ADMIT IT- HAVE YOU BEEN USING GREASE?

Ok, beauties admit it NOW or forever hold your peace- have you been using hair grease, Vaseline, petroleum, lanolin, or mineral oil on your hair?? huh? I'll wait... *tapping fingers, and WAITING*





Lately, Ive been coming across blogs where naturals are admitting to using one of the above mentioned products. A few of the hair guru's (i.e. Curly Nikki) admitted that she has greased her hair. She says that she did not use it on her scalp, just the "hair". For her, she states that it was a great sealant, perfect for doing dry twist outs, product washed out easily, and her hair stayed moisturized for 4 days. She's even hinted at a grease giveaway " Now who's ready for a Blue Majic, Dax, and Soul Glo giveaway?!?!?!?"


I grew up with my mother using hair grease, Vaseline ( not the name brand Vaseline-but petroleum jelly..lol..lol..) and water on my hair ( do you remember putting grease/Vaseline & water on your edges to slick them down?). I've always had healthy well maintained hair. My mother's hair routine for me was a bi-weekly wash, condition, grease( hair and scalp) and two plaits ( not braids- PLAITS!). I always slept with a scarf ( it was a cotton scarf-didn't know anything about silk back then). I only got my hair blow dried and straightened for Easter and picture day at school. We never used sponge rollers, my mother would roll my hair with strips of brown paper bag ( old school chicas KNOW what I'm talking about!).

I don't recall ( back in the day) having dry hair, or any hair issues ( breakage, shedding, or damaged hair). Now that I think about it, mommy didn't spend any money on hair products, barrettes, pony tail holders, or anything "fancy". She would'nt buy rollers- we had to use brown paper bags ( she got FREE from the vegetable stand). I was a pro at rolling hair with brown paper bag- and guess what- if you used too much grease.. that brown paper would soak it up :)

Once I learned how to care for my hair naturally it was drilled into my head ( along with yours) to stay away from such products or any products containing mineral oil, lanolin, and petroleum. I became obsessed with reading product labels and ditching everything in sight that contain the "forbidden" ingredients. Think of Joan Crawford and the wire hangers.. that was ME with mineral oil * in my Joan Crawford voice* "NOOOOOOO MINERAL OIL"

Here's what I say- DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU! I don't believe in spending alot of money on over priced products, I don't believe the hype of all these miracle products that will make you hair grow, stop shedding, or breaking.

I do believe in listening to your hair, and knowing what your hair needs to flourish. Everyone is different, what works for me, may or may not be your saving grace. Its my belief that all natural products are best for my hair and mini me. We will Not be greasing in the Dugar household. We are forever #TeamNoGrease and forever fans of shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and canola oil.

Have you been greasing your hair? Do tell ( I wont stone you)

Moisturizing and Sealing Natural Hair

Moisturizing and sealing natural hair is one area that new naturals often find difficulty in, when they’re initially learning how to care for natural hair. Moisturizing and sealing are two basic steps that can be done in a matter of minutes.

The first thing that you need to know is what should be used to accomplish both parts of the process. Moisturizing should be done with water alone, or water followed by a water based leave in conditioner. Sealing is done with natural oils, to prevent moisture from leaving the hair. Natural oils are not moisturizers because most natural oils will not penetrate the hair shaft.

Below are the steps I take to seal and moisturize my hair:


Step 1Find A Water Based Leave In Conditioner
You want to be sure to stay away from products that contain petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin oil, and alcohol because these ingredients are notorious for blocking moisture from entering the hair strand which causes hair to eventually break. Look for natural ingredients like glycerin and natural oils, with water being one of the first three ingredients listed. I make my own leave in.

Here's the recipe:


Aloe Vera Juice
Rosemary Essential Oil
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Jojoba Oil
Vegetable Glycerin (optional)
Distilled Water
Spray bottle

Fill up 50% of the bottle with aloe vera juice, leaving space to add the essential oils, jojoba, glycerin, and water. Next add 10 drops of rosemary and lemongrass essential oil and three to five drops of jojoba oil. Add a small amount of vegetable glycerin ( 1-2 cap full). Lastly fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water and shake up

Aloe Vera moisturizes the hair and keeps it soft. It is packed with vitamin B12, vitamin C, amino acids, minerals, and salicylic acid. It has been used for general hair health, hair growth, and also as a hair shampoo and conditioner.


Rosemary Essential Oil stimulates hair follicles, therefore increasing hair strength, hair growth, and for dry and flaky scalps. It has also been used as a remedy for mental fatigue.


