Loc it up Thursday- How to take better care of dreadlocks

Once you've got your new hair style, taking good care of dreadlocks often becomes a top priority. Whether you decide to take care of your style on your own or with the help of a professional stylist, dreadlock hair care is as hard or as simple as you want it to be.

Many people have these mythical thoughts that having dreadlocks means less hair maintenance. It doesn't though; having dreadlocks just means having a different hair maintenance routine.

You have two choices for this routine: you can either spend money on your hair or spend time with your hair.

Spending Money: Git Your Hair Did

A stylist that specializes in the professional care of dreadlocks is called a loctician. There are a growing number of specialized salons around the world for people interested in sporting either natural or synthetic locks.
These hair specialists have knowledge of hair locking methods and maintenance techniques that aren't always taught in traditional cosmetology schools where hair stylists learn their trade.

Among other services, a loctician can help you maintain 'manicured locks' - locks that are usually styled, coloured and otherwise groomed - to give you a clean, "mainstream-friendly" appearance.


Spending Time: D.I.Y. - Do It Yourself

Should you chose to have your hair professionally maintained and styled, you’ll still have to maintain your own hair between visits; there’s no way around it if you want a healthy head of hair full of soft, shiny, flexible locks.
And even if you've never considered using a stylist for your dreads, you know that your locks need to be maintained on a regular basis. We're able to give you tips and techniques to make that maintenance a lot easier.

Whether we are talking about Black hair care, Asian hair care or Caucasian hair care, the way that you will maintain your hair with dreadlocks will have changed a bit from what you are used to.

Taking care of dreadlocks on your own saves you money, but it often takes as much as twice the amount of time than if you had professional care. Don’t think of it as hard or as a waste of time though. If you hadn’t before, you’ll begin to enjoy taking care of dreadlocks by yourself and will love how easy it is.

Spending a while with your hair gives you a better feel for what works and what doesn’t. You’ll acquire a taste for a wide range of hair care products like Au'Naturale by Mz. Sixx, Carol's Daughter, Mango and Lime Products, Knotty Boy Products, Ms. Jessies's, fine essential oils and must-have dreadlock hair tools.

All this so you can give yourself salon-like treatment (without the salon-like price)! Find out what your hair maintenance program should and should not include by by consulting a loctician.

**Special** Any two for $20- donation to Haiti Emergency Fund

Au'Naturale prides itself on giving back to the community and participating in relief efforts. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that has impacted Haiti, I have come up with a special containing our best selling products. You may choose any two items listed on this page at the discounted rate of $20.00- that's right- two items for the low cost of $20.00-that's a saving of up to $3 if purchased separately. In return, Au' Naturale will donate $3 from each purchase to the Haiti emergency fund. (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuNaturalebymzsixx)

Coconut Creme Custard

Coconut Creme Custard is a hair moisturizer creme that is suitable for most types of hair, It is light enough to use every day and never leaves hair feeling heavy and just like all our all natural products, there is never any product
buildup. Made with organic shea butter and extra virgin coconut oil this custard is perfect for use on every member of your family.

It is recommended for use daily on wet or dry hair and scalp or as needed.

Great for wash and go hair!

Chemical Free, Paraben Free, 100% Natural

Ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, Safflower Oil, Almond Oil, and Vegetable Glycerin

Healthy Hair Elixir

Mz. Sixx healthy hair elixir is multi-purposed. It can be used daily as an emollient hair and scalp dressing, and is excellent for use on all hair types. Use it to add natural shine to natural, straight, relaxed, or curly hair. It is at it's very best, when used as a deep penetrating hot oil treatment. This combo of safflower oil, avocado oil, castor oil,and vitamin E masterfully blended with essential oils to help moisturize the hair while encouraging hair growth.

Organic Coconut Loc Butter

Loc Butter is an exceptional styling aid great for maintaining locs or on any natural twist style you may choose while providing a desirable hold and a satin sheen.

~ Chemical Free, Paraben Free, 100% Natural ~

Made with Organic Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Safflower Oil, Almond oil, and Essential Oil

Loc & Twist Oil

This all natural oil blend consist of extra virgin olive oil, apricot kernel oil, almond oil, castor oil, safflower oil, blended with essential oils and vitamin E. This oil blend will give your loc's added shine and help it to retain moisture with a heavenly lemon scent.

As with all hair and skin care items, should irritation occur, discontinue use.

*******************$5.00 Flat Shipping *******************

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuNaturalebymzsixx

Product Review Wednesday- Maxiglide

Maxi Glide Product Review

Describe your normal routine (i.e. how do you normally wear your hair, what products do you apply to your hair, and how would you normally straighten your hair?)

