Oils For Hair Growth

Oils have been used throughout history to preserve the life and vitality of hair. Their stimulating, insulating and coating properties make them invaluable in hair care. The proper use of oils can help support hair growth.

What are Oils?

Oils are hydrophobic, or water-repelling, substances that trap moisture within the hair shaft. Water like essential oils applied to the scalp increase blood flow and nutrients to the area.

Functions

Oils promote hair growth in two ways: scalp stimulation and protection of pre-existing strands. Essential oils stimulate the scalp skin to encourage hair emergence. Heavier oils aid growth by fortifying the entire shaft against breakage. Reduced hair breakage over time produces longer hair.

Essential Oils

Peppermint and rosemary oils are scalp-stimulating essential oils that promote growth by controlling the overproduction of sebum, our natural skin oil. They increase scalp circulation by creating tingling sensations on the skin.

Carrier Oils

Jojoba and sweet almond oils are heavier oils that closely mimic the structure of sebum. Carrier oils like these are used to dilute lighter essential oils to reduce scalp and skin irritation.

Fixed Oils

Coconut and castor oils are heavier oils that promote hair growth by reducing hair breakage along the shaft. These softening oils also impart pliable strength to the length of the hair.

Now Seen on Etsy!

I've finally done it... (yippee!!!!) After many request from family and friends to purchase some of my Au' Naturale products -I've finally jumped out on faith and opened an Etsy page (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuNaturalebymzsixx)
Etsy is a place where you can buy and sell anything handmade. New items will be added weekly. Take a few minutes and check my Au'Naturale items. All items are:
Parben Free
Chemical Free
100% Natural

Wishing everyone a Mery Christmas... Stay Beautiful... and Au'Naturale.....

Feel free to drop me an email if you have any questions.

Happy Holiday's from Au' Naturale

Hello all,

Sending each of you the warmest seasons greeting for a Happy Holiday and Super New Year. Just wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate each and every one of you that has crossed these pages this year. 2009 has been an amazingly super fantastic year for me. And I'm so glad that you shared this time with me :-) 2010 wil be an exciting year and MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So with all that said

Merry Chritmas and Happy New Year!

Jojoba Butter - WHO KNEW????

I have been recently introduced to Jojoba Butter. I saw some at a health food store I visited earlier today. I've never heard of it before-It is 100% pure jojoba oil processed to be in a "butter" form. They had a sample jar and I tried a little bit of it.

It is very creamy and soft, much more so than cocoa butter. It felt like softened shea butter. It was white in color and didn't have much of a smell. It was very rich and a little bit went a long way.

With the cold weather fast approaching, I thought that it might be good for my skin.

After some research- here is what I found out....


Jojoba Butter

Jojoba Oil is the most similar to sebum, the protective secretion from the skin's sebaceous glands. Sebum lubricates and protects skin and hair. Jojoba provides similar benefits and is now available in butter form.

This natural butter is expeller-pressed from the fruit (nut) of the jojoba plant. This odorless butter makes it an ideal base for hair conditioners and suntan lotions.

Jojoba Butter contains protein, minerals, natural tocopherol, high content of eicosenoic acid, and long chain monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as a waxy substance similar to collagen. Hypo-allergenic and pure, Jojoba Butter is perfect for any skin type.

Common uses of Jojoba Butter

Creams
Lotions
Soaps
Pomades
After-Sun Creams and Lotions
Sun Protection Products
Hair Conditioners
Benefits of Jojoba Butter

Reduces wrinkles and stretch marks
Helps lighten and heal scars
Acts as a humectant by creating a protective film over skin and hair shaft that seals in moisture
Dissolves clogged pores and returns skin to natural pH balance
Penetrates pores and hair follicles rapidly to reduce water loss
Feels non-greasy
Aids spread ability and lubricity
Effective conditioner, moisturizer, and softener for skin and hair
Jojoba Butter

(Simmondsia Chinensis)

Jojoba Butter (Oil) comes from a shrub that grows well in the arid and semi-dry regions of southern California, Arizona, and northwest Mexico.

Benefits of Shea Butter

How can Shea Butter benefit me?

Shea Butter can provide relief from everything from just dry skin to many minor dermatological diseases (if you have a serious skin condition, you should see a doctor). It has been clinically shown to provide benefits. Here are some of the benefits of Shea Butter for the skin:


Daily skin moisturizer (face and body)
Dry skin relief
Dry scalp

Skin rash- including diaper rash
Skin peeling, after tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Itching skin due to dryness
Sunburn
Shaving cream to reduce razor irritation
Small skin wounds
Skin cracks
Soften tough skin on feet (especially heels)
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Minor burns
Eczema
Sun and wind protection
Even skin tone
Reduce blemishes and scarring
Eliminating scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing
Preventing bumps after shaving
Reducing acne (especially in combination with African Black Soap)
Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue
Helps restore elasticity to skin
Restores luster to hair


How does Shea Butter benefit my skin?

Shea Butter nourishes the skin with Vitamins A, E and F. Vitamins A and E help maintain the skin and keep it clear and healthy. They are particularly helpful for sun damaged skin. They help prevent premature wrinkles and facial lines. Vitamin F acts as a skin protector and rejuvenator. It soothes rough, dry or chapped skin and helps soften dry or damaged hair. Shea Butter is high in unsaponifiables (a type of fat). Shea Butter has between 7-12% unsaponifiables. For comparison, avocado oil, a well known skin conditioner, has between 2-6%. This high level of unsaponifiables is one of the properties that makes Shea Butter so invaluable in treating the conditions listed above. Also, Shea Butter easily penetrates the skin allowing the skin to breathe and not clogging pores. Shea Butter has a high level of cinnamic acid, a natural sun screen. So, it provides some degree of protection from the sun. Shea Butter is also anti-inflammatory making it useful in treating rheumatism.

While we make no medical claims about our Shea Butter, we do have anecdotal evidence that it is very useful in treating minor skin conditions. We have had several customers who have used Shea Butter for eczema and/or psoriasis and told us it works as well as steroids at a fraction of the cost and without the side effects. We have a customer with an allergy to the sun. When she began using our Nubian Heritage Shea Butter lotion (not even pure Shea Butter), she accidentally discovered that it prevented the rash she normally would get from even a small amount of exposure to the sun.

How does Shea Butter benefit my hair?

Shea Butter provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to rehydrate without clogging pores. It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair. It is an excellent treatment for dry scalp. It restores luster to damaged hair.

Is all Shea Butter the same?

All Shea Butter is not the same. Shea Butter loses some of its healing properties as it sits on the shelf, so very old Shea Butter is not as beneficial. Refining techniques will vary. Highly processed Shea Butter will not be as effective. Sometimes Shea Butter is mixed with other ingredients that reduce its benefits. Then, there are those products that add very little Shea Butter but prominently display "Shea Butter" on the label. While Shea Butter is not very expensive, you should be aware of products that claim to provide the benefits of Shea Butter and sell for very low prices. Many manufacturers are taking advantage of the Shea Butter buzz by adding a little Shea Butter to a very inexpensive product implying you can get the benefits of Shea Butter in their product.


What can I tell by looking at the label?

Ingredients on the label should be listed in the order from the ingredient that is the most to the least. Therefore, you should look for Shea Butter products that list Shea Butter early on the list of ingredients. You should know the ingredients before you buy any Shea Butter product and should buy from a reputable source. The more Shea Butter in a product, the greater the likelihood, you will receive the full benefits of Shea Butter.

What's the difference between raw Shea butter, refined Shea butter and highly refined Shea Butter?

The differences between raw, refined and highly refined Shea Butter lie in how the Shea Butter is extracted from the nut and how it is processed after that. Manual extraction processes leave more of the raw ingredients in the Shea Butter. After it is extracted, it can be further refined removing color and impurities that some people don't like. This further refining can also remove some of the smell. You can think of the difference between raw Shea Butter and refined Shea Butter as being similar to the difference between wheat bread and white bread. Truly raw Shea Butter can even be unfiltered. That is one end of the spectrum. On the other end, there is Shea Butter that is extracted using chemicals that is pure white, has no smell and has lost a lot of its healing properties in the process.

