Monistat or Neosporian for hair growth??

Last night on Twitter as part of Natural Sunday's- we were discussing un orthodox methods of hair growth. I found out that women are applying miconazole nitrate to their scalp to encourage hair growth. Do you know where you get this substance from? You get it from products like Monistat and Neosporin AF. Whaaat?! That's what I said too. Vagistat is used to control skin fungus around the vagina area. Neosporin AF is more commonly used for athletes foot. This is an underground treatment women use that is all the rave on hair care forums. I have seen progress picture after progress picture showing hair growth. Along with giving the hair some thickness. There isn't any experimental proof besides what women have reported on their own accounts at various hair forums. Also FDA has not approved it for hair growth. Some swear that using miconazole nitrate will grow your hair faster. MN use on the scalp is said to have began when women have reported seeing hair growth on the vagina area with the use of this antifungal medicine and someone decided to put it on their scalp.

Be careful the Neosporin AF and some of the Monistat brands contain Mineral Oil (all except Monistat 3 or 7). If you're going to try it many people suggest using 2% Miconazole Nitrate (check the main ingredient) and make sure you're buying Neosporin AF as it is different from regular NEOSPORIN (it's in blue packaging, used to treat athlete's foot). There's also Feet Accompli, it claims to be the Ultimate Antifungal Pedicure Cream. It contains the 2% Miconazole Nitrate but also has Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E. It's also $34 a tube. I did some research is basically my run down of Miconazole Nitrate.

THE GOOD (According to people that use it)

*Grows hair long
*Grows hair quick
*Can be mixed with oils
*Can be applied daily for optimal results
*Reduces Shedding

THE BAD

*No scientific evidence to support the safety of using on scalp
*Kind of expensive
*Embarrassing to buy
*Cannot be used by anyone pregnant/expecting

THE UGLY

Some have claimed it caused them untolerable headaches (most GENERIC BRANDS except *Family Dollar brand)
*Others claim it's more of a scalp movement than a headache and it's not that bad
*Grows hair so fast that it's scary with some users experiencing as much as 1" of *growth per month
*USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Article courtesy of Mane & Chic

Don't you use this unless you have done your own research or asked a physician. Don't go telling people I told you to try this. If you have tried this or had success with other growth aids, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you.

American Apparel Has Policies About Black Hair

The litany of complaints about American Apparel's advertising and hiring policies are so long, someone could write a book about them.

The company is known for chic, trendy, affordable locally made clothes yes...but they're also known for being sexist, judgmental, and discriminatory based on the aesthetic attractions of its owner, Dov Charney (who, by his own standards of appearance, probably wouldn't be welcome to work in his own store).

If you want to work at American Apparel you've got to meet the criteria. You've got to have the right look. You've got to have a strong fashion sense. And if you're black, you need to have the right style of hair. Several ex-employees recently wrote into Gawker about their experiences, and one former manager said she was told this about what types of black women to hire during the American Apparel's open casting calls:

"none of the trashy kind that come in, we don't want that. we're not trying to sell our clothes to them. try to find some of these classy black girls, with nice hair, you know?"


i will remember that forever, especially the "nice hair" part. he was instructing another manager and i on who to look for during an upcoming open call, and i sat there dumbfounded, listening to him speak while the other manager made "uh huh, got it" sounds on her end of the phone. the other manager on the call with me later became a district manager, and at one point instructed me to tell two of my employees (both of whom happened to be black females) to stop straightening their hair. i refused to do this, but wondered if the mentality behind her request was related to what dov had said."

Wait, what?

A company discriminating in favor of black natural hair? Is "nice hair" the new "good hair"?? What does that even MEAN?

I'm not sure what to make of this news from American Apparel, so I'm just gonna keep doing what I do - which means not shopping at American Apparel. Which I couldn't do anyway, because they don't do plus size clothes, either. Ugh!

For lots more, check Gawker - they've been on this story ever since the company was founded, it seems!

What are your thoughts on this latest American Apparel scandal?

Article Courtesy of Patrice Grell Yursik

I've been Blogged!!!!!!

