MAINTAIN HEALTHY HAIR WHILE WEARING A SEW-IN

Sew-ins are great.  They keep your hair away so you don’t have to style it.  They give your hair a break from the elements.  However, it is not a hairstyle that allows you to be lazy.  Neglecting the hair underneath is a big mistake many women make when wearing sew- ins.  Not paying attention to the hair underneath the weave can leave you with a mess once you take the weave down.  However it’s not that easy to access the hair underneath the weave.  Washing your hair, moisturizing your scalp and of course scratching become ten times harder when wearing a sew-in.  How can you take care of your hair without your weave becoming greasy and product heavy?  I have some tips that may help, especially if you maintain your sew-ins without the help of a beautician.

1. Leave the oils alone.  Oils can be really good for your scalp, but they’re your weave’s worst enemy.  Oiling your scalp almost always leaves you with a greasy weave because they are runny.  There are alternative ways to get moisture to your hair and scalp.  Leave in conditioner is one option.  Lightly push the conditioner into your braids.  Another product I recommend is Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 Miracle Worker.  This is a great moisturizer you can use for your scalp and braids.  It’s very light and it’s a thin cream so it isn’t messy.
2. wash the braids underneath when you shampoo your weave. we don't like washing our hair when we have weave because of the  fear  of our braids getting lose and old but never neglect the health of your hair, for the sake of maintaining  a hairstyle longer
3. Take out your weave. Never leave your weave in for more than two months.  Two months is even pushing it.  At this point your braids begin to matte and tangle and so all that length you obtained while you wore your sew-in will break off when you have to detangle your hair.  Remember your hair will be very dirty underneath at this point also.  It will probably itch all the time at this point because your hair and scalp need a good, real wash.  Don’t hold on to an old weave; when its time, its time.
4. Fix the issues before the next sew-in.  If you’re experiencing a lot of shedding or breaking once you take down your weave, find the source of the issue and fix it.  Getting another sew in will only complicate things further.  Wigs will give you the chance to fix any damage if you aren’t comfortable wearing your hair.  If you use a wig, take full advantage of the fact that it is removable.  Pamper your hair back to health and when you’re at home take the wig off and let your hair get some air.

3 Lessons On Growing Short Hair out

Lesson 1

There’s no need to take shortcuts to see results. You want to give your hair an opportunity to retain length and health without the intervention of methods that may cause side effects that can harm your hair and health. You also don’t want to apply methods that may improve your rate of hair growth but also lead you to false expectations. For example, if hypothetically you’re able to retain one inch one month, you might assume that you will be able to grow and retain a foot of hair in a year.  Set a goal to achieve the healthiest hair that you can, rather than achieving fast growth and I promise you will find your journey more enjoyable and less frustrating.

Lesson 2

Single strand knots, split ends and tangles are not your enemies. Annoying, yes but not the enemies you think they are. Early in my healthy hair journey, I found tangles and knots extraordinarily frustrating because I felt that each one represented 100 more that I had not yet discovered.  However, I eventually realized that other than regular trimming I didn’t need to do anything else to rid myself of these irritating hair nuisances. Again, let me assure you that tangles and small knots have not hindered my hair growth so don’t worry that every knot you detect will hinder yours.

Lesson 3

Protective styles that adversely affect other aspects of your hair health are simply not worth it. If a protective style helps you to grow hair down your back but causes bald spots or thin edges, it is NOT protecting your hair. Be sure to monitor both the health of your hair and scalp if you wear wigs or weaves to be sure that you aren’t unwittingly damaging your tresses.

Common Myths About Moisturizing Natural Hair

Moisturizing natural hair can feel like a “complex art” at times, and moisture-related myths certainly do not help the situation. Here are a few of those myths that I want to debunk today:

 1. Protein conditioners are a no-no Protein conditioners can actually help damaged hair – or even just older ends of the hair – retain moisture. Here is how: Your cuticle layer acts as a protective layer for the inner cortex of your hair strand. When the cuticle layer is damaged – e.g., broken cuticle scales, missing cuticle scales, lifted cuticle scales, etc. – moisture retention becomes difficult. Protein conditioners can help by temporarily patching up this layer, thus helping to “seal” in moisture in a way.

