influence on our hair. There is a driving force in nature for everything to be in a state of equilibrium. Molecules that exist in an area of higher concentration in contact with an area of lower concentration will move toward the area of lower concentration in an attempt to reach an equilibrium state where the concentration is the same for both areas. For example, dry hair exposed to a very humid environment will become gradually immersed with water molecules, as they diffuse from the air (an area of higher concentration) into the hair (an area of lower concentration). Curly hair is especially susceptible to this type of diffusion because it is naturally more porous than straight hair.
Hair exposed to very dry air without protection can lose its moisture, develop an unpleasant texture and can become unruly, flyaway, and frizzy. It also can become more prone to breakage and split ends. Conversely, unprotected exposure to excessive moisture and humidity can swell the hair cortex, causing the cuticle scales on the exterior of the hair shaft to become ruffled and giving hair a coarse, unpleasant texture. Clearly, neither scenario is desirable.
Low Humidity
In extremely low-humidity conditions, such as a cold, dry winter air, there is no appreciable amount of water in the air for the humectant to attract to the surface of the hair. In this particular type of climate, the best one can hope for with most traditional humectants is for them to prevent evaporation of water from the hair into the environment. Also, under these circumstances, there is some risk of the humectant actually removing moisture from the cortex of the hair itself, creating the problem it was intended to prevent.
That’s why in dry climates it is important to use conditioning products which rely on strong moisturizers rather than traditional humectants. However, it is interesting to note that new humectants are being developed that perform well even in low humidity (such as hydroxypropyl bis-hydroxyethyldimonium chloride and dihydroxypropyltrimonium chloride).
High Humidity
In high-humidity conditions, such as summertime in the southeastern United States or the tropics — where the relative humidity can easily reach or exceed 90 percent during the day — there is a tremendous amount of moisture in the air. This can be disastrous for curly hair. If curly hair is dry and damaged, it is very porous, and easily absorbs water from the air. In high-humidity conditions, this can cause curly hair to swell so much that cuticles are raised, making the surface of the hair very rough. These cuticles can then become entangled with cuticles of adjacent hairs and create a huge, tangled mass, which is prone to breakage. Also, curly hair swollen by excess water can lose its curl pattern, creating the dreaded summer frizz.
Clearly, products heavy in humectants will only exacerbate problems with humidity-induced frizz. Some humectants can also develop a sticky feeling when they become saturated with water, which is certainly an undesirable characteristic for hair. Thus, in tropical and subtropical climates, it is essential to maintain well-moisturized hair that is in good condition (which will be less prone to absorbing water from the hair). But it is preferable to use products containing fewer humectants or humectants with less hygroscopic capacity.
Due to the limitations and pitfalls of humectants in extreme weather conditions, it is apparent that these ingredients probably function best for curly-haired consumers in moderate climates, with temperatures and humidity in the medium range.
Examples of Humectants
Diols and Triols
Propylene glycol 1,2,6 hexanetriol Butylene Glycol Dipropylene glycol Hexylene Glycol Glycerin Triethylene glycol Erythritol Capryl glycol Phytantriol Hexanediol or -triol beeswax
Humectants of biological origin
Panthenol Sodium PCA Hyaluronic acid Inositol Glycogen
Sugars and modified sugars
Sorbitol Polyglyceryl sorbitol Glucose Fructose Xylitol
Hydrolyzed proteins
Elastin, Collagen Silk Keratin
Ethers
Isoceteth-x, Isolaureth-x, Laneth-x, Laureth-x, Steareth-x PEG-x (polyethylene glycol)Silicone copolyols
ENJOY!!!
Should You Trim Your Hair Every 6 to 8 Weeks?
A trim is defined as, "To put into a neat or orderly condition by clipping, paring, pruning, etc." A trim is also defined as, "A haircut that restores the previous cut to neatness without changing the hairstyle." Now that we have a common definition of what a trim is, should you trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks? Let's talk about it.
Trimming your hair based on a time frame, such as every 6 weeks or 8 weeks is not a method to make your hair grow faster. Trimming does not make hair grow. For most of us, trimming the hair this frequently is a way to MAINTAIN our current length.
For some of us, it is way to keep our hair ends neat as the hair gains length, slowly. For almost all of us, trimming the hair based solely on a timetable of 6 to 8 weeks is not the fastest way to gain length.
Why not? This is because hair, especially afro textured hair, grows in whorls.
Think of hair used for weaving. It is all the same length. If you take that hair and wrap it around someone's head, around and around, that's a kind of whorl.
Although that weaved hair is the same length, once you start wrapping it around a head, some of it seems longer or shorter. This is due to the location of the weaved hair on the head. Think of a sea shell. The shell goes around and around, in whorls.
Our natural hair grows the same way as that wrapped piece of weaving hair and that shell. These are all examples of whorls.
My suggestion is to trim your hair on a time based schedule only when your goal is to neaten up the ends of a style you wish to maintain, at your hair's current length. A trim is for maintenance. A cut is used to CHANGE the hair. A cut is used to give yourself a new style, to completely remove split or damaged ends or to shorten the current length.
If you are trying to gain length, a trim can be useful for your purpose. The caveat or catch is that the trim should not be time based. The trim should be length based.
