Friday, July 20, 2012
Blow dry tutorial...relaxed hair transitioning to natural
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Weave vs Natural Hair: The Boys Decide
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Natural vs Relaxed Hair Rant (Ladies, We've Got To Do Better, Pt 2.)
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Phony Pony/ Drawstring Ponytail (Transitioning to natural hair)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
How to Co-Wash Natural Black Hair
If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with co-washing, or washing the hair with conditioner only. Conditioner washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).
Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.
* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type. Search online for keywords "hair types" and narrow your hair type down to one or two close categories. You may be a combo 3c and 4a. This will help you better understand which type of conditioner to purchase among the many available.
* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid. Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found at http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/ingredients.html.
* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair and are often well worth the investment.
* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it initially stings your back, it's too hot). Cleansing results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.
* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.
(1) Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is covered.
(2) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl. With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like. This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be more dilute.
(3) Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray your hair and rinse out after bathing.
* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point, thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and distribute the conditioner evenly.
* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar scrub while your hair is being conditioned.
* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers through each section while the water flows through to remove any remaining conditioner.
* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s) can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping wet.
* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several ways to dry your hair.
(1) Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and squeeze excess water into the towel.
(2) Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders (lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised, shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right (like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.
(3) Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.
In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will benefit greatly from it.
Elle Paris is the owner of My Natural which provides no-nonsense user reviews for hundreds of products for natural hair care.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Natural Hair-Diversity
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Short and Natural: Crochet Hairstyle Using Afro-Kinky Bulk Hair!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Cindy Reveals Natural Hair!
Friday, February 10, 2012
NATURAL HAIR vs ME VLOG
Friday, January 13, 2012
Detangling Natural Hair 101 (Shampoo & Conditioner)
Friday, December 2, 2011
Brushes and Heavy Oils Hazards!! On Natural Hair
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
How I stretch out my natural hair for air drying...relaxed hair transitionin to natural
Friday, November 25, 2011
15 MINUTES MAKEOVER!! NATURAL HAIR TRANSFORMATION
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Benefits of Raw Shea Butter in Natural Hair
I have natural 4b hair and I recently ran out of my usual daily moisturizer. With the knowledge of knowing how important it is to have my hair type moisturized daily to prevent breakage I had to find an alternative to hold me over until I could order my favorite moisturizer. I went through several tried in failed attempts to discover what would work best.
The first thing I tried was misting my hair with plain waiter followed by the small amount of moisturizer that was left. By the time my hair completely dried, my hair was hard and dry. I then tried applying conditioner to my hair and water. The same result followed: dry, hard hair.
So I decided to use another moisturizer that I had on hand. I didn't really like this moisturizer because it is more of a moisturizing liquid spray, instead of a cream or lotion. Used alone this moisturizer would leave my hair feeling pretty hard when it dried. The moisturizer I am referring to is the CURLS Quenched Curls Moisturizer.
I first used plain water to mist my hair so it was damp all over. I then took the Quenched Curls Moisturizer and sprayed several squirts throughout my hair. I massaged the moisturizer in my hair from root to tip and combed my hair with a wide tooth comb. I then took a dollop of raw shea butter(the yellow kind), rubbed it in my hands to melt it and applied it section by section into my hair, getting more shea butter as needed. I finally combed my hair once again to distribute the shea butter evenly and my afro looked lovely.
Q. Even though my hair was soft now, how would it feel once it was dry?
A. After a few hours my hair still felt soft and moisturized.
Q. The following day?
A. My hair still felt soft and moisturized.
I was amazed at this revelation of how beneficial shea butter can actually be in black hair!
Natural raw shea butter acts as a natural conditioner and sealant. It seals in the much needed moisture into our hair, strengthens it and imparts a natural shine. You can also use it for twists and braids. I recommend all black women to introduce shea butter to part of their hair care routine whether you are all natural or relaxed. Your hair will benefit from it no matter what!
For the above regimen, any moisturizer can be used. You can also purchase a bottle of Pure Aloe Vera Juice and Vegetable Glycerin. Next measure 1 cup each of pure water, aloe vera, and the vegetable glycerin into a spray bottle. This is a great alternative to the Quenched Curls Moisturizer. Make sure you refrigerate this mixture, and use it in about a week because it contains no preservatives.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
My Journey In Natural African Hair Care
In 1993, I transitioned directly from permed hair to wearing Dreadlocks. Getting your hair to lock is a long, arduous process that requires a tremendous amount of patience and attention. I had to constantly re-twist and cut my hair. As well, I had to apply natural products like the cactus plant Rachette and Indian Hemp that were very strange and exotic to me at the time. After a short while of this natural processing, my hair emerged and it was beautiful! I had this big, twisted-up afro that was so unique, everywhere I went people would stare and gasp in amazement at how tight my hair looked! Between 6 months and a year later, I finally achieved real Dreadlocks. I must say however, that when that time came, I didn't think my hair looked as good. I was happy that I finally had my locks, but they weren't as unique looking as my curly fro.
My locks grew long and naturally (like Bob Marley's), because I didn't believe in going to lockticians to get my hair groomed. To me, wearing your hair Dreadlocked isn't a hairstyle, its a state of mind and I wanted to wear my hair as nappy as possible to demonstrate my love for natural African hair. Overtime however, although I loved my locks, I began to fantasize about that funky afro I had when I first started locking and I realized that I didn't have to wear Dreadlocks to represent. So, on New Year's day 2002, I cut my locks off! It wasn't hard at all and I was ecstatic!