 2. Moisturizing daily is a must Moisturizing daily is not an automatic requirement that comes with being natural. Believe it or not, there are some of us out here who can go anywhere from a few days to a week without re-moisturizing our hair. How long you can go between moisturizing sessions depends on several factors, especially the characteristics of your hair, the style you are wearing (protective vs. loose), AND the effectiveness of your products and method. Moisturizing daily is not a must for every natural.

 3. Hair without shine = dry hair Even though I want to say that this myth has already been debunked, there are still naturals who believe that hair that lacks shine equals dry hair. Truth be told, shine is a function of a few factors, including what products you use and how stretched or straight your hair is. When light reflects off of this “flat” surface, (i.e. the stretched/straight hair) it can cause the shine we see. Oils and other products can enhance this shine even more. Now naturals who have very tight coils and kinks may have sheen – a soft luster – when their hair is moisturized, but not necessarily a shine… and that is not a bad thing. So how can you tell if your hair is dry? Well one attribute of moisturized hair is pliability.

 4. Products that contain alcohol will dry out the hair  … it depends on what the alcohol is. I have heard some people adamantly say, “I refuse to buy a conditioner with alcohol in it,” believing that cetyl alcohol is a drying alcohol. The truth is cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, just to name a few, are “fatty alcohols.” Fatty alcohols are not at all drying like the rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) you would put on a wound. (Actually, many fatty alcohols are waxy.) The inclusion of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol on an ingredients label is usually due to use as one of the following:
 a) a thickener or thickening agent
 b) an emulsifier 
c) an emollient. And guess what? Emollients can help to soften the hair!

How To Grow Out Your Nape Hair

Some of these tips are no-brainers and techniques that we already 
practice. So, I think it’s probably best to pick and choose the techniques that are likely to work for you and modify as needed:

 Don’t over-manipulate the hair at the nape with brushing and/or combing.

 Be very gentle when detangling the nape area (finger detangling is recommended).

 Wear styles that prevent your nape hair from rubbing your clothing as excessive friction can cause damage and breakage.

Avoid placing a lot of tension on the nape hair with overly tight weaves, braids, bun and ponytail styles.

Protect the nape at night with a silk/satin scarf and/or bonnet ensuring that this area is fully covered.

 A satin pillowcase adds yet another level of protection in the event that your headgear is prone to “slippage” like mine.

If you use commercial permanent colors, apply dyes to the nape last so that it is processed for less time or don’t treat this area at all.

 If/when you use heat, reduce the temperature and ensure the hair is adequately treated with a heat protector. 
Moisturize and seal this hair more if hair it is prone to dryness. This applies to using additional conditioner through the wash session (regular conditioner, deep conditioner) and moisture during styling (leave-in, styler, sealing).

 Massage the scalp to promote circulation and growth. (I use an essential oil mix that has been proven to stimulate growth. 

Braid the nape hair into a horizontal cornrow and thread the length through the cornrow to protect it.

Spray Bottle is a Healthy Hair Must have.

A Spray Bottle is a Natural Hair Necessity. If you do not have a spray bottle, get one! It is one of the best investments you can make. Spritzing the hair with water is the best way to refresh those curls in between washes.

The spray bottle is used to rehydrate dull curls. It allows you to shape, moisturize, and stretch hair without soaking or re-wetting the whole head.  You can more evenly distribute your moisturize when applying with a spray bottle. Its perfect for moisturizing and re-twisting the hair daily before bed.  You can also use your spray bottle in styling your hair.

LENGTH RETENTION TIPS FOR YOUR HAIR

1. Don’t touch your hair
It can be tempting to play with your new hair growth, but excessive manipulation causes breakage. Keeping your hair back and out of your face (in braids, buns, twists, etc) will help relieve some of the temptation to touch your hair. If you want to keep it, don’t touch it!


2. Lay off the heat
Every time you use heat on your hair, you are damaging it. Try going six months without using heat and see what happens; your hair will be much healthier and you will have better length retention. Cutting back will still make a difference—if you usually use heat every day, try only using it once a week. 

3. Protective Styling
Protective styles are great for length retention—they require little to no manipulation and your hair will be protected from environmental damage. But you can’t completely forget about your hair when it’s in a protective style. Remember to continue cleansing moisturizing your scalp and hair on a regular basis.