All of our Shea Butter is mechanically extracted. No chemicals (other than water) are used in the process. Our raw Shea Butter is lightly filtered. But, retains its natural color and smell. Our Ultra Pure Shea Butter is refined. It is further processed by being put through clay filters and the odor is vacuumed out. It retains its healing properties and moisturizing ability.

Do I want raw Shea Butter or Refined Shea Butter?

This is really a matter of preference. I prefer raw Shea Butter. Unless you do not like the smell of Shea Butter, I recommend you go with raw. The more the Shea Butter is processed, the higher the chance some of the "good stuff" is going to be removed. Certainly, none of the healing or moisturizing properties of Shea Butter are enhanced by the further processing to make it white and odorless. If you do not like the smell of Shea Butter, try to get refined Shea Butter that is refined without the use of solvents. Or, you could try the East African Shea Butter, which has a much milder aroma than West African Shea Butter.

What about East African Shea Butter?

There is some confusion as to which shea butter is better, West African (Vitellaria Paradoxa) or East African (Vitellaria Nilotica). East African Shea Butter is different from that of the West African varieties in that it is higher in olein (the liquid part of the Shea Butter). Because of this, East African Shea Butter is softer and more fragrant than West African Shea Butter. The product is highly valued and gives Ugandan women farmers over five times the amount received by their West African counterparts. East African or Ugandan Shea Butter has a higher absorption rate due to lower saturated fatty acids. East African Shea Butter has less vitamin A and less sterols. For a natural vitamin A cream or to use for prevention of stretch marks, you might want to use West African Shea Butter. However, if you are looking for natural, intense moisturize, East African Shea Butter is the way to go.

East African or Ugandan Shea Butter is more rare than West African Shea Butter and is extremely difficult to find. When you do find it, it is selling up to the equivalent of $40 per two ounce jar on some websites. We are pleased that we can offer this premium quality Shea Butter to you at an extremely competitive price.

Ugandan Shea Butter is excellent for dry knees, elbows, rough hands and dry scalp. It is especially helpful for dry scalp, dermatitis eczema, sunburn and as a lip balm.

For Loc Wears.. Share your Loc Journey

****Send story to: rizerfall@yahoo.com subject (hair). Please help me to get the word out for the need of participants and I thank you in advance. PLEASE LET HER KNOW THAT YOU SAW THIS POSTED ON AU'NATURALE BLOG ****


I am a twisted dread wearer and lovin it. I am also an author penning a book titled "Don't Dread, Dreads" and I need a few people to share their experience with dreads.

When did you start your dreads and why?

What were the initial reaction/responses of friends, family, and co-workers?

Did you notice a boost in confidence or any other personality changes?

What do you like or dislike about your hair?

What are the reactions now to your hair?

I will notify all participants of the release date of the book so you can see your story in print. Send story to: rizerfall@yahoo.com subject (hair). Please help me to get the word out for the need of participants and I thank you in advance.

Essential Night Time Routine for Natural Hair

Along with the appropriate moisturizer, shampoos, conditioners and treatment methods, doing the right things before you sleep is important to ensure your natural afro or curls is well looked after.

Twists or Corn-rows Before Bed
Natural hair doesn't need to be wrapped (using a comb or brush to sweep the hair around the head into a mound) before bedtime because it doesn't need to be kept straight. The best way of preserving shape and keeping hair strands together is to twist the hair in sections or plait it in corn-rows.

The smaller the twist, the tighter the curls in the morning once they are loosened, but generally dividing hair into fist-sized sections and twisting (by diving each section into two and twisting gently but firmly until you reach the tip) is adequate, as are corn-rows plaited from the front to the back of the head. Both styles keep the hair in shape rather than splayed out all over your head.

In the morning, separating the twists or corn-rows with your fingers is preferable to combing it out. The less use of combs and brushes the better as these can pull out natural hair which is very delicate.

Moisturize Both the Scalp and Ends
Natural hair, especially the ends, needs more moisture than other types of hair. Dry ends lead to breakage so keeping both the scalp and tips well-oiled at night is a must. Light oils (olive or avocado oil works well) are better than thicker ones like Pink Oil, which can just sit on your hair and make it lank and heavy. Sparse oiling of the scalp followed by a bit more for the ends of each of your twists is recommended before bed time. The average sleeping time of six to eight hours, and the lack of harmful interference from sunlight or winds means nightly moisturizing is the best time for giving your hair the nutrients it needs. Repeat the light oiling for both the scalp and ends in the morning.

Silk Scarves and/or Silk Pillowcases
As you sleep, your hair rubs against the pillow and against itself which can also lead to breakage. This rubbing can be reduced with the use of a silk or satin pillowcase because these are made from softer materials that's kinder to hair than cotton. The hair oils you've put in is also more likely to remain on your hair if you use silk or satin pillowcases.

Because natural hair doesn't need to be wrapped, you can twist and sleep without a scarf, provided you're sleeping on a silk or satin pillow case. You may, however, choose to wear a scarf as extra protection, and it'll also ensure smoother hair in the morning.

There may be other night time routines you find work well for your hair, but doing these three things regularly goes a long way in managing natural hair.

How to Co-Wash Natural Hair

If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing their hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).

Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.

* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type.

* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found at http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/ingredients.html.

* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.

* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings the back of your hand, it's too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.

* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.
Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.

Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.

Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.

* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.

* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.

* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.

* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.

* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.
Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.
Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.

Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.

In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.

Good Hair Chris Rock and Nia Long Come Straight in Documentary

In this award winning documentary about African American culture, Chris Rock asks, "What's your definition of good hair?" The answers are as varied as the hair itself. One woman interviewed said, "Someone that looks relaxed and nice. If your hair's nappy, their not happy." Chris Rock will take you back to your roots. Vanity Fair says Good Hair is "Hilarious!" Variety claims "Audiences will wig out!"

When Chris Rock’s daughter, Lola, came up to him crying and asked, “Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?” Rock, known for making
people laugh, was baffled, and committed to finding the answer for his little girl.

Rock's fact finding mission catapults him into a multi-country tour determined to dig deep into black community and cultures. What Rock discovers is the world of relaxers and straighteners, weaves and extensions. Celebrities Nia Long, Kerry Washington, Al Sharpton, Maya Angelou, Ice-T and more, share their personal stories in Good Hair, a Sundance Festival film.

Speaking of Relaxers and Straighteners, these harsh chemicals - sometimes referred to as "creamy crack" - are a huge money making business. It's not unheard of for a treatment costing $5000.00 or more.

Horror stories of chemical burns and hair loss. This practice of straightening, relaxing and totally changing a black woman's hair has been described as a "torture session", and one that they put themselves through time and time again to achieve the perfect look. Sodium hydroxide can burn through your skin, but these women - and men - are willing to take the risk.

There are so many pressures for black women to straighten their hair. The lighter, the brighter, the better, the prettier, they want to go like this - as Farrah Fawcett swings her head around, her golden mane flows from one side to the other - that's how some black women perceive beautiful hair.

Just don't touch the hair! Anyone that has gone through the grueling process of extensions and expensive weaves, will not want you to touch it. "Weave sex is awkward, just stay on top," says one woman with a gorgeous head of hair.

The documentary isn't all serious and straight. Although Good Hair is downright shocking and truthful in some scenes (it is a documentary after all), it's also full of Rock's hilarious comments, innuendos and big-hearted laughs. Human hair is India's biggest export. Rock then goes on the streets with bags of hair and shouts, "Black Hair! Anyone want to buy some black hair?" You have to laugh at that, even though you know where it comes from.

Good Hair will be released in certain cities on Friday, October 9th, and nationwide on October 23rd.

*Good Hair is the recipient of A Special Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary.

See the official "Good Hair" Trailer here.

