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.

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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)

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