4. Finger Detangling
Finger detangling is best for fine hair or hair that’s prone to breakage. But there is definitely a fine line when it comes to detangling—as I mentioned earlier, you want to avoid excessive manipulation. You should detangle as little as possible, while keeping your hair as untangled as possible. Protective styling is a great way to keep that balance, and you should use natural oils or conditioner in the detangling process to avoid breakage. And of course, patience is key!

Reasons Why a Silk Pillow Case Is Good For Your Hair

There are many reasons as to why you should choose a silk pillow case instead of a traditional cotton pillowcase. Over the recent years, silk pillowcases have gained increasing popularity not only as a beautiful and opulent addition to your bed, but also as a beauty product for healthy and great looking hair. Here are the top three reasons why a silk pillow case is good for your hair:

Breathability

You spend a lot of time on your pillowcase at night. There is no other material that your hair is in contact with for so long as that of your pillowcase. Therefore, the properties of the material used in your pillowcase are very important for beautiful and healthy hair. The moisture-wicking property of silk is one of the features that make silk pillowcases a good investment in the beauty of your hair. Silk can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture - which in your case is perspiration - and still remain dry. Moisture will be wicked away from your hair for a comfortable sleep and keep your hair looking great longer.

Non-Irritating

Cotton pillows have a coarser texture that can cause your hair to break and tangle, matt, and get frizzy as you toss your head or rub it against the pillowcase every night. Unlike cotton, a silk pillowcase is made of perfectly smooth fibres. This means that sleeping on a silk pillowcase will cause no mechanical irritation to your hair. More importantly, silk fibres have a very similar structure with that of the human hair, containing 97% amino acids and 3% waxy and fat fibres. This helps reduce hair damage, such as split ends.

No Chemicals

Among the many wonderful properties of silk, you can include its chemical-free composition. This means that your hair will be healthier and happier when you sleep on a silk pillowcase.

Your pillowcase is one of the most important parts of your bedding as it stays in contact with your hair and skin for long hours. What more appropriate material to use for your pillowcase than silk, the most luxurious fabric on the planet? A silk pillowcase is a great investment that can offer you healthy, smooth looking hair, soft and hydrated skin, a comfortable sleep, and, of course, a luxurious feeling that no other man made material can match.

Improving Hair Porosity.

The best way to explain high porosity in natural hair is imagine that your hair is a sponge.  A sponge absorbs water very quickly and become soft and flexible.  But just as fast as it absorbs the water, it loses it at the same rate. High porosity in hair is the same way.   This translates into dry hair that has a difficult time retaining moisture. Hair is also hard and lacks flexibility or elasticity.  This makes it more susceptible to breakage and damage from both internal and external factors.  Usually raised and damaged hair cuticles are the blame.

Here are some treatments or products that help to decrease your hair’s porosity by closing or repairing damaged hair cuticles.  By closing and repairing the hair cuticle you are helping to moisturize and strengthening the overall health of your hair.

Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioners are hair products that fortify the hair with moisture or protein ingredients.  There are many on the market but can be distinguished between functionality.  Deep conditioners will either intensely moisturize your hair or strengthen and repair by infusing proteins.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is the holy grail of natural oils. Not only is it one of the few natural oil with a composition small enough to penetrate the hair shaft. It has been proven to prevent damage and protein loss when applied before each shampoo.  That’s right, if you pre-poo with coconut oil you can prevent hair damage.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

As a pH balancer Apple Cider Vinegar has acidity properties that return the hair to its original pH of about 4.0. Balancing the hair’s pH results in closed hair cuticles.  The hair’s cuticles are raised by water and hair products during your shampoo sessions.  A weekly ACV rinse can close hair cuticles leaving the hair more moisturized and smoother in appearance. It ultimately decreases your hair porosity.

The LOC Method [Liquid.Oil.Cream]

The LOC (Liquid Oil Cream) Method moisturizes natural hair in 3 simple step. Its scientifically one of the best ways to moisturize natural hair when done with the right products and in the right order. Let’s explore 3 Reasons the LOC method works to moisturize hair and how it works.

Three Reasons the LOC method Works to Moisturize Hair

1. Water = Moisture

When it comes to moisturizing, water is moisture. Its a no brainer that adding water as the liquid to your hair is going to moisturize and hydrate. The issue is retaining that moisture from water. And that’s where the other 2 components of the L.O.C. method comes into play.

