What's your hair type?

Type 4

If your hair falls into the Type 4 category, then it is kinky, or very tightly curled. Generally, Type 4 hair is very wiry, very tightly coiled and very fragile. Similar to Type 3 hair, Type 4 hair appears to be coarse, but it is actually quite fine, with lots and lots of these strands densely packed together. Type 4 hair that is healthy won't shine, but it will have sheen. It will be soft to the touch and will pass the strand test with ease. It will feel silkier than it will look shiny. Type 4 hairs looks tough and durable, but looks can be deceiving. If you have Type 4 hair, you already know that it is the most fragile hair around. There are two subtypes of Type 4 hair: Type 4A, tightly coiled hair that, when stretched, has an S pattern, much like curly hair; and Type 4B, which has a Z pattern, less of a defined curl pattern (instead of curling or coiling, the hair bends in sharp angles like the letter Z). Type 4A tends to have more moisture than Type 4B, which will have a wiry texture

Type 3

When this type of hair is wet, it appears to be pretty straight. As it dries, the hair goes back to its curly state. When curly hair is wet it usually straightens out. As it dries, it absorbs the water and contracts to its curliest state. Humidity tends to make this type of curly hair even curlier, or even frizzier. Type 3 hair has a lot of body and is easily styled in its natural state, or it can be easily straightened with a blow-dryer into a smoother style. Healthy Type 3 hair is shiny, with soft, smooth curls and strong elasticity. The curls are well-defined and springy. Andre defines two subtypes of curly hair. First, there is type 3A hair which is very loosely curled and usually very shiny with big curls. The shorter the hair is, the straighter it gets. The longer the hair is the more defined the curl. Then, there is type 3B hair which has a medium amount of curl to tight corkscrews. It's not unusual to see a mixture of these types existing on the same head. Curly hair usually consists of a combination of textures, with the crown being the curliest part. Lastly there is a type 3C, is hair type that is not in Andre Walker’s book, but many people suggest that it should be. This type of hair can be described as tight curls in corkscrews. The curls can be either kinky, or very tightly curled, with lots and lots of strands densely packed together.

Type 2

A relatively unusual type, wavy hair tends to be coarse, with a definite S pattern to it. There are three Type 2 subtypes: A- Fine /thin, B -medium-textured, and C - thick and coarse. Type 2A is very easy to handle, blowing out into a straighter style or taking on curlier looks with relative ease. Types 2B and 2C are a little more resistant to styling and have a tendency to frizz.

Type 1

Type 1 is straight hair.

** Article courtesy of Disporara Hair Care Forum**

10 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID PUTTING ON YOUR HAIR!.

10 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID PUTTING ON YOUR HAIR!

Most of the commercially available hair care products today use harmful, potentially carcinogenic ingredients. In the interest of good napptural health, I list below, what are in my opinion, the 10 worst commonly found product ingredients thngs you can put on your hair (and body). Check the list of ingredients on your hair products. The more of a particular ingredient you have in a product, the closer it is to the top of the list of ingredients on the bottle:


1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: This is a solvent and denaturant (poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities). Isopropyl alcohol is found in hair color rinses, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances and many other cosmetics. This petroleum-derived substance is also used in antifreeze and as a solvent in shellac. Napptural hair reacts very badly to isoalcohol and this ingredient should be avoided at ALL costs. It will dry your hair out and break it off. According to A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, inhalation or ingestion of the vapor may cause headaches, flushing, dizziness, mental depression, nausea, vomiting, narcosis and even coma.

2. MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM: The best baby oil is made from almonds. But the oil which being sold as baby oil is 100% mineral oil. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. This commonly used petroleum ingredient coats the skin and hair just like plastic wrap. The skin's natural barrier is disrupted as this plastic coating inhibits its ability to breathe and absorb the Natural Moisture Factor (moisture and nutrition). The skin's ability to release toxins and wastes is impossible through this "plastic wrap," which can promote acne and other disorders.

3. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. Because of their effectiveness, PEG's are often used in caustic spray on oven cleaners and yet are found in many personal care products. PEG's contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable. They are also potentially carcinogenic.

4. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): As a "surfactant" or wetting agent and solvent, this ingredient is actually the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products. It is used in industry to break down protein and cellular structure (what the skin is made of) yet is found in most forms of make-up, hair products, lotions, after-shave, deodorants, mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is also used in food processing. Because of its ability to quickly penetrate the skin, the EPA requires workers to wear protective gloves, clothing and goggles when working with this toxic substance.

5. SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES): SLS is used in testing labs as the standard ingredient to irritate skin. Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpaste, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. They are used in personal-care products because they are cheap. A small amount generates a large amount of foam, and when salt is added it thicken to give the illusion of being thick and concentrated. (SOME OF THE NITROSATING AGENTS ARE: SLS, SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA). Shampooing the hair with a product contaminated with these substances can lead to its absorption into the body at levels much higher than eating nitrite-contaminated foods.

6. CHLORINE: According to Doris J. Rapp, M.D., author of Is This your Child's World? exposure to chlorine in tap water, Showers, pool, laundry products, cleaning agents, food processing, sewage systems and many others, can effect health by contributing to asthma, hay fever, anemia, bronchitis, circulatory collapse, confusion, delirium diabetes, dizziness, irritation of the eye, mouth, nose throat, lung, skin and stomach, heart disease, high blood pressure,
and nausea. It is also a possible cause of cancer. Even though you will not see Chlorine on personal care product labels, it is important for you to be aware of the need to protect your skin when bathing and washing your hair.

7. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are usual listed on the ingredients label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. . These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers.

8. FD & C Color PIGMENTS: Many color pigments cause skin sensitivity and irritation. Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home: "Colors that can be used in foods, drug, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic."

9. FRAGRANCE: Fragrance is present in most deodorants shampoos, sunscreens, skin care, body care and baby products. Many of the compounds in fragrance are carcinogenic or otherwise toxic. "Fragrance on a label can indicate the presence of up to 4,000 separate ingredients. Most or all of them are synthetic. Symptoms reported to the FDA have included headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Clinical observation by medical doctors have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioral changes," (Home Safe Home). For better health try purchasing unscented products and for fragrance, adding a natural essential oil.

10. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN: These are just two of the many preservatives that release formaldehyde (formaldehyde-donors). Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, Chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

Info provided courtesy of nappurality.com

Loc Product Review

Jane Carter Solution Twist and Loc

Price $ 22.00

Ingredients:
Purified water, shea butter, kokum butter, illippe butter, mango butter, vitamins A, D, and E, sweet orange, lemongrass, grapefruit, palmarosa, cedarwood, geranium, bergamot, rosemary essential oils, jojoba, glycerin, polysorbate 80, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate and sorbic acid

Princess Kayla's Natty Loc Cream

Price: $10.00

Princess Kayla's Nattylocks Cream is the perfect alternative to beeswax and gels for starting and maintaining dreadlocks. Made with natural ingredients including shea butter, lanolin and lavender. Contains nutrients to help condition dried out hair.

• Made with the soothing scent of lavender


• Tightens locks and leaves hair shiny
  
• Does not attract dust and dirt


• Easy to use for starting and maintaining locks

Mango and Lime Twist Gel

Price $ 6.00

Ingredients:

- Deionized Water: Purified to remove the minerals
- Polyquatemium 37: Hairlicious did a post on this ingredient and says it helps the hair lay flat, promotes elasticity and shine, and reduces static and fly-aways.
- VP DMAPA/Acrylate Copolymer: Fixative and styling polymers (???)
- Propylene Glycol: A humectant; a combination of glycerin and water
- Diazolidinyl Urea Methylparaben: Anti-bacterial preservative and emulsifier (thickening agent)
- Proplyparaben: An anti-fungal preservative
- Fragrance: Yummy citrus
- Yellow #10 and Red #33: Orange color

Locafella Loc & Twist Butter

Price $ 5.99

Ingredients:
Deionized Water, Paraffin Wax, Polysorbate 80, Petrolatum, Oleth-20, Glycerine, Lanolin Oil, Mineral Oil, Jojoba Oil and others

Locafella's Loc & Twist Butter effectively protects hairs moisture and protein balance as its styled.
Crafted specifically for loc and twist styles choice jojoba Oils were added to help seal in moisture, while Vitamin E provides essential healing properties making it the perfect styling supplement. Never creates unwanted build up.

Organic Root Stimulator

Price: $3.99

Ingredients:

Water Aqua , Coconut Milk Cocos Nucifera Extract , Soybean Oil Glycine Soja , PVP , Polyquaternium 37 , Propyl Paraben , Methyl Paraben , DMDM Hydantoin , Propylene Glycol , Fragrance Parfum , Sucrose

• Pre-Mixed Cream Formula.
• Combines moisture & hold for locks and twists.
• Great hold, super moist, and no flakes!
• Cruelty free products.
• No animal testing.