Lemongrass Essential Oil stimulates hair follicles and also adds a refreshing citrus fragrance to the leave-in conditioner. It has anti-bacterial properties and is calming and soothing to the body.


Jojoba Oil is the closest oil to skin’s sebum. Therefore, is extremely healing and moisturizing for the hair. It is a non-greasy oil absorbing immediately into the hair. This will help with hair frizz and dryness.



Vegetable Glycerin is known for being a humectant. It is an amazing ingredient to add when air drying hair. It is amazing for curly hair and really dry hair. It should be used very sparingly so that it doesn’t create a sticky film.



Some commercial Leave in conditioners that are worth a try are:
Kinky Curly Knot Today and  Giovanni Direct Leave In

Step 2Choose A Natural Oil
Natural, unrefined, and virgin oils work best. Extra virgin olive oil and unrefined coconut oil not only seal moisture into the hair but it improves the health of hair as well. Jojoba oil is a good sealant for people who are acne prone since it's lighter and less likely to clog pores. ( I use a mix of coconut oil, Amla oil, grapeseed oil, and castor oil)



Step 3Moisturize Hair
Starting with wet hair, Split hair into 4 sections. take a quarter amount of leave in , spread it between your hands, and distribute throughout your hair ensuring that you saturate all the strands. Use more for longer and thicker hair and less for shorter and thinner. Be sure to pay extra attention to the ends of your hair since they are prone to drying and breaking.

Step 4Seal In Moisture With Your Oil * optimal on (co)wash day(s)*working from the same 4 sections. Spread a dime size amount of oil in between hands and distribute to each section. Avoid applying more than a dime size amount of oil to each section or hair may become too oily.


Continue the steps until all sections are completed.


Step 5

Style as normal. When I'm not in a protective style, my styling choices are twist outs, braid outs, and buns.

Removing Lint From Loc's

Few things look worse in locked hair than lint. What causes lint to build up in locs? It could be a particular product causes your hair to absorb lint like a sponge. Pillow fibers might cling to your locs at night. Your towel lint might be having a party in your hair. Whatever the cause, you want to get rid of it.

Commercial products that remove lint

A good clarifying shampoo might be all your hair needs to remove lint build-up, especially if you don’t have much to contend with. Here are a few products that get locked hair lint-free:

Aubrey Organics Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo ( from website)

This fast-acting clarifying shampoo deep-cleanses with just one application and rinses clean to leave hair shiny, bouncy and full. Herbal extracts deliver beneficial nutrients quickly and reduce drying time for fast and easy styling.

Bo Beam Lemon Drop Oily Hair/Locs Shampoo Bar ( from website)

The Lemon Drop is made with an aloe base and is packed with essential oils geared toward soothing oily hair and scalp - lemongrass, lavender, cedarwood, and aloe. It can be used as a clarifier to get rid of product build-up. It can also be used for teen and mature locs.

Carols Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo ( from website)

Invigorates and refreshes the scalp with cooling Peppermint Oil
Deeply cleanses and removes product build-up and daily toxins, without stripping away essential moisture
Restores your hair to its original shiny, healthy state.
Has Rosemary Extract to deliver antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to hair and scalp. Has Moisturizing Marine Extracts (Algae, Carrageenan, Spirulina and Seaweed) to provide hair and scalp with nourishing hydration
Helps to smooth, soften and boost shine.

Natural remedies to get rid of lint

Apple cider vinegar rinse – An apple cider vinegar rinse works as a natural hair cleanser by gently removing build-up. The rinse can produce a shine because apple cider vinegar naturally closes cuticle scales found on the hair shaft’s surface.

Create an apple cider vinegar rinse by combining:
* 1 cup distilled water
* 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

*Optional* add 5 drops of lavender, rosemary, lemon , sage or rose essential oil to the basic vinegar rinse recipe.

Pour the mixture over your hair as a final rinse after you shampoo. You might have to do an apple cider vinegar rinse a couple times before you see results.

Baking Soda – This is a powerful way to remove lint from your locs. Baking soda works as a clarifier, leaving your locs squeaky clean.

Make a baking soda clarifier by combining:
· 1 tablespoon baking soda
· 1 cup water
Pour the mixture over your hair, squeezing it into the hair and focusing on troublesome locs. Massage it into the hair for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Bentonite Clay – No, it will not build up in your locs. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly. Bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies, like a magnet. When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed.

Mix equal parts of the following in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon: (If you use metal, you will activate or de-activate certain properties in the bentonite clay)
· Bentonite clay
· Apple cider vinegar
It is normal for the mixture to sizzle. If you think the mix is too thick for you, use a few drops of lukewarm water. The consistency will be creamy. Place the clay directly on your locs, and leave it there for about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly. The lint will come to the surface and easily be removed.