Natural Hair Online Support Groups

Through a simple online search you will come across natural hair community sites, forums, personal blogs and natural hair albums within Fotki and Flickr. You can find natural hair groups on Yahoo! and MySpace as well as Twitter, and Facebook. By doing a search on these sites for ‘natural hair’ or entering in specific names of some of your favorites, you can even have natural hair support via cell phone.

One of my favorite Facebook profiles is Tassanee ‘Happynappyt’ Walden. When you log on to her profile and see the natural hair information, which includes pictures, product reviews, hair challenges and links to other natural hair sites, you will feel like you stepped into a natural hair community site. Through the Internet you will find sites that are solely dedicated to natural hair, as well as inclusive sites that cater to all who are in search of healthy hair advice.


Nappturality.com: (www.nappturality.com) is dedicated to natural hair and women who wear it with pride. Any and every topic concerning natural hair can be found on the site. It not only features the best online photo albums and discussions about natural hair, but also discussions on education, employment, health, spirituality etc. I love Nappturality and I’ve pretty much learned everything I know from the site.

Motowngirl: (motowngirl.com) – is a wonderful site. The site description says it’s a “one stop shop” for natural hair information, and that’s nothing but the truth. Some of the many features are natural hair facts, product recipes, and do it yourself hairstyles. Motowngirl also features extensive product reviews with pictures, ingredients, and ratings.

Going Natural.com: (going-natural.com) – features blogs, hairstyles, natural hair journeys, natural products, articles, and recipes. There is also a downloadable preview of its creator’s – Mireille Liong-A-Kong aka Masoesa book Going Natural. Natural Hair Digest: (naturalhairdigest.com) is also dedicated to natural hair. The site is another great source for natural hair topics featuring hairstyles, links, articles, product recipes and natural body care information as well.

Natural Hair Care Guide: (naturalhaircareguide.com) – features great information on how to maintain natural hair and provides articles on transitioning, styling, product ingredients and more. Be sure to join to get your downloadable e-book, Five Secrets to Long Natural Hair. The Coil Review: (thecoilreview.com/en/index.php) – this beautiful site features, natural hair tips, photos, product reviews/recipes, and hair care articles.

The following sites are what I would categorize as inclusive sites that cater to those with natural, texturized, pressed, and permed hair. Some of my favorites are;

Hairlista: (hairlista.ning.com) – a wonderful site that is a guide to healthy hair care, skin and beauty. It features blogs, product recipes, photos and tons of hair challenges such as healthy ends, conditioning, and protective styles.

Black Hair Media: (blackhairmedia.com) – features hair discussion topics and styles, along with information on health and wellness and DIY hair/skin care recipes. It also features a Natural Corner and Hair Care Forum with topics on natural hair care. Long Hair Care Forum – (longhaircareforum.com/forums) – growing healthy beautiful long hair – features blogs, product reviews, as well as fitness, fashion skin care and more.

There are also numerous natural hair blogs on the Internet that feature personal natural hair journeys, product reviews and how-to videos. Among my favorites are; Natural-belle: (hairspiration.blogspot.com) – this belle posts the most beautiful inspirational pictures featuring natural hairstyles. Texture Playground: (textureplayground.com/blog) – tons of product reviews and great advice on natural hair maintenance and styling.

Newly Natural: (newlynatural.com/blog) – great product reviews and style tutorials. Kcurly the blog’s creator has the most beautiful finger coils hands down, with step by step instructions. Black Girl With Long Hair: (blackgirllonghair.blogspot.com) – beautiful photos, interviews and great natural hair advice. Curly Nikki: (curlynikki.com) – tons of henna information, product reviews, natural hair interviews and it’s creator has the most beautiful curly twist-out.

YouTube is another source for natural hair information. You will find step-by-step videos on hairstyles, DIY product recipes and more. Glamazini: (youtube.com/glamazini) – great natural hair tips, product reviews and more, but beware – she will definitely have you laughing out loud. Kinky Hair Blog: (youtube.com/user/KinkyHairBlog) – tons of wonderful easy-to-do hairstyle tutorials, product reviews, tips and more.

Family Going Natural: (youtube.com/user/familygoingnatural) – beautiful family of natural hair featuring hairstyles and tips. Kinkycoils: (youtube.com/user/Kinkycoils) – over 30 videos featuring transitioning, hair routines, and styles.

These sites are a great help for those who are either thinking about transitioning, in the transitioning process or who are already a part of the natural journey. Afrobella: (afrobella.com) is another favorite that features beauty, natural hair care, skin care, makeup advice, and more. Also check out Kinnks: (kinnks.com/directory) – a worldwide online directory of natural hair links.

What are your favorites?

How to Score Free Samples and Great Deals

The good news is that the economy is starting to show signs of improvement. The bad news is that for most of us things are still tight and saving money is as important as ever. With that in mind I have decided to find the best deals in beauty right now. This list is just a sample of all the wonderful deals to be had. You can find deals everywhere from your local drugstore to your favorite beauty counter. You can get buy one get one deals, 30% of your favorite products and even some totally free samples. I was actually surprised by how many deep discounts I was able to take advantage of. The deals are there you just have to know where to look.

Deals and Free Samples:

Perfect Results Moisturizing Shampoo: Try this moisturizing shampoo free of charge by going to the website — perfect-results.com. Then click on the “Try for Free” link and fill in your info for a free sample to be sent to your address.

Aveda Lavish Hand Cream: Get a free sample of Aveda’s Lavish Hand Cream for joining their birthday club. Go to avedabday.com. A great way to get your hands on something free.

Go to your favorite counter at your local department store and ask about getting your makeup done. Services run from free to the cost of buying some products. Every company is different but you might be able to get a professional makeup job if you buy a lipgloss or even free.

Who doesn’t want to block humidity? Well now is your chance to check out a sample of Joico’s Humidity Blocker. You can get a free sample at joico.com. Easy as that.
Top of the line skincare products usually cost an arm and a leg. Now you can get samples from a leader in the skin care industry Perricone MD. You can go to blog.perriconemd.com/2009/07/08/survey/ to register to test and review skincare product samples.

Check out your local beauty college. Many offer low cost services on everything from manicures to hair cuts. Of course the services will be done by the students so you might not want to get a major style but for a wash and blow dry it might be worth checking out.

Go to Sephora.com to check out this amazing sample deal. Right now you can get a free new 10-day sample Bare Escentuals Matte Foundation and Mini Brush.
You can register to be a product tester for some nail products. Nailene has amazing nail products and you can get some products to test for free. Just go to nailene.com/product-tester/default.aspx.

Dove Skincare products are great for the skin. If you don’t know about them yet you can check them out for free at content.dove.us/dovehairmsn/free_sample.aspx?source=dove_s. Even when the products aren’t free they are still a really good deal.
Feet Dry? If so check out this free sample from Kersal. Just go fill out your information here and receive Kerasal Skin Care products for the cost of a self addressed stamped envelope.

Elasta QP and Profectiv: Who doesn’t want to try before you buy and especially from tried and trusted brands. Both Elasta QP and Profectiv offers free samples for those interested in checking out the brand’s products before they drop the bucks. Get your samples here and here.

And always ask about samples and discounts whenever you get a service done or buy something. You never know what type of deal you can get.

Are you feeling Eve's hairstyle???

Leave a comment..

Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth

Supplements such as biotin, silica and iron can help grow healthy hair, prevent thinning hair and may even reverse greying.

Topical hair treatments are often less effective than building strong hair from the inside by dietary means. Ideally hair growth vitamins and minerals should be obtained through diet via whole foods: but if this is not possible or the severity of the problem merits supplements, capsules or liquid supplements can be obtained. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking supplements, as some are unsuitable in the case of pregnancy or various medical conditions, or in conjunction with other drugs.

Biotin (Vitamin H) for Hair Growth

Few people are actually deficient in biotin, which occurs naturally in bacteria in the gut. Nevertheless, therapeutic doses of biotin – also called Vitamin H or B7 – are necessary to achieve benefits in hair health and rapid growth. It is difficult to overdose on biotin – many supplements come in 500 microgram capsules.