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* Disclaimer: Content on this site is for reference purposes only, based on reviews from users of the products. It is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed healthcare professional. User statements regarding dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Starting Locs & Maintanence

Starting Locs

The decision to start locs is a very personal one, and should not be taken lightly. It is a commitment and a re-affirmation to self, regardless of your full understanding of any symbolism's connected to this process, at that divine moment.

This initiation should be filled with sound advice from a recommended Natural Hair Care professional, about the maintenance for you natural. Choose someone who shows genuine concern for natural hair and who does not mind answering ALL of your questions. You will need to be ready for a journey that will require you to be devoted, patient as well as consistant.

Growing locs is the true definition of a 'perm', yes, it's permanent. Unless, you cut them off or spend days picking them apart, which will surely damage your hair. Locs form once the hair is sectioned and twisted and left to nature. Locs may be started from long or short natural (virgin) hair. They may be formed small or thicker, which will depend on the thickness of your hair. As your locs start to form in the first 2-3 months, they will take on different characteristics. They may become very fuzzy, and unkempt, this is normal for some people due to their hair texture. This process will sometimes make you feel like you want to turn back and it is at this point that Spirit is checking to see just how committed you really are to this beautiful transformation. If you make it through this challenge, the rest will be well worth it! Locs do not happen over night! It takes at least 4-5 years to grow shoulder length locs and hopefully, you have been taking care of your body temple, by taking in quality water, foods and juices. Proper nutrition will insure that you have enough nutrients for the added luxury of growing a strong, healthy grown of locs!

A few ways to starts locs are...

'Free form' which is achieved by simply washing your hair with a natural shampoo and herbal conditioning treatment. Then allowing your hair to grow without any combing, twisting or shaping.

Another 'free form' technique is done by towel drying short hair into circular motions, the hair freely forms into tightly separated twists/curls.

The 'guided form' also known as "salon locs' or 'society dread' are determined by shaping the hair into twists, braids or palm rolls and stylized into neat, uniformed locs. Salon trained locs require the most care and attention.

If you prefer low maintenance locs ( not to be confused with NO MAINTENANCE) then 'free formed' locs are for you.

All types of Locs require regular grooming, depending on the method you choose, twisted locs need to be shampooed, conditioned, oiled ,separated and retwisted at the roots (new growth). Free formed locs require shampooing, conditioning and scalp care. Remember, 100% natural products for natural hair. Always allow your hair the proper drying time so that your locs don't mold. Please see links section of this site for detailed history on locs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/dreadlocks

Threading vs. Waxing

Threading eyebrows is becoming the method of choice for many over waxing. Threading uses a string to remove hair, whereas a wax-based resin is placed on the skin and then taken off to rid hair with waxing. Threading has become so popular that threading kiosk are popping up in area shopping malls. In Maryland, I've seen threading stations in Owings Mills Mall, Columbia Mall, St. Charles Town Center, and many malls and hair shops in Washington, DC. I've watched several people get there eye brows threaded and it seem painful. I'm still on the fence as to try it- a tear still trickle done my face from waxing, and I've been waxing 10+ years. Below are the cons and pros of threading and waxing.

Hardly Touches the Skin Less contact with the skin. Threading has little to no contact with the skin. Waxing, however tugs at skin when the hair is removed, and can really irritate sensitive skin making it turn pink to extremely red.

Stop seeing red. The skin mostly gets red because of the wax tugging at the skin, not the actual removal of the hair. If you do get pink from threading, it usually goes away within the hour.

Delicate skin. The skin around the eyes is thin, and can get easily irritated from waxing even if it doesn't bother other body zones. Threading eyebrows is a true life saver for hair removal in the eye area.

Burn-free method. Most waxes are used warm, but can be heated up too much and burn the skin resulting in extreme pain and scabby skin. There's no chance of getting scorched with threading.

Threading Eyebrows, Product Free Hair Removal

No Chemicals. Threading solely uses a string to remove the hair, unlike waxing that contains resins and preservatives. Artificial fragrances and ingredients are a foe to many with sensitive skin.

No one's allergic to string (that I know of). Sometimes having an allergic reaction is mistaken as sensitivity. Waxes are often based on a certain ingredient like: lavender, tea tree, chocolate, acai berry and the list goes on and on. With threading eyebrows there’s no need to worry.