2. Oil Helps the Hair Hold on to Water Molecules

This is where the method loses some people. And for good reason. It’s true that oil and water don’t mix.  And if you are not using oils that penetrate the hair its best to use your cream before your oil or LCO Method. But certain natural oils have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and bind with the hair internal structure or protein. These oils are coconut, olive, and avocado oil. They increase the hair’s ability  to hold on to water molecules.

3. Cream Locks In Moisture

But let’s not get caught up on the word cream. Because the best creams when it comes to this method may or may not be creams at all. The purpose of the cream component is to seal or lock in moisture introduced from L & O. Natural products that seal and coat the hair are ideal. They are more likely to retain moisture but still allow the hair to take in additional moisture in the case of rehydration between shampoos or co-washs. The best coating oils are Castor, Grapeseed, and Jojoba. They act as sealants. They can also act as emollients that lubricate and fill in gaps along the hair cuticle to prevent moisture loss.

BEGINNING A HEALTHY HAIR JOURNEY- WHAT TO BUY FIRST!

Beginning the journey to healthier natural hair can be an overwhelming process. Choosing the right products can be costly, time extensive and frustrating with so many options available.

Contrary to what many companies would like for us to think, most natural hair products contain the same ingredients and don't vary much from product to product. When you learn what ingredients your hair likes and dislikes, it will become more easier to pick hair care products. You will know that if a product contains a certain ingredient high in the ingredient list, it may or not work well for your hair.

Here is a list of some  ingredients, all very cheap and each and can be mixed and matched to suit your hair type. These ingredients are found in almost every type of natural hair care product from leave-ins to shampoos!

1. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is a great pH balancer (pH of 4), and can soothe itchy off balance scalps, add much needed moisture to thirsty hair, and smooth the cuticle. Aloe vera juice is great as a spritz (has a light hold) or as a rinse after using a shampoo with a high pH. It can also be beneficial during the detangling process. You can order aloe vera juice online or get it from your local health food store.

2. Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin often gets a bad rap because it is a humectant, and in certain environments can make hair hard, crunchy, or greasy. When used in certain formulations, however, vegetable glycerin can be your hair's best friend, attracting and helping to retain moisture. 

3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
If you have scalp problems, let this essential oil become your best friend. One thing that many women complain about is an itchy, dandruff laden scalp. Tea tree oil is a great addition to your routine... add it to shampoos, conditioners, and even alongside carrier oils for a nice scalp massage.

4. Butters
Whether, you opt for shea butter (my love), mango butter or avocado butter, get you a butter and make a mix for your hair. You can use butters as moisturizers (mixed with other ingredients), sealants, etc. The world of butters is endless. You can use them in multiple ways from nourishing, to smoothing, to styling! Buy them in bulk and you can get enough to last at least a year!

5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the best oils hands down. You can use this oil in many ways- - oil rinsing, scalp massages, moisturizing, sealing, and as a styling aide.

6. Coconut Oil
Just like Olive Oil, this oil can become your best friend. It's great for deep conditioning and as a leave in, and can be used to seal in the moisture from your conditioning treatments.This is just a basic list, but once you find out how your hair reacts to these few ingredients, you will be able to quickly decide which hair products are worth your money and which ones aren't. You may not like an ingredient as a leave-in, but find that you love it mixed with your shampoo or rinse-out conditioner. Experiment and remember that using natural hair products doesn't have to be pricey or overwhelming! Keep it simple!

HOMEMADE TREATMENTS FOR HEALTHY HAIR.

 When it comes to hair, sometimes the best treatments are actually quite simple and quite yummy! these foods are amazing for keeping hair moisturized and conditioned.

Coconut Milk Treatment
Coconut milk is rich in protein and fatty acids, which makes it great for conditioning, strengthening and minimizing hair breakage. It also protects you hair from the UV damage of constant sun exposure, it has been great for restoring shine and softness to hair.

You’ll need:
 1 cup coconut milk,
 1 peeled and mashed avocado,
 1 tbsp of honey (Be sure to apply to freshly shampooed hair).

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. You can apply cool mixture directly to hair, or preheat mixture in microwave for 30-45 seconds. When applying, massage mixture into hair and scalp. Wrap hair in a hot towel or cover with shower cap for 15 min-60 min. Rinse out with shampoo/conditioner and style as usual.