Tweezers – Use tweezers to perform surgery on your locs. Carefully remove lint from wet locs with the tweezers. (Some prefer using a pin or a straightened paper clip). Make sure you actually have lint to begin with! If the stuff on your locs disappears when wet, you have build-up. If the fuzz remains, it’s lint. Go for the tweezers. Be careful you don’t thin your loc out. If it becomes too weak, you will have to cut or repair the loc(s).

How you can prevent lint from getting trapped in your locs
· Wear a scarf at night, when cleaning or doing other chores that might get your hair into close contact with cling-happy fabrics.

· Use dark-colored towels when drying your locs. Light colored towels can shed lint into your locs.

· Avoid products with petroleum in them, hair butters and creamy conditioners because these substances attract lint and other unwanted residue on your locs.

· Stay away from hats and scarves that shed, like angora or wool.

· Check your locs from time to time for lint. It is easier to remove lint off the surface of your locs, rather than having to remove embedded lint.

Product Junkies- Clutch ya Wallets!!!!!!!!

Are there products out there you've wanted to try, but you cant bring yourself to pay the high price tag? Do you have "stuff" cluttering up your cabinet? Are you a product junkie, that will try anything-at least once? If so, you need to check out Lolas Green Hair - #1 spot for purchasing or selling gently used hair care products. This INGENIOUS online listing service is a one-stop shop to purchase new, nearly new and gently used hair care products, at a fraction of the cost. There is no haggling or bidding, and details such as shipping costs and how much of the product is left are clearly stated in the description. I saw a jar of Miss Jessie's buttercreme for $4.50 ( 75% of a 2oz jar- THAT'S A DEAL!!!!!)

Here's how it works

Sellers of new, nearly new, or gently used products register on the site, and then list the product, pictures, and the price. You will be notified of potential buyers via email, you then request payment, and ship product(s). Use the social media icons to Tweet, post to Facebook, and use other channels to spread the word about what you’re selling!

Buyers click on ad your interested in, complete the form to contact the seller, and submit payment through Paypal to complete purchase, then await your product(s) to arrive in the mail.

LolasGreenHair.com saves some green, and keeps our environment a bit greener to boot.”Go check it out, you may find some goodies you've wanting to try. Or maybe this is your opportunity to clear out that shelf of products that aren't being used.

Today is my Birthday- I'm Fierce, Fabalous, and FORTY!!!!

Today I turned the big 4-0- yep- I'm 40 years old today. I must say that I'm proud of who I'am and my accomplishments. As with alot of people life and situations crept in and took me on a different path than the one I had set out for myself. I've been told a hundred times, your path and destiny has been pre determined-EVERYTHING that has happen in my life WAS SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN! ( including having Lupus).

I have 3 beautiful children, a beautiful grandson, husband and family that love me FAULTS AND ALL ( praise and testimony moment). I have a loving mother that blessed me with life and made many sacrifices to bring me to where I'am today.



The days leading up to my birthday I had time to reflect. I've noticed that I've become a "creature if habit". Which is neccessary in some suitations, but not every suitation.


I had several conversations about some of the things I'd dreamt of doing. My homeboy ( Malik) told me " you're never too old to live out your dreams". The only thing or person stopping you from living out your dreams are Y-O-U! I knew that, but hearing that, at that moment hit home. It was my " ah-ha" moment.

Ya'll know I posses alot of talent and sometimes my plate runneth over because I'm always doing something..lol..lol.. After giving it much thought- I realize that I had ALOT of things I wanted to do. Some simple, others more complex. Here is what I came up with, in no particular order of importance:

1. Bring awareness to Lupus
2. Launch my lupus foundation
3. Sponsor a awareness walk for Lupus
4. Make a family recipe book
5. Write more personal letters and create personalized cards
6. Establish a holiday tradition (Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July) with my grandson

7. Learn to crochet
8. Learn a foreign language ( specifically Spanish)
9. Wear more skirts and dresses
10. Take a cruise
11. Take a once in a lifetime trip. (Africa, Italy, Spain, Rome, or Greece)
12. Grow a veggie garden (those who know me will attest that this will be a very big challenge. I have black thumbs).
13. Have 12 hours of good sleep.
14. Read a whole book – one a month for a year.
15. Go to a cooking class with the hubby
16. Eat vegetarian for a week.
17. Tell the people who mean the most to me that I love them more often.
18. Renew my wedding vows in a destination ceremony
19. Find the perfect little black dress
20. Get back to a healthier weight (under 200 lbs) and fitness level (strength building).
21. Wear a bikini – and look fantabulous in it!
22. Have a “true” emergency fund.
23. Declutter and live a simpler lifestyle.