Dominican Hair Salon Products

http://www.dominicanbeautystore.com/

The hype on Dominican hairstyling is rapidly rising and it is spreading nation-wide. The Dominicans have been straightening hair by using the round brushes and blow dryer for decades and their average hair length is much longer than that of Americans. The Dominican Republic is very hot and humid Caribbean country where long rainy season put any type of hair into challenging condition. To adapt their brutal humidity, the Dominican hair products must be formulated with all effective ingredients. And their strength is to utilize plentiful natural plants and fruits they have. Once you try the Dominican products, you may stick to the product for years to come. In DominicanBeautyStore.com, you will find lots of information on Dominican hair products and techniques in picture images, article, and also in video. Please take your time to surf this website and feel free to give us your comments and share your experience in Dominican hair styles and products. Upon completion of construction, You will be able to order Dominican hair products including, Baba de Caracol, Silicon Mix, Lacio Lacio, Lady Fior, Nacidit, and so much more.

http://www.dominicanbeautystore.com/

10 Essential Oils for Great Skin
These tips will end dryness, sores, skin lesions, skin fungus and reduce wrinkles.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1068706/10_essential_oils_for_great_skin.html

Homemade Cleaners & Stain Removers
Use real mayonnaise mixed with some cigarette ashes to remove water stains from wood.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/63502/homemade_cleaners_stain_removers.html

Transitioning from Permed Hair to Natural Hair
How to transition from permed hair to natural hair
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/651179/transitioning_from_permed_hair_to_natural.html

How to Use Shea Butter for Natural or Relaxed Black Hair
Many have heard of the benefits of pure unrefined shea butter but not many know how to use it. This article explains the benefits of this wonderful natural butter and how to use it effectively.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1138282/how_to_use_shea_butter_for_natural.html

Kinks Twist Tangles Hair Care Expo

SAVE THE DATE: BALTIMORE NATURAL HAIR CARE EXPO:

‘KINKS, TWIST N’ TANGLES’:

APRIL 25-26, 2009

DC'S Love, Loc's & Natural Hair Expo

12pm - 6pm

ADMISSION: Adults $5/ Children Under 5yrs FREE
MC EXTRAORDINAIRE: Greg Poole Laughter will work those abs! Prepare to break a laugh with Stand-up comic star of Catch a Rising Star, The Improvisation (New York), The Comedy Store (Los Angeles),. He has opened for many dynamic musical acts including Patti LaBelle, Smoky Robinson, and The Whispers. Currently Greg can be heard on WPGC Radio, The Donnie Simpson Morning Show as Judge Gregory H.Poole on The Skillet.
Music Provided by DJ DUKE ENTERTAINMENT

JUST ADDED!! Get Hip with HoopDance Learn the foundational moves with Hoopnotica's Jocelyn Gordon. Tone your abs, strengthen and open your upper back and chest, increasing balance and getting a cardio workout!

JUST ADDED!! Bust-A-Groove Line Dancing Award winning LynDancnClub is back for another spectacular performance and cardio workshop to get you to move and rock out to the latest line dances of 2009. Get your heart rate up and your legs moving to the LynDancnClub line dance groove!

Personal Training with Fitness Together The clang of weights and the sounds of encouragement can be heard from our Personal Training Studios across the United States. Not only do you have a trainer to help every step of the way, but you also have your very own private training room.
Fitness the Brazil Way Dance to the beat of Afro-Brazilian. Master Class teacher and reknown performance artist Paula Reis. Rumba your way to better health and have fun along the way with this acclaimed African Heritage Dancer.

Performance & Workshop - Spiritual Essence Yog

a Get in the flow Dana, a Registered Yoga Teacher, certified Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. Feel the wonderful transformational qualities of yoga in a gentle yet challenging, non-competitive, "user-friendly" way! Relax, rejuvenate and release.
Relieve Stress with Healthy Motions Massage Therapist Granetta Coleman will be leading a class that blends yoga, pilates and ballet based moves into a fun toning workout that will stretch you out and work all those major muscle groups.

Does Your Health Affect Your Hair? Natural Hair & Fitness Panel Discussion, Q & A Did you know that what you eat can end up in your hair. These and other questions will be answered by a panelist of guru's from fitness, well being, health & nutrition fields. Healing The Mind & Body Naturally Learn to regulate your health, naturally with diet and exercise using Tracey Henry's Certified Natural Health Professional's (CNHP) techniques. Cure depression. Stop taking mood altering drugs.Make personal wellness your mantra for 2009.

More Hair! http://www.morehairsalon.com/

Natural Hand and Foot Care Receipes

Natural Nail Care Recipes: Hand scrubs, homemade foot scrubs, natural hand and foot care scrubs you can make at home. Enjoy!!!

Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
10 tsp. grapeseed oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
4 drops rosemary oil
2 drops peppermint oil
4 tbs dark brown sugar

Directions:
Combine ingredients. Store in a small glass jar. Warm up oil before doing any massage. Your toes will love the minty, refreshing feeling!
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Divine Hand and foot scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 cup oatmeal or 1 packet instant oatmeal
3 tbs. Olive oil

Directions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Massage into feet or hands for 5 minutes. Rinse well. Your tips and toes will be simply smooth!!!!
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Salt Hand and foot scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

1/8 cup of Olive Oil
1 tablespoon of sea salt

Directions:
Mix into a paste Rub into hands or feet for 5 minutes. Rinse well.
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Olive Oil Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
2 tbs. olive oil
1/4 DARK brown sugar

Directions:
Mix into a paste Rub into hands or feet for 5 minutes. Rinse well.
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Apricot Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of brown sugar
2 tbs lemon juice
2 tbs apricot oil

Directions:
Combine and massage into hands. rinse well. Scrub into the nail bed. the lemon juice will also help remove any nail stains!
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Whitening Nail Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Enough Baking Soda to make a paste

Directions:
Combine ingredients and massage into nails. rinse well.
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Sugar Hand Scrub Recipe
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon of sugar

Directions:
Mix into a paste Rub into hands for 2 minutes. Rinse well.
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Homemade natural hand and feet scrub tips
*****Sugars, meals such as corn, almond, salt etc. make great skin exfoliates.*****
****Exfoliating your hands weekly can reduce wrinkles! ****

Glossary Of Terms And Acronyms The Nappturality Way

Have you ever logged onto a hair care forum and was lost with all the acronyms and abbreviations? Well damn it, when I first took an interest into natural hair care, I read several blogs, and hair care forums- and my immediate reaction was " what in da h$$ are they talking about??" ( in my madea voice) lol..lol..lol.. to help all of you out below is a glossary of terms you may come across. ** Shouts to Nappturality for providing this list**

Hair Related

BAA - Big A$$ Afro

BC - Big Chop - i.e. cutting off all your chemically treated hair

Blow out - blow dry

EVOO - extra virgin olive oil (yeah the one from the grocery store)

nappyversary - the anniversary of the day you became a natural

napptural - means natural if you still have permed ends (even a 1/2 ") you aren't there yet. Your state of mind may contribute to your level of nappturalness too.

Scab hair - when u first go natural, you hair has sometimes been affected by the relaxer that has seeped into the follicle. scab hair is dry, crispy sometimes, and doesnt repond to products, usually needing to be deep conditioned more and eventually trimmed off

TWA - teeny weeny afro (some say "teeny weeny afro" some say "TWA")

twist out - two strand twist, dry, loosen, finger comb to style

PHHB = Panty Hose Head Band

The kitchen area - the back of your hair towards the nape of your neck...

Transitioning - period of time since last relaxer before going natural. Transitioners count from the date of their last chemical treatment.

CNAPP - someone with napps that feel like cotton

Processes/Treatments

No Poo - washing with conditioners

CO - Condition Wash/No-Poo

DC - deep condition

Products/Mixes

ACV rinse - apple cider vinegar rinse--diluted to about 1:10 vinegar to water (or some variation)

eo - essential oil

DDTA - Daily Defense Tender Apple Conditioner

MA - Mane Attraction (Products by Seoul)

SK - Sun Kissed (product by Seoul)

poo bar - shampoo bar

AVG - aloe vera gel

CDHHB - Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter

EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil

CON - Crème of Nature

FOEAVG - Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel

RMEO - rosemary essential oil

OO - olive oil

Creamy Crack - Relaxer

PJ - Product Junky

8 Tips: how to drink more water!

I've made up in my mind that it time to pefect "my sexxy". First and foremost I must drink more water. I'm a work in progress ( bare with me ), here are my personal tricks on drinking more water.

* Make it a Morning Ritual. I once read in a magazine article that many of us wake up dehydrated, and the first thing you should do before you do anything else is drink two glasses of water. I've now made it a regular morning habit, and it inspires the momentum to continue drinking more for the rest of the day.

* Add Some Lemon. Back in the early stages when I couldn't stand drinking water, I squeezed lemon juice into my water. At restaurants, I would ask the servers to provide lemon slices with my water--which makes me sound snobby, but most restaurants are willing to provide this service.

* Keep it In the Clear. When your urine is clear, you are properly hydrated. When your urine is a dark yellow, you are definitely dehydrated.

* Think of How Pretty You'll Look. I don't know how direct the correlation is between having healthy, glowing skin and drinking a lot of water, but I'm not taking any chances. Whatever psychological trick keeps me hydrated!

* Drink When You Have a Munchie Attack. Sometimes our hunger is thirst masquerading as fake hunger. Drinking a cup or two of water will make you feel "full."