A beautiful sister I had to pleasure of meeting has blogged about me and my shop "Au'Naturale". She had an oppourtunity to try my products through a friend. From thhere she contacted me, made a purchase and wanted to share her ecperience with the rest of the world. There is nothing more beautiful than a group of ladies networking and "spreading" the blessing and benefits of healthy hair care. Zora is the owner and operator of La'Cocoa Natural Hair Salon in Raleigh, NC. She is also the author/blogger of Cocofabo Blog. Please visit her blog to read the post on Au'Nataurale By Mz. Sixx and FOLLOW HER!!!! http://cocofabo.blogspot.com/

Transitioning to Natural Hair: PART 2 - the RESULTS of Two Stranded Twi...

Natural Ways to have Great Hair For Less

Baking Soda
When it comes to personal grooming, too much of a good thing can spell bad news for your hair. But a thorough cleansing with baking soda at least once a month will wash all of the gunk out of your hair. Simply add 1/2 cup of baking soda to 3 cups of warm water. Mix, Pour, then shampoo as usual.

Freshen up your combs and hairbrushes by soaking them in a solution of 3 cups warm water and 2 teaspoons baking soda. Swirl them around in the water to loosen up all the debris caught between the teeth, then let them soak for about half an hour. Rinse well and dry before using.


Beer
Put some life back into flat hair with some flat beer. Before you get into the shower, mix 3 tablespoons beer in 1/2 cup warm water. After you shampoo your hair, rub in the solution, let it set for a couple of minutes, then rinse it off.

Castor Oil
For healthy, shiny hair, mix 2 teaspoons castor oil with 1 teaspoon glycerin and one egg white. Massage it into your wet hair, wait several minutes, and wash out.

You can also experiment with castor oil for hair on your ends. This rich, thick oil will help your ends becomes shiny and hide the appearance of frizzy, damaged, and split ends. Over time, as you trim damage away, you'll notice your hair won't develop split ends as easily. Since it is so thick, try mixing it with Sweet Almond Oil to make it a lighter oil that is much easier to spread and gives it a nice scent.

Mayonnaise
Hold the mayo … and massage it into your hair and scalp just as you would any fine conditioner! Cover your head with a shower cap, wait several minutes, and shampoo. The mayonnaise will moisturize your hair and give it a lustrous sheen.

Olive Oil
Is your hair as dry and brittle as sagebrush in the desert? Put the moisture back into it by heating 1/2 cup olive oil (don't boil it), and then liberally applying it to your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic grocery bag, then wrap it in a towel. Let it set for 45 minutes, then shampoo and thoroughly rinse.


Did you get almost as much paint in your hair as you did on the walls in your last paint job? You can easily remove that undesirable tint by moistening a cotton ball with some olive oil and gently rubbing it into your hair. The same approach is also effective for removing mascara -- just be sure to wipe your eyes with a tissue when done.

Vinegar
Want to put the life back into your damaged hair? You can whip up a terrific hair conditioner by combining 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 egg whites. Rub the mixture into your hair, then keep it covered for 30 minutes using plastic wrap or a shower cap. When time's up, shampoo and rinse as usual.

** Recipe**ACV Rinse to remove product Build up-
Make the rinse by mixing 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 qt. of distilled water. Put the mixture in a plastic bottle.

Shampoo hair and rinse well. Apply the apple cider vinegar rinse to your hair. Leave it in for a few seconds. Rinse your hair using cold water to seal the hair shaft and create more shine. Because vinegar is acidic, using the rinse daily is not advised. .

Dry your hair with a t-shirt. If you notice a vinegar scent after you're done rinsing, don't fret. The smell will disappear after your hair dries.

Lemons
For blond highlights, add 1/4 cup lemon juice to 3/4 cup water and rinse your hair with the mixture. Then sit in the sun until your hair dries. Lemon juice is a natural bleach. Don't forget to put on plenty of sunscreen before you sit out in the sun. To maximize the effect, repeat once daily for up to a week.