Biotin is useful for those who want their hair to grow faster: some claim it can even reverse premature greying if the greying is caused by marginal biotin levels. Biotin can be taken alone or in conjunction with other B-vitamins. The latter may be a good idea if you lead a stressful lifestyle – B vitamins help to prevent stress, which is a cause of hair loss!

Silica to Strengthen Hair

Silica is a trace mineral which Westerners often lack due to a denatured diet. Organic produce such as rice, oats, sunflower seeds and potatoes provide dietary silica: capsules are also available. Silica is a large component of the many “Hair, Skin and Nails” vitamins available.

Iron to Prevent Hair Loss Due to Anaemia

Anaemia-related hair loss is the most common form of hair loss. Iron supplements may help the condition, but some find they produce constipation or nausea. Some iron supplements are also more bioavailable than others. Ideally, anaemia should be prevented by eating haem iron from red meats and organ meats. Non-haem iron is less easily absorbed by the body, but can be obtained from dried fruit, tofu, beans and lentils, and of course iron-fortified breads and cereals. Cooking in a cast-iron pot is another way to ensure iron levels stay high: trace amounts of iron enter the food as you cook.

To maximise the iron you ingest, eat iron-rich foods with foods containing vitamin C and avoid calcium-rich foods for a few hours around your iron-rich meal.

Protein-Rich Foods for Hair Growth

Hair is made of keratin, a form of protein. Eating a protein-rich diet helps provide the building blocks to make hair, resulting in thicker and stronger locks. Protein in the form of red meat also helps prevent anaemia, providing your hair with a two-for-one dose of goodness.

Nettles to Prevent Hair Loss

According to Nettles Online, “Nettle Root Extract has been used successfully in Europe as an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase in treating [hair loss] ...5-alpha reductase is a key component in turning testosterone into DHT, the substance that causes the atrophy of hair follicles” (Hair Loss Causes, sourced 9 September 2009). Hence, capsulised neetle root is sold as a treatment for thinning hair. Nettle products are also used as a topical treatment to produce strong, shiny hair.

As hair reflects a person's general state of health, people with a healthy diet will naturally tend to have stronger and shinier hair. Smoking, stress and genetics also play a part in hair quality. How Fast Does Human Hair Grow? addresses a few of the issues which can affect human hair growth. Gentle Hair Care Techniques discusses ways to minimise physical and chemical damage to hair in your haircare routine.

Herbal Hair Care- Natural Receipes

Herbal Hair Care
Try These Natural Recipes At Home For Healthier Locks
© Aimee Hughes


While we typically turn to our herb gardens to embellish a salad or a savory sauce, these little delights can do wonders for the hair.

Herbs contain chemical compounds that can help restore the hair's natural balance and shine. Specific herbs target particular problems. Chamomile, for instance, promotes hair growth while burdock root reduces hair loss. The following recipes are excellent ways to take care of your hair without turning to over-the-counter synthetic products which are loaded with toxic ingredients. Pampering ourselves naturally will promote healthy hair as well as whole body health.

Ginger Hair Oil


For this oil, you will need one teaspoon of grated fresh gingerroot and ¼ cup organic sesame oil. The ginger hair oil treatment stimulates hair growth while alleviating dandruff and boosting the scalp’s circulation. It will leave your hair smelling faintly of ginger, a very pleasing scent. Place the grated ginger inside a piece of cheesecloth and gently squeeze ¼ teaspoon of the juice into the sesame oil. Mix the oil and juice together with a fork until blended thoroughly. Massage the oil into your scalp and leave on for ten minutes before shampooing.

Herbal Spritz

Rub sage leaves and rosemary leaves between your fingers to release their oils. Then place the herbs in a pot and add a pint of cold water. Cover. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow herbs to steep, still covered for three hours. Once cool, strain the herbs and pour mixture into a spray bottle. Spritz dry hair until it is saturated, then massage into scalp and comb through. Don’t rinse. Use two or three days in a row for optimal results. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Herbal Rinse for Dry Hair and Dandruff


You will need 8 ounces of floral water or herbal infusion and two 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. In this treatment, lavender floral water can be used or you can create your own herbal infusion. Simply take fresh or dried herbs and pour hot water over them, about two to three tablespoons per cup, to make a strong infusion. Obtain a good organic apple cider vinegar and pour into a wide mouthed glass jar. To one quart of vinegar, add one to two handfuls of herbs. Set in the sun for a few weeks, shaking daily. For dandruff, use lavender, rosemary, and basil.

Herbal Rinse for Oily Hair


Ingredients needed include one pint of boiling water, one tablespoon vinegar, and one teaspoon each of burdock root, calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, lavender flowers, lemongrass and sage leaves. Pour boiling water over herbs and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain and add vinegar. Pour over scalp and hair as final rinse after shampooing. Leave on without rinsing out.

General Herbal Hair Care Tips


Sage is excellent for weak hair, while rosemary enhances dark hair. Chamomile promotes healthy hair growth, as does catnip. Burdock root promotes hair growth and helps keep hair from falling out. For extra body, create a setting lotion by mixing 2 ounces lemon juice with 5 drops rosemary essential oil. Comb into hair and relax!


Article Courtesy of Aimee Hughes

Essential Night Time Routine for Natural Hair

Essential Night Time Routine for Natural Hair
Three Things You Must Do Before Sleeping
© Kimberly Ward

These bedtime procedures are a necessity for keeping natural hair in optimum condition

Along with the appropriate moisturizer, shampoos, conditioners and treatment methods, doing the right things before you sleep is important to ensure your natural afro or curls is well looked after.

Twists or Corn-rows Before Bed

Natural hair doesn't need to be wrapped (using a comb or brush to sweep the hair around the head into a mound) before bedtime because it doesn't need to be kept straight. The best way of preserving shape and keeping hair strands together is to twist the hair in sections or plait it in corn-rows.

The smaller the twist, the tighter the curls in the morning once they are loosened, but generally dividing hair into fist-sized sections and twisting (by diving each section into two and twisting gently but firmly until you reach the tip) is adequate, as are corn-rows plaited from the front to the back of the head. Both styles keep the hair in shape rather than splayed out all over your head.

In the morning, separating the twists or corn-rows with your fingers is preferable to combing it out. The less use of combs and brushes the better as these can pull out natural hair which is very delicate.

Moisturize Both the Scalp and Ends

Natural hair, especially the ends, needs more moisture than other types of hair. Dry ends lead to breakage so keeping both the scalp and tips well-oiled at night is a must. Light oils (olive or avocado oil works well) are better than thicker ones like Pink Oil, which can just sit on your hair and make it lank and heavy.


Sparse oiling of the scalp followed by a bit more for the ends of each of your twists is recommended before bed time. The average sleeping time of six to eight hours, and the lack of harmful interference from sunlight or winds means nightly moisturizing is the best time for giving your hair the nutrients it needs. Repeat the light oiling for both the scalp and ends in the morning.

Silk Scarves and/or Silk Pillowcases

As you sleep, your hair rubs against the pillow and against itself which can also lead to breakage. This rubbing can be reduced with the use of a silk or satin pillowcase because these are made from softer materials that's kinder to hair than cotton. The hair oils you've put in is also more likely to remain on your hair if you use silk or satin pillowcases.

Because natural hair doesn't need to be wrapped, you can twist and sleep without a scarf, provided you're sleeping on a silk or satin pillow case. You may, however, choose to wear a scarf as extra protection, and it'll also ensure smoother hair in the morning.

There may be other night time routines you find work well for your hair, but doing these three things regularly goes a long way in managing natural hair.


Article courtesy of Kimberly Ward...

Top Natural Hair Care Products Under $15

Many new naturals are left with a counter full of products for relaxed hair that no longer work on their newly chemical free tresses. One of the most common questions I hear is: “What products will keep my natural hair soft and moisturized?” Well below are a few fav's that are easy on the pockets and easy to use..



Carol’s Daughter

Carol’s Daughter is one of the most prominent names in natural hair care products, and with good reason. The company produces high quality, nature based products for hair and skin. Recently, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith and others invested 10 million dollars in the company, which has led to an expanded product line and more advanced website.