I normally wear my hair in a puff or twist out. I usually shampoo once a week. My shampoo right now is Dr. Bonner's Peppermint Soap and I mix with Coconut Oil or Olive Oil. I do a an Aphogee protein treatment weekly and condition with Silk Elements. My leave in conditioner is Knot Today and I do a Coconut Cream Relaxer monthly. My styling products are Miss Jessie's Buttercream, Curly Pudding, and my very own whipped shea butter.

How did you learn about the Maxi glide?

From Audra on DCSG. ( DC Sista Girls is a yahoo online sisterhood)

What were you likes/dislikes about the Maxi glide?

I love how is soft in makes my hair. I also like that I don't have to excessive heat with the blow dryer, straightening comb, and flat iron to get my hair straight. The MaxiGlide does it all.

Would you recommend this product to others with relaxed, natural, or transitioned hair?

All.

Did you achieve the desired results using the maxi glide?

I did, my hair was soft and straight.

How long did your hair maintain the desired straightness?

One week. I probably could have gone longer, but I wash and condition every week.

Does the steam burst button really work?

It does. I was amazed at the wonders it worked on my ends.

How long does it take to heat up?

Between 1-2 minutes.

Did you use the maxi glide on damp hair or wet hair?

The first time I used in on wet hair (learned my lesson), since I've only used it on dry hair.


How comfortable is the feel of the irons?

The iron is comfortable. I used my entire hand, I haven't been able to get the finger/thumb combination down.

Did you use you own personal products or the product that comes with the maxi glide?

I use my own products. I've (heard)good things about the MaxiGlide products may have to give them a try in the future.

What was the cost of the maxi glide and where did you purchase the maxi glide?

$70 from HSN (great price). I've paid $150 for a flat iron.

** Review Provided by Ms. Mocha- DCSG Yahoo Group- Thank you Mocha for your participation**

Mixology Tuesday Present-The Carmel Hair Treatment-

The carmel hair treatment-Have any of you heard of this? I was doing some research online when I came across this and I knew right away I had to dig deeper.... Apparently this was the "it" thing to do back in 2006- 2007- again I never heard of this. I was actually able to find the original " Carmel Treatment" and I also found a replica receipe for all my DIY mixiolgsist. I have NOT tried this- If any of you try this treatment or have tried this- PLEASE provide feedback and post a comment..... I would like to know how well this works...

E'Tae All Natural Hair Products and Salons ( www.etaeproducts.com
) sell a deep-penetrating hair treatment called Carmel for $19. On the E'Tae website, the company claims the reconstructor contains olive oil, honey, and other natural ingredients that contain vitamins and minerals to strengthen, condition, and moisturize the hair, imparting shine, softness, and body. After a little research, I've found this replica receipe that rival that one for much cheaper keeping the integrity of the product and always " Au' Naturale"....

Step 1- Gather and mix your ingredients

6-tbsp honey
6-tbsp evoo
3-tbsp wheat germ oil
2 jars of banana baby food ( or 2-3 overripe bananas)
3 tsp- black strap molasses
1-tbsp of cornstarch * optional *
1- tsp apple cider vinegar
cornstarch- * optional* used for thickening purpose



Step 2

Once you mix the products together you may need to add more corn starch. If the product is too runny it can be a bit of a mess to work with. I heard at that yous should mix these ingredients in a blender- especially if you use the over ripe bananas.

Step 3

After you've mixed the ingredients and you've developed the right consistency (should be cake batter thick, give or take, depending on how much olive oil you use) wrap a towel around your shoulders, part your hair into for sections and begin applying the product.

Step 4

Start from the root of your hair and work the product to your ends. Do NOT comb the product through your hair, as the thick texture will pull your hair out of it is comb through. Apply a generous amount of the product and slick your hair down as much as possible to get it straight, similar to the way a hair relaxer is applied.

Step 5

Cover hair with a conditioning cap.

Step 6

Leave the product in your hair for 1 hour minimum. The longer you leave it in the better. ** do not keep mixture on your hair overnight- DO NOT sit under the hair dryer with the product on your hair **

Step 7

Rinse the product out and use more of your apple cider vinegar to help cleanse your hair of the product.

Step 8

Once you are finished your hair will feel softer and you will probably notice your curls are more defined and looser. If this is not your result the first treatments don't fret. It may take a few treatments before your hair reacts.

**Disclaimer**

Carmel Treatment is not a relaxer, it is a great Moisturizing Conditioner that can be an alternative to a relaxer for those seeking to transition out of relaxers, for those who are all natural and for those trying to stretch their relaxer. It is NOT permanent either. The results last for about 4 weeks. Great protectant when using styling tools ( blow dryer, flat irons, curling irons, maxi glide)

** Picture Courtesy of " The Natural Mixtress"

Today is my 2 year loc anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has been 2 years since I first began my locking journey! Every year my only wish is that I had begun it sooner. Being natural for about 10 years off/on prior to starting locks, I was able to experience all the ups and downs of having a thick head of tight coils to manage, style and love! It’s so interesting to see how my locks have changed over time…and how my love for all things natural have emerged!!!!!!