Avocado Treatment
Avocado is great for quick softening, moisturising and deep conditioning. They are rich in fatty acids which are very nourishing for dry, brittle hair. Avocados are also rich in vitamins, protein and amino acids to promote healthy and stronger hair.

You’ll need:
 1 avocado (peeled), 
1 egg yolk,
 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (Be sure to apply to freshly shampooed hair)

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Massage mixture into scalp and hair. Leave in for 20 minutes. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.

Banana Treatment
Bananas are rich in natural oils and vitamins that help to restore hair’s natural elasticity- which will prevent breakage and split ends. Bananas, when used as a deep conditioning treatment, will also soften, restore shine and control dandruff.

You’ll need:
 1 banana (peeled), 
1 egg,
5 tablespoons milk, 
5 tablespoons olive oil (Be sure to apply to freshly shampooed hair).

Mix all the ingredients in a blender. Apply the mixture to your hair- from root to end. Let soak into your hair for about 15- 30 minutes. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.

Honey Treatment
Honey is a natural humectant, which means that it holds on to water molecules. This makes it a great moisturizer. Honey hair treatments are great for conditioning hair and adding sheen. Honey is also super rich in sulfur, iron, zinc and vitamins B1, B2, B3- all nutrients that aid in hair growth.

You’ll need:
 ½ cup honey,
 2 tablespoon olive oil (Be sure to apply to freshly shampooed hair)

Mix honey with olive oil. Heat mixture in microwave for 30 seconds. Apply to hair, then cover head with shower cap for 15-30 minutes. Rinse out with conditioner and style as usual.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TEA RINSES

What is a tea rinse? 
  A tea rinse is done by pouring a cup of tea, commonly green or black, over the hair to reduce shedding or stimulate hair growth. 

 How is it supposed to work? 
  The caffeine in the tea penetrates the hair follicles. 

 Is there any proof that tea rinses make hair grow faster or reduce shedding? One scientific study shows that caffeine can stimulate hair growth when used in tiny amounts (0.001% caffeine in water). The same study also found that applying too much caffeine to the hair follicles can actually stunt growth. A different study found that caffeine in shampoo can penetrate the hair follicles when left on for 2 minutes. Both studies were done on the hair follicles of men with androgenetic alopecia. So, no scientific studies have been done to test the effects of caffeine on a woman’s scalp who doesn’t have a hair loss disorder. Generally, the current evidence says that caffeine definitely penetrates hair follicles and may stimulate hair growth, but no one knows for sure. It’s impossible to say how much additional growth you might see, if any. Don’t expect more than an inch or two per year. There are no published scientific studies on caffeine and shedding.

 How do I do a tea rinse?

 1. Before you prepare for your shower, brew a weak cup of green or white tea. Black tea has higher caffeine content, so it’s not a good choice. You don’t want to make the tea too strong or you could do more harm than good. Try brewing 1 tea bag for only 1 or 2 minutes. 

 2. Cool the tea down to lukewarm. 

 3. Use a color applicator bottle or spray bottle to apply the tea to your scalp. 

 4. Leave it on for at least 5 minutes and up to 30 minutes. There’s no way to tell how long would be best.

 5. Shampoo and condition as usual. 

 6. Repeat the tea rinse 2 or 3 times a week. If you don’t see any results after 1-2 months it’s best to spend your efforts somewhere else. 

 7. You can also experiment with using tea to stimulate eyebrow growth. Follow the same steps as above and watch to see if the hair grows thicker or more quickly.

DETANGLING YOUR NATURAL HAIR

Detangling is a crucial part of all hair care. Detangling is simply using a hair-care tool to comb or brush through your hair. This helps to remove tangles and shed hairs that can cause matting, knots, and ultimately, breakage.

Many naturals have hair growth goals, but are struggling with retaining length. Learning to properly detangle natural hair will ensure that you are not just breaking it off. It will also help with overall healthy hair care, as improper detangling can result in split ends and damaged cuticles. Here are some tips on detangling your hair without ripping it out.

Wet and Condition Your Hair
Try wetting your hair thoroughly, then applying a generous amount of a slippery conditioner to your hair. When the hair is wet and lots of conditioner is applied, it is in a very ideal state for detangling. The water and conditioner provide lubrication and slip to the hair, which will make it super easy to detangle. your hair needs lubrication in order for your comb or brush to glide through. The more slippery your hair is, the more easily your comb or brush will go through it. Wet hair is also more elastic than dry hair, and will stretch under the tension of a comb or brush. Dry hair can easily break when combed because it has less elasticity and won’t stretch much before breaking. Wet hair with lots of slippery conditioner in it can make for easy, breezy detangling.