My favorite Carol’s Daughter product is Healthy Hair Butter, which is a soft creamy hair dress based in shea butter and almond oil, with lavender, ylang ylang, and rosemary essential oils. It smells heavenly, enhances the natural coil of the hair, and keeps it soft. It also provides a gentle hold that will keep your style in place all day. Apply a small amount to damp hair and massage in for best results.

Other Carol’s Daughter products to try: Tui Hair Oil, Hair Milk

Healthy Hair Butter - $12.50
Tui Hair Oil - $8.00
Hair Milk - $10.00
www.CarolsDaughter.com


Oyin Handmade

Oyin Handmade is an up and coming natural hair and skin product producer, which is quickly gaining popularity among naturals. The company’s down to earth presentation and personal touch account for much of its appeal – but the products are also unique and what’s better, they work!

initially tried a sample of Greg Juice on my locs, and it was the first product that was able to keep my ultra dry hair moisturized. It is based in spring water, glycerin, and aloe, and kicked up with an essential oil blend that will have your hair smelling great and feeling soft. The product is free of carrier oils, so it is a great alternative for those who find that oils don’t work well with their hair. Greg Juice also works best when sprayed on damp hair, and a little goes a long way.

Other Oyin Handmade products to try: Honey Hemp Conditioner, Shine & Define Styling Serum

Greg Juice - $9.00
Honey Hemp Conditioner - $9.00
Shine & Define Styling Serum - $5.50
www.OyinHandmade.com


Burt’s Bees

Take one look at the funny looking guy with the scruffy beard on most of Burt’s Bees products, and you may not guess that this line of products works great for black natural hair. Upon closer inspection, the line includes several products that are well suited for the chemically challenged.

The Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar is perfect for those of us with thick hair and a lot of it. It provides much better control than liquids that end up all over the bathtub floor, and allows you to get into all the little nooks and crannies between your coils, locs, or braids. It’s 99% natural, and the peppermint acts as a scalp stimulator and aromatherapy experience all in one. You may need to use this shampoo bar a few times to get the full effect, as it will gradually remove all of the product build up that may be in your hair. It will leave your hair just about squeaky clean, so follow up with a light oil to rehydrate your coils.

Other Burt’s Bees products to try: Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo and Conditioner

Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar - $6.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo - $8.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Conditioner - $8.00
www.BurtsBees.com

When you are newly natural, you may have to try many different products to find out what works best on your unique tresses. This process can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. Look at it as a fun and exciting part of your natural journey - the above suggestions are a great place to start. Try purchasing sample packs from websites or stores, so that you can try small quantities of various products as you determine what works best for you. Visit www.Nappturality.com’s Swap and Sell Board for discounted or free-to-swap products. Enjoy, and try not to become a product junkie!

Trader Joe's Peppermint Castile Soap is da bomb!!!!!!!!

Trader Joe's Peppermint Castile Soap

Features All Natural

Body Wash
Children's hand soap
Cleansing
Fragrant soap
Hand Soap
Hydrating soap
Liquid Soap
Mild soap
Moisturizing soap
Multi purpose soap
Organic
Paraben free
aromatherapy

I've been using Trader Joe's Peppermint Castile Soap for about 3 weeks. Not only is it very affordable - under $3.00 per 16 ounces, but I love the fresh peppermint aroma and the lather it produces. BONUS!! It's mild enough to use as a facial wash, body wash AND a shampoo. This product is also mild enough for use with babies and children. I like it so much I actually wish I'd known about it years ago. Trader Joe's Peppermint Castile leaves me feeling clean and invigorated after my shower.

Upon further research of Trader's Castile, I found you can use this soap for numerous things: to make a natural household cleaner, to make a natural bug and spider repellant, for washing delicate clothing and for shampooing pets. I haven't yet tested these other uses but am planning to soon.

RECEIPE:
Peppermint Patty Shampoo

8 oz Trader Joe's Peppermint Castile Soap
2 tablespoons of safflower oil or Evoo
2 tablespoons of organic honey
1 tablespoon of jojoiba oil or vitamin E oil

Pour all indgreidents into a bottle, shake well to mix all the products, shampoo hair as usual. ** shake well before each use, store in a cool, dark cabinet**

Tyra Banks Reveal Natural Hair

Tyra Banks reveals natural hair
(UKPA) – 4 days ago

Tyra Banks will reveal what her hair looks like without styling, wigs or extensions.

The former supermodel has a hair-themed show to kick off the fifth series of her US programme in an attempt to reassure women who have insecurities about their hair.

On showing off her hair, she said: "It's just me coming straight out of the shower with wet hair - my hairdresser's going to do my hair live on stage."

She aims to reassure them about how attractive their hair is naturally and "ask them to be brave enough to show it to everybody on national television," Tyra said.

The Tyra Show - the title now uses only her first name - last week won a Daytime Emmy Award in the talk show-informative category.

Tyra also will be front and centre for the new run of her series America's Next Top Model, which debuts in the US this week.

This time around, women who are under five ft seven - generally scorned as short by the fashion industry - are being considered.

"I feel like it's my calling to open up stereotypes of beauty," Tyra said.

www.tyrabanks.com(Tyra Banks)

Copyright © 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

GARLIC & ONIONS AS A HAIR LOSS REMEDY

Garlic can also be good for our scalp and hair, as well as for our body.

Garlic stimulates the flow of blood to the scalp and help remove any harmful toxins, which is an important consideration in caring for the growth of our hair and in helping to prevent hair loss.

Adding a garlic extract to shampoo can help to strengthen hair and stop any breakage, while at the same time, adding good body to the hair and a nice gloss.

If you have dry hair or maybe an itchy scalp, a garlic extract type of shampoo will give you relief from many of those nasty symptoms.

An hour before bedtime, slice open a clove of garlic and rub it on the hair loss area. Wait for an hour then massage the scalp with olive oil. Put on a cap and go to bed. In the morning, shampoo your hair. Repeat this remedy for a few weeks, and hopefully hair will stop falling out and re-grow.



Onions are recognized with healing qualities include their antibacterial, cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing powers. Onions contain a number of important minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins C and B6, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and germanium. Onion also has a high sulfur content. Sulphur is a mineral present in every cell in our body, with its greatest concentration in hair, skin and nails. It has often been called the “beauty mineral” and the “healing mineral” because of its ability to promote circulation and decrease inflammation. These qualities also lend to the theory that adequate amounts of sulphur can jump-start hair growth in people with deficiencies. High amounts of sulphur in onions make them particularly effective in regenerating hair follicles and stimulating hair growth. In addition, naturally-concentrated sulphur compounds have been proven to show additional hair-restoring.

Hair loss remedy with onion - apply freshly-squeezed, raw onion juice directly onto the scalp, massage deep into the scalp and hair roots. Left on the scalp for about half-an-hour before shampooing. Do these treatments everyday. In most cases, regular onion treatments will result in dramatic improvement of hair thickness within just several months. Since onion juice restores hair follicles and improves scalp circulation, it will help to promote the strong-hair growth.

Salon Spotlight: Ada's Hair Braiding Salon

Ada's Hair Braiding Salon
6429 Landover Rd
Cheverly, MD 20785-1402
(301) 583-0430


Its the weekend before back to school and I'd promised my daughter she could get her hair braided. I had no idea how taxing the task would be to find a salon. I started calling salons Monday and I was not impressed by the lack of customer service and the inability to answer basic questions ( i.e. what price does your corn rows start? Is the price the same for a child vs. an adult, etc). It was very annoying for me to call salons and there was no answer, I left messages as instructed- no return phone call, I emailed a few salons requesting an appointment- NO RESPONSE. I had almost given up on getting her hair braided when I mentioned my problem to a co worker and she recommend Ada's Salon. I went back to my desk and immediately called Ada expecting the same or similar treatment I'd received from other salons. I was pleasantly surprised. She took the time to answer all my questions, and fit my daughters appt at the last minute. I arrived at the salon 20 minutes early- and it was PACKED- a sign of good business. Ada greeted me, she told me someone would be with me shortly. 5 minutes later the braider came over, introduced herself, ask me if I knew what style I wanted for my daughter. I'd picked out a style on the Internet and I brought a copy of that picture into the salon. The stylist looked at the picture twice and pretty much copied the picture braid for braid. The entire style took 2 hours to complete. I was most happy that I learned of a new style called " feed in braids" aka " no- knot braids". You start the cornrow without adding any extensions. You add the hair in the middle or towards the end of the cornrow. This method gets rid of the usual bump at the beginning of a weaved-cornrow and gives the appearance of a natural cornrow. Ada's fee for this style on my daughter was $65.00 ( a bargain considering others quoted me $80- NO STYLE). My daughter is loving her hair, and we will re visit the salon again for all of our braided hairstyle needs.