*Take Baby Steps. Don't expect to go from zero glasses of water to the full 8 glasses overnight. Start with one glass of water in the morning and one glass of water at night, and build your way up from there.

* Cheap cheap. Water at restaurants are FREE!

* Always have a full glass of water near you when you are working. It will give you something to mindlessly sip on when you are brainstorming or need something to do with your hands.

Properties of Common Herbs and Essential Oils in Skin Care

Have you ever wanted to make your own beauty products or use items that you have in your medicinie cabinet? Well help is here... Below is a partical listing of common herbs and essential oils in skin care. As with any new skin care or hair product, a patch test is recommended.

Almond and Almond Oil - A great vegetable oil for dry skin. Commonly used as a carrier oil to blend with other essentials oils. Easily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent emollient with nourishing properties. Safety Precautions: People with nut allergies should avoid almonds and almond oil.

Jojoba –.Jojoba oil makes a great scalp cleanser and hair conditioner. Additionally, because of its absorption properties it is commonly used in skin care propducts as a cleaning agent, makeup remover and moisturizer... It has a great effect on fighting wrinkles, as well as having an anti-bacterial effect on the skin. Jojoba oil can be used as base carrier oil into which other essential oils can be diluted before applying it to the skin. Safety Precautions: No reports of toxicity

Aloe Vera - Aloe is used externally for skin irritation, burns, sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. Aloe Vera has good astringent qualities. When used with other ingredients it soothes the skin and stimulates cell regeneration. The oil is combined in massage therapy for its healing and rejuvenating properties. Safety Precautions: When used topically, some individuals may have an allergic reaction and a skin patch test (behind the ear or on the forearm) is advised before use.

Anise - Cooled down tea made from anise can be sponged on the face to help lighten the complexion. Safety Precautions: On the whole, anise is a safe herb to use but due to its trans-anethole estrogen-like action, it may be best avoided during pregnancy or when suffering from endometriosis or any estrogen dependant cancers.

Avocado - Moisturizes, reduces appearance of age spots, heals sun damage and scars. Additionally, avocado regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Avocado increases collagen in the skin and therefore is an anti-aging ingredient in skin care. Avocado oil has superior moisturizing qualities.

Carrot - A superb skin-nourishing essential oil, carrot seed helps balance both oily and dry complexions, heals damaged skin, and helps aged skin by reducing age spots and wrinkles. Safety Precautions: Carrot seeds and carrot seed oil should not be used excessively during pregnancy.

Chamomile - Tones all types of complexions. The anti-inflammatory effect of this essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration, and a cold compress does wonders for puffy eyes. Chamomile is used in facial steams to reduce puffiness and cleanse the pores of the skin. Safety Precautions: Handling fresh chamomile plants may cause dermatitis in some individuals. It should not to be used when using anti-coagulant drugs. Please note that the essential oil is said to stimulate the uterus and should be used with care in pregnancy. Allergic reactions may occur for those that are allergic to daisies.

Green Tea – has an antioxidant effect that helps to keep wrinkles at bay. External use: Green tea is often included in anti-aging skin care products for the antioxidant properties contained in the herb. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant, a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin, and having a inhibitory action on collagens – an enzymatic action in the skin where the collagen is broken down, resulting in more firm and elastic skin. In hair care, it can be used with great success to improve the gloss and shine of the hair. Safety Precautions: When pregnant or nursing only limited amounts of green tea should be used, and it can also interfere with MAO inhibitors and blood thinning medication. It should not be consumed together with other medication, as it may interfere with the absorption of such medicine.

Geranium - Wonderful oil for mature and troubled skin and brings a radiant glow and promotes circulation. Safety Precautions: Geranium essential oil is well tolerated by most individuals, but since it helps in balancing the hormonal system, care must be taken during pregnancy.

Ginseng - Ginseng is used in cosmetics for its rejuvenating properties. The vast amount of properties gives Ginseng an almost unlimited use in cosmetics. Its activity makes it useful in nourishing creams, in treating wrinkled and aged skin and in all cosmetic products used to retard the onset of age. Ginseng may be used in products for weak hair and lotions for preventing hair loss as it stimulates growth and gives strength. Safety Precautions: May worsen the side effects of stimulants such as coffee, and should best be avoided when consuming alcohol. Not normally used by pregnant women and is not indicated for use by young children, people suffering from depression, high blood pressure, anxiety or any acute inflammatory disease. Excess may cause headaches, restlessness, high blood pressure, and nausea.