My first non-locked, natural style was a TWA (Teeny Weeny afro). I was self-conscious and apprehensive about wearing my hair so short after all, I went from Dreadlocks almost down to my knees to really short hair. From that point on, my hair grew out to around 5-6 inches long, but it wouldn't grow any longer! I started trying different products and braiding my hair in extensions to get it to grow out, but I never achieved any real length. In fact, one of the last times I braided my hair, half of the length of my hair broke off in the back of my head! It took a terribly long time, but I finally realized I didn't know how to take care of my hair! I was so confused. Why did my Dreadlocks grow so long and so fast, but not my afro? So i jumped on the computer and started researching. Soon enough, I stumbled upon the natural African hair care videos on YouTube and my mind was blown!
I was doing EVERYTHING wrong! I learned that everybody's hair grows about 1 1/2 inches a month, but if your hair is breaking you will never see the growth. I thought my God, every time I wash my hair, I blow dry it and the sink is always full of hair. I also learned we aren't supposed to comb, brush or manipulate our hair too much, as this causes breakage as well. Again I thought to myself, my hair grew so long when I had locks, because I basically left it alone.
I gained such a wealth of knowledge from the online, natural African hair care community, that I was completely overwhelmed. Everything we are taught as Black women about hair care is wrong! EVERYTHING! No wonder so many of us seem to be relegated to the same short hairstyles and result to wearing weaves or wigs to know what it looks and feels like to have long hair.
I have nothing but respect and great admiration for Madame CJ Walker for innovating in hair care for Black women, but that was 100 years ago. While some of her inventions served us well in the past, others do nothing for the true health and growth of natural African hair today. It's time for Black women around the world to step into the 21st century and get educated in the Science of Natural African Hair Care. Now get with the program and Grow Your Natural!
This article outlines part of the author's journey in natural African Hair Care. For more information on the care of natural Black hair, go to: http://www.GrowYourNatural.blogspot.com
Thursday, November 3, 2011
naTURAL jOURNEY bC 1 YeAR
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Re: HOW TO FAKE A RELAXER! (HOW TO BLEND NATURAL HAIR W/ STRAIGHT WEAVE AND WIGS)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Flat iron tutorial part 2..relaxed hair transitioning to natural
Friday, September 2, 2011
Natural Hair, The Journey
Before you even begin your natural hair journey, you need to have a plan. You and your hair are going to go through a serious transition. Its almost like a 12 step program. If you do not have a plan to take you through this transition, sheer frustration (depending on your hair type) will send you running back to a relaxer faster than you can say natural. I say depending on your hair type, because some people can slap their hair into a ponytail and look presentable. If you have hair like mine, you have to learn how to tame her before she will do anything for you.
During your transition phase, you still want to look presentable, especially if you have a professional job. What you don't want to do is rock the half relaxed, half natural look, like I did for a while. Or wear your hair in a head wrap everyday.
Here are some tips on how to maintain your hair while growing your relaxer out.
Braids
Braids can be a lifesaver. You have the choice to braid your natural hair or use synthetic hair. You will never get bored with braids, because you can wear your braids in a plethora of styles. Everyone knows someone that can braid.
Hot Comb/Blow out
Although, this is my least favorite, some people tend to press their hair during their transition. Excessive heat can damage your hair. But on the other hand their are new and improved ways to press your natural hair today that can minimize the heat damage. If this is the route you choose to go, try to find a professional to press your hair for you. Also make sure to treat your hair. Get a really good deep conditioner to try to combat the damage that you may be causing your hair.
wigs
You can purchase a couple of wigs and alternate between them. Wigs are another resource. They come in every color and style imaginable. The opportunities are endless. During this time you should also be experimenting with different ways you may want to wear your hair when you are completely natural. Do your research, visit this site and other sites and magazines for the latest styles.
How long will it take to grow out my relaxer?
This is a question that I am asked a lot. There is really no cut and dry answer. What you're really asking is, how long do I have to endure the ugly phase? Everyone is different. My hair is course and thick, and my new growth would surface quickly. Waiting 6 weeks to get a touch up was torture for me, because my new growth was in usually within 3-4 weeks. I would say within 6-7 months (if memory serves me correctly) I had enough new growth to cut off the relaxed ends. It really depends on how fast your hair grows.
Do I have to cut my hair?
Another question, I get all the time is, Do I have to cut my hair? Again this may be on a case-by-case basis. I have never met anyone that has not had to cut their hair at some point during the process, but I have heard rumors that you can go natural without cutting your hair. As for me, I realized when it was time for the big chop, because my hair stopped growing, began breaking a lot and my ends became very stringy. For you it may be different.
I've also heard people say that they cut their hair as they went through the process, rather than cutting off the relaxed ends all at once.
Okay you are all "Na-Chu-Ral," So what the heck do I do now? You are finally free! You've unchained yourself from the relaxer and now you have a head full of natural hair, your hair Your beautiful hair. Now after you have run your fingers through it a dozen times, reality sets in. What do I do with all of this hair? Hopefully by now you have come up with some styles that you may be interested in trying out. Now it's time to put your plan into motion. The worst thing is to wake up in the morning to get ready to go to school or work and not have a clue what you are going to do with your hair. I've been there. Don't do it! You have to get used to combing and styling your own hair. It's a bit different without a relaxer. Be patient and practice good planning.
Kenisha Forbes
For more on natural hair related tips visit http://www.na-turallyme.com