Chicoro
Hello fellow fabulous naturals!
Since my little experience with protein overload, I am extremely careful and paying very close attention to the ingredients in each and every product I am now using/trying. I will keep you ladies posted on all of the replacements and if they will be keepers or not in my regimen.
As some of you may or may not know I will be replacing my weekly shampoo ...my weekly deep moisturizing conditioner...monthly -monthly in a half protein treatment ( to a much lighter one)
and my leave -in conditioner ( just the leave in its self...not the recipe...love the recipe). All because some of the products had protein in each and every one of them...causing protein overload. Below, is a very helpful list..... if your like me and lowering protein in your regimen.
PROTEINS
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed casein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed collagen
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed hair keratin
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed keratin
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed rice protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed silk
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl soy protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl wheat protein
Cocodimonium hydroxypropyl silk amino acids
Cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
Cocoyl hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed keratin
Hydrolyzed oat flour
Hydrolyzed silk
Hydrolyed silk protein
Hydrolyed wheat protein
Keratin
Potassium cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
TEA-cocoyl hydrolyzed collagen
TEA- cocoyl hydrolyzed soy protein
Jojoba oil
ENJOY!!!
Do you know the properties of hair that leads it to being described as being healthy? Knowing what healthy hair is will help you discover the problem areas with your own hair as well as what you need to focus on changing.
Properties of Healthy Hair
•Hair that feels silky to the touch because most of the cuticle is intact.
•Hair strands that have shine or sheen without hair care products.
•Scalp is clean and moist without bumps, sores, or flakes.
•Hair holds on to moisture well.
•Hair has stretches without breaking or snapping.
•Hair is virtually tangle-free especially when wet.
Shedding is normal at approximately 100 strands per day.
•There is no breakage - small pieces of hair falling out when combing.
•There are not many split ends.
•Hair lies down and does not have frizzy pieces taking away from the hair style.
If this list describes you, then congratulations, you are growing healthy hair! You must be doing something right. Keep on doing it and don't let up because you don't think you need to. Healthy hair is a result of taking good care of your hair over time. Additionally, once you achieve it, you are then on the road for long hair should that be a goal for you.
ENJOY!!!!
Hello fabulous fellow naturals!
About a week ago I noticed a slight change in the feel of my hair. I have a few different types of hair, but to sum it up I would say it's 3b/3c....however, there is a small section on the very top of my hair , that I would call a problem area. This is the part of my hair that I experience the most frizz, and dryness.
So, After taking notice of the difference in the feel of my hair, it felt harder ( if you will) then usual and rough. I do not like that feeling...what so ever. I immediately, reviewed my current regimen...along with products particularly my shampoo, deep moisturizing conditioners and protein treatments. The ingredients in these products and how often they are used in my weekly or bi-weekly regimen. It was then that I realized my hair is on protein overload. Here, is what I discovered.
My current Shampoo- "Kinky Curly come clean"...Although this shampoo is pH balanced at 7, and does not contain protein. I would rather use a shampoo that is closer to my hairs pH which is 4.5-5.5...this shampoo is great for a clarifying shampoo, but not as a weekly shampoo ( not for my hair , anyway) it's way to strong. Until, I find a great shampoo with pH closer to my hairs pH ( and, believe me... I am searching daily) I will be co-washing and clarifying 1x monthly
or use a product that states cleansing cream.
My current deep moisturizing conditioner- Aubrey's organic honey suckle rose- Although, I really like this deep moisturizing conditioner because it is rich, thick and creamy , and left my hair feeling like silk after using and I have been using it for quite a while. I realized it has wheat germ oil which is a protein. Now, that is not the entire problem...the problem is I was using this every week after every shampoo...even after my primary protein treatment ( will talk about that below) which I thought was good for its moisturizing properties ( which is to be done after every protein treatments). I have a few to try that will be protein free (hopefully) to replace this one. Waiting for one to arrive as we speak...I will keep you ladies posted.
My current protein treatment- Avocado treatment ( done bi-weekly)-, Again, this treatment was doing great for its purpose...it has made my hair stronger when it was needed. However, now that my hair has reached a place where its pretty strong...this treatment is no longer needed in my regimen..Now, its way to strong for my hair...I will continue to use a protein conditioner, but one with a much, much lighter protein. I have decided to wait a few weeks before reincorporating a protein conditioner back into my regimen. I will probably start them again next month using them only once a month. I have A few I have my eye on...I will keep you ladies posted.
MY LESSON:
All I need is a great pH balanced shampoo, conditioner cleanser or simply co wash ....a deep moisturizing conditioner one that is protein free to use weekly and a conditioner that is a light protein treatment to use 1x a month. Along with my moisturizers, oils and sealants. I do need to have protein in all of my products, my hair does not like that...just 1x monthly , we will see how that goes..and if necessary re evaluate. Understanding the importance of having a balance of both moisturizing and protein in my regimen, and....
Always, listen to your hair. Pay very close attention to your hairs behavior and the feel of your hair. I am very grateful for learning and incorporating such a lesson....I believe that this is the very lesson that may have saved me a lot of heart ache.
ENJOY!!!