Honey - Refines pores; tightens skin; moisturizes; retards wrinkles; anti-blemish

Jasmine - On the skin, it is used with great effect to treat dry, stressed and sensitive skins and also helps to increase elasticity. Safety Precautions: Although well tolerated, this heavy scented essential oil should be used sparingly, and specially so during pregnancy.

Lanolin - Moisturizer; softener; emollient

Lavender - Lavender skin care products are ideal for oily and combination skin. It has antiseptic and stimulant properties. Lavender is useful in treating skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete's foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insect repellant, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sores, spots, all skin types, sunburn and wounds. Safety Precautions: Although the essential oil is well tolerated by all skin types, it must be, like all essential oils, used with care - remember essential oils are powerful and very concentrated.

Mud - (including clay, fuller's earth) reduced large pores; absorb excess grease in oily skin; improves circulation. Safety Precautions: No Toxicity Reported

Nuts - (almonds, cashews, pecans): Scrub to refine pores, combat wrinkles, blackheads and dryness

Oats - Excellent emollient properties. Oats have a softening effect on sensitive skin. It helps to reduce the irritation caused on the skin by harsh climatic conditions or on skin with this kind of problem. It plays an important role in the treatment of older skin as well as problem skin. Safety Precautions: No Toxicity Reported

Patchouli - It can be used for inflamed and itching skin. The oil promotes cell rejuvenation, tightening of loose skin and heals wounds and sores, while sorting out rough, cracked skin. Safety Precautions: The essential oil of patchouli is well tolerated, but its heavy fragrance indicates use in low dosage.

Rose - Astringent and luxurious, rose oils and rose waters are welcome additions to almost any skin care formulation has an astringent effect on oily skin, reducing puffiness, edema and has a slight tightening effect. The oil most effective for moisturizing and hydrating the skin while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and irritated skin. It is used to repair broken capillaries, inflammation, as well as skin redness and is useful in eczema Safety Precautions: None noted.

Rosemary - Antioxidant properties, and secondly has a remarkable stimulating effect on the skin. Traditionally used for hair and scalp stimulation, as well as anti-aging products. Safety Precautions: Rosemary essential oil has a highly stimulating action and may not be suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. The essential oil should also not be used during pregnancy.

Seaweed - very good cellulite reducing capabilities All seaweeds are rich in compounds that are of specific use in the cosmetic industry

Yogurt - Cleanser; bleach; for normal and oily skin

Coconut Hair Butter

Coconut Hair Butter

8oz melted extra virgin coconut oil

2oz jojoba oil

10 drops vanilla essential oil (optional)

10 drops sandalwood essential oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients, and stir well. Pour into sterilized jars and let sit until it solidifies. It will have the consistency of soft butter at 70 degrees. Melt a small amount in your hands and use on wet or dry hair to keep ends soft and free of splits. A little goes a very long way! Keep in a cool place or it will melt.

Shea butter recipe for loc care and maintenance

LOC Butter Recipe

Shea butter recipe for loc care and maintenance

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp shea butter
2 Tbsp mango butter
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp lanolin
1 tsp sweet almond oil
1 tsp jojoba
1 tsp avocado oil
10 drops-ylang-ylang
1/8 tsp vanilla fragrance oil (or fragrance oil of your choice)

Instructions:

Melt ingredients together, pour in container and let cool. Good for hair and skin.Makes approximately 4 ounces.

Darking you hair with Tea!

Before commercial hair dyes, people used freshly brewed tea to darken their hair and add long-lasting shine.

A black tea rinse is a cheap and easy way to update your look in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Instructions:

1. Boil 2 cups of water.

2. In a non-metal bowl, pour boiling water over 2 tablespoons of black tea and let steep for 20-25 minutes. Overnight is best.

3. Strain to remove tea leaves.
4. After shampooing, pour tea infusion over the hair. Let sit for 20-30 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

5. Follow with a light conditioner or leave-in for additional softness and manageability.The results with be subtle but you should notice a difference after 2-3 treatments. I hope that helps!

For more tips and techniques, www.healthytextures.com.

Embrace Me

I embrace my

Natural SEXXY

My Natural Swagger

My Natural appetite

I eat what I want when I want it

My Natural Confidence

My Natural Artistic Expression

My Natural Sista girl vibe

My Natural love for my fellow sista's and Brotha's

My Au Natural Days- No makeup neccessary

I'm embracing me!

** Coprywritten 2009*Miss Sixx **

New Hair

I've been feeling a bit frustrated with my hair ( I know some of you have been there). Its not long enough for a pony tail or a up do that don't pull my scalp and the regular "look" was getting TIRED... I always liked the loc styles where the hair is wavy or curled- my problem- how do I achieve that look. So here is my BEST attempt at wavy/curly hair style..