In 2008, after being laid off from my job in Human Resources- I took part of my first unemployment check and got comb coils all over my head. Because funds were SUPER-TIGHT I only saw my locthican 3 additional times after the initial visit. The last time being in March of 2008- when she performed my first wash (OMG- my head was begging to be washed.. OOOH.. I still remember that invigorating feeling of the peppermint shampoo penetrating through to my scalp) As she started to tighten my locs I asked her to turn me around in the mirror so that I could see exactly what she was doing. I knew that would be my last visit for a while- I could not afford to spend $75-$90 on maintaince- I was going to have to learn this on my own…..
I palm rolled them once a month with a black protein gel (that’s what the locthican used). I wasn’t happy with the “look” so I started using Mango and Lime products. Other than the scent I wasn’t much happier with that product.” Many of you remember me complaining of the amount of time it took me to retwist and I often wore them on top of my head as they grew because they weren’t mature yet and they weren’t long enough, (so I thought) to style them. It was all very new to me. So I invested in hand bands and scarves and turned to You Tube to seek assistance on how to rock a hand band and how to wrap my hair with scarves. I didn’t do much with them but watch them grow.

At 12 months, I was enjoying the fact that my hair could “hang” and “shake”! I continued to palm roll each month and especially loved the thickness of my hair. The locks were pretty uniform by way of size and I hadn’t lost any nor had any become too thin at the scalp where they would need to be combined

At 14 months, I was just beginning to experiment a bit more and I also had made some attempts to latch my own new growth. I could only get a few done then would get tired. I didn’t know what I was doing, although I watched many You Tube videos.. Mine looked NOTHING like there’s.. I tangled one so bad that I had to cut it.. My locs appeared a bit thinner than before, because when I palm rolled them, they were thick and fuzzy- and some of the length was gone.... Then I thought I would “trim” my frizzes- JACKED THAT UP TOO.. Needless to say- I no longer take scissors to my head.. NOPE.. I started visiting blogs and hair forums on what products to use. My head was a HOT AZZ MESS and it was all my fault.. What did I do?? Every week I was threatening (myself) to go to a barber, shave my head, and start over… Something held me back EVERYTIME (thank GOODNESS-hey DONI.. I was scared of you!!!!). I never knew anything about reading labels, avoiding petroleum, or mineral oil, etc.. I wasn’t doing my loc’s any justice.. What have I done.. ????

At 16 months, I began to play around with natural hair care recipes, started a blog and started creating my own products “ Au’ Naturale by Mz. Sixx ( http://etsy.com/shop/aunaturalebymzsixx). Before I knew it- I became the mixologist.. I began to re mix recipes, add my touch and experiment.. People was coming to me for advice, I became a member of several natural hair care forums, and began mastering my craft. I started trying different hair styles, attempted color (lol..lol..- don’t ask), and have a healthy head of BEAUTIFLY LOC’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE THEM…LOVE THEM… LOVE THEM…

I cant believe I’m here- 2 years later.. After all the doubts, all the days when I wanted to cut off because I had an imagine of what my loc’s would look like (I realized- I had to let them do what they do- I cant change that) products are hot!, my hair is beautiful, and COMING SOON- The salon and store!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What? You didn’t know?? Oh yeah.. its coming doll.. the mixologist is grinding- and I owe it all to my loc’s!!!! Happy Anniversary

NEW FORMAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Family,
2010 is here and I'm excited about the buzz on natural hair care. Natural hair care has a strong following and I'm blessed to be a vehicle to help share the knowledge and educate those who are natural and seeking healthy hair. We will continue to embrace the natural hair movement along with healthy hair, have more contest, and post DIY receipes. Instead of random post on random days, I've put the following schedule in place.

Monday- Au'Naturale' - Everything & Everything Natural

Tuesday- Mixiology Tuesday ( receipes for DIY hair care maintence)

Wednesday- Product Review

Thursday- Loc it up ( topic soley on loc's, drez, sisterlocks, dreadlocks)

Friday- Friday Friday ( Random post- and Blog spotlight)

Saturday- Skin Care Tips

So I hope you will continue to follow me on the journey ahead. I hope you will grow with me, give us guidance on where Au'Naturale need to grow to keep you clicking, and become a part of the Au'Naturale community.

Thank you for your support, whether it was you becoming a part of our Au'Naturale Yahoo group, retweeting my posts, telling just one friend about Au'Naturale, buying products, or commenting on posts, you are the reason why Au'Naturale has grown!

With great appreciation- Be Blessed- and always Au'Naturale

Miss Sixx & Au'Naturale