Shampoo Bars: Cleanse Your Hair Naturally and Inexpensivenly

Most liquid shampoos on the market include an array of synthetic ingredients. Lather isn't necessary for a shampoo to clean well, but consumers typically expect shampoos to lather well. If it doesn't create rich lather, they don't think the product cleans all that well. The dilemma is that few all-natural ingredients exist that provide ample lather. Most liquid products contain synthetic lathering agents, including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commonly abbreviated as SLS. SLS draws moisture from the skin and can cause dryness and irritation. This is especially of concern to those with psoriasis, eczema, dry skin or scalp conditions.

A Shampoo Bar resembles a bar of vegetable based soap, but it is formulated especially for hair. One of the many advantages of Shampoo Bars is that they can be formulated using all-natural ingredients including vegetable oils, vegetable butters, essential oils and other nutritives especially beneficial to the hair and scalp. They also tend to lather well.


The Advantages of Shampoo Bars

Shampoo Bars frequently contain all-natural ingredients.


They tend to lather better than all-natural liquid shampoos.


They don't require preservatives. Having said that, they can go rancid over time. It is recommended that you use your Shampoo Bars within six months of purchasing.


They are convenient for use while traveling, camping or for keeping in your locker at the gym.


Shampoo Bars are easy to pack and modest in size.


They won't leak like liquid shampoos can and can be included within carry-on luggage without breaking any current TSA regulations for carry-on items.


Shampoo Bars last a long time. In comparison, they are less expensive to use than liquid shampoos.

The Disadvantages of Shampoo Bars

It takes a little longer in the shower to cleanse the hair using a shampoo bar (Tip: Follow the How to Cleanse Your Hair Using a Shampoo Bar section below).


The lather of some shampoo bars is a bit trickier to fully rinse out of the hair (This can be minimized by following our advice below).

If you often have overnight guests that do not bring their own personal selection of shampoo, they may feel awkward about using a Shampoo Bar on their hair.

How to Cleanse Your Hair Using a Shampoo Bar

Over time, you will most likely develop your own hair cleansing style that best suits your hair type and length of your hair. Start, however, by following these guidelines:

After you enter the shower, rinse your hair well.


Rub the shampoo bar directly onto your hair, working your way from your scalp down to the ends. Repeat until you have fully covered each section of your hair.


Massage your scalp and hair until a good lather forms.
Rinse the shampoo out of your hair.


Repeat.

Conditioning/Clarifying Your Hair Inexpensively
Combine 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water to create a clarifying rinse.


After you have shampooed your hair, pour the clarifying rinse over your hair and scalp so that it has completely covered each section of hair from root to ends.


Rinse.


Your hair will not smell like vinegar after you blow it dry or allow your hair to naturally dry.

Tips for Purchasing Shampoo Bars
Have fun shopping for handmade shampoo bars. The packaging, visual appeal and aroma of shampoo bars can range from the simple and extend into the extraordinary.


Look for shampoo bars that include the ingredients and type of oils that are used. Shampoo Bar makers are not required to list the ingredients they use in their soaps, but many do. Ingredients that include the word "fragrance" are made with synthetic fragrance oils. Those that include oils in the format of "Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil" are made with essential oils derived directly from natural botanicals.

Because shampoo bars are made using vegetable lipids (oils and butters), the bars can go rancid over time. It is best to plan to use the soaps that you purchase within six months. In stores, watch out for shampoo bars that have dusty labels or appear old. Avoid purchasing or using shampoo bars that contain orange spots. Those orange spots indicate areas of the shampoo bars where the natural oils have turned rancid.

Essential Oils & Carrier Oils - Nappy Hair Care

Essential Oils & Carrier Oils

This is a guide to essential oils & carrier oils for nappy, napptural, or natural hair of African descent. Your hair can benefit from two types of oils. These two types of oils are essential oils and carrier oils. Essential oils are fragrant oils that are actually the concentrated essence, or 'life force' of a plant. Essential oils are light and do not feel like an oil. They evaporate quickly. You would mix essential oils with a carrier oil before you put it on your hair to prevent skin irritation. Carrier oils are oily in consistency. They can be oil from a vegetable, a fruit, a nut, or even a seed.


Essential Oils for Nappy Hair
All essential oils are not created equal. Look for the highest grade you can find. Only buy Complete Essential Oils or Genuine Grade A Essential Oils. These are oils that contain the most natural oil and the least amount of additives and chemicals. Some essential oils for the hair are:

Basil which stimulates the scalp.
Cedarwood which is an astringent, antiseptic, balances production of sebum, and stimulates the scalp. Sebum is your hair’s natural oil.
Chamomile which adds sheen and conditions the hair.
Eucalyptus which removes dandruff and has antiseptic properties.
Frankincense which is used to get rid of dry scalp.
Jasmine which is often used for fragrance.
Lavender which is used for dandruff and fragrance.
Lemon which cleanses the hair and scalp and improves hair elasticity.
Myrrh which is used for dry hair and scalp.
Orange Oil which helps the hair by regulating the production of sebum. Sebum is your hair’s natural oil.
Palmarosa which helps the hair by regulating the production of sebum. Sebum is your hair’s natural oil.
Patchouli which treats dandruff and oily hair.
Peppermint which stimulates the scalp.
Rose Oil which is used as fragrance and to sooth the scalp.
Rosemary Oil (DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT!) which stimulates the scalp and treats dandruff.
Sandalwood Oil which is an astringent, an anti-inflammatory, as well as an antiseptic. Use sandalwood oil to soothe a dry and irritated scalp.
Tea Tree Oil which is used to treat dandruff and kill lice. Tea tree oil balances production of sebum and stimulates the scalp. Sebum is your hair’s natural oil.
Ylang-Ylang which balances production of sebum, stimulates the scalp. Sebum is your hair’s natural oil.

Carrier Oils for Nappy Hair

You can use carrier oils with essential oils or by themselves. A popular, readily available, and inexpensive carrier oil is extra virgin olive oil. Other carrier oils for the hair are:

Almond Oil which is a light, non greasy, fast absorbing hair conditioner.
Apricot Kernel Oil which is used for dry hair. It makes your hair shiny and moisture rich. It contain a large amount of linoleic acid which is essential for cell health.
Avocado Oil which is a light, protein and vitamin rich. It include vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and potassium.
Castor Oil which is a humectant. Humectants attract moisture into your hair.
Grapeseed Oil which is odorless and vitamin rich. It makes your hair shiny and moisture rich. It contain a large amount of linoleic acid which is essential for cell health.
Hazelnut Oil which is fast absorbing and medium weight. It contain a large amount of linoleic acid which is essential for cell health.
Jojoba Oil which is simular to sebum, which is your hair's natural oil. It can be used with or without an essential oil. It is often used 50/50 with another carrier oil to massage the scalp.

Additional Popular Carrier Oils

Aloe Vera Oil
Calendula Oil
Carrot Oil
Coconut Oil
Emu Oil
Neem Oil
Papaya Oil
Rosehip Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil
Vitamin E Oil
Walnut Oil
Wheatgerm OilMixing Essential and Carrier Oils

When you mix your essential and carrier oils, as a general rule, use a one (1) drop essential oil per four (4) tablespoons of carrier oil.