My technique:

• Bobby Pins


• EVOO/ Water mixture in a spray bottle (if your hair has been washed and is we/damp you don't need the mixture)


• Organic Roots Loc Gel


• Hooded Dryer

I re tiwsted each loc using the EVOO mixture and loc gel, then take 2-3 loc's and twisted them into bando knots securing them with bobby pins. After all your hair has been twisted and secured into knots, sit under the hooded dryer 45-60 mins. After hair is dry, remove pins, and finger style hair. ( I left my hair in the knots all night while I slept).

OCM Cleaning Method

The Oil Cleansing Method

Today I decided to wash my face with olive oil and castor oil mix. I did a google search on natural facial cleaners and moisturizers after I broke out ONCE a gain with white heads. Of course I was itching to try it. I asked a few co workers about it and they were very informative. They provided and had mixed reviews; One co worker stated that she broke out around her hair line ( which was a concern because at the time, I had several white heads on my forehead and hair line), a second co worker raved about it and lets say she has the most beautiful skin I've ever seen. So I figured since I had the products at home in my make shift chemist lab ( the basement) I had to do it. Results:I like it. It left my face tight like I had washed and toned my face but still smooth and not dry looking. From the reading that I done that is probably the castor oil as that is suppose to be the one that pulls out the impurities.

What you need:

• Wash Cloth


• Extra Virgin Olive or Sun Flower Seed oil


• Castor Oil



• Flip top bottle/Container to keep the oils premixed.

The basic combination of oils for OCM is Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) or Sunflower Seed Oil and Castor Oil. The olive oil is for moisture, Sunflower Seed Oil has a more luxurious feel for massage. It sinks into the skin better, aiding the castor oil in transportation deep into the pores and allowing it to draw the dirt and grime to the surface of your skin where it can be wiped away. and the castor oil is the cleansing part. If you have dry skin, you would want to use more olive oil than castor oil. Say 75% olive oil, and 25% castor oil. Oily skin would be the opposite: 75% castor oil, 25% olive oil. I would start with 50/50 when you first start and then adjust.

The OCM Method:

1. On DRY skin, massage the oils all over your face and neck. Do this over makeup, dirt, whatever else is on your face. Take your time and really massage it in.

2. Take your washcloth and wet it with hot, or very warm water (the warmer the better so it can dissolve the oil better, but don't burn yourself.) Wring it out and then drape it over your face. (This is steaming the pores) do this a couple of times.

3.As the washcloth cools, start wiping the oil off of your face. Rinse the washcloth and repeat as much as necessary.

4.After that, you can rinse your face in cool water.

5. If your face feels tight, you can apply your moisturizer. If it feels good, you don't need to. You don't have to use this method every time you wash your face. You can just do it before bed, or in the morning. I do it daily right before I shower. You will be very surprised that this actually works! Castor oil is known to be an excellent skin cleansing agent, but it is too drying for some skin. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and is an excellent moisturizer. Olive oil renews the skin, but it can be too fatty for oily skin types.

6. mix and store my mixture in a clean four-ounce flip-top bottle for convenience. When you go to replenish your oil blend, I suggest cleaning your bottle thoroughly with dish soap or the dishwasher. Better yet, if you can replace the bottle, this is ideal. We want to be extremely cautious in introducing bacteria to the bottle.

Living Life Naturally

Welcome to my blog, Au Naturale by Miss Sixx. I'm embracing a natural lifestyle and thought it would be interesting to others to blog about my journey. The purpose of this blog is to explore, embrace, discuss, share information, share stories, and affirm the spiritual journey of living a natural lifestyle. Here you will find information on all natural hair styles, natural makeup, natural foods, natural clothing, natural cleaning products, and natural medial treatment.

I recently celebrated the75th birthday of my mother. While reminiscencing with my siblings about our up bringing we realized mother limited us to artificial products. I remember growing up and mom rolling my hair on Saturday evening with brown paper bags ( curls lasted all week) because she didn't use hair rollers. I remember washing widows with a 50/50 mixture of white vinger and water ( talk about streak free windows!) and taking a spoonful of castor oil in the winter to keep us free from colds. I'm sure I am not able to take the castor oil ( the taste is AWFUL) but, alot of the ole' school remedies are re entering my life.

I'm no longer a slave to the perm, I'm completely natural and 1 year and 3 months locked, I'm researching and testing recipes for natural hair and skin care products, and watching the type of foods I eat and cook ( can you say ORGANIC!). I hope you guys find my blog interesting and feel free to comment.

Welcome to living life " Naturally"