24. Bi-Monthly massages and facials ( more pamper me days)
25. Take my multivitamins every single day without missing (at least for a month).

26. Run (rather, walk/jog) a (5K) marathon
27. Start using coupons more
28. Have a thriving side hustle that will move me towards my goal of financial independence.
29. Go to New York City and be a complete tourist
30. Get a Mac (computer)
31. Take more walks
32. Learn to bake
33. Watch less TV
34. Attend Essence Music Festival
35. Pay off my car(s) ( and don’t buy another one)
36. Sing a karaoke song ( alone)
37. Get a bikini wax
38. Go on a no soda challenge for a month
39. Learn how to calm down
40. Visit a new east coast state
41. Attend a runway fashion show at Fashion Week
42. Try something new at my favorite restaurant
43. Go fishing ( catch, cook, and eat the fish)
44. Go to a concert ( the one and only concert I ever attend was New Edition – I was 13 yrs old)
45. Wardrobe haul ( only keep clothing and shoes that I actually wear)
46. Take a pole dance class
47. Learn how to mediate
48. Do a burlesque photo shoot
49. Trace my family roots ( ancestry)
50. Reconnect with my faith (attend church regularly)

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve”

I considered while writing my list is that each task/goal should be SMART. You've probably heard that acronym before - it stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timed.

Specific is what it is - you must be able to say exactly what you want to do. For instance, with #8, I didn't just say that I want to learn a foreign language; I specifically said that I want to learn Spanish

Measurable means that the goal must be something that can be quantified or tracked. Some of my goals are rather vague - for example #50 - I said that I want to go to church "regularly". What is regularly? That won't mean the same thing to everyone. However, I couldn't go much further with that. I didn't want to say every Sunday or every Wednesday because I don't know when I will go.

If something is attainable, that means that it's possible. All of the things I've listed here are within reach. I may have to work hard to make them happen, but they are all within reach.

Relevancy is subjective. What's relevant to me may not be relevant to you. However, all of my goals are VERY relevant to me.

Timed goals are set into a time box of sorts. All of these goals, I want to achieve by the age of 45. There's my time box.

I am looking at turning 40 as my new lease on life. I'm a little bit older, a whole lot wiser and most definitely, sexier!!! Does this mean that I am officially a "grown-up?" LOL!!!

Life Really Does Begin at 40!

So, what's on your list? How are you holding yourself accountable?

Eat This... For Healthy Hair

It's one of the maddening ironies of aging: Hair gets thinner where we want it -- on our heads -- and starts sprouting up in places we don't.

Good trimmers and tweezers are all you need for the latter. But for the former? Try these healthy hair foods from Drs. Roizen and Oz (see below) -- they can help make your locks look more like they did in your 20s.

Healthy-Hair Diet

Eat more salmon. Omega-3 rich foods like salmon and sardines help seal in shine. Distilled fish oils or DHA supplements will work, too. Need something new to do with salmon? Try this quick and easy Blackened Salmon Sandwich from EatingWell.

Be a bran lover. Bran is rich in vitamin B, which may slow hair loss and promote hair growth. Other B-rich victuals include beans, peas, carrots, cauliflower, soybeans, nuts, and eggs. Make bran-infused pancakes a snap with this Healthy Pancake Mix.

Say yes to avocados. Avocados and avocado oil may prevent some funky stuff that kills hair follicles -- dihydrotestosterone (DHT) -- from getting where it needs to go. Watch this video for shortcuts on cutting, peeling, and seeding an avocado.

Say no to animal fat -- and red meat -- if you're losing hair. They can lead to more DHT production and hair-follicle damage. Make meat-free gravy for your mashers with this delicious Portobello Gravy recipe.

Stock up on green tea. Brew a strong pot, cool it, then give your head a rinse to help kill off dandruff-causing fungus. Incidentally, if you drink green tea, the caffeine in it may help slow balding, too. Try this simple Green Tea-Fruit Smoothie for breakfast -- another fabulous EatingWell recipe.

Article courtesy of Real Age

Disclaimer: The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

Loc it up Thursday

Hairstyles are courtesy of

Twist & Curves
Distinctive Afrocentric Braids, Locs, Twists, & Natural Hair Designs
For The Man/Woman Who Dares to be Different!
Hartford, CT
860-523-4844

Twist & Curves

Twist & Curves

Hairstyles are courtesy of Twists and Curves
Join them on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/twistandcurves

These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx or Twist & Curves. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2011 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx.