Using Essential and Carrier Oils Mixtures

Mix only the amount you are planning to use. This is because essential oils do not have a very long shelf life. Adding a couple of drops of wheatgerm oil to the mixture will extend the shelf life. As an added benefit, wheatgerm oil also has healing properties.

There are Four (4) Grades of Essential Oils:

Pure Essential Oils: This means that the oil was not diluted with a lesser quality essential oil. Be aware, however, that it could be 80% vegetable oil & 20% essential oil and still be labeled '100% Pure.'

Natural Essential Oils: This means that the oil was not altered with vegetable oils, SD Alcohol 40, propylene glycol, or other chemicals.

Complete Essential Oils: This means that the oil was distilled at low heat and low pressure in order to preserve its therapeutic properties. This means that the oil has not been rectified or purified (which means stripped or redistilled). Rectifying and purifying is like reusing a tea bag. It makes more tea, but the quality and potency suffers. This process decreases the essential oil's therapeutic properties.

Genuine, Authentic, or Grade A Essential Oils: These are the best of the best. Great care is taken at every step of the process. Chemicals are never used on the plants. Great care is taking in choosing each plant, time spent in the distillation process, harvesting process, gas chromatograph readings, etc. A gas chromatograph is a chemical analysis instrument used to separate chemicals.

Essential oil is also known as volatile oil and ethereal oil. They may also be referred to as "oil of" the raw plant material from which it was extracted. For example, Oil of Clove.

Do realize that fragrance oils and perfumes are not the same as essential oils.

A Word about Hair Grease, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, and Petroleum

Approximately 99.9% of Black hair care products use mineral oil, petrolatum, or petroleum as its main ingredient because they are cheap to produce. Mineral oil comes from petroleum or crude oil. Yes, same as the motor oil under your hood. Yes, the same as 'grease'. Yes, the same as Vaseline. Yes, the same products your family has used for generations.

Grease does NOT moisturize your hair. It actually coats your hair, like plastic wrap, which prevents moisture from getting in. Grease basically causes your hair to die of thirst!

Basic Tools For Natural Hair

Well, the list is very simple; your hands (of course), water, and moisturizer. Those are the basic tools that you need to maintain your natural hair. Some with naptural hair elect not to use a comb or brush, but for those who want to detangle without only using their hands, a wide tooth comb and brush need to also be a part of your list.

Of course, your hands are probably a given, but water is an important tool that is often forgotten about. Natural hair loooves water. Water is a great detangler/moisturizer. In the summer, when I wear box braids I keep a spray bottle filled with water mixed with a little water soluble “eo” - (essential oil - I like lavender) in the refrigerator.

I lightly spritz my head after coming in from a day under the hot sun to give it some moisture. When it dries, the lavender leaves a nice clean smell. I also use the water mixture before and after I take down my braids to help with detangling. The water and eo mixture can also be used with extension styles as well.

Now during the cooler months, and depending on what hair style you are wearing (like a transition style that requires your permed ends to be straight or curled) it may not be wise to use simply water as a moisturizer. When it comes to a moisturizer you will have to experiment with a few to find out which one your hair likes best.

An important note on moisturizers : The moisturizer I am referring to is ‘hair moisturizer’ a moisturizer put on for your hair, to be gently massaged, rubbed or brushed through your hair and to ends - to give it a healthy-looking sheen and to prevent dry ends. Some people ‘religiously’ use moisturizers on their scalp - the old ‘grease your scalp’ mentality. In reality you do not have to ‘grease your scalp’. Our scalp produces it’s own moisturizer called sebum.

Some people who have dry scalp and/or dandruff believe that ‘greasing’ their scalp helps or prevents this, but it does not. Dry scalp and/or dandruff are actually a result of too much oil on your scalp. Dandruff can be managed by a mild anti-dandruff shampoo or if more severe yo should seek the care of a dermatologist. For those with oily scalp tea tree oil with it’s natural drying antiseptic qualities is a remedy. Check out this website for more details.

Some people have a reaction to oil-based moisturizers. So for those who are prone to break-outs due to oil-based products, you should look for moisturizers that are water based - water should be the first ingredient. Also when looking for a moisturizer be conscious of products that contain ‘cones’ Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, silicone, etc.

These ingredients are usually found in conditioners and shampoos, but are also found in moisturizers. Again you must experiment with products to see what’s best for your hair, but it’s been my experience that moisturizers that contain ‘cones’ especially ones that you plan on using daily or even weekly, tend to leave natural hair sticky and gummy, and result in scalp build-up.

Seek out moisturizers that contain ingredients close to our scalp’s own sebum like shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba and mango butter, and make sure they are high-up on the ingredient list. And for those who can not break the habit of ‘greasing’ your scalp you can massage your scalp with the balls of your fingers to distribute these natural moisturizers throughout your scalp.

Now to cut out the hassle of trying to decipher ingredients on the back of products, the simplest thing to do is to use natural products. Although you will also have to experiment with these, you will not have to worry about putting chemicals on your hair. Natural products can be a bit more expensive, but if you keep the products you use to a minimal, and keep in mind less is better to extend your products, in the end you may find that you will actually save money in comparison with the products you used before you were natural.

For more information please visit fromnaturewithlove.com

Carols Daughter Launch The Princess and The Frog Bath Collection

Carol’s Daughter is launching(in October) a new line of bath products inspired by the upcoming film The Princess and the Frog. The film features Princess Tiana, Disney’s first African-American princess, as the heroine.

What: The Princess and the Frog bath collection by Carol’s Daughter

Description: The Princess and the Frog bath collection by Carol’s Daughter is a limited limited-edition line of hair and bath & body products made with natural ingredients such as aloe leaf juice, cranberry extract, sunflower seed oil, olive oil etc. The collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair detangler and bubble bath packaged in packaging featuring scenes from the movie. The product line is geared for African-American hair but is suitable for all races.

Product Highlight(s): Affordable, AA owned

Price:$10.00

Where to Buy: Carolsdaughter.com

YOUR INVITED: Oyin Handmade Event

Whether you have natural hair, relaxed hair or locs, Oyin Handmade cordially invites you to spend the day with us on Saturday August 29, 2009. We’ll have hot music to vibe to, independent movies playing in the media section, hand massage and on the spot hair analysis! Yep, no matter your hair type, length, and regardless of your age or gender, we’ll hook you up with what your hair (and body!) needs. Plus, there are hot tee’s, handbags, independent Black music, art and literature.

Oyin Handmade is launching a few new products, including Honey Water! This moisturizing mist for the body is simply delish and leaves the skin feeling well nourished. It comes in four scents, Black Cedar Fig, Coco Mango, Rich Almond and Original Honey Scent. Also, there’s a brand new cleanser, black soap cleansing gel. This unscented gel is deep cleansing, hydrating and it’s packed with antioxidants. Want to glow from the inside? Here you go! Plus, we are officially launching the 32 oz. bottles of the infamous Honey Hemp Conditioner! It’s about time, right? I can wax off a bottle of conditioner in no time, so this is definitely a must for me! I say this all the time, but I really wish I found this condish when I was still relaxed! It’s so jam packed with healing ingredients, it may have helped save my hair. Ah well, I have it now!

Here are the details!
Who: You and The Oyin Gang
What: The Honey Water Launch Party
Where: 2103 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD
When: August 29, 2009 2-5pm (The store is open from 12-7)
Why: Because we love you and your hair!

For more information on the brand, check out http://www.oyinhandmade.com.

Nappy Hair Cleansers

Nappy Hair Cleansers

Most of the ingredients in these recipes can be found in your refrigerator. Recipes with perishable ingredients may require refrigeration since they do not contain preservatives. These recipes are quick to make and will save you time and money. As with ANY recipe, you may have to play with the ingredients a little bit to suit you. These are hair cleansing recipes that are simple, natural, and beneficial for ALL hair.