Aspirin
Swimming in a chlorinated pool can have a noticeable, and often unpleasing, effect on your hair coloring if you have light-colored hair. But you can usually return your hair to its former shade by dissolving six to eight aspirins in a glass of warm water. Rub the solution thoroughly into your hair, and let it set for 10-15 minutes.

Tea
Turn gray hair dark again without an expensive trip to the salon or the use of chemical hair dyes. Make your own natural dye using brewed tea and herbs: Steep 3 tea bags in 1 cup boiling water. Add 1 tablespoon each of rosemary and sage (either fresh or dried) and let it stand overnight before straining. To use, shampoo as usual, and then pour or spray the mixture on your hair, making sure to saturate it thoroughly. Take care not to stain clothes. Blot with a towel and do not rinse. It may take several treatments to achieve desired results.

**Recipe** use after taking out a sew-in weave or braids to decrease shedding:

4 cups of hot water, swish the tea bag around until the water turns color, let it sit and cool. Put on hair and let it sit for a few minutes and comb through hair. Results – easy detangling, less breakage, and less shedding.

The North Carolina Natural Hair Care Expo – June 19th

The North Carolina Natural Hair Care Expo – June 19th

Is there any connection between what you put in your mouth and keeping a full head of hair?

For men, the answer is a resounding no. (Sorry, guys. Except in cases of extreme malnutrition, no amount of vitamins or minerals will regrow hair.) But for some women who have experienced hair loss related to physical trauma, crash dieting or heavy menstrual flow, the answer is yes.

What you eat may well have an effect on how good your hair looks, but there's little you can do in terms of diet that will have an impact on how much hair you have. Here are a couple of things that doctors say you can do for healthier hair.

Steer clear of crash diets
Trimming pounds gradually not only is healthier than crash dieting but also keeps your hair on your head. "Any woman who has lost 20 pounds or more in a period of three months is going to have a problem with hair loss," says Wilma Bergfeld, M.D., a dermatologist and director of the Section of Dermatopathology and Dermatological Research at the Cleveland Clinic. The safe and effective way to lose weight: trimming no more than a pound a week.

Pump up your iron
To boost iron absorption, some doctors also recommend drinking orange juice, which is high in vitamin C, whenever you eat foods high in iron, such as broccoli and red meat, says Alexander Zemtsov, M.D., associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.

Except in cases of starvation, it doesn't seem that vitamins and minerals affect hair growth in men. On the other hand, nutrients may prove helpful for some women who have experienced hair loss. Here's what the experts recommend.

Nutrient Daily Amount

Iron 50 milligrams

Vitamin C 100 milligrams

Plus a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing the Daily Values of all essential vitamins and minerals <

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Vitamins Do For Your hair

Biotin: thickens the hair strands.

Choline Bitarate: keeps the hair root moist.

Copper: prolongs your original hair color.

Folic Acid: for cell renewal to grow hair.

Inositol: reduces hair falling from the root.

Iodine: regulates the thyroid hormone for hair growth.

Iron: helps reduce balding-Hair falling from the root.

Manganese: produces growth of the hair and nails.

Niacin: produces blood flow to the follicle to produce hair growth.

Pantothenic Acid: produces hair growth and stimulation of new growth.

Para-Amonobenzoic Acid: prevents hair loss and protects follicles.

Riboflavin: prevents dandruff and helps with the absorption of iron.

Thiamine: prevents hair loss.

Vitamin A: keeps moisture in your hair strands so you'll have less chance of breakage.

Vitamin B-12: stimulates hair growth.

Zinc: produces hair growth.

Always consult with your doctor or nutritionist before taking or adding any new vitamin supplements to your diet. Also if you are pregnant consult your doctor. Especially if you're currently taking medications of any kind).

8-Year-Old Removed From Class For Using Olive Oil Hair Product

The NAACP is filing a complaint against a Washington State elementary school after an 8-year-old girl was kicked out of class because her teacher complained about the smell of her hair.

Charles Mudede, a writer for Seattle's The Stranger, says his daughter was moved to the hallway at Thurgood Marshall Elementary school before ultimately being forced to switch classrooms because she used Organic Root Stimulator in her hair.