FREE copy of the Hair Growth Survival Guide

Get your copy of the Hair Growth Survival Guide – The Do’s and Don’ts of Growing Healthy Hair

It can really be a challenge growing your hair especially with all the elements we have to deal with. In the winter you have to deal with the hot, dry indoor air that sometimes makes your hair dry and brittle...

Then there are the hot summer months that dry out your hair, weigh your hair down with the humid air that adds moisture and extra frizz.


Then comes your styling products. Sometimes you don't use the right products that are right for your hair type.


What about your diet? Are you eating the right foods?


Did you know that almonds, raisons and oranges are super foods that can help you grow longer hair? Simply add these simple snack foods to your diet on a regular basis for longer hair. But these aren't the only foods that will help grow your hair.


THERE ARE MORE! ...

If you want to know:
What foods will grow your hair longer
Shampoos you should never use
The food in your diet that could affect your hair growth
Essential ingredients for your hair
The #1 Moisturizer that's all-natural!
... + so much more! You'll be amazed!
This book is completely FREE of charge!

Your free e-book is ready for download. Grab it now!

http://www.curlyhairsalon.com/support-files/hairgrowthsurvivalguide.pdf.

This E-book is courtesy of Curly Hair Salon

[CLOSED]Karite Hair Product Review and GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

Thank you to all of you that entereded into the Karite Hair Product give away.The winners were chosen at random on Spetember 29, 2011. The winners of the Nourshing shampoo and reconstructiuve conditioner set are:

1. All Things Cute & Girly
2. Elizabeth @ Different Kinds of Curls
3. Pamela H
4. Amy V
5. Precious @ Precious Curls

Stay tuned for future giveaways and product reviews!

I received the Nourishing Shampoo, Reconstructive Conditioner, & Leave-In Conditioner 8 weeks ago. This review has taken a little time to complete because I typically wash my hair every 6 weeks ( co wash in between ). For this review I used the shampoo to wash my hair 3x's, the conditioner 8 times ( co wash), the leave in multiple times per week. I wanted to be as objective as possible and have a couple of washing before providing my review. I love these products! Immediately after washing my hair ( I did not pre poo like I normally would when using commerical shampoo's), my hair was left soft ( not stripped or dry like it normally feels after using commerical shampoo's). I noticed less frizz (with my wash n go's); my scalp didn't feel tight or itchy( another issue I have when I used commerical shampoo's). The conditioner provided the right amount of slip to make detangling a breeze, and it was easy to coat the strands (a little goes a long way!).

Picture-3 strand Twist Out

The light fragrance was a plus and the conditioner + leave in during my co wash sessions left my curls feeling moisturized, very manageable and bouncy. Using this product when I did 3 strand twist outs left my hair with body and assisted with that "Cotton Candy Hair" look. Read the ingredient label(s) if you are particular about the bad stuff ( silicone's, mineral oil, etc), these products may not be for you. My hair loved the products and i will keep a supply on hand. You can purchase the products at walgreens, walgreens.com, or at nuNATT.com

Disclosure: Complimentary products was provided for this review, however, all opinion(s) expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

5 lucky followers

Will win a Karite Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner Prize Pack!!!!

1. This giveaway is open until October 1, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST to U.S residents, 18 years old or older.

2. Only ONE comment per follower (comments will appear after I approve them)

3. “follow” this blog (on the sidebar to your right)* or via Network blogs

4. leave a comment on this blog post answering the following question: " What do you love most about being natural?"

5. Include how you’d like to be contacted if you win (leave your e-mail, twitter ID, etc)

Optional
* You will get an extra 2 entries if you are a subscriber of my YouTube channel (leave your username; I will check subscriptions before putting in another entry)

* You will get 2 extra entries if you follow me on Twitter @AuNaturaleDC

For your convenience, here is a guide for an entry: If it’s easier, you may copy/paste this as your comment and fill in the blanks.

1) I'm a resident of the U.S.
2) I followed this blog; I used ____ name to follow
3) What I love most about being natural is?/ I love being natural because_______
4) If I win, please contact me via ____

Optional:
please include 2 extra entries for me b/c I subscribe to your YT channel. My user name on YouTube is ______

Please include 2 extra entries for me b/c I follow you on Twitter. My Twitter name ______

The winner will be picked randomly on October 2, 2011. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

Click Here to Read the Prize/Giveaway Disclaimer