Detangle in sections
After  hair is nice and lubricated,  separate it into about 6-8 sections. Detangling your hair in sections can make life so much easier. Focusing on one section at a time is much less stressful than trying to detangle your whole head at once, and it ensures that you’re getting all of the parts of your hair. Detangling in sections also enables you to separate the hair you’ve already detangled from the hair that still needs to be detangled. You can use plastic hair clamps or duck bill clips to secure your sections, and make even smaller sections if needed. It is always a good idea to twist or braid the section after you are finished detangling it, to prevent it from tangling up again!

Use a Proper Comb or Brush
Combs and brushes are great for detangling, but some combs and brushes are better than others. I recommend using a wide-tooth comb or a brush with hard, wide bristles and a rubber base. Combs with tiny teeth are not as easy to detangle with as wide-tooth combs, and can cause more breakage than necessary. Invest in combs with teeth ½ an inch apart or wider.

Start From The Ends and Work Your Way Up
Don’t begin detangling from the middle or the root of your hair! You can’t detangle downward from the middle if the ends below it are tangled. Instead, begin detangling from the ends of the hair. Hold the ends of your hair with one hand and detangle with the other hand. Once the very end is detangled, begin detangling an inch above that. Continue detangling from a point higher than the one before until the section is completely detangled.

Try Finger Detangling Before Using a Brush or a Comb
Finger detangling is using your fingers like a comb, and separating strands of hair. Detangling with your fingers before using a brush or a comb can be great because you can feel major knots and tangles with your fingers and pull them apart gently. Take the section of hair and first pull the hairs apart gently with your fingers, separating any tangles. Then, comb your hair with your fingers! Finger detangling makes using the comb or brush much easier afterwards.

Detangle Before and After Shampooing
Shampoo tends to make the hairs stick together, so you should be sure that the hair is as separated as possible and has the least amount of shed hairs as possible before shampooing. You don’t want to have tangles in the hair and then add even more tangles by shampooing! You also want to re-separate the hair after shampooing. After rinsing out the shampoo, add conditioner to your hair and detangle!

Be Gentle
Always be gentle when detangling your hair. Rough detangling will cause nothing but pain, breakage, and damage. Detangle slowly and carefully, especially at the ends of your hair where it is the oldest and weakest. Your hair is awesome! Treat it like it is!

TRANSITIONING TO NATURAL HAIR: IGNORING THE URGE TO RETURN TO THE LYE

I sometimes find myself during this transitioning period  appearing to be at my wits end and it looks like i have reach that point in my transition, where i want to reach for the box of relaxer, because my new growth is beginning to get serious.

I want to give a few tips to those who have reached this point in their transition and may just need some encouragement to keep moving forward with their journey:

#1 Don't spend HOURS looking at photos where you were relaxed
There have been moments where I catch myself looking at old photos and I have to remind myself to keep it moving. If you are experiencing a weak moment, don't torture yourself further by bringing out those old photo's where you were still relaxing. This could stir up emotions you felt at the time of the picture where you may appear happier, and because your hair happens to be relaxed in the picture, you may wrongly connect the two an make an irrational decision. Instead, start collecting new photo's of your transitioning hair (especially when you have successfully pulled of a new style from that YouTube tutorial!) so that you can look to those for encouragement to keep going!

#2 Try an alternative
Instead of making such a drastic change as returning to the use of chemicals, why not try something less permanent such as flat ironing occasionally or roller sets? This may help you to overcome this part of your transition without having to give into that urge!

#3 Reward Yourself!
Transitioning can be a roller coaster of a journey and requires more patience than some of us even knew we were capable of having! So instead of focusing on the negatives, try celebrating the positives by rewarding your accomplishments so far. Acknowledge the efforts you have put in already, and allow yourself that new lipstick you have had your eyes on!

#4 That 'Good Hair' documentary
As cheesy as it sounds, watching this documentary was the kick up the backside I needed to finally start my transition, and I know I'm not alone in that! When you are at a low point, watch the documentary and hopefully it will stir up those emotions that made you want to kick the relaxers out of your life.