Castile Moisturizing Shampoo

1/4 Cup Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap
1/8 Cup Vegetable Glycerin
1/8 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Cup Water

Mix ingredients. Shampoo as usual. Note: I must say this is my favorite recipe. It cleans my hair without stripping it, leaving it moist with a lot of sheen. This is NOT a thick mixture. However, a little goes a LONG way.


Hair Clarifier Recipe

2 Tablespoon Shampoo
1 Tablespoon Baking soda
1/4 Cup Water
1 Small bowl
1 Spoon or stirrer

Mix water and baking soda together until there is no 'grit'. Add shampoo and stir to even consistency. Wash hair as normal. Use fingertips (not nails) to massage scalp area. Rinse well with warm water. Use cool water on the last rinse, for shine.Condition and style as usual.


Hair Clarifier Recipe

1 Tablespoon Baking soda
1 Cup Water
1 Small bowl
1 Spoon or stirrer

Mix water and baking soda together until there is no 'grit'. Use fingertips (not nails) to massage scalp area. Rinse well with warm water. Use cool water on the last rinse, for shine. Condition and style as usual.


Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifier

2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Cups distilled water
2 Drops Sage Oil (this is optional)
1 Small bowl
1 Spoon or stirrer

Mix ingredients together. Shampoo wash or conditoner wash as usual. Rinse conditioner. Use fingertips (not nails) to massage mixture thoroughly into scalp area. Use cool water on the last rinse, for shine.

Brown Sugar Hair and Scalp Cleaner

1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
3 Tablespoon Conditioner

Mix ingredients together. Wet your hair and scalp. Use your fingertips (not nails) to massage scalp in small circles. Rinse well. Use cool water on the last rinse, for shine.



Lemon Scalp Cleaner

2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
5 Tablespoons Conditioner

Mix ingredients. Massage into hair and scalp. Rinse well. Use cool water on the last rinse, for shine.


Lemon Clarifier

2 Cups Warm water
1/2 Cup Lemon

Mix ingredients together. Wet hair thoroughly. Massage into hair using fingertips (not nails). Let sit for 8-10 minutes. Rinse well. Apply your normal conditioner, for shine.


oz = ounce
tsp = teaspoon
tbs = tablespoon
c = cup

Nappy Hair Moisturizers

Nappy Hair Moisturizers

Most of the ingredients in these recipes can be found in your refrigerator. Recipes with perishable ingredients may require refrigeration since they do not contain preservatives. These recipes are quick to make and will save you time and money. As with ANY recipe, you may have to play with the ingredients a little bit to suit you. These are hair moisturizing recipes that are simple, natural, and beneficial for ALL hair. These recipes will add moisture, sheen, and softness to your hair.


Lemon & Honey Rinse

2 Teaspoons Honey
1/4 Cup Lemon juice
4 Cups Warm water
Mix ingredients together. Wash as usual. Apply mixture thoroughly through hair. Do NOT rinse.


Honey Rinse

1 Teaspoon Honey
4 Cups Warm water

Mix the ingredients. Wash as usual. Apply mixture thoroughly through hair. Do NOT rinse.


Honey & Olive Oil Conditioner
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/2 Teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Cup warm water
Mix honey and olive oil well. Add to water and stir well. Distribute evenly all over the hair. Apply plastic cap for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well. Style as usual.

Mayo Conditioner
3 - 4 Tablespoons mayonnaise (real mayonnaise, NOT salad dressing)
With hair wet or dry, cover hair with mayonnaise. Apply plastic cap for 15-20 minutes. Rinse, then style as usual.

Note: Leaving a minimal amount in the hair will keep it soft and moisturized.

Hot Olive Oil Treatment
1 - 2 Teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Sandwich bag (with zip closure)

Put olive oil in the bag and zip it. Run hot water over the bag until desired temperature (DO NOT OVERHEAT!!!).Apply olive oil all over your hair. Apply plastic cap for 5 - 10 minutes. Rinse, then style as usual.


Homemade Dandruff Treatment
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
1/2 Cup Water

Mix the ingredients and stir well. Apply to the scalp. Let sit for 5 - 7 minutes. Rinse well.
Note: You can put this mixtue in a plastic bottle and spray in onto the scalp for ease of use.



Homemade Citrus Hair Spray
1 Orange
2 Cups Water

Chop the orange and boil until 1/2 the original contents are gone. Strain, cool, and put into a spray bottle. Add more water if too sticky. Refrigerate after use.

Homemade Hair Gel
1 Teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 Cup warm water

Dissolve the gelatin in the warm water. Keep refrigerated and use as you would any hair gel. It's that simple!


oz = ounce
tsp = teaspoon
tbs = tablespoon
c = cup

and the winner is...............

NAIJHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered
Come back soon as I will be doing more give-a-ways soon.
Miss Sixx
(~_~)

My HairStory.. Going from Relaxed to Au Naturale- Part One

Long, luxurious locks, bone straight and down my back...and when it gets wet it curls up into tight crisp ringlets that grow into soft cloud-like curls without the use of rollers or an iron.

I guess that's good hair. But I never called it that. That's my hair. I didn't learn the term good hair until the middle school/high school.


Standing in size order waiting to walk into class on the first day of high school the boy beside me kept staring at me. I kept looking around and looking down at my uniform thinking that there was something wrong until finally he finally spoke: " Is all that your hair?"


I was never asked that before. Growing up and playing with dolls, they all had hair like me. My mom, and my siblings had hair like me and so did my grandma. I never thought of my hair as something special or unique. Actually, since I was tender headed, most of the time I thought of it as a pain. My grandmother used to tell me, "if you look at your hair too hard it will tangle up." And it was true, with naturally curly thick hair getting a comb through it was almost impossible without putting in at least three hours of work. Doing my hair was an all day affair. I longed to just be able to wear it straight like my mommy and have it swish and blow in the wind. But, it was a fleeting thought. I never thought my hair was bad, it was just annoying.


After a while I got used to it. People saying things like: "never cut your hair" and "is that all yours?" "Who does your weaves?" The next question is always: "What are you?" I was never fully black to them. My hair could not just be from me but had to be the result of some exotic mix. Black girls were not supposed to have hair like me, and so I could not be just black.

And so growing up my hair defined me. I was never the loud girl, or the bad girl, or the funny girl. I was the tall girl with nice hair and good grades. I wasn't even described darkskin girl or the brownskin girl, as kids often use in their descriptions, until much later. But for a while it seemed like my hair excused even the color of my skin, until we got older and more people had hair like mine, or at least appeared to.


I vividly recall the day I walked into Domination Hair Salon for what my stylist thought was going to be my " regular" do.I had been thinking about my next hair move. I was looking the hair magazines and saw a picture of Jada Pinkett Smith with that infamous close crop cut. Ah-ha! that's it...... I wanted to go natural, and go natural NOW!!! My stylist explained to achieve that look, I would have to do the " big chop". I was okay with it and very excited. I'd never seen myself with short hair, let alone no hair. My stylist, tried to give me many hair style options to avoid cutting my hair, from wigs, weaves, to braids (not sure how braids were suppose to give me the look I wanted). After what seem like hours(it probably was 30 minutes), I finally took the situation into my own hands, grabbed the scissors,and cut a huge hunk of my hair from the middle of my head and placed it on her station. All eyes were on me at that moment. NOW, my stylist was in shock. At first she just starred at me with her mouth open. She knew at that point I was S-E-R-I-O-U-S. As she began to work her magic, cutting my hair away, blending, edging me up, it turned into a spectator event. Gasp, Oh no, why are you doing that? what's wrong? why would you want to look like a boy? "People pay alot of money to have long hair like yours!", I sat silently, and patiently never responding to the strange looks or the comments. After my hair cut was complete, I looked at myself and I saw a stranger. Your face " opens" up when you have short hair ( in my case- NO HAIR..lol..lol..). I never realized how big my lips were, or the width my nose, but I wasn't through yet.. Now I want some color. Yep I wanted to stand out and be fierce. I went for the brighest blond that would look good on me. Let's say, a new women was born that day- and I became the headliner model for the June hair show debuting my new Au Naturale look.
..... stay tuned