Mudede's daughter was the only Black student in her accelerated learning class but was moved down to a lower class with other Blacks after her white teacher complained about the way her hair smelled.

The NAACP has stepped in and is announcing plans to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.

Mudede and his wife have since taken the child out of the school and say they don't' want her to return “until the teacher had medical proof that our daughter's hair or something in her hair was to blame for the [teacher's] nausea. The last thing you want to happen to your daughter is for a teacher to faint or vomit at the mere sight of her.”

The family has since hired an attorney.

** I'm Absolutely SPEECHLESS*

Loc Bun with a kick!

No Lye! The African American Womens Guide to Natural Hair Care

Hey Queens,
I shamefully admit I haven't read many publications on growing natural hair. I've recently started researching "must have" books on natural hair. I came across this book- " No Lye" written by: Tulani Kinard. Have any of you read this book? I just ordered it from Amazon.com. Below is a brief description of the book, and a bio on the author. Feel free to add any comments or offer other "must have" books.

Description::

For years, African-American women have relied on harsh chemicals and relaxers to "manage" their hair--which more often than not did more damage than good. Improper braiding techniques have also contributed no small amount of harm, resulting in frail, damaged hair and even pattern baldness in women.

No Lye! offers a safe and easy alternative. In this hair-care and styling guide Tulani Kinard reveals the secrets to obtaining and maintaining beautiful healthy hair--naturally.

Discover... The art of making braids, terrific twists and lovely locks Easy recipes for products that clean, strengthen, and condition the hair Ways to heal damaged hair Painless methods of caring for your children's hair Fast, easy styles for all lengths and textures of hair The pros and cons of using hair extensions

Ask me your hair-care questions...I'll tell you No Lye!

Tulani Kinard is the owner of Tulani's Regal Movement, a natural hair-care salon in Brooklyn, New York. She has worked as a contributing editor to Blackstress and Black Hair Care magazines and her hair sculptures have been featured in everything from Essence to The New York Times. She is co founder of the International Braider's Network and former president of the National Braider's Guild.

No Lye
The African American Woman's Guide To Natural Hair Care
by Tulani Kinard

ISBN: 0312151802
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: 1997
Format: Trade Paperback, 208 pages
Book Type: New

New Blog For Women Who Wear Shoe Size 11 and Above

Hi Divas,
I've started a second blog for my big foot divas. The Diva Shoe Lounge is for the diva who wear a shoe size 11-13. I will spotlight AFFORDABLE high fashion footwear for the everyday women who was blessed with big feet. All Shoes showcased will cost no more than $100. I proudly wear a size 11, and have been told that I have a HAUTE shoe collection. I will share my economical finds and share with you my favorite shoe suppliers. Please follow to become eligible for shoe giveaways, and refer to anyone that wear large sizes.

http://divashoelounge.blogspot.com

Benefits of Bentonite Clay

What is Bentonite Clay?
It is a detoxifying clay that can be used both internally and externally. It is commonly used amongst us natural queens as a hair cleanser but is also great for the skin.

Benefits of Bentonite?
Used as a shampoo, Bentonite removes build up and dirt from the hair and scalp without stripping. It is highly absorbent, so when used on the skin-it extracts oils and toxins from the skin.

How to use Bentonite?
It it mostly commonly combined with plain water, EVOO, or ACV.

Where to find Bentonite?
It can be found at many health food stores.

Bentonite Clay Curl Popping Hair Care Treatment Recipe:

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

Prep time: 10 mins

Instructions
Mix 1 to 2 parts Bentonite clay
Slowly add *water to the clay until you achieve a pancake mix texture.
Apply to your hair (dry or wet)
Allow to set for between 15 - 20 minutes
Rinse thoroughly until it's all out of your curls, kinks and coils.

*water can be replaced with your choice of liquid for example: Organic Coconut Milk Herbal infusion or anything you like...* (Source: Anitagrant.com)

While researching info about Bentonite, I found so much information about this wonder clay. It is also effective treatment for skin rashes like Eczema, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, Autism and the list goes on. I don't know about you, but I am running to my health food store to whip up a recipe this weekend.
I'll keep ya posted.