#5 Spend time looking at naturals and fellow transitioners
Happiness can be infectious! If you spend some time surfing the web reading the testimonials of those who have been in your shoes and are now completely natural, seeing how happy they are with their decision will no doubt rub off on you and remind you that this thing is not impossible. Collect some pictures of smiling naturals whenever you feel that relaxer urge coming on!

#6 Write a list of all the reasons why you decided to transition
As you get further into your journey, the reasons why you started it in the first place may become blurred along the way. This can make you question whether continuing to go any further with your transition is really necessary. For those times where you feel you may be reaching for that box of chemicals, make a list of all of those reasons that you decided to start transitioning. This will keep your goals fresh in your mind and motivate you in achieving them.

…………..

Feeling like you are ready to go back to relaxing does not make you a terrible transitioner! We all have our weak moments and sometimes just need some encouragement to keep the wheel spinning. At the end of the day, you have to remember that doing what is best for you is what is most important!

Happy Transitioning =)

How do you stay motivated during your transition?

MOISTURIZED HAIR: IT STARTS ON WASH DAY

1.  Start with a pre-poo (on dry hair) prior to shampooing.
 Coat hair with a penetrating oil, like coconut, olive, avocado or Vatika (coconut oil base), which has the ability to enter the hair shaft and reach the cortex to moisturize the hair from the inside out. Leave oil on hair under a plastic baggie for a minimum of one hour up to overnight (heat optional).

2.  Wash with a non-stripping, sulfate free shampoo.

3.  If necessary, apply a moisturizing, cheapie conditioner to thoroughly detangle hair. 

4.  Deep condition (DC) for 15 minutes to an hour with heat. Then, this is key, COOL and SEAL. Cooling and sealing was a game-changer for me. The short of it is that you remove the heat source and allow the DC to cool in your hair for 10-15 minutes. Then, you dilute a regular daily conditioner in cool/cold water and apply it directly over the DC prior to rinsing everything out with cold water. 


5.  After rinsing the deep conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner thoroughly to wet or damp hair.

6.  Seal in the water, leave-in conditioner and any stylers/moisturizers used with an oil, butter or oil/butter blend.

What I Use: JBCO/EVOO mix. Doing these things on wash day enables my hair to hold onto moisture throughout the week and between wash sessions. Oh, and if my hair is feeling a little dry a few days into the week, I simply apply a moisturizer (with water as the first ingredient) and re-seal with an oil. Happy hair!!

So, if  you are struggling with dehydrated hair, maybe some or all of these steps will help you!! 

WINTERIZE YOUR WASHES.

Now that we are practically living in winter, how does one minimize the dryness that comes with washing our hair?

here are some few tips that can help.

 

wash less often- rather than washing your hair weekly, try biweekly.

Add oils to your shampoo- it is said that the drying effects of shampoo can be minimized by adding little oil.

recommended oil: olive, grapeseed,jojoba,safflower or castor oil.

pre-poo with oil- before washing your hair, pre-poo with a concoction of oils. allow the mix to sit on your hair for at-least 30 minutes

Focus on the roots and scalp than the hair strand- when cleansing the hair, apply shampoo to roots only and massage your roots and scalp then rinse, allow the water (mixed with shampoo) to run through your strands.

Always follow up with a good conditioner- a ''good'' conditioner is one that helps to retain the moisture in your hair and also strengthen the hair.

speaking of winter- dry hair completely before going outside. freezing cold weather + wet hair =Disaster. let your hair dry completely before going outside.

HEALTHY HAIR TIPS FOR 2014.

Are you trying to achieve a more healthier and longer hair in this 2014?
These are some things i will be doing more to achieve this goal.

• Eating healthier - healthy hair starts from within. if you are not getting sufficient nutrients from your meals, invest in a good multivitamin.
• Drink sufficient water- water helps to move nutrients through out our body.
• design a hair care regimen- start with a basic routine (prepoo,wash, condition, detangle and moisturise) and build upon it as necessary( e.g co-wash)
• Find your staple hair products and tools- clean your shelves. keep those products and tools that work for your hair and give away those that you hardly use and do not work for your hair type.
• learn your hair and what ingredients it likes and does not like.
• protective style more often- protective styling helps retain length and maintain healthy strand.